Page 165 of The Devil's Fire

“I could feel you were missing us. Me the most, so I thought, why not come and visit you? I have a sixth sense or something.” Cara grinned and Arianna playfully rolled her eyes.

“Your man said you were miserable without us.” She said with a smirk.

“I didn’t say that.” Damiano looked blankly at Arianna.

“I’m paraphrasing.” She gave him a dismissive wave.

I chuckled and went to him, feeling the warmth of his embrace as I wrapped my arms around him.

“Thank you.” I whispered, grateful for the effort he had put in to surprise me with a visit. Damiano gave me a small smile and kissed the top of my head.

“Lorenzo.” I greeted him and gently patted his arm, causing a slight upward curl of his lips as he met my gaze.

“Althaia.” He replied, patting my head in return.

“I have never seen two people being so awkward with each other. For fuck’s sake, you are family now! Just hug each other!” Arianna practically yelled.

I felt a strong shove from behind, making me lose my footing and nearly fall over if it wasn’t for Lorenzo’s quick reflexes. I turned around to scowl at her, only for Damiano to hold me, checking if I was alright, before shooting a menacing glare at Arianna.

“Careful. Don’t push her.”

“Oh, relax! You’re acting as if she’s made of glass.” Arianna scoffed and gave Damiano a disapproving look.

“It’s fine.” I reassured him before looking at Arianna. “Just remember, karma is a bitch, and you might just trip down a staircase.” I gave her a wicked smile.

“I dare you. I will knock you out in a second.” She winked, making me laugh. I had truly missed them. Arianna and Cara became the sisters I never had, their presence bringing me so much happiness.

“Where’s mom?” Cara asked.

“I think she went to the bank or something. I wasn’t really listening. She should be back soon.” I looked at the time, and my brows raised when I saw I had slept for a good hour.

“How long have you been here?” I grimaced, hoping they hadn’t been watching me for too long.

“We came like half an hour ago. How can you just sleep at work like that?” Cara laughed at me, making me let out an awkward laugh as I scratched the back of my head.

“I was tired, and it’s a comfortable couch.”

“You snore.”

I whipped my head to look at Lorenzo. A small smile played at the corners of his lips, revealing his slight amusement.

“No, I don’t!” I felt my face getting hot as I frowned at him.

“You do.” Arianna and Cara said at the same time, making me gape at them.

“Shut up! I don’t.” I looked at Damiano, who had a small smile on his lips. “…Do I?” I half-whispered to him.

“Just a bit.” He confirmed, and I blushed with embarrassment.

“Well, thank you all for visiting. You may now go back home.” I walked away from them, not being able to handle the embarrassment.

“Hey, get your ass back here. I’m a customer!” Arianna called after me.

“For what?” I asked.

“First of all, my brother is getting married soon. Second, I just want to spend money.” She said and went through the racks of dresses.

“All right, then.” I shrugged as I went to grab my things.

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