Page 13 of The Brat's Bargain

Vivian's eyes flashed dangerously. "This isn't up for discussion, Antonio. You will get an education, and you will learn to be a proper businessman. We can't have you running around like some common thug."

Antonio's temper flared. "Why not? Isn't that what we are? Thugs in expensive suits, pretending to be respectable?"

The sound of breaking glass shattered the tension as Vivian hurled her wine at the wall. "Enough!" she roared, all pretense of composure gone. "I will not have you throwing away your future because of some misguided rebellion. You are a Lombardi, and you will act like one!"

Antonio stood his ground, fists clenched at his sides. "Or what, Mom? You'll cut me off? Go ahead. I'd rather be poor and free than trapped in this gilded cage for the rest of my life."

Vivian's laugh was cold and brittle. "Oh, my foolish boy. You have no idea what the real world is like. You wouldn't last a week without the family's protection."

As Antonio stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him, he vowed to prove her wrong. He'd show them all that he didn't need the Lombardi name to make something of himself.

***-

"Antonio." Damien's voice, low and concerned, pulled him back to the present. "Are you alright? You looked miles away for a moment."

Antonio blinked, realizing they were parked in front of the gala venue. He forced a smile that felt more like a grimace. "Fine. Just... nervous, I guess."

Damien's expression softened slightly, his hand coming up to cup Antonio's cheek. "You have nothing to be nervous about, pet. You look stunning, and you'll have me by your side all night. Just remember your place, and everything will be fine."

The reminder of his "place" should have angered Antonio, should have made him want to lash out and rebel. But instead, he found himself leaning into Damien's touch, craving the older man's approval in a way that both thrilled and terrified him.

"Okay," he whispered, meeting Damien's intense gaze. "I'm ready."

Damien's smile was predatory as he leaned in, his lips brushing Antonio's ear. "That's my good boy. And if you behave yourself tonight, I'll make sure you're properly rewarded when we get home."

A shiver ran down Antonio's spine at the promise in Damien's voice. As they stepped out of the car and into the flashbulb frenzy of waiting photographers, Antonio found himself pressed close to Damien's side, the older man's arm a solid weight around his waist.

For better or worse, he belonged to Damien Benedetti now. And as they swept into the glittering ballroom, all eyes on them, Antonio couldn't shake the feeling that he was crossing a point of no return.

***-

Across town, in the opulent Lombardi family compound, Vivian paced her study like a caged tigress. It had been over a week since she'd heard from Antonio, and her motherly instincts were screaming that something was terribly wrong.

"Any word?" she snapped at Lorenzo, who stood nervously by the door.

Lorenzo shifted uncomfortably, avoiding her piercing gaze. "Nothing concrete, Donna Vivian. But... there have been rumors."

Vivian's eyes narrowed dangerously. "What kind of rumors?"

Lorenzo took a deep breath, steeling himself. "There's talk that Antonio was seen at Enzo's, that high-end boutique downtown. With... with Damien Benedetti."

The crystal tumbler in Vivian's hand shattered, shards embedding themselves in her palm. She barely noticed the pain, her mind racing with implications.

"Benedetti," she snarled, the name a curse on her lips. "That snake. He wouldn't dare..."

But even as she said it, Vivian knew it was a lie. Damien Benedetti was exactly the kind of man who would dare to snatch her son right out from under her nose.

Vivian's eyes blazed with a mixture of fury and fear. "Get the car," she barked at Lorenzo. "We're paying Marco Benedetti a visit. It's time to settle this, once and for all."

As Lorenzo hurried to comply, Vivian stared out the window, her reflection a mask of cold determination. "Hold on, Antonio," she whispered. "Mommy's coming."

Back at the gala, Antonio found himself swept up in a whirlwind of introductions and small talk. Damien kept him close, a possessive hand always on his lower back or arm. To the casual observer, they might have looked like any other power couple working the room.

But Antonio could feel the undercurrent of tension, the weight of unspoken threats in every squeeze of Damien's fingers. He was on display, a pretty bird in a gilded cage, and one wrong move could have dire consequences.

As they paused by the bar for a moment of respite, Damien leaned in close, his breath hot against Antonio's ear. "You're doing well, pet," he murmured. "Keep this up, and I might have to show you just how pleased I am when we get home."

Antonio shivered, heat pooling in his belly at the promise in Damien's voice. He was about to reply when a familiar face caught his eye across the room.

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