Page 37 of The Enforcer's Brat

Matteo's eyes widened in surprise. "You're serious? You'd leave all this behind?"

Enzo nodded, leaning in to press a soft kiss to Matteo's lips. "For you? In a heartbeat. You're all that matters to me now, Matteo. Where you go, I go."

Tears glistened in Matteo's eyes, a rare show of vulnerability. "I love you, baby," he murmured. "More than I ever thought possible."

As they held each other close, both knew that the road ahead wouldn't be easy. Leaving the family, starting over—it would be the biggest challenge they'd ever faced. But they had each other, and that was enough.

The next morning, as sunlight streamed through the hospital room window, Enzo and Matteo began to plan their new life. A life away from the violence and danger that had nearly torn them apart. A life where they could just be Enzo and Matteo, two men in love, facing the world together.

However, their plans were interrupted by an unexpected visitor. Marco, Enzo's cousin, slipped into the room, his face a mask of barely concealed hostility.

"Well, well," Marco sneered. "Isn't this cozy? The family's wild child and his pet enforcer, playing house."

Enzo tensed, instinctively moving to shield Matteo. "What do you want, Marco?"

Marco's eyes narrowed. "I want to know what the hell you two think you're doing. You think you can just waltz in, play hero, and suddenly you're back in Uncle's good graces? It doesn't work like that, Enzo."

"We're not playing anything," Matteo growled, struggling to sit up despite Enzo's protests. "We uncovered a plot that would have destroyed this family. What have you done lately besides kiss ass and count money?"

Marco's face flushed with rage. He took a step forward, fists clenched at his sides. "Watch your mouth, Salvatore. You might have Uncle fooled, but I see right through you. You're nothing but a hired gun with delusions of grandeur."

Enzo had heard enough. He stood, placing himself between Marco and the bed. "Get out," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "Now. Before I call security and have you thrown out."

For a moment, it looked like Marco might actually throw a punch. But then he stepped back, a cold smile spreading across his face. "This isn't over," he warned. "You two might think you're untouchable now, but remember – in this family, loyalty only goes so far."

As Marco stormed out, Enzo let out a shaky breath. He turned back to Matteo, seeing the worry etched on his lover's face.

"We need to be careful," Matteo said, reaching for Enzo's hand. "Marco's not the only one who might have a problem with us. There are a lot of people in the family who won't like the idea of us leaving."

Enzo nodded, sinking back onto the bed beside Matteo. "I know. But we can't let that stop us. We've come too far to give up now."

Matteo pulled Enzo close, pressing a kiss to his temple. "You're right. We'll figure it out. Together."

Over the next few days, as Matteo continued to recover, they refined their plans for a new life. They discussed potential locations, job prospects, how to safely extract themselves from the family's web of influence. It wasn't going to be easy, but with each passing day, the dream of a life together – a normal life – felt more and more within reach.

But their bubble of hope was shattered one afternoon when Tony burst into the hospital room, his face pale with worry.

"We've got a problem," he said without preamble. "The Morettis are making moves. They're trying to capitalize on the chaos from the docks. If we don't do something fast, we could lose everything."

Enzo and Matteo exchanged a look, the weight of their responsibilities settling back onto their shoulders. They couldn't just walk away, not when the family – for all its faults – was in danger.

"What do we need to do?" Enzo asked, steeling himself for whatever came next.

Tony laid out the situation. The Morettis were moving in on Ricci territory, trying to poach their business contacts and muscle in on their operations. Don Ricci was doing his best to hold things together, but he needed help. He needed Enzo and Matteo.

"I know you two were planning on getting out," Tony said, his voice gentle. "And believe me, I understand why. But right now, the family needs you. Both of you."

Matteo reached for Enzo's hand, squeezing it gently. "It's your call, baby," he said softly. "Whatever you decide, I'm with you."

Enzo felt torn. On one hand, the idea of diving back into the dangerous world of family politics and rival gangs terrified him. He'd come so close to losing Matteo once; he didn't know if he could bear it happening again. But on the other hand, this was his family. For better or worse, the Riccis had shaped him, had given him a place in the world. Could he really turn his back on them now?

After a long moment of internal struggle, Enzo made his decision. "We'll help," he said, his voice firm. "But on our terms. And when this is over, we're out. For good."

Tony nodded, relief evident on his face. "That's fair. I'll talk to your father, make sure he understands the conditions."

As Tony left to make arrangements, Enzo turned to Matteo. "Are you sure about this?" he asked, searching his lover's face for any sign of doubt. "I know we talked about leaving, about starting over..."

Matteo pulled Enzo close, pressing their foreheads together. "I'm sure about you," he said softly. "Everything else is just details. If you think this is the right thing to do, then I'm with you. All the way."

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