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

hands on his chest before giving him a shove with my body. It's like pushing against a rock wall, and I am the one who stumbles back, which only adds to my frustration. From the corner of my eye, I catch something at the top of the stairs. Looking up, I see Liliana.

"Oh, thank the Lord," I exclaimed dramatically. "Lil, tell this stupid oaf to get the hell out of my way."

"Daveon?" Her soft voice drifts down the stairway to us, causing him to look up at her. "She is okay to come up. Could you please step aside?" Listening to her request, he shifts aside, out of my way. I can feel his eyes on me as I climb up the stairs. Almost to the top, I lift both hands, flipping him off behind me, not giving a damn to turn and look at his expression before following Lil down the hallway.

He and his presumptuous senses can go to hell.

Entering Liliana's room, my anger fades, and sadness returns as I barrel into her. Pulling her into a hug, the emotions I keep hidden so well let loose as I begin to sniffle with my eyes watering. "G? Are you crying?"

"You're really leaving, Lil. Today is the last time I get to see you until hell knows when. I don't know what to do without you."

"G, I promise I will see you again even if I have to sneak back or sneak you to New York, we won't be apart. I'll call you every day if you need me to. Now stop crying because you're going to make me cry." Knowing I need to be the strong one for her, I pull back. Wiping the moisture from my eyes as I try to regulate my breathing back to normal now that I'm all worked up.

"You promise?"

"Yes, G, I promise." I walk over to her vanity, checking my appearance in the mirror before realizing why I'm doing it and push away, irritated again. I change the subject to the only other thing on my mind to take it off her leaving.

"So what's up with the erotic looking Hercules downstairs?"

Liliana begins laughing at me. "His name is Daveon. He is one of Nicoli's top men."

"Well, he is an asshole."

"He isn't that bad, G." I wave my hand around, now wanting to dismiss the conversation I had started.

"Whatever, I just don't like him. Anyway, what do you want help with?" I look around at the room, wanting to change the subject again as she glances around at her stuff.

"I don't know. Maybe start with my closet?"

"You got it." I march to the closet, intending to pack everything up, including my irrational feelings that spark to life around Daveon.

I don't see him anymore as we finish up packing and eventually have to say our goodbyes. As we emotionally hug and try to give each other the support we know we both will need, we can't help but cry. I make my way to my guards as they open the car door for me. Sliding inside, they climb in upfront before we drive off. Laying back, I allow my tears to continue to fall as I say goodbye to my sister, the person who gave me the strength to be as strong as I am now left by myself.

4

GIANNA

The next two weeks drag on by myself. I’m unfortunately reminded that I still have to decide whose offer I will be accepting for my father. I was hoping there may have been others, but no such luck. Maybe tonight I can spend a little time with both of them. I don’t have to give my father my decision until after tonight.

I finish getting ready, glancing in the mirror at myself. The mauve dress I have on is alluring but straightforward as it hugs my body. It is stunning with an open back and a knot of fabric bunched at my hips low on my waist. I found it shopping the other day at one of me and Liliana's favorite boutiques. Finishing my lipstick, I am finally ready to go. I am dreading tonight as I head down to the car that awaits me.

As we approach Dante’s large estate, a man opens the door for me, extending a hand to help me climb out. It feels weird walking into an event like this without Liliana beside me. I am reminded of the first day I had met her when I was shy and scared of the other kids. I feel that same pit of uncertainty in my stomach that I did that day as I enter the grand house.

Once inside, I make my way over to the waiter carrying some drinks. Grabbing a flute off the tray, I tip it back, swallowing the contents. My nose pinches before I pull it back, finally looking at it. Water?? Are you freaking serious? Where the hell is the wine? The champagne? Looking around, I see a bar set up in the back. Well, I guess that would make sense with this being a family event and all.

Making my way to the bar, I find myself behind a man I have yet to meet before.  He must be from the Outfit. Upon turning around, I noticed his eyes. They are harsh and sinister as something evil dances in his gaze. I have to force myself to resist the urge to take a set back, putting a little more distance between us. Prying my eyes away, I finally take note of his features. He isn't bad looking, but something is not right with this man. He harbors something dark and cruel, making my skin crawl as his eyes roam over me. I shift uncomfortably under his gaze. Without saying anything to me, he provocatively licks his lips before brushing past me, disappearing into the crowd.

I shiver in my place as I feel the lingering touch of his eyes on me. Finally, up to the bar,