CHAPTER VII

I t felt like an eternity, but it had only been two weeks since I last saw the man who made my heart go thump, thump, and my insides turn to putty.

No matter how hard I tried to shake him from my thoughts, Nico just wouldn’t get out of my head. I’d never met anyone quite like him, so ridiculously sexy and a bit dangerous, like he just stepped out of Scarface . You would think that I would run in the opposite direction when it came to danger, but it didn’t feel like that with Nico. It made me want to do the complete opposite—to gravitate to him. It’s almost as if he could actually protect me. Lately, my dreams had turned into a nonstop reel about him, about wanting to be with him. I wanted to experience more of that feeling in real life.

To kiss him.

To hold him.

But those thoughts were just that—thoughts. I mean, I was not even in the running for someone like him. I was not Nico’s type.

Not even close.

Someone like Davina would make way more sense.

She was sexy, fearless, and oozed confidence, while I… well, did neither. How could I ever compete with that since I haven’t seen or heard from him in two weeks.

Shaking the doubts from my mind, I fished out the last few items from the dryer, the warm fabric comforting against my fingertips, and tossed them into the laundry basket. The smell of Downy lingered in the air as I emptied the lint trap. I made my way back up the dimly lit staircase to my apartment.

Once I reached my floor, I spotted Liam bounding up the stairs, his duffel bag slung over one shoulder. His tousled hair caught the faint light, and upon spotting me, he broke into his bright, infectious smile.

“Hey, Winter,” he called, his voice full of that easy charm I had grown so fond of.

“Hey, Liam,” I replied, resting my laundry basket against my hip. “Did you just got done with work?”

“Nah, I was at the gym,” he replied.

He flashed a devilish smirk, leaning in slightly. “You know, I could use a workout buddy. Working out on my own gets kind of boring.”

Amused, I shook my head. “I doubt you’re ever alone. The gym is full of people.”

“True, but having a friend beside me would be nice.”

“I’ll think about it.”

“So,” he said, his voice light, “what’s your plan for tonight or tomorrow? Just chilling? Or working?”

“Working tonight, but tomorrow...well, if by ‘chill’ you mean curling up with a blanket and watching Netflix, then yes.”

“Sounds like fun. Do you want company?”

I hesitated for a second.

“I’ll bring the popcorn and drinks,” he said, tilting his head as if coaxing me into saying yes.

“Like a Netflix date?” I raised an eyebrow.

“Call it what you want,” Liam shrugged.

“I don’t know,” I teased. “Do I get to pick the movie since it’s my apartment and my TV remote?”

“Yeah, I suppose,” he conceded with a mock sigh. “Since I picked the last one. But you’re not picking a horror film that makes you scream like a freaking banshee and nearly knee me in the balls.”

I busted out laughing, the memory of that night flooding back. Poor Liam and his franks and beans. I thought he was going to pass out.

“I’m serious, Winter. If you try that again, I’ll steal your remote and throw it out the damn window,” he warned.

“Oh, I don’t think so, buddy,” I said with a chuckle, shaking my head. “Then I’ll definitely knee you in the balls on purpose.”

“Fine. How about this?” He crossed his arms, a smirk forming on his lips. “We use vetoes.”

“Vetoes? How many do we get?” I asked, intrigued.

“Three each,” he replied. “So? What do you say?” He adjusted his bag on his shoulder, his hope-filled eyes searching mine.

“Yeah, okay,” I said.

“Sounds like a plan. Shall we meet on the couch at seven?”

“It’s a Netflix date.”

“Sweet.” His grin widened as he started to walk toward his apartment and I turned to mine.

Just as I reached my door, I paused with my hand on the doorknob and glanced over my shoulder. “Hey, Liam?”

He had already opened his door, and the soft glow from his fish tank spilled into the hallway.

“Yeah?” he asked, looking back at me, curiosity etched on his handsome face.

“Don’t ever threaten to touch a Netflix junkie’s remote,” I warned, my tone playful yet serious.

* * *

NICO

What the hell was she thinking?

Luca looked into my feisty little angel and found out she was working at a strip club owned by Bane, one of our well-known dealers.

I had asked my PI to follow Winter after that, and the very next day, received text messages with pictures of my angel dancing half-naked in some club. It was a punch in the gut, a blow I never saw coming. She was too sweet and innocent to be shaking her ass in front of strangers.

So, here I was with my men—Luca, Matteo, Lo, Miguel, and Enzo—as we strolled inside the club.

“Enzo, watch the front door. No one gets in and no one leaves, understood?” Enzo nodded, his jaw clenched. He glared at the bouncer at the door and gave him a look that said to move the fuck on, and he did without question.

“Miguel, guard the back. If my little angel here tries to slither away, I want you to stop her.”

A dark smile played on his lips as he moved into position.

The club was packed with horny men leering at the stage. Some had their hands down their pants as they watched the girls grinding on the poles.

