CHAPTER XXXII

I couldn’t get my clothes on right with my wobbly legs. My body was still humming with that delicious sensation. Hell, even my ass was burning, and the insistent throbbing between my legs… My God. I wondered what sex with Nico would be like.

I opened the door and found Demon sprawled on the floor. But the moment he noticed me, he jumped onto all fours. I bent down to scratch behind his ears, and he responded with a playful nudge.

We made our way downstairs, but voices drifted from the kitchen, causing me to pause. I recognized Tabi’s laughter and Lo’s deep voice. I had forgotten Nico asked Enzo to bring Tabi back to his place.

“Hey,” I announced, stepping into the kitchen.

Tabi’s eyes gleamed with happiness when she saw me. She hopped off the stool, her feet landing on the floor. “Winter!” she called out, her ponytail swaying as she approached me.

“What’s going on?” I asked her, raising an eyebrow.

“Well.” She gestured with her head toward Lo. “Lo was keeping me company while you were with Nico.” She emphasized the last word, her grin growing wider. “You were with him for a while.” She wiggled her eyebrows.

I could feel my face heating up, remembering what he did to my body. “Nothing,” I lied. There was no way in hell I was going to share what Nico and I did in front of his brother.

“Liar,” she teased, her smile mischievous. “You look liked you’ve been fucked good.”

Jesus. This girl had no filter.

I let out an exasperated sigh. “Are you done?”

“Nope. But we can talk when we go home. I’ll call an Uber,” she suggested. I was about to tell her that there was no need for it when Lo interjected.

“Nope, not happening. We’re driving you home.”

I spun around to face him, my brows knitted in confusion. “What do you mean ‘we’?”

“Tabi said you guys were going to have dinner and a movie,” he replied casually.

“And we’re going to join you. It’s been a while since I’ve seen a movie.”

My gaze shifted to Tabi, who bit her bottom lip nervously. “Did you invite them?”

She threw her hands up in mock surrender. “Yeah, what’s the big deal? They offered to buy dinner,” she said, feigning innocence.

“What about Tristan?” I asked her.

“Luca’s already picking him up,” Lo explained. “In fact, he’s probably already there.”

“Wait, what?” Tabi snapped her head toward him, alarm written all over her face. “He doesn’t know you! And I never gave you permission to go near my son. And what about his sitter, Emily?”

“Emily was cool. Luca paid her and then some. Relax, Tabs,” Lo chuckled.

“It’s Tabi,” she retorted sharply.

Lo browsed his phone, clearly unbothered. He dialed a number, and soon, the familiar ringing of a FaceTime call filled the air.

“What’s up?” Luca said through the phone.

“Hey. You got Tristan?”

“Yeah. Why? Change of plans?”

“No. Can you put him on so he can speak to his mother? She looks like she’s about to cut off my dick.”

Tabi glared at him.

Luca burst into laughter. “Hey, little man, come say hi to your momma.”

Lo angled the phone toward Tabi, who instantly softened as Tristan’s cherubic face brightened the screen. “Hi, Mom!” he called out, waving enthusiastically.

“Hey, baby. Are you okay?”

“Yeah! Look what Luca got me.” He held up a Nintendo Switch.

“Wh-what?!” Tabi’s eyes nearly popped out of her head.

“That’s awesome, Tris!” I told him with a broad smile, and his own smile widened.

Tabi looked at me like I had two heads.

“Just go with it. He’s safe with him.”

Lo smiled at my admission. It was true. These guys were not cruel; they were just overprotective. And to be honest, it felt good to be cared for.

“Hey, Mom. Luca says he’s bringing me to Winter’s for movie night.”

Tabi’s expression melted, her defenses crumbling. “That’s right. I’ll see you soon. I love you, sweetie.”

“Love you too!” He began to say something to Luca when the call abruptly ended.

“See? Told you,” Lo said, beaming with mischief. “Now, get your pretty little asses in the car.”

* * *

“I can’t believe you invited them,” I hissed at Tabi while shoving the last of the cushions into place. “I don’t have enough room for everyone.”

Tabi’s head popped around the corner from the kitchen, a playful grin spreading across her face. She balanced a stack of plates in one hand and a couple of cups in the other. “Oh, come on, Winter. Chill out. It’s just a movie night,” she replied, her tone light and teasing.

