LOGINShare
66
Last Updated:
2025-01-07 00:04:58
Related chapters
DARKNESS IGNITES DESIRES 67
DAMIANI move to my stash of drinks, pulling out a blue bottle of vodka. After staring at it for a moment, I set it down and grab a bottle of water instead. The glass empties quickly and I pour another, then leave it on the table. Unable to resist the need for nicotine, I reach into my locker for cigarette and a lighter. Lighting it up, I sit on the sofa, staring at Liliana as the orange glow adds more light to the dim room. “Why did you come back?” Liliana ask, stepping closer than I need her to. “You could have left me there.”I ignore her, exhaling a plume of smoke as her words ring in my head. Left you there? Alice would have my head everyday until there's nothing left. “Damian!” She snaps.I raise my eyes to meet hers with a look of disinterest. The red end of the cigarette burns brighter when I take a long drag.The next thing, she marches right over to snatch it from my lips and stub it out in the glass of water. “You're going to die one way or another with the reckless dec
Last Updated : 2025-01-07DARKNESS IGNITES DESIRES 68
RACHELIt's been a week since I prepared Liliana for the casino opening. A week since I took leave from work, claiming it was for my health. In that time, I've seen Melanie more than I care to count. Not that I'm proud of spending so much time with her. But I have to. If I don't trail after her like some obedient dog, she'll expose my pregnancy and ruin everything. “What's with that look? You already had your way with Damian and got pregnant for him. So stop moping around,” she'd hissed once as her eyes narrowed like a snake's. I hadn't of course. Hell, I haven't even thought about the Pakhan that way. My life would be ruined if he caught wind of that. Not that it matters to Melanie. She doesn't believe a word I say. Her theory remains that I have been sleeping with him.And despite my father's pathetic attempts to shove me into Damian's path, trying to play matchmaker for the Pakhan himself, I couldn't do it. I won't do it.But now Melanie's amping the pressure. “Get rid of it,”
Last Updated : 2025-01-08DARKNESS IGNITES DESIRES 69
LILIANAI wake up with a lightness in my chest I haven't felt in weeks. There's no sign of lingering dread, no shadow of gloom, none of Genovese hanging over my day like a storm cloud. It's just…peace. Blissful peace, and for once, everything is quiet. Even Damian seems to be going through some kind of thawing out recently. For instance, he's distant but not cold. The kind of warmth that creeps in without permission, unexpected and fragile. Unbidden, I find myself clinging to whatever this is.Maybe from there, I can ask him to let me go back home to Theodore. Heaven knows if he's alright. I lean back and raise my eyes to meet Damian's. He's sitting opposite me in the courtyard now. Sunlight drips over his sharp features, making the dark ink of his rose tattoo stand out stark against his skin. He is waiting for me to start, arms resting casually on his thighs. Oh fuck me, who am I kidding? There's never been anything casual about this predator whose heated gaze is locked on me as
Last Updated : 2025-01-09DARKNESS IGNITES DESIRES 70
LILIANAI drop the brush in a small bowl of water with a sound of triumph. Another completed project. “So beautiful,” I coo. The air shifts and suddenly, every inch of me is is hyperaware of him. The heat radiating off his skin. The faint scent of cedar and smoke mixing together like an alluring elixir with his masculine scent. His voice drops low and dangerous. “Is that what you see when you look at me? Beauty?”My heart begins a wild pounding rhythm I can't control. “I see a lot of things,” I whisper, almost unable to get the words out.Wait, hold on! Why is my tongue so loose this morning?He's close now. So close I can feel his breath against my cheek. His fingers reach for my chin and ever so softly, he turns my face towards him. “Tell me.”“You—” He doesn't give me a chance to speak before the rest of my words are swallowed up by his lips descending on mine. As his lips crash into mine, it feels as though the air evaporates from my lungs and in that mind-numbing moment, the w
Last Updated : 2025-01-10DARKNESS IGNITES DESIRES 71
