Page 42 of The Brat's Bargain

Damien pulled Antonio close, pressing a fierce kiss to his temple. "We did it, baby boy," he murmured, voice rough with emotion. "You were fucking brilliant."

Antonio leaned into Damien's solid warmth, a smile tugging at his lips. "We did it together," he corrected. "Just like always."

***-

As the day wore on, plans were made and alliances forged. A ceremony was set for the following week, a public display of unity to solidify their new position.

The night before the big event, Antonio found himself on the balcony of Damien's—their—penthouse, staring out at the glittering Chicago skyline. Strong arms wrapped around him from behind, Damien's chin coming to rest on his shoulder.

"Penny for your thoughts, baby boy?"

Antonio leaned back into Damien's embrace, a contented sigh escaping his lips. "Just thinking about how far we've come. How much has changed."

Damien hummed in agreement, his lips brushing the sensitive skin behind Antonio's ear. "Having second thoughts?"

"Never," Antonio said firmly, turning in Damien's arms to face him. "You're stuck with me now, old man. For better or worse."

Damien's laugh was low and warm, sending shivers down Antonio's spine. "Careful, brat. Keep talking like that and I might just have to make an honest man out of you."

Heat bloomed in Antonio's cheeks, his heart skipping a beat at the implication. "Is that a proposal, Daddy?"

Damien's eyes darkened, his grip on Antonio's hips tightening possessively. "Maybe," he growled. "You interested?"

Antonio pretended to consider it, tapping his chin thoughtfully. "I don't know... think you can handle me for the long haul, old man?"

In a flash, Damien had Antonio pinned against the balcony railing, his considerable bulk pressing Antonio into the cool metal. "Oh, I can handle you alright," he purred, voice dripping with dark promise. "The question is, can you handle what I'm going to do to you for the rest of our lives?"

Antonio's breath hitched, arousal coiling hot and heavy in his gut. "Bring it on, Daddy," he challenged, a wicked grin spreading across his face. "I'm all yours."

As Damien claimed his mouth in a searing kiss, Antonio knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, they'd face them together. Two broken souls who'd found completion in each other's arms, ready to take on the world.

The future stretched out before them, uncertain but full of possibility. And as the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, painting the sky in shades of pink and gold, Antonio and Damien stood united, ready to forge their own path in a world of shadows and danger.

Together, always.

EPILOGUE: SIX MONTHS LATER

The Chicago skyline glittered like a jewel box against the velvet night, a view Antonio never tired of. He stood at the floor-to-ceiling windows of the penthouse office, nursing a tumbler of expensive scotch as he surveyed his kingdom. Their kingdom.

Six months had passed since the merger, six months of hard work and sleepless nights, of forging alliances and crushing opposition. But they'd done it. The Benedetti-Lombardi family was now the most powerful criminal enterprise in the Midwest, their influence stretching far beyond the city limits.

And at the heart of it all stood Antonio and Damien, a force to be reckoned with.

The soft click of the office door opening pulled Antonio from his reverie. He didn't need to turn to know who it was—he'd recognize those measured footsteps anywhere.

"Burning the midnight oil again, baby boy?" Damien's voice was a low rumble that sent shivers down Antonio's spine.

Antonio smirked, taking another sip of his drink. "Someone's got to keep this ship running while you're off playing golf with the mayor."

Strong arms wrapped around him from behind, Damien's solid warmth pressed against his back. "Is that a hint of sass I detect?" Damien murmured, his breath hot against Antonio's ear. "And here I thought I'd fucked that attitude right out of you this morning."

Heat pooled in Antonio's belly at the memory. He'd been bent over this very desk, Damien's hand on the back of his neck as he pounded into him relentlessly. The phantom ache made Antonio shift, his cock stirring with interest.

"Maybe you're losing your touch, old man," Antonio teased, grinding back against the impressive bulge he could feel pressing into his ass. "Need me to pencil in some practice time for you?"

Damien's growl was pure animal as he spun Antonio around, pinning him against the cool glass. "Careful, brat," he warned, one large hand coming up to grip Antonio's jaw. "You know what happens when you push Daddy's buttons."

Antonio's breath hitched, arousal warring with the ever-present need to challenge, to push. "Oh?" he purred, looking up at Damien through his lashes. "And what's that?"

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