A Burning Flame

by Daniella Kunz

  "Wasn't the point to drink it to help me relax? Isn't it the faster it's in, the faster it works?"

  I shake my head at her, leaning back in my seat. "So who is this Enzo." Her face drops, and her mood darkens. She sits there staring at me, and I raise a brow at her.

  "He is the man I will be marrying."

  "Yes, I gathered as much. But who is he?" She shifts uncomfortably in her seat, giving off signs she doesn't want to talk about it, but I don't let up. I want to know who this man is. After a few minutes pass by, she sighs, dropping her shoulders.

  "Enzo Vastili. He will soon be the head of the Chicago Outfit." My brows pinch as I try to recall anything I can about this name, but nothing comes up. I know of his father, but nothing of him.

  "And why is it that every time he gets brought up, you get so angry?"

  "I do not." She snaps at me. I raise a brow at her, proving my point. "I just don't like him, is all. I didn't get a choice in the matter, and he would be the last person I would ever choose."

  "Who made that choice then?"

  "He did, and my father said I couldn't refuse him, and now that I just agreed to stop fighting him." She sighs. "I have no choice." She folds her arms in frustration.

  "And do you always do as daddy tells you to?" I say, trying to goad a reaction out of her, wanting to know what the deal is with all of this. Just as I knew it would, a fire lights in her eyes.

  "No, I don't."

  "Prove it, darlin'. You're just a goody good little girl who does as she is told all the while claiming she is so defiant and independent."

  "And what would you suggest I do to prove it?"

  "Kiss me." Her forehead creases as she is taken aback by my command. A slow grin tugs at my lips as she sits there, proving my point though I can't help being a little disappointed by it.

  Seeing the smirk on my face, she narrows her eyes. Pushing up from her seat, she walks over to me. Climbing over my lap, she straddles me on both sides with no hesitation. I see the determination in her eyes as she reaches down, grasping my face with her small hands. She leans in, closing the distance as her silk-like lips brush over mine.

  At feeling her warm breath caress me when she parts her lips I am sucked into oblivion. She moves her lips, against mine for a short moment before pulling away. "There, happy?" I feel her body shift as she moves to get off me. Shaking my head, I grab hold of her hips, holding her down tightly so she can't move. She turns and looks at me with a questioning look in her eyes.

  7

  GIANNA

  "You're not going anywhere, darlin'." Moving his hands, he threads his fingers into the hair at my neck as he pushes me back down to him. Meeting my lips with his once again. Taking control, he moves his lips against mine roughly as he pulls me into his body. The desire I worked hard to contain as I first kissed him floods out like a broken dam. It rears to life under his touch like so many times I had imagined it. I can feel his force and strength as he holds me in place, feel the heat of his skin and hard chest against mine. My body comes to life under his touch. He moves his hand down my sides and over my bare thighs. I can hear the groan as I shift forward, feeling his hard length below me. I move my hips again, wanting to feel him against me when he grabs hold, digging into my skin roughly. Pulling from my lips, I hear him curse under his breath.

  "Is something wrong?"

  "We shouldn't have done that." His jaw is tight as he grinds out in a tortured voice.

  My brows pinch at his words, and I'm suddenly confused. Wait, didn’t he tell me to kiss him, then proceed to pull me back? Hurt flares under his rejection of me. Remembering I am still planted on his lap, I push off, and this time he allows me to get up. Walking back to my seat, I plop down with a scowl on my face. I avoid his eyes though I can see him watching me.

  "Gianna." He calls out, trying to gain my attention. I ignore him, not wanting him to see how he affected me just now with his dismissal. "Gianna, damn it! Why are you so fucking stubborn?" He forces out between his teeth.

  "Why are you such a pompous ass?" My walls fly up, surrounding me once again, enclosing me and my vulnerability in safety. He shakes his head at me.

  "It's just not a good idea, okay. Nico would have my balls if he found out."

  "And do you do everything Nico tells you?" I say, mocking him, angry that I find myself wanting him still. He grinds his jaw at my jab to his pride and ego. "And here I thought the offer was still on the table." I tisk, reminding him of his words earlier.

