Page 93 of My Sweetest Temptation

Oh, my God!

Nico.

The trunk.

Chokehold.

The dog stirred, lifting his head and letting out a low, rumbling growl that changed into a soft whimper, as if sensing my rising panic.

“Hey, boy,” I murmured, hesitating to touch him. “Are you friendly, or should I be preparing for a dramatic scene straight out of Cujo?”

The dog didn’t answer, of course, but he shifted closer, resting his head on my lap as if inviting me to pet him. I couldn’t resist. I ran my fingers through his dark, silky fur. “You’re very friendly.” I chuckled softly, the tension in my chest easing as I continued to stroke him, feeling an unexpected connection.

“Good, you’re awake,” Nico’s deep voice rumbled from the shadows.

I screamed, the sound echoing in the quiet room, which startled the dog into jumping up and barking. In my panic, I tumbled off the bed, wrapped in a cascade of sheets that followed me down, and landed in an undignified heap on the floor.

“Shit,” Nico hissed, his footsteps hurried as he approached me.

“Ow,” I groaned, feeling a sharp sting on my hip. I started to roll onto my back to right myself when strong arms lifted me effortlessly off the floor, enveloping me in a familiar spice-scented embrace.

I looked up, fury igniting within me as I met Nico’s gaze, his face uncomfortably close to mine. He set me back on the bed, sitting on the edge, his hand resting on my legs, effectively caging me in.

“What the hell is wrong with you?!” I spat, my voice trembling with anger. “You can’t just kidnap someone and throw them in a trunk! You?—”

He chuckled. “And here I thought you’d be happy to see me.” His eyes sparkled with a dangerous glint that made my heart race for all the wrong reasons. “Though, I must admit, I’m a little jealous of this guy.” He nodded toward the dog, who had settled beside me, his head resting on my knee. “This is Demon,” he said, rubbing behind the dog’s ears.

I shook my head, trying to shake away the absurdity of this situation. “Where am I?” I demanded, my voice steadier now, though my heart pounded like a war drum.

“My house,” he replied, his tone casual, as if that was perfectly normal.

“Why am I here?” I pressed.

He narrowed his eyes, the playfulness draining from his expression. “You wouldn’t cooperate when I asked you to get in the car. You were a pain in the ass.”

“Me? A pain in the ass? You threw me in the trunk and put me in a chokehold to subdue me!” My voice rose with each word.

He didn’t respond immediately, his eyes locked on mine with an intensity that left me feeling exposed. I needed to get out of there before I either kissed him or smacked him, though I was beginning to think the latter was more likely. Without considering the consequences, I launched myself off the bed, the absence of my shoes suddenly irrelevant. I needed to get the hell out of here.

I was almost at freedom, my fingers grasping the doorknob of the bedroom door, when his arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me back against his chest.

“Let me go,” I growled, struggling against his iron grip.

“Stop it,” he growled back, his breath hot against my ear. “You’re making this difficult.”

“No!” I snapped as I fought against him while he carried me. I thrashed my head side to side and kicked my legs in desperation. My fingernails clawed at his arms, but my resistance seemed to fuel his resolve.

Then, without warning, a shot of cold water drenched me, and I screamed. He covered my mouth.

When the hell did we make it to the bathroom?

“God damnit!” he hissed. “If you keep behaving like a child, I’m going to throw you in the cold shower every damn time.”

I instinctively bit him. He swore, but his grip around my neck only tightened as he pushed me against the shower wall. I caught a glimpse of his fully dressed form, the water cascading over him, and despite everything, a part of me couldn’t help but notice how utterly captivating he looked, even in this chaos. He was still the devil in a suit.

“Why do you have to be so fucking difficult?” he demanded. “Huh? Why can’t you just do as you’re told and believe I’m not going to hurt you?”

Before I could muster a response, he leaned in closer, his body radiating warmth, chasing away the chill that had enveloped me. Then his mouth was on mine, demanding yet tender, his lips coaxing me for access. I wanted to give in, to melt against him, but I held my ground.

---