Including my fucking girl.

I clenched my hands into fists. The thought of other men ogling her, drooling over her every time she shook her ass, made my blood boil.

“Nico,” she acknowledged me, her tone respectful. “What brings you to our neighborhood?”

We usually kept our distance from these places, maintaining a neutral stance with the dealers we worked with. But this time, it was personal. But there was a petite brunette with the brightest gold eyes I have ever seen who had me stepping into this club like a man possessed.

“A dancer started working with you for in the last six months.” I kept my voice low, but the tension in my tone was unmistakable.

Lola’s eyes narrowed. “Are you talking about Winter? She’s the only new girl we’ve taken on recently.”

I gave her a curt nod, my hands clenched inside my pockets, concealing the rage building within me. “That’s the one. I want you to fire her.”

“May I ask why?” she ventured cautiously.

“For one, she doesn’t belong on that stage,” I spat out. “Second, don’t ever question me. Do we understand each other?”

Lola’s expression turned into one of understanding. “Yes, Nico.”

As Lola retreated, the dancers finished their performance. The music changed, and that’s when I saw fucking red. The song “I See Red” by Everybody Loves an Outlaw blared through the speakers, and there she was, Winter, stepping onto the stage in fuck-me heels.

“Oh, shit,” Luca muttered, his eyes fixed on the stage.

Lo whispered, “Not good.”

“What do you want us to do, boss?” Matteo asked.

But I couldn’t answer. I was transfixed by the vision before me. Winter, dressed in a red bodysuit that hugged every inch of her body, was a fucking siren. The long sleeves flared at the wrists, but the huge cutout in the middle that exposed her flat stomach and belly button drew my gaze. The top barely contained her tits, and the black underwear, visible through the suit’s fabric, left nothing to the imagination.

I was rooted in place when she leaned against that damn silver pole, one hand stretched above her head, and arched her back. She bent one knee, resting her hand there. Her ass was a mere inch from the pole, and she kept her gaze on the ceiling. She knew exactly what she was doing. Teasing. Taunting. Torturing me.

Just watching her made my dick hard and beg to be set free.

She slowly slid down the pole and came back up the same way. Then she twirled around the pole, her tight ass on display. When she straightened, she leaned forward and made eye contact with the crowd, giving them a full view of her tits. I felt a surge of possessiveness. She was mine, dammit!

Everything around me stopped when she sensually touched her body, like she was tempting the men to dare touch her. She took slow, light steps, and was sexy as hell. She continued to writhe on the stage, touching her hips and thighs, and then slid her fingers through her ponytail.

Lola stumbled out, her wide eyes locking with mine, silently pleading for me not to act; she could tell I was about to lose my shit. I turned my gaze back to Winter.

She was now lying on her back with her legs stretched out, pointing toward the ceiling. She bent her back and lifted her ass off the floor. Then she rolled over, got to her knees, and stood, facing the crowd, winking, making them go crazy. She hooked her fingers into the sides of her panties, ready to slide them down her legs, inch by inch. I couldn’t take this shit anymore.

I charged toward the stage, roughly grabbed her by the waist, and yanked her off the stage and into my arms.

* * *

WINTER

One minute, I was losing myself to the music, and the next thing I knew, I was being ripped off the stage. I spun around, ready to give this asswipe a piece of my mind, but stopped short when I stared into a set of angry blue eyes.

“Nico,” I spat, my voice laced with venom. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

Seriously? After two weeks of complete radio silence, this was how he decided to show his face again? Unbelievable!

From over his shoulder, I saw Matteo, Nico’s cousin Luca, and his brother Lo looming nearby, making the room feel small. Enzo hovered by the front door with his arms crossed.

‘’I think you showed your ass enough tonight,” he said, his tone clipped. “You’re fucking done here.”

“Excuse me?” I snapped, pulling away from his grip. “I’m working. You have no right!”

I didn’t know where this newfound confidence came from. But Nico pulled it out of me whenever I was near him, which was incredibly irritating.

“Actually, I can,” he replied, his eyes narrowing.

I turned to see Lola with a nervous look on her face as she shuffled over to me with my purse and bag.

“Lola, please don’t let him do this,” I pleaded.

“I don’t have a choice, Winter,” she mumbled, glancing at Nico. “He wants you gone. No questions. I’m sorry, but I have to let you go.”

My jaw clenched as I turned back to Nico. “I am not a chess piece; you can’t?—”

Before I could finish, he wrapped his arms under my knees and hauled me over his shoulder and smacked my ass. My hand instantly wrapped around his waist to keep myself from falling.

Did he just...?

‘’Did you just smack my butt?’’ I sputtered, mortified and furious.

“I sure as fuck did,” he replied, his tone filled with darkness and anger.

The crowd fell silent.

Ignoring the shocked onlookers, Nico marched toward the door with me still slung over his shoulder. Tabi called out to me, but her voice was soon drowned out by the sound of the club’s front door slamming shut.

