Page 136 of My Sweetest Temptation

“Nothing to say, huh?” I tsked, and leaned down until we were face to face. I swore he stopped breathing.

He didn’t see the first blow coming when my fist connected with his face, causing his head to fall backward.

Grabbing Preston by his hair, I pulled his face closer to mine. “You sealed your fate the moment you laid eyes on my girl. I’ll see you in hell, motherfucker.”

I steadied my aim, the barrel of my gun pressing against his groin. His eyes darted in panic, and he pleaded as he futilely struggled against his restraints.

I pulled the trigger, and he let out a blood-curdling scream, writhing in agony.

With a furious growl, I threw the gun aside and picked up the blade and brought it to his chest. I applied pressure, drawing a thin line of red across it. He whimpered, his eyes wide with terror. “Please...God, no...” he begged.

I ignored his pleas, my anger fueling my actions. “God isn’t here to save you.”

I drove the blade deeper into his chest, inch by inch, leaving a gaping wound. I shifted the blade, slicing horizontally as his intestines spilled over.

“You good?” Matteo asked.

Without a word, I answered with a sharp nod.

No one will ever touch you again, my angel.

I will always keep you safe.

BACK TO THE PRESENT

I climbed the stairs, my suit jacket slung over my shoulder, longing to hold Winter in my arms and vowing to never again let her out of my sight.

My mother emerged from my bedroom, quietly closing the door behind her.

Her eyes met mine, and she took in my blood-soaked clothes. But I didn’t give two fucks about what was going through her mind. I had done what I had to and had no tears to shed.

Even though we avenged Winter, it didn’t bring me the satisfaction I’d hoped for. The memory of her assault still haunted me.

“How is she?” I asked.

Mom clasped her hands in front of her. “Jacobi said there are no severe physical wounds. Winter will recover from the superficial injuries.”

I turned away. “And the rest? Was she...?” I had to ask because a dick wasn’t the only thing you needed to take someone’s innocence.

“No,” my mother answered, her voice firm. “Thank God.”

I breathed a sigh of relief.

My mother placed a hand on my forearm, her eyes soft with understanding. “She’s a strong girl, and she will get through this.”

“How?”

Her smile turned gentle, and she squeezed my arm. “Hold her, listen, but don’t push for details,” she advised. “Be her support, and if she needs it, encourage her to speak to a professional. Offer to go with her if she’s willing.”

I swallowed the lump in my throat. “Thank you.” I kissed her cheek, drawing comfort from her steady presence. She cupped my face in her hands, her eyes searching mine.

“Go, take a shower, and burn those clothes,” she ordered. “The last thing your girl needs to see is the lengths you would go to save her.”

My girl.

A ghost of a smile touched my lips. “Is that such a bad thing? To know how far I’d go for her?”

She shook her head. “No, it’s not. But remember, it’s about how she perceives your actions. Your darkness can be a lot for someone to handle. Especially someone like Winter.”

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