8. Aftermath

CHAPTER 8

AFTERMATH

The first rays of morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, painting the room in a soft, golden glow. Enzo stirred, his body aching in the most delicious ways as consciousness slowly returned. He stretched, catlike, reveling in the pleasant soreness that reminded him of the night's activities.

A warm, solid presence at his back made him pause. Matteo. The events of the previous night came rushing back, sending a thrill through Enzo's body. He'd finally gotten what he wanted—Matteo's hands on him, Matteo inside him, claiming him completely.

Enzo rolled over carefully, not wanting to wake the older man. In sleep, Matteo's face was softer, the ever-present tension eased from his brow. Enzo couldn't resist reaching out, tracing the line of Matteo's jaw with gentle fingers.

Steel-gray eyes snapped open, instantly alert. Matteo's hand shot out, grabbing Enzo's wrist in a grip that was firm but not painful.

"Morning," Enzo said, aiming for nonchalance even as his heart raced. "Sleep well?"

Matteo's eyes narrowed slightly, searching Enzo's face. After a moment, he released Enzo's wrist, his expression softening. "Morning," he rumbled, voice rough with sleep. "How are you feeling?"

The genuine concern in Matteo's tone made something warm bloom in Enzo's chest. "A little sore," he admitted with a cheeky grin. "But in all the right ways."

A flash of possessive pride crossed Matteo's face before he schooled his features. "Good," he said gruffly. "You should drink some water, maybe take a hot bath. It'll help with the soreness."

Enzo's grin widened. "Aw, are you worried about me, old man? Going soft on me already?"

Matteo's eyes darkened, a low growl rumbling in his chest. In one swift motion, he had Enzo pinned beneath him, wrists held above his head. "I'll show you soft, brat," he growled, nipping at Enzo's throat.

Enzo gasped, arching into the touch. His body, already primed from memories of the night before, responded eagerly to Matteo's dominance. "Please," he whimpered, rocking his hips up to seek friction.

Matteo pulled back abruptly, leaving Enzo bereft and confused. "We need to talk," he said, his voice back to its usual controlled tone.

Enzo's stomach dropped. Those four words never led anywhere good. "About what?" he asked, trying to keep the nervousness from his voice.

Matteo sighed, releasing Enzo's wrists and sitting up. "About this. Us. What happened last night."

Enzo sat up too, drawing his knees to his chest in an unconsciously defensive posture. "What's there to talk about? We fucked. It was hot. End of story."

"It's not that simple, and you know it," Matteo said, running a hand through his sleep-mussed hair. "I'm your bodyguard, Enzo. I'm supposed to protect you, not... this."

"And who says you can't do both?" Enzo challenged, a familiar defiance rising in his chest. "You seemed pretty good at 'protecting' me last night. Multiple times, if I recall correctly."

Matteo's jaw clenched, a muscle ticking beneath the skin. "This isn't a joke, Enzo. There are rules, protocols?—"

"Fuck the rules," Enzo interrupted. "Fuck protocols. I want you, Matteo. And I know you want me too. Why can't that be enough?"

For a moment, Matteo looked torn. Enzo could see the conflict raging behind those steel-gray eyes—duty warring with desire. He leaned in, pressing his advantage.

"Tell me you don't want this," Enzo murmured, trailing a hand down Matteo's chest. "Tell me last night meant nothing to you, and I'll drop it. We can go back to being bodyguard and bratty charge, no harm done."

Matteo caught Enzo's wrist, his grip gentle but firm. "You know I can't say that," he said, voice low and rough. "Last night... it meant something. You mean something to me, Enzo. That's why this is so complicated."

Hope bloomed in Enzo's chest, threatening to choke him with its intensity. "So let's uncomplicate it," he said. "We don't have to tell anyone. It can be our secret, just between us."

Matteo opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, his phone buzzed on the nightstand. He reached for it, frowning at the screen.

"It's your father," he said, tension creeping back into his shoulders. "I have to take this."

