Page 44 of The Devil's Fire

Raffaele was fun to talk to as he continued to crack jokes. Most of them were inappropriate, but he was funny, and I was enjoying myself.

I looked over his shoulder, seeing Damiano talking to that woman. I wondered what she was to him, a wife or a fiancée. She must be someone important to him since people recognized her with no introduction. Men like him might have several affairs, but he wouldn’t show up at his brother’s party with a side piece. I knew that for a fact.

I glared daggers when she placed a hand on his shoulder, and he was listening to whatever she had to say. I never knew I was the jealous type, never had a reason to be. Until this moment.

Damiano suddenly spun his head and locked eyes with me. A bolt of electricity shot through me, and I quickly glanced away, trying to keep up the conversation with Raffaele with a smile on my face.

“We should find our seats. Dinner is being served.” He held out his arm for me to take, and I wrapped my hand around it as he led the way.

We moved together towards the table where Cara, Lorenzo, Damiano, and that woman were seated. I looked around to find another table as I didn’t want to be near him. But it was too late when Raffaele pulled out a chair for me to sit right next to… her.

Still, I thanked him with a smile as I sat, crossing my legs and leaving my entire bare leg exposed on top of the other. Raffaele was unabashed as he stared at my leg, taking his time and not making any effort to be subtle.

“That is… a very nice dress you’re wearing.” His eyes were still fixated on my leg as he scooted his chair closer to me. I usually tried to be more careful not to show too much, but tonight, I felt like being reckless.

“Thank you, Raffaele.” I gave him a flirtatious smile and placed my hand on his bicep. “Oh wow, impressive.” I complimented him. He flexed and winked at me, making me chuckle.

I glanced over to Cara, who had her eyes darting between me and Raffaele, sending me a silent message that Damiano was here too. I picked up a glass of champagne and smiled behind it before taking a sip.

I can play this game too.

“Woman, you need to eat before you get drunk.” Raffaele chuckled.

“You don’t need to worry about me. I know what I’m doing.” I patted his thigh in reassurance. “Wow! You must really spend a lot of time working out.” I said in awe as I lingered my hand on his leg.

“You bet I do, baby.” He grinned. I giggled and continued to flirt with him as he gave me his undivided attention.

I ate my food while everyone else chatted around the table. I tried to act as though I didn’t care, but I couldn’t ignore the ache in my chest as Damiano and that woman talked. I felt more and more sulky about it.

I leaned back in my seat and glanced over at another table, feeling the weight of someone's eyes on me. Two women were whispering to each other while staring at me.

I flashed them a sweet smile, then dropped my expression as I flipped them off. They rolled their eyes before looking away. Seriously, what the hell was their problem? I was literally minding my own business.

My eyes grew in size when I noticed Lorenzo’s intense gaze on me with a tilt to the side of his head. I slowly lowered my hand when I realized it looked like I was flipping him off, and not them.

That woman beside me erupted in laughter, and I could feel my face growing hot with embarrassment.

“I like her.” She chuckled.

Well, I don’t like you.

“She’s a wild one, Arianna.” Raffaele commented.

“Let’s get another shot.” I said to Raffaele as I stood up. I didn’t want to be near her anymore.

“I don’t think you should drink anymore.” He quickly steadied me with an amused look when I wobbled on my feet.

“It’s a party. I’m having fun!” I replied, then grinned when the music started to play loudly. “Let’s dance!” I grabbed his hand and led him to a cleared area where we could dance.

Raffaele placed his hands on my hips and moved me into his pelvis until I felt the warmth of his body against my back as we danced. He twirled me to face him, and I wrapped my arms around his neck, our bodies intimately pressed against each other. And I hoped the Devil was watching.

Raffaele looked behind me with a sly smirk before grabbing my leg with the high slit up to his hip and dipped me low.

“Oh shit, that got me dizzy.” I laughed when he pulled me up again. I let out a shocked noise when I was suddenly ripped out of Raffaele’s arms.

Damiano grabbed him by the collar and punched him in the face and kept punching until he fell to the ground.

The music stopped, and shocked whispers filled the air.

---