Page 31 of The Enforcer's Brat

"Impressive," Don Ricci said finally. "You've shown initiative, Enzo. And a keen mind for strategy. Perhaps there's hope for you yet."

The backhanded compliment stung, but Enzo pushed past it. "Thank you, Father. We have a plan to set a trap at the docks, catch these bastards in the act."

Don Ricci's eyebrows rose. "We?"

"Matteo and I," Enzo clarified, feeling a surge of pride at being able to claim Matteo as his partner in this. "With your approval, of course."

For a long moment, Don Ricci just stared at Enzo, his expression unreadable. Then, to Enzo's shock, he nodded. "Very well. You have my blessing to proceed. But," he added, his voice hardening, "if this goes sideways, it's on your head. Understood?"

Enzo nodded, a mixture of excitement and trepidation coursing through him. "Yes, sir. We won't let you down."

As they left the study, Enzo felt lightheaded with relief and adrenaline. He'd done it. He'd actually impressed his father, gotten approval for their plan.

"You did good in there, baby," Matteo murmured, his hand coming to rest on the small of Enzo's back. "I'm proud of you."

Enzo beamed at the praise, leaning into Matteo's touch. "Thanks. I couldn't have done it without you, though."

Matteo's eyes softened, a rare smile tugging at his lips. "We make a good team."

The moment was interrupted by the arrival of Enzo's older cousin, Marco. "Well, well," Marco drawled, his eyes narrowing as he took in Enzo and Matteo's closeness. "Look who finally decided to grace us with his presence. And with his faithful watchdog in tow, no less."

Enzo tensed, feeling Matteo go rigid beside him. "Marco," he said, keeping his voice neutral. "Good to see you."

Marco snorted, clearly not buying the pleasantry. "Save it, Enzo. We all know you'd rather be out partying than actually contributing to the family business. So what's your angle here? Trying to get back in Daddy's good graces?"

Anger flared in Enzo's chest, hot and fierce. But before he could retort, Matteo stepped forward, his presence suddenly looming and dangerous.

"Watch your tone," Matteo growled, his voice low and menacing. "Enzo's done more for this family in the past week than you have in years."

Marco's face flushed with rage. "You dare speak to me like that? You're nothing but a hired gun, Salvatore. Know your place."

Enzo saw Matteo's fists clench and knew he had to defuse the situation before it escalated. "That's enough," he snapped, stepping between them. "We're all on the same side here, remember? There are real enemies out there gunning for us. We can't afford to be fighting amongst ourselves."

For a tense moment, no one moved. Then, to Enzo's relief, Marco backed down. "Whatever," he muttered. "Just don't fuck this up, Enzo. Some of us actually care about the family's future."

As Marco stalked off, Enzo let out a shaky breath. "Well, that was fun," he said, aiming for levity but falling short.

Matteo's hand came to rest on Enzo's shoulder, squeezing gently. "You handled that well," he said. "But we should be careful. Marco's not the only one who might have a problem with your sudden involvement."

Enzo nodded, the weight of their situation settling back onto his shoulders. "Yeah, I know. Let's just focus on the plan for now. We can deal with family politics later."

As they made their way out of the compound, Enzo couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. He glanced around, catching glimpses of curious and sometimes hostile faces peering out from windows and doorways.

"Matteo," he murmured, keeping his voice low. "I think we might have a problem."

Matteo nodded almost imperceptibly, his eyes scanning their surroundings. "I see it. Stay close to me."

They had just reached their SUV when a shot rang out, shattering the passenger side window. Matteo reacted instantly, shoving Enzo to the ground and covering him with his body.

"Shit," Enzo gasped, his heart pounding in his ears. "What the fuck?"

More shots followed, the sound of return fire from the compound's guards adding to the chaos. Matteo dragged Enzo behind the SUV, using it as cover.

"Are you hit?" Matteo demanded, his hands running over Enzo's body, checking for injuries.

Enzo shook his head, too stunned to speak. This was really happening. Someone was actually trying to kill him, right here on family grounds.

Matteo pulled out his gun, his expression grim. "Stay down," he ordered. "I'm going to try to get us to a more secure position."

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