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

“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.