Page 34 of The Brat's Bargain

Antonio nuzzled into Damien's chest, feeling small and protected in the bigger man's embrace. "Love you, Daddy," he mumbled, the words slipping out before he could stop them.

Damien's breath caught. He tilted Antonio's chin up, searching his eyes. "Say that again, baby."

Antonio bit his lip, suddenly shy. But the warmth in Damien's gaze gave him courage. "I love you," he repeated, stronger this time. "Even when you're a grumpy old man."

Damien's laugh was soft and full of wonder. "I love you too, you mouthy little brat. More than I ever thought possible."

The moment was shattered by another blaring alarm. They sprang apart, the reality of their situation crashing back.

"Playtime's over, baby boy," Damien said, tossing Antonio his clothes. "Time to show these fuckers what happens when they interrupt Daddy's quality time."

As they dressed hurriedly, stealing heated glances and fleeting touches, Antonio felt a curious mix of fear and exhilaration. Whatever came next, they'd face it together. And really, what could be scarier than falling in love with the most dangerous man in Chicago?

With one last kiss, equal parts tender and claiming, they moved towards the bunker door. Damien's hand found Antonio's, squeezing reassuringly.

"Ready to raise some hell, sweetheart?" he asked, a dangerous glint in his eye.

Antonio grinned, all teeth and mischief. "Always, Daddy. Let's show them why you don't mess with your boy."

The door slid open, and they stepped out to face whatever threat awaited, united and unbreakable.

CHAPTER 14

UNITED FRONT

The tension in the room was thick enough to cut with a knife as Antonio and Damien stood side by side, facing down the combined might of the Benedetti and Lombardi families. Vivian's eyes blazed with barely contained fury, while Marco's face was a mask of cold disapproval. The other family members and lieutenants ranged around the opulent conference room, expressions varying from shock to disgust to morbid curiosity.

"This is unacceptable," Vivian spat, her voice low and dangerous. "Antonio, I raised you better than to throw your lot in with our greatest enemy."

"And you," Marco growled, turning his steely gaze on Damien. "I thought I made myself clear about the consequences of pursuing this... dalliance."

Damien's hand found Antonio's, fingers intertwining in a silent show of solidarity. "With all due respect," he said, voice steady despite the muscle ticking in his jaw, "Antonio isn't some 'dalliance.' He's the man I love. The man I choose, over everything else."

A ripple of shocked murmurs ran through the assembled crowd. Antonio squeezed Damien's hand, drawing strength from the older man's unwavering presence.

"And I choose Damien," Antonio declared, lifting his chin defiantly. "I know you don't approve, Mom. I know you're worried about me repeating your mistakes. But Damien isn't Marco. What we have... it's real."

Vivian flinched at the mention of Marco's name, pain flashing across her face before she masked it with anger once more. "You have no idea what you're getting into, Antonio. The danger, the violence?—"

"Actually," Damien interrupted, his grip on Antonio's hand tightening, "that's exactly why we called this meeting. There's a bigger threat than our families' feud, one that puts all of us in danger."

He nodded to Antonio, who stepped forward and began outlining what they'd uncovered about the coalition gunning for both families. As he spoke, laying out the evidence they'd gathered and the potential consequences if they didn't act quickly, Antonio felt a swell of pride at how far he'd come. No longer the spoiled brat coasting on his family name, but a man who could hold his own in this dangerous world.

When he finished, silence reigned for a long moment. Then Marco leaned forward, eyes narrowed. "And why should we trust this information? For all we know, this could be some ploy to manipulate us into accepting your... relationship."

Damien's laugh was harsh and humorless. "Because if we wanted to manipulate you, old man, we wouldn't have bothered with all this. We'd be halfway to Mexico by now, living it up on a private beach somewhere."

"Instead," Antonio added, unable to keep a hint of sass from his voice, "we're here, trying to save your ungrateful asses."

Vivian's eyes flashed, but before she could reprimand him, one of the Benedetti lieutenants spoke up. "He's right. I've been hearing whispers about increased activity from some of the smaller families. If what they're saying is true..."

"We need to act," Damien finished. "Now. Before they can make their move."

The room erupted into a cacophony of voices, arguments and counter-arguments flying. Antonio felt a headache building behind his eyes, the stress of the situation threatening to overwhelm him. Then Damien's arm slid around his waist, pulling him close.

"You're doing great, baby boy," he murmured, lips brushing Antonio's ear. "Just breathe. We've got this."

Antonio leaned into Damien's solid warmth, drawing strength from his unwavering support. "Thanks, Daddy," he whispered back, relishing the way Damien's breath hitched at the name.

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