Enzo nodded, trying to ignore the sinking feeling in his gut. He watched as Matteo answered the call, noting the way the older man's posture straightened, all traces of the soft, sleep-rumpled man from moments ago vanishing.

"Yes, sir," Matteo said, his voice clipped and professional. "I understand. We'll be there within the hour."

He ended the call, turning back to Enzo with a grim expression. "There's been an attack on one of your family's businesses. Your father wants us at the compound immediately."

Enzo's eyes widened. "An attack? What kind of attack? Is everyone okay?"

"I don't have all the details yet," Matteo said, already moving to gather their clothes. "But it sounds serious. We need to move fast."

As they hurried to dress, the easy intimacy of moments ago was replaced by a tense, charged atmosphere. Enzo could practically see Matteo's walls going back up, the professional mask sliding into place.

"Matteo," Enzo said softly as they prepared to leave the bedroom. "What we were talking about before... we're not done with that conversation."

Matteo paused, his hand on the doorknob. For a moment, Enzo thought he might argue. But then Matteo's shoulders slumped slightly, a hint of vulnerability showing through.

"I know," he said, not quite meeting Enzo's eyes. "But right now, we have a job to do. Can you handle that? Can you trust me to keep you safe, even with... everything else going on?"

Enzo nodded, straightening his spine. "I trust you," he said firmly. "Always have, always will."

Something softened in Matteo's expression. He reached out, cupping Enzo's cheek in a touch so gentle it made Enzo's heart ache. "Good," Matteo murmured. "Because no matter what happens between us, keeping you safe will always be my top priority."

With that, he opened the door, gesturing for Enzo to go ahead. As they made their way downstairs, Enzo couldn't shake the feeling that everything was about to change. Again.

The drive to the Ricci family compound was tense, the air thick with unspoken words and simmering desire. Enzo fidgeted in his seat, sneaking glances at Matteo's profile. The older man's jaw was set, eyes focused on the road ahead with laser-like intensity.

"So," Enzo said, unable to bear the silence any longer. "Are we going to talk about the elephant in the room, or...?"

Matteo's grip tightened on the steering wheel. "Now's not the time, Enzo."

"When is the time, then?" Enzo pressed, frustration bubbling up. "Because from where I'm sitting, there's always going to be some crisis, some reason to put this conversation off."

Matteo sighed, a hint of his own frustration showing through. "What do you want me to say? That last night was a mistake? That it can never happen again?"

"Is that how you feel?" Enzo asked, hating how small his voice sounded.

For a long moment, Matteo was silent. Just when Enzo thought he wasn't going to answer, Matteo spoke. "No," he said softly. "That's not how I feel. But it doesn't change the fact that this—us—it complicates things."

Enzo turned in his seat, facing Matteo fully. "So we'll figure it out. Together. I'm not asking for forever, Matteo. I'm just asking for a chance."

Matteo glanced at him, something vulnerable flickering in his eyes. "A chance at what, exactly? What do you want from me, Enzo?"

"Everything," Enzo said without hesitation. "I want all of you, Matteo. The good, the bad, the complicated. I want to be yours, completely."

Matteo's breath hitched audibly, his knuckles turning white on the steering wheel. "You don't know what you're asking for," he said, his voice low and rough. "I'm not an easy man to be with, Enzo. I'm possessive, demanding. I'll want to control every aspect of your life."

A shiver of anticipation ran down Enzo's spine. "Maybe that's exactly what I need," he murmured. "Someone to keep me in line, to give me direction."

Matteo's eyes darkened, desire warring with duty in their steel-gray depths. "We can't do this now," he said, visibly struggling to maintain his composure. "We're almost at the compound. We need to focus on the situation at hand."

Enzo nodded, recognizing the truth in Matteo's words even as frustration churned in his gut. "Fine. But this isn't over."

"No," Matteo agreed, a hint of a smile playing at his lips. "I don't think it is."

They lapsed into silence for the remainder of the drive, but it was different now—charged with possibility rather than tension. As they pulled up to the gates of the Ricci compound, Enzo steeled himself for whatever was to come.

