Page 23 of Savage Book Boyfriend

As Dante held me close, his body warm and solid against mine, a soft rustling sound came from behind us. I turned to see Mimi stirring, her eyelids fluttering open. She looked weaker than usual, but her eyes, still sharp and knowing, landed on Dante first.

“Dante… bambino,” she said softly, her voice raspy but laced with affection. She smiled weakly, motioning for him to come closer.

Dante straightened, carefully lowering Mia back onto the couch. His hand lingered on my back before he stepped toward Mimi’s bedside. There was something in the way he moved, almost hesitant, as if he didn’t want to disturb her, but his eyes never left hers. The contrast between them was night and day. Though his grandmother was Italian, her husband had been African American. Despite the fact that Dante’s father was also Italian, he was a rich brown that dimmed his Italian roots that simmered in his bed to a minimum. You couldn’t tell the two of them that, though. That was his grandmother and he loved her with his whole heart. No matter what anybody said, she was his person.

“Mimi, you should rest,” Dante murmured, his voice a deep, comforting rumble as he took her frail hand in his.

She chuckled softly, shaking her head. “I’ve rested enough. I’m not going anywhere just yet, boy. Sit with me.”

Dante sank into the chair beside her bed, and I stayed back, watching the way Mimi’s gaze softened as she looked at him. The love she had for him was unmistakable, and it tugged at something deep inside me.

“Is it done?” she asked, her voice quiet but steady.

Dante nodded, his jaw tight. “It’s done. Chant won’t be bothering anyone anymore.”

Mimi’s lips curled into a small smile. “Good. How are you feeling?” She sighed, closing her eyes for a moment before opening them again. “I heard all the guards out in front of my door talking about a man who was also hurt? Cecil may have been his name.”

Dante’s expression darkened, and I could see the weight of everything he’d been carrying. “He’s gone, Mimi. He didn’t make it. Cecil is Genesis’ brother.”

Mimi’s eyes glistened, but she didn’t say anything right away. After a long pause, she squeezed Dante’s hand. “I’m sorry. But I know you did what you had to. You always do.” Her voice wavered slightly, but there was pride in it, too.

Dante swallowed hard, his gaze dropping to the floor. “It doesn’t feel like enough, though.”

Mimi’s hand reached up to cup his cheek, the gesture tender despite her frailty. “You saved the ones you could. That’s all anyone can ask.” She glanced toward me, her eyes warm as they settled on Mia, who was still fast asleep. “And you saved them. That’s what matters now.”

I stepped forward, feeling the weight of her words settle over the room. Dante looked up at me, something unspoken passing between us before he turned back to Mimi.

“I couldn’t have done it without her,” he admitted softly, his voice thick with emotion. “She’s… she’s changed everything.”

Mimi smiled again, her eyes twinkling despite her exhaustion. “I can see that. She’s good for you, Dante. And you’re good for her.” She paused, her gaze flicking back to me. “Genesis, come here, sweetheart.”

I hesitated for a moment before walking over to the other side of the bed, sitting on the edge. Mimi took my hand in hers, her grip surprisingly firm. “You’re part of this family now. You and Mia.” Her eyes softened as she glanced at Mia again. “She’s a beautiful little girl. You’re a good mother.”

I felt a lump form in my throat as I nodded, unable to find the words.

Mimi’s gaze turned back to Dante, and she smiled, her voice dropping to a whisper. “You take care of this one. She’s special.”

“I know,” Dante replied quietly, his voice filled with conviction.

Mimi’s eyes fluttered closed again, but not before she gave one last squeeze to Dante’s hand. “I’m proud of you, Dante. Don’t ever forget that. Genesis, don't forget to tell him about that baby.”

She drifted off to sleep then, leaving a heavy silence in the room. Dante sat there for a moment longer, staring down at her, before he rose from the chair and turned to me.

“She’s right, you know,” he said softly, his eyes locking onto mine. “You are special.”

I couldn’t help but smile, even through the grief and exhaustion. “And so are you.”

I swallowed hard, my heart pounding as Mimi’s words echoed in my ears. Dante’s eyes were on me, searching, waiting. The room seemed to grow smaller, the air thicker. I bit my lip, glancing down at Mia, her tiny body curled up peacefully.

“Now, what baby is she talking about?” Dante’s voice was low, cautious, but I could hear the underlying tension in it.

My mouth went dry, and I forced myself to meet his gaze. His expression was unreadable, but there was a flicker of something—hope, fear, maybe both. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself.

“I—I haven’t told you yet.” My voice came out shaky, but I pushed through. “I just… found out. I wasn’t sure how to say it. I took a test while I was waiting for you to get back.”

Dante’s brow furrowed, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Genesis… you’re pregnant?”

I nodded, feeling a rush of emotions—fear, excitement, uncertainty—all crashing together. “Yes. I am.”

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