Page 82 of My Sweetest Temptation

After she regained her composure, she swallowed, her expression turning serious. “Nico, that is a very expensive bottle.” There was a flicker of apprehension in her gaze, which struck a chord.

Yes, it was roughly over ten thousand dollars per bottle. But tonight was meant to be special. “Winter,” I began, my tone firm but gentle. “I’m aware since I purchased it. Don’t worry about the cost. I want you to enjoy this evening. Understood?” I met her gaze, ensuring she saw I was serious about this. About her.

She nodded, acceptance flickering in her eyes. This was just the beginning, and I needed her to trust me. Winter paused for a moment and looked away from me, soaking in the scenery. I had to admit, the place was impressive.

The glass wall shielded the rooftop in the colder months, but in the summer days, it retracted to reveal an open view of the city. From this vantage point, you could overlook Chicago’s lively downtown and get a perfect view of Lincoln Park.

But none of the views compared to Winter’s natural beauty. I leaned back slightly, keeping my eyes on Winter, admiring how her face lit up when she took in the scene below. You’d think this was her first time out in a big city. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”I mused, taking a sip of my wine. Winter smiled faintly, her gaze still locked on the view.

“It really is. It’s breathtaking.”

I nodded, the corners of my mouth lifting. “Yes, the view is amazing,” I said, but my focus remained on her.

She turned to me, her smile softening. “Have you lived here your whole life?” she asked, bringing the rim of the wine glass to her lips.

“Yes. And what about you?” I leaned in a little closer.

“What about me?” she replied, arching an eyebrow.

“Tell me more about your childhood, Winter,” I pressed gently.

A sigh escaped her lips, and the light in her eyes dimmed for a moment. “Not much to say, really,” she said, twirling her glass of wine nervously, her cheeks taking on a soft blush. “I grew up in a foster home, so I didn’t have, you know, the typical childhood.”

“Are you cold?” I asked, noticing she was slightly shivering. She shook her head after swallowing a gulp of wine. “No, I’m fine. Just nervous.”

“Why are you nervous?”

“Because you make me nervous,” she admitted quietly.

I raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise. “Me? I make you nervous?”

Winter chuckled, meeting my gaze again, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Yeah, maybe it’s because you’re so… intense.”

I smiled.

“I guess it comes with the territory. But I promise, I can be good company.”

Her laughter danced in the air. “I’m not so sure about the company,” Winter teased.

“Oh, really? You don’t think I’m good company?”

Winter’s grin widened. “You’re charming, but I think you’re like that with all the ladies.”

I lowered my voice to a more intimate tone, locking my gaze with hers. “You’re wrong. I don’t do this with other women. I’ve never taken them out on dates. I’m serious when I say I’m just as nervous as you are right now. But that doesn’t stop me from wanting to get to know you.”

Her amber eyes widened slightly. “Okay,” she finally said. “How about we play two truths and a lie?”

I raised an eyebrow at her while taking a sip of my wine.

“It’s simple,” she explained. “We take turns saying three things about ourselves—two truths and one little itty-bitty lie. Then the other person has to guess which one is the fib.”

“All right, I’m game. But under one condition.”

She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. “It’s not that type of game.”

“I want a kiss,” I declared with a smirk, enjoying how her cheeks flushed a deeper shade of crimson. She licked her lips, and I fought the urge to lean across the table and drag her out of here and worship every inch of her body with my mouth and dick.

A look of surprise and anticipation danced across her features.

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