Page 121 of My Sweetest Temptation

Lo, standing beside me, shook his head. “Haven’t gotten much out of him. But he’s lasted longer than most.”

I leaned in closer, my face just inches from his. “Do you know who I am?” I asked, my voice low and dangerous.

Michael remained silent, his eyes darting between us.

I stood up straight and rolled up my sleeves, exposing the ink that sprawled across my forearms. I caught sight of the machete gleaming menacingly on the table beside me and gripped the handle. “My name is Nico Moretti,” I said, my eyes never leaving Michael’s. “And by the look on your face, you know exactly who I am and what I’m capable of.”

Michael’s breath quickened, and he whispered, “What do you want from me?”

“You broke into my girl’s home, put your hands on what’s mine,” I spat. “You broke down her door, scared the shit out of her, and laid your filthy hands on her.”

Michael’s eyes filled with tears when he saw the machete in my hand. He knew his end was near. “Wh-what are you going to do to me?” he stammered, his voice shaking.

I ran my finger along the sharp edge of the machete, drawing a bead of blood. “First, you’re going to tell me what I need to know, Michael. And then I’m going to end your miserable life.”

Michael sobbed.

“Who sent you?” I demanded.

“I don’t know... I got a call... said he found my girl and son.”

“Why did you follow Winter?” I asked, my voice like ice.

“He... he told me Tabi was friends with Winter... said she was the key to finding my family,” he stammered.

Matteo stepped forward, his blade glinting in the harsh light. With a swift movement, he pressed the edge against Michael’s throat, a thin line of blood appearing as the metal bit into flesh. “Give us a name.”

Michael remained silent until Matteo increased the pressure, and Michael cried out.

“I don’t know!” he blurted. “He contacted me anonymously using a burner phone with a self-destructing message. I have no idea who he is!”

Mattero narrowed his eyes, taking a step forward. “What is this, some kind of Mission Impossible bullshit?”

“I-I’m telling the truth! He goes by the Puppet Master. That’s all I know!”

I froze, my heart pounding in my chest. “What did you just say?”

“What?” he replied.

“His name!” I roared.

“The Puppet Master,” he repeated.

My blood ran cold as I looked to my men. Their faces reflected the turmoil raging within me. If the Puppet Master knew who Winter was, he’d realize she was tied to me and how easily he could get to her. And that meant she was in grave danger.

I slowly wiped the blade with a rag, my eyes never leaving Michael’s face. “And what about my girl? What were you planning to do to her if my men hadn’t shown up?”

Michael’s face contorted in pain as he tried to control his emotions, but he ended up a blubbering mess, snot and tears mixing with the blood on his face. “Nothing, I swear! He just wanted me to scare her.”

I lunged forward and gripped his face, my fingers digging into his cheeks. “Liar!” I cut him off. “You wrapped your filthy hands around her throat and squeezed to the point she almost passed out. You piece of shit.”

“Please, I’m begging you?—“

I released him with a shove, and he crumpled to the ground, along with the chair, sobbing. I stood tall, my anger boiling over. A shriek tore from his throat as I brought the machete down, severing his hand. “AHHHH! OH, GOD, NO!” he cried, his body convulsing as he wet himself.

“Finish him, Matteo.”

As I turned to leave, the sound of several gunshots echoed through the room.

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