Page 45 of My Sweetest Temptation

She tilted her head, a challenging glint in her eyes. “I don’t think that’s your call to make.”

“You seem to forget something,” I hissed, my body heating with a possessive rage. “When another man thinks he has the right to look at you, I’ll rip out their eyes. If their hands feel any part of your body, I’ll chop them off for touching what is mine,” I growled. “And then I’ll cut off their dicks and reattach them just to rip them off again to remind them who you belong to. Is that what you want?”

Her friend started coughing. I turned to check on her, and she grabbed her drink and swallowed down whatever was caught in her throat while her son patted her on the back.

I turned back to Winter, leaning down so our faces were almost level. I rested one hand on the table, the other grasping the back of the booth. In a low, teasing whisper meant just for her, I said, “It’s my call, and trust me, the only person you’ll be working for in this city is me. With every move you make, I’ll be two steps ahead.”

She swallowed hard, her resolve flickering like candlelight being snuffed out, but she didn’t back down.

“You can’t do that,” she challenged as her stomach growled.

“Sure, I can,” I replied, holding back a smile. “I just did.”

“Then I’ll run.”

“I’ll catch you,” I said, leaning in a little closer, my voice dropping lower.

“I’ll hide,” she countered, a hint of a smile breaking through.

“I’ll find you.”

Her chest rose and fell with every breath, and my gaze drifted down to her lips, drawn to the way they parted slightly as she bit down on her bottom lip. I noticed the subtle way she clenched her thighs together, fidgeting in her seat, and I couldn’t help but grin. She was fucking turned on.

“Why won’t you leave me alone?” she whispered, not in annoyance but with what sounded like only curiosity.

“Because I can’t bear the idea of you being taken away from me. You won’t escape me, and I won’t let you,” I replied, my voice steady.

The waitress approached the table and set down Tabi’s and her son’s plates. But when she left Winter’s spot empty, I stepped in front of her

“Did you forget a plate?” I demanded.

“Um, no, sir,” the waitress stuttered. “She didn’t want anything.”

I whirled around to face Winter, confused as fuck as to why her lack of appetite was pissing me off. “Is that true?”

“Yep!” Tristan answered for her. “She’s not hungry.”

“You’re not hungry?” I shot back. I’d heard her stomach let out a small growl just moments ago. “When was the last time you ate?”

Winter let out a heavy sigh, clearly annoyed. “Nico, just leave it. It’s not a big deal. I’m not really in the mood for food right now.”

“Get her a burger with fries,” I ordered the girl.

She looked between me and Winter. “Um, is that what you would like?” she asked Winter.

“Don’t ask her,” I snapped at her. “Just get the damn food.”

She scurried away, and Winter glared at me with her beautiful amber eyes. “Nico. You don’t have to be rude,” she said, glancing in the little boy’s direction.

“Does it bother you, kid?” I asked him.

Winter groaned and muttered something that sounded like asshole.

“Nope,” he said, popping the P.

“Good man.” I winked at him.

He grinned.

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