Page 108 of The Devil's Fire

I stepped closer when she examined Althaia, and I slowly felt relieved when she shook her head at most of Ellie’s questions. She was going to be okay.

“Count yourself lucky.” Ellie reassured with a smile. “Stick to a soft diet for now since swallowing is painful. Rest well, limit talking, elevate your foot to reduce swelling, and you’ll be fine.”

Althaia gave her a small smile and a nod as Ellie packed her bag and left.

“Leave us.” I said to Cara. Irritation flooded through me as she turned her gaze towards Althaia, silently questioning if she was okay to be alone with me. Althaia had to reassure her she was going to be okay before she finally left us.

Taking a seat on the coffee table in front of her, I was met with a face twisted in a scowl.

“Did you date her?” She whispered, letting me know in her tone that she was pissed.

“No, we didn’t date.” I sighed. “But I did sleep with her. Once.” I confessed. Disappointment filled her eyes as she shook her head.

She rose from the couch, but I stopped her from leaving.

“It was a long time ago. My mind wasn’t… in the right place at that time, and she offered. I didn't turn her down. Then I left for months and came back in time for the engagement.” I explained, which only made her frown.

“You fucked her, then you left, only to show up with another woman, whom you’re now fucking?” Althaia scoffed.

“I never spared her another thought after that. I made it clear it was a one-time thing.”

“Yet, you let her stay here.”

“I know. I shouldn’t have. Arianna warned me about it when she knew about you.” I admitted.

Disappointment and anger welled up inside her, making her frown as she rose from the couch again. And I despised it with every fiber of my being.

“Piccola.” I rose to my feet to help her. Her eyes flashed with hurt at the pet name I gave her before brushing my hands away.

“I don’t feel like talking to you.” Althaia limped to the door, using the furniture as support as she passed by.

“Let me help you.” I sighed.

“I would rather not have you touch me right now.” She didn’t look at me, her voice cold as she tried to get away from me.

“I fucked up. It was a mistake.” I called after her. Althaia stopped but didn’t turn around to look at me.

“The problem is not who you’ve fucked, Damiano. It’s the fact that you kept her around.” I could hear the pain in her voice as she said those words, and I felt a sinking sensation in my chest as I watched her walk away.

thirty-four

Damiano

“Getting drunk now?” Arianna made herself comfortable on the couch in front of me.

“Shut up.” I replied while pouring my third glass of whiskey and leaned back. I took a slow sip as I looked at her, noticing a few bloodstains on her clothes.

“What did you do?” I didn’t care what she had done to Sofia, but I needed to know if she was well enough to get on a plane and get the fuck away from here.

“Just had a little fun with her. Might have smacked her around a bit, broke a few bones here and there. Her nose is broken, too. At least, it looks like it.” She shrugged, checking her nails as she spoke. Lorenzo returned and settled down next to Arianna, pouring himself a drink.

“She’ll be on a plane first thing tomorrow.” He said and downed the drink in one go.

“Good. And Althaia?” I asked.

“Upstairs. Resting in Cara’s room.” I clicked my tongue at the information. She didn’t even want to stay in my room.

“How pissed was she when you told her?” Arianna looked at me with a raised brow.

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