Grabbing hold of my face he forces me to face him before slamming his lips over mine. Bile rises in my throat as he forces his tongue into my mouth, filling me with his taste. The wrong taste. Not Daveon.
Desperate to have it gone I bite down, replacing it with a metallic flavor of blood as he jerks back from me. I feel his erection against my abdomen as he belts out a dark laugh.
"I knew you would be fun." Reaching to his waist he pulls out a small knife, flipping it open in his hand. "Since you made me bleed. It’s only fair; I repay the debt. The only thing that would make this better is to hear you scream." He leans down, speaking quietly as if telling me a secret. "Hearing them scream does something special for me, makes it extra gratifying, so don't hold back." He straightens, looking down at me.
Unable to move, I glare at him. "Go to hell." I spit at his cheek. He casually lifts his arm wiping it from his face not caring. My body tenses as he drags the tip of the knife up my arm. I feel the scratch of the metal though it doesn't break the skin. He runs it over the swell of my breasts, rapidly rising and falling as he stops above my heart. His eyes roam farther down my body to my hips as he places the knife into his mouth.
His hand runs down my body, feeling wrong against my curves. Reaching between us he grabs the hem of my dress as he pushes it further up, exposing my stomach and waist. Grabbing his knife once again, he places it just above my panties. This time when he drags it across my skin he puts pressure on it, pushing it down into my flesh. I bite my lip, drawing blood as I hold back the cry wanting to rip free.
He looks at me expectantly before his face falls in disappointment. Leaning down he licks the blood that welled up from the small cut. Groaning in satisfaction, the sound makes me nauseous. I watch as his aura shifts. Like a dark shadow falling over his face his eyes seem to grow even blacker. My skin pricks as bumps rise over my flesh.
"It's a shame you didn't scream. I guess we will have to try it again until you do. I promise I'll get it out of you before I'm through."
The sound of a gun cocking echoes through the alley. "Funny, I was thinking the same thing about you." An equally hard voice carries over to us.
Enzo doesn't miss a beat, nor does he look surprised. "Daveon, glad you could join us. Did you come to watch as I fuck your fiancee? Kind of like how you fucked her when she was mine?" With his eyes pinned on Daveon he slides his hand up my stomach, slipping his hand under my dress he moves up towards my breasts.
“Your fucking dead.” Daveon’s voice is deadly, low, and chilling.
Enzo moves the knife up just below my collar bone. He raises a brow as if unbothered by the threat. "I would put the gun down, Daveon. Even if you shoot me, do you think you could get her to a hospital in time before she bled out if I severed an artery first?"
Daveon's low growl rumbles through the air. He pushes the tip against my skin. A sharp hiss escapes my lips as a droplet of blood wells up against the metal. Enzo’s focus drops down to me as his lips twist up in sick pleasure at the noise. The small distraction is all Daveon needs as he takes off, leaping forward as he dives into Enzo, knocking him off me as they tumble in a heap on the ground. Breaking free Enzo slashes at Daveon but he jumps back dodging his attempts.
I push up scooting myself over to the wall farthest away, not taking my eyes from them. Daveon knocks into Enzo grabbing hold of the knife in a blur of movement as he slams him back into the brick wall. "That pathetic whore doesn't deserve to be saved," he spits out. Daveon shakes with rage as he begins slamming Enzo into the wall over and over. I watch in numbed horror as blood trickles down his face but Enzo only laughs manically. “After she let you fuck her all she deserves is.-"
Daveon thrusts the knife upward between his ribs below his chest. Cutting off his sentence, not allowing him to finish. I watch frozen as he holds him up against the wall. Slowly he pulls it out, stepping back. His shoulders are heaving up and down with his erratic breathing as he watches Enzo’s bloodied body slump to the ground. Blood blossoms over his shirt like a scarlet ink stain and I can't look away. Daveon is still watching him with his back to me until the garbled wheezing stops.
