Page 83 of The Devil's Fire

“So, we’re just stuck here for how long?” I got comfortable and sat cross-legged in my seat.

“They should be back before we leave for the auction.” Luca said. I looked at the time and saw that it was only ten a.m. There was still a long time since we had to leave around seven p.m.

I let out a small sigh as we fell in a comfortable silence while I zoned out, lost in my own thoughts.

“Are you okay?” Luca asked, and I looked at him. “About last night.” He elaborated.

“I’m fine… Just shocked, I guess.” The thought of being snatched if I was alone had my stomach churn with fear. “How did you guys just pop out?” I decided to ask, distracting myself from unpleasant thoughts.

“We’re always around. We kept in the background to give you privacy.”

“Oh.” It was a bit creepy, but still impressive because not once did I suspect they were with us.

I took a long look at Luca and wondered how he ended up in this life. He looked too young, even with all the tattoos on his arms and neck.

“Can I ask how old you are?”

“I’m twenty-seven.” He smiled. My eyes widened a bit.

“I’m curious how you ended up in this life at such a young age, but I guess that’s not really any of my business.” I said, and Luca gave me a look that said he agreed. “Are you in a relationship, then?” I asked. Maybe I could get to know him a bit better, since we were stuck for now.

“Sure am. We have been together for three years now.” His expression softened at the mention of his partner. I couldn’t help but smile at how happy he looked talking about it. And I also appreciated how he didn't seem bothered by my random questions.

“Does your partner know what you do?” That was something I was curious about. Were they allowed to know, or was it to be kept a secret?

“I expect her to know since she’s related to Damiano.” Luca laughed.

“She’s Damiano’s cousin? I did not see that coming.” I lightly chuckled.

“He gave me hell for it when I made a comment about her in his presence. She’s the most beautiful woman I’ve seen, and I blurted it out before I could stop myself. I didn’t know they were cousins, and he was about to have my head.” Luca’s eyes sparked as he talked about her, and it made me feel warm to hear a man like him talk about his girlfriend like that.

“I couldn’t keep away from her ever since.”

“That is so cute! I’m happy for you.” I beamed. The hopeless romantic in me couldn't help but almost want to kick my feet in the air at how adorable it sounded.

“Thank you.” He smiled warmly.

“You know, you’re different from the other men who usually are around Damiano. They are all so serious, it’s terrifying. I tried to start a conversation with Antonio once, and he shut me down immediately. I think he hates me.” I said and cringed at the awful attempt to make conversation with him in the car.

“He doesn’t hate you.” Luca was amused.

“You don’t need to lie to me. It’s fine. I know I can’t be liked by everyone.” I gave a small shrug, but he shook his head.

“You don’t get it. He was just being careful. We all thought you would just be a one-time thing and we wouldn’t see you again. Guess we were wrong.”

“And who says this isn’t a one-time thing?”

Luca raised a brow.

“You’re not fooling anyone.”

“It was a genuine question.” I said, and he looked a bit surprised.

“You really don’t know much, do you?” He leaned forward, resting his arms on his thighs. “We are all ordered to protect you with our lives if something were to happen. Which means you’re not going anywhere.”

My eyes widened at the information. We didn’t have a label on whatever we were at the moment, but the thought of them having to sacrifice their lives just for someone like me did not settle well with me. At all.

“My life is not worth more than yours.” I shook my head, displeased to know about it.

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