Alessandro DeLuca

CHAPTER EIGHT – ALESSANDRO

It’s been a while. I feel like an animal on the prowl, searching for my next victim. I’ve grown bored with the patrons over the last few months. We haven’t had a tourist lately that has sparked my interest.

I wonder if I should bother going to the club. Perhaps, I’ll stay with my daughter tonight and watch a movie. If the need for sex moves me deeply enough, I’ll break my long-standing rule of spending weekends with my favorite lady, my daughter, and allow her to spend quality time with my mom and sister.

And then, as if it’s all a part of the master plan of the universe, my daughter gives me an out.

“Papà?”

“Sí, Principessa?”

“Can I go to Bella’s tonight?”

“It’s a school night, Principessa.”

“I know, but she’s got a cute new puppy I want to play with.”

“Not tonight, cuore mio.”

“But, Daddy, pullleeezz?”

Bianca gives me those sad eyes she occasionally does, and I melt.

Sighing, I reach for her hand and pull her down onto the couch beside me.

“What’s our rule for going out on weeknights, honey?”

“I have to be in bed early to rise early the next morning. Early risers lead to success.”

“Right. And it’s already after seven.”

“But Daddy, you go out every Wednesday night, anyway. " You won’t have to pay Martina to keep me,” she compromises.

I have to admit that I admire this kid’s scheming ways. Martina is a young lady I pay to care for Bianca on Wednesdays and Thursdays when I go to the club.

“Per favore,” Bianca begs with her lip poked out.

The other thing that she knows is my weakness, her speaking Italian.

I regard her with a serious expression for a moment, but my little one doesn’t waver. Finally, I give in.

“You’re going to be good at negotiations, kid,” I say, tugging one long braid.

Bianca smiles and asks, “So, does this mean I can go?”

“Yes.”

“I can spend the night?”

Sighing, I say, “Let me call Bella’s parents.”

“Her mom already said that I could, Papà!”

“You asked her before asking me?”

“She was easy. I knew you’d be the tough one.”

Smirking, I lean over and kiss her forehead. “Glad you know. Still, I’ll give them a call. Go ahead and get your things ready, and I’ll drop you off on the way to the club.”