Page 64 of My Sweetest Temptation

I inhaled deeply. “Mother, you know I can’t.”

“I understand that, but maybe tonight, we can just pretend. For me?”

I ran a hand down my tie, the fabric taut against my chest. “You know I’d do anything for you, but I can’t ignore my responsibilities.”

Her eyes softened. “That may be true, but let it be just us tonight. A mother and her sons.”

“I understand, Mom, but I need you to understand something too. I can’t afford to be anything but vigilant.”

Her eyes flickered with understanding and sadness, yet she held my gaze. “I know, Nico. But remember, even a king must find a moment to break free from the heavy chains our world places upon him.”

“Fine,” I relented, my resolve slipping just a fraction. “Just for you, Mother.”

A grin broke through her serious demeanor. “That’s all I ask.”

The remainder of the drive to the event was spent in silence, each of us lost in our thoughts.

Finally, we pulled up to the grand entrance of the Waldorf Astoria. As the engine quieted, Miguel exited the driver’s seat and Enzo the passenger side. The valet, an older man with a neatly pressed uniform and a name tag that read “Jefferey,” opened my door with a courteous nod.

“Welcome, sir,” he said.

“Hello, Jefferey,” I replied, stepping out of the car just as Lo emerged from the opposite side. I took a moment to adjust my suit, smoothing down the fabric before extending my hand to my mother. She took it, gracefully and stepped out of the vehicle.

“Good evening, Mrs. Moretti,” Jefferey greeted her.

“Good evening, Jefferey. Thank you,” she responded with a smile.

“Are you ready?” I asked as I offered my arm to her.

She nodded, her grip firm as she looped her arm through mine, Lo standing protectively beside her. As we began our ascent toward the entrance, flashes erupted from the crowd outside, cameras capturing our every move. Miguel and Enzo fell into step with me, scanning the surroundings, staying alert.

We stepped into the Sinclair’s ballroom, surrounded by walls draped in silk. The soft luminescence of hand-blown glass and crystal chandeliers illuminated the space.

Each table was a masterpiece of sophistication, with white linens and lavish floral arrangements held in towering vases. Even the chairs were dressed in finely tailored chair covers, each elegantly knotted with a bow. Not a single detail was overlooked.

Mom kissed me and Lo on the cheek and left to join a group of her friends.

“I need a fucking drink,” Lo muttered under his breath, his fingers deftly unbuttoning his tuxedo jacket. He tipped his chin up when he saw Luca and Matteo at the bar.

I glanced around the room, looking for the only person I was interested in seeing. Mya appeared, stopped midway to me, and appeared to take in my expression. She was probably feeling out if it was safe for her to approach. When I gave her the slightest smirk, her face transformed into a grin as she made her way toward me.

“Nico,” she said coyly. She looked radiant in an elegant off-the-shoulder black dress.

“Mya,” I responded, my tone flat.

“Didn’t think you were going to make it.”

I side eyed her. “Why wouldn’t I be here?” Of course I would show up when my little spit fire was around here somewhere.

She didn’t say anything, and when a server stopped and offered a glass of champagne, I took one and handed another to Mya.

“Can’t,” she declined, waving it away. “I can’t drink on the job.”

The server walked away, and I went back to search for my girl. I finally spotted her, and I couldn’t wipe the stupid smile off my face.

“Jesus, Nico,” Mya murmured, “Don’t look so predatory, for fuck’s sake.”

My eyebrows raised in surprise. She placed a kiss on my cheek. “Behave,” she said, amusement dancing in her eyes.

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