Page 255 of The Devil's Fire

“That’s my girl.” Damiano said with pride, and a small smile appeared on my lips.

I looked over my shoulder, seeing his gaze was already on me, and he winked. I rolled my eyes before facing straight ahead again to hide the fact that his wink had me blushing. It even sent a wave of butterflies to my stomach.

“Damiano.” Arianna called after him when we arrived at the manor.

“Go to bed. I will be up soon.” He kissed my head before I made my way inside, completely ignoring Arianna when she came up to talk to him.

I was still hurt by her words, and I had no intention of talking to her. It was not like she was attempting to talk to me, either.

“Did we just forget Giovanni?” I asked Antonio, only now realizing he was missing.

“No, he kicked us out. He wanted to have them for himself.”

“Why?”

Antonio gave me a small smile.

“Believe it or not, but he lost it when he came back and found out what happened to you. He wouldn’t leave the hospital and stayed close to you to make sure you would be okay.”

I was shocked, too stunned to say anything.

The grumpy Giovanni, who had more than once threatened to throw me out of the car if I didn’t stop singing? The one who saw me as a pain in the ass and scowled for being my assigned babysitter?

That Giovanni?

“Are we talking about the same person?” I asked.

“Trust me, we were all surprised.”

“Aw, he cares about me! I am so going to tease him with that.” I grinned as I rubbed my hands together, already planning on how to annoy the hell out of him with the new information I have.

“Of course, you are. I wouldn’t have expected anything else.” Antonio shook his head at me with a smile. It dawned on me just how well they all knew me, and I was forever grateful to have them all in my life.

“Reminds me, I don’t think I ever got to congratulate you on becoming a father soon.” I muttered, embarrassed that I had known for a while and hadn’t even congratulated him.

“Don’t worry about it. You had other things on your mind.” Antonio gave my head a light pat.

“Do you know if it’s a boy or a girl?”

“It’s a girl.” His blue eyes twinkled in happiness at the mention of their baby girl, and my heart warmed in pure joy for him and his wife.

“That’s amazing! I’m so happy for you!” I beamed and surprised him with a sudden hug. “You’re going to be a great father.”

“You think so?” Antonio chuckled and embraced me back.

“I know you will.” I smiled at him.

“Thank you, Althaia. Well, I better get going before Damiano rips my arms off for hugging you.”

I stepped away, only to see Damiano’s disapproving face as he walked up to us. I rolled my eyes and exchanged a look with Antonio before he bid us goodnight, dismissing Damiano’s glare.

“Didn’t I tell you not to let other men touch you?” Damiano scowled.

“They work for you. They also happen to be your friends, and, well, they are friends of mine now.” I crossed my arms, trying not to smile, as I wanted to have a little fun with this.

“I don’t like it.”

“And what are you going to do about it? Punish me?” I retorted, tilting my head to the side. His eyes darkened as he stepped closer to me, and my heart accelerated just a little at the way he was looking at me.

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