Page 270 of The Devil's Fire

“Of course, my love.” Damiano’s strong arms pulled me closer, his lips gently brushing against the top of my head.

The hours flew by, and with each passing minute, my anxiety about flying vanished. I even moved to sit across from Damiano so that I could gaze out at the breathtaking sunset. Looking down from above, the scenery stretched out in all its magnificent glory.

Damiano still had work to do, so I busied myself with my sketchbook, which he luckily had packed. Taking a small break from drawing, I grabbed the small bag of chips and munched on them. Luca had fallen asleep in his seat, but Giovanni was awake and still on his phone.

His eyes were always glued to the screen of his phone these days. He didn’t notice I was staring at him, but then my eyes widened when I saw a small smile on his lips. I gaped in shock as he texted back to whoever had him smiling like that.

I took my phone out and quickly sent a text to Damiano.

Althaia: Does Gio have a girlfriend?

Damiano looked at me with a brow raised, wondering why I was texting him, but I signaled for him to text me back.

Damiano: Why the sudden interest?

I rolled my eyes at his jealous ass.

Althaia: He has been on his phone

non-stop, AND he is smiling. Look!

Damiano discreetly glanced at Giovanni, observing the faint smile still lingering on his face.

Damiano: Not that I know of.

Althaia: Sounds like a job for me.

I’m going to find out!

I grinned at Damiano, and he responded by shaking his head at me before returning to his paperwork.

I sat comfortably, swinging my legs over the armrest, pretending to sketch while waiting for Giovanni to return to his phone.

“I need to pee.” I announced to no one when Giovanni went back on his phone.

I walked past him, taking a few steps, only to sneak back to right behind his seat, and looked over his shoulder.

I held my breath, trying to be silent as I strained to catch a glimpse of the person who had managed to put a smile on his grumpy face.

“Oh my God!” I gasped loudly, making him jump in his seat.

“What the fuck?!” Giovanni gave me a disapproving look, but I just stared at him in shock.

“When did that happen?” I pointed to his phone.

“You were reading my texts?”

“Uh, yeah?” I said, as if it was no big deal. “When did that happen?” I asked again.

“I don’t need to tell you anything.” He scoffed and hid his phone.

“Scoot over.” I pushed him to make room for me in his seat.

“There’s no room for your fat-ass here.” He groaned as I wiggled to get comfortable.

“Aw, you think my ass is fat? I have been doing some squats lately. Does it show?” I stood up, and his eyes widened as a faint blush tinted his ears.

“Why are you trying to get me killed today?” Giovanni looked at the ceiling, avoiding looking at me.

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