CHAPTER XXXV

I picked up my phone and dialed Uncle Malik’s number. But instead of hearing his familiar greeting, it went straight to voicemail. That wasn’t like him at all; he always had his phone on him. I tried again, my heart sinking as the same empty silence greeted me once more. Frustrated, I dropped my phone on the couch. I felt a deep ache in my chest, a longing to hear his voice, which had always brought me comfort to know that he was alive and safe.

I had to think positively and not assume the worst about Uncle Malik’s whereabouts. With a deep breath, I brushed aside those unsettling thoughts and directed my attention to the glowing screen in front of me. The familiar theme song of The Big Bang Theory filled the room. I really needed some laughter after the shit show that unfolded tonight.

As Sheldon jumped out from beneath the couch cushions to scare Leonard during the classic Halloween episode, my phone buzzed on the coffee table, cutting through the laughter. A spark of hope flared in my chest, desperately wishing that it might be Uncle Malik. I picked it up and, upon looking at the screen, that spark was snuffed out. It wasn’t Uncle Malik. It was Liam.

Liam

Hey. I’m outside your door.

I tossed the blanket off and pushed myself up, the cool air brushing against my skin. I glanced through the peephole in the door. There was Liam, his gaze fixed on the floor, his shoulders slightly hunched. I swung the door open, and he lifted his head, relief washing over his features like a wave.

“Hey,” he said, an easy smile forming on his lips, but there was a flicker of worry behind his eyes.

“Hi. Why didn’t you just knock?” I asked.

He rubbed the back of his neck, looking a bit sheepish. “I wasn’t sure if you were sleeping or… you know, just having a night.”

I smiled at his thoughtfulness. “That was sweet of you. Do you want to come in?”

“No, sorry. I just wanted to check on you, make sure you were really okay.” His eyes searched mine, concern etched across his face.

I nodded, wanting to reassure him. “I’m fine, really, Liam Just… wanted to be alone.”

He gestured toward the front door and said, “I see you got a new one.”

I nodded. “Yeah.”

“So, are you ever going to tell me what happened?”

I shook my head. “Nothing you need to worry about, Liam.”

“I can’t help but worry about you. You’re my friend, remember?”

I smiled back, a warmth spreading through me from being in his presence that made it difficult not to give in.

“Come in,” I said, stepping aside to open the door wider. “It’s a conversation I don’t want the neighbors to hear.”

He stepped inside, and as soon as I closed the door behind him, he wrapped me in a hug. I leaned my head against his chest, inhaling the comforting scent of sandalwood.

“What happened, Winter?” he asked softly.

I let out a sigh. “Tabi’s ex came looking for him and Tristan.”

“Tristan’s dad?” he clarified.

I nodded against his chest and quickly gave him the condensed version of the events.

“Did he hurt you? Tristan?” His voice was low, almost a growl.

“Not Tristan, thank God, but me, yeah, he did,” I whispered.

Liam pulled back just enough to search my eyes. “What did he do?” His words came out through clenched teeth, a brotherly protective fire flickering in his gaze.

“He choked me and threatened me.” I felt the anger radiating from him. “But he didn’t get to do anything else. Enzo showed up just in time and took care of him,” I quickly added, wanting to ease his worry.

His jaw tightened, and he briefly closed his eyes, as if trying to rein in his emotions. When he opened them again, they softened, filled with relief. “I’m so glad you’re okay.”

I smiled and wrapped my arms around him again, seeking his comfort. “How about we plan a movie night tomorrow?” I asked, trying to lighten the mood.

He let out a disappointed sigh. “I wish I could, but I have several jobs tomorrow tonight.”

“No problem. Maybe next time,” I said, shrugging it off.

“Definitely,” he said. “If you need anything, just call me, alright? Day or night.”

“I will. Thank you,” I said sincerely.

We lingered in an awkward silence for a moment, the weight of the unspoken words hanging between us, until he said, “Okay, well, I’m going to head out then. Night, Winter.” His voice was soft, almost hesitant.

“Night, Liam,” I replied, watching as he retreated to his apartment.

