Page 18 of Merciless Monster

“I don’t know. I have to get used to the idea of being a mother first.”

“I’m here for you, M. You don’t have to tell him if you’re not ready.”

“Thanks, Gina. Oh, hell. Why did this have to happen?”

“I warned you about our Italian stallions. Erice didn’t get its name for nothing.”

“Yeah, you told me. Pity, I couldn’t hear it over the sound of Dante’s magnificent penis serenading me.”

5

DANTE

I’m about to celebrate my forty-second birthday, and life couldn’t be better. I haven’t found the woman of my dreams yet, but then again, I do alright in the dating department. It’s been five years since Gina’s wedding, and I must say, I think of Mia often. There was something so sweet and innocent about her. Not to mention that it was possibly the strongest sexual attraction I’ve ever had toward a woman.

“Hey, old man. Are you ready for your party tonight?” Elio interrupts my thoughts as he enters my office.

“Old man? I could run rings around you, squirt.”

“They say that denial is the first step in the grieving process,” he grins before he sits down across the desk from me.

“Funny man, hey? So, what? Now, I’m grieving the loss of my youth, am I?”

“If the patent leather shoe fits, Cinderella.”

“Smartass. What can I do for you, my pain in the ass brother?”

“Kyle called. They want to see us in LA. I think this deal is going to be good for the family.”

“I don’t know. I’m a little weary of Kyle. There’s something about him. I can’t put my finger on it, but...”

“Bullshit. You just don’t like him. His offer is solid, though.”

“I’m not jumping into bed with anyone until I’ve had some time to think about it.”

“Suit yourself. But don’t take too long. If we don’t move on this, someone else will.”

“Cool your jets, little brother. That’s why I’m the boss. Remember?”

“Uh-huh. Okay, I’ll get out of your hair. Don’t be late tonight, Boss. I’ll keep the strippers on ice in the meantime.”

“I bet you will.”

“Gotcha back, Jack.”

“You’ve seen too many gangster movies, Elio. Anyway, if Kyle so much as breathes at me in a way that makes me uncomfortable, I’ll cut off his dick and feed it to him.”

“I don’t doubt that for a moment. I’ll see you later, Dante.”

“See you. And, thanks.”

“For?”

“The party.”

“Of course. You’re the man of the hour.”

My brother leaves. I send off a few emails before it’s time to call it a day. There’s a knock on the door. It’s my right hand man.

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