Page 30 of Merciless Monster

Mia is dressed. She’s a knockout in blue jeans and a T-shirt.

“I’m going to drop Angelo at school now. I won’t be long. Why don’t you relax a bit. Take a bath. I have sweatpants in my closet. They’re a little big for me, so it will fit you in a pinch.”

“You’re sweet. Thanks. Would you mind if I use your phone?”

“Sure. The landline in my bedroom next to the bed.”

“Thanks, Mia. For everything.”

She smiles, catapulting my stomach into a hot mess.

* * *

“Dante! What the fuck is going on? Are you alright? I keep calling and calling your cell phone. The receptionist at your hotel said she hasn’t seen any of you since yesterday.”

“It’s okay, Elio. I’m okay.”

“What happened? Why are none of the guys answering their phones either?”

“Kyle happened. The fucker ambushed us. Everyone is dead, Elio.”

“Figlio di puttana! I’ll kill him! Where are you? Are you hurt?”

“I caught a bullet in the arm, but I’m alright.”

“This is unbelievable! Where are you now?”

“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”

“What? Why?”

“I stumbled into a pharmacy and straight into that woman I spent the night with at Gina’s wedding. Mia.”

“You’re kidding!”

“No. She stitched me back up and brought me to her apartment.”

“Unbelievable.”

“Yeah. Anyway, I’m here now. I don’t want to go back to the hotel until I’m sure that Kyle’s men aren’t waiting for me.”

“Fanculo! I don’t believe this.”

“You’d better batten down the hatches back home, Elio. I don’t know if Kyle acted alone. He may have his sights set on you.”

“If he’s an idiot! Which seems more likely than not after what he’s just attempted. I’ll rip his lying tongue out before I kill him.”

“You won't get that lucky, brother. I’m going to make sure there’s nothing left of that fucker long before you ever get yours hands on him.”

“You need to come home, Bro. You’re not safe there.”

“No. I’m staying right here until I figure out what Kyle’s up to.”

“That’s not smart, Dante. You’re all alone.”

“I want you to send some muscle my way. I’m going to buy a place here in LA and set up a temporary operation.”

“Okay, but I’m coming too.”

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