Page 12 of The Devil's Fire

I slumped down in the armchair and unstrapped my stilettos, sending them flying in different directions with a kick, then leaned back and closed my eyes. I moaned in relief as I curled my toes, making sure the blood was flowing down to them.

“Wow, that could not sound any more sexual.” Michael said with a smug tone. I opened one eye to catch a glimpse of him smirking as he settled into the couch across from me. In response, I flipped him off, which only made him laugh. “Why do you even wear those? They look so painful.”

“Because they are hot as fuck.” I stated, as if it was the most obvious thing. “Not everyone has been blessed with height like yours. I need the additional height, so I don’t disappear in the crowd of all you tall people.” I explained while struggling to unclasp my necklace.

“There is nothing wrong with your height. It’s cute and suits you. You’re obviously blessed in other areas.” He wiggled his brows and gestured to my breasts. My dress was actually quite revealing at the top, which gave him a great view of my cleavage.

“Creep.”I teased and tried not to blush under his gaze. “Can you help me take off my necklace? I think the lock is stuck or something.” I asked to distract myself from the intensity in his eyes.

“Sure.”

I rose to my feet, and lifted my hair so he could get better access.

“Thank you.” I said once he slid off the necklace and gave it to me.

My brows shot up when Michael trailed his hands down my back and rested them on my hips. I stilled when he pulled me in close until I was against his chest. A small sound came out of him when I felthis lips touch my neck.

My breath caught in my throat, and tingles erupted in my stomach when he wrapped his arms around me with his hands resting on my stomach.

“You look absolutely gorgeous tonight.” He whispered in my ear. I opened my mouth to say something, but nothing came out. “Goodnight, Althaia.” He gave me a small peck on my shoulder and walked out of my hotel room.

I remained right where I was, looking at the door he just walked out in surprise.

Still in a daze, I went to the bathroom. I needed a cold shower to help me figure out if any of it was real, or if it was my imagination playing with me.

I turned on the cold shower for just five seconds before switching to the soothing warmth. A sigh of relief escaped me, and my tense muscles finally relaxed. Though, I couldn't fully let go of my racing thoughts, especially those about Michael and the way his hands had sensually traced down my body.

Just thinking about it made me blush.

I had a major thing for him when we were kids, and maybe he felt the same way about me? I let out a frustrated groan as these thoughts overwhelmed me. I was a total mess after meeting the Devil, and now Michael just had to add to that pile of confusion.

To get my mind off things, I gave a full-blown concert performance in the shower, using the shampoo bottle as my microphone as I sang ‘Butter’ by BTS at the top of my lungs.

My singing came to a stop when I heard the hotel door open and close. Room service must have arrived, and I hurried to dry myself off.

I threw on the big, fluffy bathrobe and slippers, then headed out to the lounge area to devour the delicious food I knew was waiting for me.

I was so ready to stuff my face.

My heart stopped beating, and I froze when I spotted someone on the couch. A hand extended towards the lamp resting on the end table beside the couch and switched it on.

It was the Devil himself.

Damiano.

“Good evening, Althaia.”

six

Damiano

I entered the lobby of one of the fanciest hotels in Los Angeles and went straight to the reception desk.

“Mr. Bellavia, so great to see you again! Are you here for a meeting?” The receptionist greeted me with a wide smile and quickly checked her computer.

“No, I’m here for pleasure.” I told her.

“Oh, excellent! But I’m afraid all our master suites have been booked. If you would give me a minute, I will have something figured out for you right away.”

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