Page 161 of My Sweetest Temptation

Nico leaned in close, his breath tickling my ear. "No one gets to see you come but me," he whispered, his voice thick with desire.

I felt annoyed at being left hanging like that. "Two can play that game," I warned quietly for his ears only.

The suggestive glint in Nico's eyes faded, replaced by a look of surprise.

"Seriously, Nico?" Matteo said, his face scrunching up as if he were about to be sick.

Nico chuckled, and everyone else looked between us. Then Luca and Lo finally caught on and groaned in disgust.

"For fuck's sake. We're not that kind of party," Lo added.

Grateful for the distraction, Luca's father, Alessandro, approached Mya with a three-tier birthday cake that seemed almost too beautiful to eat. His salt and pepper hair was neatly combed back, highlighting the strong family resemblance he shared with Luca.

Mya’s expression lit up. She looked like a kid again, as though she were finally visiting Disney World for the first time.

Alessandro placed the cake in front of her, and just then, Aurelio climbed onto her lap, snuggling up against her. He peered up at her. “Wish, Mamma,” he said, clapping his hands.

“You’re going to help me blow them out, baby boy?” Mya asked, grinning at him. Aurelio nodded vigorously, his round face breaking into a toothy grin.

Mya leaned down, her hair cascading around her shoulders, and they took a deep breath together. They blew out the candles, and the room erupted in cheerful song. “Happy birthday, Mya!”

"Cut cake!" Aurelio clapped his hands in excitement.

"Okay, bambino." Mya laughed. "Relax."

Serafina grabbed her camera and stepped back a few feet, ensuring she captured the moment perfectly. Meanwhile, Matteo stood up, noticing Mya's struggle with the tiered cake, her hands awkwardly gripping the knife.

"Give me the damn knife," Matteo said, snatching it from her hand before she could protest.

While he skillfully sliced through the layers, Emilia rounded the table, grabbing a stack of plates to hand out.

With a teasing grin, Luca leaned across the table. “You know, I think my slice is going to be bigger than yours, Aurelio,” he teased.

“Nuh-uh!” Aurelio squealed, giggling as he lunged for his piece of cake, nearly knocking over his drink.

“Bring it on, little man!” Luca joked, causing the room to erupt in laughter.

“Here you go, Winter,” Serafina said as she offered me a slice of cake. Just as I reached out to take it, a distant rumble reverberated through the restaurant. Mya and I shared a nervous glance.

“What the hell was that?” Matteo asked.

“Stay here,” Nico commanded. The warning look he shot me was clear: "Do not defy me."

I nodded, trying to mask the fear climbing its way up from my stomach.

Nico rose swiftly, his hand moving to the gun tucked into his waistband. Matteo, Luca, and Lo followed suit.

Then, without warning, the door burst open. Mya and I screamed, and the guys aimed their weapons at the intruders, fingers on triggers, muscles tense.

But it was only Miguel who raced into the room.

“What the hell!” Nico barked.

“Armed men in masks just started shooting up the place! I called for backup!” Miguel said, his breath coming in rapid bursts.

The screams outside became increasingly louder, followed by gunfire.

“Get down!” Nico shouted, pushing me beneath the table, his body shielding mine. My back slammed against the hard floor, the impact shooting pain up my spine.

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