LILIANA“Fuck, yes. That's it,” he growls. “Show me how bad you want it.” And that's exactly what I do. My tongue traces the line under his cock, trailing it down to the base and back up again. By the time I repeat this a couple of time, he's panting so loud and my eyes blur with pain from my burning scalp. The ache in my jaw increases as I widen my mouth to take him in deeper. The only thing that rings in my head is to give him pleasure. His every pant and hoarse groans drench my panties in my wetness. Everything that should feel so wrong, feels so goddamn good.The way he whispers my name like a prayer, his fists tightening in my hair, the way he raises his hips to pump into my mouth—I should feel used, degraded. Instead, a thrill of excitement courses through me and my pussy is pulsing. Fast. I clamp my thighs tightly, pressing it against the pulsing in hopes to quench some of the fire down there but it doesn't give me the satisfaction. Not like his hands will. Or his cock. S
Last Updated : 2025-01-14DARKNESS IGNITES DESIRES 72
DAMIANAm I the asshole for trying to protect Liliana from the wrath of Melanie? No, I'm not. Am I the asshole for seeking pleasure the way I did? Definitely not. We're adults who can handle matters perfectly well. It was mutual anyway.Why do I feel this nagging guilt as I let Melanie lead me back in the house? No, I shouldn't be feeling that. We don't even have an exclusive relationship. And now, I'm letting myself be pulled in by sentiments. Again. If my brain isn't lagging when I'm around Liliana, it's shutting off completely. It's like my body now obeys a different command that's not issued by me. “Where have you been, little brother?” A voice booms from behind me.I spin around to find Zoran walking down hallway towards us and by his side is Selena. Relief unfurls within at the sight of them and giving him a hug is a perfect excuse to extricate myself from Melanie's death grip. Apart from that reason, I'm genuinely pleased to see them.“It's been ages.” Selena says, landing a
Last Updated : 2025-01-18DARKNESS IGNITES DESIRES 73
DAMIANWhen I go to the kitchen, it's like a big festival is about to take place because of all the food arranged on the table. I'd been so occupied with other thoughts that I forget what the occasion really is. The kitchen staff wheel several platters toward the living room, bowing when they see me. As I get close to the kitchen, there's laughter and some playful snickers but one voice grabs all of my attention. Like a charm, I'm enraptured by the soft chimes of her laughter as it rings louder than all the others. I double my steps, eager to capture her smiling mouth with my eyes. I cross the threshold and my gaze immediately rivets to her by the kitchen Island next to Selena and Alice. There's a lot of chopping, boiling and sizzling sounds but the gentle sound of her voice seizes the oxygen in my chest.“You want something?” Zoran dares to interrupt and she looks at him. Following his eyes, she turns her head in my direction but I'm quick to find something else of interest. Well
Last Updated : 2025-01-18DARKNESS IGNITES DESIRES 74
LILIANA One minute, everyone is cheering for Sicily and Zip, the next, I'm barrelling my way into a bathroom to throw up a meal I just consumed. I rinse my mouth and stare into the mirror, surprised to find nothing wrong with my face. Not pale. The last time something like this happened was over a month ago and it turned out to be flu. Is this another case of bad flu or is it something to start worrying about? When I come out to the dining, Zip is yelling to Zoran about how much inconsiderate and selfish Damian is. Trust me, it's something I can relate to a thousand times again. “I hate him so much. Whatever happened was a long time ago and I want to forget about it.” She cries into his embrace. “I want to love again.” My heart goes out to her. Pity quickly switches place with anger and it's aimed at Damian. How can he hurt the sister he claims to care so much about? Zoran and Selena tries to pacify her, but her sobs only grow. Alice and Sicily are nowhere in sight and Me
Last Updated : 2025-01-18
Latest chapter
DARKNESS IGNITES DESIRES 113
