Page 215 of The Devil's Fire

“Yeah, because I know what it’s like to be on a fancy, private jet.” I rolled my eyes as I chuckled. I was feeling a little anxious about going back, but I knew I would be okay with Michael.

“Quick question.” I said before he could make the phone call. “How can you get on with your gun?” I asked. Michael laughed at my question.

“You’re such a newbie.” He teased me. “It’s private for a reason. If you’re ready, we can leave now.”

“Let me just grab a coat, and we can go. I just need to ask my neighbors if they can watch Kiara.”

Michael gave a nod and made the phone call.

I went into the bedroom to get a small bag for Kiara’s toys and food. I opened the drawer on the nightstand, biting down on my lip as I looked at the gun Antonio had given me.

Not giving it much thought, I grabbed it, making sure the safety lock was on before tucking it into the waistband of my jeans behind my back. I put on a coat to make sure the gun wouldn’t be noticeable.

It felt strange to have a gun on me like this, but after everything that had happened, I didn’t want to take any chances, and I certainly didn’t want to be defenseless this time.

I grabbed the bag, took Kiara in my arms, and went to Ava and Samantha. I rang the doorbell, hoping someone would be home.

“Hi, Althaia.” Ava greeted with a bright smile. She seemed to be doing better today than when I left last night.

“Hi, Ava! I know this is sudden, but I just wanted to ask if it was possible for you to watch Kiara for a few hours?” I asked with a hopeful smile.

“Yeah, sure. Are you going somewhere?” She looked over my shoulder, and I followed her gaze, seeing Michael leaning against his car, waiting for me. Ava gave me a small smirk when she looked back at me.

“I thought you said you didn’t have a boyfriend? He’s hot.” She winked, and I rolled my eyes at her.

“I don’t. He’s my friend and just visiting.”

“Right.” She dragged the word out and wiggled her eyebrows at me. “I’m just messing with you; we will take good care of her.”

“Thank you so much! Again, so sorry about it being so sudden.” I said once again, but she just gave a dismissive wave and took the bag and Kiara.

“Don’t mention it. Have fun.” Ava winked at me again before laughing. I just shook my head and walked over to Michael.

“Ready?” He asked with a smile and opened the door for me.

“As ready as I can be.”

seventy-one

Althaia

I could feel myself growing more anxious the closer we were. The gun tucked behind my back did little to ease my nerves. The idea of having to use the gun to defend myself didn’t sit well, but I knew it was a necessary precaution. I was not a killer; the trauma of what I had done still haunted me. The image of the man’s bloodied face lingered in my mind.

I took a deep breath, forcing down the rising nausea.

“Hey… hey, you’re going to be fine.” Michael glanced at me and took my hand in his as I kept tapping my hand against my thigh in uneasiness.

“I don’t know… I’m starting to think it’s a mistake. What if something happens?” I rambled on, sharing my fears with him instead of keeping them to myself.

“I won’t let anything happen to you. Trust me.” He gave my hand a small squeeze, but I still wondered if we should have brought extra protection with us.

Just as the thought crossed my mind, I checked the side mirror, trying to spot any cars following us. I hadn’t seen any of Damiano’s men so far, making me wonder if anyone was watching me, or if they were truly keeping themselves out of my sight.

I had no idea if they had managed to follow us. We had taken a flight and now we were in the car on our way to the house. I also just realized they would report every detail back to him.

Great.

“It’s highly unlikely someone would do anything during the daytime. It’s too easy to get caught like that.” Michael said, pulling me out of my dark thoughts.

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