Page 24 of The Enforcer's Brat

Matteo's eyes darkened, desire warring with duty in their steel-gray depths. "We can't do this now," he said, visibly struggling to maintain his composure. "We're almost at the compound. We need to focus on the situation at hand."

Enzo nodded, recognizing the truth in Matteo's words even as frustration churned in his gut. "Fine. But this isn't over."

"No," Matteo agreed, a hint of a smile playing at his lips. "I don't think it is."

They lapsed into silence for the remainder of the drive, but it was different now—charged with possibility rather than tension. As they pulled up to the gates of the Ricci compound, Enzo steeled himself for whatever was to come.

The usually bustling courtyard was eerily quiet as they made their way to Don Ricci's office. Matteo's hand rested on the small of Enzo's back, a gesture that was both protective and possessive. It sent a thrill through Enzo, even as anxiety gnawed at his insides.

Don Ricci looked up as they entered, his face a mask of barely contained fury. "About time," he growled. "Sit down, both of you. We've got a situation."

Enzo and Matteo took their seats, exchanging a brief, loaded glance before turning their attention to the Don.

"There was an attack on our shipping warehouse down by the docks," Don Ricci began without preamble. "Three of our men dead, millions in product stolen. This wasn't some random hit. It was coordinated, professional."

Enzo's stomach dropped. "Do we know who's behind it?"

Don Ricci's eyes narrowed. "Not yet. But I intend to find out. And when I do, there will be blood."

Matteo leaned forward, all business now. "What do you need from us, sir?"

"I need you to keep my son safe," Don Ricci said, his gaze sharp on Matteo. "Whoever's behind this, they're bold. They might come after the family directly next. Enzo is to be under 24/7 protection. No exceptions."

Enzo bristled at being talked about like he wasn't in the room. "I can take care of myself," he protested. "Let me help with the investigation. I have contacts, people who might know something?—"

"No," Don Ricci and Matteo said in unison, their voices equally firm.

Don Ricci fixed Enzo with a hard stare. "This isn't a game, son. These people are dangerous. I need you safe and out of the line of fire."

"But—"

"That's an order," Don Ricci snapped. "Matteo, I'm counting on you to keep him in line. Whatever it takes."

Matteo nodded, his expression unreadable. "Understood, sir."

As they left the office, Enzo was seething with frustration. "This is bullshit," he hissed once they were out of earshot. "I'm not some helpless child who needs to be locked away for safekeeping."

Matteo grabbed Enzo's arm, pulling him into an alcove. "Listen to me," he said, voice low and intense. "Your father is right. This situation is volatile. I need you to trust me, to do as I say without argument. Can you do that?"

Enzo opened his mouth to protest, but the look in Matteo's eyes stopped him. There was genuine fear there, hidden beneath layers of control and professionalism.

"Okay," Enzo said softly. "I'll behave. For now."

Relief flickered across Matteo's face. "Thank you," he murmured. Then, to Enzo's surprise, Matteo leaned in and pressed a swift, hard kiss to his lips. "We'll figure this out. Together. I promise."

The kiss left Enzo breathless, his earlier frustration melting away. As they made their way back to the car, a new determination settled in his bones. He'd play by the rules for now, be the obedient son and charge everyone wanted him to be.

But behind the scenes, he'd do whatever it took to help solve this mystery and prove his worth. And maybe, just maybe, he'd finally show Matteo that he was more than just a spoiled brat in need of protection.

The drive back to the safe house was tense, both men lost in their own thoughts. Enzo's mind raced with possibilities, trying to piece together who might be behind the attack. Matteo, for his part, was in full protector mode, eyes constantly scanning their surroundings for potential threats.

As they pulled into the garage, Matteo finally broke the silence. "I need to make some calls, beef up security. Stay in the house, all doors and windows locked. Understood?"

Enzo nodded, for once not arguing. "Yeah, I got it. What about you? Will you be leaving?"

A hint of softness crept into Matteo's expression. "No. I'm not going anywhere. My place is here, with you."

The words sent a wave of warmth through Enzo's chest. He reached out, catching Matteo's hand before the older man could exit the car. "Hey," he said softly. "We're going to be okay, right? You and me?"

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