Page 17 of The Brat's Bargain

Rizzo sneered. "Rights? Since when do you care about rights, Benedetti? We know you've been moving in on our territory. This ends now."

The tension in the room was palpable, everyone holding their breath as they waited to see who would make the first move. And then, like a match to gasoline, all hell broke loose.

Antonio wasn't sure who threw the first punch, but suddenly the elegant ballroom was a war zone. Glasses shattered, women screamed, and the sound of flesh hitting flesh filled the air.

He felt Lorenzo tugging at his arm again. "We need to go. Now!"

But Antonio's eyes were locked on Damien, who was holding his own against two of Rizzo's men. Without thinking, he broke free from Lorenzo's grip and rushed towards the fray.

He reached Damien just as a third attacker came at him from behind, switchblade glinting in the chandelier light. Acting on pure instinct, Antonio grabbed a champagne bottle from a nearby table and brought it down hard on the man's head.

The attacker crumpled, and Damien spun around, eyes wide with a mixture of surprise and... was that pride?

"I told you to stay put," Damien growled, but there was no real anger in his voice.

Antonio managed a shaky grin. "Since when do I follow orders?"

Their moment of connection was shattered by the wail of approaching sirens. Damien cursed under his breath. "We need to go. Now."

He grabbed Antonio's hand, pulling him towards a side exit. As they ran, Antonio caught sight of Lorenzo's shocked face in the crowd. The look of betrayal in his best friend's eyes sent a pang of guilt through his chest.

They burst out into the cool night air, Damien's sleek black car already waiting at the curb. As they peeled away from the scene, tires squealing, Antonio's mind reeled with the implications of what had just happened.

He'd chosen Damien. Without hesitation, without thought, he'd thrown his lot in with the man who was supposed to be his captor. His enemy.

As if reading his thoughts, Damien's hand came to rest on his thigh, grip firm and possessive. "You did well in there, pet," he murmured, voice husky with adrenaline and something else. "I think you've more than earned your reward tonight."

Antonio shivered, anticipation and dread warring in his gut. He was in too deep now, no going back. Whatever game they were playing, the stakes had just gotten a whole lot higher.

And as the city lights blurred past the window, Antonio couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning. The Rizzos wouldn't take this lying down, and now both the Benedettis and the Lombardis were in their crosshairs.

He'd inadvertently placed himself at the center of a brewing gang war. And judging by the heat in Damien's gaze as they sped towards the penthouse, that was far from the only storm he'd have to weather tonight.

Antonio swallowed hard, equal parts terrified and exhilarated. One thing was certain—nothing would ever be the same again.

CHAPTER 7

BREAKING POINT

The elevator ride to Damien's penthouse crackled with electric tension. Antonio could feel the searing heat of the mob boss's gaze raking over him, intense and possessive. His own body was a livewire of adrenaline and barely leashed desire, every nerve ending attuned to Damien's slightest move.

As soon as the doors slid shut, Antonio found himself pinned against the mirrored wall, caged by Damien's much larger frame. One broad hand cupped his jaw, tilting his face up to meet dark, hungry eyes.

"You were magnificent tonight, pet," Damien growled, voice low and rough like velvet over gravel. "So brave. So loyal." His thumb traced the lush curve of Antonio's bottom lip, pressing just hard enough to part the seam. "Such a good boy for Daddy."

Antonio shuddered, caught between the urge to melt into Damien's touch and the bratty impulse to push back, to challenge his control. "I'm not your pet," he bit out, even as his traitorous body arched into the the older man's strong grip. "And you're not my Daddy."

Damien's laugh was dark and wicked, sending shivers racing down Antonio's spine. "Oh, but you are, baby boy. You're mine in every way. My fierce little warrior." His fingers tightened on Antonio's jaw, a subtle show of dominance. "My bratty little prince who needs Daddy to take him in hand."

Before Antonio could fire off a retort, Damien's mouth was on his, hot and demanding. The kiss was a filthy tangle of tongues and teeth, a battle for control that Antonio knew he'd lose but couldn't help fighting anyway. He moaned into it, fingers scrabbling at Damien's shoulders as he gave as good as he got.

They were both panting by the time they broke apart, the confined space of the elevator thick with the musk of arousal. Damien's eyes were blown black with desire, his usual icy composure shattered by raw, naked hunger.

"Last chance to tap out, baby boy," he rasped, forehead pressed to Antonio's. One big hand slid down to palm his ass, kneading the firm flesh possessively. "Once Daddy gets you in his bed, there's no going back. I won't be able to let you go."

Antonio's heart hammered against his ribs, trepidation and anticipation a heady cocktail in his blood. This was insanity. Damien was the enemy, his captor. Antonio should be looking for an escape, not aching to fall deeper under the older man's thrall.

But as he met Damien's heated gaze, saw the need and vulnerability burning there, he knew it was already too late. He was lost, caught in the spider's web with no desire to break free.

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