Page 43 of The Brat's Bargain

In a flash, Damien had Antonio's wrists pinned above his head, his considerable bulk pressing Antonio into the window. "This," Damien growled, claiming Antonio's mouth in a bruising kiss.

Antonio melted into it, giving as good as he got. This was what he lived for now—the constant push and pull between them, the delicious friction of their personalities and desires. As Damien's free hand made quick work of Antonio's belt, he couldn't help but marvel at how far they'd come.

Six months ago, he'd been a spoiled brat playing at being a gangster. Now, he stood shoulder to shoulder with Damien, commanding respect from hardened criminals and politicians alike. He'd grown into his role, found a confidence he never knew he possessed.

And Damien... God, Damien had surprised him most of all. The cold, ruthless mob boss had softened, showing a tenderness Antonio never would have believed possible. Oh, he was still dangerous—more so than ever, really. But now that danger was tempered by love, by a fierce protectiveness that made Antonio feel cherished and safe.

"What's going on in that pretty head of yours?" Damien murmured, breaking the kiss to trail his lips along Antonio's jaw.

Antonio tipped his head back, offering more of his throat. "Just thinking about how lucky I am," he admitted, voice breathy with want. "How fucking perfect we are together."

Damien hummed in agreement, teeth scraping over Antonio's pulse point. "Damn right we are, baby. Now how about you show Daddy just how appreciative you are?"

With a wicked grin, Antonio sank to his knees, nimble fingers making quick work of Damien's fly. He looked up, meeting Damien's heated gaze as he wrapped his lips around the head of his cock.

"Fuck," Damien groaned, one hand fisting in Antonio's curls. "That's it, sweetheart. Take it all for me."

Antonio hollowed his cheeks, taking Damien deeper. He'd gotten good at this over the past months, learned exactly how to drive Damien wild. He used every trick in his arsenal now, determined to reduce his powerful lover to a quivering mess.

But Damien wasn't about to relinquish control that easily. His grip tightened in Antonio's hair, holding him still as he began to thrust. "Such a good boy for Daddy," he growled, fucking Antonio's mouth with measured strokes. "So eager to please."

Antonio moaned around Damien's length, arousal spiking at the praise. He relaxed his throat, taking Damien deeper, reveling in the feeling of being used.

Just as Antonio felt Damien's thighs start to tremble, signaling his approaching orgasm, a sharp knock at the door interrupted them.

"Boss?" Lorenzo's voice filtered through the heavy wood. "Sorry to bother you, but we've got a situation."

Damien cursed, his grip on Antonio's hair loosening. "Give us a minute," he called back, voice remarkably steady.

Antonio pulled off with an obscene pop, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. "Saved by the bell," he quipped, grinning up at Damien. "Guess you'll have to raincheck on wrecking me, old man."

Damien's eyes narrowed dangerously, a promise of retribution clear in their stormy depths. "Oh, don't worry, brat," he purred, tucking himself away. "Daddy's going to make you pay for that little tease later."

A shiver of anticipation ran down Antonio's spine as he stood, straightening his clothes. Whatever Damien had planned, he knew he was in for a wild night.

But first, business called.

They found Lorenzo in the conference room, his face grim as he laid out the situation. The Rizzo family, long-time rivals, were making moves on their territory. There were whispers of an alliance with the feds, promises of immunity in exchange for information that could bring down the Benedetti-Lombardi empire.

"Fuck," Antonio muttered, running a hand through his disheveled curls. "I thought we'd scared them off for good after that stunt we pulled last month."

Damien's jaw clenched, a muscle ticking beneath the skin. "Apparently not. We need to send a message, something they won't soon forget."

As they hashed out plans, debating strategies and weighing risks, Antonio couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement. This was what they did best—working in tandem, their strengths complementing each other perfectly.

Where Damien's cold logic faltered, Antonio's out-of-the-box thinking filled in the gaps. And when Antonio's impulsiveness threatened to derail things, Damien's steady hand kept them on track.

It was nearing dawn by the time they had a solid plan in place. As Lorenzo left to put things in motion, Damien pulled Antonio close, strong arms wrapping around his waist.

"You were brilliant in there, baby boy," he murmured, pressing a tender kiss to Antonio's temple. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

Antonio preened at the praise, burrowing deeper into Damien's embrace. "Crash and burn, probably," he teased. "Face it, Daddy, you're lost without me."

Damien's eyes darkened, a predatory gleam sparking in their depths. "Lost without you, huh?" he growled, hands sliding down to grip Antonio's hips. "I think someone needs a reminder of just who's in charge here."

Before Antonio could retort, Damien had him pinned against the conference table, the cool wood pressing into his back. "Strip," Damien ordered, voice low and dangerous. "Now."

Heat pooled in Antonio's belly at the command. He knew that tone—knew exactly what it promised. With trembling fingers, he began to undress, never breaking eye contact with Damien.

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