Page 37 of Merciless Monster

“I am, thanks.”

A waitress comes over to our table. Gina and I place our order and then carry on talking.

“You need to level with me, Dante. What happened? Ordinarily, I wouldn’t ask. I know it’s none of my business. But Mia is my best friend. I love her. I don’t want to see her hurt.”

“I see you inherited the family’s cutting-through-the-bullshit gene.”

“Would you be more comfortable if we engaged in meaningless small talk?”

“Hell, no.”

“Okay then. What are your plans, Dante?”

“I had no idea I’d bump into Mia again. To tell you the truth, I’ve never forgotten her.”

“That brings me to my next question? What happened? Why are you in LA and why were you shot?”

“Do you mind if I have a sip of my coffee before we carry on with this interrogation?”

Gina smiles. Her face lightens up just enough for me to be able to relax. She’s a tough cookie just like all the women in my family. You don’t mess with a De Luca. Gina may be a distant cousin, but she’s clearly made of the same spit and vinegar.

“Okay, cuz.”

Gina isn’t afraid of me. Or she doesn’t seem to be. Most people are. It’s refreshing.

“Okay. I came to LA to meet with a potential business partner.”

“From what Mia told me, I take it that things didn’t go according to plan.”

“It could have gone better, yes. As far as my intentions toward Mia are concerned, I think that’s between her and I.”

“Be careful with her, Dante. She’s a sweet person. And she has a child. You and I both know that your world doesn’t leave much room for peace and tranquility.”

“I care very much for her and Angelo. I’ll never let anything bad happen to them.”

“That may be so, Dante. But you know that’s not up to you.”

“What have you told Mia about me?”

“I haven’t told her the truth, if that’s what you’re asking. And I feel awful about lying to her. You have to come clean, Dante.”

“You’re right. This is none of your business. You may be family, Gina, but you don’t know me at all.”

“I know you’re in the mob. That’s no life for Mia and Angelo.”

“Don’t you think that’s something she should decide for herself? She’s not a child.”

“If you’re so sure then why haven’t you told her yet? What will you do if this business partner of yours comes after Mia?”

“I told you, that won't happen?”

“Are you sure, Dante?”

* * *

“I told my mom about us. She’s like to meet you,” Mia says one afternoon.

“Meeting the parents, hey? I didn’t realize we were there yet,” I chuckle, kissing her in her soft neck.

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