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Raven Blaire
“And sometimes in life, there are little sacrifices we have to make for all the good things we have,” he says.
He’s trying to sound philosophical, but he’s talking in circles. Since I was little, all I had to do was start to cry and he would give me whatever I want. I don’t think that’s going to work this time.
“Is there anything I should know?” I ask.
There’s a look of terror that "ashes across his face.
“I mean like while I’m on the trip, or should I just go
and have a good time?” I clarify so that he doesn’t think I am asking about what’s really going on.
“Like I said,” he answers, “you’ll be with a security team. They’ll give you guidance.”
I feel my chin quiver. But I do my best to not let it show.
“So,” he says with as much positivity as possible, “would you like to meet the team?”
“The team? How many are there? I mean, you’re way more important than I am. Shouldn’t they be with you?”
I think it is a valid question, but then his eyes grow dark and stern.
“I have plenty of security.” He smiles. “Are you ready to meet your bodyguards?”
“Yes, sir,” I say.
He hits a button on an ancient intercom set that he insists on using. I imagine a room full of guys at the ready, waiting for the buzzer to beckon them.
“Yes, sir, Mr. Bacino,” a deep, rich voice responds.
My body reacts – something else I must hide from my father – to the sound of the disembodied voice. It conjures all kinds of images of a handsome, brawny – Italian, of course – man. It must be in my DNA, but I am a sucker for the muscly, dark and handsome type.
“Would you come into my office, please? And bring the
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Princess and the Bodyguards
men,” my father instructs. “Mia is here. I would like for you to meet her.”
“Yes, sir,” he says.
My father turns to me.
“The gentleman I just spoke with is Xander,” he says.
I giggle.
“What?” he asks, caught o! guard.
“What kind of Italian name is Xander?” I ask. “Alessandro Castelluccio,” my father replies with a
shrug. “He goes by Xander. Respect that.”
“Yes, sir,” I reply.
As I hear a knock on the solid mahogany door of my
