Page 258 of The Devil's Fire

“Yeah, yeah, morning.” I said and took a seat. I was so hungry that I didn’t have time for small chitchat as I grabbed myself a bagel.

“Someone woke up hungry.” Ava gave a teasing smile.

“I had a long night.” I replied, giving a quick thanks to Cara when she poured me coffee.

“Has anyone seen Damiano? I need to talk to him.” Arianna walked in with a frown, her footsteps heavy with frustration, and let out an annoyed huff when everyone said no.

I stayed silent and sipped my coffee, pretending I didn't notice their piercing gazes, all directed at me as they waited for me to tell them where Damiano was.

“Do you know where he is? He’s not answering his phone.” Arianna directed her question to me, but I just took a bite of my very delicious, toasted bagel with cream cheese.

“Althaia?” She tried to get my attention. I took another bite. I was deaf until she gave me an apology.

“Okay, fine!” Arianna huffed and plopped down in the chair across from me, causing me to shift my gaze towards her.

“I’m sorry! I’m a nosy bitch, and I stick my nose in people’s business because I get protective, but it still doesn’t excuse that I was a bitch to you. I said things I shouldn’t have, and for that, I’m sorry.”

I popped the rest of my bagel into my mouth, taking my time chewing my food, and took a long sip of my coffee.

“You were a bitch.” I stated.

“I know.”

“Did you mean any of it?”

“No. I was mad and talked nonsense.”

“Are you going to stay out of our business?”

“Yes. Trust me, I’ve learned the hard way. What I said that day was out of line and you didn’t deserve it. I’m really sorry.”

“Then apology accepted. Bitch.” I smirked behind my mug of coffee. Arianna rolled her eyes playfully and gave a smile.

“Wohoo, there you go! Finally, friends again!” Raffaele erupted.

“Can you now tell me where Damiano is? He’s been sending me on crappy jobs, and I just can’t do it anymore.” She groaned.

“He’s asleep.” I said, and they all fell silent in confusion.

“Damiano’s asleep?” Lorenzo checked his watch in surprise. I guess it was really unlikely for him to sleep in.

“Oh, so that’s what you meant by a long night.” Ava chuckled.

“Just keeping my man happy.” I gave an innocent smile.

“And happy he looks! There’s my man! Look how well-rested he is!” Raffaele wiggled his brows.

My heart skipped a beat at the sight of Damiano, his muscles flexing beneath his perfectly tailored dress shirt and slacks. He leaned in and pressed a soft kiss against my cheek before settling next to me.

“When did you get up?” Damiano asked, ignoring everyone else as I poured him a cup of coffee.

“An hour or so. I thought I would let you sleep.” I could see how well-rested he was, with his eyes sparkling and a content smile on his face, and that gave me another ego boost, knowing I was the reason.

“Good, because he’s a dick when he doesn’t sleep.” Lorenzo commented.

“If you can’t handle the heat, you know where to fuck off to.” Damiano retorted, unbothered, as he ate.

“I can’t do this again. I’m not staying for another round of them taking a hit on each other’s pride. Let’s go, Lorenzo, we got stuff to do.” Cara tried to drag him with her, but he barely budged.

---