Page 268 of The Devil's Fire

“How much did you drink? Your cheeks are flushed.” He pointed out as his tongue went across his lip.

“Maybe a little more than I should have, but it was surprisingly good!”

“You liked the vanilla Scotch?”

“You can tell what it was?”

“I can still taste it on your lips. It’s also what your father usually drinks.”

“Hopefully it will calm me down when we get on that thing.” I commented, casting a skeptical glance at the aircraft. “Oh, that also reminds me. Can you help me put it on so I don’t lose it again?” I pulled out the necklace from my pocket.

Once clasped around my neck, Damiano touched the small pendant as if examining it.

“My dad kept it safe since I forgot it in the hospital.”

“Did he now?” He raised a brow as he played with the pendant.

“Ellie must have taken it off while she tended to my wounds.” I said, relieved that it was back in my possession.

Instead of responding, Damiano offered a small smile and took my hand.

“Let’s get going.”

We boarded the jet, finding Giovanni and Luca already settled comfortably in the plush leather seats.

“If you need to rest, there’s also a bedroom. It’s going to be a long flight.” Damiano mentioned as he settled across from me, with a small table between us.

“How long does it take to get to Italy?”

“Around twelve hours.”

My eyes widened in shock.

“I have to stay in this metal coffin for twelve hours?!” I shrieked.

“You have been to Italy before, yes?” Damiano looked at me with a touch of amusement.

“When I was younger, but I don’t remember flying for so long.”

“It’s nearly the same duration as flying to Greece.” He pointed out.

“It’s been so long since I last went there, and I take sleeping pills so I won’t think about flying.” I said nervously.

The thought of being stranded thousands of feet above the ground, with no power to prevent a disastrous crash, sending you straight to your death.

The fear was overwhelming, draining the color from my face and causing my heart to race uncontrollably.

“Hey, come here.” Damiano spoke gently, taking my hand and guiding me to sit beside him. “Nothing is going to happen. I promise you it’s safe.” He reassured me, looking concerned when my hands slightly trembled.

“That is not something you can promise…” I mumbled, feeling my anxiety spike. “If something goes wrong, can you at least shoot me so I don’t have to witness crashing to my death?”

Damiano’s expression darkened at my request.

“Don’t be ridiculous, Althaia.”

I turned to look at Luca.

“No.” Luca said before I could even ask him.

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