Sinful Flames

Chapter 16

I sat in the library, a book open in my hands, but my mind elsewhere. It had been two days since Gabriel's unexpected apology and the hug in the backyard, but I couldn't shake the memory. Despite my best efforts to focus on reading, my thoughts kept drifting back to that moment.

Suddenly, Gabriel's voice broke through my reverie. "Where's my tuono lost in thought?" he asked, his smirk evident even without looking up from my book.

I rolled my eyes, trying to hide the blush creeping up my cheeks. "Lost in the pages of a book, where it's supposed to be," I retorted, attempting to sound nonchalant.

But before I could fully return to my reading, Gabriel was by my side, pulling me close with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "You know, Chiara," he whispered, his voice low and suggestive, "I could think of a few ways to help you find your focus."

My cheeks burned brighter at his words, but I refused to let him see my flustered reaction. "I think I'll manage just fine on my own, thank you," I replied, mustering as much sass as I could.

His playful demeanor shifted, his expression turning serious. "Chiara, there's something I need to tell you," he said, his voice low and intense.

I looked up, surprised by the sudden change in tone. "What is it?"

He hesitated for a moment, as if weighing his words carefully. "I've decided to tell you the truth," he said finally, his gaze unwavering.

My heart skipped a beat at his words, a mix of apprehension and curiosity flooding through me. Whatever he was about to reveal, I knew it would change everything.

Gabriel made me sit beside him, his expression serious as he began to speak. "It all started with my parents' accident," he began, his voice tinged with pain. "It left a scar on me and my brother, Giovanni."

He went on to recount how they had lived in a quiet neighborhood in New York before he joined the Mafia, driven by a thirst for vengeance for his parents' deaths. He explained how he had risen through the ranks to become a leader, but everything changed when the former boss died and Giovanni chose to separate from him.

"I became the leader," Gabriel continued, his gaze steady as he met my eyes. "But I also began working with the FBI to stop all the underworld crimes."

I listened intently, absorbing every word. His story was like something out of a movie, filled with betrayal, loss, and redemption. But what struck me the most was his honesty, his willingness to share such personal details with me.

When he finished speaking, he looked at me expectantly, waiting for my reaction. "Why are you telling me this?" I asked, unable to hide my curiosity.

Gabriel's gaze softened, and he reached out to gently squeeze my hand. "Because I trust you, Chiara," he replied simply.

I felt a pang of guilt for misunderstanding him, for judging him based on rumors and half-truths. "I'm sorry," I said quietly. "I still hate you, but I shouldn't have assumed..."

"The feeling is mutual," he interrupted, a hint of amusement in his eyes.

We both laughed, the tension between us easing slightly. Then, before I could react, he leaned in and pecked my cheek, sending warmth flooding through me.

As I blushed furiously, he leaned closer, his voice low and seductive. "You know, I'm beginning to think you don't hate me as much as you claim," he whispered, a smirk playing on his lips. "But I suppose I can't blame you. After all, who could resist someone as irresistible as me?"

I rolled my eyes at his arrogance, but a part of me couldn't help but be drawn to him. Despite everything, there was something undeniably magnetic about Gabriel Romano. And as he continued to speak, his words washing over me like a tidal wave, I realized that maybe, just maybe, there was more to him than met the eye.

As Gabriel finished his explanation, I couldn't shake the curiosity about his brother Giovanni. "What about your brother?" I asked, noticing a sadness in his eyes.

He hesitated for a moment before responding, "That's a story for another time."

I nodded, sensing that it was a topic he wasn't ready to delve into. We sat in silence for a moment, the weight of his revelations hanging heavy in the air. Then, just as he leaned in for a kiss, his phone rang, breaking the moment.

He cleared his throat awkwardly and stood up to answer. "I'll be right back," he said, his voice tinged with frustration.

I watched him leave, a mix of emotions swirling inside me. Despite everything, I couldn't deny the unexpected connection I felt with him.

As I sat there alone, I couldn't help but reflect on how I had misunderstood him. Maybe there was more to Gabriel than just the leader of a criminal organization. And maybe, just maybe, he deserved a chance at redemption.

Deciding to trust my instincts, I made a silent vow not to write the exposé that could ruin him. Despite all the hatred I harbored towards him, there was a part of me that wished to give him the love he had lost and deserved.

As I waited for him to return, I couldn't help but wonder what the future held for us. Would we find a way to bridge the gap between us, or were we destined to remain on opposite sides forever? Only time would tell.