Page 264 of The Devil's Fire

“No need for that. I’m pretty sure I’m safe in there.” I assured him. He suddenly frowned, and I followed his gaze. It was Carlos, his jaw clenched as he returned the glare before entering the mansion.

“Isn’t that the cunt who gave you a cut on your face?”

“How do you know about that?”

“Damiano made sure he got the same treatment. With a lil’ extra surprise.” Luca smirked.

“He did?” I asked, suddenly remembering that he said he should have put a bullet in him instead.

“We normally never question Damiano’s actions, but we found it strange that he randomly went up to him and fucked up his face.” Luca laughed.

“If Damiano got to him, then I’m sure he won’t try to do anything to me again.” I said. I still didn’t know why Carlos hated me so much. All I did was show up. Was it maybe sibling jealousy?

“Damiano will have our fucking heads if you return with even a scratch on you. Can you please, for once in your life, try not to do anything stupid? I happen to like my life and would like to live another day.” Giovanni crossed his arms as he practically lectured me.

“Why are you all acting like I do something stupid all the time?” I said defensively. They all shot me a blank stare as if saying, ‘really?’ Even the extra men Damiano sent with us. “I don’t!”

“But you do.” Luca retorted.

“Name me one stupid thing I have done.” I challenged.

“The LuxePalace.” They said immediately at the same time.

“Anything other than that.” I rolled my eyes at them.

“You drugged my girlfriend.”

“You went back to your house unprotected.”

“You met up with the Russian Mob Boss with a gun.”

“You tried to save that girl on your own and almost got yourself killed in the process.”

“You never listen.”

“You -”

“Okay, I got it!” I almost shouted when they kept going. “I said one thing, not a whole damn list.”

“It just proves how stupid you are.” Giovanni shrugged and leaned against the car.

“You’re stupid…” I muttered under my breath and made my way inside the mansion.

Okay, so I had done my fair share of stupid things, but one thing I sure as hell would never regret was helping Laila get away from that scumbag. I hoped the piece of shit was having a fun time, rotting in hell.

“Althaia, darling!”

Oh, fuck me already.

“Hi, Morella.” I gave a tight smile. I have not missed her high-pitched voice, or her constant ‘darling’ calling.

She grabbed me by the shoulders and gave each of my cheeks a kiss.

“Darling, how are you? I heard what happened, and I am so sorry, darling. Are you feeling better?” Morella asked.

“I’m doing better, thank you.” I tried my best to keep a smile on my face and not cringe at her high-pitched voice.

“Oh, darling, I know how hard it all can be. I went through something similar as well.”

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