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

at the club. He was bossy, but he also looked weirdly protective of her. I sit and stew the whole night, wondering if she is okay, feeling helpless that I can't do anything.

3

GIANNA

I'm awakened by the loud sound of my phone chiming upon getting a text. I had turned it up last night to hear it if Lil tried to call me back before I fell asleep. Looking down is a text from a new number. Upon opening it, I find it is a message from Lil. She explained she flooded the bathroom, dropped her phone in the tub, and killed it last night. I breathe a sigh of relief at knowing she is okay.

Jumping out of bed, I hurry, needing to get ready to see her before she leaves. I am quick to get dressed and rush out the door to go to her father's, knowing she will be there packing this morning. I try not to let my sorrow show through, knowing she will be leaving me after today, but not knowing when I might see her again. I always act like she is the one who needs me, but the truth is I need her just as much. She is the reason I am able to act tough. It’s all a show anyway. One carefully acted out to keep her safe. What happens when she leaves?

As we pull up to her house, I climb out, noting the SUVs and men standing outside. A few give me lustful looks as I pass by, and I try my best to ignore them. Not in the mood to play the flirt right now. Walking through the threshold, I walk up to the base of the stairway. A large man in a suit is standing with his back to me, but something about him looks oddly familiar. It's not until I get closer, and he turns at hearing my approach that I'm stunned with realization. The man from last night?

I stand there, staring at him. A look of shock is painted across his features; clearly, he remembers me too. His expression slowly changes to mirror what it was at the club. "Reconsider my offer from last night, darlin'?"

"You work for Nicoli?" I brush aside his question, asking my own.

He nods his head. "I do. And you are?"

"A part of the Cosa Nostra," I say back. Knowing he works for Nicoli, the man taking my best friend away makes me want to dislike him. Though despite my distaste, my body feels the familiar hum of attraction. Feeling drawn to him, which in itself frustrates me.

"Ah, I see. Well, the offer is still on the table.”

“Not interested, but thanks.”

“Sure, you're not. I can practically smell your pheromones from here." He breathes deep as he smells the air around us. "It smells like cinnamon slowly burning over a fire." A low growl rumbles from his throat. "It's a bit intoxicating."

I just stand there open-mouthed unsure what to say. This is the first time a man has stunned me to silence. Usually, it's the other way around. Who the hell is he?

"You know the good part about us being from opposing sides?" He continues, making us, this, or whatever it is between us, sound like a Romeo and Juliette story. I can't help from rolling my eyes at him.

"What's that?"

"It wouldn't matter one bit if we fucked each other because we will never have to see each other again."

"Wooow." I draw out. "Is that your idea of a romantic pick up line?" I place my hands on my hips, suddenly very annoyed at him.

"Don't act like you don't want to and didn't want to last night. I can practically smell it on you. It's seeping out of every one of your pores. In fact, I'd bet money you're already wet just standing there."

I inhale through my nose, frustrated that he would be so presumptuous, despite the fact that he’s  not wrong because my body had a different reaction to him than my mind. I narrow my eyes, pissed that my body is so attracted to him, but he doesn’t need to know that. "Yeah, okay, Hercules. Tell yourself whatever delusional fantasies you need to give yourself a hard-on with your own ego. Why don't you go look in the mirror while you stroke yourself? I'm sure that's a fan favorite of yours." I step forward to move past him and begin ascending the stairs before he sidesteps, blocking my way.

Now only inches away, he towers over me with his size, which says a lot because I am considered a decent height. "You can pretend all you want darlin', but I know you want me just as bad as I want you, and fuck, I want you. I can tell with every one of my senses you do too. I can smell it on you, teasing me with your spiced cinnamon scent. I can see the desire pooling in your eyes as you look at me with lust. I can hear your breathing becoming more rapid as you draw in shorter, faster breaths." He lifts his hand, placing it over my chest just above my breast, feeling his rough hand covering my flesh. "I can feel your heartbeat spike, racing at my proximity and touch. And damn, I can only imagine what you taste like knowing you are already wet and ready for me." My mouth drops open. He straightens up, removing his hand as his lips pull into a cocky smirk. "That darlin', is how I know you desperately want me."

Irritated that he is not only right but just another egotistical ass, I lash out. "Get the fuck out of my way, asshole, or I swear I will take your gun and shoot you with it." He chuckles at my threat, raising a brow.

"Your fire only makes me want to fuck you more. Do you have that same kind of attitude between the sheets?" I reach up, placing my