Page 59 of Toxic

"He's angry because of what I've done. I'm fully aware," I state.

Dante shakes his head. "It's not just that. I think he's bottled up a lot of things."

"What do you mean?"

"I'd rather tell you this in person."

"Too bad. I'm not leaving, and you aren't allowed here. Now spill it," I order.

"What are you scared of, Bridge? Afraid I'll make you scream so loud everyone will hear?" He smirks.

My insides clench. I groan into my hand. "Don't talk like that when we're discussing my children."

He chuckles again. "Fair enough." His face turns serious. "I think this has brought out a lot of emotions he might have held in regarding his father's death."

Guilt hits me. "I tried to find the kids the best therapists when we moved to New York, but Sean never took to it the way Fiona did."

"Boxing would help him," Dante insists.

I shut my eyes, wanting to do whatever will help Sean but also trying to protect him from the realities of the ring. For years, he's argued with me about training. I've always held my ground. Something about him not having his father to guide him in the ring makes it scarier for me.

"You don't have to decide this minute, but think about it," Dante insists.

Torn, I open my eyes and nod. "Okay. I'll think about it, but I don't want you pressuring me about this."

He licks his lips. "I'd rather pressure you about other things."

I try to stop my smile but can't.

His dark eyes brighten. "If I were there right now, I'd strip you out of that oversized shirt."

I glance at the faded T-shirt and grip my hand around the material, blurting out, "It's Sean's."

The light leaves Dante's face. His jaw clenches, and the blackness deepens in his eyes.

Heat overpowers my cheeks. I don't know why I had to say that. It's another realization about how unprepared I am to do this with him. "I'm sorry. I'm not trying to hurt you."

He hesitates for a moment then says, "I know. Get some sleep, Bridge. I'll call you tomorrow. Goodnight."

Before I can put together a coherent reply, he hangs up. I lie back on my pillow, but it takes forever to fall asleep. I think of Sean and how happy he made me—how much he loved me, and I loved him.

Then the feeling of Dante's arms around me and his body pressed against mine consume me. For the first time since meeting Sean all those years ago, I fall asleep thinking about Dante and wishing he were next to me.

12

Dante

A Week Later

Papà's piercinggaze darts between Gianni and me while he announces, "The Abruzzos aren't taking your little stunt at the club lightly."

"Fuck the Abruzzos. Since when are we scared of their actions?" Tristano interjects.

"I don't have a problem taking a few more of them out," Massimo snarls.

"I'll join you," Tristano adds.

Gianni and I exchange a knowing look. While we all have a unified hatred for the Abruzzo's, my youngest brothers don't seem to know when to stay quiet lately. And pushing my father's buttons isn't wise.

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