The usually bustling courtyard was eerily quiet as they made their way to Don Ricci's office. Matteo's hand rested on the small of Enzo's back, a gesture that was both protective and possessive. It sent a thrill through Enzo, even as anxiety gnawed at his insides.

Don Ricci looked up as they entered, his face a mask of barely contained fury. "About time," he growled. "Sit down, both of you. We've got a situation."

Enzo and Matteo took their seats, exchanging a brief, loaded glance before turning their attention to the Don.

"There was an attack on our shipping warehouse down by the docks," Don Ricci began without preamble. "Three of our men dead, millions in product stolen. This wasn't some random hit. It was coordinated, professional."

Enzo's stomach dropped. "Do we know who's behind it?"

Don Ricci's eyes narrowed. "Not yet. But I intend to find out. And when I do, there will be blood."

Matteo leaned forward, all business now. "What do you need from us, sir?"

"I need you to keep my son safe," Don Ricci said, his gaze sharp on Matteo. "Whoever's behind this, they're bold. They might come after the family directly next. Enzo is to be under 24/7 protection. No exceptions."

Enzo bristled at being talked about like he wasn't in the room. "I can take care of myself," he protested. "Let me help with the investigation. I have contacts, people who might know something?—"

"No," Don Ricci and Matteo said in unison, their voices equally firm.

Don Ricci fixed Enzo with a hard stare. "This isn't a game, son. These people are dangerous. I need you safe and out of the line of fire."

"But—"

"That's an order," Don Ricci snapped. "Matteo, I'm counting on you to keep him in line. Whatever it takes."

Matteo nodded, his expression unreadable. "Understood, sir."

As they left the office, Enzo was seething with frustration. "This is bullshit," he hissed once they were out of earshot. "I'm not some helpless child who needs to be locked away for safekeeping."

Matteo grabbed Enzo's arm, pulling him into an alcove. "Listen to me," he said, voice low and intense. "Your father is right. This situation is volatile. I need you to trust me, to do as I say without argument. Can you do that?"

Enzo opened his mouth to protest, but the look in Matteo's eyes stopped him. There was genuine fear there, hidden beneath layers of control and professionalism.

"Okay," Enzo said softly. "I'll behave. For now."

Relief flickered across Matteo's face. "Thank you," he murmured. Then, to Enzo's surprise, Matteo leaned in and pressed a swift, hard kiss to his lips. "We'll figure this out. Together. I promise."

The kiss left Enzo breathless, his earlier frustration melting away. As they made their way back to the car, a new determination settled in his bones. He'd play by the rules for now, be the obedient son and charge everyone wanted him to be.

But behind the scenes, he'd do whatever it took to help solve this mystery and prove his worth. And maybe, just maybe, he'd finally show Matteo that he was more than just a spoiled brat in need of protection.

The drive back to the safe house was tense, both men lost in their own thoughts. Enzo's mind raced with possibilities, trying to piece together who might be behind the attack. Matteo, for his part, was in full protector mode, eyes constantly scanning their surroundings for potential threats.

As they pulled into the garage, Matteo finally broke the silence. "I need to make some calls, beef up security. Stay in the house, all doors and windows locked. Understood?"

Enzo nodded, for once not arguing. "Yeah, I got it. What about you? Will you be leaving?"

A hint of softness crept into Matteo's expression. "No. I'm not going anywhere. My place is here, with you."

The words sent a wave of warmth through Enzo's chest. He reached out, catching Matteo's hand before the older man could exit the car. "Hey," he said softly. "We're going to be okay, right? You and me?"

Matteo's fingers intertwined with Enzo's, squeezing gently. "Yeah, baby. We're going to be okay. I've got you."

For a moment, they just sat there, hands linked, drawing strength from each other. Then Matteo cleared his throat, reluctantly pulling away. "Come on. Let's get inside. I don't like being out in the open like this."

As they entered the house, Enzo couldn't shake the feeling that everything was about to change. Again. But this time, with Matteo by his side, he felt ready to face whatever came their way.

