Page 117 of The Devil's Fire

“That’s what you get for being cocky.” Raffaele’s voice was still strained as he let go of my ankle.

“I’m going to kill you!” I shouted and got up on all fours. I grabbed my crutch and swung it towards Raffaele. He looked at me with wide eyes and quickly rolled away before the crutch could hit his head.

“You’re a fucking psychopath!” He yelled as he got up to his feet. “Yo, your woman is crazy!” He yelled to Damiano, who was wiping the back of his neck with a towel while he made his way toward us with an amused look.

“Just how I like her.” He said, helping me up and kissing my temple.

“It’s true then. Psychos attract psychos.” Raffaele huffed out.

“Quit whining, you crybaby. I barely touched you. In fact, I barely felt anything, so why are you making such a big deal out of it?” I gave a playful grin and sat down on the bench.

“Damn!” Cara burst out laughing.

“Barely you say?” Raffaele looked at me, offended. “You wouldn’t be able to handle all of this junk.” He grabbed himself outside of his shorts, and I scrunched my nose in disgust.

“Where? All I see is a pair of shorts that is very loose in that area.”

“Goddamn, who hurt you, woman?!” He erupted, and it almost looked like he wanted to stomp his foot.

I couldn’t hold it in anymore and burst out laughing. Even Damiano let out a chuckle, as he sat next to me. Raffaele was always after me with inappropriate comments, and it was finally time for some payback.

“Okay, enough, you two. We have stuff to do.” Arianna sighed impatiently. “Are you ready?” She asked Raffaele.

“I am done dealing with you psychos. I’m gonna go somewhere I know I will be showered in love.” He huffed in annoyance before striding away.

“Is that a nice way of saying a brothel?” Cara yelled after him.

“Fuck off!” Raffaele practically screamed on his way out, and another round of laughter erupted.

“Looks like you’re up, Cara.” Arianna said.

“Yeah, no thank you. I think I will just observe with Thaia here for now.” Cara grinned, not wanting to end up like Raffaele. Arianna did not look happy about it and pinched the bridge of her nose in frustration.

“Hey, Dom, have you finished up?” She called after the guy I was unfamiliar with.

“Sure.”

“Then get your ass over here.”

As Dom walked up to her, she wasted no time and went straight to explain, using Dom to show vital points.

“… A blow to the bicep hurts like a bitch and causes temporary paralysis of the arm, which can loosen the attacker’s grip on you.” Arianna continued as we listened carefully. Even Damiano and Lorenzo stayed. Not that they needed to hear any of this, since they taught her everything.

Arianna instructed Dom to wrap his arms around her from behind, demonstrating how to escape if someone were to attack from behind. Witnessing Arianna in action like this was genuinely impressive, and it was shocking how she effortlessly brought down someone twice her size. They were going easy on each other, but there was no doubt she would be able to defend herself if something were to happen.

“Is something wrong?” I asked Damiano in a whisper when his eyes narrowed and tilted his head.

“Looks like I know who’s messing around with my sister.” He said quietly, and I turned to look at Arianna and Dom in surprise.

“How can you tell?”

“They are too comfortable holding each other. His hands keep lingering on her, and her cheeks get slightly flushed whenever he does.” His eyes kept narrowing the more he told me.

“Don’t you think you’re reading a bit too much into it? They are running around and pinning each other down.” I pointed out.

“Look carefully at their body language.” Damiano instructed. I looked back at them again, trying to see what I had missed.

“Notice where he places his hands on her, and how she is slightly biting her lip to prevent from smiling.” He explained, and this time it was obvious now that he had pointed it out.

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