Page 8 of The Beast of London & His Pet

“I am stuffed, Nonno,” I said, rubbing my belly.

“You know what Nonna always said about breakfast. God rest her soul,” he said, and I slapped my hand over my face.

“I heard that,” Nonna hollered from the kitchen before vicious Italian curses were directed at my Nonno.

“How is Nonna’s hearing better than mine?” I grumbled.

“Because she is a soul sucking witch?” Nonno asked me, and I shook my head.

“Please don't involve me in your arguments,” I said, raising my hands.

Ever since Nonno retired, his mission in life was to drive his wife crazy. I couldn't deny that I enjoyed antagonising people and knew I got it from my wily grandfather. My grandparents took me in when my mother died due to complications from my birth. Although my grandparents lost their only child that night, it didn't stop them from loving me with every fibre of their being.

They reserved their hatred for the man who got my mother pregnant who promptly disappeared when she told him. Back then, the Italian community stuck together, and instead ofshaming our family, people helped my grandparents. It was why I worked so hard to contribute to our house. Due to my dyslexia and ADHD, I didn't do well at school, and since I was diagnosed later in life, I missed the opportunity of an education that matched my condition.

I checked my phone to see if Alessio had messaged again. His last message had left me nervous. After doing some research on Alessio Caruso, it wasn't looking good for me. He was notorious for making people disappear if they crossed him or his business.

Nonna came into the dining room, but her laser-focused eyes were on my grandfather's balding head.

“So you want me dead, old man? You do realise that statistically women live longer,” she snapped at him.

Nonno looked up from his newspaper, and I sighed dreamily because he smiled at her with a look of love.

“Luce della mia vita, per favore perdonami,” he said, and my Nonna sniffed but sat beside him with a smile.Light of my life, please forgive me.

Then it got gross when he started whispering in her ear. I may have posted my grandparents some Viagra and jump-started their sex life. My smile faded when I thought of the Beast. I had all my limbs, and I wasn't dead. So far, it was positive, but I couldn't always read a situation, and it almost always got me into trouble.

I kissed and hugged my grandparents before they started tonguing one another and left for work. It was a bright, sunny morning, and I smiled, looking forward to my short day with my little humans. My phone buzzed, and it was a message from Alessio, but I’d changed his name to dickhead in Italian on my phone.

Testa Di Cazzo:Good morning, Francesca. I don't think you appreciate my leniency. Why would you save me on your phone as dickhead?

I read his message three times, but the text message didn't change. I looked around the street, but it was empty until I spotted a man behind me. He was partially hidden due to him standing in a neighbouring garden. I couldn't put my finger on it, but he looked odd because he wasn't moving.

Me:I have no idea what you're referring to. Do you have a weird man following me?

I hit send before I chickened out.

Testa Di Cazzo:Yes, you're a loose cannon, and I needed to keep an eye on you. Change my name.

This asshole.

I had no idea how he knew, but I went into my contacts to edit his name and changed it toLa Bestia. The Beast.

How was I a loose cannon when he was the one who went around butchering people?Allegedly.

A shiver ran down my spine when I thought of his tattoo-covered hands. Death and Silence. His life must be full of joy. No wonder he was so uptight. By the time I stuffed my phone into my pocket, the man had moved closer. I glared at him and resisted the temptation of giving him the middle finger. Alessio’s influence was far too close to my grandparents' house, and I would need to tread carefully.

When I was on the bus my phone buzzed again.

La Bestia:You will hand in your notice to both jobs today, and Rocco will bring you to my house tonight. Tell Nonno & Nonna not to wait up for you.

The urge to throw up was imminent, and I covered my mouth with my hand as if to prevent it from happening. I stared at the message for a while before I plucked up the courage to reply back to him.

Me:I’m sorry, but I need these jobs, and I don't think it's appropriate for me to come to your house.

I checked and rechecked my message several times before sending it. His response was instant.

La Bestia:In that case, I will let Rocco deal with your resignation, and he can use his imagination to bring you to my place tonight.

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