Page 50 of Merciless Monster

“Right, then. Looks like we’re about to enjoy some undisturbed adult time,” Dante smirks.

“Totally deserved after such a clever move,” I giggle. “These two will be busy for hours.”

“It’s time for my treat,” Dante says, taking my hand.

“And what a treat it’s going to be.”

“Did the puppy come with a collar? I can think of at least one use for it.”

“You’re a bad man, Dante De Luca. A bad man!”

“You have no idea, woman,” he grins and slaps me on the bottom.

* * *

I can’t do this anymore. My heart breaks everytime I see Dante and Angelo together. I feel rotten. I must tell the man I’ve fallen so deeply in love with the truth. I just have to figure out how.

“I’m going to tell Dante the truth,” I blurt out to Gina.

She’s with me at the house while Dante and Angelo are out together. The two are shopping for a new baseball mitt after Splash chewed up the last one.

“Wow. Okay. Are you sure you’re ready?”

“No, but I can’t keep putting this off. My nerves are shot. I planned a nice dinner first. Soften him up, you know,” I say wryly.

“It better be some kinda dinner,” Gina snorts.

“Thanks for that. You’re not helping.”

“Sorry, you’re right. I’m proud of you, M. This is a big step.”

“Do me a favor. Please keep your spare room open just in case he takes the news badly and tosses me to the curb.”

“Now you’re being over dramatic. Dante is nuts about you. It’s obvious to all. I’m sure he’ll be thrilled to know that he shares a child with the woman he loves.”

“I hope so. Damn! Why did I wait so long?”

“Doesn’t he have any idea?”

“Nope.”

“Honestly. Men are clueless. I mean the kid looks just like him, for fuck’s sake. How can he be so blind?”

“I guess we see what we want to see.”

“Will Angelo be here when you tell Dante?”

“Yes. I’ll wait until he’s asleep.”

“What are you going to tell your son?”

“One hurdle at a time, please. I’ll figure something out.”

“I’m here if you need me, Mia,” she says, then squeezes my hand tenderly.

“I know. Thank you.”

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