Page 263 of The Devil's Fire

“You care about me.”

“No.”

“Come on, give me a hug.” I smiled widely and opened my arms. He placed a finger on my forehead, stopping me from getting closer.

“I don’t get paid enough for this.”

I scoffed at him when he pushed me away with his finger and got inside the car.

“You shouldn’t have done that, Gio! Have you forgotten how great my singing voice is? I’m going to give you one hell of a concert now!” I shouted after him. I tried not to laugh when he opened the car door again and got out.

“Dario. You go with them. I will take this car.”

“Oh, no! Don’t think you can escape me now!” I jumped on his back, making him stumble in surprise.

“What the fuck are you doing? Get down!”

“Not before you admit you actually care about me!” I tightened my hold on him when he tried to get me off him. I know he wanted to fling me off, but he couldn’t because Damiano would have his head in a second if I as much got a scratch on me.

I grinned, totally taking advantage of it.

“Over my fucking dead body.” Giovanni growled in annoyance.

“Wrong answer!” I started to painfully pinch his cheek, laughing as he let out a frustrated sound.

“Fine! Just get down before I flick you away like the little gnat you are.”

“So?” I retorted when I hopped off his back.

“You are… tolerable.” His response wiped the smile right off my face. “This is the best you will get out of me. Now, get in the car and let’s go. I don’t have time for this.” He said quickly before I could say anything and slid inside the car.

“You just earned yourself a concert with me!” I shouted after him.

“Torturing my men once again?” Damiano wrapped his arms around me.

“He’s such a drama queen. My singing is not that bad.” I said with the utmost confidence. I had never seen Damiano try to hold back a laugh as much as he was right now, making me gape at him. “You think my singing voice is bad?”

“You should get going before it gets too late. Stay safe.” He gave me a quick kiss on the lips before walking away.

“That wasn’t an answer!” I called after him.

“I love you, baby. See you later.” Damiano called over his shoulder, and now it was my turn to click my tongue.

“My voice is great.” I grumbled under my breath before getting inside the car.

eighty-six

Althaia

The familiar driveway welcomed us with its smooth asphalt and neatly trimmed hedges. My father’s mansion, a place I hadn't seen in what felt like a lifetime, stood before me, and memories of both of my parents in this house came flooding back.

My heart sank as the weight of having only one parent settled in.

“Hey, you okay?” Luca’s voice brought me out of my thoughts. “You’ve been staring at the house for a good five minutes and haven’t made signs of getting out.”

“Oh, sorry. I didn’t even notice.” I let out an embarrassed chuckle and got out of the car.

“I’m going inside with you.” Giovanni said while he scanned our surroundings.

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