Page 92 of My Sweetest Temptation

Matteo shut the door behind me, a silent acknowledgment of the weight of my actions. I walked toward the front door with Winter cradled in my arms like she was made of fragile glass.

The door swung open, and Mom appeared with a look of confusion on her face. Her gaze traveled to a passed-out Winter in my arms.

“What are you doing here?” I asked her quietly, trying not to disturb Winter’s peaceful slumber.

“I heard what happened and was worried. Who is this?” She glanced again at Winter, her brows furrowed.

“His employee he kidnapped,” Luca chimed in with a smile.

“Actually, Mya hired her, so…” Lo added.

“What?” Her eyes widened. “Nico, you did what?” she whisper-yelled, her voice laced with disbelief.

I rolled my eyes, exasperated, and started up the stairs when Demon trotted over, sniffing at Winter.

“Hey, boy,” I said softly, meeting his gaze. “She’s ours,” I reassured him. Satisfied, he followed closely as I ascended the marble staircase.

“Jesus, Nico. She’s not a piece of property,” Matteo argued, his tone sharp.

I ignored him as I reached the landing and spotted Mya coming down the stairs.

What the fuck was everyone here tonight?

“Oh my God. Is that Winter?” The shock in her voice was evident.

“Yes,” I replied nonchalantly, as if abducting a girl was as normal as breathing.

I entered my bedroom and laid Winter down on the king-size bed, removing her shoes and placing them neatly on the floor. I sat beside her, mesmerized by her serene beauty. How gently her chest rose and fell, and the way her lips parted slightly in sleep.

Demon jumped onto the bed, settling near her feet.

“Don’t get too comfortable, buddy.” I patted his head lightly. “She’s mine,” I reminded him. My tone held a possessive edge, but he merely snorted and rested his head beside her leg.

“Nico?” My mom’s voice broke through my reverie, her maternal expression softening as she looks at Winter.

I placed a gentle kiss on Winter’s forehead. “Sweet dreams, my angel,” I whispered, pulling a throw over her.

I rose to my feet to leave the room and pushed the door open, leaving it ajar. “What is it, Mom?” I asked.

“Nico, she looks really young,” my mom began, her tone laced with concern as I walked down one stair after another.

I didn’t respond because it was none of her business. I loved her, but I was a grown ass man.

Her sigh echoed my own frustration. At the bottom of the stairs, I spotted Enzo lingering by the front door, his posture alert.

“E, stay outside my room. Make sure Winter doesn’t leave and no one enters except me,” I instructed him.

He met my gaze, nodding with a serious expression before heading up the stairs.

WINTER

My eyes fluttered open. The morning light poured through the dark gray curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. As I wrestled with consciousness, I felt a warm weight pressing against my side. Turning slightly, I found myself face-to-face with a large, sleepy Rottweiler sprawled beside me, his chest rising and falling in a soothing rhythm that almost lulled me back to sleep.

“What the—” I whispered, unsure if I should feel comforted or alarmed.

Where the hell was I?

The last thing I remembered was?—

---