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Hope Through the Flames
Last Updated:
2023-12-09 01:41:12Related chapters
Jaded Suspects
SicilyKari reached over and patted her hand. "I need to get going. Lisa is showing a house with Marc and I have a shoot at one of the convalescent homes today. Miss Margaret Johnson is turning one hundred."Sicily smiled and wiped her tears away. "Thanks for the talk. I'm sure we'll figure it out.""I think you will too. One more thing and I'll leave you alone." Kari squeezed Sicily's shoulder, the look on her face loving concern."Sure." Sicily reached up and covered her friend’s hand with her own."I would rather love a million times and lose than never to have felt the high that love takes you on. Every minute of that bliss is worth all the pain and suffering that comes when something doesn't work out. Take a risk. I know without a doubt that you'll be pleasantly surprised.""Thanks, Kari." Sicily patted her friend’s hand and turned to rest her arms on the table.She waited until Kari slipped out to pick up the phone and call her brother, Johnny. She hadn't had a chance to talk to
Last Updated : 2023-12-09Jaded Stay Away From Him
SicilySicily laid around the house for as long as she could, the day turning into afternoon much too slowly. She cleaned every room, including Lisa's, which was a hot mess. Laundry was done and the cabinets in the kitchen were reorganized. She finally resigned herself to going to the gym to waste a few more hours before everyone would be back home. Drake was most likely with Jake wrapping up everything related to the fire and she could just be comfortable in the gym.No holding in her tummy and trying to breathe through her nose and not pant. Why did the only gym in town have to be owned and operated by the hottest guy in her life? The one she wanted above her at night and wrapped around her in the wee hours of the morning?Changing into a pair of tight workout pants and a tank top, she stopped by the bathroom mirror and turned her nose up. Getting in shape was going to take forever seeing that she had started to slip again on her diet."Get it together," she growled at herself and l
Last Updated : 2023-12-09Jaded She Hates Me
DrakeSunday was a day of rest, and happened to be the only day Drake DeMarco had off from his beloved gym. It was a lazy day to watch football and lounge around on the couch, wash a few loads of clothes, and eat his one cheat meal of the week. Rest was the last thing on his mind when he woke, his stomach a torrent of knots as he tried to walk through what went wrong with his latest obsession.Something about the look on Sicily's face the day before at the gym told him that she knew more than he wanted her to about who he was before moving to Maine. She'd changed her tune about going to dinner with him and seemed far more interested in running on the treadmill than giving him another second in her presence."Weird," he grunted and got out of bed. Being a bachelor had been a necessity for a while, the need to ensure that he was safe in Maine had left him lonely. She was the first girl in five years who hadn’t been a planned one night stand in another town over just to release some of t
Last Updated : 2023-12-09Jaded She's Into You Too
DrakeThe weather was beyond blissful as Drake drove his bike to the harbor, the wind chilly and refreshing. He parked and locked it up as Jake got out of his old truck."I'm thinking I need to get me one of those." Jake nodded to the motorcycle."Oh yeah? Gets the girls every time." Drake wagged his eyebrows and stood, stretching his arms to the heavens and twisting his torso."I got the girl. It's your turn now." Jake popped him in the back and nodded to the sidewalk that stretched around the string of shops. "Good thing it's Sunday or this wouldn't be possible without having to dodge old ladies and baby strollers."Drake laughed and walked to the sidewalk with Jake. "Jumping over a stack of old ladies holding baby strollers would be easier than getting the girl. She's damn near impossible.""You still have your eye on Sicily?" Jake nodded as they picked up their pace, jogging at an aggressive speed.It would be good to bleed out some of his angst through his sweat glands. Pumping i
Last Updated : 2023-12-09Jaded Interrogated
SicilySunday was a waste, a day to lie in the bed and lament over the truth about Drake. He was part of the DeMarco-Castaletta clan, and Sicily's brother had been serious about his warning. Some part of her wanted to call and find out the full details on what it could mean, but knowing anything too damning would completely snuff out hope. Hope that she and Drake might become something when she lost her weight and he, what... stopped being a villain?***SicilyShe woke on Monday morning to the alarm, her desire to get up and do anything officially gone. It would have been a good day to get back in the kitchen and experiment a little, but she was due at the police station at eight. How they had her down as a suspect was beyond her, but she would push past her angst and answer their questions. Things would get cleared up and she could get back to her life."Some life it is," she grumbled and milled through her clothes.Drake saw her differently than she saw herself, his words telling h
Last Updated : 2023-12-09Jaded A Suspect
Sicily"What do you think you're doing?" she whispered angrily."I'm reading the paper. Do you want to read it? If so, just ask." He chuckled and pulled it down. "How are you more beautiful when you're angry? It should be a crime.""Not funny. You're not a lawyer. You own the town gym. Everyone knows that. The cop is going to know that, so what the hell are you doing?" She hated the pissy sound of her voice, but the combination of needing him and not wanting to need him raged inside of her, threatening to spill over and ruin her composure.He set the paper down before moving forward, his actions putting him closer than she wanted. "I'm a lot of things, Sicily. You don't know me and you're judging my abilities. Don't. I don't judge yours."She turned as the girl called her name. "Miss Moretti. You and your lawyer can come this way.""Thank you," Sicily called out a little too brightly. She glanced back at Drake as he stood and moved up beside her. "This conversation isn't over.""Good.
