Infinite Sacrifice (35 page)

Pushing away from his empty plate,
Father points at me and says, “Lucrezia, get your brothers to dance
with you and Giulia. It’ll please me to see you all dance, but my
Lucrezia dances on air.”

After many dances and a rich
dessert, Father takes us back through our private door. As he
closes the door behind him he pats it. Thick gold rings clank
against the hard wood. “I had this put in so I can come and visit
my most precious girls anytime, day”—and then he looks at
Guilia—“and night.”

Knowing my place, I give him
another kiss and say, “Good-night.” Walking to my room, I hear
Giulia scream in delight as they spin into her abode together and
shut the door. I’ve grown accustomed to my father’s lusty behavior
and know Giulia is much adored by him. It’s the reason he allows
Giulia to come live with me, and I’m just as happy to have a good
friend. I shut my door and try not to think on it any
longer.

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