Page 43 of Merciless Monster

If he says no, I’m screwed.

“I have, yes. But the time hasn’t been right. Also, it does help to find a partner worthy of bearing one’s seed,” he grins.

“Good point. I take it you haven’t found such a creature back in Italy.”

“If you’re curious about my love life, all you need to do is ask,” he chuckles.

“Okay. Tell me about your love life.”

“Only if you tell me about yours.”

“There isn't much to tell, really. I seem to have a rotten picker.”

“How so?”

“Well, my last relationship ended badly. It took me a while to realize that he was a consummate liar and a rogue.”

“Lucky for me, the man’s an idiot. I must remember to send him a thank you card.”

“What about you? Have you ever come close to taking it to the next level?”

“I take it that by the next level you mean marriage?”

“Yes.”

“No. To be fair, I haven’t had much time for that sort of thing. My life is very busy.”

“Everyone’s life is busy. I think if you’re in love you’ll move mountains to be with someone.”

“I’m starting to understand what you mean.”

Dante smiles and covers my hand with his.

“Have you given the move much thought?”

“I have.”

“Come on. Don’t keep me in suspense.”

“As I’ve said before, it’s a big step. Angelo is my top priority, Dante.”

“I wouldn’t expect it to be any other way. You’re a brilliant mother. I do think that it would be good for the two of you to move in with me. There’s so much space and a young boy like Angelo needs the space.”

“All good points, and I assure you, I have taken every conceivable point into consideration.”

“You’re killing me here, Mia.”

“Sorry,” I laugh. “I don’t mean to.”

“Will you move in with me? Please?”

I take a deep breath. There’s no going back after this.

“Yes.”

Dante smiles brightly, his brilliant pearly whites on full display. He gets up from his chair, comes around to me, offers me his hand, and then pulls me gently to my feet.

“You have made me so happy, Mia,” he says, cupping my face in his strong, warm hands. “I’m going to make you happier than you’ve ever been.”

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