Last Updated : 2023-12-09Jaded He's Not Who He Says He Is
DrakeDrake let out a long sigh as he parked at the gym and locked up his bike. The look on Sicily's face said that she assumed the worst from him – again. He was simply trying to get her to help him figure out why the fuck the sweater was at Judy's. He wasn't insinuating anything. The girl had brothers. She had to know that most men who wanted to say something would just say it.First her thinking that he was continuously poking at her weight and not that she was a criminal."So fucking ridiculous," he growled and dropped the chain the bike. A soft grasp resounded behind him and he realized how loud he had been with his cursing. The Beltmans were walking out of the gym and stopped in their tracks. "I'm so sorry.""It's all right, son." Mr. Beltman reached out and patted Drake on the shoulder. "Something got you stirred up?"He glanced to Mrs. Beltman with a look of apology on his face and nodded. "Yeah. The girl of my dreams is quickly becoming a nightmare.""Drop her ass," Mr. Beltm
Last Updated : 2023-12-09Jaded What If?
SicilyShe still hadn't answered his text from the day before. The honest truth of it was that she didn't know how to. Tugging on her yoga pants and leaning over her bed, she pulled the text up again.Drake: What if... just what if... my question earlier was to try and get you to join my team in solving this mystery? What if I'm actually a pretty decent guy and the type that says exactly what he means? Like, no mincing words or any of that shit? What if you just don't know me well enough yet? Sicily... what if?"Yeah, what if?" she grumbled and fell forward, flopping down on her bed accidentally. A growl left her and she rolled on her back before throwing her legs in the air and trying to wiggle into the pants.Lisa stopped by the door and snorted. "Um, you need some help?""Go away. I'm trying to get these on and someone washed them in hot water.""They're yoga pants, Sis. They are supposed to look like someone painted them on you.""Then never mind." Sicily ripped them from the midd
Last Updated : 2023-12-09
Latest chapter
Jaded Easter Proposal
Drake"You sure you don't mind stopping by my momma's house real quick? I just want to give everyone a hug before we head back to Maine." She leaned over and puckered up, looking too cute for her own damn good."I don't mind at all, plus, we're already here." He kissed her. "Tease.""You don't have to come in." She kissed him once more and got out of the truck, jogging toward the door. Her white coat fit her well, her jeans beautiful on her pert little butt.He smiled, letting his thoughts dive into the night they would have when they got back to his place.A knock right beside his head on the window had him stifling the need to jump. He turned to find Johnny standing out in the snow.Drake rolled down his window and nodded. "What's up, man?""I was thinking about what you said the other day about loving my sister." He glanced around, obviously uncomfortable. "I can't do anything about who she falls in love with, and I know I don't need to do the 'kick your ass if you hurt her' spiel,
Jaded You're My Gift
Drake"You sure you don't mind stopping by my momma's house real quick? I just want to give everyone a hug before we head back to Maine." She leaned over and puckered up, looking too cute for her own damn good."I don't mind at all, plus, we're already here." He kissed her. "Tease.""You don't have to come in." She kissed him once more and got out of the truck, jogging toward the door. Her white coat fit her well, her jeans beautiful on her pert little butt.He smiled, letting his thoughts dive into the night they would have when they got back to his place.A knock right beside his head on the window had him stifling the need to jump. He turned to find Johnny standing out in the snow.Drake rolled down his window and nodded. "What's up, man?""I was thinking about what you said the other day about loving my sister." He glanced around, obviously uncomfortable. "I can't do anything about who she falls in love with, and I know I don't need to do the 'kick your ass if you hurt her' spiel,
Jaded Perfect Christmas
DrakeDrake woke up the next morning before Sicily, realizing it was Christmas and he had everything he needed. He rolled onto his side and reached out, brushing his hand down her back as gratefulness washed over him in suffocating waves.D and Michael Carrington had gone to great lengths to help him restart his life. They'd helped fake his death in a warehouse explosion, put on the funeral and D had played the part beautifully through the event. It was horrifying to think he let his brother go through that shit, but D wouldn't have had it any other way.Drake rolled out of bed, his heart aching in his chest. He'd been wrong the night before. He and Sicily couldn't just look away from D and Izzy's bullshit situation. Where he wasn't sure he could get involved in the syndicate again, he could browbeat his brother into being a man and taking Izzy as his woman. There was no other girl for Demetri.After ordering a huge Christmas morning breakfast, Drake wrapped up in an extra blanket, sl
Jaded Kadia