Matteo immediately went into security mode, double-checking locks and setting up additional surveillance. Enzo watched him work, marveling at the efficiency of his movements. It was easy to forget, sometimes, just how dangerous Matteo could be.

"Is there anything I can do to help?" Enzo asked, feeling useless just standing around.

Matteo paused, considering. "Actually, yes. I need you to go through your contacts, see if anyone's heard anything about the attack. But be discreet. We don't want to tip off whoever's behind this."

Enzo nodded eagerly, glad to have a task. "I'm on it. You can count on me, Matteo."

A small smile tugged at Matteo's lips. "I know I can, baby. That's why we make such a good team."

The endearment, spoken so casually, made Enzo's heart skip. As he settled in with his phone to start making calls, he couldn't help but feel a surge of hope. Despite the danger, despite the uncertainty, he and Matteo were in this together.

And together, Enzo was certain, they could face anything.

Hours passed in a flurry of activity. Enzo worked his contacts, piecing together bits of information. Matteo was in and out, coordinating with other family enforcers and setting up additional security measures.

By the time evening fell, they were both exhausted but wired. Enzo's head was spinning with everything he'd learned—whispers of a new player in town, someone with deep pockets and a grudge against the Ricci family.

"We should compare notes," Enzo said as Matteo finally settled onto the couch beside him. "I think I've got some solid leads."

Matteo nodded, but his eyes were fixed on Enzo's face. "In a minute," he murmured. "First, I need to do something I've been wanting to do all day."

Before Enzo could ask what he meant, Matteo was pulling him into a searing kiss. Enzo melted into it, weeks of pent-up desire pouring out as he straddled Matteo's lap.

When they finally broke apart, both panting, Matteo's eyes were dark with hunger. "You've been so good today, baby," he growled, hands gripping Enzo's hips possessively. "Such a good boy for Daddy. I think you deserve a reward."

The pet name sent a jolt of heat straight to Enzo's core. He'd never been one for daddy kink before, but something about the way Matteo said it made him weak in the knees.

"Please," Enzo whimpered, grinding down against Matteo's growing hardness. "I've been so good, Daddy. Need you so bad."

Matteo's grip tightened, almost to the point of pain. "Tell me what you need, baby boy. Use your words."

Enzo flushed, still not entirely used to vocalizing his desires. But the hungry look in Matteo's eyes spurred him on. "Need your cock, Daddy," he breathed. "Want you to fuck me, make me yours."

A low growl rumbled in Matteo's chest. In one swift motion, he stood, lifting Enzo as if he weighed nothing. Enzo wrapped his legs around Matteo's waist, marveling at the older man's strength.

"Bedroom. Now," Matteo ordered, already moving.

They barely made it through the door before Matteo was tossing Enzo onto the bed. He loomed over the younger man, eyes raking over Enzo's flushed form. "Strip," he commanded. "Let Daddy see that pretty body of yours."

Enzo complied eagerly, shimmying out of his clothes with clumsy haste. When he was finally naked, spread out on the sheets, he looked up to find Matteo watching him with an intensity that made his breath catch.

"Beautiful," Matteo murmured, his voice rough with desire. "Fucking perfect."

He stripped off his own clothes, revealing a body sculpted by years of hard work and harder living. Enzo's mouth went dry at the sight, his cock twitching with interest.

Matteo crawled onto the bed, covering Enzo's body with his own. The skin-to-skin contact was electric, sending sparks skittering along Enzo's nerve endings.

"Tell me you want this," Matteo growled, nipping at Enzo's throat. "Tell me you're mine, baby boy."

"Yours," Enzo gasped, arching into Matteo's touch. "All yours, Daddy. Only yours."

Matteo's eyes flashed with possessive pride. He reached for the lube on the nightstand, slicking up his fingers. "Gonna open you up nice and slow," he murmured. "Make you beg for it."

True to his word, Matteo took his time, working Enzo open with careful, methodical movements. By the time he had three fingers inside him, curling and stretching in all the right ways, Enzo was a writhing mess.

