He’s still smiling, but I know that look of his—it’s a deliberate smile. He called me out here for areason.
“Yes, Papa,” I say respectfully.
“My beautiful daughter,” he continues. “What a prize you are.”
I look down, say nothing.
“I’ve seen all the women in the world,” he tells me. “There are plenty of beauties out there. You arepretty enough, yes, but there are many women who are prettier.”
He reaches out with his other hand, grabs my chin, and turns my face side to side like he’s studyingme for flaws.
He releases my chin and brushes back a strand of hair from my face. “I have good news for you, mydoll.”
My body tenses up. This is it. We’re getting to the point of this late-night visit.
His grin broadens, but there’s still no warmth in his eyes. There never has been. It’s just lik
