Page 210 of The Devil's Fire

I never went far from the house, always staying close in case something were to happen. The chances were slim, as I was pretty sure some of his men lurked somewhere, out of my view, but constantly watching me. He wouldn’t have allowed me to stay here if he didn’t have someone to report back to him that I was safe.

Now, with Kiara in my care, I needed to explore the town to gather all the necessities for her. It was a small and quiet town, not much happening, but I liked it; it seemed everyone knew each other in one way or another.

I still hadn’t retrieved my credit card and was left with Damiano’s, but I wasn’t comfortable using it. Luckily, I found some cash in one of the drawers. Some was an understatement.

The entire drawer was stacked with hundred-dollar bills, and I supposed it couldn’t be called a safe house without emergency stacks of cash. Since I hadn’t sorted out my own card yet, I thought I could borrow some until then.

“Kiara!” I called after her once again, but she ignored me and sneaked inside the neighbor’s back door that was slightly ajar.

I sighed, walked up to the back porch, and lightly knocked on the glass door. This wasn’t the first time she had done this; for some reason, she loved visiting the neighbors whenever we were out for our daily walk.

“I’m so sorry! I don’t know why she keeps sneaking into your house.” I gave Samantha an apologetic smile when she opened the door with Kiara in her arms.

“Don’t be! It’s a pleasant surprise, and she is so cute!” Samantha chuckled and rubbed Kiara’s head as she kept purring.

Since Kiara kept going into the neighbor’s house, I was introduced to Samantha, who lived here with her roommate, Ava. They were extremely nice and would always greet me whenever we crossed paths during my beach walks.

“She really is.” I agreed with a smile, shaking my head as I looked at Kiara, who was thoroughly enjoying being in her arms.

“Would you like to come in? I’ve just baked some chocolate chip cookies.”

“You know I can’t say no to that. It smells amazing!” My mouth watered a little at the delicious aroma of freshly baked cookies.

Samantha was very much into baking and constantly tried out new recipes. I had now become her designated taste-tester since Ava had grown tired of it. I had the biggest sweet-tooth, so of course I couldn’t pass up the opportunity.

“Make yourself comfortable.” Samantha gestured to the couch as she continued her way to the kitchen. “Would you like a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon? It goes well with chocolate chip cookies.”

“Sure.” I smiled and got comfortable on the couch with Kiara on my lap, playing with her until Samantha returned.

“Is she making you taste-test her baking again?” Ava asked and took a seat on the couch.

“I don’t mind. It’s not like I have any self-control either.” I chuckled, and Ava shook her head just as Samantha walked in with a plate full of cookies and wine.

“Well, I need someone to tell me if it’s good or if it’s crap.” Samantha said in her defense.

“Shut up. You know you’re a good baker. Also, I think Althaia is scared to give you an honest opinion and just says it’s good to be polite.” Ava raised a brow at me and sipped her wine.

“That’s not true! I didn’t like that lemon cake.” I pointed out.

“Only because we found out you don’t like anything with a citrusy taste, and yet, you said it was good.” She gave a small smirk, attempting to prove her point.

“It was still good despite that.” I shrugged, making her shake her head in amusement.

“If you have nothing useful to say, don’t say it at all.” Samantha scolded her and handed me a plate with a big cookie, which I happily took.

It was still slightly warm, and I didn’t waste any time taking a big bite, almost closing my eyes in happiness.

“This is probably the best cookie I’ve had in my life.” I praised, taking another bite. It was soft yet had a crunch on the outside, and the big chunks of chocolate melted right on my tongue.

“Eat as many as you want.” She said with a pleased smile, enjoying one herself. Samantha was only a couple of years older than me, but she had a motherly demeanor, while Ava was like a wild teenager.

“I’ve been meaning to ask; do you live alone in that big house?” Ava asked, and I grabbed my glass of wine, hesitating with my answer.

“I’m just here on a little getaway.” I replied, which wasn’t entirely a lie.

“Got a boyfriend?” Ava gave a playful wink.

“Ava, don’t pry into her life. It’s rude.” Samantha frowned.

---