Page 156 of The Devil's Fire

I looked out of the window at the backyard, surprised to find Damiano there. He had taken a seat in the lounge chair, his eyes already on me.

I grabbed a blanket and wrapped it around me as I stepped out, slowly walking up to him, but stopped when I saw the pack of cigarettes on the table. He had stopped smoking since I couldn’t tolerate the smell. I hated that I had pissed him off to the point he needed to smoke to calm down.

“I didn’t smoke. Come here.” Damiano’s deep voice rang out as he held out his hand for me to take. I walked up to him, placing my hand in his, and stepped in between his legs.

“Are you still mad at me?” I asked quietly.

“I am.” He replied, but sat me down on his lap, his hand immediately caressing my stomach. I sighed and rested my head on his shoulder.

“How are you feeling?” Damiano asked.

“Still okay.”

“Nauseous?”

“Not anymore.”

Damiano let out a sigh of relief, his touch gentle as he caressed the side of my head.

“I’m still not going to apologize for what I did.” I said quietly. “I kept thinking ‘what if it was my daughter?’ I would be so grateful if anyone stepped in to help.” I explained softly.

“I know, baby.” Damiano kissed the top of my head. “Where does she want to go?” He asked and I looked at him.

“Her family is in Portugal. She wants to go there.”

“Fine. I will have Raffaele get her documents ready by tomorrow morning. Whatever she needs, I’ll make sure she has it, and is brought safely to her family.”

“Really?” I breathed out, afraid I heard wrong.

“On one condition.” He looked at me with a dead-serious expression. “This is the last time you pull shit like that.” He scowled, but I couldn’t help but smile.

I wrapped my arms around his neck as I looked into his still firm expression.

“Okay.” I whispered, wanting to put it behind us already. “Thank you.”

“I’m only doing it for you.”

“I know.” I placed a small kiss on his lips, and his hold tightened around me. “I love you.” I caressed his cheek with a smile, and his expression softened.

“And I love you. You reckless woman.” He scoffed, having me laughing before pulling him in for another kiss.

forty-nine

Althaia

Laila was finally on her way to rejoin her family, and we had sent Giovanni with her to ensure her safe arrival. I had packed a bag for her, containing all the necessities and some money, so she wouldn't have to worry for a while and could simply reconnect with her family. I made her promise to keep me updated and let me know if she needed anything.

My heart swelled with happiness knowing that she was finally free, and I hoped that she would receive all the help she needed to live her life to the fullest.

I was getting ready for bed while Damiano was downstairs on the phone with Lorenzo. Since he was here, Lorenzo was to make sure everything went smoothly.

The velvety jewelry box on my desk caught my eye, and I opened it carefully. Once again, I found myself entranced by the breathtaking and opulent necklace.

When was I ever supposed to wear this? I snorted when I imagined myself casually walking around and doing grocery shopping with this around my neck.

I bit down on my lip as I thought of what Damiano said to me that night.

“I want you to wear it. And nothing else.”

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