He finally turns and his eyes scan around searching for me. He finds me huddled on the ground, backed up against the wall. His eyes still clouded by rage. They soften as he releases a relieved breath. Dropping the knife, it clatters on the ground as he walks to me. Crouching down he looks me over, reaching a hand out he caresses my cheek. "Are you okay?"
Not able to speak, I nod. Still watching me he holds his hand out to me helping me up. My eyes glance behind him in Enzo’s direction again as he sidesteps, blocking me from looking. He shakes his head. "Don't. You don't need to see that." I look up to him instead. "Come on we need to go. We need to get you out of here."
"But what about the body?" I ask, feeling numb to it all. I don't realize I'm shaking until Daveon puts his hand on my shoulders stilling me.
"Elijah is here. He will take care of it."
"Why is Elijah here?" I ask before realizing. "Marina?" Daveon nods. "Is she okay?"
"Yes, she’s fine. Aside from probably having to deal with a pissed off Elijah right now, she's just fine." He places his hand on the small of my back as he leads me out of the alley. The body of the man Enzo had killed is already gone like he was never there.
Getting to a car parked half on the sidewalk half on the road I stop, looking up to Daveon questioningly. He shrugs. "I was in a hurry." I can't help from raising a brow up to him, which he begins shaking his head at me for. "Are you seriously giving me shit over my parking after what just happened?" My playfulness disappears once more at the quick reminder.
His lips drop at seeing my expression change. He ushers me to the car before helping me in. Climbing in he backs away off the sidewalk, pulling onto the street.
"How did you know where to find me?" He turns briefly to look at me.
"When I saw the dead body on the sidewalk It wasn’t too hard to follow the trail." My mind goes back to the man who had died trying to help me. His body already disposed of. Another life brushed under the carpet. Like he didn't exist at all. I look down feeling hollow and sorrowful. "It wasn't your fault." His voice is firm, leaving no room for argument.
"How do you seem so calm and unfazed by any of this?"
"Calm?" He gives a dry laugh. "Darlin', I can tell you I am far from calm. The moment Elijah told me Enzo was here, I all but lost my shit. When I saw him on top of you I saw red. It took every ounce of self control not to just shoot the fucker, blowing him to pieces over you. I wanted to do much worse to him. In fact, if I didn't need to get you the hell out of there, I'd have mutilated that fucker until he was unrecognizable for touching you." I notice his hand turning white as he grips the wheel. "He got off way too easy. I should have dragged it out, made him suffer." His voice is hard and cruel as he speaks.
I reach out wanting to feel his touch and calm him. I lightly place my hand over his. He glances over at me before loosening his grip on the wheel. Threading his large hand into mine, I lay back letting the strength from his grip comfort me. I close my eyes, suddenly wanting to rest.
Daveon shakes my hand. Pulling my eyelids open, I look over at him. "Sorry darlin', but you gotta stay awake for a little bit. Gotta make sure you're alright. You got a pretty good cut on the back of your head."
Though his voice is soft and gentle, his eyes are a contradiction as they flare with anger. He remains silent the rest of the drive and I am too tired to keep up any type of conversation. By the time we get home it's all I can do to keep myself awake. The adrenaline that was just moments before pumping through my veins continues to fade, leaving me exhausted as it takes what little energy I had left with it. Coming around to my side Daveon swoops me into his arms carrying me inside.
I lay my head against his chest listening to the steady beating of his heart. My body gets heavy as I sink into him further clinging to his warmth. He gives me a light shake jostling me awake. "Gianna. What did I say? A
t least let me look at you once we are inside, if you look okay I'll let you rest."
"Fine." I grumble out.
"I need to make sure you didn't hit your head hard enough for a concussion, okay?"
"I'm fine."
"And what did I say before? That you'd tell me you were fine even if you were bleeding to death. So don't mind me ignoring you on that."
My tongue feels heavy and I don't bother to try to get out a reply. I barely hear the elevator ding as we arrive at our loft. Carrying me inside he takes me to our room. Setting my feet gently down on the ground, he grabs the bottom of my dress, lifting up. "Need you to take this off so I can look you over." Even though there is nothing sexual in his voice it feels intimate how he is caring for me.
