Page 21 of The Brat's Bargain

Damien's grip tightened for a moment before he released Antonio, taking a step back. His eyes were calculating as he regarded the younger man. "Is that a threat, Antonio?"

"It's a warning," Antonio replied, straightening his spine. "I'm not your puppet anymore, Damien. And I won't let you hurt my family."

The tension between them was palpable, the air crackling with unspoken threats and simmering desire. Because even now, furious and hurt as he was, Antonio couldn't deny the pull he felt towards Damien. The memory of last night, of Damien's hands on his body, his voice rough with passion, sent a shiver down his spine.

Damien must have sensed it, because his expression shifted, becoming predatory in a different way. He stepped closer again, his large body radiating heat.

"Your family," he murmured, voice low and silky. "The same family that's never appreciated you? Never seen your true worth?" His hand came up to cup Antonio's cheek, the touch deceptively gentle. "Not like I do, pet. I see everything you are, everything you could be."

Antonio's breath caught in his throat. He wanted to lean into the touch, to let Damien's honeyed words wash over him. But he couldn't forget what he'd overheard, couldn't ignore the very real threat to his family.

"Stop it," he said, hating how weak his voice sounded. "Just... stop. I won't let you manipulate me anymore."

Damien's thumb brushed over Antonio's lower lip, igniting sparks of unwanted arousal. "It's not manipulation if it's the truth, baby boy," he purred. "You belong here, with me. You know it, deep down. Why fight it?"

For a moment, Antonio wavered. The temptation to give in, to lose himself in Damien's touch and forget about the outside world, was almost overwhelming. But then he thought of his mother, of Lorenzo, of everyone who was counting on him.

With a herculean effort, he pushed Damien away. "No," he said firmly. "I won't betray my family. And I won't be your pawn anymore."

Damien's eyes flashed with a mixture of anger and something that looked almost like respect. "So that's your choice then?" he asked, voice dangerously soft. "You'd throw away everything we have for a family that's never truly valued you?"

Antonio squared his shoulders, meeting Damien's gaze head-on. "What we have is a lie," he said, even as the words tore at his heart. "It was never real. But my family... they're my blood. And I won't abandon them."

For a long moment, Damien just stared at him, his expression unreadable. Then, without warning, he surged forward, capturing Antonio's lips in a bruising kiss.

It was all teeth and tongue, more a battle than an embrace. Antonio found himself responding despite his anger, his body betraying him as it always did when Damien was involved. He clutched at Damien's shoulders, torn between pushing him away and pulling him closer.

When Damien finally broke the kiss, they were both panting. He rested his forehead against Antonio's, his breath hot on the younger man's lips.

"This isn't over," Damien growled, his voice rough with emotion. "You're mine, Antonio. Whether you admit it or not. And I don't give up what's mine easily."

Antonio's breath hitched, a mixture of fear and arousal coursing through him. But his bratty nature flared up, refusing to back down. "I'm not yours," he spat, even as his body betrayed him by leaning into Damien's touch. "I'm not some toy you can just claim and discard."

Damien's eyes flashed dangerously. In one swift motion, he pinned Antonio against the wall, his large body caging the younger man in. "No?" he purred, voice low and dangerous. "Then why are you trembling, baby boy? Why can I feel your cock hardening against my thigh?"

Antonio whimpered, hating how easily Damien could affect him. "That's... that's just biology," he stammered, trying to maintain his defiance. "It doesn't mean anything."

Damien chuckled darkly, one hand sliding down to cup Antonio's ass possessively. "Keep telling yourself that, pet. But we both know the truth. You need this. Need me. Need your Daddy to take care of you, to keep you in line."

The words sent a jolt of heat straight to Antonio's core. He squirmed in Damien's grip, torn between pushing him away and begging for more. "I don't... I don't need you," he insisted weakly. "I can take care of myself."

"Oh really?" Damien's smirk was predatory as he pressed his thigh more firmly against Antonio's erection. "Is that why you're rutting against me like a bitch in heat? Face it, baby. You're lost without Daddy's guidance."

Antonio's face burned with humiliation and arousal. He wanted to give in, to let Damien take control and wash away all his doubts and fears. But the memory of what he'd overheard earlier steeled his resolve.

With a burst of strength, he shoved Damien away. "No," he said firmly, even as his body screamed in protest. "I won't let you manipulate me anymore. I'm not your little boy, and I'm sure as hell not your pet."

Damien's eyes narrowed, a dangerous glint in their icy depths. "Careful, Antonio. You're playing a dangerous game."

"Maybe I am," Antonio shot back, chin lifted in defiance. "But at least I'm playing by my own rules now."

With that, he stormed out of the room, leaving Damien staring after him with a mixture of fury and grudging respect.

Once alone in his room, Antonio's mind raced with possibilities. He needed leverage, something to keep Damien at bay while he figured out how to protect his family. His eyes landed on Damien's laptop, carelessly left open on the desk.

A wicked grin spread across Antonio's face. If Damien wanted to play dirty, two could play at that game. He might not be able to physically overpower the older man, but information? That was a weapon Antonio knew how to wield.

As he began to dig through Damien's files, looking for anything he could use, Antonio couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement. This was more than just survival now. It was a chance to prove himself, to show Damien that he wasn't just some helpless little boy to be coddled and controlled.

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