Page 278 of The Devil's Fire

“That’s why I brought her here, to keep her safe for a little while. I almost lost her, madre.” I shook my head and ran a hand through my hair. “I can’t go through that again. Not with Althaia.”

“Listen to me.” My mother placed her hands on either side of my face to make me look at her firm expression. “You won’t lose her. I know you’ll do everything in your power to keep her safe. Sienna’s situation was different, and you’ve changed since then. You’ve grown and become wiser. You are Damiano Bellavia, my son. Don’t forget that.” She finished with her usual warm smile and a soft look in her eyes.

Her words brought a small smile to my face.

“Grazie, madre.” I embraced her, placing a kiss on top of her head.

The sound of a balcony door opening drew my gaze to Althaia’s room. She was nowhere to be seen in the darkness, but the door was ajar. I took that as my cue.

“Are you going to climb up to her?” My mother chuckled, and I smirked.

“I am. If you don’t mind, I would like to go to my woman now.”

“She’s all yours. I will make sure your Nonna doesn’t know, but you better be out before she wakes up.” She sang out as she made her way back inside.

I waited, smoking another cigarette and scanning my surroundings. I scoffed and shook my head in amusement that my Nonna was making me behave like a fucking hormonal teenager.

I walked to the wall I needed to climb to reach her balcony as I did one last scan. I had done this many times as a young boy when I wanted to go out unnoticed. Back then, it was a workout, but now, it was a piece of cake.

I jumped to get a grip on a windowsill. Hanging from it, I swung my body to the right to secure a hold on the edge of the balcony. With a smooth pull, I hoisted myself up and climbed over the railing.

The curtains gently swayed with the cool night breeze, and I moved them aside as I entered the dimly lit room.

Only for something to hit my face.

I directed my gaze downward to see a pillow. Looking back up, I saw Althaia sporting an innocent grin.

Did she just hit me with a fucking pillow?

“I’m sorry. I definitely thought you were a kidnapper.” She said, biting her lip to stifle a laugh at her own joke.

“Did you, now?” I moved closer, aware that she had another pillow hidden behind her back.

“Yes, but I can see how it’s not a kidnapper but rather the Devil paying me a visit.” She swung the pillow at me again, aiming for my head. I blocked it with my arm, snatched it from her grip, and tossed it aside.

“The Devil, you say?” I flashed her a devilish smirk as I approached, noticing the amusement in her eyes. Coming to a halt in front of her, I pulled her into me.

“A beautiful one, if I should say so myself.” Althaia spoke softly, placing her hands on my chest. “Took you long enough.” She whispered before pressing her soft lips to mine.

I kissed her slowly, savoring the taste of her lips and tongue, as if there was no place I would rather be.

Althaia wrapped her arms around my neck as my hands slid down to her ass, lifting her as she wrapped her legs around me. I fucking loved it when she did that.

“I don’t know if that’s a good idea.” She leaned away, breaking the kiss when I walked us to the bed. “I, uh…happen to be kind of…loud.” Althaia’s cheeks flushed.

“You are loud.” I agreed, and I watched with a smile how she looked shy about it. “Nothing to be shy about, baby. You know how I love hearing you.” I chuckled when she hid her face in the crook of my neck.

I laid her on the bed and hovered over her.

“I have something in mind.” My hands trailed up her thigh, to her underwear, before sliding them down her legs. “Open up.” Her brows raised, but she still opened her mouth, and I stuffed her panties into her mouth. It was enough to make sure no one would hear her.

I grabbed the hem of her nightgown, pulling it over her head but stopping right at her wrists and tying them together.

“Now, be a good girl and try not to make a sound.” I whispered to her.

Althaia’s chest rose and fell faster as my gaze traced over every inch of her exposed skin. I savored the sight of her full, round breasts, the gentle curve of her waist, and the enticing shape of her full hips before finally meeting her gaze again.

And those eyes were my favorite.

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