Page 19 of The Devil's Fire

The Devil.

Of course, he would own that car! I moved closer to get a better view, wanting to check out every single inch of that sexy beast. But Michael wrapped his arm around my waist and tried to lead me to the mansion.

Annoyed, I removed his arm and rushed over to get a closer look at the car. I was stunned as I circled the car, taking in every detail from the unique front fascia to the rear fascia with its six exhaust pipes. The details were insane!

“Wow!” I whispered to myself. I was so focused that I hadn’t noticed people staring at me as I studied the car. Even Damiano’s intense gaze was focused on me as he watched me trying to get a peek inside. Feeling shy by the sudden attention, I let out an awkward chuckle.

“Sorry, it’s a beautiful car. Can I have a look inside?” I asked. Damiano didn’t say anything and just opened the door so I could look.

I slightly leaned forward, trying to contain my excitement as I took it all in. It was gorgeous!

I drew in a sharp breathwhen I felt someone extremely close behind me. Almost brushing against my ass. I straightened up and almost let out a yelp when I saw how close Damiano was to me.

“Let’s go, Althaia.” Michael walked towards me, but Damiano sent him one sharp look. That was enough for Michael to halt in his steps as he glared at him, looking pissed.

“Do you want to drive it?” I whipped my head to Damiano.

“Are you asking me?” Pointing to myself in surprise.

“Who else?” He tilted his head slightly to the side, looking amused.

“Are you being serious?” I squinted my eyes as I questioned him. I would rather not get in the car, only for him to say, ‘just kidding’ and drag me out.

“Very.” Damiano said, gesturing with his head for me to get in. I let out a big grin in pure excitement. I was about to get in when I glanced at Michael, his face full of rage as he glared at Damiano.

“Oh, uh, thanks, but maybe another time?” I gave a faint smile, trying not to show how disappointed I was turning down this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

I sighed as I walked past him, but I feared Michael was about to do something stupid. Michael wasted no time wrapping his arm around me, roughly shoving me into him, and hurrying up the stairs, almost making me trip as he practically dragged me with him.

What the hell was his problem now?

“Michael, relax. You’re hurting me.” I winced when his fingers dug into my side.

He finally snapped out of it and immediately let me go. I started massaging my side gently to ease the pain. This was definitely going to bruise.

His eyes followed my actions, and instant regret showed on his face.

“Shit, Thaia, I’m so sorry.” He ran a hand through his hair.

“Are you okay?” I asked. Michael usually kept his cool, but this time I feared he would do something stupid and get hurt. It wouldn’t take a genius to figure out who would win the fight.

“I’m the one who should ask if you’re okay.” He sighed and gave a small smile. “Don’t worry about me… he just pisses me off every time I see his stupid face.”

“Or is it because he drives a sexier car than you?” I teased and bumped my shoulder into his.

“You’re such a gold digger, Thaia! One minute you’re begging me to let you drive my car, and then you see his stupid car and forget all about mine.” I burst out laughing. Michael looked like a kid who had been denied candy.

“Well, what can I say? I’m a sucker for cars I will never be able to afford on my own.” I continued to tease him. Michael didn’t even bother replying and kept giving me a sour look as we made our way inside.

“There she is!” My father was beaming when he saw me and held out his arm for a hug. A smile crossed my face as I embraced him.

Our relationship had grown in such a short time since I decided to stay in town for an extra week. I was happy that he was making an effort to get to know me, and we would meet up for breakfast and lunch.

He wanted me to stay at the mansion, but I was still hesitant about that. I didn’t want to rush and risk ruining our relationship. It was better that we just took it one step at a time.

I also made sure he fixed the whole ‘Althaia Volante is dead’ situation. People now knew I was alive, so there was no need to continue the lie. My father even changed my name from Celano to Volante. It was time for me to claim my rightful name, as he had said.

“Figlia, do you remember your uncle? He has just returned from a business trip.” He gestured to the man in front of me. Of course, I remembered him. I would never forget the only person I have ever truly wanted to kill with my bare hands.

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