I wanted to strangle my friend for how relaxed she was when just an hour ago, she was freaking out about Luca picking up her son.

I huffed, tossing the decorative pillow into place with a bit more force than necessary.

“Plus, Lo will be here,” Tabi added.

I grabbed the crumpled throw and folded it. “You like Lo?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

She turned her gaze to me, her lips curling up into a dreamy grin. “Did you see him? He’s sexy. And his ass is so tight and firm.” She fanned herself dramatically, like she was in heat. “But it’s not just that. He seems really sweet.”

I couldn’t help but return her ridiculous smile. “You’re in love,” I teased.

“I am not,” she shot back. “Just smitten.”

We both laughed, and the tension in my body eased.

My phone vibrated in my pocket, and I pulled it out, making a pouty face.

“Liam?” she questioned.

“Yeah,” I replied, typing a message back to him. “He can’t make it tonight. He’s got plans.”

She opened her mouth to say something but was interrupted by a knock at the door.

“Oh, shit! They’re here!” Tabi whispered, her eyes widening.

“Why are you freaking out? You were calm just a minute ago.”

Another knock sounded, louder this time.

I sighed, walked around her, and opened the door. “Hi, Winter!” Tristan said, practically launching himself into my arms.

“Hey,” I chuckled, squeezing him tightly and planting a kiss on his cheek. With Tristan still in my arms, I moved to the side to let the guys in.

Matteo was the first to step in, carrying three large boxes of pizza, the aroma making my mouth water. “I got pepperoni, cheese, and a supreme,” he announced, placing the boxes on the coffee table.

“That sounds great, thank you,” I told him.

He gave me a curt nod and opened the boxes.

Luca strolled in next, followed by Lo, who was loaded down with drinks and candy.

“We bring gifts,” Luca said with a grin. “Where do you want these?”

“On the table with the pizza is fine.”

They headed over to the table. At the same time, Tristan bolted toward Tabi, who scooped him up with a laugh. I took that moment to look out in the hall for Nico, only to realize he wasn’t here.

“Where’s Nico?” I asked Lo, a hint of desperation creeping into my voice.

He grinned, and a dimple dented his cheek. “He’s dealing with business with our uncle.”

“Does he know you’re all here with me?” I asked.

“Yep,” Lo responded. “It was his idea.” He winked and strode toward Tabi.

Huh. Why would he send them?

“Don’t think about it too much,” Luca said, his deep voice cutting through my thoughts.

“One thing you need to know about Nico is that he is overly protective of the people he cares about.”

Yeah, I already knew that.

“But he trusts us to look after you and your friend,” Luca added, casually draping an arm over my shoulders. “Plus”—he leaned in slightly, his bright brown eyes sparkling—“it’s a good way to get to know you.” He winked, and I couldn’t help but chuckle.

We each grabbed our food and drinks and gathered in the living room. Matteo sat on the lone chair, his muscular frame taking up most of the space, while Luca and Lo lounged on the couch, their presence dominating the small living room. I glanced down at Tristan, who was sprawled on the carpet, his small fists tucked under his chin, eyes glued to the TV screen.

“So, what the hell are we going to watch?” Luca asked, his mouth full of pizza.

Tabi emerged from the kitchen and lightly smacked him on the back of his head. “Hey, watch your words. There’s a four-year-old in the room,” she chided, plopping down on the couch between Lo and Luca.

Luca’s pizza slice dangled in mid-air, his mouth agape. “What the—” he sputtered, shooting Tabi a glare.

Ignoring their banter, I took a moment to absorb the scene. Three sexy muscular men with broad shoulders with an intimidating presence who could easily be mistaken for members of the mafia or a cartel were crammed into my little apartment, preparing for a movie night with a five-year-old. It was surreal and, honestly, heartwarming.

“Are you going to stand there all night, Winter?” Matteo asked, arching an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips.

I glanced around the room, realizing that every seat was claimed.

“You can sit on my lap,” Luca suggested, a wicked grin on his face.

Lo barked out a laugh. “Do you know what Nico will do to you if he catches Winter on your lap? He’ll castrate you,” he said, taking a long swig drink of his Coke.

“Nah. He won’t do shit to me. I’m his cousin,” Luca pointed out. “Besides, I promised him that I would look after her.” He shot me a wink.

