Page 114 of My Sweetest Temptation

“Do you think...you know...did they get rid of him?” Her eyes were filled with weariness and fear.

I shrugged. “If they did, would that bother you?”

She paused, considering my question. “I don’t wish death or harm upon anyone, but Michael was going to do something worse to you. So, I guess in a way, the world is a better place without him in it.”

Just then, Enzo walked back into the room and looked between me and Tabi. “Tabi, Miguel is here to take you and Tristan home. He’ll stay watch.”

“What? Why?” she asked, panic in her voice.

“We need to find out how he found you. Plus, we don’t know if he had anyone following you. You could still be in danger.”

“Oh, God,” she cried. “This isn’t happening.” She wrapped her arms around her body, shaking her head.

“It’s going to be okay,” I told her, rubbing her arms.

“She’s right,” Enzo agreed. “You’re safe with us around. We won’t let anything happen to you or Tristan.”

“And Winter?” She glanced at me, then back to Enzo. “Are you going to watch over her?”

“Yes,” he said matter-of-factly.

After Miguel showed up and took Tristan and Tabi home, I headed to the shower while Enzo called a friend to help fix my door. At least I wouldn’t have to miss out on getting my security deposit back.

I put on my long sleeve pajama set and walked out to the hall with a towel wrapped around my head when I heard Liam’s voice.

“Where is she?” he demanded.

I noticed Enzo reaching for his gun and ran to the front door to prevent him from shooting Liam.

“It’s okay, Enzo,” I told him.

“Hi Liam,” I addressed him by name, letting Enzo know Liam was not a threat.

Enzo slightly stepped aside to give us space but stayed close by.

“Winter, what the hell is going on?” Liam asked. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine.”

“Who did that to you?” he said, reaching out for my neck, but he was intercepted by Enzo.

“Don’t touch her. You can talk, but do not touch her,” Enzo warned, giving Liam a stern look.

Liam slowly raised his hands in the air in surrender and took a step back. “I wasn’t going to hurt her,” he bit out.

“Did you need something, Liam?” I asked him, hoping to divert his attention away from Enzo.

I saw some of the neighbors peeking out of their doors, eyes wide with curiosity and fear. “Stay inside! Lock your doors!” Enzo barked.

“What the hell happened to your door?” Liam asked, his brow furrowed.

Um....” I hesitated, struggling to find the right words, but all I could come up with was, “I thought I smelled gas and my uncle—” I gestured awkwardly toward Enzo, who raised an eyebrow at me, but I pushed on despite his skeptical look. “He busted down the door. But it turns out there wasn’t any gas.” I let out a half-hearted chuckle.

Liam’s expression shifted, skepticism hardening his features. “You know you’re full of shit, right?” He narrowed his eyes, stepping closer. Enzo shifted protectively to close the gap, but I held up a hand, signaling him to back off.

Liam searched my face as if looking for the truth. “Are you in danger? If you are, you can stay with me.”

I gave him a lopsided smile. “I’m fine, Liam. I promise.”

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