Page 286 of The Devil's Fire

“Well, since we have established that, you should -”

“No. I’m not letting you win. I don’t care that much about you to purposely lose the bet. My pride won’t allow it.” Luca gave me a smug smile.

“But I don’t have that kind of money!” I protested. That was a lie. I had that kind of money from working my ass off in the boutique, and I definitely had a lot more now since Damiano had fixed the insurance. But Luca didn’t need to know that.

“Not my problem.” He shrugged, ignoring the glare I was giving him.

“What a bitch.” I muttered under my breath as I left the table to return to my room.

“Heard that!” He called after me.

“Good.” I replied, frowning as I tried to think of how not to lose fifty thousand dollars.

I found a pair of leggings and a shirt to get dressed in. Just as I pulled the t-shirt over my head, a knock sounded on the door before it quickly opened.

“Hi.” I smiled as I saw Damiano, my heart skipping a beat at the sight of him. He looked as handsome as ever in a fitted t-shirt that showcased his incredible physique.

“Ciao, amore mio.” He gave me one of his beautiful smiles as he approached me. Placing a kiss on my forehead, he made my body flutter at his actions.

“How did you sleep?” He asked.

“I slept well, and you?”

“Could have been better.”

“Is that why you were up early?” I chuckled.

“Part of it. I had to take care of something. Also, this is for you.” Damiano handed me a beautiful bouquet of pink lilies.

“They’re beautiful. Thank you, my love.” I stepped on the tips of my toes and placed a small kiss on his lips.

“You’re welcome.” He smiled at my words, looking at me with his softened eyes. “Are you ready? I’ll have someone put them in water for you.”

“I just need a different pair of shoes.” I put the flowers on top of a dresser. “So, where are we going?” I asked as I put on my sneakers.

“It’s a surprise.” Damiano teased with a playful smile as I shot him a displeased look. “It has also come to my attention that you wanted to stab my father with a fork.”

I stopped in my tracks and stilled. I met his gaze to find him looking at me with an amused expression.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I said, searching for a hair tie and avoiding eye contact.

“Really?” Judging by his still amused tone, I knew he didn’t buy it.

“Mhmm.” I replied as I turned my back to him.

His arms enveloped me from behind, drawing me close. His lips traced a path along the side of my neck, reaching my ear. The rhythmic beat of my heart quickened in response, and I closed my eyes as he playfully nibbled on my earlobe.

“Have you forgotten that you’re a lousy liar?” He whispered, his breath sending shivers down my spine.

“Yes.” I breathed out before quickly snapping my eyes open. “Uh, I mean, no.” My response sounded more like a question than a confident statement.

Damiano chuckled, his amusement clear as I turned around to face him.

“Fine, maybe I did want to stab him with a fork, but he kept talking about finding a more suitable woman for you. If I had a gun, I would have shot him and that woman he was talking about. But I didn’t, so I contemplated the fork. You’re mine. No one can have you but me. You hear me!” I jabbed my finger into his chest as I looked at him with a frown.

Damiano’s smirk widened as he grabbed my chin, drawing me in until our lips were close.

“Crystal clear, my possessive Althaia.” He whispered, brushing his lips against mine. “No woman has my heart, but you.”

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