Page 118 of My Sweetest Temptation

“Did he hurt you? Tristan?” His voice was low, almost a growl.

“Not Tristan, thank God, but me, yeah, he did,” I whispered.

Liam pulled back just enough to search my eyes. “What did he do?” His words came out through clenched teeth, a brotherly protective fire flickering in his gaze.

“He choked me and threatened me.” I felt the anger radiating from him. “But he didn’t get to do anything else. Enzo showed up just in time and took care of him,” I quickly added, wanting to ease his worry.

His jaw tightened, and he briefly closed his eyes, as if trying to rein in his emotions. When he opened them again, they softened, filled with relief. “I’m so glad you’re okay.”

I smiled and wrapped my arms around him again, seeking his comfort. “How about we plan a movie night tomorrow?” I asked, trying to lighten the mood.

He let out a disappointed sigh. “I wish I could, but I have several jobs tomorrow tonight.”

“No problem. Maybe next time,” I said, shrugging it off.

“Definitely,” he said. “If you need anything, just call me, alright? Day or night.”

“I will. Thank you,” I said sincerely.

We lingered in an awkward silence for a moment, the weight of the unspoken words hanging between us, until he said, “Okay, well, I’m going to head out then. Night, Winter.” His voice was soft, almost hesitant.

“Night, Liam,” I replied, watching as he retreated to his apartment.

I closed the door and let out a sigh, feeling both grateful and a bit heavy-hearted. I headed back to the couch, sinking into the cushions, letting the laughter from the show fill the silence again.

Two episodes later, I made myself a bowl of popcorn, adding my favorite treats—chocolate M&Ms and Butterfinger chunks. As I carried my snack and a bottle of water to the living room, a firm knock interrupted the quiet once more.

“Not again,” I muttered. “Can’t a girl get some peace and quiet to enjoy her TV show?”

I set my bowl down and made my way to the door. My head started spinning when a familiar deep voice called out to me.

“Winter, it’s me. Open up.”

Nico.

Of all people, why was he here?

And then it dawned on me.

Enzo. That rat bastard told him what happened.

Another firm knock, more insistent this time. “Open up, Winter, or I’ll break this door down, and this time, I won’t replace it...again.”

I didn’t want a repeat of the last time someone broke down my door, so I reluctantly swung it open, my breath catching as I saw Nico standing there, one hand resting against the doorframe, the other holding a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

He filled the doorway, and I found myself unable to look away. Nico was dressed casually in light jeans and a black V-neck shirt that showed off his chest hair and a tribal tattoo that peeked out from his neckline. A small diamond stud in his earlobe and a dark leather jacket completed his look, making my heart skip a beat at the whole irresistible package.

“These are for you,” he said, holding out the flowers.

“They’re stunning. Thank you,” I said.

I felt a flutter in my stomach at his kindness.

Running a hand through his hair, he said, “I heard about what happened. I wanted to check on you. Are you okay?” He said it through gritted teeth, like he was fighting to keep his anger at bay.

“I’m fine,” I said.

“Good. That bastard won’t be bothering you again,” he said

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