Page 27 of The Enforcer's Brat

THREATS EMERGE

The early morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow over Enzo's sleeping form. Matteo watched him from the doorway, his heart clenching with a mixture of affection and worry. Enzo looked so young, so vulnerable in sleep—a stark reminder of just how much danger they were in.

With a quiet sigh, Matteo approached the bed. He hated to wake Enzo, but duty called. "Baby," he murmured, gently shaking Enzo's shoulder. "Time to wake up."

Enzo stirred, blinking up at Matteo with sleepy eyes. "Mmm, five more minutes, Daddy," he mumbled, reaching for Matteo.

The pet name sent a jolt of heat through Matteo's body, but he pushed it aside. Now wasn't the time. "Come on, brat," he said, his voice firmer. "We've got work to do."

That seemed to wake Enzo up fully. He sat up, suddenly alert. "Right. The attack. What's the plan?"

Matteo's jaw clenched. This was the part he'd been dreading. "I need to go out, investigate some leads. You're staying here."

As expected, Enzo's eyes flashed with anger. "What? No way. I'm coming with you."

"It's not up for discussion," Matteo said, his tone brooking no argument. "It's too dangerous. I need you safe."

Enzo scrambled out of bed, not bothering to cover his naked form. Any other time, the sight would have been incredibly distracting. But Matteo was in full protector mode now.

"This is bullshit," Enzo spat. "I'm not some helpless kid, Matteo. I can help. I want to help."

Matteo took a deep breath, reminding himself to stay calm. "I know you're not helpless," he said. "But right now, the best way you can help is by staying put. We don't know who's behind this attack. Until we do, you're a target."

Enzo opened his mouth to argue further, but Matteo cut him off with a raised hand. "Enzo," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "Don't push me on this. Not now."

Something in Matteo's tone must have gotten through, because Enzo deflated slightly. "Fine," he muttered. "But I'm not just going to sit around twiddling my thumbs all day."

Matteo nodded, relieved to avoid a full-blown argument. "Good. Use your contacts, see what you can dig up. But be discreet. No unnecessary risks. Understood?"

"Yes, sir," Enzo said, a hint of his usual sass creeping back in.

Despite the tension, Matteo felt a smile tugging at his lips. He stepped closer, cupping Enzo's face in his hands. "I know this is frustrating," he said softly. "But I need you to trust me. Can you do that?"

Enzo leaned into the touch, his anger melting away. "I do trust you," he murmured. "Just... be careful out there, okay? Come back to me in one piece."

Matteo's heart swelled at the genuine concern in Enzo's voice. He leaned in, capturing Enzo's lips in a deep, passionate kiss. When they finally broke apart, both were breathless.

"I'll always come back to you," Matteo promised. "Always."

With one last lingering look, Matteo forced himself to leave. He had a job to do, and the sooner he got answers, the sooner he could return to Enzo's side.

As the door closed behind Matteo, Enzo flopped back onto the bed with a frustrated groan. He hated feeling useless, hated being left behind. But he'd meant what he said about trusting Matteo. If staying put was what Matteo needed from him, then that's what he'd do.

For now, at least.

After a quick shower, Enzo settled in the living room with his phone and laptop. Time to put his extensive network of contacts to use. He might be confined to the safe house, but that didn't mean he couldn't contribute to the investigation.

Hours passed in a blur of calls, texts, and encrypted messages. Enzo reached out to everyone from street-level dealers to high-society gossips, piecing together snippets of information. A new player in town. Whispers of discontent among the smaller families. Shipments of weapons coming in from overseas.

It wasn't much, but it was a start. Enzo's mind raced, trying to connect the dots. He was so absorbed in his work that he barely noticed the sun setting, casting long shadows across the room.

The sound of the front door opening jolted Enzo from his thoughts. He tensed, ready to grab the gun Matteo had insisted he keep nearby. But then Matteo's familiar footsteps echoed down the hall, and Enzo relaxed.

"In here," he called out, unable to keep the excitement from his voice. "I think I've found something."

Matteo appeared in the doorway, looking exhausted but alert. His eyes scanned the room, checking for any signs of trouble before settling on Enzo. "You okay?" he asked, moving closer.

Enzo nodded impatiently. "I'm fine. But listen, I've been digging, and?—"

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