  "It is." His voice is dark and low, and I can tell I am pushing his buttons.

  "Yeah. Sounds like it considering you can't even kiss me properly."

  "If we play with fire, we're bound to get burned."

  "Then don't fucking play with fire if you’re scared," I warned him back.

  His eyes shine a molten amber at my attitude. I can tell he likes it by the lust in his eyes as he looks at me. We continue to stare at each other as tension seeps thick into the air. "Darlin', I'm going to warn you now. If you ever take me up on that offer. Know that you will belong to me from that point on. You will be mine. So before you go trying to stoke the fire, you're trying to feed. Make sure that's what you want because you won't get a choice. Not even your precious Enzo will stop me."

  I'm a little startled by his declaration but not entirely sure I believe him. "Enzo? You think that fucking man is precious to me?" I sneer. "Ha, take me from him by all means. You’d be doing me a favor. In fact, do all women-kind a favor and just kill him. He deserves it, I'm sure." He looks at me, confused as if he doesn't quite know what I'm talking about.

  "What do you mean by that?" His voice is dark, with a dangerous edge to it.

  Frustrated at the whole conversation and not understanding why he would want me, my emotions whirl around like a windstorm. "Nothing. Forget it. You’re not a hero, remember? And I don't need saving, so do me a favor and stay the hell out of it all." I mutter, turning my attention out the window. I watch clouds roll by, determined to ignore him the rest of the trip.

  ***

  We land in New York as the sun is rising over the city. Despite my irritation, I am beyond excited to see Lil again. I miss her so much. Getting in the back of the car with Daveon feels too small and contained. Squished together by the little seat and his large frame, we can't keep from brushing into each other. Each time his flesh touches mine, I feel singed as the heat scorches me, leaving aching tingles in its wake. I'm on edge and frustrated from our late-night plane ride and having gotten zero to little sleep.

  As we come up to a large building, we park, getting out. The skyscraper apartment building is immaculate in size and I can’t stop from staring at it. "It's just a building, not the Mona Lisa. Can we go?" He stands impatiently at the door, holding it open as he waits for me.

  It looks like I’m not the only one still strung tight. "Well, since you asked so nicely." I continue to stand there, looking at the building, ignoring him.

  "Gianna, I swear if you don't get the fuck up here now, I'll throw you over my shoulder and carry you up."

  He wouldn't dare. He walks towards me before bending down and scooping me, hoisting me over his shoulder. Having decided not to give me any time to comply before acting on his threat. Feeling humiliated, I shift around while huffing at him. "Put me down!" He ignores me until we are in the elevator and up on the top floor.

  The door dings and opens before he finally sets me down inside. Getting in his face, I glare at him. “If I weren’t here for Lil and trying to be on my best behavior, I would tell you to go fuck yourself, Hercules.” I hear my voice rising at him.

  "Fuck, I'm gonna need a lot more smokes to get through this week." He grumbles something else under his breath before he spins, turning to walk out onto the balcony.

  Now alone, I look around at the place. Wow, this is insane. Moving over to the couch, I sit down, taking it all in. Hearing my phone ping, I glance down, seeing a message from my father checking in. I hear a light padding coming d
own the hall as I send my reply. Lifting my eyes, they land on Liliana before I jump up squealing. “Lil!! I missed you so much!” Running to her, I practically tackle her as I wrap my arms around her. Losing our balance, we fall to the floor. I laugh at our clumsiness, and it's only a moment before her own eyes shine with joy, and she is laughing alongside me. Climbing off the floor, I look around, giving a low whistle. “Not a bad upgrade. This place is insane.”

  “Right? I really can’t complain. You should see the view out to the city from up here.” We both look towards the balcony, and my eyes catch Daveon's.

  “Yeah, maybe later,” I shake my head.

  “G, are you seriously still worked up over him?” You've met him once.”

