Page 140 of My Sweetest Temptation

I recounted the details of the attack, my voice shaking as I described the fear of what those men did to me and what they were about to do. I could hear Tabi’s breath hitch on the other end.

“I’m so sorry, Winter.” Her voice broke, and I could almost picture her wiping away tears. “That’s horrible. Did Nico kill the fuckers?”

I paused, the image of Nico’s rage when he found me flashing through my mind. “I’m not sure,” I admitted quietly.

“Well, I hope he did. Just focus on healing, okay? I’m here for you,” she said, her voice softer. “Once you’re home, I’m bringing Tristan over and we can cuddle on the couch and binge on Netflix. And Liam can come too if he wants.”

I chuckled. “Thank you,” I murmured.

The door swung open, and Nico walked in. He stood in front of me with a glass of water and two white pills.

“Hey, Tabi, I gotta go, but I’ll call you later.” With that, she said goodbye, and I ended the call.

“Take this. It will help with the pain.” I was surprised at how sweet and caring he was being.

“Thank you.” I took the water and popped the pills in my mouth, swallowing them down. Nico placed the glass on the nightstand, then crouched, planting his hands on each side of me. “Do you need help in the shower?”

I shook my head and smiled. “I can handle it.”

Nico stood up and extended his hand to me. I reached out and wrapped my fingers around it. He led me like a little kid to his bathroom. When he let go of my hand, I stood there awkwardly while Nico turned on the shower.

He faced me and said, “I set clean towels on the rack.”

“Thank you.” I tucked a loose hair behind my ear. He followed the movement and gazed up and down my body. When his eyes landed back on my face, his jaw tightened like he was in pain.

Nico cleared his throat. “I’ll leave you to it.” I stepped to the side, allowing him to move past me.

After my shower, I walked out to find Nico sitting on the edge of the bed looking at his phone. I cleared my throat. He looked up and smiled, tucking his phone in his pocket when he stood up. “Feel good?”

“Yeah.”

“Good. Come on.” He stared at me for a moment, like he was wondering what to do next. He surprised me when he ran his hands through my hair, pulled me close, and pressed his lips against mine, the kiss soft and tender. He grinned against my mouth when I shuddered. “No one else will ever hurt you again. No one.”

“Did you kill them?”

“I will keep you safe.”

“That’s not what I asked.”

“Well, that’s all you’re going to get,” he said. “I always take care of what’s mine.”

“I really wish you would stop saying that,” I protested.

“But you are. I don’t know how many times I have to remind you.”

He kissed me again, shutting me up.

He took my hand again and led me down the stairs. I spotted Enzo at the bottom, his posture tense. He glanced toward Nico, appearing to be seeking permission of some sort. Nico nodded, like it was a sign that it was okay to approach.

“Winter, I am so fucking sorry. I?—”

I raised my hand, cutting him off. “Don’t, Enzo. You did nothing wrong. I knew better and should’ve waited for you. It’s over now, and I want to move past it. And so should you.”

Before he could argue, I released Nico’s hand and wrapped my arms around Enzo.

Nico let out a low possessive growl.

I chuckled against Enzo’s chest and pulled back, offering him a smile. He accepted with a nod before stepping away.

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