Keep Me Safe

1

Word Count: 2052

Sitting at the side of my father's bed all I can feel is despair, I can't lose him but I know he's severely ill and I don't know how much longer he may last.

"Come now, morrita (kiddo) don't look so sad." I smile at the nickname and reach out, holding his tattooed hand in mine. I smiled as I ran my hand over my name tattooed on his wrist with a heart around it.

"You know I always wondered why your mother chose the name Nyx, but I finally understand it." I look at him with my head tilted. "The Goddess of the Night, who is able to illuminate the darkness. When your mother died you were the only thing keeping me going. You were the light in my darkness, amor."

I feel my eyes tear up "Papi, you're gonna make me cry." I chuckle as I wipe my eyes, he reaches his hand out and holds my face gently. "

No llores, cariño" (don't cry, sweetheart) I know things have been hard for you lately but you are strong. However, I think we both know I am very concerned for your safety."

"No, because you're going to get through this. You're not leaving me."

He shakes his head "Shh, I know you're scared to lose me but believe me when I tell you that when I leave I will make sure that you will be taken care of. Now I know you won't like this idea but I had a talk with De Luca the other day."

Goddamn it, I have no problem with Matteo De Luca but his son... Lorenzo De Luca, I can't stand that asshole. He's one of the most self-conceited assholes I have ever met. I mean I get it, he's the son of one of the most powerful mafia bosses but damn there is no reason anyone should ever be that much of a dick.

"We have come up with an agreement, you know we are very close with the De Luca family and I am aware you aren't very fond of his son but this may be one of the only ways I can ensure your safety."

"Please just say what you're going to say. You know I hate when you sugarcoat things."

"Well, I believe you and him should create an um, relationship of some sort... I'm not saying you two have to be in a relationship I'm just suggesting that you at least act as if you are in a relationship."

He must have been able to see the anger slowly gathering in my eyes as I stood up. "What the hell do you mean? I will not sit here and act like I like that cabrón, he's just so annoying and I swear if he-"

My father puts his hand up and I sigh as I plop down in the chair "Now, I knew you wouldn't be happy about this but I need you to take your safety into consideration, do you realize how many enemies I have gathered over the years? I have a lot of regrets but my last regret will not be leaving my daughter alone to fend for herself."

I huff as I look at him like a little kid who wasn't getting their way. "Papi, I'm sorry but I can not stand him, you know that." I thought for a few seconds "Fine, fine I guess I can deal with him any time we're out at least I'll be able to avoid him here."

His face drops "Well, here's another part you may not like. I would feel a lot better if you... lived with them and before you throw a tantrum again it's because people know that I am sick. Word got out fast and I will not risk putting you in danger."

My eyes tear up as the first thing that comes to my mind is someone coming in here and killing him, and it scares me that I won't be able to see him in case anything like that happens. "Papi, please don't say that... I can't handle it."

"Nyx, if I can tell you anything it's that I will not die by someone else's hand. God gave me this life and he is the only one who is allowed to take it away I know you don't believe in that stuff but I do and I know he will keep me safe from my enemies. If you don't believe He can keep me safe then I know you believe that this will keep me safe." He reaches behind his propped-up pillows and pulls out a gun making me smile and shake my head.