CHAPTER XLVIII

W e were nestled in a private room at Ristorante La Dolce Vita, Luca's father's restaurant, celebrating Mya’s birthday. Fresh aromas of pasta and garlic bread filled the air, and soft Italian melodies floated through the background.

The room was beautifully designed and could accommodate up to forty people, but tonight, it felt perfectly intimate. Amber-hued sconces cast a gentle glow along the walls, and the dim light from the crystal chandeliers added a cozy touch.

I glanced around and smiled when I saw Mya using her hands theatrically while engaged in friendly banter with Luca. Luca’s eyes twinkled every time he looked at Mya.

Serafina was seated opposite me, completely absorbed in Aurelio's words. The unconditional love and affection in her eyes brought back memories of the way my parents used to look at me.

Matteo and Lo lounged comfortably, sipping their drinks and laughing at whatever Alessandro and Emillia said.

“Are you good?” Nico’s low gravelly voice pulled my attention to him.

Nico sat beside me, his arm possessively wrapped around my shoulders.

“Yeah. I'm good.”

I still couldn’t wrap my head around what exactly went down a few days ago, but Nico buried eight of his men, and the danger didn’t appear to be over. Since then, he hadn’t wanted me to leave his house, insisting it would be unsafe until the threat had passed. And this time I wasn’t going to fight him on it. It made it extra special that I was here celebrating with Mya; it felt good to finally get out.

He leaned in close, his warm breath tickling my skin, and teased, "You look deliciously beautiful." His words sent a shiver down my spine, and he nipped playfully at my neck, knowing full well the effect he had on me.

I felt my face flush at his words. I was wearing a black sleeve Audrey Hepburn-style cocktail dress with a scoop neckline that Mya had helped me pick out, and it made me feel confident and sexy. He seemed to think so too.

I snuck a quick look at him, and my stomach did cartwheels, sending my heart into overdrive. He looked incredibly handsome dressed in a well-fitted, long-sleeved white collared shirt with just a few buttons undone, revealing the tattoos inked across his chest and neck. His blue eyes sparkled with mischief, and his full lips curved into a grin that sent my heart racing.

He made me feel things that I couldn't explain to a therapist even if I tried. His touch and kisses left me breathless and dizzy. His smile made my heart melt like chocolate on a warm summer day. His scent enveloped me, making me forget all the worries and troubles in my life. I felt safe and at home when I was in his arms, like nothing in the world could harm me.

Nico pulled me closer, and I snuggled into his side. "You okay?" he murmured as he tucked a stray lock of hair behind my ear.

I wanted to say no, to tell him how much I wanted this dinner to end so I could have him all to myself. Instead, I pretended to dab my mouth with a napkin, trying to hide the nervous sweat that had nothing to do with the warm room. Nico's presence always left me hot and bothered. Yet he seemed so unaffected, so in control.

He chuckled and whispered, "Nervous, angel?" His warm breath sent goosebumps down my neck, and I shivered.

Slowly, I turned to face him and felt the urge to run my finger along his chiseled jawline. His smile revealed deep dimples, tempting me to poke my pinky into one of them.

I took a long drink of water, trying to compose myself, but Nico knew me too well. "You're nervous," he stated with a chuckle, his eyes flicking to my red heels, which he knew I'd chosen just for him.

I cleared my throat, my face heating. "No, I'm not," I lied, setting my glass down.

Nico's eyes gleamed with amusement as he leaned in closer, his voice hushed. “Yes, you are. I can tell by the way you keep tightening your legs and squirming in your seat like you're about to piss your pants.” His words sent a rush of heat through me, and I glared at him.

"When we get back home, those heels are the only thing you'll be wearing when I fuck you," Nico murmured, his eyes fixed on me.

I coughed as I struggled to breathe after a gulp of water went down the wrong way.

"Nice," I commented, shooting him a fleeting scowl. "So romantic."

He let out a deep chuckle. “I bet you're wet already, aren't you?”He leaned back with casual confidence as he took in my reaction.

"Wh-what?" I managed to stammer, even as my body betrayed me with a slight shift, making room for him to move closer.

Nico's lips curved into a satisfied smirk. He leaned back, feigning indifference, bringing his drink to his lips, all while his fingers gently caressed my most intimate place. I bit my lip, suppressing a moan as I felt his touch.

Nico grabbed his fork, twirled a few noodles, and put it in his mouth like he didn’t have his hand between my legs.No matter how inappropriate andwrong this was, I couldn’t seem to push his hand away. I didn’t want to, and he knew that because he slipped his fingers inside me.

Oh. God!

Nico's breathing quickened, his thumb finding my most sensitive spot, teasing me and driving me wild. My eyes shut while I squeezed the glass in my hand as his thumb did the dirty dance with my clit, making me wetter as the pleasure intensified.

In and out.

In and out, his thumb moved in a steady rhythm, and I bit my lip to stifle a moan.

Suddenly, he pinched the outer lips, making me wince.

"Are you okay, Winter?" Mya said, breaking through my haze of pleasure.

"Y-Yeah, I'm fine," I replied, my voice a little unsteady, and shot a subtle glance at Nico, hoping he'd back off. I tried to breathe normally so I wouldn’t give away that Nico was trying to unleash an orgasm from me.

“Oh, shit! You’ve gone and done it, Alessandro. You went and poisoned Winter.” Matteo laughed as he stuck his fork into a meatball and put it in his mouth.

“Matteo,” Emillia, Alessandro’s wife, chided, giving him a playful smack on his arm before turning to me. “It's not the food, right?” she questioned.

“Oh, God, no.” It came out like a moan while Nico worked his fingers.

Nico laughed lightly. He took a casual bite of his garlic bread and picked up the pace, close to bringing me to the finish line. "Oh, it's definitely not the food."

