Page 16 of Arianna

The sound of a notification popping up on my screen grabs my attention.

A new email notification from Parisi.

An attachment.

I click on the link and wait for the image to load on my screen.

When it does, I am taken aback.

I have seen beauty before.

I have fucked some of the most beautiful women in the world.

Then there is her.

A beauty that would be considered otherworldly, I have no doubt.

Long blonde hair falls over an angelic, almost exotic face.

Green eyes, the color of emerald, pierce me through the screen.

One word comes to mind.

Perfection.

I remain quiet for several seconds, unable to look away from the screen.

This is not a woman.

This is a kid.

Motherfucker.

Anger coils in my stomach. “You’re willing to trade your flesh and blood for your dirty business?”

Gabriele laughs condescendingly. “It is our way to find our principessas a good match to marry once they become of age. I assure you she’s a thing of beauty.” Son of a bitch. That is their way. I know this. Their old way. They can choose not to abide by their out-of-touch and medieval rules.

This man has no shame.

I am not a saint by any means, but a miserable piece of shit father, I am not.

He would sell his daughter to a bastard like me without remorse.

Then the ugly truth of his offer comes to mind.

He might have other sick pedophiles lined up if I say no to his deal.

Looking at the girl, those green eyes that look like they hide a thousand secrets and that would no doubt start wars–I see my baby in her. Fuck.

The girl as beautiful as timeless art will be sold like cattle.

Who knows where she will end up if I say no?

I should tell him to fuck-off, but I cannot, with good conscience, let this bastard sell his daughter to another pervert like him.

Then an idea comes to mind.

An eye for an eye.

---