Sicily"That was fun tonight." Sicily squeezed Drake's hand as they walked toward Kadia in downtown New York. The sign lit up the night, taking attention from anyone who passed by. It was magnificent, the largest club she'd seen."Yeah. I had a good time," he glanced down at her, "and I was serious about what I said. We can go back and join your family after we spend a little bit of time with D and Izzy. I doubt they’re staying long. We just wanted to see each other, and it's safer if we do it in the middle of a large crowd."The line was wrapped around the building, people huddling together and singing Christmas songs with all sorts of odd costumes for the event that night. Sicily smiled and snuggled closer to Drake as they walked to the front of the line."The line is back there, man. Go get in it." A sexy bouncer with a great smile and beautiful aqua-colored eyes barked at them. She let her eyes move down to his name tag, wondering who he was for some reason. Had she seem him befor
Jaded Tradition
DrakeDrake let his eyes run across Sicily as she stood in front of the mirror in the hotel bedroom and turned slowly, checking herself out."You look amazing."She walked toward him as he fiddled with his tie, taking over and working on it for him."My brothers never could get a tie on right. The last time I did this for someone, it was at Momma’s funeral." Her hands shook a little. "I did it multiple times that day."He reached up and ran his hands over her hips, enjoying the soft silky black material of her dress. "I'm really good at it. I just wanted you closer."She laughed as a tear ran down her nose. "I'm sorry.""Don't be sorry." He stood and pulled her into a hug, kissing the top of her head as he brushed her hair back. "You can be sensitive over your mom anytime you want, for as long as you want. I'm right here to hold you up."She nodded and pressed her face to his chest. "I just have so many memories of Christmas Eve with her. My chest hurts so bad it feels like acid is ea
Jaded Live with Me
Sicily"What did you do while I was shopping?" Sicily stood beside Drake later that afternoon as he loaded up the truck with her packages."I was taking a nap honestly." He put the last of them in the truck and gave her a look. "What in the world did you get?""Presents for all of our friends and something for you." She shrugged and walked around the truck, getting in on her side.He got in and buckled up as the scent of his cologne filled her nose. She breathed in deeper and let out an appreciative growl.Drake chuckled. "What was that for?""You smell good.""Stop diverting. You shouldn't have gotten all those gifts, baby.""Why not? We didn't fly. We'll just put them all in the back seat when we go back home, right?""It's not about where to put them on the ride home, Sis. It's about you spending your hard-earned money on gifts for us. We don't need anything, at least I don't. I have you, baby. That's more than enough." He pulled out his wallet. "Let me give you some money so you c
Jaded Just the Siblings
Sicily"You sure you don't want to come with me?" Sicily forced a pout on her face. She knew without a doubt that Drake would do anything she wanted him to, but shopping was too much. Having some time with her brother and sister for the afternoon would be fun for her, but most likely a drag of sorts. Especially seeing that the brother going was Johnny."I’m sure, beautiful girl." He pulled up to her mother's house. "I'll catch up with you this afternoon.""Will you take me out to see my momma’s grave before we have to get ready for dinner and church?" She leaned over and touched the side of his handsome face. Butterflies danced in her stomach, which seemed silly, but she hoped that he would always have such a strong pull on her."Of course I will." He leaned in and kissed her softly before deepening it a little. She opened herself up, letting him in as he rolled his tongue past her, dominating the kiss in a way that made her blood boil."Behave." She pulled back and smiled."You're th
Jaded It's Going Down
DrakeThe night was filled with him and Sicily taking turns to explore each other. By the end of it, he was weak, exhausted and completely infatuated with the beautiful woman tucked against him. Not ever being able to sleep well, he was shocked when he woke the next morning to the smell of bacon and the sound of Sicily talking.He jolted up in the bed, worried that he had missed something. "Baby?""Right here." She opened the various trays sitting on the counter by the TV. "I ordered room service because I didn't want to get dressed yet. Besides, it's snowing like crazy out there."He dropped back down and ran his hand over his chest, watching her as she moved around in a large fluffy white robe. She looked adorable. Sexy."Mine," he grumbled and pulled the covers up. "You know that? You're mine.""I know, you gorilla. You made that more than obvious last night." She nibbled on a piece of bacon and walked over to sit down on the edge of the bed. "You want some?""Of course I do." He r
Jaded A Night on the Town
Sicily"Wow. This place is...""Fancy?" Drake asked as he pulled out her chair. "I heard they have the best steaks in New York.""Something tells me that you're probably right." Sicily sat down, feeling way underdressed for the steakhouse Drake had brought her to. He had on a sports coat over his jeans and white polo, and looked like a million bucks. The best thing in her suitcase was a plain white skirt and a blue sweater with winter boots. She felt cute, but that didn't seem like enough."Evening, folks. Glad to have you in the city and here with us tonight for dinner. May I make some suggestions?" The server wore a white pressed shirt, black slacks and a tux jacket.Sicily sat quietly as Drake encouraged the guy to give his spiel. Once he was done, Drake ordered their drinks and an appetizer. He moved his seat closer to hers and draped his arm over the back of her chair. "You look amazing.""You're just being sweet." She smiled and worked to get her napkin in her lap, not wanting t