"Please," he babbled, fucking himself back on Matteo's fingers. "I'm ready, I need you inside me, Daddy, please."

Matteo groaned, his control visibly slipping. "Fuck, baby. The things you do to me."

He withdrew his fingers, ignoring Enzo's whine of protest. Enzo watched through heavy-lidded eyes as Matteo slicked up his impressive cock, positioning himself at Enzo's entrance.

"Last chance to back out," Matteo warned, his voice strained.

Enzo wrapped his legs around Matteo's waist, pulling him closer. "Fuck me," he demanded. "Make me yours, Daddy."

With a growl, Matteo pushed in, the thick head of his cock breaching Enzo's tight rim. They both groaned at the sensation, Enzo's body stretching to accommodate Matteo's considerable girth.

"So tight," Matteo gritted out, his arms trembling with the effort of holding back. "So perfect for me, baby boy."

When Matteo was finally fully seated, he paused, giving Enzo time to adjust. The stretch burned, but in the best possible way. Enzo had never felt so full, so utterly possessed.

"Move," Enzo gasped, rocking his hips. "Please, Daddy, I need..."

Matteo didn't need to be told twice. He pulled out almost completely before slamming back in, setting a punishing pace that had Enzo seeing stars. Each thrust hit Enzo's prostate with unerring accuracy, sending jolts of pleasure up his spine.

"That's it," Matteo growled, his voice rough with exertion. "Take it, baby. Take Daddy's cock like the good little slut you are."

The filthy words sent heat pooling in Enzo's gut, his neglected cock leaking steadily between their bodies. "Please," he whimpered, not even sure what he was begging for anymore.

Matteo seemed to understand anyway. He shifted his weight, bracing himself on one arm so he could wrap a hand around Enzo's cock. "Come for me," he commanded, stroking in time with his thrusts. "Let me feel you, baby boy."

It was too much. The dual stimulation, combined with Matteo's words and the overwhelming sensation of being so thoroughly claimed, pushed Enzo over the edge. He came with a hoarse cry, spilling hot and messy between their bodies.

The clench of Enzo's muscles triggered Matteo's own release. With a guttural groan, he buried himself deep, filling Enzo with pulse after pulse of heat.

For a long moment, they stayed like that, both panting and trembling in the aftermath. Then, with infinite care, Matteo eased out of Enzo and collapsed beside him.

Enzo whined at the loss, immediately curling into Matteo's solid warmth. To his surprise, Matteo gathered him close, pressing a tender kiss to his forehead.

"You did so well for me, baby," Matteo murmured, his voice soft with affection. "So perfect, so good for Daddy."

Enzo preened under the praise, a warm contentment settling in his bones. He felt boneless, utterly wrecked in the best possible way.

As they lay there, basking in the afterglow, reality slowly began to creep back in. The danger they were in, the uncertain future ahead of them—it all seemed momentarily distant, held at bay by the cocoon of their shared intimacy.

"Matteo?" Enzo mumbled, fighting to keep his eyes open.

"Hmm?"

"What happens now? With us, with everything?"

Matteo was quiet for a long moment, his hand carding gently through Enzo's hair. When he finally spoke, his voice was low and fierce. "Now, we face whatever comes together. I meant what I said before, Enzo. You're mine. And I protect what's mine, no matter what."

The possessiveness in Matteo's tone sent a shiver down Enzo's spine, equal parts thrilling and terrifying. He knew they still had a lot to figure out – the complications of their positions, the dangers that lurked outside these walls. But for now, wrapped in Matteo's arms, Enzo felt safer than he ever had before.

"Yours," he agreed, snuggling closer. "I like the sound of that."

As sleep finally claimed him, Enzo's last coherent thought was that maybe, just maybe, he'd found where he truly belonged. In the arms of a man who saw him for who he really was, who challenged him and protected him in equal measure.

Whatever came next, whatever obstacles they faced, Enzo knew one thing for certain: He and Matteo would face it together. And God help anyone who tried to come between them.