Page 33 of The Enforcer's Brat

The implication hung heavy in the air. Enzo felt sick at the thought that one of his own relatives might have ordered the hit on him.

"We need to be careful who we trust," Matteo said, his voice grim. "Until we know for sure who's behind this, we can't risk bringing anyone else in."

Tony nodded in agreement. "I've got some contacts I can reach out to discreetly. See if I can dig up any chatter about who might be gunning for Enzo."

As they continued to strategize, Enzo found himself growing increasingly exhausted. The adrenaline crash, combined with the emotional toll of the day, was hitting him hard.

Matteo, ever attentive, noticed immediately. "You need rest," he said softly, his hand coming to rest on the back of Enzo's neck. "We can pick this up in the morning."

Tony nodded, standing up. "Good idea. There's a bedroom upstairs you two can use. I'll take first watch."

As they made their way upstairs, Enzo leaned heavily on Matteo. Once in the bedroom, Matteo helped him undress, his touches gentle and caring.

"Come here, baby," Matteo murmured, pulling Enzo into bed with him. He gathered Enzo close, enveloping him in warmth and safety.

Enzo burrowed into Matteo's chest, finally allowing himself to truly break down. Sobs wracked his body as the full weight of the day's events hit him.

"That's it," Matteo soothed, stroking Enzo's hair. "Let it all out. I've got you, baby. You're safe now."

As Enzo's tears subsided, he looked up at Matteo with red-rimmed eyes. "I'm sorry," he whispered. "I didn't mean to fall apart like that."

Matteo's expression was tender as he wiped away Enzo's tears with his thumb. "Never apologize for showing your emotions with me, baby. You've been so strong today. It's okay to let go now."

Enzo felt a surge of love for this man who could be so fierce and protective one moment, and so gentle the next. "Thank you," he murmured. "For everything. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"You'll never have to find out," Matteo promised, his voice low and intense. "I'm not going anywhere, Enzo. No matter what happens, I'll always be by your side."

The conviction in Matteo's words made Enzo's heart swell. He tilted his chin up, silently asking for a kiss. Matteo obliged, pressing his lips to Enzo's in a tender, reassuring kiss.

As they settled in to sleep, Enzo felt a strange mix of emotions. Fear and uncertainty about what the future held, yes. But also a deep sense of security and belonging. Here, in Matteo's arms, he felt truly safe for the first time in his life.

Whatever challenges lay ahead, whatever dangers they might face, Enzo knew one thing for certain: Together, he and Matteo could weather any storm.

As sleep finally claimed him, Enzo's last coherent thought was a silent prayer of thanks for the man holding him. His protector, his lover, his rock in the chaos that had become their lives.

In the quiet of the night, as Matteo kept vigilant watch over his sleeping charge, he made a silent vow. He would do whatever it took to keep Enzo safe, to unravel this conspiracy and eliminate the threat. And God help anyone who tried to come between them.

The game had changed, the stakes higher than ever before. But Matteo Salvatore was nothing if not adaptable. He'd faced down death more times than he could count, had clawed his way up from nothing to become the Ricci family's most trusted enforcer.

Now, with Enzo by his side, he had something truly worth fighting for. And fight he would, with every ounce of skill and ruthlessness at his disposal.

Let them come, Matteo thought grimly, his arms tightening protectively around Enzo's sleeping form. They would learn the hard way what happened to those who threatened what was his.

As dawn broke on a new day, full of uncertainty and danger, one thing was clear: The Enforcer and his Brat were a force to be reckoned with. And they were just getting started.

CHAPTER 11

CLOSE CALL

The safe house was quiet as dawn broke, pale light filtering through the curtains. Enzo stirred, momentarily disoriented by the unfamiliar surroundings. As the events of the previous day came rushing back, a wave of anxiety washed over him.

He reached out instinctively for Matteo's reassuring presence, only to find the bed empty beside him. Panic flared in his chest as he sat up abruptly.

"Matteo?" he called out, hating how small and scared his voice sounded.

The bedroom door opened and Matteo stepped in, a steaming mug of coffee in hand. "I'm here, baby," he said softly, moving to Enzo's side. "Just checking in with Tony and getting some caffeine. Everything's okay."

Enzo let out a shaky breath, relief flooding through him. He reached for Matteo, needing to feel the solid warmth of him. Matteo set the coffee aside and gathered Enzo into his arms, pressing a tender kiss to his forehead.

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