Page 283 of The Devil's Fire

We stepped outside where a table was already set up with food. I took a quick glance around, noticing two unfamiliar men standing close by, presumably working for him.

“Have a seat.” He gestured to the chair in front of him.

“Thank you.” I sat down and looked around once again, but there was no sign of Damiano or anyone I knew, for that matter.

“Damiano is not here, but I’m sure he’ll be here shortly.” Riccardo looked at someone behind me, making me turn and see Luca present. He was on the phone, likely speaking with Damiano, and ended the call after seeing Riccardo.

“Tell me why your death had to be faked.” Riccardo wasted no time and cut right to the chase.

“That was my father trying to protect his daughter. I’m sure you can understand that.” I retorted, attempting to relax as much as possible. I had a feeling this was going to be an interrogation rather than a conversation. Any trace of hunger I had felt before disappeared with his intense gaze on me.

“What an odd way to do so, wouldn’t you say?” He questioned while pouring a cup of coffee.

“I agree. However, I do believe my father did whatever he thought would be best for me at the time.” I said truthfully.

“If you say so.” He took a sip of his coffee as I eyed him. “I hear your mother is Greek.”

“Yes.”

“That’s going to be a problem for me.” Riccardo said in all seriousness.

This man didn’t beat around the bush at all.

“And how is that a problem?” I responded defensively and frowned at him. I glanced to the side, seeing Luca standing closer now, able to hear our conversation.

“You surely can understand that I would prefer my son to be with a full-blood Italian and from a family that would be beneficial to him.”

“That’s your preference, Mr. Bellavia. If Damiano wanted that, he would have done so.” I offered a sweet smile, causing him to slightly squint his eyes.

“Damiano doesn’t know what he wants.” He stated firmly.

“I respectfully disagree. We both know Damiano is a man who goes for what he wants. And I am the one he wants.” I could tell my words had an impact when he furrowed his brows. If this was how he wanted to play, then so be it.

“You seem quite confident about it.”

“Why shouldn’t I be? Damiano hasn’t given me one single reason why I shouldn’t be secure in our relationship.” I replied.

Riccardo suddenly burst into laughter and leaned back in his seat.

“Let’s just get to the point. How much do you want?” He asked, amused.

“Excuse me?”

“How much money will make you leave? Name your price.”

I looked at him, completely taken aback, and he just smirked and sipped his coffee.

“With all due respect, Mr. Bellavia, but this ‘chat’ of ours has turned rather ridiculous.” I remarked, giving him a blank look. I didn’t want to give him the pleasure of getting a reaction out of me, even though I was pissed.

“I’m merely expressing what I believe would be best for this family. It isn’t you.” He gave me a smug grin. “I’ve already found a woman from a powerful family for him that would be far more suitable and beneficial.” He continued.

I scoffed. As if I would ever let Damiano be with someone else.

Over my fucking dead body.

“Is that all you care about? Power? What about his happiness?” I tilted my head, my brows furrowing in distaste.

“He will learn to live with it, just like everything else in life.” Riccardo signaled to one of his men to approach him and handed him a checkbook. “This should be enough for you to leave my son and never show your face again, yes?” He said, scribbling down an amount before sliding the check across the table to me.

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