Page 317 of The Devil's Fire

“What do you mean you’re not in the states?”

“I’m in Italy.” I said and took a seat on the bed.

“Why? With who…” His voice faded as he realized with whom.

“I’m visiting his family.” I revealed.

Michael went quiet, and for some reason, I was nervous about his reaction.

“…Did he propose to you?” His question was barely audible.

I bit down on my lip, wondering if I should tell him the truth.

“Yes. We’re engaged.” I closed my eyes when I heard him let out a shaky breath. I couldn’t help it, but my heart ached for him.

“Congratulations…” Michael mumbled, but I could still hear the hurt in his voice.

“Thank you, Michael.” I rose from the bed and noticed Damiano standing by the doorway, his face void of emotion as he looked at me. “Listen, I have to go, but I will talk to you when I can.” I said to Michael and hung up before he could reply.

“How long have you been standing there?” I asked Damiano.

“Long enough.” Damiano simply replied.

“Eavesdropping, are we now?”

“No, I came to give you this but didn’t want to interrupt your phone call.” He handed me the jewelry box I had bought with his mother.

“Oh, thanks. Well, now that you’re here, can you help me with my dress? I need you to zip it up.”

“What did he want?” Damiano asked while he zipped me up. I shrugged.

“I don’t know. He asked if we could meet up, but I said I couldn’t.” I said as I put on my matching gloves. “Is there something wrong?” I asked him. He was unusually quiet when it came to Michael.

“No.” Damiano smiled softly and wrapped his arms around me. “You look beautiful as always, Mrs. Bellavia.” He whispered, leaning down to capture my lips with his.

“I have one more thing for you.” Damiano pulled out a blue garter band. Before I could tease him about it, he pulled something else out, having me look at him in surprise.

“It’s an OTF knife. Keep it on you at all times when you’re there.” He kneeled and slid the garter band on me and placed the knife securely in the band. “It eases my mind if you have something to defend yourself with. And no, you’re not getting a gun. You handle the knife better.” He immediately said when I was about to ask him. But he was right. I was better with a knife than a gun at the moment.

“It’s making me feel badass.” I grinned.

“Only for emergencies. I don’t want you to play with it and hurt yourself.” Damiano stated firmly once again.

“If you’re that worried, just give me a fork.”

“I might.”

“No, too late. You already gave me the knife.” I snickered and made a small run for the door.

“Aren’t you coming as well?” I asked when we got outside to the driveway.

“No, it’s ladies’ night.” Damiano stuffed his hands into his pockets. “I might get a tattoo while you’re out.” He smirked and glanced out of the corner of his eye when Nonna and his mother made an appearance.

“You will do no such thing!” Nonna erupted and smacked Damiano’s head with her clutch.

I put my hands up to my mouth to not burst out in laughter at the amusing sight. Damiano gave her a blank look and slowly rubbed the back of his head.

“It’s the work of the Devil!” She continued to scold him, making a chuckle escape my lips. He took a quick glance at me before his smirk returned.

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