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

courage and terrifies me at the same time. He knows just what to do to get away with it each time, but that also means he wouldn’t dare try something here. Shuffling to close in front of me, he tilts his head, gazing down at my body with a voracious look. Reaching out, he grasps hold of my wrist, jerking me to him. I fall forward at the strength of which he pulls me to him, landing against his body. I scowl up as my body smolders with resentment.

Jerking my hand out of his grasp, I steal my gaze on him. “Get your hands off me, and don’t ever touch me again.” I bite out.

An amused look crosses over his expression. “That's what they all say at first, but I can assure you, you would love every minute of it. I’m sure in time, you would come begging me for my affection.”

I mockingly laugh at him, amazed that this man actually thinks women enjoy what he does to them, and just like that, my filter falls. “You are a disgusting piece of shit who has a brain malfunction where you think women want you when they don’t. In reality, you are just a cowardly rapist who gets off on women's pain. I have heard all about you, Enzo, and I don’t doubt any of the stories. I can see exactly what kind of man you are, and for that, you will never lay a fucking hand on me. So I suggest you get the hell out of my way before I scream. Causing my father along with Dante and all of the other men in our ranks to come running to my aid.” Straightening my shoulders at my blatant outburst, I move to push past him.

He reaches out, grabbing hold of my wrist, stopping me. I whip my head around to look at him, still fueled by my anger. The look I see in his eyes doused the fire that was raging inside, causing my blood to run cold in my veins. There is a determination in them, promising vengeance at my words. "You will regret every word you just said to me, you little bitch. You will pay for every one of those insults that you just used to disrespect me." I feel specs of spit land upon my cheek as he forces out his words before clenching his jaw. His hold on my wrist is uncomfortably tight as I debate whether to call out for help or not.

Finally, out of nowhere, he releases me, and I jump away from him. Not wasting time, I hurry back down the hallway as I hear his voice calling out to me, unnervingly calm. "It was a pleasure, Gianna. I will be seeing you again very soon. I'm certain of it." There is a cruel edge to his voice, and I don't miss the ominous threat that lingers at his words. My heart is pounding as I burst from the hallway. Now wanting to be surrounded once again by the many bodies that I had before wished to escape.

The rest of the night is spent mindlessly mingling with people as I continually search around for Enzo. Staying close by others, I make sure I don't stray from sight. It's not until later when I leave surrounded by my guards, that the worry that curled up like a snake in my belly begins to slither away. It grows fainter and fainter the more distance I put between Enzo and me. Though, I can't help but still feel on edge over his words and the calmness with which he said them.

***

The following morning I am awoken to an early call from my father. Groaning as I roll over, sticking my face into my pillow at realizing he probably wants my answer on who I decided to marry. Blindly reaching over, I grab my phone, accepting the call as I bring it to my ear. I answer with a muffled hello.

"Gianna, I need you to get dressed and come over right now. We need to talk about something." I pick up on the apprehension and anger in his voice, pulling my head from the pillow.

"Is everything okay, father?"

There is a brief pause before he responds like he isn't sure what all to tell me. He releases a defeated sigh before speaking. "Just get ready and come over. Wear something nice. We have important guests too." At that, he hangs up the phone, knowing I would have assaulted him with questions over what is going on if he hadn't. Dragging myself out of bed, I rush to get ready, knowing better than to dally when my father told me to hurry.

Upon arriving, I immediately head inside. I notice the few cars outside indicating the guests my father mentioned over the phone. As I make my way to his office, I hear Dante's booming voice echoing through the open doorway. I freeze, unsure if I should just walk in on them, knowing it would be inappropriate and considered disrespectful. About to turn and wait in the kitchen for them to finish, my father calls out. "Gianna, is that you? Come inside, please."

Why would he need me in there with Dante? Shuffling my feet forward, I enter the office. My father is sitting at his desk with Dante standing off to his right. However, another man occupies the seat in front of his desk, with his back to me.

"Father, Dante." I nod in acknowledgment to them both.

As my father begins to speak, I can see the man's muscles move under his jacket as he shifts to stand. "Gianna, this is Enzo Vastili. He came with a proposal for your hand in marriage. He wishes to strengthen the ties of our alliance between our Families." My eyes widen as my mouth drops open. I can feel myself begin to tremble at my father's words.

No. My mind tries to deny what I just heard. He can't. He wouldn't. He knows