Page 86 of He is Poison

“Just remember, don’tfraternize with him too much. He’s beneath you so don’t give him any wrongideas. You remember what happened when you were both young? Men are onlytrustworthy when they know their place,” said Dino and Domenico gritted histeeth, faking a smile. It seemed that he had been wrong in assuming that he hadproven his loyalty with so many years of complete obedience, sacrifices, andbowing his head to lick the Don’s shoes.

Seth rubbed hisforehead, wrapping an arm around Dom’s neck, which relievedat least some of the cramps in Domenico’s body. “I won’t. Ihave everything under control.”

“I have some good newsfor you, son.”

“Oh, yes? What is it?”Seth smiled at Dom and played with a strand of his hair. He seemed so carelessit was bordering on a death wish. One day, he might win the Darwin Award.

“I have a bride foryou,” said the Don with enthusiasm, but the last word got muted by the franticpulsing in Domenico’s ears. His cheeks tingled, and his head felt strangely lightas he looked at Seth.

Seth’s grip tightened inDom’s hair, and the smile slid off his face like a broken mask. “Huh?”

“Bruni’s daughter,Lucrezia. She is a match made in heaven for you.” The enthusiasm was directlyin proportion to Seth’s lack thereof.

“I mean… what? I’m happyto hear this, but I don’t even know her…” He gave Dom a quick glance.

“That’s no problem. Iwant Domenico to buy you both tickets, and in two weeks’ time, you’ll meet herat my birthday party. I’m already organizing the ceremony for the both of you.”

“But… what if I don’tlike her?” Seth looked down to Dom, all blood drained from his face. It waspainful to watch, so Dom started gently stroking Seth’s thigh. At this moment,Domenico was happy not to be the Don’s son.

“Oh, I’m sure you’ll getalong. And if it doesn’t work out, I’m sure you can arrange something so thatboth of you are happy.” The Don laughed knowingly.

Seth swallowed andleaned into Dom. “Okay, I’ll think about it…” He had no spine and was lookingfor one in someone he met just a few weeks ago.

“I already asked her inyour name. It’s not negotiable. She’s a good choice.”

“What did she say? She’snever seen me.” Seth’s voice trembled.

“You can ask her whenyou see her. In two weeks,” the Don repeated sternly.

Domenico fell back inthe chair, gloom gathering in his stomach. What the fuck was happening? Thiscouldn’t be normal.

Seth bit down on hislips and focused on the phone.

“Look good, son, so shelikes you. Stay healthy.”

“See you soon then,”Seth said without much energy, and his father turned off his phone.

Seth shot Dom awide-eyed look and got off his lap as if it burned him.

The silence wasstretching into much more than a moment and was increasingly hard to break.Domenico swallowed, cracking his knuckles. “I’m sorry,” was all he could comeup with.

Seth started walking incircles, his breathing erratic. “Dom! This isn’t right. I have to undo thissomehow!”

Domenico bit his lip,leaning forward to support his elbows on his thighs. He was watching Seth’s barefeet on the wooden floor. Wasn’t he cold? “If he already asked her, I don’t seehow you could convince him.”

Seth’s gaze zeroed in onhim. “What? How the fuck could you be sure of that?” he snapped and raised hisvoice again. “This is not on! I’m not even bisexual, I’m a total fag! I nevereven touched a tit.”

Domenico had to smile,even though his amusement was tinted by sadness. “Gold star gay, huh? Same asme.” He dragged his hands down his face, unsure what to do.

“What the hell am Isupposed to do with her? She’s some stranger.” His breath hitched again. “I’mnot a piece of meat to pass around.”

“I think your fatherwants to form an alliance with the Brunis.” Domenico shrugged, shuddering atthe perspective of having to fuck a woman. It would be very unfamiliarterritory. “What could you possibly do about it?”

“I don’t care about hisalliance.” Seth’s nostrils flared. “Iwillstop it.”

Domenico watched him,wide-eyed. He couldn’t wrap his mind around what Seth was saying. “Seth, justtreat it as your duty. Give her a child, and you can move on.” Domenico startedrocking back and forth in the chair.

Seth approached him intwo quick steps and slapped his forehead. “Are you mental? Bullshit. This isnotmy duty. What is this? Nineteenth century India? I wanna puke at the merethought.”