Page 130 of The Devil's Fire

I was lucky my friend, Jenny, was going on a road trip with a few friends, and since they were passing by, they could give me a ride so I could attend the engagement party. I didn’t want to admit it to Arianna, she would only make more fun of me.

We pulled into a gas station so I could use the restroom and grab some snacks. When I was done, I filled my arms with whatever I could get my hands on; chips, candy, chocolates, and even grabbed a few drinks. Luca and Giovanni said they wanted nothing, but I still grabbed something for them, too. I grabbed enough to last us the entire ride.

As the cashier rang my massive pile of snacks and drinks, I opened my wallet but frowned when I didn’t see my card in there. Instead, I saw a shiny black card in its place. I rummaged through my wallet to see if I had enough cash. I didn’t. I sighed in annoyance when I didn’t have any choice but to use the black card.

Quickly thanking the cashier, I stepped outside to make a phone call.

He picked up on the first ring.

“You took my card and replaced it with yours.”

“I did.”

“Why?”

“Because I wanted to.”

“That’s not an answer.”

“I don’t want you to spend your money.”

“But that’s the thing! I want to spend my own money, and not yours.”

“Consider my money yours.”

“Damiano…” I sighed.

“I miss you.” He suddenly said.

“I miss you too.” I smiled, forgetting why I was annoyed with him in the first place. I was already missing him like crazy, and it made me feel warm inside that he was missing me just as much.

I dropped my smile when I realized what he was doing.

“I know what you’re trying to do.” I said accusingly.

“And what am I trying to do?” He replied, and it was like I could hear his smug grin through the phone.

“You’re distracting me by saying you miss me.” I slightly narrowed my eyes even though he couldn’t see me.

“Can’t a man tell his woman he misses her?” He spoke softly, and my heart melted even more.

“As if this isn’t hard enough, you have to say it like that?” I let out a light chuckle.

“I know. Call me when you get home, beautiful.”

“I will. Don’t get your ass shot.” I sang out.

“Have you already forgotten who I am?” He scoffed.

“A man who drills holes into bones?” The words came out of my mouth before I could stop myself. I inwardly groaned at my stupidity.

It was silent. So silent I had to check if the call got disconnected, but it wasn’t.

“Dami–“

“Who told you?” Damiano growled.

“It doesn’t matter-”