CHAPTER XVI

I was back in the office and tried to settle into my work, but my mind kept drifting back to that electric moment I shared with Nico. The warmth of his body pressing against mine, the urgency of his kiss that ignited something deep within me. I shook the thoughts away so I could concentrate on my work.

My phone buzzed while I was lost in my thoughts, my fingers gliding over the keyboard.

I reached for my phone, but in my rush, my elbow bumped my whole can of soda and sent it wavering perilously close to the edge of the desk.

I gasped as the can began to tip and the soda spilled over, soaking my lap. I snatched some tissues from the desk and patted my jeans dry.

“Just great,” I muttered. With an irritated sigh, I pushed my chair back and stood up to head to the door.

I stepped out of the room, and Enzo raised an eyebrow.

“I spilled soda on myself,” I told him, pointing at my jeans.

He smirked and nodded once, his expression relaxed.

I stormed into the bathroom, my jeans sticking tightly to my legs. Waving my hand in front of the automatic towel dispenser, I grabbed a handful of paper towels.

“The one time I really wished for a hand dryer,” I muttered.

Right as I was going to toss the towels in the trash can, the door swung open, and my breath caught in my throat as I found Davina standing there, oozing with an intensity that was hard to ignore. She looked like the Devil herself, clad in skin-tight black leather pants that clung to her every curve and a cropped white top that revealed more than it concealed. Davina’s eyes narrowed into angry slits.

I took a step closer to getting the hell out of there, but Davina blocked my path, an evil smirk playing on her lips. “Well, well, well, look who decided to grace us with her presence,” Davina sneered, her voice dripping with venom. “Don’t even think for a second that you matter to Nico. He’s mine, sweetheart. You’re just a nobody to him.”

My pulse quickened at Davina’s cruel words, a familiar knot forming in my stomach. I tried to maintain my composure, but the barb hit deep. “I don’t even know you, and you don’t know me,” I started, my voice steady and even.

“Nico is mine, bitch,” she snapped, her eyes flashing with fury.

“Never said he wasn’t. And just to be clear, I don’t want him, and he sure as hell doesn’t want me,” I retorted.

We locked eyes for a moment, a silent battle of wills until I finally broke the silence. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to get back to work.”

She let me walk by, but her voice followed me like a shadow. “Stay the hell away from him, or you’ll regret ever stepping foot into this club.”

I didn’t bother replying and pushed through the bathroom door, only to collide with a solid wall of muscle. My hands instinctively flew to his chest to steady myself. Looking up, I found myself staring into the piercing blue eyes of one of Nico’s men.

He was tall and built like a swimmer, with diamond studs glinting in both ears. His black shirt clung to his biceps, revealing ink that snaked up his neck. After a moment, he stepped back, running a hand through his short, neatly trimmed black hair. “Sorry, Winter. I’m Lo, Nico’s baby brother,” he said, flashing a dimpled smile.

Now I saw the resemblance, though he carried himself with a different energy.

“Hi,” I said. I attempted to sidestep him, but he gently caught my elbow.

“Are you okay, Winter?” he asked, concern etched across his features.

“Yeah,” I replied, forcing a smile. Just then, the bathroom door swung open, and out strutted Davina, her confidence practically radiating off her.

“Hey, Lo,” she purred, her tone dripping with faux sweetness.

Her gaze swept over me, and I could practically feel the daggers she was throwing my way. Lo’s expression shifted as he looked between us.

“Whatever game you’re playing, Davina, you better stop now,” he warned, stepping in front of me like a shield. “Otherwise, you’ll be swimming with the fishes.”

Davina’s eyes widened and her usual confidence faltered under Lo’s fierce glare. Without another word, she turned sharply, pushing past us before fading into the shadows.

“She’s a jealous bitch,” he spat. “Davina is known for stirring shit up. But if she ever fucks with you again, you come to any of us; got it?”

I offered him a grateful smile. “Got it.”

Lo studied me for a second, and when he seemed satisfied, he nodded and walked me back to the office. After I settled into my chair, Lo left and I began diving into the stack of invoices. I flipped through the papers, scrutinizing each one before I began processing payments.

An hour later, there was a soft knock at the door. I looked up to see Mya walking into the office. “Hi, Mya. Everything okay?” I asked, pushing a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

“I have a favor to ask you,” Mya began, her eyes shining.

I raised an eyebrow. “Okay?”

“We’re short-staffed for the fundraiser event next week, and I was wondering if you could help out by working as a server for the evening.”

I thought for a moment, a faint smile playing on my lips. “What’s in it for me?” I teased.

“Well, you’ll receive a ten-dollar increase, not including tips,” she revealed with a grin.

My eyes widened in surprise. “Ten dollars?”

Mya nodded eagerly. “Plus, it’s for a good cause,” she added.

“All right, you have me convinced,” I agreed with a light chuckle.

Mya’s face broke out into a wide smile. “Awesome! You’re a lifesaver, Winter. I knew I could count on you,” she said.

“No problem at all. Just let me know the details, and I’ll be there.”

“I’ll send you all the information later today. Thanks again, Winter,” she said before walking out of the room.

What the hell did I just sign up for?