The bells tolled outside, their deep chimes echoing through the open doors of the church, blending with the distant hum of city life.
A warm breeze drifted in, carrying the scent of fresh bread from a nearby bakery and the faint tang of espresso from the café across the street.
Inside, the congregation stirred, the murmuring of voices rising like a soft tide as the service ended.
Sunlight spilled through the towering stained-glass windows, casting vibrant patterns of blue and gold across the marble floors.
The sisters gathered near the altar, their voices gentle, their smiles warm as they shared the word.
"Would anyone like to give their soul to the Lord today?" one of them asked.
Of course, the devil did not stand up.
He sat there. Watching her. Daring her. Challenging her.
Giulietta could feel his presence like a storm on the horizon, dark and unyielding. Again, why wouldn't he stop staring?
Heat rose to her skin, her pulse quickening. Her hands curled into the fabric of her dress, suddenly damp with sweat. Was it the summer air drifting in? Or was it… him?
Then, her gaze found Mateo. Safe. Familiar. Right.
His soft smile anchored her, made her exhale. This is my future, she reminded herself. A man who prayed every night. A man of faith. A man who was not Davil Vitale.
"Arise, everyone. Let us say the grace," the priest announced.
The congregation rose to their feet, voices joining in solemn unity.
Except for him.
Davil Vitale did not move.
Such audacity.
If he wanted to defy everything sacred, he could do it outside the church. Not here. Not in God's house.
Her frustration swelled, pressing against her ribs. Why was he even here?
Without thinking, she lifted her fingers, making the sign of the cross over herself. A silent plea. A shield.
"Rebuke the devil, and he will flee from you."
She whispered the verse under her breath, praying, begging, for his presence to vanish.
But when she opened her eyes-
He was still there.
And worse, he was smiling.
Slow. Amused. Dangerous.
His lips moved. A whisper. Low. Sinful. Meant only for her.
"Fucking gorgeous."
In the church.
Giulietta's breath hitched. Heat crawled up her throat.
She turned away, furious at the blush burning her skin.
Outrageous!