Sinful Flames

Chapter 17

The moment between us was charged with unspoken emotions. Our faces inched closer, the tension palpable. Her eyes fluttered closed, her breath mingling with mine as we moved towards each other. Just as our lips were about to meet, my phone rang, shattering the moment.

I grumpily answered the call, frustration evident in my voice. "What is it, Matteo?"Matteo's voice came through the line, a teasing lilt to it. "Why so grumpy, boss? Interrupting something important?"I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose.
"What do you need, Matteo?"

"John has sent his men to stand by near Chiara's apartment. Our guys are watching every move they make."A surge of protectiveness coursed through me. "Keep me updated. I don't want anything happening to her."
"You got it, boss," Matteo replied before hanging up.

I turned back to Chiara, the unfulfilled kiss still hanging in the air. The disappointment in her eyes mirrored my own. "That was Matteo. John's men are near your apartment, but my men are keeping a close watch."Chiara nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Thank you for telling me the truth, Gabriel. I appreciate it more than you know."

As I looked into her eyes, the regret for the kiss that never happened weighed heavily on me. The way her eyes had closed, the anticipation in her expression, the softness of her breath against my skin—it was a moment that promised so much but was stolen away by the harsh reality of our lives.

But the failed kiss was just a delay, not an end. The chemistry between us was undeniable, and I knew that despite the chaos surrounding us, our connection would find its moment. For now, my priority was keeping her safe and ensuring that we both survived the storm ahead.

As I stepped into my office, Antonio was already waiting for me, a stack of papers in hand. "Gabriel, there's a charity ball this evening," he began, a hint of excitement in his voice.

I groaned inwardly. The last thing I wanted to do was attend some stuffy event, surrounded by fake smiles and empty gestures. "And why should I care?" I replied, my tone gruff.

Antonio raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by my reluctance. "Well, sir, it's for a good cause. And besides, who will be your date?"

I paused, considering his question. A sudden idea struck me, and I smirked. "I'll take Chiara."

Antonio's expression turned serious. "Gabriel, it's too dangerous for her. You know that."

I shook my head, dismissing his concern. "On the contrary, Antonio. People will know that Chiara is with me. They'll hesitate to even think about harming her. Besides, I have a plan."

Antonio sighed, clearly unconvinced, but he nodded. "Very well. I'll ask Evangeline to arrange a ball gown for Chiara."

With that settled, I made my way to Chiara in the library. She looked up as I entered, a curious expression on her face. "What brings you here?"

I took a deep breath, preparing for her inevitable resistance. "There's a charity ball this evening. I want you to come with me."

Chiara's eyes widened in surprise, quickly followed by a frown. "You want me to attend a ball with you? Are you serious?"

I leaned in closer, my voice low and persuasive. "Yes, I'm serious. It's important for you to be seen with me. Besides, I have a plan to keep you safe."

She hesitated, clearly torn. "But Gabriel, it's dangerous. What if something happens?"

I reached out, pulling her close. "Trust me, tuono. I won't let anything happen to you," I whispered, my lips brushing against her ear.

After a moment of silence, she relented. "Fine, I'll come. But on one condition."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "And what's that?"

She pushed me away gently, her eyes narrowing playfully. "You have to keep your hands to yourself," she said, a hint of challenge in her voice.

I smirked, unable to resist a wink. "I'll try," I replied, the promise of tonight's ball adding an unexpected thrill to the air between us.

With a final kiss to her neck, I left the library, already looking forward to the evening ahead.

As I made my way to the kitchen, Nonna Ava greeted me with a knowing smile. Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she said, “So, Gabriel, I heard about your little moment with Chiara. Seems like the second time wasn’t quite the charm. Maybe the third time will be.”

I groaned inwardly, feeling a blush creep up my neck. “Nonna, it’s not what you think. We’re just colleagues.”

She raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. “Just colleagues? Gabriel, I’ve seen the way you two interact. There’s more there than just business.” She patted my shoulder gently. “It’s okay to feel things, you know. You deserve happiness, and she keeps you on your toes. That’s a good thing.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at her straightforwardness. Nonna always had a way of seeing through me. “You always know how to make things sound simple, don’t you?”

She chuckled, her eyes warm with affection. “Life is simpler than you think, Gabriel. It’s us who complicate it.” With that, she left the kitchen, her words lingering in the air.

I leaned against the counter, replaying her advice in my mind. Maybe she was right. Maybe Chiara was more than just a colleague. The way she challenged me, stood up to me, and made me feel—there was something undeniably different about her. She did keep me on my toes, and it was a sensation I wasn’t used to but found myself craving more and more.

As I mulled over Nonna’s words, I realized that the third time might just be the charm. Perhaps it was time to stop fighting my feelings and see where this connection with Chiara could lead. After all, if there was one person who deserved to know the real me, it was her. And maybe, just maybe, I deserved to feel something real, too.