Page 28 of The Devil's Fire

He finally listened and stepped back next to me, wrapping a protective arm around my waist. Damiano's expression hardened as he stared at his arm around me.

Oh, shit.

“Can you give us a minute, please? I’ll be fine.” I said to Michael as I quickly stepped out of his hold. He frowned, but I looked at him with pleading eyes. Michael didn’t look pleased about it at all but stepped back and leaned against the car with his arms crossed, his gaze fixed on us.

I took a few steps to put some distance between us and the rest of the men to have a bit of privacy. I played with my necklace, looking anywhere but at the Devil.

“Are you okay?” Damiano broke the silence first.

I didn’t know if I was okay. I wasn’t really feeling anything, and I felt like my body was still in shock. So, I just shrugged.

“Look at me, Althaia.”

I took in a breath before looking at him. He looked around my face carefully, searching for any signs of injury before his gaze met mine. My breath hitched when it did. How could I still find him hauntingly beautiful?

“I’m okay.” I breathed out. He gave a slow nod before his brows furrowed.

“I told you to look away.”

I blinked.

“I - Well, I’m sorry I couldn’t quite comprehend what you were doing before you… chopped it out.” I swallowed hard, getting nauseous just even thinking about it.

“Don’t think, do as you’re told.” He said sharply, letting me know how unhappy he was with me as his frown deepened.

“Noted…” I mumbled as I twisted my fingers around each other nervously under his intense gaze before finally finding the courage to ask him. “Why did you do it?”

Damiano tilted his head and cocked a brow at me.

“Not, uh, the tongue thing.” I quickly elaborated. That was understandable. “The hotel, I mean. I received a refund.” He looked at me for a while before answering.

“Because I wanted to.”

“Are you keeping an eye on me?” I blurted out. I have been wondering about it ever since I learned he paid for my expenses.

“Yes.” Damiano answered. My eyes widened. That was a response I was not prepared for.

“I already told you I’m not involved.” I exclaimed.

“I know, Althaia.” The way he said my name in his deep voice made my body tingle. So much that I rubbed my arms when goosebumps appeared.

Damiano stepped closer to me as he took off his jacket and wrapped it around my shoulders.

“But why?”

“Because I want to.” His gaze was so intense, and my skin was tingling from our closeness.

“Is that a good thing?” My voice was barely more than a whisper.

“No.”

“Oh…” His jaw slightly tightened at my response. “I would like to pay you back. For the hotel.” I could almost swear he was about to smile.

“Goodnight, Althaia.” Damiano lightly ran a thumb on my jaw before turning around to leave.

“Wait.” I called after him. He slowly turned his head over his shoulder and looked at me. “Please, don’t cut off Michael’s hand. He means well.” I pleaded.

I didn’t get a reply. Instead, he let out a smirk and made his way to his car.

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