I closed the door and let out a sigh, feeling both grateful and a bit heavy-hearted. I headed back to the couch, sinking into the cushions, letting the laughter from the show fill the silence again.

* * *

Two episodes later, I made myself a bowl of popcorn, adding my favorite treats—chocolate M&Ms and Butterfinger chunks. As I carried my snack and a bottle of water to the living room, a firm knock interrupted the quiet once more.

“Not again,” I muttered. “Can’t a girl get some peace and quiet to enjoy her TV show?”

I set my bowl down and made my way to the door. My head started spinning when a familiar deep voice called out to me.

“Winter, it’s me. Open up.”

Nico.

Of all people, why was he here?

And then it dawned on me.

Enzo. That rat bastard told him what happened.

Another firm knock, more insistent this time. “Open up, Winter, or I’ll break this door down, and this time, I won’t replace it...again.”

I didn’t want a repeat of the last time someone broke down my door, so I reluctantly swung it open, my breath catching as I saw Nico standing there, one hand resting against the doorframe, the other holding a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

He filled the doorway, and I found myself unable to look away. Nico was dressed casually in light jeans and a black V-neck shirt that showed off his chest hair and a tribal tattoo that peeked out from his neckline. A small diamond stud in his earlobe and a dark leather jacket completed his look, making my heart skip a beat at the whole irresistible package.

“These are for you,” he said, holding out the flowers.

“They’re stunning. Thank you,” I said.

I felt a flutter in my stomach at his kindness.

Running a hand through his hair, he said, “I heard about what happened. I wanted to check on you. Are you okay?” He said it through gritted teeth, like he was fighting to keep his anger at bay.

“I’m fine,” I said.

“Good. That bastard won’t be bothering you again,” he said

I saw the determination in his eyes, and I knew then that whatever he had done to Michael, or would do, was final. As long as Tabi and Tristan were safe, I didn’t need to know the details.

We locked eyes, an intense chemistry sparking wildly. It was as if we were the only two people in the world, drawn to each other with a force that made my knees weak. That kiss with Drew back in high school? It didn’t even come close to the whirlwind of emotions I felt now.

As I stood there, transfixed by his presence, his blue eyes slowly trailed down to my neck, his gaze a gentle caress that made me tingle all over. My eyes drifted closed as his fingers traced the sensitive skin of my neck, my breath quickening at the sensation.

When I looked up at him again, his eyes held a depth of emotion that took my breath away. The weariness and sadness had transformed into something intense and protective.

“This,” he said, his voice a low rumble as he wrapped his hand around my neck, his thumb brushing my pulse point, “will never happen again. I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

I swallowed, my throat dry as I tried to speak past the lump. “You can’t watch me all the time.”

“I can and I will.”

“Why?” I asked, chewing my bottom lip.

A cocky smirk played on his lips, and he closed the distance between us, his minty breath fanning my face. “Because,” he murmured, his lips mere inches from mine, “you affect me like no one else, Winter.” His thumb brushed my bottom lip. “You have me completely caught up in you, and I don’t ever want to let you go.”

My heart pounded in my ears, and I could barely catch my breath as he leaned in, his lips against my neck. “You’re wearing my favorite scent,” he whispered, his warm breath tickling my skin.

A nervous giggle escaped me. “You mean soap?”

He pulled back to look at me, his eyes full of desire. “You,” he said, placing a kiss on my lips.

Before I could respond, he took a step back, his hand on the doorknob. “Lock the door,” he commanded, his voice hoarse. And then he was gone, leaving me reeling.

My body trembled in the wake of his touch, and I felt like I was on fire. He was my own personal hell. I leaned against the door, trying to steady my breathing and calm the erratic beat of my heart. But just as I started to regain my composure, another loud knock startled me.

I pulled the door open, hoping it was Nico, but it was Liam instead.

“What’s wrong?” I asked. Without a word, my friend pushed past me.

“Liam!” I protested, shutting the door. “What is your problem?”

He rounded on me, his eyes flashing with fury. “How do you know Nico Moretti?”

I crossed my arms defensively. “What are you talking about?”

