Page 80 of Merciless Monster

I smile.

“I bet he’ll think twice before picking on apeasantagain,” I grin.

“Hoowy! That felt good. Let’s find you a steak, brother. You’ve earned it.”

* * *

“Good morning, Rocky. How are you feeling today?” Elio grins when I join him for breakfast.

“Like I had an intense therapy session.”

“I bet your punch bag feels a little differently on this fine day. He’s most likely forced to eat his breakfast through a straw.”

“Fuck him. He’s an idiot.”

“How’s your lip?”

“A little tender but nothing I can’t handle.”

“I had fun last night, Dante. Admit it. You feel better. Right?”

“Yeah.”

“Nothing like a bit of horseplay to put some lead back in the pencil,” Elio chuckles. “Lisa can thank her lucky stars she wasn’t here last night. She’d be struggling to walk this morning.”

“I think it’s time we took you back to civilization, you reprobate.”

“Ah, and miss out on more fun.”

“You’ve had enough fun to hold you over for a while. I noticed two bodies hobbling away when we were walking back to the car.”

“Oh, that.”

“You weren’t the only one getting your rocks off. At least mine walked away. Who knows if your hamburger meat lived to tell the story?”

“I think it’s best we left today before the cops come looking.”

“Like I said. You used to be more fun, brother.”

18

MIA

Texas is not LA. For a start, it’s huge. The house is big, the plains are vast, and practically everyone carries a gun. Perhaps if I’d grown up here I wouldn’t have taken such issue with Dante’s profession. I’d be accustomed to a good old shoot out at the O.K. Corral.

I decided that I’d be better off if I changed my number so that I don’t have to explain myself to Dante. I hate to think about how heartbroken and no doubt furious the father of my child is with me right now. But, for now, I have to start over in Texas. One day, when Dante has given up on our love, and Angelo is old enough to make his own choices, I’ll reassess. I just don’t trust myself right now not to run off to join the man that I love.

I couldn’t afford to fly to Texas, in case Dante checked the flights, so I drove. It was a long drive, but I broke it up into two stops, which made it more enjoyable. Angelo was excited when I told him that he, Splash and I were going on an adventure. I was exhausted by the time we arrived at our new abode, but Angelo and Splash were pumped.

Honestly, the ranch is bliss. There’s so much space and the boys are having a blast. Uncle Ben’s house is just spectacular. He made a good living and invested well, so this is his little gift to himself. I’m thankful that he’s so generous. I’d be up shit creek without a paddle were it not for him.

“Angelo! Dinner time!” I call out into the wild blue yonder to my son and his canine sidekick.

It’s very safe here. The property is large and it’s nowhere near a thoroughfare, so no one would think to venture into it. Besides, if anyone tries, I’ll whip out Uncle Ben’s rifle and pretend I’m a Texan.

Angelo and Splash strom into the house like there’s a raging buffalo after them.

“Oi! Shoes at the door, mister.”

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