Page 237 of The Devil's Fire

“Please, let go. You’re scaring me.” My voice came out in a whisper. He let go of me as if I had burned him and stepped away.

I didn’t want to feel this way, and I knew he would never hurt me, but the way he was talking to me and looking at me was not something he had ever done before.

Damiano let out a string of curse words as he ran a hand through his hair before turning around.

“Fuck!” He yelled and punched the wall. His fist went through it before he left the house, slamming the door shut.

I bit down on my lip as I looked anywhere but at Antonio and Giovanni, hating that they were witnessing this. I glanced in the direction of the door, contemplating whether I should follow him or not.

“Let him cool off. He’ll be back.” Antonio said. I nodded, swallowing the lump that had formed in my throat. I knew I fucked up, and I really hated how angry he was with me.

I sat back down on the couch, took my heels off, and waited for Damiano to come back. They said nothing and just watched me while I was lost in my thoughts.

I didn’t know how long it was before the door opened again, and Damiano walked in. I couldn’t tell if he had calmed down or not. His face was completely expressionless, void of any emotions.

“Leave us.” He ordered them. Antonio looked at me, and I gave a nod, letting him know I would be okay. It didn’t go unnoticed by Damiano, but he said nothing.

We looked at each other, no one saying anything, as his intense gaze was on me. I shifted around on my feet, feeling anxious. His emotions were masked, and I didn’t know what awaited me. Now I wish he would yell at me. That way, I would at least know what went through his mind.

“Did I hurt you?” Damiano’s deep voice broke the silence, looking at my arm where he had grabbed me.

“No.” I said softly.

“I didn’t mean to scare you.” His brows furrowed.

“I know.”

“Althaia…” A shiver rippled through my body when he said my name. I let out a breath, and my heart beat faster. “You’re getting on a plane first thing tomorrow. You’re leaving the States.”

I felt my heart drop, and my chest rose and fell in shock.

“W-what?” I managed to get out, but he just looked at me calmly with a straight face, which I hated so much right now.

“You heard me. It’s for the best.” He simply said, and as I looked at him with wide eyes, he turned around to leave. My mind was like a chaotic storm, crashing with questions.

Why did he want to send me away?

Best for whom?

Me?

Him?

Was he sending me away because he couldn’t bear having me around because of…?

“Is it because I lost the baby?” My voice was shaking, laced with sadness and fear; fear that it was because of our loss, and fear that he would leave me for good.

“What?” Damiano turned to face me so fast. “What did you say?” His eyes narrowed.

“I-I didn’t mean to. I know it was my fault, but I didn’t…” My voice was cracking, and my entire body was shaking. Tears were already streaming down my face before I could stop them. I bit down on my lip, which so badly wanted to tremble.

“I didn’t mean to lose our baby.” I broke down crying, unable to hold it in anymore as my choked-up sobs escaped my lips.

“Althaia, no.” Damiano closed the distance between us, embracing me tightly to his body as I sobbed into his chest.

“Look at me.” He placed his hands on my cheeks, wiping away my tears as he looked at me firmly. “Don’t you dare blame yourself for what happened. It was not your fault; it isn’t your fault, you hear me?”

“Then why do you want to send me away?” I stammered out. There was no end to my tears as I looked at him with a defeated look. He scanned my face before letting go of me, leaving me with a feeling of loss.

---