“Don’t play innocent with me, Winter. I just saw him leaving your place.”

“You’ve been spying on me?” I asked in disbelief.

He waved my accusation away. “I was concerned, that’s all. And it turns out I was right to be. How do you know Nico?”

I sighed, knowing he wouldn’t drop it. “I work at his club, okay? It’s no big deal.”

“No big deal? Do you have any idea who Nico Moretti is? He’s bad news, the absolute worst kind of guy. And you’re working for him?”

Before I could respond, my door flew open and Nico strode in like a man on a mission. In the next instant, he had a gun pointed at Liam. “Who the fuck do you think you are talking to her like that?”

“Nico, stop! Put that away!” I yelled, my heart pounding.

“Who the fuck is this, Winter?” Nico demanded.

“He’s a friend,” I replied shakily.

Nico’s eyes bore into me, his gaze intense and possessive. “I thought I made myself clear—no other man goes near you.”

“You can’t just tell me who I can and can’t see,” I protested, my anger rising.

“Watch me,” he growled. “Tell him to leave, Winter, or so help me, I will end his life right now.”

“She can speak for herself,” Liam said defiantly, clearly unafraid.

Nico shoved me behind him, his body tense as he formed a barrier between me and Liam. With a snarl, Nico raised his gun, pressing the steel against Liam’s forehead. “I’ll send you to an early grave before karma gets a chance to, motherfucker.”

No!

“Liam, get out of here. Please, just go,” I pleaded, knowing Nico would carry out his threat.

Liam’s eyes hardened, and for a moment, I thought he wouldn’t budge. But then he stepped around us and walked out, slamming the door behind him.

I whirled around to face Nico. “What the hell, Nico?!” I shouted, ready to unleash hell on him. “You can’t just barge in here and threaten my friends. That’s not okay!”

Nico’s eyes flared. “I don’t know how many fucking times I have to remind you that you belong to me!” he roared.

“I don’t belong to anyone!”

Before I could get another word out, he wrapped his arms around my waist, his grip possessive. The cold metal of the gun pressed against my cheek, and my breath caught in my throat.

“What are you doing?” I gasped, a tremor of fear creeping in despite my anger. He clicked the safety on, a mocking smirk playing on his lips as he slid the gun down my cheek, toying with me.

“Do you have any idea what it does to me when I see another man near you, let alone sharing the same space as you?” he growled.

He dragged the gun down my body until it reached my pussy. He positioned the gun at the center, applying just enough pressure to awaken my arousal. “Do you feel that?” He ran his nose against my chin. “Do you understand the power I hold over you?”

I bit my lip and shut my eyes, trying to remain composed, but his touch was like a scorching iron, burning his claim on my skin.

I suppressed a moan that was desperately seeking to be released when he teasingly trailed the cold metal of the gun along my waist.

“Damn, Angel. You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?” he whispered, his voice low and seductive. His breath was hot against my cheek, causing a delightful tingling sensation. I could feel his smile as he continued his path, the gun now pressing gently against my butt.

“Shut up,” I replied, my voice slightly breathless.

His chuckle vibrated through my body.

Then, in a swift motion, the spell was broken when he tucked the weapon away and yanked me hard against his chest, his fingers gripping my neck, a mix of dominance and desperation in the sensation alone. I yelped as he pulled my hair, forcing my head back to look into his eyes. “You keep testing me,” he breathed, his voice low and dangerous, before crashing his mouth against mine.

It was not a kiss—it was an assault. He plunged his tongue deep, taking without any consideration for my needs. I gasped for air, but he didn’t relent, each kiss more savage than the last. When he finally pulled back, his eyes burned into mine, and he said, “Mine.”

The possessiveness in his voice sent a shiver down my spine, both thrilling and terrifying me. He released me, and I staggered back, trying to collect my thoughts, my heart still racing. As he strode toward the door, his hand hovering over the doorknob, he glanced back at me, the anger simmering just beneath the surface. “Don’t let him back inside your apartment, Winter. Just… don’t.”

With that, he stormed out, leaving me standing there, a mess of anger, confusion, and desire.