Page 82 of The Devil's Fire

The water had turned cold, the bubbles vanished, and my fingers were shriveled when I opened my eyes. I had dozed off, managing to get only a brief hour of sleep.

I stepped out and wrapped myself in the incredibly soft bathrobe and exited the bathroom.

Damiano said he had to take care of something and took off after ordering room service for me. Normally, I would ask him where he was going, but I was too tired to interrogate him. Not that he would tell me, even if I asked.

“Oh shit, you scared me!” I put a hand up to my chest and let out a breath when I saw Luca on the couch. He was half asleep before I yelped and woke him up.

“Sorry, the couch sucked me in.” He said as he sat up, running a hand through his jet-black hair. I had seen Luca around a few times before but never really talked to him. I liked that he was dressed casually in a white t-shirt and jeans. It made him seem normal.

“Yeah, it’s really comfy.” I chuckled a bit and went to the service cart. I grabbed the cup of coffee that was now cold, but took a sip anyway. I immediately grimaced and snatched a bottle of water instead.

“Where’s Damiano?” I asked Luca and took a seat in the armchair.

“I don’t know.” He looked at me with his hazel eyes as he leaned back on the couch.

“Really?” I raised a brow, obviously not believing him.

“Yeah.” He gave a half smirk, and I rolled my eyes. He wasn’t going to tell me either.

“If you would like some really good coffee, there’s a café just around the corner.” I said with a hint of a smile.

“No.” Luca immediately said, barely letting me finish my sentence.

“Why not?”

“Boss’s orders. You’re not leaving the room.” He shrugged.

“You would be with me? And that’s me assuming why you’re here; to keep an eye on me.” I pointed out.

“Ah, you see, they told me to be careful with you.” He crossed his arms with a teasing look.

“With me? I haven’t done anything.” I said, a bit offended.

“Dario and Antonio said you have a way to get what you want.”

“Ah…” I trailed off with a chuckle. He wasn’t totally wrong. “It’s literally around the corner. We’ll be back right away.” I promised.

“Nope.” Luca shook his head.

“You look like you could use some coffee, too. They have great croissant sandwiches as well.” I tried to lure him.

“Sorry, can’t do.”

“Fine, I’ll just tell Damiano that you’re letting me starve.” It was a cheap shot, but I really wanted that coffee.

“You have food.” He gestured to the service cart.

“It’s cold.”

“Good thing you have room service, then.” He gave a half smug smile.

“Come on! It’ll take the same time if we just went down to the café and get what we want. Thirty minutes tops!”

“No.”

“I haven’t slept all night. It’ll be your hell.” I challenged him.

“Good. It’ll give me something to do.” Luca grinned, and I gave up. I can see why Damiano left him to keep an eye on me. He wouldn’t budge at all.

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