Page 251 of The Devil's Fire

“Still not willing to talk?” I tilted my head. One of them began speaking in Korean and shook his head vigorously.

“They barely know any English words. He tried to say something earlier, but nothing made sense. We need someone to translate.” Antonio informed.

“We need to find someone reliable right now.” Raffaele went into thinking mode. I turned around when Luca cleared his throat.

“We already have someone who can speak Korean. Althaia.” He suggested, and I glared at him, knowing damn well I didn’t want to involve her.

“I agree.” Antonio said, approving of the idea. “Think about it. We can get her here to translate and be out again in five minutes.”

I remained silent, staring at the scumbags, rubbing my jaw as I pondered the situation. It was the safest and fastest solution, and I needed to know who was behind this. I just hated the idea of her being here, fearing it would scare her.

“Fine.” I decided and headed back to the manor.

It was late, and she should be asleep by now. I carefully opened the door, trying to minimize any noise, but to my surprise, the room was dimly lit. My eyes were immediately drawn to a pair of green eyes as I spotted her sitting on the bed with her sketchbook.

“That didn’t take long.” She smiled.

“I told you not to wait up. It’s late.” I said as I took a seat next to her.

“I wanted to wait for you. I sleep better when you’re here, anyway.” She gave me a half-shrug. I couldn’t help but smile as I admired just how stunning she looked with her long hair cascading around her in waves.

“You look beautiful.”

“Thank you.” She said shyly and wrapped her arms around my neck before pressing her lips to mine.

Fuck. There was no way I wanted her to do this, but she was our only choice now.

“Are you okay?” Althaia looked around my face, her brows slightly furrowing when I let out a sigh.

“I am. I need your help.” I said. She looked at me in surprise, which only lasted a second before panic showed in her eyes and her hands felt around my body.

“Are you hurt somewhere?” Her voice was laced with worry. I chuckled and stopped her from trying to pull my shirt off to see.

“I’m not hurt.” I reassured, and she relaxed again.

“What can I possibly help you with?” Her curiosity was back on, and I just hoped this wouldn’t fuck her up.

“You know Korean, right?”

“Yes…?”

“The ones we caught only speak Korean, and we need a translator.”

“Me?” Althaia pointed to herself, and I nodded.

“You don’t have to if you don’t want to.” I stated firmly.

“Wait, wait. You are asking me for help?” She pointed at me before pointing at herself again.

“Yes.” I raised a brow when she suddenly looked excited.

“Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s go!” Althaia rolled out of bed in a hurry and almost ran to the door.

“My love.” I called after her, making her stop to turn around and face me. “Change first.” She looked down, realizing she was only in her nightgown.

“Oh, right. I’ll be ready in a minute!” She ran to the closet, and I chuckled at her enthusiasm.

I held her hand as she looked around in the underground passage. We came to a stop in front of the door, and I turned her to face me.

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