Sinful Flames

Chapter 23

As Chiara slept beside me, tired from the gala and our impromptu session at the beach, I couldn't help but admire her. My tuono, my thunderstorm, lay peacefully, her chest rising and falling with each breath. The moonlight streaming through the window cast a soft glow on her face, making her look even more angelic.

I gently pulled her closer, wrapping my arms around her and feeling her warmth seep into me. She murmured something incoherent in her sleep and snuggled deeper into my embrace. I couldn't resist pressing a soft kiss to her forehead, feeling a surge of protectiveness and affection.

"Sleep well, tuono," I whispered, knowing she couldn't hear me.

With her in my arms, it didn't take long for me to drift off, the rhythmic sound of her breathing lulling me into a deep, peaceful sleep.

The next morning, I woke early, careful not to disturb Chiara. I slipped out of bed and headed to my office, where Matteo and Antonio were already waiting.

"We need to talk," Matteo began, his tone serious.

"What's the issue?" I asked, taking a seat and focusing on them.

Antonio leaned forward, his expression grim. "It wasn't John and his gang who initiated the shootout."

A wave of surprise and confusion washed over me. "If it wasn't John, then who was it?"

"We're still trying to figure that out," Matteo replied. "But we have a few leads."

I nodded, my mind racing. "Find out who it was. I want answers, and I want them fast."

Matteo and Antonio exchanged a glance before nodding in unison. "We'll get on it right away," Antonio assured me.

As they left my office, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease. Whoever was behind the shootout had made a dangerous move, and I needed to know who was threatening my world. With a final glance towards the door, I made my way back to the bedroom, determined to protect everything and everyone I cared about, especially the woman still sleeping peacefully in my bed.

Later that evening, I asked Chiara to get ready in casual attire. She looked puzzled but complied without question. Once she was ready, we got into the car, and I drove us to a casino where I knew John and his men were likely to be.

"Where are we going?" she finally asked, curiosity getting the better of her.

"You'll see," I replied, giving her a reassuring smile. "Just trust me."

We pulled up to the casino, and I could see John's car parked outside. I took a deep breath, preparing myself for what was about to go down. Chiara looked around, confused and a little wary, but she stayed close to me as we entered the casino.

Inside, the air was thick with smoke and the sound of clinking glasses and murmured conversations. John and his men were seated at a table in the back, their eyes narrowing as they saw us approach.

"Gabriel," John greeted me, a hint of surprise in his voice. "What brings you here?"

I motioned to the car keys in my hand. "I have something for you," I said, tossing them onto the table. "The car I won at the auction. It's yours."

John raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "And what do you want in return?"

I leaned in, my voice low and menacing. "Leave Chiara alone. If anyone defies this order, their death will be a lesson to everyone else. Do you understand?"

John's eyes flicked to Chiara, then back to me. He could see the fury in my eyes, the unyielding determination. "You have my word," he said finally. "No one will touch her."

I straightened up, still glaring at him. "Good. Because if you break your word, there won't be a place on this earth where you can hide from me."

John nodded, and I could see the tension in his men as they realized the seriousness of my threat. "Understood," he said simply.

I turned to Chiara, taking her hand. "Let's go."

We walked out of the casino, the cool night air a stark contrast to the oppressive atmosphere inside. Chiara squeezed my hand, a mixture of relief and gratitude in her eyes.

"Thank you, Gabriel," she said softly.

I glanced at her, my expression softening. "I'll always protect you, tuono. No matter what."

As we drove away from the casino, I felt a sense of satisfaction. John had given his word, and Chiara was safe. For now, at least. But I knew that the war was far from over, and I would do whatever it took to keep her out of harm's way.

As we entered the mansion, a heavy silence hung between us. I turned to Chiara, trying to keep my voice steady despite the weight of my words. "You can go back to your apartment tomorrow," I said quietly, my heart sinking at the thought of her leaving.

Chiara's eyes met mine, and I could see the sadness mirrored in her gaze. We both knew this day would come, but neither of us was ready for it. "Normal life," she echoed softly, her voice tinged with resignation.

"Yeah," I replied, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach my eyes. "You'll get your clothes sent over tomorrow."

She looked at me, searching my face for something more. "Is that all?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

I hesitated, my gaze dropping to the floor before meeting hers again. "Chiara, I..." I started, but she didn't let me finish.

"Why are you pushing me away, Gabriel?" she interrupted, her tone tinged with frustration and hurt.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "It's not that simple, Chiara," I began, my voice rough with emotion. "You don't understand the dangers, the risks..."

"I understand more than you think," she countered, her voice steady despite the turmoil in her eyes. "I know you want to protect me, but pushing me away isn't the answer."

Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. I wanted to protect her, to keep her safe from the darkness that consumed my world. But at what cost? Could I bear to see her walk away, knowing she deserved a life without constant danger?

"Chiara," I started again, but she stepped closer, her hand reaching for mine.

"Don't shut me out, Gabriel," she pleaded, her voice breaking slightly. "I'm not leaving without a fight."

I looked into her eyes, seeing the determination and love shining through the sadness. How could I deny her? How could I deny myself?

"Okay," I said finally, my voice barely above a whisper. "Okay, I won't push you away."

A small smile tugged at the corners of her lips, relief flooding her features. "Promise me," she whispered, her breath warm against my skin.

"I promise," I replied, my voice thick with emotion. "I'll protect you. I won't leave you."

And then, without another word, our lips met in a kiss that spoke volumes—of longing, of fear, of hope. In that moment, everything else faded away. We were two souls intertwined, facing an uncertain future together. But one thing was certain: I would do whatever it took to keep her safe, to keep her by my side.