Page 36 of The Brat's Bargain

They made a formidable team, Antonio's quick thinking and ability to adapt on the fly complementing Damien's tactical brilliance and iron control. As they systematically dismantled the coalition's power base, hitting safe houses and cutting off supply lines, Antonio felt a fierce surge of pride. This was what they could accomplish together, a force to be reckoned with.

The final confrontation came at dawn, a fierce firefight erupting at the coalition's main stronghold. Antonio's blood sang with adrenaline as he and Damien fought side by side, moving in perfect sync like they'd been doing this for years.

"On your six!" Antonio shouted, dropping to one knee to take out a gunman trying to flank Damien.

Damien spun, dispatching another threat with brutal efficiency before hauling Antonio to his feet. "Good eye, baby," he growled, eyes blazing with a mixture of pride and possessive heat. "Daddy's got a reward for you when this is over."

Antonio's cock twitched with interest despite the life-or-death situation. "Promise you can get it up, old man?” he purred, unable to resist pushing just a little.

Damien's grip tightened, a dangerous glint in his eye. "Brat," he growled. "Keep that up and I'll bend you over right here, audience be damned."

The image sent a jolt of heat straight to Antonio's core. But before he could retort, a fresh wave of gunfire had them diving for cover.

As the battle raged on, it became clear they were gaining the upper hand. The coalition's forces were in disarray, their leadership scattered or captured. Victory was within reach, the promise of a new era for both families tantalizingly close.

And then, just as they were about to breach the inner sanctum where the coalition's top brass were holed up, everything went sideways.

A explosion rocked the building, the force of it sending Antonio flying. He hit the ground hard, ears ringing and vision blurred. Through the smoke and chaos, he caught a glimpse of a familiar face—one of their own, someone who should have been on their side, slipping away with a satisfied smirk.

"Damien!" Antonio tried to shout, but his voice came out as a weak rasp. He struggled to his feet, fighting against the wave of dizziness that threatened to overwhelm him.

Where was Damien? The last he'd seen, his lover had been right beside him. But now, as the dust began to settle and the ringing in his ears faded, there was no sign of him.

Panic clawed at Antonio's throat as he stumbled through the wreckage, calling Damien's name with increasing desperation. This couldn't be happening. Not now, not when they were so close.

As he rounded a corner, his heart stopped. There, half-buried under a fallen beam, lay a motionless figure.

"No," Antonio whispered, fear unlike anything he'd ever known gripping his heart. "No, no, no. Damien!"

He fell to his knees beside the still form, hands shaking as he reached out. "Damien, please. Wake up. You can't leave me, you stubborn bastard. Not now."

For a heart-stopping moment, there was no response. Then, so faintly Antonio thought he might have imagined it, a groan.

"That's it," Antonio urged, voice cracking. "Come on, Daddy. Open those eyes for me."

Damien's lashes fluttered, a pained grimace twisting his features. "Antonio?" he rasped, reaching out blindly.

Antonio caught his hand, pressing desperate kisses to his bloodied knuckles. "I'm here," he choked out. "I'm right here, baby. Just hold on, okay? Help is coming."

Damien's grip tightened, his eyes finally focusing on Antonio's face. "The traitor," he managed, voice rough with pain and urgency. "Did you see...?"

Antonio nodded grimly. "Yeah. I saw. But don't worry about that now, we need to?—"

"No," Damien cut him off, struggling to sit up despite Antonio's protests. "We need to move. Now. If they're working with the coalition..."

The implications hit Antonio like a punch to the gut. Everything they'd worked for, all the progress they'd made in uniting the families... it could all come crashing down if they didn't act fast.

As if on cue, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the debris-strewn hallway. Friend or foe, there was no way to know.

Antonio met Damien's gaze, saw his own determination and fear reflected back at him. Whatever came next, they'd face it together.

But as the footsteps drew closer and Damien struggled to his feet, leaning heavily on Antonio for support, one thing was clear:

The war was far from over. And the greatest threat might come from within their own ranks.

CHAPTER 15

RECKONING

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