Page 246 of The Devil's Fire

“This situation is getting crazier.” Raffaele commented, scratching his head. “Does she know?”

“No, and not a word about it to anyone. I want to be sure first.” I ordered before dismissing them.

I walked to the balcony doors and watched Althaia strolling in the garden with Cara.

“Any new reports about her?” I asked Antonio, who remained behind.

“Some improvements, but it’s a slow process.” I nodded, and he joined me, both of us watching her. “If it turns out to be true—”

“I don’t care.” I interrupted him. “She belongs to me, and there’s no way in hell I will ever let her go.”

eighty-one

Althaia

“I’m sorry for leaving you like that. I know it was hard for you too, and I haven’t been the most considerate person.” I apologized to Cara as we strolled through the garden.

“Don’t worry about it.” She replied with a soft smile. “It wasn’t much of a surprise. You’ve always been the type to isolate yourself when upset.”

“I know, but it wasn’t right of me to do that. I abandoned everyone, especially Damiano.” I sighed.

“You were dealing with a lot, you still are. Trust me, I understand what that feels like. Besides, Lorenzo was a great support; he never left my side.” Cara reassured me. Her words stung, and guilt consumed me for not being there for her.

“I’m sorry.”

“If you apologize one more time, I will hit you.” She threatened, glaring at me.

“Sorry—I didn’t mean it! It just came out.” I quickly added, covering my head as she was about to smack me.

“Well, it sounds like things are still going great with Lorenzo?” I asked as we watched Kiara explore the new territory. With so much space for her to run around, I had to keep a close eye on her to make sure she didn’t suddenly disappear.

Cara’s face lit up with a smile at the mention of Lorenzo.

“It is. He’s genuinely the best man I’ve ever been with. A big softie, really.” She chuckled, her entire demeanor brightening as she spoke about him.

I smiled as I witnessed the twinkle in her eyes.

“A softie? Tank Man can’t be a softie.” I remarked, struggling to imagine him in such a light. “Weren’t you scared when you first saw him? All I could think about was how intimidating he looked.”

“You still call him Tank Man?” Cara laughed.

“He’s literally the size of a tank!” I exclaimed.

“Oh, he sure is.” She gave me a cheeky smile and a wink, gaining a groan from me as I rolled my eyes.

“I don’t need to know that.”

“Don’t pretend Damiano isn’t a big softie when it comes to you. That man is head over heels for you. Like, you’re the reason for his existence or something.” Cara chuckled.

Her words made me go silent.

“I’m not sure I deserve him.” I whispered after some time. “He’s done so much for me, and I’ve given him nothing.” I confessed, feeling tears welling in my eyes.

“Oh, babes, don’t ever think you don’t deserve him. You’ve given him so much, and you don’t even realize it.” She reassured me.

“I’m not sure.” I sighed.

“He’s a different man because of you. That man was the uptightest dick I had ever met in my life. Then you came, and he’s been on cloud nine ever since. So, yes, you’ve given him so much that he can actually enjoy life for once.”

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