DAMIANOn the drive back to the beach house later that evening, I notice Liliana has grown quieter and withdrawn into her thoughts. A few times, she throws me subtle glances which I catch but don’t comment on. When the white building comes into view, she reaches for my hand. “Thank you for a lovely time today.”I love the feel of her hand, small and soft against mine. “That was nothing.”“That was…something. You showed a part of me I never knew existed.” She laughs, threading her fingers through her hair–something I’ve been holding back from. “You built this paradise for those little kids to feel sheltered and loved.”I try not to stiffen. “It’s nothing really. They are just kids.”“No, you don’t get it.” She turns in her seat to give me a look of awe. “Yes, they’re just kids you say. But I’ve met philanthropists who give and disappear, orphanage owners who give and maintain distance with the kids.”The way she says those words in adoration—I don’t want to hear them. “Don’t just jump
DARKNESS IGNITES DESIRES 112
LILIANAThe next morning, Damian says he has something he’d like to show me. That’s new. Something more exciting to look forward to than staying holed up in here with the man who infuriates me every second.…well maybe it’s just the way he keeps holding out on me, and the sexual frustration buzzing, threatening to pull me under. A soft knock on the bathroom door crashes into my thoughts. “Would you like my help?”Oh, for pete’s sake! He’s doing this on purpose, teasing me to see if I’ll take the bait and when I do, he pulls away with a smirk. Fucking bastard.“Stay away from me, Kris,” I reply, trying not to bruise my skin with the washcloth.He has the nerve to chuckle. “Yeah, right. Sure you want that?” “Why don’t you come in here and find out exactly what I want?”Truly, I watch the doorknob twist slowly, my back straightens and anticipation makes me slick despite the water in the tub. Then he retreats. He fucking backs away with a laugh.“We have a lot to do today, baby,” he pau
DARKNESS IGNITES DESIRES 111
DAMIANI tighten my hold around Liliana’s thigh and pull her closer until her bottom is perched near the very edge of the chair. The light gasp of surprise and the subtle shift in her posture tells me that she wants this. Her thighs fall open on their own accord, just enough to tease me and offer an invitation she knows I can’t refuse. She lifts a forkful of crepe cake to her lips, playing oblivious to the gradual ascent of my fingers seeking the warmth of her folds. She keeps her expression unreadable and innocent. That’s a facade. She’s anything but.Viva, Genovese’s concubine asks a question. Something about…what was it again?I spare a glance at Liliana again, noting the way her chest rises just a little too fast and the slight tremble of her fingers against the silverware.She’s putting on a show by pretending she’s unaffected by the way my fingers slide up her inner thigh with a tease.Then inching higher a little more, that’s when I catch her swollen pearl, slick with her wet
DARKNESS IGNITES DESIRES 110
LILIANALunch is served a little too late by the time I’ve showered and changed into a fresh, grey cotton t-shirt that stops mid thighs. It is at the moment, the most comfortable style of clothing I own. Halfway down the stairs, I hear a feminine voice giggling, as welll as Damian entertaining them. Curiosity spurs me faster and I realize who would be having lunch with us. Before I can announce my presence, she spots me first and her smile falters only by a fraction. “We were just talking about you.”Of course. I hide my unease with a grin. “It’s a pleasure to meet you too.”Why does she look so damn familiar?Damian finally turns to me, studying me with eyes that seem to see right through me. “Took you forever to get down here.”My hands clench into fists by my side as I come to stand by the table, not even bothering to hide the displeasure on my face. “I was busy sorting my stuff.”“Your stuff, huh?” A corner of his lips quirk up. He rises from his seat, tall and commanding in a
DARKNESS IGNITES DESIRES 109
LILIANA Damian’s hands are everywhere–skimming up and down my back, caressing my thighs, grabbing my ass, thumbs stroking just shy of my panties. He moves like he’s trying to memorize the feel of me. I move over him just to see what it does to him and how much his self-restraint can take. It’s a dangerous thing to attempt on the plane, but I can’t help myself. His grip tightens to halt my movement, at the same time that a curse leaves his lips. “You’re enjoying this too much,” he breathes, touching our foreheads together as he tries to gain control. I smirk, leaning back in so I can join our lips back together. He captures mine and moves hungrily against me. I press closer, and with slow rolls of my hips, I continue to tease him. Thread by thread, his restraints begin to snap. “Liliana…” His voice is wrecked. “You like it when I do that?” His fingers dig into my thighs, his response a low, guttural sound from the depths of him. “You know exactly what you’re doing.” In my l
