Page 109 of Merciless Monster

The trap is set for two days from now. It’s going to be hard to wait until then to exact my revenge, but there’s no fast track to vengeance. It’s a waiting game and I’ve flexed my patience muscle over the years into a substantial one.

I’m tired but amped at the same time, so I join Mia and Angelo in the den to watch a movie. Mother and son are sharing a bowl of popcorn, so I grab a bottle of wine and pour out some for the adults. Angelo is sipping on a juicebox.

A sudden feeling of warmth and belonging tugs at my heartstrings. I’m used to the highs of making a million, or the thrill of taking out the opposition. This ‘normalcy’ is foreign to me, yet it feels as intense, if not more so, than anything my business life has to offer.

“A penny for your thought,” Mia whispers. “You look like you were far away for a moment.”

“I was just thinking how good this feels.”

“There’s nothing like it, is there?” she smiles, knowingly.

“No, I can’t say I’ve felt this before.”

“It’s called love,” she says and winks.

“Oh, really,” I smile. “And, exactly when did you become so wise?” I tease.

“Haven’t I always been? How’s Elio?”

“Ready to come to my rescue.”

“Sure, as if you need rescuing from anyone.”

“I needed it from you once. Remember?”

“How can I forget?”

“I have a feeling you rescued me in more ways than one.”

“Oh?”

“Uh-huh. You rescued me from both physical and emotional death, my American beauty.”

“Careful. You don’t want your rivals to find out that you have a heart, do you?”

“You’re right. I’d better stop all this mushy business then.”

“Don’t you dare,” she chuckles and kisses me.

“Ugh!” Angelo says and pulls a face.

“What? Mia laughs.

“Kissing!” he says with more noises to highlight his repulsion.

“One day, all you’ll be able to think about is kissing a girl, son,” I grin.

“Oh, no. Not me,” he smiles. “Girls are just too weird.”

Both Mia and I laugh at our son’s naivete.

“It’s true,” Mia reinforces.

“I’ll kiss a girl when I have to. When I’m old.”

“Hey! Are you calling me old?” I laugh.

“Yeah. You’re my dad. That makes you old.”

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