Sitting me back into the bed he squats in front of me. Undoing my shoes he tosses them aside. He runs a hand up my leg looking it over. Seeing the raw skin on my knees, he pushes up walking out of the room. He returns only a moment later with a first aid kit and a washcloth.
Settling back down between my legs he gently wipes the dirt away. Being careful as he nears the tender skin. Once satisfied he grabs out some ointment, lightly rubbing it over my skin before wrapping it with a bandage. Turning his attention to my other knee, he does the same.
He is so soft and gentle as he works, it's beautiful and breathtaking. Seeing a man so big and intimidating, be so gentle and soft. Knowing he has the capability to be hard and closed off, capable of taking a life without a second thought one moment then gentle, and caring with me the next is overwhelming.
When he finishes with my legs, he moves up to my waist. His lip pulls tight in a hard line as he eyes the cut Enzo had made with his knife. Blood has dried on my skin around it along with a slight bit of fresh blood slowly escaping the open cut. "Lie back." He commands. I lay back down onto the bed as he stands over me inspecting it. "Ever had to have stitches?" My body goes jackknife straight at his words. He lightly chuckles. "I assume that means no. I'll just clean and bandage it tonight but if it is still bleeding by tomorrow I'll have to call the doctor to come stitch it up." I grimace as I nod, wanting nothing to do with needles in my skin.
He makes quick work with everything. Clearly, he has treated wounds before, though that shouldn't surprise me. He helps me to sit up once again before slipping his hands over the sides of my face. He turns it up to look at him as he looks into my eyes. "Well, I don't think you have a concussion." His eyes soften as he looks at me, no longer searching for a wound or sign of trauma. "You worried me." His voice is vulnerable as he holds me.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to."
"You don't need to apologize, you didn't do anything wrong."
"I'm just glad you found me." He pulls me to him. I feel the warmth of his breath on my skin.
"I always will. You’re mine and I'll always protect what's mine. I’ll always be able to find you." His lips lightly brush against mine as he speaks. Tears well in my eyes and I push into him. Needing to feel close to him. I kiss him. Replacing the bad aftertaste Enzo’s lips had left with Daveon.
"I love you." I whisper out as we break.
He pulls away looking down at me. "You already know I love you too. I was just waiting for you to admit it to yourself." I can't help the smile that tugs in my lips as I roll my eyes.
"Oh shut up. Now, are you gonna come lay with me or do I need to pass out by myself." He shrugs off his clothes and he climbs onto the bed. Pulling me down he holds me close as I quickly fade. Seeing the content smile on his lips before closing my eyes.
23
DAVEON
Staring down the short aisle inside the church anticipation grows inside of me, making me feel like a fucking child. As soon as she enters the room my focus is on one thing. One person. The only person that matters. As I watch her walk towards me, my apprehension grows with each step she takes. Drawing her nearer me. The air seems to dissipate holding me hostage as I take her in. She is stunning. She is always beautiful, though there is something about the fire dancing in her eyes as she steps up to me, grabbing my outstretched hand that makes her beauty that much more radiant.
I pin her with my eyes, holding her gaze as the priest begins his speech. They remain on her throughout the entire ceremony, never wavering as we swear the blood oath and loyalty to each other in front of the gathered crowd. Making her mine for all to see.
We go through the motions of the reception afterwards though I want to be anywhere but here. I want to get my wife alone so I can bury myself deep inside her.
My wife.
Pleasure and contentment settle over me at the thought. I make eye contact with her across the room over the rim of my glass as I take a drink. My eyes filled with heat and desire for her, wanting nothing more than to get her alone. She watches me, matching the need I feel within her own.