The cool night air brushed against my skin as Enzo opened the back door of the car. Nico tossed me inside, and I landed awkwardly on the leather seat.

I reached for the handle, and my heart raced with desperation. But before I could escape, Nico grabbed the back of my neck and forcefully yanked me back against his chest .

“Oh, my God!” I screeched.

This man is insane!

“Stop manhandling me!” I screamed as I struggled against him, but it was useless—he was a wall of muscle. I twisted and thrashed, but his grip was like iron. I summoned all my strength and aimed a swift kick between his legs, but just as my foot lunged forward, he caught my leg before I could make contact.

“Knock it the fuck off,” he barked. “Don’t make me put you over my knee and spank your sweet ass.”

Why did his caveman ways turn me on? What the hell was wrong with me? Exhausted and humiliated, I eventually gave up my fight against him as the car began to move. My ass still stung from his slap, and I seethed with resentment.

“I want you to work for me,” he said after a beat. His tone was softer this time, but he was struggling to keep his breathing steady, and I sensed the rage simmering just below the surface.

“Work for you?” I asked, confused.

He held me close, his arms wrapped tightly around me. ‘’I want you to work at the club, but in the office. You’ll assist Matteo’s sister, Mya, with paperwork and contracts. I’ll pay you triple what you made here.’’

My eyebrows shot up. Triple my salary? That was a lot of money, even if it didn’t include tips. And I wouldn’t be half-naked, so that was a plus.

“And if I say no?’’ I challenged, meeting his gaze.

He paused, letting my words linger in the air. He released me, and I instinctively retreated, my back pressing against the cold, unyielding door.

I watched him carefully as he settled back into his seat, unbuttoning his suit jacket with a deliberate slowness. His blue eyes bore into mine. I squirmed under his gaze; it was too powerful, too magnetic.

“I don’t think you’re understanding me, Winter. You do not have a choice. You will work for me.”

“I’m not your property, Nico,” I hissed. “You can’t just tell me what to do.”

Nico moved closer, his presence intimidating. “The fuck you aren’t.”

“What?” I echoed incredulously. “Are you serious?”

“Yes,” he said matter-of-factly.

“You can’t control me. I’m not a wind-up toy you can play with whenever you want.”

“Control you?” Nico raised an eyebrow, a smirk forming on his lips. “You think I’m being controlling? I’m trying to protect you, Winter, now that you are associated with me.”

Panic surged within me. “Wh-what do you mean?”

He didn’t say anything right away, just stared at me. His gaze made me so uneasy. I was ready to throw myself out of the car. We weren’t driving at a high speed. So, if I jumped out now, the impact wouldn’t be bad. Maybe a few broken bones and cuts.I could survive that.

“Don’t you think about it,” he warned. When I turned back to him, I cringed at the death look he was giving me.

I swallowed another ball of panic, adrenaline spiking my courage. I reached down, yanked off one of my heels, and hurled it at him.

“Fuck!” he roared.

I twisted my body away from him, my fingers fumbling for the lock. I managed to unlock it, flinging the door open, the cool night air slapping me in the face. I screamed as an oncoming car swerved to avoid the door, its horn blaring.

“Enough,” Nico snapped. He grabbed me by the waist and yanked me back, knocking the breath out of me. “What the fuck is wrong with you?” he roared, and I shrank back. “Are you trying to get yourself killed?”

I refused to answer, and we sat in silence until we reached my apartment.

The privacy window slid down, revealing a concerned Enzo peering back at us. “Everything okay, boss?”

Nico didn’t respond right away; the tension in the air was palpable. “Don’t ever pull that shit again,” he said to me in a menacing tone. “You are going to work for me starting the day after tomorrow. I’m giving you a day to get your shit together and come to terms with your new arrangement.”

He paused for a moment before speaking again. “Don’t test me, Winter. I don’t want to hurt you.”

Defeated, the air left my lungs. “You’re unbelievable,” I muttered.

Nico’s tone softened slightly. “Don’t be mad at me, angel.”

He let me go, swinging open his door, and extended his hand. I bypassed him, but he didn’t fight me on it this time.

He removed his suit jacket, the fabric brushing against me as he wrapped it around my shoulders. I clutched the front lapels, pulling them tight, inhaling deeply. It smelled of his cologne and something else that was distinctly him.

He tilted my chin up with a finger, his gaze piercing into mine. “Turn your light on so I know you’re safe in your apartment,” he instructed me.

I didn’t respond; instead, I walked away from him, each step heavy with resentment. Thankful that Liam was nowhere in sight, I slipped into my apartment, the door clicking shut behind me. I flicked the lamp on and walked to the window. Nico stood there in his fitted silver dress shirt and blew me a kiss.

I watched him slide into his car and drive away. I hated him for making choices for me that were never his to make. But as the car’s taillights disappeared into the night, I realized I had no choice but to play his game and abide by his rules.