Tabi rolled her eyes, but I could see the corners of her mouth twitching. “I don’t think that’s what Nico had in mind,” she quipped.

“No thanks, Luca,” I replied, biting back a grin. “I’d rather not be the reason Nico unleashes his wrath on you.”

He let out a hearty chuckle. “You don’t have to worry about me, baby girl. I can handle the devil.”

“ Or ,” Lo interjected, “we could build a fort?”

Tristan’s head whipped around at Lo’s suggestion. His eyes lit up with excitement. “A fort! Can we, Mom?”

Tabi chuckled softly. “We have to ask Winter first,” she said. “This is her home.”

Tristan turned to me, his wide eyes shimmering with hope. “Can we, Winter?”

“Sure, why not,” I replied. There was no way I could say no to that adorable face.

“Yay!” Tristan yelled, launching himself off the floor, practically bouncing on his feet.

Matteo raised an eyebrow. “You’re serious about this? Do you even know how to build a fort, Lo?”

Lo shrugged. “Can’t be that hard. Just a bunch of blankets and pillows, right?” He pulled out his phone and began tapping away. “I’ll look it up quick.”

“While you’re doing that,” I told Lo, “I’ll grab the blankets.”

“I’ll come help,” Tabi said, leaping off the couch.

Tabi and I rummaged through the linen closet, pulling out colorful sheets and blankets. We carried them to the living room and plopped them on the floor.

Lo looked down at the pile and back at Tabi and me. “What are you doing?”

“What does it look like we’re doing?” Tabi shot back.

“Looks like to me you ain’t doing shit,” he quipped, a smirk spreading across his face.

“That’s right,” Tabi agreed. “It was your idea to build one. So, Winter and I are going to sit and watch you men do your thing.” She pulled my hand, and we saton the floor, leaning against the wall.

Lo shook his head. “You’re lucky you’re hot as hell,” he said low enough for only us to hear.

Tabi’s cheeks flushed pink, a shy smile creeping onto her face.

I nudged Tabi with my elbow. “What is going on there?” I teased.

“What are you talking about?” she replied, feigning ignorance.

“Alright, fine,” I replied, though I couldn’t help but shoot her a look that said, “We’ll definitely have a chat about this later.”

She shrugged playfully, and we turned our attention back to the mayhem unfolding in front of us.

For the next twenty minutes or so, we watched, half-laughing, half-astonished, as the guys fumbled around, laughter bubbling in the air. They piled blankets and pillows into a wobbly tower that threatened to topple with every movement. Eventually, Tabi and I got up to the kitchen and snagged some snacks.

“Alright, c’mon, we need more height,” Luca grunted, adjusting the tower of cushions.

“Yeah, yeah, just don’t knock it over again,” Lo replied, brushing a hand through his dark hair. “I’m serious, Luca. If you knock it over, I’ll knock you off your ass.”

The guys continued to throw jibes at one another while Tabi and I sat back and enjoyed the show.

“Is this the hottest thing you have ever seen, or what?” Tabi mused, tossing a popcorn kernel into her mouth.

I chuckled, taking a bite of my chocolate bar.

“Winter, hand me that blanket,” Matteo called out, pointing toward a blanket covered in a colorful violin print.

I tossed the blanket to him, and he draped it over the top of the cushion structure like a crown. “Now, don’t freaking move,” he warned, stepping back cautiously as if he were defusing a bomb.

Undeterred, Tristan crawled right underneath the opening, and erupted into a fit of giggles.

“You little—” Matteo grumbled, but a reluctant smile broke through.

Lo stepped back, surveying their masterpiece with pride. “Now, this is what I’m talking about,” he proclaimed.

“Wow,” I said, genuinely impressed.

“Yeah. The best fort I’ve ever seen,” Tabi agreed.

“Can we watch the movie now?” Tristan called out from inside the fort, making us laugh.

One by one, we gathered underneath the makeshift fort, the soft fabric draping above us, creating a cozy space. The fluffy cushions and plush, thicker blankets were sprawled across the floor where the coffee table used to stand.

Tabi and I were lying on our stomachs, nestled closely beside Tristan, while the guys gathered around us in a protective circle.

After browsing through the range of movies, we finally settled on The Super Mario Brothers.