I lift my finger, gesturing for her to come to me. I don’t miss the change in her posture as she sends a silent challenge of defiance with a smug smile. She turns her attention back to the group of women surrounding her. I down the remaining contents of my drink, still watching her. If it’s a challenge she wants…
I disappear through the crowd of people, stalking up behind her. I see her lift her head back up to where I was standing across the room as her eyes search for me. Just before she whips her head around I swoop my arm around her waist, drawing her back to me as a startled yelp escapes her lips. I spin her around placing my hands over her hips as she glares up at me. I lean down close enough for my lips to brush over her ear. “I think I have waited long enough, Mrs. Saunders.” I feel her head turn and her eyes land on me, burning once again with her desire.
Doing just what I expect her to, she places a hand on her hip. “A little longer won’t kill you I’m sure. Haven’t you ever heard of the saying those that are patient shall be rewarded?” She lifts a brow at me.
I shrug off her defiance. “Never was a patient man.” I bend down, grabbing hold of her as I lift her up and over my shoulder. A gasp of unbelief escapes her perfect lips as she sways behind me. I tilt my head to the wide eyed women around us. “Ladies.” As I march away, with one destination in mind. I hear Gianna giggle behind me, telling me she has had her fair share to drink. It’s not often she giggles, though I love the soft sounds when she does.
“Fucking caveman.” Her words pull a smile to my lips as the room erupts in loud whistles and hollers. Lewd comments, cheering me on to bed her. Which is exactly what I plan on doing.
***
Gianna
I don’t know what time it is when Daveon rolls away from me, lying on the bed beside me. His breath is fast and short and his body is covered in a sheen of sweat. My eyes roam over him greedily as if my hands weren't all over him moments ago as I screamed his name. Studying him my heart constricts. I love this man, everything about him, from his playfulness to his serious hard interior. I love our ongoing banter. I love how he holds me, how he has the ability to make me feel small and safe in his arms. Making me feel like I don't have to be tough. That I can be vulnerable around him and let my guard down.
As if sensing my gaze on him he opens his eyes, staring at me intensely. "Come here." Without having to think my body reacts pulling closer to him. Wrapping me in his arms he places a kiss over my forehead.
He rolls me over, pinning me below him on the bed. His body melting into mine. I relish the closeness as all of my senses are flooded with him. He pulls back slightly to look squarely down at me, his gaze suddenly serious.
He clears his throat before speaking. "Gianna, I never met someone who drives me more insane than you do. Half the time I don't know if I want to kiss you or spank you, but there's no denying I love every bit of that fucking smart mouth. I love the fire you have and the overwhelming smell of cinnamon whenever you're close." He leans down nudging his head into my neck as he inhales. I feel the warmth and softness of his lips as he places them to my skin. Leaving a light trail of kisses behind as he makes his way to my lips. He brushes them l
ightly over mine as he continues.
"I promise to protect you and keep you safe. I may be a horrible man but for you, I'll be the hero you tease me to be." My eyes prick and I push my lips into his.
"I love you." I mumble against his mouth. He draws back, moving his lips back down my throat, setting my skin on fire in their wake.
"Say it again." He gruffs out.
"I love you, Daveon." I say again with sincerity as I feel the burning flame of desire and love overwhelm me. I look into his auburn eyes that spark to life at my words. His lips crash down onto mine, claiming me and reaffirming the three words I just repeated.
"You're all mine." He growls out possessively.
"All yours." I say as I give myself to him wholeheartedly.
THE END
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I want to thank a handful of people who showed an unreal amount of enthusiasm for my books. I can't express how heartwarming and encouraging it is for the support and excitement you have shown in my achievement!
Again a big thanks to a few special ladies who beta read and gave me their thoughts and comments. I love how enthusiastic you all are and were while reading. Shanette, Shanelle, Heather, and Cassie thank you again and always! You are a big help and inspiration.
I want to give a special shout out to Cassie Torres for helping me do edits. I appreciate the time you have taken to help me, as I know it's exhausting. So thank you for being so awesome and helping me just because. You're seriously the best!
And a note of thanks to my husband and kids for being as patient as they can while I try to find a happy medium between work, writing, chores, and family time. Or as patient as a two and three year old can be.
About The Author
A Burning Flame Page 16