Winter and Tabi are at the spa.

After my meeting, Miguel dropped me off at the spa, and as I stepped out of the car, I spotted Enzo waiting by the front door, his expression unreadable.

“She’s in the pedicure room,” Enzo said, nodding toward the front desk.

I strode toward the desk, where a woman looked up at me, her eyes sparkling with desire as they dropped to my tailored black suit.

“Good afternoon,” I said, keeping my voice smooth. “I’m Nico Moretti and I’m here to see my girl. It’s my understanding that she’s in the pedicure room.”

The woman blinked. “Uh, yes, of course! I’ll… I’ll get you there right away, Mr. Moretti.” She fumbled with the papers on the desk. “If you could just?—”

“Is something wrong?” I interrupted, a playful smirk tugging at the corner of my lips.

“No, not at all,” she replied quickly, her cheeks flushing a deep shade of pink. “Just follow me.”

“Lead the way,” I said with a casual wave of my hand, watching as she took a breath and stepped out from behind the desk.

I followed her down a narrow hallway that felt too bright and too sterile. When we reached the white double doors, she pushed them open, I was greeted by the sight of Tabi lounging in a chair, her head tipped back as a technician meticulously painted her toenails.

“Here we are,” the receptionist said.

“Thank you,” I said, flashing her a smile. “You’ve been very helpful.”

“You’re so welcome, Mr. Moretti.”

“Tabi,” I called out, and she jolted upright, her eyes widening as they locked onto mine. “Where’s Winter?” I demanded, my voice sharper than I intended.

Tabi swallowed hard, her expression shifting to one of unease.

“Tabi, I asked you a question,” I pressed.

“Uh, she’s… um… getting a wax,” she finally replied, the words tumbling out hesitantly.

“Okay,” I replied. “What kind of wax?” I turned my gaze to the technician painting Tabi’s toenails.

“We have a few options,” the technician explained, her tone cheery despite the tension in the air.

I shot a glare at Tabi. “What service, Tabi?”

She looked terrified, her lips pressed together tight.

“Tabi!” I snapped, and she blinked rapidly, as if trying to shake off a trance.

“A Brazilian.” Her voice was barely above a whisper. My stomach dropped.

“What did you say?” I repeated slowly, hoping I hadn’t heard her right.

“Oh, a Brazilian!” a voice chimed from behind me.

I turned to see a woman standing there with an unsettlingly wide smile. “Are you a friend of Winter’s?” she asked, her tone far too chipper.

“Yes,” I ground out through clenched teeth.

“Well, she’s in good hands. Our technician is fantastic and has years of experience. He’ll take great care of her.”

Did she say he?

“Oh, fuck,” I heard Tabi groan.