Page 108 of My Sweetest Temptation

“I am not,” she shot back. “Just smitten.”

We both laughed, and the tension in my body eased.

My phone vibrated in my pocket, and I pulled it out, making a pouty face.

“Liam?” she questioned.

“Yeah,” I replied, typing a message back to him. “He can’t make it tonight. He’s got plans.”

She opened her mouth to say something but was interrupted by a knock at the door.

“Oh, shit! They’re here!” Tabi whispered, her eyes widening.

“Why are you freaking out? You were calm just a minute ago.”

Another knock sounded, louder this time.

I sighed, walked around her, and opened the door. “Hi, Winter!” Tristan said, practically launching himself into my arms.

“Hey,” I chuckled, squeezing him tightly and planting a kiss on his cheek. With Tristan still in my arms, I moved to the side to let the guys in.

Matteo was the first to step in, carrying three large boxes of pizza, the aroma making my mouth water. “I got pepperoni, cheese, and a supreme,” he announced, placing the boxes on the coffee table.

“That sounds great, thank you,” I told him.

He gave me a curt nod and opened the boxes.

Luca strolled in next, followed by Lo, who was loaded down with drinks and candy.

“We bring gifts,” Luca said with a grin. “Where do you want these?”

“On the table with the pizza is fine.”

They headed over to the table. At the same time, Tristan bolted toward Tabi, who scooped him up with a laugh. I took that moment to look out in the hall for Nico, only to realize he wasn’t here.

“Where’s Nico?” I asked Lo, a hint of desperation creeping into my voice.

He grinned, and a dimple dented his cheek. “He’s dealing with business with our uncle.”

“Does he know you’re all here with me?” I asked.

“Yep,” Lo responded. “It was his idea.” He winked and strode toward Tabi.

Huh. Why would he send them?

“Don’t think about it too much,” Luca said, his deep voice cutting through my thoughts.

“One thing you need to know about Nico is that he is overly protective of the people he cares about.”

Yeah, I already knew that.

“But he trusts us to look after you and your friend,” Luca added, casually draping an arm over my shoulders. “Plus”—he leaned in slightly, his bright brown eyes sparkling—“it’s a good way to get to know you.” He winked, and I couldn’t help but chuckle.

We each grabbed our food and drinks and gathered in the living room. Matteo sat on the lone chair, his muscular frame taking up most of the space, while Luca and Lo lounged on the couch, their presence dominating the small living room. I glanced down at Tristan, who was sprawled on the carpet, his small fists tucked under his chin, eyes glued to the TV screen.

“So, what the hell are we going to watch?” Luca asked, his mouth full of pizza.

Tabi emerged from the kitchen and lightly smacked him on the back of his head. “Hey, watch your words. There’s a four-year-old in the room,” she chided, plopping down on the couch between Lo and Luca.

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