Page 169 of The Devil's Fire

fifty-three

Damiano

“Her mother seems nice, but it didn’t go unnoticed how she looked at you.” Arianna snickered and took a seat on the couch.

We went back to my hotel room until we had to leave for dinner. Cara had joined Althaia and her mother to help them prepare. I was suspicious about her motives for inviting us, but I decided to go along with it. The closer I got to her, the faster I could find out who she was.

“She doesn’t even try to hide the fact that she hates you.” Arianna laughed, and I smirked; if only she knew why her mother hated me this much.

Not only did she hate me for who I was but also for getting her daughter pregnant. That alone was giving me satisfaction because I knew she hated that her daughter was carrying my child. And there was absolutely nothing she could do about it.

“Did you talk to Cara?” I asked Lorenzo.

“She doesn’t know much, either. She noticed Althaia’s parents were growing cold towards each other and were fighting more. They had one big fight; she left and never looked back.”

“There is definitely something interesting about that story. I will suggest a sleepover and see what I can dig out. Who knows, maybe even her mother will open up.” Arianna suggested.

“What makes you think you will get her mother to talk? She’s wary of you, too.” I raised a brow.

“Yes, but not as much as the two of you. I have my ways and you have yours. Mine is to slowly get them all drunk, let her warm up to me and she will talk. If she’s anything like Althaia when she’s drunk, she will definitely talk.” She snorted in amusement.

“The good old spiking trick?” Lorenzo looked at Arianna, giving a half-smirk.

“It has proven to be very effective in the past.” She said smugly. It was her favorite trick whenever she wanted to lure valuable information out of people.

It was only effective because of the way she looked. Arianna has mastered the art of appearing innocent when she wants to. Since not everyone knew she was our sister, her presence raised no suspicions. I had watched her in action, and though I wasn't pleased with her methods, she always managed to get the job done.

Casually, she would make her way to the bar, her eyes scanning the room until they settled on her victim. She would subtly flirt with them, exchanging glances and occasional smiles, until they mustered the courage to approach her. And without fail, they were easily deceived. Intrigued by the beautiful woman who stood alone, they couldn’t help but be captivated.

Once captured by her, it was game over for them.

The only reason I let her do her own thing was because I knew she was highly skilled with weapons and knows how to defend herself. Otherwise, there was no way in hell I would have ever let her go near anyone.

“That’s fine, but you can’t spike Althaia’s drinks.” I told her firmly, and a frown formed on her face.

“I can’t only let one person get drunk. I need them all drunk, so they don’t get suspicious of my questions.” Arianna argued.

“She’s right.” Lorenzo commented, but I only shook my head at them.

“I said don’t do it.” I gave her a harsh look to drop it already.

“Listen.” She sighed. “I get that you’re protective of her, but I won’t get her drunk to the point she gets fucked up and dies.”

I pinched the bridge of my nose, annoyed she couldn’t follow a simple order.

“Arianna, I said no.” I snapped.

“Why not? Don’t you want to find out what’s going on with her mother?”

“Find another way then.” I hissed.

“No. I’m going to do it whether you like it or not.” Arianna challenged. I stepped closer to her, towering over her, my eyes cold as I stared down into hers.

“I said no. What I say fucking goes. Don’t defy my orders.” My voice turned low in warning.

“Don’t talk to me like I’m one of your men.” Arianna’s persistence in not backing down only increased my annoyance at not listening.

Lorenzo clicked his tongue in annoyance as well. This wasn’t unusual. She had a habit of challenging me whenever she didn't like the answers I gave.

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