Page 48 of Merciless Monster

I did not see this coming. I like having my independence. Making my own money is important to me.

“Uhm…”

“Just think about it. I don’t want to put you under any pressure. Whatever you decide is fine with me. Just think about it, Okay?”

“What would I do with myself all day long?”

“Whatever your heart desires. Isn’t there anything you’ve always wanted to do but had no time to commit to?”

“Well…I do love pottery. I’ve always wanted to have my own studio but who has the time or money?”

“If you give up your job at the pharmacy, you’ll have the time. And, as I said already, I have plenty of money.”

“I don’t know, Dante.”

“Again. No pressure. Just know that the offer stands. You decide if it’s something you want.”

“You’re being very generous, Dante.”

“Think of it as an investment in your future. I want to see you happy, Mia.”

“Oh, Dante. I just love you.”

Oh crap! The words flowed from my heart, snuck up on my tongue, and spilled out before I could think about it.

Dante smiles at me, leans over, and kisses me.

“I love you too, Mia.”

My heart is beating wildly in my chest. He loves me! Dante De Luca, the man of my dreams, loves me. I could die happy right here on the restaurant floor.

“You’ll have to be patient with me,” I say after we kiss.

“Why?”

“I’ve always earned my own way. I don’t know what I’m going to be like if I have to ask you for money. I may be a little weird about it.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. I’ll open an account for you and you can do whatever you like with the money. It’s yours.”

“I feel a bit like a kept woman now.”

Dante laughs and kisses the tip of my nose.

“You can invoice me for services rendered if you like,” he grins.

“You dirty old man,” I counter.

“Yup. That’s me. The horny Italian.”

“Okay. I’ll do it.”

“Excellent.”

“Thank you, Dante. This is an amazing gift.”

“It’s my pleasure, gorgeous. Whatever you want is yours.”

“I’ll start with a nicoise salad,” I wink.

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