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

that as if I fucking care. I'm not new to seeing death, it doesn't phase me. Do what you want to them." She pauses before letting out a seductive laugh. "Or are you trying to make this into a sick and twisted game of cat and mouse? Because I'll bet anything that I can fuck more men than you can kill. Choose wisely Elijah, because I never lose a bet."

"Nobody wins all the time. At some point you're bound to lose, and when ye do it will be to me." His voice is low and hard, causing chills to run down my back. I quickly make my way past the cracked door to the bathroom, shutting myself inside. Not wanting them to know I was standing there listening to them argue. Though I am not entirely sure if I should call that arguing. Based on the way they were talking, I couldn't be sure if they were going to pull a gun on each other or get it on in our guest room against the wall. I shake my head in the mirror.

And I thought Daveon and I had issues.

By the time I leave, they too are gone from the room as I pass. Grabbing my wine I walk out on the balcony where everyone is standing. Well, everyone I care to talk to. I can’t help but notice Marina and Elijah are standing a good foot or more apart. I also don’t miss that while Marina is pointedly ignoring Elijah, his eyes are fixed on her. As if he doesn't see anything or anyone else here. Directing all his focus on her, and he doesn’t look too thrilled over their conversation earlier.

My curiosity is burning over it all, and as soon as Elijah steps away I can't stop myself from asking. "So what's the deal with you and Elijah? Does he belong to the Familia?"

She shakes her head. "Nothing is going on with us, and no, he isn't."

I’m confused at her words. "I'm sorry, he's not? Nico actually let him come here?"

Her laugh is musical and soft. "He works with us. He is our inside on the law enforcement side. He helps brush things under the rug for us and things of that sort."

"Oh, okay.” I nod, understanding. “So, if you're not together why did you come together?"

"We didn't." She snaps. Her voice taking on a bitter edge. "He happened to show up at the same time I did. I swear he does that shit on purpose, he is such a bossy prick. If Nico wouldn't be fucking livid, I would have probably killed him already. Lord knows I have thought about it more than once." Like her, I don't see that Elijah has come back out and is walking close enough to hear. "He oversteps his power with me and my patience is wearing thin. He acts like he has some kind of authority over me."

I only notice Elijah when he walks past us and pushes Marina’s shoulder, knocking her off balance as she teeters before stumbling into the pool. I gasp as I stare wide eyed at what just happened. He squats down beside the pool as she pops back up. Soaked and as pissed as the day is light, she all but murders him with her eyes. I have no doubt if he was within arms reach, she’d have pulled him in and drowned him in the pool.

"I do have authority over you Marina, be wise to remember that." My mouth physically drops open at what I just saw, and with those few words he stands back up. Walking to me he tilts his head as he passes. "Congratulations on the engagement." I watch as he leaves the loft before my attention is pulled back to Marina and the sound of splashing as she gets out of the pool. Hauling herself onto the ledge she sits. Looking eerily calm, as she unstraps her heels. When she catches me staring at her, she bursts.

"That mother fucker ruined my new shoes!" She grinds out in a high pitch voice.

That is what she is pissed about? I shake my head as I go to her. "Here, you can borrow some of my clothes."

***

As promised, Marina is able to by some miracle, convince Nico to allow Liliana out. Though how, I don’t know because he has been so overprotective lately it’s been suffocating just to be around and I’m not even the one it’s directed towards.

Meanwhile, Daveon is being his own special brand of possessive as I get ready to go out. “No fucking way you’re wearing that tonight.” He eyes my outfit with a stone hard expression.

“Daveon, seriously this is the third one you have said that to. I’m not fucking changing again.”

“Fine, then I’m coming with you.” He states with a humph.

I turn back to the mirror to finish up my makeup. “No, you’re not. I already told you I’ll be on my best behavior and be careful. You’re starting to act like Nico.” The elevator buzzes as someone waits for access to get in. I push up on my toes placing my lips to his cheek, leaving behind red lipstick before brushing past him out of the room.

Liliana and Marina both meet up at my place before we go out. Before leaving, Marina pulls out a bottle of top shelf whisky as she pours three shots. “Gotta toast the night off right.” She says passing us each one.

“I don’t think I’m going to be drinking tonight.” I turn and look at Liliana.

“What, why not?”

“I just don’t feel super great is all, I don’t think it will sit well.”

“Come on, I’m sure it will be okay,” She shakes her head.

“No really, I can’t.” She takes on a slightly pale color to her face. I reach out touching her shoulder.

“Lil, if you're not feeling good you don’t have to go out, I understand.”

She shakes her head. “No, I’m not missing your bachelorette party, G. I’m coming.”

“Okay, just don’t pass