  “He just pisses me off, okay, and no, it's not once. I had a whole flipping flight with his arrogant ass. Not to mention he is going to be watching us while I’m here.” I grumble. It’s hard enough not wanting to jump him, let alone have to spend twenty-four-seven with him the next week. “I’m gonna be honest, though. I’m surprised Hades up there even let me come. I thought I was going to have to sneak into the service.” I say, changing the subject off Daveon.

  She pushes my arm playfully. “Shut up. You would not have.” I grin at her.

  “Okay, so what's on the agenda? I can’t believe I get to stay here for a week!" My enthusiasm is hard to rein in before I think about back home. "You have no idea how much I needed this.” My mood sours slightly and leaks into my tone before I suck it back in, masking it. I don't miss the look of concern on Lil's face having caught it. “So, what are we doing today?”

  ***

  Later that night, we are both sitting on my bed in the guest room, catching up on everything going on at home since she has been gone. I tell her that her father has fled, knowing that questions will arise with Dante, exposing his betrayal once their wedding is brought to light.

  “So what about you? Surely your father has picked a husband? I mean, how long is he going to allow you to stay unmarried? You're already eighteen. Even if he wanted to, he can’t hold off for much longer.” I look down, not wanting to meet her eyes as I fiddle with a loose string on the bed.

  “Yeah, about that. I have been meaning to tell you. I just didn’t know how. I knew you had enough to worry about without adding me into the mix.”

  “What?" Concern crosses her face. "You can always talk to me. I don’t care what I have going on. I will always be there for you.” I feel my eyes begin to well. All of the held back emotions threaten to tumble out within the comfort of Liliana’s presence once again.

  “My father didn’t have a choice in the matter. Dante owes them, and he wanted me, specifically me.” My shoulders slump forward.

  “Gianna, you’re freaking me out. Who is he?”

  “Enzo Vastili.”

  “No fucking way, that is not happening. Your father can’t. Do they not know what that man does to women? His reputation?” I can hear the rising hysteria in her voice. She knows just how bad this is too.

  “They know, but they can’t do anything. Dante doesn’t want a war with them. We don’t have the support against them, and he isn’t going to risk angering them just because of one girl. We are just pawns to them all.”

  Her own eyes start to water. “G, I, I don’t know what to say. We will figure something out.”

  I shake my head at her. “There isn't anything to figure out, Lil. It’s happening. There is nothing we can do to stop it." I see sympathy in her eyes as she looks at me, which irritates me. I hate being pitied. I hate being a victim. Squaring my shoulders, I feel determined, wanting to share my decision with her. “I decided to take what's mine, though. I may have no say in the matter of marriage, but I won’t allow him to force my virginity from me.”

  Confused at my words, she stares at me. “What do you mean?” I don't miss the apprehension in her voice.

  “I mean, I will decide where and who I lose my virginity to, he might get to take me, but he won’t get what he wants. I don’t care what happens because of it. I won’t give him the satisfaction of stealing it.”

  She gapes at my bold declaration, and I know I meant every word. It's settled. I can see the wheels turning in her head as I assess her. “Don’t try to get involved, Lil. I won’t have you dragging yourself into this mess.”

  “I wasn’t.-” I lift my hands, stopping her mid-sentence. I know her. She would most definitely get involved.

  “Seriously, don’t. I will be fine. Just be there for me like I was for you.” She nods, though I already know she isn't going to listen to my request.

  ***

  I wake the next morning early, still thrown off by the time change. Making my way downstairs, I groan when I see Daveon already in the kitchen making coffee. Hearing me approach, he turns, looking at me. "Want any?"

  "Depends. Is it cold and bitter like you?"

  "That's funny. I figured you would like it that way, considering it fits your personality and all." My eyes narrow at him while resting the childish urge to stick my tongue out at him.

  "Is that any way to treat a lady?"

  "Depends on the lady, but I'd say it's justified for a spoiled woman who is used to getting everything she wants."

  I shove away from the counter. "I don't want any of your damn coffee."

  "Yeah, spoiled for sure." He mutters to himself before walking past me into the living room. "You must be so excited to be marrying an upcoming Capo. Having all that luxury and money to spend on everything you want."

