All Chapters of BURN FOR ME: MR. MATTEO'S DESIRE : Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

Arielle’s POVI knew Matteo was furious with me. He’d spent the entire ride to the event frowning, jaw clenched, eyes fixed out the window like he could burn holes through the glass. And God help me, I loved every second of it.He had no right to be mad anyway. As far as I was concerned, I was only his wife on paper.When the limo pulled up to the hotel, the driver eased us into the valet line. I wasn’t surprised to see both of his brothers already there—Nikolai with a tall, elegant woman on his arm, Frederico with two escorts, one on each side. One thing I’d noticed about the Morettis: none of them believed in love or real companionship. Frederico didn’t even pretend to hide it.Vincenzo had ruined his sons, I knew it from that dinner I spent with the family. We all slipped on our masks before stepping out. Matteo’s was black velvet, simple and severe. Mine crimson feathers curling around the edges matched the dress I’d chosen to spite him.He offered his arm without a word. I took

Arielle’s POVThe next morning arrived too quickly. I moaned softly as my eyes fluttered open, the sheets tangled around my legs. The room was quiet, too quiet. It dawned on me that Matteo was gone. I sat up, frowning at the empty side of the bed. That man is something else. One minute he’s killing without blinking, the next he’s carrying me like I’m made of glass. And I still don’t know what to do with any of it.I decided—for now—to stop thinking about him. Whatever reason our paths crossed, I had to believe it was destiny. Some twisted, blood-soaked destiny, but destiny all the same.“Arielle!” Yvonne’s voice cut through the silence as she barged into the room without knocking, already dressed in a sleek black jumpsuit that screamed trouble.“You’re still in bed, girl? Breakfast was over an hour ago.” She planted her hands on her hips, frowning dramatically.“Where’s Matteo?” I asked, rubbing sleep from my eyes.Yvonne’s frown instantly turned into a teasing grin. “Ohhh, don’t t

MATTEO'S POV I watched my men from one of the seaports give their presentation on their delivery. I was bored, but then one couldn't let others handle such business. The only people I trusted most was Nikolai and Frederico, aside from those two, I'd rather listen to these long talks. “Don, we have a situation at hand. Your wife and cousin left the estate without security.” One of my men informed me. “What?” I asked and stood up immediately. Nikolai had received threats from the Russians early this afternoon, we didn't ponder much on it because I figured she was locked safe in her room. I should have known my rebellious wife would try to cause more trouble. “Find her, now.” I declared and he bowed and left. “This meeting is adjourned. I have better things to do.” I declared, then made my way out of the conference room. Anger cursed through my veins. But I took heavy strides towards my car. Frederico met me outside. “I don't know how your wife convinced Yvonne to help

ARIELLE’S POVThe next day, I didn't see Matteo when I woke up. It felt like yesterday didn't happen, but the bandage in my arm proved that it did. I sat on the wide window seat in the living room, staring out at the gardens. My arm still throbbed under the fresh bandage, a constant reminder of last night’s stupidity. The mansion felt like a cage today.I miss Yvonne. The sound of footsteps made me look up. Frederico walked in, hands in his pockets, that usual easy smirk missing from his face. He looked serious for once.“Frederico,” I said, sitting up straighter.He stopped a few feet away and studied me for a moment. “You really know how to push Matteo’s buttons, don’t you?”I let out a bitter laugh. “He makes it easy.”Frederico shook his head and dropped into the armchair across from me. “Listen, Arielle. I like you. You’ve got fire. But you need to stop infuriating my brother the way you do. Last night could have ended a lot worse. The Russians aren’t playing games, and neithe

MATTEO’S POVI could still hear the sound of gunshots as I stormed down the grand staircase, gun drawn and heart pounding with pure rage. My men were everywhere returning fire, dragging the wounded to safety, securing every exit. The Russians had balls attacking our main mansion in broad daylight. They would pay for this.I spotted Nikolai first. He was on the floor near the staircase, blood soaking his shirt, Arielle kneeling beside him with her hands pressed to his shoulder. Her face was pale with panic.“Frederico!” I barked. “Get Nikolai out of here now. Take him to the safe house doctor.”Frederico nodded and rushed over with two men. They lifted Nikolai carefully while he gritted his teeth against the pain.I grabbed Arielle’s arm and pulled her up. “We’re leaving. Now.”She tried to yank away, eyes blazing. “What the hell is happening? They’re inside the house!”“No time for questions,” I snapped, dragging her toward the back exit where my armored SUV waited. Bullets pinged of