Page 299 of The Devil's Fire

“Well done, son!” Vico slapped my back again, his grin widening.

“Beautiful, dear!” Chiarina pinched Althaia’s cheeks.

“I know.” I smiled. I gently took her by the waist, coming to her rescue. Otherwise, they wouldn’t let her go.

“Come inside! Let me cook you dinner. Look how skinny you are! Ay, Damiano.” Chiarina’s forehead creased as she gave me a disapproving look. I couldn’t help but laugh at being called skinny.

“Another time, Chiarina. I just wanted to check up on you and show Althaia around for a bit.”

“Don’t make us wait for months to see you again, understood?!” Vico added.

“I promise.”

They nodded approvingly before bidding us farewell. I led Althaia in the direction of the grapevines to give her a tour.

“They seem like lovely people.” She chuckled.

“They are. I’ve known them since I was a kid. They’ve been working for the family for over thirty years and practically helped raise us.” I explained.

Vico and Chiarina had always been in the picture for as long as I could remember. They were loyal and pure-hearted people, essentially part of the family. When I took over, I made sure to check in on them regularly. It was the least I could do for their hard work and loyalty.

“The way their faces lit up when they saw you, it’s clear they love you.” Althaia looked touched. “So typical of grandparents to scold you for not eating enough.” Althaia laughed.

“I apparently need to spend more time in the gym.”

“Are you insane? Are those muscles not enough for you? You already have an impressive body!” She exclaimed, her eyes tracing down my physique.

“She called me skinny. In other words, she called me small.” I pointed out, making her scoff.

“Please, there is nothing small about you - oh, zip it.” She said when I smirked.

We ascended a small hill, coming to a stop at the top to give her the best view of the vineyard landscape.

“This is amazing. It looks like something straight out of a painting.” Althaia’s eyes sparkled with admiration, and I found myself captivated as she beheld the landscape in awe.

The setting sun painted her face with a soft, golden hue, and in that moment, her eyes shimmered with a radiant light. Her gaze wandered over the endless rows of grapes, reaching as far as the eye could see, with charming houses scattered across the land. In that tranquil scene, she was the one who stole my breath.

“Among all my achievements, this is the one that fills me with the greatest sense of pride, and it wouldn’t have happened without the hard work of Vico and Chiarina. Their dedication makes sure that everything is meticulously crafted to perfection.” I shared and told her more about the process of winemaking, watching her absorb every piece of information.

“Italy was among the countries that were hit the hardest by the economic crisis, resulting in a significant rise in unemployment. You were right about vineyards favoring technology over manpower. I wanted to change that; to help improve the economy by creating jobs for the community. Before I knew it, we had to expand. Do you see all these houses present? People loved the job, the bond, and the community so much that we had to build houses for them to stay close to what they love doing.”

“I can hear the pride in your voice.” Althaia said, her mouth curving into a smile as she wrapped her arms around my waist.

“I’m proud to be able to give something back to my people.” I replied, caressing her hair as she looked at me with her beautiful green eyes.

“You’re a good man for caring about your people. Many who possess power like you wouldn’t even have cared.”

“I’m far from a good man.” I admitted quietly. I have done unimaginable things to people. I still do.

“I strongly disagree. Look what you have created!” She gestured to the vineyards. “This wouldn’t have happened without you. You have built an entire village for people who love working for you. You are a good man with a good heart, and I love you for it.” She smiled, stepped on her toes, and kissed me with her soft lips.

“And I love you.” I whispered against her lips.

“We’re spending the night here. Just the two of us.” I said as I parked in front of a mansion.

“Is this your way of rebelling against Nonna?” She teased with a chuckle.

“I won’t spend one more night without you in my arms. If I can’t do that under her roof, then I’ll just find another roof.” I replied as I led her inside and upstairs to the master bedroom. “Everything you need is here. Also, I’ve got the hot tub ready for you to ease your soreness after today’s training.”

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