Page 96 of Toxic

"Yep."

"What did you have?"

"Steak and a salad." She stares at me.

I take a few steps forward and lean down to kiss her forehead. "Don't study too hard."

She stays quiet.

I refrain from begging her to forgive me and leave her room. I go directly back to mine, take off my pajamas, and get into Sean's T-shirt. I slide into bed and text Dante.

Me:Thank you again. I owe you.

Dante:No, you don't. I'm here to help you, Bridge. You don't have to do all this alone.

I choke up again then turn on my side, hugging my pillow.

Dante:Killian's talking to Sean now.

Me:Good. That's good.

A few moments pass.

Me:Did Sean grind your gears?

Dante:Let's not talk about it.

Me:I'm sorry.

Dante:Not your fault. The kid needs to learn to drive. I'm giving him lessons tomorrow.

I smile.

Me:Are you sure your Porsche can handle that?

Dante:I'm taking him out in Massimo's Ferrari.

Me:Massimo agreed to that?

Dante:Nope.

I laugh, imagining how pissed Massimo will be when he finds out.

Dante:Sean just finished talking to Killian. Are you in bed yet?

Me:Yes.

Dante:Good. Rest up. I'll see you tomorrow.

Me:Thanks. Night.

Dante:Night, dolcezza.

I put my phone on the charger and curl into my pillow. As soon as I close my eyes, I drift to sleep.

All night, I feel happy in my dream. It isn't the past. It's the future, but we're in Chicago at the O'Malley's gym. Sean's a bit older, in the ring, surrounded by his uncles and Dante. He lands a punch on his opponent's cheek and knocks him out.

The gym erupts in cheers, and the feeling of adrenaline and happiness I used to get when his father boxed surges through me.

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