Page 97 of Merciless Monster

I go downstairs as soon as Angelo is asleep.

“Is he okay?” Dad asks.

“Seems to be. Thank God.”

“Here,” he says and places a tumbler in front of me. “Whiskey. A double. I think you and I have earned it.”

I throw back the amber liquid in one go. Dad pours me another.

“Are you going to call Dante?”

“I have no choice now.”

“What are you going to tell him?”

“Everything.”

“I’m proud of you, Mia.”

“Thank you, Dad. It’s kind of you to say, but I’m not so sure I’m liking myself much at this point.”

“This is not your fault.”

I wish I could agree with my Dad. I should have gone to Rome with Dante. None of this would have happened if I had just done as he asked. I’m so tired. So tired.

22

DANTE

My phone is ringing. At least I think that’s the sound I’m hearing. I open my eyes and look across to the clock on the nightstand. It’s just after 3 a.m. What the hell? This better be important.

I reach across and pick up the blasted thing. It’s not a number I recognize.

“Hello.”

There's silence on the other end. This had better not be a crank call. I’m in no mood for…

“Dante.”

My heart skips a beat. I’m instantly awake.

“Mia? Is that you?”

“Yes, it’s me, Dante.”

Mia’s voice tells me there’s something wrong. I’ve been planning my response since I found out she left without saying a word to me. I've been so furious with her that I was determined to rip her to pieces as soon as I had the chance. But now, hearing her sweet voice, all I can do is thank God that she’s talking to me.

“Are you okay?”

“Not really.”

“Where are you?”

“We need to talk. I’m in trouble.”

“Okay. Tell me where you are. I’ll come to you.”

“Wait. I have to tell you something first.”

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