Page 20 of The Brat's Bargain

"...can't just sit back and let Rizzo make a move," a gruff voice was saying. Antonio recognized it as one of Damien's top lieutenants. "We need to strike first, hard and fast."

"And risk open war?" Damien's voice was cold, controlled. "No. We bide our time, gather intelligence. When we move, it will be decisive."

"But sir, what about the Lombardis? They're vulnerable now, with the boy in our custody. We could take them out in one fell swoop."

Antonio's blood ran cold. Take out the Lombardis? His family?

Damien's response was lost in the sudden rushing in Antonio's ears. He stumbled back from the door, mind reeling. This couldn't be happening. Damien wouldn't... would he?

But even as doubt gnawed at him, Antonio couldn't shake the memory of Damien's possessive touches, his declarations of ownership. Had it all been a lie? A ploy to get close to the Lombardi heir and destroy them from within?

"Eavesdropping, pet?" Damien's voice, low and dangerous, made Antonio jump. He spun to find the older man leaning against the wall, eyes unreadable. "Didn't anyone ever tell you that curiosity killed the cat?"

Antonio's chin lifted defiantly, even as his heart raced. "Is it true?" he demanded. "Are you planning to take out my family?"

Damien's expression hardened, all traces of the tender lover from last night gone. "And if I was?" he asked coolly. "What would you do about it?"

It was a test, Antonio realized. A moment of truth that would define everything between them. He could feel the weight of Damien's gaze, assessing, calculating.

His next words would determine not just his fate, but the fate of everyone he'd ever loved.

And as the silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken threats and promises, Antonio knew that whatever choice he made, nothing would ever be the same again.

CHAPTER 8

CHOICES

Antonio's heart pounded as he stared into Damien's cold, assessing eyes. The weight of the moment pressed down on him, stealing the air from his lungs. He was balanced on a knife's edge, caught between loyalty to his family and the undeniable pull he felt towards Damien.

"Well, pet?" Damien's voice was dangerously soft. "I'm waiting for an answer."

Antonio swallowed hard, buying himself a moment to think. He couldn't betray his family, but the thought of turning against Damien made his chest ache in ways he wasn't ready to examine.

"I'd stop you," he said finally, lifting his chin in defiance. "Whatever it takes."

Something flashed in Damien's eyes—pride? Disappointment? It was gone too quickly for Antonio to decipher.

"Is that so?" Damien prowled closer, every movement screaming predator. He backed Antonio against the wall, caging him in with his larger frame. "And how exactly do you plan to do that, little boy? Have you forgotten who's in charge here?"

The pet name, usually so arousing, now felt like a slap. Antonio bristled, anger overriding his fear. "I'm not your fucking pet," he snarled, shoving at Damien's chest. "And I'm not going to stand by while you destroy everything I care about."

Damien caught his wrists easily, pinning them above his head. His grip was bruising, a reminder of the power he held. "Careful, Antonio," he growled. "You're treading on dangerous ground."

But Antonio was beyond caution now. The hurt and betrayal he felt fueled his rage, giving him a reckless courage. "Or what?" he spat. "You'll punish me? Lock me up? Go ahead. At least then I'll know where I stand with you."

Damien's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Where you stand? You're mine, Antonio. My property, my plaything. Nothing more."

The words cut deep, but Antonio refused to let it show. He laughed bitterly, the sound harsh in the tense air between them. "Right. Just a convenient fuck toy to help you take down my family. How could I forget?"

For a moment, something like hurt flashed across Damien's face. But it was quickly replaced by cold fury. He released Antonio's wrists abruptly, stepping back.

"If that's what you think, then perhaps it's time we ended this little arrangement," Damien said, his voice icy. "I'm sure your mother would be thrilled to have her precious boy back. Assuming, of course, that she even noticed you were gone."

The dig at his family rekindled Antonio's anger. "Fuck you," he snarled. "At least my family gives a shit about me. Unlike you, who's just using me as a pawn in your sick games."

Damien's hand shot out, gripping Antonio's jaw painfully. "Careful, boy," he growled. "You have no idea what I'm capable of."

But Antonio was beyond intimidation now. He met Damien's gaze defiantly, a spark of triumph in his eyes. "No, you be careful," he shot back. "Because I know things now, Damien. Things that could bring your whole empire crashing down."

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