DARKNESS IGNITES DESIRES 108
DAMIAN“Come here,” I say, patting my thigh.She freezes and her eyes go round like I just suggested something insane. Which, I suppose, I did. She searches my face to see if I might crack a grin and say I’m joking. I don’t.“Are you out of your goddamn mind?” she sputters. A smirk tugs at my lips. “Probably. But don’t be scared.” My fingers drum lazily on my leg. “Don’t make me repeat myself.”The sight of her so worked up like this is something for sore eyes. She’s cute like that. I can practically hear the wheels turning in her head, debating her decisions. She could stay safe in the co-pilot’s seat, but I know she won’t. Curiosity always wins with her.Finally, she blows out a sharp exhale and unfastens the seatbelt. The faint click is swallowed up by the hum of the engine. Her hands clench and release by her side as she pushes herself up. She looks hesitant, but in that stiffness, there’s something else shining in her eyes. The moment she is within reach, I don’t give her a cha
DARKNESS IGNITES DESIRES 107
LILIANAI settle into the passenger seat, smoothing the dress over my thighs and feeling self-conscious while doing it. The silk clings to my skin and the floral print is vibrant against the black. Alice really did choose well.The low rumble of the car reverberates through me as Damian takes his place right next to me in the driver’s seat and starts the engine. “So,” I start, feeling jittery anticipation about the sudden trip, “where are we going?”He glances at me, and his lips curl into the most beautiful smile. “You’ll see soon enough.”“That’s not fair,” I argue but he only grins widely with mystery dancing in the yin and yang depths of his eyes. “You’re too damn impatient, Lily. What did they teach you about patient dogs?”“They die hungry?” When he slants me an incredulous look, I burst out laughing. “I’m not a dog and I’m definitely not patient. We’ve established that fact. Now can you tell me that you’re not selling me off again?”Slowly, the smile slips off his face and his
DARKNESS IGNITES DESIRES 106
LILIANA…he’s gone.Before the first spill of sunlight, he’s out of my room. All I’m left with are the memories of stolen kisses here and there, straying fingers in my scalp and strong arms keeping me warm. I tried to ignore the warning bells in my head and just relax while it lasted. It worked for a while at least. Now, he’s gone. “Do you think he’d end up with a Mary Sue who’s got mommy issues?” I muse, laughing at myself. To my merit, I’m freer than I’ve been in forever. The weight that used to pull me down is non-existent. Dragging myself out of bed, I go to take a bath. It’s while I’m in the bathroom that the door opens and someone walks in. Immediately, I’m wary of the intruder because of what happened the last time. “Whoever it is, could you just wait outside?” I tell them. The footsteps retreat and the door closes again.A short while after I’ve changed into a cotton shirt and pants, I notice a tray of food on the coffee table. It feels like I’m walking into a Deja Vu this
DARKNESS IGNITES DESIRES 105
LILIANAI can't look away no matter how bad I feel the impulse to. Damian's gaze burns into me, never looking away—it’s like he is staring into my soul and drawing out my words. Even if that isn't his intention, they are already spilling out. All the memories I've tried so hard to bury. So, there's no stopping now.“When Lajla left,” I continue, reducing my voice to barely a whisper, “I found a letter she wrote me. She told me to try and be everything our mother wanted. She said…maybe then, she would finally love me.” My fingers trembled slightly in my laps. Unable to hold his gaze anymore, I turn to them, tracing the tiny lines. The deception in Lajla's words… She did it for me, but she thought wrong.I can still see my sister's scrawled handwriting in the back of my mind, can feel the hope in her words. Oh God, I was so stupid to believe it.“So, I did,” I continue. “I stayed. I did everything my mother asked. I went to college nearby, smiled when…when all I wanted to do was scre