  “Oh, excuse me, I didn’t realize you knew everything about me?”

  At mentioning Enzo and assuming I'm shallow as he thinks, I snap. Reaching down, I grasp a throw pillow off the couch. I hurl it at him as he walks past, missing him by an inch. He looks at me in disbelief. “Why do you always have to be so bitchy all the time, good hell woman.” Grabbing another, intending not to miss, I raise it up and back, just before Liliana rounds the corner. She glances back and forth from me to Daveon, with concern creasing her forehead.

  “Hey guys, how did you both sleep?” She says, calmly trying to divert our attention. “Fine.” I clip out at the same time his hardened voice grinds it out as well.

  Daveon mumbles something under his breath before turning to the balcony. “I’m gonna go smoke.” Grumbling, he moves towards the door pulling out a cigarette as he walks. Turning her attention back to me, Liliana narrows her eyes.

  “What?” I ask defensively. She only raises a brow at me with the pillow still in my hands. Lowering it down, I drop it back on the couch. “Ugh, I’m sorry, okay. He is just so...infuriating and arrogant.” She shakes her head, giving me a look.

  “Be nice. He is easy to get along with if you give him a chance." I let out an exasperated huff, making her roll her eyes. "Just try, okay?”

  I can't help but scowl at her words. Nice. Yeah, a real gentleman. “Fine, but only for you.” Nico comes downstairs as we finish, looking irritated and pissed. He looks out at Daveon before glancing back at us.

  "Gianna," He nods, acknowledging me with an icy tone. "It's so lovely hearing your voice first thing in the mornings." He quips out sarcastically.

  "Hades," I say, nodding my head, greeting him back. Nico's eyes light with bitter amusement at his nickname. Shaking his head, he goes to speak with Daveon outside. "So what should we do today? There isn't anything left to do for the wedding, so we should be fine to do whatever." Liliana pulls my attention back to her.

  "Why don't we go check out one of the beaches here?" I suggest, curious to see what they are like over here.

  “Okay, that sounds good. I actually haven’t been to one since I left L.A.”

  “Really? Well, it’s settled then, let's go to the beach."

  8

  DAVEON

  Outside I light my cigarette, desperately needing something to calm me down. That woman is so infuriating. She knows just how to push me with her fired-up attitude. She snaps at everything I say. It's curious, though, because I kno
w she feels the same tension I do. Maybe that is why she is so on edge. She is such a guarded person.

  Not only that, but the mention of her fiancé pisses me off. I try to goad her because I can tell she isn’t happy about it, but it leaves a sour taste in my mouth. Something possessive tries to rear up whenever he is brought up. I try to push it back down, there is no reason to stir that pot of shit up. I do, however, want to know about him. She gets so on edge whenever he is mentioned. I am surprised I don't know anything about him. Pulling out my phone, I send a text to Marina.

  Daveon

  Hey Mar, I need a favor.

  I only have to wait a few seconds before her response rings through.

  Marina

  What do you want, Daveon?

  Daveon

  I need you to have Elijah get some info on someone for me.

  Marina

  Oh, come on really? That’s why you're bothering me?

  Daveon

  Come on Mar, please.

  Marina

  Who is it?

  Daveon

  Name is Enzo Vastilli. He will be the new Capo of the Chicago Outfit.

  Marina

  And you want to know about him, why?

  Daveon

  Reasons, now will you do it or not?

  Marina

  Fine, but only for you.

  Daveon

  Thank Mar.

  Marina

  Ya, ya whatever, don’t go thinking you're special or anything. I’ll be in touch.

  “Any particular reason I was woken up to a screaming match downstairs featuring you and Gianna?” Nico reprimands as he walks out onto the balcony with me.

  “Oh, don’t even fucking start. You’re the one who insisted I babysit. You can only ask so much from me.” I take a long drag from my cigarette that I had momentarily forgotten.

  “Watch your fucking mouth, Daveon.” He grinds out, reminding me who I am talking to. “And stop fucking screaming at each other. I’m half tempted to shoot you both.”