Ugh! He casually said it like he didn’t have his fingers in my vagina in front of his family.

“You sure, Winter? You look a little flushed," Matteo said, eyeing me suspiciously.

“Oh, yeah, I'm fine. It's just a little warm in here.” I fanned myself with the napkin, giving him a small smile.

Matteo's eyes flicked between me and Nico, and then he abruptly threw his fork onto the plate. "Jesus," Matteo muttered, shaking his head in disgust.

Great . He knew.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Nico slowly remove his fingers and suck off my juices.

Nico leaned in close, his breath tickling my ear. "No one gets to see you come but me," he whispered, his voice thick with desire.

I felt annoyed at being left hanging like that. "Two can play that game," I warned quietly for his ears only.

The suggestive glint in Nico's eyes faded, replaced by a look of surprise.

"Seriously, Nico?" Matteo said, his face scrunching up as if he were about to be sick.

Nico chuckled, and everyone else looked between us. Then Luca and Lo finally caught on and groaned in disgust.

"For fuck's sake. We're not that kind of party," Lo added.

Grateful for the distraction, Luca's father, Alessandro, approached Mya with a three-tier birthday cake that seemed almost too beautiful to eat. His salt and pepper hair was neatly combed back, highlighting the strong family resemblance he shared with Luca.

Mya’s expression lit up. She looked like a kid again, as though she were finally visiting Disney World for the first time.

Alessandro placed the cake in front of her, and just then, Aurelio climbed onto her lap, snuggling up against her. He peered up at her. “Wish, Mamma,” he said, clapping his hands.

“You’re going to help me blow them out, baby boy?” Mya asked, grinning at him. Aurelio nodded vigorously, his round face breaking into a toothy grin.

Mya leaned down, her hair cascading around her shoulders, and they took a deep breath together. They blew out the candles, and the room erupted in cheerful song. “Happy birthday, Mya!”

"Cut cake!" Aurelio clapped his hands in excitement.

"Okay, bambino." Mya laughed. "Relax."

Serafina grabbed her camera and stepped back a few feet, ensuring she captured the moment perfectly. Meanwhile, Matteo stood up, noticing Mya's struggle with the tiered cake, her hands awkwardly gripping the knife.

"Give me the damn knife," Matteo said, snatching it from her hand before she could protest.

While he skillfully sliced through the layers, Emilia rounded the table, grabbing a stack of plates to hand out.

With a teasing grin, Luca leaned across the table. “You know, I think my slice is going to be bigger than yours, Aurelio,” he teased.

“Nuh-uh!” Aurelio squealed, giggling as he lunged for his piece of cake, nearly knocking over his drink.

“Bring it on, little man!” Luca joked, causing the room to erupt in laughter.

“Here you go, Winter,” Serafina said as she offered me a slice of cake. Just as I reached out to take it, a distant rumble reverberated through the restaurant. Mya and I shared a nervous glance.

“What the hell was that?” Matteo asked.

“Stay here,” Nico commanded. The warning look he shot me was clear: "Do not defy me."

I nodded, trying to mask the fear climbing its way up from my stomach.

Nico rose swiftly, his hand moving to the gun tucked into his waistband. Matteo, Luca, and Lo followed suit.

Then, without warning, the door burst open. Mya and I screamed, and the guys aimed their weapons at the intruders, fingers on triggers, muscles tense.

But it was only Miguel who raced into the room.

“What the hell!” Nico barked.

“Armed men in masks just started shooting up the place! I called for backup!” Miguel said, his breath coming in rapid bursts.

The screams outside became increasingly louder, followed by gunfire.

“Get down!” Nico shouted, pushing me beneath the table, his body shielding mine. My back slammed against the hard floor, the impact shooting pain up my spine.

“What’s happening?” I choked out.

“We’re under attack,” he replied.

“Oh, my God,” I whimpered, tears streaming down my cheeks as I clutched his shirt, gripping the soft fabric like it was my lifeline.

“You’re okay, baby,” he whispered. “I won’t let anything happen to you.”

More screams erupted, and Mya clutched Aurelio tightly, her face pale.

“Stay low!” Nico ordered. He glanced around, assessing the situation. “We need to get them out of here," Nico told his uncle.

“The secret door!” Luca shouted, his voice rising above the chaos.

"Emilia, come!" Alessandro demanded. She followed him, and they ran toward the corner room. Alessandro flipped the light switch and entered a code, the wall sliding open to reveal a hidden room.

"Go, now!" he hissed.

Serafina grabbed Aurelio, her own hands trembling. “Come with me, sweetheart,” she said softly, leading him toward the back of the room.

“Winter, go,” Nico whispered urgently.

"No, I'm not leaving you,” I strangled out.

“Damn it, Winter! Listen to me for once!” His voice roared like thunder, but I remained frozen, the fear of losing him paralyzing me.

“Come on, we have to go!” Matteo urged, gripping Mya’s arm tightly as the frantic sounds of gunfire echoed around us.

The sharp crack of bullets ricocheting off the walls sent my heart racing. I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to block out the madness surrounding us. A loud crash echoed through the room, forcing me to open my eyes. One of the intruders shouted something in Italian, and Enzo and Miguel rushed inside the room, their expressions fierce, weapons drawn.

“Get them out! We’ll hold them off!” Enzo bellowed.

“Go. Now!” Nico yelled, pushing me toward the back of the room.

We darted toward the exit, my heart pounding in my chest. We reached the exit, but the havoc felt endless. I turned back to see Nico standing at the door, his body tense, ready to protect them at all costs.

“Please, go!” he shouted again, desperation in his voice.

With one last glance, I tore myself away from the others.

“Keep running! And don’t you dare fucking look back.” Nico’s voice echoed as we dashed into the darkness.