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

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