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Althaia “So, why are we going to an auction?” I asked and sipped my latte. We found a cute, small restaurant, having a croissant sandwich for breakfast. “Why do you think people go to auctions?” My question entertained Damiano, and I rolled my eyes at his answer. “I know why people go to auctions. I’m just curious why we are going.” I elaborated. Damiano looked at me with a slight tilt of his head with a playful gleam in his eyes. “See it as a get-together.” “A get-together? Like with normal people, or…” I looked around to make sure no one could hear me. “With a bunch of Mafia people?” I whispered in complete seriousness. I watched Damiano sip his coffee, but it looked more like he was trying to hide a laugh. “Businessmen. Let’s say auctions are a way to show off your power and wealth.” He explained, and I raised my brows in surprise. “So, Mafia people.” I corrected with a teasing smile. He shrugged but didn’t deny it. “And why do you do that?” “To make a statement that you hav
Althaia “You really don’t know the meaning of a break, do you?” I playfully shook my head at him. “It’s your fault for being sexy.” Damiano shot me a wink. “Ah, right, blaming it on women when it’s the men who can’t control themselves.” I retorted. “I didn’t hear you complain earlier. In fact, it sounded like you were very much enjoying it.” A satisfied look crossed his face as his eyes roamed down my body. “It wasn’t too bad.” I shrugged, pretending as if it didn’t turn me on when I watched him take me from behind. “So, what’s the plan for today?” I asked, hoping I wouldn’t have to do more shopping after spending hours in a fitting room. “Whatever your heart desires.” “Really?” “I’m all yours.” Damiano smiled, and the world around seemed to blur into insignificance. A beautiful smile on his lips had my heart quickened its pace, and a surge of warmth enveloped me. There was no question that he was beautiful. “You better not regret your words.” I chuckled started walking towar
Althaia We spent the whole day at the amusement park, trying out different foods and playing games. I was a competitive person and would challenge Damiano at any chance. “I don’t lose, Althaia.” He would say every time I lost to him, and it annoyed me to no end. “I don’t like you.” I scowled and he would chuckle at me, but then he would soften the blow by winning me so many teddy bears that my arms were full. It had me smiling like crazy. “My feet are hurting.” I winced, staring at the flats I was wearing. They weren’t exactly comfortable to wear after so many hours. “Want to head back?” Damiano asked, and I nodded tiredly. All I could think about was getting off my feet and soaking in a hot bath. We changed direction to get to the exit, and that was when I noticed a man changed his direction as well and followed us. The same man we have walked by a few times already. My heart pumped faster. Something about it wasn’t right. I tried to tell myself it was coincidental, but he had
Althaia I sank into the bathtub, feeling the warmth of the water and the tickle of bubbles on my skin. The water enveloped me, and I let out a contented sigh, feeling the knots in my muscles start to loosen. I made a mental note that I would never again wear flats to an amusement park. I felt the weight of exhaustion settling over me, lulling me toward slumber. The previous night had been sleepless, leaving an undeniable imprint on my features. Every time I shut my eyes, I would hear sounds of gunshots in my mind, and I would wake up, startled. In the end, I gave up and spent the night tracing the curves and lines of Damiano's tattoos with my fingers, finding comfort in the steady rhythm of his breathing. Damiano didn’t sleep either, but I doubt he was awake for the same reasons. He was awake, comforting me by tracing smooth circles on my back. It was so calming that, under normal circumstances, I would have been asleep in seconds. What happened played repeatedly in my mind, and t
Althaia I walked towards the elevator fast. Or as fast as I could. My foot was still throbbing, and every step I took in my heels was agony. My anger towards Damiano was so intense that I couldn't bring myself to speak or even make eye contact with him. Since he wasn't trying to talk to me, it was an effortless task. But I could feel his gaze on me at times. The only sound during the ride down to the underground parking was the hum of the elevator, making it feel like an eternity. Despite feeling Damiano's eyes burning into the side of my head, I refused to look away from the closed elevator doors, a frown still on my face. The moment the doors opened, I stepped out and started walking towards the SUV where Antonio was standing. My eyes darted around frantically, searching for Luca, but he was nowhere to be seen. Just as I was about to turn around and confront Damiano about it, Luca stepped out of the driver’s seat. A wave of relief washed over me, and I exhaled a long breath. I ig
Althaia The banquet hall was set up to be as extravagant as possible, with towering centerpieces and glittering chandeliers. The room was bustling with the sounds of chatter and laughter as the swarm of people, dressed in their finest clothing, mingled with one another. I was taken aback by how many people were there, and I ended up playing a game with myself by guessing which ones were involved in a criminal organization, and which ones were... normal. Antonio and Luca disappeared off to somewhere to give us some privacy, and while we fell into a chat with too many people. Damiano was incredibly well-known, and the second we stepped foot inside, people practically rushed to have a word with him. His presence attracted a crowd of people, all eager to share their business ideas and hoping for a partnership. He pulled me close and wrapped his arm around my waist, and I smiled politely while they talked. “Is it always like this? Them trying to kiss your ass.” I asked after we had excu
Althaia “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 of 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 I think is t
Althaia “Does my dress look all right?” I asked Damiano while I patted down my dress to make sure I wasn’t flashing anyone before I got out of the car. He took a quick glance at my dress and gave a subtle nod before opening the door. He offered his hand to help me out of the car, and I gratefully accepted as I held my heels. I refused to put them back on. “Are you okay to walk?” Damiano looked at my foot. “Yeah, I’m fine. Luckily, I don’t have to take the stairs here.” I said gratefully. “All I want to do is eat and sleep.” “You know, there is a time and place for everything.” Luca leaned against the car, looking at us with a playful grin. I blinked twice before turning to face Damiano with my face burning with embarrassment. “I thought you said it was soundproof!” “It is. We felt the car shake.” Antonio commented, also with a teasing smile. “Just great…” I muttered, walking away from as I couldn’t face them. I was more worried about them hearing us than thinking about shaking