Page 87 of Arianna

A man that would go to hell and back, move mountains, and challenge even God to make sure no harm comes my way.

The men in my life were the threats.

They were the ones who caused the most pain.

But Ella knows only love.

She won’t grow up questioning her worth or fighting the world as I did.

She has a godlike man ready to tear the world apart for her.

Her father.

Sebastian’s eyes become hard, and the words that fall from his mouth are daggers. “Without a doubt. Anyone who even thinks about hurting my child? There is not a soul on this Earth who could save them from me. From the pain I would inflict. From the hole on the ground where their body would lie if they even dared to cause her any harm.” The tenderness that was in his eyes just moments before has disappeared, becoming dark, almost crazed. So unlike the controlled man the world sees him as.

My throat tightens, and I struggle to swallow around the lump that gathered in my throat. At the same time, my heart races with the clear implication of what he is capable of doing to any threat to his heart. His daughter, Ellaiza. I know most parents, except ones like my own, would easily claim it. Claim without shame or regrets how they would destroy anyone or anything who hurts their child. It was only normal to want vengeance if they were faced with that horrible circumstance.

“I would never hurt her.” I breathe the words out with my whole heart, just loud enough for him to hear. I rather cut my own heart out and hand it to him than hurt his little girl. My sweet, sweet Ella. I don't know why I tell him that, but I do. I can't explain half the shit I do, say, and think when this man is near.

“You can’t promise that, darling.” He empties his glass without looking away from me. When he’s done, he places the glass on top of the table next to him and leans forward, his muscles bulging as he does. With both forearms resting on his knees, he stares at me so intently I find it hard to breathe. I wonder if he feels the same way I do when he looks at me, or am I just a silly fool? But the way his chest is rock solid, barely moving, makes me think that I affect him in some inexplicable way too. “Things happen, and people change…”

“Pas moi. Je ne aurais jamais.” Not me. I would never. I say fiercely, meaning it with my heart and soul. “Elle est sacree.” She is sacred.

I let him see the truth of my confessions in my eyes.

Because as much as my mouth has spewed many insults and lies his way…my eyes will always betray me. My eyes will always reveal my truths to him. To the man that is supposed to be my enemy in every way, yet now, at this moment, with his mask off, I feel as if we’re not on opposite sides.

At least for tonight, we have found common ground.

Love.

We have one thing in common.

Our love for his child.

I admit it to myself.

I love a part of this man, and I don't even know how it happened.

His daughter.

His blood.

She crept inside the hollowed hole in my chest, and if I am not careful, her father can do the same, and I am not sure if I’ll be able to stop it.

Because letting him in will be almost the same as losing myself in him, which is just something I won't be able to survive.

I wouldn't be able to survive his ghost.

We stared at each other for a beat, and I couldn't pull my eyes away from him.

I’m compelled, admiring his raw beauty.

His intensity.

I am enthralled by this man who, for the first time in years, made me want to look closer.

Made me want to find out what's underneath the powerful man with the world eating off the palm of his hand.

---