Page 117 of My Sweetest Temptation

I could feel her in my fucking bones.

I couldn’t pull her out of me, no matter how hard I tried.

I paced around the gym with both hands behind my neck, feeling my muscles tense.

“Nico, there’s no shame in feeling something for someone. I can see how good she can be for you, and you could also be good for her.”

I turned to face him, dumbfounded by what he was saying, “How? How the fuck could I be good for her?”

“Because the devil would do anything to protect his angel.”

I picked up my phone and dialed Uncle Malik’s number. But instead of hearing his familiar greeting, it went straight to voicemail. That wasn’t like him at all; he always had his phone on him. I tried again, my heart sinking as the same empty silence greeted me once more. Frustrated, I dropped my phone on the couch. I felt a deep ache in my chest, a longing to hear his voice, which had always brought me comfort to know that he was alive and safe.

I had to think positively and not assume the worst about Uncle Malik’s whereabouts. With a deep breath, I brushed aside those unsettling thoughts and directed my attention to the glowing screen in front of me. The familiar theme song of The Big Bang Theory filled the room. I really needed some laughter after the shit show that unfolded tonight.

As Sheldon jumped out from beneath the couch cushions to scare Leonard during the classic Halloween episode, my phone buzzed on the coffee table, cutting through the laughter. A spark of hope flared in my chest, desperately wishing that it might be Uncle Malik. I picked it up and, upon looking at the screen, that spark was snuffed out. It wasn’t Uncle Malik. It was Liam.

Liam

Hey. I’m outside your door.

I tossed the blanket off and pushed myself up, the cool air brushing against my skin. I glanced through the peephole in the door. There was Liam, his gaze fixed on the floor, his shoulders slightly hunched. I swung the door open, and he lifted his head, relief washing over his features like a wave.

“Hey,” he said, an easy smile forming on his lips, but there was a flicker of worry behind his eyes.

“Hi. Why didn’t you just knock?” I asked.

He rubbed the back of his neck, looking a bit sheepish. “I wasn’t sure if you were sleeping or… you know, just having a night.”

I smiled at his thoughtfulness. “That was sweet of you. Do you want to come in?”

“No, sorry. I just wanted to check on you, make sure you were really okay.” His eyes searched mine, concern etched across his face.

I nodded, wanting to reassure him. “I’m fine, really, Liam Just… wanted to be alone.”

He gestured toward the front door and said, “I see you got a new one.”

I nodded. “Yeah.”

“So, are you ever going to tell me what happened?”

I shook my head. “Nothing you need to worry about, Liam.”

“I can’t help but worry about you. You’re my friend, remember?”

I smiled back, a warmth spreading through me from being in his presence that made it difficult not to give in.

“Come in,” I said, stepping aside to open the door wider. “It’s a conversation I don’t want the neighbors to hear.”

He stepped inside, and as soon as I closed the door behind him, he wrapped me in a hug. I leaned my head against his chest, inhaling the comforting scent of sandalwood.

“What happened, Winter?” he asked softly.

I let out a sigh. “Tabi’s ex came looking for him and Tristan.”

“Tristan’s dad?” he clarified.

I nodded against his chest and quickly gave him the condensed version of the events.

---