Lost in my head and my growing obsession with Winter, I almost didn't notice the soft click of the handcuff around my wrist. Her breasts brushed against my face as she leaned over, and I captured one pert nipple between my teeth, eliciting a sharp gasp from her. My hips bucked involuntarily, driven by the raw desire coursing through my body. I needed to feel her, all of her, now.

As if reading my mind, she threw her head back, and my precum leaked from the tip from her moans alone. I wrapped an arm around her waist while my mouth continued its assault on her delicate skin. I was ravenous, starving for her taste. She cried out, her pleasure fueling my own aching need.

"You're driving me crazy, woman," I growled, my voice hoarse with desire.

She rubbed her pussy against my stomach, seeking that delicious friction, teasing us both. Our bodies glistened with sweat, and our breaths came in short, sharp pants as we teetered on the edge of control. But the dam was about to break, and when it did, I yanked the cuffs from the bedframe, causing Winter to scream and tumble onto her back, taking me with her.

Our eyes locked, and I saw the same raw emotion I felt reflected in her gaze. This was more than just a physical connection. This was love.

"This isn't fair, Nico!" She giggled in frustration. "I want to ride you."

We were in our own little world, our laughter filling the room, and for me, it was a rare and beautiful sound. A sound I hadn't heard in years or shared with a woman. A sense of peace washed over me. Her laughter soothed my soul, and this woman, my angel, was something special. Something worth fighting for.

I grinned and lowered my mouth to her ear and whispered, "Fine.” My hands gently traveled up her sides, capturing her waist. With a swift yet gentle motion, I reversed our positions, granting her the power to take control. "Ride me."

I felt her warmth as she slowly lowered herself onto me, a devilish smile playing on her lips.

The rhythm of our bodies became a sensual dance. Winter rode me like a porn star, her hips moving in perfect sync with mine. Our moans filled the room, and the heat between us built, our bodies glistening with sweat.

With a sultry glance, she arched her back, exposing her body to my hungry gaze. She moved her arms behind her to brace herself, resting on the mattress beside my legs. I tucked my arms behind my head, watching her.

The pace quickened and Winter's breath became ragged. I could feel her closeness, her need mirroring my own. I sat up, wrapping my arms tightly around her. Our bodies moved as one, our hearts pounding in unison.

I buried my head between her breasts. “You feel so good," I whispered. I pulled one of her breasts into my mouth, lavishing it with my tongue, biting gently, claiming her. Her sharp intake of breath told me she felt the same undeniable connection.

The familiar, delicious tension built in my body, signaling my impending release. "Are you ready, baby?" I asked, my voice hoarse. My hips thrust deeper, faster, matching her rhythm.

"Yes," she breathed, her eyes closing in sheer ecstasy. Her lips found mine, kissing me deeply, passionately. Our climaxes washed over us, a tidal wave of sensation.

I continued to thrust, my body still alive with pleasure. My heart was laid bare as I confessed the words I hadn’t spoken to anyone since I was eighteen. "I fucking love you."

We were nestled in a private room at Ristorante La Dolce Vita, Luca's father's restaurant, celebrating Mya’s birthday. Fresh aromas of pasta and garlic bread filled the air, and soft Italian melodies floated through the background.

The room was beautifully designed and could accommodate up to forty people, but tonight, it felt perfectly intimate. Amber-hued sconces cast a gentle glow along the walls, and the dim light from the crystal chandeliers added a cozy touch.

I glanced around and smiled when I saw Mya using her hands theatrically while engaged in friendly banter with Luca. Luca’s eyes twinkled every time he looked at Mya.

Serafina was seated opposite me, completely absorbed in Aurelio's words. The unconditional love and affection in her eyes brought back memories of the way my parents used to look at me.

Matteo and Lo lounged comfortably, sipping their drinks and laughing at whatever Alessandro and Emillia said.

“Are you good?” Nico’s low gravelly voice pulled my attention to him.

Nico sat beside me, his arm possessively wrapped around my shoulders.

“Yeah. I'm good.”

I still couldn’t wrap my head around what exactly went down a few days ago, but Nico buried eight of his men, and the danger didn’t appear to be over. Since then, he hadn’t wanted me to leave his house, insisting it would be unsafe until the threat had passed. And this time I wasn’t going to fight him on it. It made it extra special that I was here celebrating with Mya; it felt good to finally get out.

He leaned in close, his warm breath tickling my skin, and teased, "You look deliciously beautiful." His words sent a shiver down my spine, and he nipped playfully at my neck, knowing full well the effect he had on me.

I felt my face flush at his words. I was wearing a black sleeve Audrey Hepburn-style cocktail dress with a scoop neckline that Mya had helped me pick out, and it made me feel confident and sexy. He seemed to think so too.

I snuck a quick look at him, and my stomach did cartwheels, sending my heart into overdrive. He looked incredibly handsome dressed in a well-fitted, long-sleeved white collared shirt with just a few buttons undone, revealing the tattoos inked across his chest and neck. His blue eyes sparkled with mischief, and his full lips curved into a grin that sent my heart racing.

He made me feel things that I couldn't explain to a therapist even if I tried. His touch and kisses left me breathless and dizzy. His smile made my heart melt like chocolate on a warm summer day. His scent enveloped me, making me forget all the worries and troubles in my life. I felt safe and at home when I was in his arms, like nothing in the world could harm me.

Nico pulled me closer, and I snuggled into his side. "You okay?" he murmured as he tucked a stray lock of hair behind my ear.