Page 42 of Merciless Monster

“That’s unlikely.”

“Oh, and why’s that?”

“Because your body will shield me from the rays. In fact, why don’t you put some sunscreen on that cute bottom of yours. I have a feeling you’re going to need it.”

“Aren’t you the clever one,” Dante groans as he takes off his bathing suit, and slips me out of mine.

This is exactly how I got myself into a pickle in the first place. If I had resisted the temptation to throw myself at this man five years ago, I wouldn’t have returned to LA carrying a little memento of our time together. Not that I have any regrets. Angelo is the love of my life. I wouldn’t change that part of my life for anything. Sure, it’s been hard at times, but still.

We make love next to the pool. It’s amazing. Sex with Dante is indescribable. I lose myself completely every time he touches me. I’m falling head over heels in love with this man.

Dante and I are on our way to the dining area for dinner. We pass the reception desk on the way there. The guy who booked us in when we arrived is standing behind the counter. He looks downward as soon as he sees us coming. I wonder what happened to him. His nose is bandaged and his eyes are bruised. Probably a nose job. It isn't uncommon to see in La La Land. Everyone is on the hunt for the perfect facial features.

“Ouch,” I whisper to Dante once we’ve passed the poor young man. “Looks like that hurts.”

“Yeah,” he says before taking one last look at the guy who is suddenly very busy with his paperwork.

Oh well, just another example of vanity over sanity.

The waiter seats us at a table out on a private deck. The lights are on in the vineyard, casting the groves in a fairytale haze. I must say, I enjoy all this exclusivity. It’s nice not to have to fight for a table in a bustling restaurant or squeeze into small spaces, elbows touching.

“Thank you,” I say once he pulls out the chair for me.

“Oh, Dante. This is perfect. How beautiful.”

“You look beautiful, Mia. I could just stare at you all night and forget the vineyard altogether.”

“How’s your rear?” I giggle.

“A little warm.”

“You should have lathered it with sunscreen like I told you.”

“I’m sure I have finger marks burned into my butt,” he laughs.

“Do we have to go home?” I sigh. “Couldn’t we stay here? Imagine how much fun Angelo would have running through the groves.”

“I’ll buy this place for you, lock, stock, and barrel, if that’s what you want my sweet.”

“Ah, that’s so nice.”

“Do you miss Angelo?”

“Always. But I know he’s fine with my parents. He loves going there for sleepovers. They spoil him rotten. Dad takes him fishing down at the lake near their house. He loves that.”

“What’s it like?”

“What?”

“Having a child.”

Tread carefully, Mia.

“It hasn’t been easy. Single parenting isn’t for everyone. But, I would change it. I love Angelo so much. He’s quite the character, as I’m sure you’ve noticed.”

“Yeah. He is a bright little boy. You’ve done an amazing job with him, Mia.”

“Thank you. Have you thought of having children?” I ask, tentatively dipping my toe into the murky waters.”

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