Page 12 of Bad for You

“That’s better. Look at those blue eyes. Eyes of an angel.”

Father Merry shifts uncomfortably, and I like that he seems uneasy.

“Come, we’re going to have a talk.”

He stands and offers me his hand.

Father Merry still has my hand but lets it go when Aldo makes clear this isn’t negotiable.

I slowly walk over to Aldo, who is much taller up close. He also smells nice. He smiles down at me. I simply stare at him, confused.

“Come, Valentina.” I cautiously slip my hand into his and follow as he leads me around the corner.

Old Christmas decorations and broken furniture are strewn around. It’s dark and dank, but funnily enough, I’m not afraid.

“I am very sorry you have lived this life,bellezza.”

I don’t know what that word means, but it’s kind.

“But I wish to take you away from here. Would you like that?”

I don’t know what to say. Is this a trick?

When Aldo sees my apprehension, he smiles. “It’s all right. I will not hurt you. You are far too precious for that. The paperwork is being finalized, but you will come live with me very soon.”

So many thoughts race around my head. No one has ever wanted me before. I don’t understand why Aldo does.

“I need two of you, though. A boy. Is there someone you’d like to take with you?”

I nod quickly in case he changes his mind.

“What is his name?”

I clear my throat, desperate to find my voice. “L-Lennon.”

“Okay, I will make sure of it.”

I don’t know what to say because this is surely a dream.

“I promise this life will be no more,bellezza. I hope everything will be organized in days. Until then, I will try to keep you safe.”

“Why me?” I whisper, confused. “I am nothing. No one.”

But Aldo clucks his tongue as he brushes his thumb along the apple of my cheek. “Don’t let me hear you say that ever again. You are far braver than you know. You must believe in yourself because you are going to change the world.”

I don’t know how, but I want to believe Aldo.

“No one has ever been this kind to me,” I confess, still unbelieving this is true. “What do you want from me?”

A hoarse laugh leaves Aldo. “I want that.” When I arch a brow in confusion, he clarifies. “I want that fighting spirit. I need it to succeed. You are invaluable to me.”

Father Merry sheepishly appears. “Everything all right? She isn’t what you wanted?”

I curl my lip, disgusted to be spoken about in this way.

Aldo grins, pleased his words aren’t lost on me. “She is exactly what I want. She is to go to her room. No other man will touch her. I will come get her once the paperwork is signed.”

There is no negotiation. Aldo has laid down the rule.

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