Page 39 of The Brat's Bargain

Damien growled his approval, hips speeding up as he chased his release. "That's right, baby. All mine. And don't you fucking forget it."

It only took a few more thrusts before Antonio was coming untouched, spilling hot and messy between their bodies. The clench of his muscles pulled Damien over the edge with him, a guttural groan escaping as he emptied himself deep inside his boy.

For a long moment, they stayed like that, panting and trembling in the aftermath. Then Damien carefully pulled out, turning Antonio to face him. His touch was infinitely gentle as he cleaned them both up, pressing tender kisses to Antonio's flushed skin.

"You okay, sweetheart?" he murmured, genuine concern in his voice.

Antonio nodded, burrowing into Damien's solid warmth. "Yeah. Just... a lot, you know? All of this."

Damien's arms tightened around him, a fiercely protective embrace. "I know, baby. But we've got this. Together."

Antonio nodded, drawing strength from Damien's unwavering confidence. As they emerged from the closet, straightening clothes and trying to look somewhat presentable, Antonio couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. They were in this together, come hell or high water.

The next few days passed in a blur of interrogations, strategy sessions, and tense standoffs. Antonio and Damien worked tirelessly to root out any remaining traitors, their complementary skills making them a formidable team. Where Damien's intimidating presence and ruthless tactics faltered, Antonio's quick wit and ability to read people filled in the gaps.

But for every step forward, it felt like they faced two steps back. The traditionalists in both families continued to grumble, their disapproval of Antonio and Damien's relationship a constant undercurrent of tension.

"I don't get it," Antonio growled one night, pacing their shared bedroom like a caged tiger. "We're busting our asses to save both families, and they're still looking at us like we're some kind of freak show."

Damien sighed, running a hand through his salt-and-pepper hair. "It's not that simple, baby boy. Our world... it's built on tradition, on rigid hierarchies. What we have, it threatens all of that."

Antonio's shoulders slumped, the fight draining out of him. "So what, we're just supposed to give up? Pretend this isn't real?"

In an instant, Damien was there, strong arms wrapping around Antonio from behind. "Never," he growled, lips brushing the sensitive skin behind Antonio's ear. "I don't give a fuck what they think. You're mine, and I'm yours. End of story."

Heat pooled in Antonio's belly at the possessive words, but before he could respond, a sharp knock at the door interrupted them.

"Boss," came Lorenzo's urgent voice. "We've got a problem. The coalition—they're making their move."

Damien's eyes met Antonio's, a silent conversation passing between them. This was it. The moment of truth.

"Let's go," Antonio said, squaring his shoulders. "Time to finish this."

CHAPTER 16

NEW ORDER

The abandoned warehouse loomed before them, a hulking silhouette against the pre-dawn sky. Antonio's heart raced, adrenaline coursing through his veins as he crouched behind a rusted-out car, Damien's solid presence at his back.

"You ready for this, baby boy?" Damien's voice was a low rumble, his breath hot against Antonio's ear.

Antonio nodded, tightening his grip on his gun. "Born ready, Daddy. Let's show these fuckers what happens when they mess with us."

Damien's chuckle was dark and dangerous. "That's my fierce little brat. Just remember—stay close to me. I can't lose you now."

The raw emotion in Damien's voice made Antonio's chest tighten. He turned, meeting those stormy eyes. "You won't," he promised. "We're in this together, remember?"

For a moment, the world fell away. It was just the two of them, caught in the charged space between heartbeats. Then Damien surged forward, claiming Antonio's mouth in a bruising kiss that tasted of gunpowder and promise.

"Together," Damien growled as they broke apart. "Now let's end this shit."

The next few minutes passed in a blur of gunfire and chaos. Antonio moved on instinct, years of training kicking in as he and Damien fought their way through the coalition's defenses. They were a seamless unit, anticipating each other's moves, covering blind spots, a deadly dance of violence and precision.

As they neared the heart of the compound, where intel said the coalition leaders were holed up, resistance stiffened. Antonio found himself pinned down behind a stack of crates, bullets whizzing overhead.

"Fuck," he hissed, frustration bubbling up. "We're sitting ducks here, Damien. We need to?—"

His words cut off in a strangled gasp as Damien yanked him close, using his larger body to shield Antonio from a spray of gunfire.

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