Page 28 of The Enforcer's Brat

"Hold that thought," Matteo interrupted, his voice gentle but firm. "Security check first. Then food. Then we'll compare notes. Okay?"

Enzo wanted to argue, but the weariness in Matteo's eyes made him reconsider. "Okay," he agreed. "But hurry up. I'm onto something big, I can feel it."

A hint of a smile played at Matteo's lips. "Yes, sir," he said, mimicking Enzo's earlier sass.

As Matteo made his rounds, checking locks and security systems, Enzo headed to the kitchen. He wasn't much of a cook, but he could manage sandwiches and coffee. It felt good to do something for Matteo, even something small.

When Matteo finally joined him in the kitchen, his eyes widened slightly at the spread. "You didn't have to do this," he said, genuine appreciation in his voice.

Enzo shrugged, trying to play it cool even as warmth bloomed in his chest. "Figured you'd be hungry after a day of badass investigating. Eat up, old man. You need to keep your strength up."

Matteo's eyes darkened at the teasing words. He moved closer, backing Enzo against the counter. "Watch that mouth, brat," he growled. "Or I might have to remind you who's in charge here."

Heat pooled in Enzo's belly at the threat. "Maybe that's what I want," he challenged, tilting his chin up defiantly.

For a moment, the air between them crackled with tension. Then Matteo stepped back, shaking his head ruefully. "Food first," he said. "Then work. Then, if you're very good, maybe I'll give you what you're asking for."

Enzo pouted but didn't argue. As much as he wanted to drag Matteo to bed right now, he knew they had more pressing matters to attend to.

They ate quickly, both eager to share what they'd learned. As soon as the last bite was swallowed, Enzo couldn't hold back anymore. "Okay, spill," he demanded. "What did you find out?"

Matteo's expression turned grim. "It's not good," he said. "The attack on the warehouse was just the beginning. There have been two more hits on Ricci businesses in the past 24 hours. Smaller targets, but the pattern is clear. Someone's trying to destabilize our operations."

Enzo's stomach dropped. "Shit. Any leads on who's behind it?"

Matteo nodded. "That's where it gets interesting. My sources say it's not just one rival family. It's a coalition of smaller outfits, banding together to take us down."

"Holy fuck," Enzo breathed. "That... actually makes sense with what I've found. I've been hearing whispers about a new player in town, someone with deep pockets and a grudge against the old families. What if they're bankrolling this coalition?"

Matteo's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "It's possible. What else have you got?"

Enzo launched into a detailed breakdown of everything he'd uncovered—the weapons shipments, the growing discontent among the smaller families, the subtle shifts in the city's underworld power dynamics.

As he spoke, Matteo listened intently, his expression growing more impressed by the moment. When Enzo finally finished, Matteo was looking at him with a mixture of pride and something darker, more possessive.

"You did good, baby," Matteo said, his voice low and warm. "Really good. I'm proud of you."

The praise sent a thrill through Enzo's body, making him flush with pleasure. "Thanks," he murmured, suddenly shy. "So, what do we do now?"

Matteo's expression turned serious. "Now, we put it all together. If we're right about this coalition, we need to figure out who's at the center of it. And more importantly, we need to find out what their next move is going to be."

Enzo nodded, already feeling his mind kick into high gear. "Okay, so let's break it down. We know they're targeting Ricci businesses, but in a specific pattern. What if we map out all our holdings and try to predict their next hit?"

"Good thinking," Matteo agreed. He moved to the living room, clearing space on the coffee table. "Get your laptop. We're going to need a detailed map of the city."

For the next few hours, they worked side by side, pooling their knowledge and resources. Enzo pulled up maps and financial records, while Matteo added intel from his street-level contacts. Slowly but surely, a picture began to emerge.

"There," Enzo said, pointing to a cluster of markers on the map. "That has to be their next target. It's the only part of our operation they haven't hit yet, and it's vulnerable."

Matteo leaned in, studying the area Enzo indicated. "The docks," he murmured. "You're right. It's the perfect target. High value, relatively low security."

"So what's the play?" Enzo asked, eager to be part of the action. "Do we warn my father? Set a trap?"

Matteo was quiet for a moment, his brow furrowed in thought. Then he turned to Enzo, a spark of excitement in his eyes. "We do both," he said. "But we keep it small. Just us and a handful of trusted men. The fewer people who know, the less chance of a leak."

Enzo's heart raced at the implication. "Us? You mean... you're letting me come along?"

"Against my better judgment, yes," Matteo said, his tone stern despite the fondness in his eyes. "But you follow my lead, no questions asked. One wrong move and I'll have you back here so fast your head will spin. Clear?"

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