Page 32 of The Bratty Heir

He found Victor in the security hub, surrounded by monitors and tense-faced guards. The older man's eyes snapped to Rocco as he entered, a flicker of something—concern? guilt?—crossing his face before being swiftly masked.

"We need to talk," Rocco said, lifting his chin in challenge. "Now."

Victor's jaw clenched, but he nodded curtly. "My office. Five minutes."

The wait was agonizing, each second stretching into eternity as Rocco paced the length of Victor's spartan office. When the door finally opened, Rocco's heart leapt into his throat.

Victor looked exhausted, dark circles marring the skin beneath his stormy eyes. But even rumpled and weary, he exuded an aura of barely leashed power that made Rocco's knees weak.

"What is it, Rocco?" Victor asked, his voice gruff. "I'm in the middle of?—"

"What am I to you?" Rocco interrupted, the words tumbling out in a rush. "Is this... are we... real? Or am I just a job to you?"

Victor's eyes widened, genuine surprise breaking through his usual mask of control. "What are you talking about?"

Rocco advanced on him, frustration and need bubbling over. "Don't play dumb, Victor. You know exactly what I mean. The way you touch me, the things you say... is it all just part of your assignment? Keep the boss's brat in line by any means necessary?"

Understanding dawned in Victor's eyes, followed swiftly by anger. "You think I'm playing you? That this is some kind of game to me?"

"Isn't it?" Rocco challenged, chin lifted in defiance. "The big bad bodyguard, seducing the naive little prince. It's a classic move, isn't it? Get close, gain his trust, use him to cement your position in the family."

Victor's growl was pure animal as he surged forward, backing Rocco against the wall. "You have no fucking idea what you're talking about, little boy."

Rocco's breath caught at their sudden proximity, arousal warring with indignation. "Then enlighten me, Daddy," he purred, deliberately provoking. "Tell me what this is really about."

For a heartbeat, the world stood still. Then Victor's mouth crashed down on his, all teeth and tongue and bruising intensity. Rocco moaned into the kiss, surrendering completely to the onslaught.

Victor's hands were everywhere, leaving trails of fire in their wake. He gripped Rocco's ass, kneading the firm flesh as he ground their hips together. Rocco could feel the impressive length of Victor's cock pressing against his stomach, a promise of exquisite pleasure to come.

"Is this what you wanted, baby boy?" Victor rasped, breaking the kiss to trail bites down Rocco's throat. "Wanted Daddy to show you how real this is?"

"Yes," Rocco gasped, tilting his head to give Victor better access. "Please, Daddy. Need you so bad."

Victor growled, the sound vibrating through Rocco's chest. In one fluid motion, he spun Rocco around, bending him over the massive oak desk. Cool wood pressed against Rocco's overheated skin as Victor blanketed him from behind.

"Such a naughty little thing," Victor murmured, his hands sliding under Rocco's shirt to caress the planes of his back. "Always pushing, always testing. I think it's time Daddy taught you a lesson in trust."

Rocco whimpered as Victor's fingers found his nipples, twisting the sensitive nubs until they ached. "Please," he begged, beyond shame or pride. "I'll be good, I promise. Just need you inside me."

Victor chuckled darkly, the sound sending shivers down Rocco's spine. "Oh, I'll give you what you need, baby. But first, you're going to listen. Really listen."

With agonizing slowness, Victor began to strip Rocco bare. Each brush of his calloused hands against Rocco's skin was electric, building the tension to a fever pitch.

"You want to know if this is real?" Victor growled, his breath hot against Rocco's ear. "If you're more than just a job to me? Then pay attention, little one," Victor growled, his breath hot against Rocco's ear. "Because I'm only going to say this once."

Victor's hand snaked around to grip Rocco's chin, forcing him to meet his gaze in the reflection of the office window. The intensity in those stormy eyes made Rocco's breath catch.

"You drive me fucking crazy," Victor said, voice low and raw. "Your stubbornness, your recklessness, the way you push every goddamn button I have. But you also make me feel things I thought I'd buried a long time ago."

Rocco's heart raced, hope and fear warring in his chest. "What things?" he whispered.

Victor's grip tightened, his other hand trailing down Rocco's spine. "Things like pride when you show that brilliant mind of yours. Protectiveness that goes way beyond my job description. And a hunger that scares the shit out of me."

As if to emphasize his point, Victor ground his hips against Rocco's ass, the hard line of his cock unmistakable. Rocco whimpered, pushing back instinctively.

"If this was just a job," Victor continued, his voice rough with emotion, "I wouldn't lose sleep worrying about you. I wouldn't want to tear apart anyone who looks at you wrong. And I sure as hell wouldn't be risking everything by doing this."

With that, Victor spun Rocco around and claimed his mouth in a searing kiss. It was different from before—less frantic, but no less intense. Rocco melted into it, pouring every ounce of his own confused feelings into the connection.

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