Page 267 of The Devil's Fire

“Ah, yes, the necklace.” He retrieved it from the pocket of his suit. “You forgot it in the hospital, and I didn’t have a chance to give it to you.”

“That’s a relief. I thought I had lost it when… well, I’m just happy to see it again.” I said as he handed it to me. I almost dropped it when I jumped in my seat as someone barged in.

“Damiano! Good to see you again.” My father rose to his feet, unbothered that he barged in. Damiano gave a nod to my father as they shook hands. “I’m assuming you’re here to get my dear figlia.”

“I am.” Damiano looked at me and then looked at the coffee table, frowning at the empty glasses, before looking at me again. “Let’s go.”

“It was nice to see you again. Take care, papá.” I hugged him and placed a small kiss on his cheek.

“You too, figlia.” He smiled. Damiano barely glanced at my father when he bid us goodbye and placed an arm around my waist.

I couldn’t tell if something happened that got him in a mood, or if it was just me who was used to him being different when we were alone.

As we descended the stairs to the driveway, Michael was on his way up. He stopped, as if he wanted to say something to me, but refrained when Damiano pulled me tighter into his body as we passed him.

I never thought my friendship with Michael would turn into this, but he punched me with his words when I was already at my lowest. For that, I couldn’t even bring myself to look at him.

Damiano opened the car door for me, and just before I could step in, he gently cupped my chin and pressed his lips to mine. The kiss was soft, yet dominating, stealing all the air from my lungs. He leaned back with a smirk on his lips.

“Tastes even better when I know you’re mine.”

Blushing, I slid into the car, now eager to get away from Michael’s eyes on us.

eighty-seven

Althaia

“Where are we going?” I asked when I realized we weren’t heading in the direction of the manor.

“It’s a surprise.” Damiano gave a teasing smile.

“I don’t like it when people say that.”

“I know.” He winked, making me groan.

We made it to an airport, and he stopped right in front of a private jet. My head snapped so fast towards him.

“You said you wouldn’t send me away!”

“I’m not sending your ass away. Who else would suck the life out of me if I did?” He retorted with a smug grin.

“You’re such a dick.” I scoffed. Damiano chuckled and kissed the back of my hand.

“We’re going to Italy, my love.”

A smile spread on my lips.

“Are you serious?”

“No, I took you to the airport for the fun of it.” I gave him a blank look, and he obviously found his reply funny as he chuckled. “I told you I would take you to Italy to meet the rest of my family. Now is a good time before the wedding.”

"Well, now I feel a little nervous." I admitted, feeling a knot tighten in my stomach.

“Don’t worry, I know they will love you.” Damiano reassured me.

“I’m talking about flying.” I said, looking at the jet.

“Nothing to be worried about, my love.” Damiano lightly caressed my cheek with his thumb before leaning in to softly kiss my lips. My stomach erupted with a fluttery feeling, making me smile against his lips.

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