Page 35 of The Brat's Bargain

Their moment of intimacy was broken by Vivian clearing her throat pointedly. "If we're going to do this," she said, her voice cutting through the noise, "we need a plan. A real one, not some half-cocked scheme cooked up by two lovesick fools."

Damien's eyes narrowed at the insult, but Antonio laid a calming hand on his chest. "You're right," he said, meeting his mother's gaze. "That's why we need all of us working together. Damien and I have some ideas, but we need your experience, your connections."

For a long moment, Vivian just stared at them, her expression unreadable. Then, with a heavy sigh, she nodded. "Fine. Let's hear what you've got."

The next few hours passed in a whirlwind of strategy and planning. Maps were spread across the massive conference table, intelligence reports pored over, alliances and betrayals dissected. Through it all, Antonio found himself marveling at how seamlessly he and Damien worked together. Where Antonio's quick wit and outside-the-box thinking hit a wall, Damien's tactical mind and years of experience filled in the gaps.

It wasn't all smooth sailing, of course. There were heated arguments, moments when old grudges threatened to derail the entire operation. But each time, Antonio and Damien presented a united front, their unwavering commitment to each other and the plan slowly winning over even the most skeptical family members.

As the final details fell into place, Antonio felt a mixture of exhaustion and exhilaration thrumming through his veins. They had a real shot at this, a chance to not only take down the coalition but reshape the power dynamics of Chicago's underworld.

"It's a good plan," Marco admitted grudgingly, running a hand through his silver hair. "Risky as hell, but if it works..."

"It'll work," Damien said with quiet confidence. His eyes found Antonio's, a ghost of a smile playing at his lips. "We've got the best on our side."

Heat bloomed in Antonio's cheeks at the praise, a familiar warmth pooling in his belly. God, how did Damien still affect him like this, even in the middle of a high-stakes war council?

Vivian's sharp voice cut through Antonio's less-than-professional thoughts. "We move at dawn," she declared, her tone brooking no argument. "I suggest you all get some rest. Tomorrow will be... eventful."

As the room began to clear out, Vivian caught Antonio's arm. "A word," she said, her eyes flicking meaningfully to Damien. "Alone."

Antonio tensed, but Damien just squeezed his hand reassuringly. "Go on, baby," he murmured. "I'll be waiting."

Once they were alone, Vivian's carefully maintained composure cracked. "Antonio," she began, voice thick with emotion. "Are you sure about this? About him?"

Antonio's first instinct was to bristle, to snap back with all the pent-up resentment of years under her controlling thumb. But the genuine concern in her eyes gave him pause.

"I'm sure, Mom," he said softly. "I know it's not what you wanted for me. I know you're scared. But Damien... he sees me. Really sees me, in a way no one else ever has. He pushes me to be better, stronger. And yeah, sometimes he's an overprotective asshole, but..." Antonio smiled, warmth spreading through his chest. "He's my overprotective asshole."

Vivian's laugh was watery, tinged with something like resignation. "You sound like me, you know. When I first fell for your father." Her eyes grew distant, lost in memory. "I just pray your story has a happier ending than mine did."

Before Antonio could respond, she pulled him into a fierce hug. "Be careful," she whispered. "Both of you. I may not approve, but... I can't lose you. Either of you."

Antonio returned the embrace, blinking back the sting of tears. "We will be," he promised. "I love you, Mom."

When they separated, both pretending not to notice the other's damp eyes, Vivian's composure was back in place. "Now go," she said, giving him a gentle push. "Your man is waiting. And knowing Damien Benedetti, he's not the patient type."

Antonio grinned, some of his usual sass returning. "Oh, you have no idea."

He found Damien pacing the hallway outside, tension radiating from every line of his body. The second he spotted Antonio, that tension melted away, replaced by a hungry heat that made Antonio's knees weak.

"Everything okay?" Damien asked, pulling Antonio close.

Antonio nodded, melting into Damien's solid warmth. "Yeah. I think... I think we might actually be okay. You and me, I mean. With my mom."

Damien's eyes softened, a rare vulnerability shining through his usually stoic facade. "Good," he murmured, pressing a tender kiss to Antonio's forehead. "Because I'm not letting you go, baby boy. Not now, not ever."

The moment of tenderness was broken by the sharp trill of Damien's phone. His expression hardened as he scanned the message. "It's time," he said, voice grim. "The coalition's making their move."

Antonio's heart raced, a potent mixture of fear and excitement coursing through him. This was it. Everything they'd planned, everything they'd fought for, came down to the next few hours.

"Let's go kick some ass," he said, flashing Damien a cocky grin that was only slightly forced.

Damien's answering smile was all predator. "That's my boy."

The next few hours passed in a blur of controlled chaos. Antonio found himself at the heart of the operation, coordinating intel and directing strike teams alongside Damien. It was exhilarating and terrifying in equal measure, the weight of responsibility heavy on his shoulders.

But every time doubt began to creep in, every time the enormity of what they were attempting threatened to overwhelm him, Damien was there. A steadying hand on the small of his back, a murmured word of encouragement, a flash of pride in those stormy eyes.

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