Page 119 of My Sweetest Temptation

I saw the determination in his eyes, and I knew then that whatever he had done to Michael, or would do, was final. As long as Tabi and Tristan were safe, I didn’t need to know the details.

We locked eyes, an intense chemistry sparking wildly. It was as if we were the only two people in the world, drawn to each other with a force that made my knees weak. That kiss with Drew back in high school? It didn’t even come close to the whirlwind of emotions I felt now.

As I stood there, transfixed by his presence, his blue eyes slowly trailed down to my neck, his gaze a gentle caress that made me tingle all over. My eyes drifted closed as his fingers traced the sensitive skin of my neck, my breath quickening at the sensation.

When I looked up at him again, his eyes held a depth of emotion that took my breath away. The weariness and sadness had transformed into something intense and protective.

“This,” he said, his voice a low rumble as he wrapped his hand around my neck, his thumb brushing my pulse point, “will never happen again. I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

I swallowed, my throat dry as I tried to speak past the lump. “You can’t watch me all the time.”

“I can and I will.”

“Why?” I asked, chewing my bottom lip.

A cocky smirk played on his lips, and he closed the distance between us, his minty breath fanning my face. “Because,” he murmured, his lips mere inches from mine, “you affect me like no one else, Winter.” His thumb brushed my bottom lip. “You have me completely caught up in you, and I don’t ever want to let you go.”

My heart pounded in my ears, and I could barely catch my breath as he leaned in, his lips against my neck. “You’re wearing my favorite scent,” he whispered, his warm breath tickling my skin.

A nervous giggle escaped me. “You mean soap?”

He pulled back to look at me, his eyes full of desire. “You,” he said, placing a kiss on my lips.

Before I could respond, he took a step back, his hand on the doorknob. “Lock the door,” he commanded, his voice hoarse. And then he was gone, leaving me reeling.

My body trembled in the wake of his touch, and I felt like I was on fire. He was my own personal hell. I leaned against the door, trying to steady my breathing and calm the erratic beat of my heart. But just as I started to regain my composure, another loud knock startled me.

I pulled the door open, hoping it was Nico, but it was Liam instead.

“What’s wrong?” I asked. Without a word, my friend pushed past me.

“Liam!” I protested, shutting the door. “What is your problem?”

He rounded on me, his eyes flashing with fury. “How do you know Nico Moretti?”

I crossed my arms defensively. “What are you talking about?”

“Don’t play innocent with me, Winter. I just saw him leaving your place.”

“You’ve been spying on me?” I asked in disbelief.

He waved my accusation away. “I was concerned, that’s all. And it turns out I was right to be. How do you know Nico?”

I sighed, knowing he wouldn’t drop it. “I work at his club, okay? It’s no big deal.”

“No big deal? Do you have any idea who Nico Moretti is? He’s bad news, the absolute worst kind of guy. And you’re working for him?”

Before I could respond, my door flew open and Nico strode in like a man on a mission. In the next instant, he had a gun pointed at Liam. “Who the fuck do you think you are talking to her like that?”

“Nico, stop! Put that away!” I yelled, my heart pounding.

“Who the fuck is this, Winter?” Nico demanded.

“He’s a friend,” I replied shakily.

Nico’s eyes bore into me, his gaze intense and possessive. “I thought I made myself clear—no other man goes near you.”

“You can’t just tell me who I can and can’t see,” I protested, my anger rising.

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