Page 34 of The Enforcer's Brat

"I'm sorry," Enzo mumbled against Matteo's chest. "I didn't mean to freak out. It's just..."

"Shh, it's alright," Matteo soothed, running a hand through Enzo's sleep-mussed hair. "After everything that's happened, it's natural to be on edge. But I've got you, baby. You're safe."

Enzo nodded, allowing himself a moment to bask in the comfort of Matteo's embrace. But reality was quick to intrude, and he pulled back with a sigh. "We should probably get up, right? Figure out our next move?"

Matteo's expression turned serious as he nodded. "Yeah. Tony's made some calls, thinks he might have a lead on who's behind the attack at the compound. We need to move fast if we want to stay ahead of this."

As they dressed and prepared for the day ahead, Enzo couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled in his gut. He watched Matteo move about the room, all controlled efficiency and coiled strength, and felt a pang of guilt.

"Matteo?" he said hesitantly. "I'm sorry I dragged you into all this. If anything happened to you because of me, I don't know what I'd?—"

Matteo cut him off with a fierce kiss, his hands cupping Enzo's face. When he pulled back, his eyes were blazing with intensity. "Don't," he said firmly. "Don't apologize for this. I'm exactly where I want to be, Enzo. By your side, keeping you safe. Got it?"

Enzo nodded, a lump forming in his throat at the raw emotion in Matteo's voice. "Got it," he whispered. "I just... I love you, you know? I don't think I've actually said it before, but I do. I love you."

Something soft and vulnerable flickered in Matteo's eyes. "I love you too, baby," he murmured. "More than I ever thought possible. And that's why we're going to figure this out and end the threat. Together."

With one last lingering kiss, they headed downstairs to join Tony. The older man was hunched over a laptop, his face grim as he looked up at their approach.

"Morning, lovebirds," Tony said, a hint of his usual humor peeking through despite the tension. "Hope you're ready for some bad news, because I've got plenty of it."

Enzo's stomach dropped as he and Matteo took seats at the table. "How bad are we talking?"

Tony sighed, running a hand through his graying hair. "Well, the good news is, I think I've identified who's behind the coalition gunning for us. The bad news? It's the Moretti family."

Matteo cursed under his breath, his hand finding Enzo's under the table and squeezing tight. Enzo felt the blood drain from his face. The Morettis were old money, with fingers in every corrupt pie in the city. If they were involved, this was bigger than they'd imagined.

"There's more," Tony continued. "Word on the street is they've put out a hit on you specifically, Enzo. Seven figures, open contract. Every hired gun in the tri-state area is gonna be gunning for you."

Enzo felt like he might be sick. This wasn't just about family business anymore. This was personal. "Why me?" he asked, hating how his voice shook. "Why not go after Dad directly?"

"Because you're the weak link," Matteo said, his voice tight with barely contained rage. "Or at least, that's how they see you. The party boy, the liability. They probably figure taking you out will destabilize your father, make him vulnerable."

Tony nodded grimly. "That tracks with what I've heard. But they underestimated you, kid. And they sure as hell underestimated your bodyguard here."

Enzo looked at Matteo, seeing the determined set of his jaw, the protective fire in his eyes. He felt a surge of love and gratitude for this man who had become his whole world.

"So what's the play?" Enzo asked, forcing steel into his voice. He was done being the liability, the weak link. It was time to prove his worth.

Matteo and Tony exchanged a look, having some silent communication that Enzo couldn't quite decipher. Finally, Matteo spoke. "We need to draw them out. Set a trap, on our terms."

Tony nodded. "I agree. But it's risky. We'll be putting Enzo in the crosshairs."

"No," Matteo growled, his grip on Enzo's hand tightening. "Absolutely not. We're not using him as bait."

Enzo felt a flare of frustration. "Don't I get a say in this?" he demanded. "This is my life we're talking about. My family."

Matteo turned to him, his expression softening. "Enzo, baby, please. It's too dangerous. I can't risk losing you."

The raw emotion in Matteo's voice made Enzo's heart clench. But he stood his ground. "And I can't risk losing you, or Uncle Tony, or anyone else I care about. If there's a chance we can end this, we have to take it. I'm tired of hiding, Matteo. Let me do this."

For a long moment, no one spoke. The tension in the room was palpable as Matteo visibly struggled with the decision. Finally, he let out a heavy sigh. "Fine," he said, his voice rough. "But we do this my way. Every precaution, every safeguard. And if I say abort, we abort. No arguments. Deal?"

Enzo nodded, relief and determination coursing through him. "Deal."

The next few hours were a blur of planning and preparation. They decided to use the docks as their staging ground, playing into the Morettis' expectation that the Riccis would be moving a valuable shipment. Enzo would be visible, seemingly vulnerable, while Matteo and a small team of Tony's most trusted men provided hidden backup.

As evening fell and they prepared to move out, Enzo felt a mix of nervousness and excitement thrumming through his veins. This was it. The moment of truth.

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