Page 186 of The Devil's Fire

“It’s not contagious, if that’s what you’re afraid of.” She frowned.

“No, I meant that you’re tired and recovering; you should rest.” I didn’t want to deny her, but she was still not fully recovered. Her body was weak, and she would get out of breath easily.

“I know what I’m doing. I can handle it.” Althaia gave a playful smile. I shifted and laid her down on the bed with me on top.

“Only because I won’t be seeing you for a while.” I let out a small, teasing smile before capturing her lips.

I had to force myself to leave.

Althaia walked me to the door, and I hated every step as we got closer, only reminding me that I wouldn’t be close to her for two fucking weeks.

We came to a stop by the door, and I turned my gaze towards her, pulling her into a tight embrace. The thought of kidnapping her was so damn tempting.

“Be careful and stay safe. Luca will be with you at all times, and Giovanni will be here tomorrow. If you get sick, call me and I will come right away.” I placed my hands on her cheeks, captivated by the mesmerizing depth of her beautiful green eyes.

“Don’t meddle in people’s business, or so help me God, I will be absolutely furious with you.” I warned her, but she grinned back at me, her mischievous eyes sparkling.

“If you say ‘don’t do it’, it only makes me want to do it.”

“Althaia.”

“I’m kidding.” She laughed. “I will mind my own business. I’ve learned my lesson.”

“Good.” I let out a small sigh of relief and pulled her into a kiss. “I love you.” I whispered against her lips.

“And I love you. Here, take it with you so you don’t miss us too much.” Althaia handed me the sonogram, and my heart swelled with joy as I saw the tiny life growing inside her.

“I will be back to get you in two weeks.” I ran my fingers through her hair as she embraced me for one final hug. I glanced upwards to see her mother had made an appearance.

“Keep them safe.” I told her. The only thing I could trust her with was to protect her daughter. Jacinta’s eyes softened at my words and gave a nod.

With every step away from Althaia, my body grew tense, as if a voice inside me warned against leaving her alone. I paused before getting inside my car. I turned around to steal one last look at her, seeing her smile as she gave a small wave.

Soon.

I reminded myself. Soon, we wouldn’t have to do this, and I would wake up with her by my side every day for the rest of my life.

“Her mother is fun to hang out with. I totally see where Althaia got her personality from.” Raffaele commented while working on his laptop. “She’s quite hot, too.”

“Did you come to flirt with her, or did you do something useful?” I gave him a blank look.

“Ah, sorry. I actually forgot she’s your mother-in-law.” He laughed as if he had cracked the funniest joke.

I rolled my neck in annoyance.

“Raffaele.” I snapped at him to get to the point.

“Right. I’ve been working on cracking the code to track those phone calls she’s been getting. Whoever she’s in contact with is doing everything they can to make sure their cover is not blown.” Raffaele said.

“While you all disappeared and left me alone, I came up with an idea. Since none of you would have been able to do it, I decided to do it myself.” He smiled big and looked proud of himself.

“I don’t need to hear your life story. Get to the point.” I said impatiently, and he gave me a sour look.

“Someone’s cranky…” He muttered under his breath, making me shoot a glare at him. “I worked my usual charm to get close to Jacinta because I needed her phone. I installed this software I developed on her phone, and the next time she gets a call, I will be able to trace it. Well, that’s what I hope… I haven’t exactly tried it out yet, but I’m a genius! I’m sure it will work.” Excitement filled his eyes as he rubbed his hands together.

“Good. I want to get to the bottom of this as fast as possible. Antonio has been keeping track of her, but she never met up with anyone, only making trips to the bank.” I frowned, wondering about her motives for using the shop to launder money and who she was doing it for.

Jacinta wasn’t laundering the money for her own pleasure. We have checked the entire house and the boutique for any unusually large amounts of money stashed away. There wasn’t anything.

---