A Burning Flame by Daniella Kunz (book recommendations txt) 📕

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 down 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