Page 128 of Merciless Monster

“Are you sure you want to do this, brother?”

“No, but I want to do it anyway. If you agree, of course.”

“When will you step down?”

“As soon as you and Lisa are back from your honeymoon.”

“That soon?”

“Why wait?”

“I guess.”

“I want to ask Mia to marry me. I know she will say yes if I’m no longer the Don. It’s what I want too, little brother. Hey, maybe I’ll take a crack at property development or something like that.”

“As if the racketeers won’t get to you there,” Elio grins.

“Yeah, but I know a wise guy who will protect me,” I wink.

“Okay, Dante, You win. I’ll talk to Lisa.”

“Thank you, Elio.”

“You’re telling Mamma.”

“You tell her and I’ll throw in the jet to sweeten the deal.”

“Oh, no. Nice try,” Elio chuckles.

“Sure. Give me the impossible task, why don’t you.”

* * *

“I swear he was half asleep all through dinner. The last time I saw him this tired we’d just moved into the house in LA and he’d spent the whole day in the pool.”

“Our son loves family.”

“His cousins adore him too.”

“Your family is lovely, Dante. So warm and inviting.”

“Thank you. I spoke to Elio today.”

“And?”

“He thinks I’m crazy, but he’s agreed.”

“Oh, Dante. That’s wonderful news. Thank you. I know it must have been difficult for you. I’m going to make you so happy. I promise.”

“Are you kidding? Happier than this? I doubt it.”

* * *

“Ciao, Mamma.”

“Ciao, Dante.”

“Can I talk to you, please, Mamma?”

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