Page 13 of The Enforcer's Brat

"So," he said, desperate to break the silence, "what's next on the agenda? More studying? Maybe a pop quiz on the finer points of money laundering?"

Matteo chuckled, the sound sending a shiver down Enzo's spine. "Actually, I thought we could take a break. You've been working hard. How about a movie?"

Enzo blinked, thrown by the sudden shift. "A movie? Seriously?"

"Unless you'd rather go back to studying shipping manifests," Matteo said, one eyebrow raised in challenge.

"No, no, a movie sounds great," Enzo said quickly. "I'm just surprised you know how to have fun, old man."

Matteo's eyes narrowed, but there was a glint of amusement in them. "I'm full of surprises, kid. Don't forget that."

As Matteo set up the movie, Enzo found himself watching the older man's movements. The play of muscles under his shirt, the graceful efficiency of his actions. It was mesmerizing in a way Enzo wasn't entirely comfortable examining too closely.

They settled in to watch, Enzo hyper-aware of every inch of space between them on the couch. The movie was some action thriller, all explosions and car chases, but Enzo found it hard to focus. His mind kept drifting to Matteo, to the heat radiating from the older man's body.

About halfway through the film, Enzo decided to test the waters. He stretched, deliberately letting his arm brush against Matteo's. The older man tensed slightly but didn't move away.

Emboldened, Enzo shifted, letting his leg press against Matteo's. This time, Matteo's reaction was more noticeable. His breath hitched, his hand clenching on his thigh.

"Enzo," Matteo said, his voice low and warning. "What are you doing?"

Enzo turned to face him, plastering on his most innocent expression. "What? I'm just getting comfortable."

Matteo's eyes narrowed, clearly not buying it. "You're playing with fire, kid."

"Maybe I like getting burned," Enzo retorted, leaning in closer.

For a moment, they were frozen in a tableau of tension, faces inches apart. Enzo could see the conflict in Matteo's eyes, the battle between desire and duty.

Then, with a growl that sent heat pooling in Enzo's gut, Matteo surged forward. His hand tangled in Enzo's hair, pulling him into a bruising kiss.

Enzo melted into it, months of pent-up tension and frustrated desire pouring out. He clambered into Matteo's lap, straddling the older man's thighs as he deepened the kiss.

Matteo's hands were everywhere, hot and demanding on Enzo's skin. He gripped Enzo's hips, grinding up against him in a way that had Enzo seeing stars.

"Fuck," Enzo gasped, breaking away for air. "Matteo, please..."

"Please what?" Matteo growled, nipping at Enzo's throat. "Tell me what you want, brat."

Enzo whined, rocking against Matteo's hardness. "You. Want you to fuck me, want you to make me yours."

Matteo groaned, his grip on Enzo's hips tightening to the point of bruising. For a moment, Enzo thought he might actually do it, might bend him over right there on the couch and fuck him senseless.

But then Matteo was pushing him away, his breath coming in harsh pants. "We can't," he said, his voice rough with restrained desire. "This isn't... it's not right."

Enzo felt like he'd been doused with cold water. "What? Why not?"

Matteo ran a hand through his hair, frustration evident in every line of his body. "You're my charge, Enzo. I'm supposed to be protecting you, not... this."

"I'm not a child," Enzo snapped, anger and hurt warring in his chest. "I know what I want."

"Do you?" Matteo's eyes were dark, unreadable. "Or is this just another game to you? Another way to push boundaries and see what you can get away with?"

The words stung, more than Enzo wanted to admit. "It's not like that," he said, hating how small his voice sounded.

Matteo sighed, his expression softening slightly. "Look, Enzo... whatever this is between us, it can't happen. Not now, not like this. I'm sorry if I led you on or gave you the wrong impression."

Enzo felt his cheeks burn with humiliation. He scrambled off Matteo's lap, putting as much distance between them as the couch would allow.

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