Page 91 of The Devil's Fire

“They must have a return policy.” I kept telling Damiano as we made our way out of the banquet hall. The auction had finished after Damiano’s bid, and then there was a long speech about how they were so grateful to see a full house.

After that, people came from all directions to congratulate Damiano on his bidding and to express their admiration for the exquisite necklace. Then there was a long process where Damiano had to sign what felt like a hundred papers and write a check. He wouldn’t get the necklace immediately, as the one on the stage was a replica, and the real one would be sent to him with top security.

“That’s not how it works.” Damiano said, still completely unbothered.

“I don’t think you understand how much money it is.” I tried to explain.

“I do. I just spent it.” He let out a smug smile. I stopped and placed my hands on my hips.

“I’m not accepting it.”

“Too late.” Damiano replied in an amused tone.

“You already gave me those earrings! Even that I think is too much.” I expressed with a defeated sigh. “People are going to think you’re my sugar daddy.”

Luca let out a laugh, but quickly tried to cover it up by clearing his throat.

“Oh, you think it’s funny, huh?” I squinted my eyes at him.

“I’ll get the car running.” Luca walked away while shaking his head, clearly laughing at me. I looked at Antonio, seeing him with a small smile on his lips, breaking the blank expression he always wore.

“Maybe you can knock some sense into that thick head of his?” I asked.

“I have tried for years. Unfortunately, he doesn’t listen.” He said, before following Luca to the car.

“Sugar daddy?” Damiano asked with a raised brow.

“Yes. But then again, do sugar daddies spend fifty million dollars on their sugar babies?” I now wondered about my own question.

“Only if the pussy is good.” He winked.

“Damiano!” I gasped. “People can hear you!” I hissed at him and looked around to see if anyone had heard him. He drew me in close with a teasing glint in his eye, and kissed me deeply that it stole my breath away.

“Let them hear what they can’t have. Your pussy belongs to me.” He said against my lips, and my cheeks immediately flushed.

“My goodness…” With a gentle smack to his chest, I broke free from his hold and continued my way out to the car. His frank words left me feeling flustered.

When I reached the enormous staircase, I groaned.

“Why are there so many stairs?” My aching foot was a reminder that getting down would not be easy.

“Come. Let me carry you.”

“No! People will look and they will definitely think I’m a spoiled sugar baby.” I dismissed him and walked towards the stone railing for support.

“So stubborn…” Damiano sighed and before I knew it, he swept me off my feet and carried me in his arms.

“You’re seriously too much.” I muttered. I was full-on blushing now when I noticed people looking at us.

“Only the best service for my sugar baby.” Damiano said loudly, and I wanted to scream in embarrassment.

“Put me down.” I wiggled out of his arms, walked down the last steps, and hurried to the SUV. “He’s crazy!” I exclaimed to Antonio and Luca and hurriedly slid into the car.

I stilled, a warm smile gracing my lips at the sound of Damiano’s laugh. It was laughter untainted by pretense, a rare glimpse into his unguarded self.

And my heart warmed to the sound.

I winced in pain as I kicked off my heels in the car and tried to flex my foot. Examining it, I noticed some swelling and bruising. Damiano carefully lifted my foot onto his lap for a closer look.

---