Page 47 of Merciless Monster

“Yes.”

“Excellent. Let’s go choose a puppy this afternoon.”

“That will be nice.”

I love that we’re doing things together. I was a little irritated when I first moved in and found that we weren’t alone. But Dante explained to me that he wasn’t going to take any chances when it came to our safety and I suppose it makes sense. Especially considering the way in which we found each other again.

Whoever the business partner is who crossed him, I’d hate it if anything had to happen to my son. So, I’ve gotten used to the bodyguards and so has Angelo.

Dante insisted we hire a live-in helper to watch over Angelo. I must say it’s great to have help after all the years of trying to manage by myself.

“We’ll tell Faith to keep an eye on Angelo. Maybe you and I can pop out for a snack before we buy a puppy,” he suggests.

“That sounds heavenly.”

Lately, I find myself on the brink of telling Dante the truth about his son often. They get along great, we all live together, and we’re about to invest in a family pet. What more do I need when it comes to confirmation that Dante is in this for the long haul?

“I need to make a few phone calls first. I’ll be done in an hour. Okay?”

“Perfect.”

“Oh, and I wanted to talk to you about something. We’ll do it over lunch.”

“Is something wrong?”

“No, nothing’s wrong.”

“Okay.”

Better not be. I’m invested in this now. Boots and all.

* * *

The restaurant is packed. It’s summertime in LA and everyone is out. We come here often and one of the waitresses has taken a shine to Dante—what woman wouldn’t—so she seats us at a table in the back, away from the madding crowd.

“Your usual?” she gushes.

“I’ll have a white wine spritzer, thanks,” I answer.

Not that she cares, I’m sure.

“Yes, thanks, Lillian,” Dante smiles, hardly noticing the girl. He only has eyes for me. Thank God.

“So,” I say tentatively once we have our drinks. “What did you want to talk to me about?”

“Don’t look so nervous,” he chuckles.

“You’d be nervous too if you were a woman used to dating assholes,” I smirk.

“Well, you can relax. I’m not an asshole. Or at least I don’t think so.”

“No. You’re not.”

“I want you to consider something for me, please.”

“I’m listening.”

“I would love it if you would consider giving up your job. I have more than enough money to take care of you, and you would get to spend so much more time with me and Angelo if you didn’t have to work.”

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