Sinful Flames

Chapter 14

As I sat there, a wave of embarrassment washed over me. Just moments ago, Gabriel had been so close, his whispered words still echoing in my mind. The tension between us had been palpable, and I couldn't help but wonder what might have happened if we hadn't been interrupted.

That interruption came in the form of Nonna Ava, Gabriel's cook. She had walked in just as we were on the verge of something I didn't even want to define, and now, as she bustled around the kitchen, I tried to shake off the lingering heat of the moment.

"You two looked cozy," Nonna Ava teased, a knowing smile on her lips.

"It's not like that," I said quickly, my face growing warm. "We're just colleagues. More like boss and employee."

Nonna Ava chuckled, clearly not believing a word. "Colleagues, huh? Well, I've been around long enough to know when there's more to a story."

I tried to laugh it off, but her words only made me more flustered. "Really, Nonna, there's nothing between us. I don't even like him."

She raised an eyebrow, her expression skeptical. "If you say so, dear."

I finished my breakfast in silence, the awkwardness still hanging in the air. Nonna Ava's teasing lingered in my mind, but I pushed it aside, reminding myself that I hated Gabriel. No matter how my body reacted to his presence, my mind knew better.

When I was done, I thanked Nonna Ava and made my way back to my room. As I closed the door behind me, I let out a deep breath, trying to collect my thoughts. The intensity of Gabriel's gaze, the almost-kiss—it all felt surreal. But I had to stay focused. There was too much at stake to let myself get distracted by the confusing mix of attraction and animosity I felt towards him.

What have I gotten myself into?,I thought, lying back on the bed and staring at the ceiling. This situation was far more complicated than I had ever imagined.

I sat on the edge of the bed, my thoughts a chaotic jumble, when a knock on the door pulled me back to the present. "Come in," I called, half-expecting Gabriel. Instead, it was Matteo who entered, carrying several bags."I brought you some clothes," he said, placing the bags on the chair near the window.

He studied me for a moment, a hint of concern in his eyes. "What's bothering you, Chiara?"I looked away, unwilling to share my turmoil with him. "Nothing," I replied, my voice flat.He sighed, clearly not convinced but deciding not to push. "Fiona is safe," he said, and my head snapped up."Where is she?" I asked, a mixture of relief and worry flooding my system.

"She's at my apartment," Matteo replied calmly."Why your apartment?" The question came out more sharply than I intended."It's the safest place I could think of on short notice," he explained. "I have security measures in place there."I nodded slowly, processing this new information. "Thank you," I said, genuinely grateful. He gave a curt nod and left the room, closing the door behind him.

Once alone, I unpacked the bags Matteo had brought. The clothes were simple and practical, clearly chosen with care. I changed quickly, feeling a strange sense of normalcy in the routine act of putting on fresh clothes.

As I glanced at myself in the mirror, the reflection of the woman staring back looked different—more resilient, perhaps, but also more entangled in a world she never wanted to be a part of.

I sat on the bed, trying to distract myself, but my mind kept circling back to Gabriel.

Determined, I headed down the hall and knocked on the study door. I heard Gabriel's voice from within, dismissing his men. Moments later, the door opened and I stepped inside.

"Thank you for the clothes," I began, meeting his gaze. "Who picked them out?"

"Evangeline," he replied, leaning against the desk casually.

I nodded, hesitating before turning to leave. Something was still bothering me. "How did she know my sizes? Even the undergarments fit perfectly."

Gabriel moved closer, closing the distance between us until I could feel his breath on my ear. "That was me," he whispered seductively, sending a shiver down my spine. "I pay attention, Chiara. I know more about you than you think." He let his lips graze my earlobe before biting it gently. "For instance, I know exactly how to make you react."

I felt a rush of heat and fought to keep my composure. "You think you're clever, don't you?" I said, trying to sound unaffected.

He smirked, enjoying the effect he had on me. "I know I am."

I cleared my throat, stepping back to regain some personal space. "So, what’s next?"

Gabriel's expression shifted to serious. "I have a meeting with my men. I don't want you making any trouble or intruding."

I crossed my arms, feeling a spark of defiance. "And what if I do?"

His eyes darkened slightly. "Then you'll have to deal with the consequences. And trust me, Chiara, you don't want that."

The tension between us crackled, a mix of anger and attraction that neither of us could deny. "Fine," I said, turning to leave. "But don't think for a second that I'm intimidated by you, Gabriel. I'll find out the truth, one way or another."

As I walked out, I couldn't help but feel a mixture of frustration and exhilaration. Gabriel had a way of getting under my skin, but I was determined to stay focused.

I made my way to the kitchen, the comforting aroma of Nonna's cooking wafting through the air. She greeted me with a warm smile as I entered, and we exchanged pleasantries as she stirred a pot on the stove.

Once the food was ready, Nonna asked me to grab some extra plates and cutlery from the storage. "Sure, Nonna," I replied, eager to help. "Could you give me directions to the storage?"

Nonna nodded and gave me detailed instructions, and I followed them to a T. But as I reached the storeroom, I made the mistake of making eye contact with Gabriel, who was in his office nearby.

Before I could enter, he stormed out, his expression twisted in anger. "What do you think you're doing snooping around again?" he spat, his voice dripping with venom.

I tried to explain, but he didn't listen, his tirade growing louder and more vicious with each word. "You're nothing but a nuisance, always sticking your nose where it doesn't belong," he sneered, his words like knives cutting into me.

His men watched in silence, their eyes darting between us. I felt my cheeks burn with humiliation as Gabriel continued to berate me in front of everyone.

Finally, unable to bear it any longer, I grabbed what I needed and handed it to Nonna, forcing a smile despite the turmoil churning inside me. She thanked me cheerfully, oblivious to the exchange that had just taken place.

As I retreated to my room, I fought back tears of anger and hurt. How could he be so cruel, so heartless? But I pushed the thoughts aside, focusing instead on finding a way to navigate the dangerous game I found myself trapped in.