Page 15 of The Brat's Bargain

Gina Caruso prided herself on her observational skills. As Damien Benedetti's right-hand woman, it was her job to notice the things others missed. And lately, she'd been noticing a lot when it came to her boss and his new... companion.

She watched from across the room as Damien guided Antonio through another high-stakes business meeting. The younger man was a vision in a tailored suit that probably cost more than most people made in a month. But it was the way Damien looked at him that caught Gina's attention.

There was possession there, certainly. Damien had always been territorial about his things. But there was something else, too. A softness in his eyes that Gina had never seen before. It was... unsettling.

As the meeting concluded, Gina approached the pair. "Mr. Benedetti," she greeted smoothly. "A word in private, if I may?"

Damien's eyes narrowed slightly, but he nodded. "Of course. Antonio, why don't you wait for me in the car?"

It wasn't a request. Antonio's jaw clenched, a flicker of defiance in his eyes, but he complied. As he brushed past Gina, she caught a whiff of expensive cologne mingled with something uniquely... Antonio. She could see why Damien was so captivated.

Once they were alone, Damien turned to her expectantly. "Well?"

Gina chose her words carefully. "I couldn't help but notice how... invested you seem in your new protégé. I just want to make sure it's not clouding your judgment."

Damien's eyes flashed dangerously. "Careful, Gina. You're treading on thin ice."

She held her ground. "With all due respect, sir, it's my job to look out for the family's interests. And right now, your interest in Antonio Lombardi is raising a lot of questions."

For a moment, she thought Damien might lash out. But then his shoulders relaxed, a wry smile tugging at his lips. "Always the pragmatist, aren't you, Gina? Fine. What do you want to know?"

Gina blinked, surprised by his openness. "Is this just another power play against the Lombardis? Or is there something more going on?"

Damien's gaze drifted to the window, where Antonio could be seen fidgeting in the backseat of the waiting car. "It started as a game," he admitted softly. "A way to get under Vivian's skin. But now..."

He trailed off, and Gina felt a chill run down her spine. She'd never seen Damien like this, so... vulnerable.

"Be careful," she warned. "Feelings can be dangerous in our world."

Damien's expression hardened, the mask of the ruthless crime boss sliding back into place. "I appreciate your concern, Gina. But I have everything under control. Antonio is mine, and that's all anyone needs to know."

As he strode out of the room, Gina couldn't shake the feeling that things were about to get very, very complicated.

Antonio slouched in the backseat of the luxury sedan, frustration simmering beneath his skin. He hated being dismissed like a child, hated the way Damien could control him with just a look or a word.

But even more than that, he hated how much he craved Damien's approval. How a single touch or word of praise could send heat pooling in his belly and make his heart race.

The car door opened, and Damien slid in beside him. Without a word, he pulled Antonio close, one large hand cupping the back of his neck possessively.

"You did well in there," Damien murmured, his breath hot against Antonio's ear. "I think you've earned yourself a reward tonight."

Antonio shivered, torn between desire and defiance. "I'm not your trained monkey," he bit out, even as he leaned into Damien's touch. "I don't need treats for good behavior."

Damien chuckled, the sound low and dangerous. "Oh, but you do, pet. You need a firm hand to keep you in line. And I'm more than happy to provide it."

Before Antonio could retort, Damien's lips were on his, hot and demanding. He melted into the kiss despite himself, a needy whine escaping his throat as Damien's tongue swept into his mouth.

When they finally broke apart, both panting, Damien's eyes were dark with desire. "We have another engagement tonight," he said, voice rough. "A charity auction. I need you on your best behavior. Can you do that for me, pet?"

Antonio nodded, still dazed from the kiss. "Yes, sir," he breathed, the words slipping out before he could stop them.

Damien's answering smile was predatory. "Good boy. Keep that up, and I'll make sure you're thoroughly rewarded when we get home."

As the car pulled away from the curb, Antonio's mind raced. He was in too deep, falling harder for Damien with each passing day. But a small voice in the back of his mind whispered a warning. This couldn't last forever. Sooner or later, reality would come crashing down around them.

He just hoped he'd be strong enough to weather the storm when it hit.

Lorenzo hunched over his laptop, eyes burning from hours of staring at the screen. He'd been combing through security footage, financial records, anything that might give him a clue to Antonio's whereabouts.

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