Page 66 of Unspoken Obsession

"Yes. Do you want to go there today?"

"Yes." He shouts, already hyped up. He jumps onto my lap and throws his little arms around my neck.

"Alright, let's go get you dressed, then we can go. What do you want to wear today?"

In a bolt, he is off my lap and running to his room.

By the time I get there, he has already pulled his Spiderman outfit from the bottom drawer. I don't even argue with him. He decides what he wants to wear - and if he wants to go as a superhero today - then so be it.

I help him get dressed, and strap into his car seat - and we are on our way.

I was right. It is the perfect way to distract myself from my thoughts and have a wonderful day with my son. He is over the moon about every castle he gets to jump on. Some are shaped like giant ducks; some are like dragons and some are just like actual castles. We get cotton candy and hot dogs and laugh until Damion is so exhausted he can't even pick his little feet up to take a step.

When we get home, I carry him upstairs and phone Clarissa. Then I get ready for my dinner with Dante at the penthouse - tense with anxiety about how he is going to react to my news.

When I arrive at Russo River Casino, I am almost dizzy with nerves again.

I catch the elevator up to the top floor and knock on the penthouse door. Before I've managed three knocks, the door opens and Dante pulls me into his arms. I lean into him, resting my cheek on his chest, feeling the reassuring warmth of his body against mine.

It's strange how just his embrace can soothe away so much of my worry.

"Come in, little fox. I'll pour you a drink. Champagne or whiskey?"

"Definitely a whiskey, please." I sigh, knowing that I need all the courage I can get.

He chuckles, but I can hear by the way he laughs he is tense, too. He's wanted to know who I am for a long time. I just hope he is ready to hear the truth. I hope he doesn't kick me out straight away.

"Did you have a good day?" He asks, handing me a glass of whiskey, neat.

"I took my son to the jumping castle park. It was bouncy." I say, looking up into his eyes.

That is my first truth for the day. I wait for his response.

He smiles, his eyes narrowing. "Your son - um - how old is your son? Why haven't I had the pleasure of meeting him?"

"He's turning four in a few months. His name is Damion. He's a little ball of energy and love. You will like him. You'll definitely like him." I smile, my stomach fluttering with butterflies. He will do the math; it's not hard.

"I can't wait to meet him. Is that - um - is that what you wanted to tell me?" He asks, frowning.

I take his hand and pull him towards the living room.

I need to sit down.

My entire body is going to collapse beneath me if I don't. I am so nervous.

I sit, facing Dante on the same sofa as him. My legs are turned towards his. I am holding my drink in my lap; I can't stop fidgeting.

He reaches out and takes the glass from me, taking my hand in his.

"Frankie, whatever it is - it's ok. You can't tell me anything that is going to chase me away." It might; he can't promise that without knowing the truth.

"You don't know that." I sigh.

"Try me." He says with a gentle smile.

"I thought you should know who my father is. Since we are spending more time together - and I found out who you are - I just think it's important for you to understand."

"Ok." He nods, encouraging me.

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