Page 12 of The Enforcer's Brat

"Fine," he muttered, sitting up straighter. "Where do we start?"

Matteo's lips twitched in what might have been approval. He pushed a folder towards Enzo. "Here. This is an overview of your family's legitimate businesses. Read through it, and we'll discuss."

For the next hour, Enzo immersed himself in the world of shipping contracts, real estate holdings, and investment portfolios. It was dry, tedious work, but he found himself oddly fascinated by the intricate web of connections and power plays hidden in the mundane business details.

When he looked up, he found Matteo watching him with an intensity that made his skin prickle. "What?" he asked, suddenly self-conscious.

"You're smarter than you let on," Matteo said, his voice tinged with something like respect. "You picked up on things most people would miss."

Enzo felt a flush of pleasure at the praise, even as he tried to shrug it off. "It's not that complicated. Just a bunch of rich assholes moving money around."

Matteo's eyes narrowed. "It's a lot more than that, and you know it. This 'bunch of rich assholes' controls half the city. Their decisions affect thousands of lives."

"Yeah, well, maybe that's the problem," Enzo muttered, a familiar anger bubbling up. "Why should a handful of people have that much power?"

"Because someone has to," Matteo said simply. "The question is, what kind of person do you want that someone to be?"

Enzo blinked, thrown by the question. Before he could formulate a response, Matteo was pushing another folder towards him.

"Enough philosophy for now. This one's about the... less legitimate side of things. Pay attention – there'll be a quiz later."

As Enzo delved into the darker aspects of his family's empire, he found himself increasingly conflicted. On one hand, the sheer scope of the Ricci family's influence was impressive. On the other, the methods they used to maintain that power were often brutal and ethically questionable at best.

He was so engrossed in his reading that he didn't notice Matteo moving until the older man was right beside him on the couch. Enzo startled, suddenly very aware of Matteo's proximity.

"Problem?" Matteo asked, his voice low.

Enzo swallowed hard, fighting to keep his voice steady. "No, just... processing. It's a lot to take in."

Matteo nodded, his eyes never leaving Enzo's face. "It is. But you're handling it well. Better than I expected, honestly."

There was that praise again, making Enzo's chest warm in a way he wasn't entirely comfortable with. He cleared his throat, desperate to change the subject.

"So, about that quiz you mentioned..."

Matteo's lips curved into a small smile. "Eager, are we? Alright then. Tell me about the Bianchi family's territory."

For the next half hour, Matteo grilled Enzo on everything from rival families to smuggling routes. To Enzo's surprise, he found he actually enjoyed the challenge. It was like a high-stakes game of strategy, and Enzo had always been good at games.

"Not bad," Matteo said finally, leaning back. "You've got a good head for this stuff when you apply yourself."

Enzo preened a bit under the compliment, then caught himself. What was he doing, getting all worked up over Matteo's approval? This was the guy keeping him prisoner, for Christ's sake.

As if sensing Enzo's internal conflict, Matteo's expression softened slightly. "I know this isn't easy for you," he said. "Being cooped up here, cut off from your life. But I hope you can see why it's necessary."

Enzo sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I get it, I do. It's just... frustrating. I feel like a kid being punished for something I didn't even do."

"You're not being punished, Enzo. You're being protected." Matteo's voice was gentle but firm. "There are people out there who would hurt you just to get to your father. I'm here to make sure that doesn't happen."

The sincerity in Matteo's eyes made Enzo's breath catch. For a moment, he let himself imagine what it would be like to have someone like Matteo truly care about him, not just as a job but as a person.

The thought was both thrilling and terrifying.

Enzo cleared his throat, looking away from Matteo's intense gaze. "Right, well... thanks, I guess. For looking out for me."

Matteo nodded, a hint of a smile playing at his lips. "It's my job. But you're welcome."

An uncomfortable silence settled between them, thick with unspoken tension. Enzo fidgeted, hyperaware of Matteo's proximity on the couch.

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