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

their history. He takes a deep breath as if having expected my attitude.

"Can we talk about that later, when it's just you and I?"

"I'm sure now is as good a time as any."

"At least wait until everyone leaves, woman." I narrow my eyes at his dismissal of the subject. I spin around heading back inside as Daveon follows. Going into the kitchen I grab out a bottle of wine and whisky from the cupboard along with some glasses. Daveon comes over, reaching toward my full arms before I jerk away.

"I can carry it myself thank you." My voice comes out a little more bitter than I intend it to as I push past him into the living room where everyone is sitting comfortably. "Drinks anyone?"

"Oh, I want some wine!" Liliana chirps up. I grin as I pour her a glass before looking over to Nico.

“Can I get you anything Hades?”

“Whisky strait.”

“Same” Marina says after. I pour them both some whisky before getting myself a full glass of wine. As I look around for a place to sit, I see an open spot by Marina on the couch and a single seat on another chair. Just to be vindictive I chose to sit on the loveseat, which will force Daveon to sit next to Marina.

As Daveon pours himself a glass of whisky, he watches me sit before looking over at the open space near Marina. He looks at me incredulously, knowing I did it on purpose. As he stands he walks to the coffee table, making me think he is going to sit next to her on the couch. I take a large gulp from my glass as I watch him over the rim. Instead of sitting next to her, he walks past and stands in front of me. Reaching down he lifts me up before plopping down with me now in his lap. All the while never spilling a drop of my wine. “Excuse you.”

I shift to move off him as his arm tightens around my waist holding me in place. I wiggle around trying to break free before exhaling loudly and resigning. When I look back up Liliana is watching me, and I don’t miss the smirk pulling on Marina’s face as she shakes her head not looking over at us. “So, I’m assuming the meeting went well? I have to assume because not a fucking one of you has said anything about it yet.”

“Yes, it did. Dante agreed to an alliance with us.” Nico states the business outcome of the meeting.

Liliana jumps up at Nico. “Yay! So Gianna can come visit more often!”

He grumbles something under his breath too low for me to hear, though if the swat Liliana gives to his arm is any indication, I’m sure it wasn’t warm and sweet. I do however, feel her excitement knowing we won’t be restricted from seeing each other anymore. “So what does that mean? What about the Outfit?”

“That you will have to discuss with Daveon. Speaking of which, I think it’s time we get going.” He looks between Liliana and Marina. “We need to get back.” As he stands he turns his attention to Daveon. “I expect you back in New York in a couple of days as well, Daveon. I will have someone else take over here once we work out everything with Dante.”

Daveon is leaving? As everyone goes to leave, I get up. Feeling suddenly nervous at being alone with him and whatever news they wouldn't tell me earlier. Am I still being forced to marry Enzo? Surely Daveon would have said something by now if not. My heart sinks as I think over what this means. Is that why Nico is pulling him back to New York?

“So, you wanna tell me what the hell your attitude was about earlier?” He asks, pulling me back from my thoughts.

My attitude matches his at the mention of the topic. “So you two used to fuck?”

“We had in the past.”

“So what you dated her?”

“It's not like that. There were no feelings involved, we were drinking together and it just happened. We didn’t anymore after that; it was a one time thing.”

“Why not? I can see it, you would make a good couple. After all it would be more convenient to be with her, seeing as how I am still engaged.” I say, lifting my hand up to him. Seeing the reaction I knew I would get, he pushes me back into the wall. Grabbing my hand he holds it up between us.

“You’re right, you are still engaged.” The hope I had tried to suppress is snuffed out like a flame deprived of oxygen.

I’m still engaged to Enzo. Reaching out with his other hand he grasps the ring between his fingers as he yanks it off my finger, dropping it into his pocket. My eyes widen as I stare at my now free hand, free from Enzo’s tight grasp. “Daveon, what are you doing?!”

“What I should have done the moment I fucking saw this thing.”

“You can’t, Enzo will come. I’m still engaged to him. Hell, he has probably already noticed and is making plans to head here now.”

“Darlin’, I said you were still engaged, but I didn’t say to whom.” My brows draw together in confusion as I try to keep up with him. He reaches down lifting me up as he walks me to the counter setting me down so I am face to face with him. He gets serious as he looks at me. Reaching his hand up, he brushes a stray strand of hair from my face.

“Gianna, your beauty may have been what drew me in, but it was your scorching embers and blazing flames that keep me wanting you. I am drawn to the fire you have burning inside of you. It keeps me warm and alive each time I reach out and get burned by it. I need to feel it every day." He reaches back into his pocket, drawing out a different ring. "I