Page 13 of The Devil's Fire

“No need to.” I stopped her before she could make any calls. “I already have a room. It should be under the name of Althaia Celano.”

“Just a second, and I will find it for you.” Her red nails tapped on the keyboard as she searched the database.

“Bill her stay on my card. I will only be here for a few hours. Order everything you have on the menu, plus a bottle of your best champagne, and send it up.” I slid my card towards her and checked my watch to signal my impatience.

“Certainly, sir! I can see that room service has already been ordered.”

“Then add to it.” I snapped.

“Of course, my apologies.” She tapped her red nails on the keyboard again before handing me my card back, and a keycard. “Master suite 7173. Anything else I can do for you, Mr. Bellavia?”

“That will be all.” I grabbed my things and tipped her for her time before heading for the elevator. I stopped and turned around to face the receptionist again. “Ensure the neighbors that if they hear screaming, there is nothing to worry about. I play rough.” I smirked, watching her face slightly blush.

“Absolutely. I will make sure you have nothing to worry about.” I gave a brief nod and went to the elevator.

I fished out my phone from my pocket and turned my back to one of the elevator doors when I saw Michael stepping out. That shitface had a smug smile on his lips, looking satisfied as he exited the hotel. The sight of him alone made me almost sneer and empty my gun into his face.

Soon.

I reminded myself. Soon they would all have a bullet between their brows, and the Volante family would be no more.

I swiped the keycard and cracked the door open just enough so she wouldn’t be able to notice. I listened for any movements, but it was quiet. I slipped into the dark room and quietly closed the door behind me. Stepping further inside, I heard the shower running; she was singing.

It was safe to say she didn’t know how to.

I searched the entire hotel room for anything that would give her away. This could be Gaetano trying to play dirty; claiming her death was for her security while secretly training her to be a spy or an assassin. He wouldn’t be the first to resort to such tactics, and I was determined to get ahead of him to ruin his plans.

More like putting a bullet in his plans.

I checked through her luggage, checked her phone on the nightstand, and even checked under the bed but found nothing that showed she was anything other than a normal civilian. Despite that, I had to keep my eye on her in case something showed up later.

I planted spy cameras in places where she wouldn’t notice them. This way, I would get to see her every move. Now, I waited for her to get out of the shower.

Fucking hell.

Her singing was dreadful, and it took all my self-control not to yank her out of the shower just to make it stop.

The water stopped running, and I waited once again for her to get out. Frowning, I went to the hotel door, opened it, and slammed it shut to hurry her the fuck up.

I took a seat on the couch, and she finally came out of the bathroom. She was humming as she stepped in my direction before stopping in her tracks, her eyes narrowing unsurely at me.

It was dark and the only light came from the bathroom, but it was not enough for her to see me. I reached for the lamp next to me and flicked it on.

“Good evening, Althaia.”

She blinked once.

Then a sound that I wouldn’t even describe as a scream escaped her mouth. I watched her turn around clumsily, tumbling down to the ground, before she quickly leapt up again and ran back to the bathroom. I let out a slight chuckle at the amusing sight before I heard her locking the door.

Entertained, I walked up to the door and knocked, hearing a yelp from the other side.

“That was quite dramatic of you, Althaia.” I said with a hint of amusement in my tone. I heard her gasp as if she was almost offended by my words. I crossed my arms and rested my shoulder against the door. “It will take me nothing to kick this door down if you don’t come out.”

“I would like to stay in here…”

“Get. Out. Now.” I ordered her. I had already wasted too much of my time waiting for her to get out of the shower.

“… How do I know you won’t shoot me the minute I come out, huh?” She questioned, attempting to sound brave, but her voice was shaking. I went completely silent to mess with her. “Are you fucking serious?!” She yelled and banged on the door.

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