Page 37 of My Sweetest Temptation

You will never escape me.

My breath hitched.

Nico.

I had known Hero wannabe wasn’t a regular delivery boy.

That night when Nico yanked me off the stage, an unexpected swell of relief washed over me. I never thought I’d be grateful to be freed from the spotlight, where I had to dance half-naked, exposed to the hungry gazes of men who looked at me like I was some prized possession to be claimed.

But ever since that night, I hadn’t been able to shake Nico from my dreams. Nico’s touch lingered on my skin, his intoxicating scent wrapped around me like a warm blanket, and his intense gaze—oh God, that gaze—held me hostage. It brought me to the cusp of surrender, ready to do whatever he wanted. It was terrifying, but exhilarating too, like jumping out of an airplane for the first time.

And now, here I was, staring at the gorgeous flowers and my greatest temptation, both sent by him, a reminder that there was no escaping him.

“By the way,” Mya added. “Enzo will be your assigned driver before and after your shifts.”

“Mya, I really don’t think that’s necessary. I can catch an Uber or the L-train.”

She chuckled lightly on the phone. “I get that, but it’s not up for debate. The boss said so.”

Oh, well, if the boss said so.

I sighed, massaging my fingers across my forehead, trying to rub out the tension. “I understand, but?—”

“No buts,” she interjected. “Just think of it as an added perk. You’ll get used to it.”

Before we ended the call, Mya went over my schedule for the week. As I finished preparing for my shift, I felt my phone buzz. I pulled it out and saw a text from an unknown number. Opening it, I read a message and saw it was from Enzo, informing me that he was waiting downstairs. With a quick check in the mirror, I grabbed my keys and purse, my heart beating with anticipation, and headed out the door.

I made my way to the main floor and pushed the door open. The crisp autumn air was tinged with a blend of earthy scents from the leaves. Enzo leaned against a sleek black sedan, its tinted windows so dark I couldn’t make out a single silhouette inside.

As I approached, Enzo straightened, his expression unreadable. Without a word, he gestured for me to get in. After I settled into the leather seat, I fastened my seatbelt.

He drove silently, the hum of the engine mingling with my racing thoughts. I stared out the window, watching the familiar streets blur by. What would my first day be like? Would I fit in? Were my co-workers friendly? Would they like me?

When we arrived at the club, Enzo parked in the dimly lit garage. Enzo turned off the ignition and stepped out of the car. He moved around to my side and opened the door.

“Here we are,” he said, his voice deep and steady.

“Thank you,” I replied and slipped out of the car.

With a curt nod, he closed the door behind me. I followed him as we walked into the back entrance. The distant thump of the beat of the music vibrated through the corridor.

Minutes felt like hours as we walked down the long, narrow hall. Finally, we reached a set of imposing black double doors guarded by two men in designer suits that seemed to fit them like armor.

The guards greeted Enzo with a respectful nod and promptly opened the grand doors to allow us entry. Upon stepping into the office, I noticed a woman seated behind an opulent black executive desk.

“Signora Marino,” Enzo said.

The elegant woman lifted her head from the mound of papers that had captured her attention and gazed at me. She looked older than me, but not by much. She rose from her seat with poise, pausing in front of the desk. Leaning back, she rested her hands on the edge of the desk and confidently crossed her ankles.

She looked like an Italian goddess with long, wavy black hair pinned halfway up. Her makeup was flawless, and she had a beautiful smile and perfect white teeth.

“Hi, Winter. It’s nice to meet you in person.”

So, this was Mya. I could see the resemblance to her brother Matteo—sharp features, tan skin, hair as black as night, and fierce blue eyes.

“Has Nico explained what the job entails?” Her tone was casual, but I sensed an undercurrent of concern.

I shook my head, trying to keep my demeanor light. “No, just demanded I work for him.”

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