Page 174 of My Sweetest Temptation

“I don’t know. Maybe because he’s trying to manipulate you, to turn you against me.” Her voice was pleading, the panic in her eyes unmistakable.

“Were you born in California?”

“No."

“Were you in a foster home?”

“No.”

“So, nothing about your life is real. You’ve been bullshitting me from day one,” I accused, my anger boiling over.

She shook her head. “I didn’t know how much I can tell you without risking my life.”

My heart plummeted. “What that fuck does that mean?”

Her voice trembled, and for a moment, she looked like a scared child. “My parents were killed earlier this year, and I was sent here to protect my identity because people are after me.”

“Who’s after you?” I demanded.

“I don’t know. All I know is I watched them kill my parents and now they’re looking for me.”

“Why?” I pressed, my voice rising.

“I don’t know!” she cried, her voice cracking.

“All this shit started happening right as you showed up. How do I know it’s not just another cover story?” I challenged. "How do I know this whole little act of yours isn’t just part of your twisted game? How do I know you’re not working for him?”

“Nico, I’m not,” she insisted, her voice steady despite the panic swirling in her eyes. “I’m not lying to you.”

My loyal men stood around the room in silence. But there was something different in their eyes today—sadness and regret. Our operation, our family, it was all at risk, and if it meant I had to end the woman who had tamed the devil inside me, then so be it. If it had been anyone else, I wouldn’t have hesitated for a second. But with her, my heart betrayed me, whispering lies of trust and love that I couldn’t afford to listen to.

Not anymore.

My patience wore thin as I stalked toward her, my hand tightly gripping her chin, my fingers digging into her soft skin. "I didn’t think you were stupid enough to cross me, knowing what I’m capable of."

Her fear turned to acceptance as she met my gaze head-on. "Do what you have to do, Nico, even if you believe lies over the truth."

Her words were like a physical blow. Could she be telling the truth? Something about the way she looked at me made me wonder if I had been wrong about the situation. Did someone put her in my path to destroy me? Or to save me?

After all, I'd made my fair share of enemies over the years, and there were people out there who would stop at nothing to bring me down. The idea that I'd let my heart be exposed to her and allowed her to get close to me filled me with a sense of dread when she could be one of those people.

"I gotta say, I’m fucking impressed. You came into my life, won my heart, wiggled your way into my family’s hearts, and earned their love and respect." My voice rose with my bitterness and anger.

"Yes, I lied about who I was, but that is all that I’m guilty of,” she cried. “I would never do anything to hurt you or your family.”

I stepped away and turned my back to her, trying to calm the raging demon inside me.

Her tears.

Her pleas.

Her pain.

The way she said my name. It all became too much. She made me fucking weak and reduced me to a pathetic mess.

But my duty was clear, my loyalty unwavering. "Let her use the bathroom and give her some water and food," I said and motioned for the guards.

I turned away, unable to bear the sight any longer. I knew this night would haunt me for the rest of my days, like a wound that would never heal. And yet, I hardened my heart, steeling myself for what was to come, knowing that the ends would justify the means, no matter the cost.

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