Page 11 of The Brat's Bargain

As Antonio forced down his breakfast, mind racing with possibilities, he couldn't shake the feeling that this outing would be a turning point. For better or worse, he was about to step into Damien's world fully. And there would be no going back.

An hour later, they were in Damien's sleek black Bentley, gliding through the streets of Chicago. Antonio fidgeted in his seat, hyper-aware of Damien's presence beside him.

"Stop that," Damien admonished, placing a large hand on Antonio's thigh. "You look like a nervous schoolboy on his first date."

Antonio's cheeks burned. "Well excuse me for being a little on edge," he snapped. "It's not every day I'm paraded around as arm candy for a crime lord."

Damien's grip tightened, fingers digging into Antonio's flesh through his jeans. "Careful, pet," he warned, voice low. "You're already on thin ice after last night's little stunt. Push me too far, and I might decide to skip the shopping trip in favor of a more... hands-on lesson."

The threat sent a shiver down Antonio's spine, his body's reaction a confusing mix of fear and arousal. He bit his lip, forcing himself to take a deep breath. "I'll behave," he muttered. "Just... tell me what you expect from me."

Damien's expression softened slightly. "It's simple, really. You'll stay by my side, speak only when spoken to, and defer to me in all things. To the outside world, you are my devoted companion. My protégé, if you will. They don't need to know the... intimate details of our arrangement."

Antonio nodded jerkily, his throat suddenly dry. "And what if... what if we run into someone I know?"

Damien's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Then you'll introduce me as your mentor and benefactor. Nothing more, nothing less. Is that clear?"

"Crystal," Antonio replied, his voice barely above a whisper.

The rest of the ride passed in tense silence. When they finally arrived at the boutique, Antonio's nerves were stretched to the breaking point. As they stepped out of the car, Damien's hand came to rest possessively on the small of his back, guiding him towards the entrance.

"Relax," Damien murmured in his ear. "You're doing wonderfully. Just a bit longer, and then I'll reward you for your good behavior."

Antonio shivered at the promise in Damien's voice, anticipation and dread warring in his gut. As they crossed the threshold into the opulent shop, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was crossing a point of no return.

The boutique was a temple to luxury, all gleaming surfaces and hushed voices. Antonio felt woefully out of place in his worn jeans and t-shirt, acutely aware of the curious glances and whispered comments that followed in their wake.

Damien, on the other hand, moved through the space like he owned it. Which, Antonio realized with a start, he very well might. The staff fluttered around them, all deferential smiles and eager-to-please attitudes.

As they were ushered into a private fitting room, Antonio's skin crawled with the weight of unseen eyes. He felt exposed, vulnerable, like a prized pet being shown off to Damien's world.

"Stop fidgeting," Damien muttered, his hand tightening on Antonio's hip. "You're drawing unnecessary attention."

Antonio bristled at the touch but forced himself to relax. "Sorry if I'm a little on edge," he hissed back. "It's not every day I'm paraded around like a trophy."

Damien's grip became painful, a warning in his eyes. "Watch that mouth, pet. Unless you want a repeat of last night's lesson when we get home."

Heat flooded Antonio's cheeks at the memory, his body's betraying response to Damien's discipline. Before he could retort, a slim, elegantly dressed woman approached them, all professional smiles and deference.

"Mr. Benedetti, always a pleasure," she greeted, her eyes flicking curiously to Antonio. "How may we assist you today?"

Damien's public persona slid into place, all charm and easy authority. "Ah, Marianne. My young friend here is in need of a new wardrobe. Something befitting his new position in my organization."

Marianne's smile never wavered, but Antonio caught the knowing glint in her eye. Clearly, Damien's "preferences" were no secret in certain circles.

As they were led deeper into the boutique, Antonio's gaze darted nervously around the space. And then, like a punch to the gut, he saw him.

Lorenzo. His best friend and fellow Lombardi soldier, staring at him with naked shock from across the store.

Their eyes met for a brief, electric moment before Damien's hand on his shoulder broke the connection.

"Everything alright, pet?" Damien asked, his tone deceptively casual.

Antonio nodded jerkily, his throat suddenly dry. "Fine," he managed. "Just... admiring the view."

As Damien began discussing tailoring options with Marianne, Antonio's mind raced. Lorenzo had seen him. Seen him with Damien Benedetti, looking for all the world like a kept boy.

The game had changed. And Antonio had a sinking feeling that things were about to get much, much more complicated.

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