Page 298 of The Devil's Fire

Damiano

“How come you want to train me all of a sudden? You didn’t seem too happy when Arianna wanted to train me.” Althaia asked as we drove.

“I know. Arianna suggested training you after the night of the auction, but I was stubborn, thinking I could always protect you. I had to face the reality that I can’t control everything. Training you will make me feel at ease that you know how to defend yourself and stand a chance.”

That night in the woods haunted me for weeks. The sight of her lifeless body against mine, the flow of blood between her legs — it all felt too familiar and paralyzed me on the spot.

I feared she wouldn’t wake up and die in my arms, just like Sienna did. Clinging tightly to her, I resisted letting go or allowing anyone else near as I shook her awake, but her eyes remained closed. The only thing that kept me somewhat sane was when I felt her pulse.

Althaia’s touch on my hand brought me back to reality, making me release my tight grip on the steering wheel. She gave me a warm smile as she pulled my hand to her, caressing it in her lap. It made me feel immediately relaxed.

"Thank you." She whispered gratefully.

“However, it doesn’t mean you can do stupid shit just because I’ve decided to train you.” I reminded her.

“How else would I show off my new skills, then?” She grinned.

“Althaia.” I warned.

“I’m just kidding.” She laughed. “For now.”

I glanced at her, seeing her snicker to herself. I let out a sigh and shook my head at her in amusement. She was going to be the death of me.

We drove for a while as I had another surprise for her, and Althaia was already curiously looking out of the window as soon as we drove onto a dirt path.

“Is this your vineyard?” She gasped when she saw the rows of grapevines.

“It is.” I said, smiling at her excitement.

The vineyard grounds were a village of its own, boasting a beautiful landscape of nature wherever you looked. Those who lived here were the same people who worked tirelessly to craft the wine into its current exceptional quality, positioning it as one of the most expensive wines on the market.

“This is so beautiful!” Althaia beamed as I parked the car in front of a familiar house.

“Come, I will show you around.” I went around and opened the car door for her. At the same time, a short, older woman came out of the house.

“Oh, my heart, I knew it was you!” She gasped when she saw me. “Vico! Vico! Come quick!” She shouted over her shoulder, walking as fast as she could towards me before embracing me in her arms.

“Ciao, Chiarina.” I chuckled when she tried to squeeze me harder with her short frame.

“Ay, Chiarina, what are you shouting for?” Vico came out of the house with his eyes narrowed before they went wide when he spotted me. “Dio mio, Damiano!”

“Ciao, Vico. How have you been?” I chuckled when he slapped my back during our embrace.

“Oh no, we haven’t seen you in months. We’re curious about how you’ve been.” Chiarina half-scolded, placing her hands on her hips.

“My apologies. It wasn’t my intention. I’ve been good. Great, actually.” I turned around and noticed Althaia with a smile on her face as she observed everything.

“Who’s the young lady?” Vico asked. I extended my hand to Althaia, and she placed hers in mine, coming to stand next to me.

“Vico, Chiarina, this is Althaia, my love. Althaia, meet Vico and Chiarina Mancini.”

“Buonasera, Mr. and Mrs. Mancini.” Althaia greeted. Both Vico and Chiarina were momentarily baffled, staring at Althaia as if she were not real.

“Finally!” They both exclaimed simultaneously and pushed me aside to welcome her.

I shook my head with a bemused smile as they gathered around her, holding her hands and showering her with endless compliments. Althaia smiled shyly at them, and a blush crept onto her face.

“Can I get my woman back, please?” I stepped in to rescue her from being overwhelmed. Vico and Chiarina might be older, but their energy rivaled that of kids on a sugar high.

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