Page 28 of The Price of Mercy

Julian swallowed hard. "Aren’t you?"

Enzo leaned forward, his presence an undeniable force, the scent of smoke and expensive cologne threading through the air between them. "I can be," he admitted. "When necessary."

Julian’s fingers curled against the fabric of his sleeve. "And yet you spared my life."

"Because you saved mine." Enzo’s voice was quiet, almost thoughtful. "And now, you're mine to protect."

Julian’s breath caught. "I never agreed to that."

Enzo tilted his head, watching him like a predator toying with its prey. "Haven't you?"

The fire crackled, casting flickering shadows across Enzo’s sharp features. Julian felt the weight of those words settle over him, heavy and inescapable. Maybe he had agreed, without ever saying a word.

Julian’s pulse pounded. "You think because you paid off my debts, I owe you my life?"

Enzo smirked, slow and deliberate. "Just as I owe you mine."

Julian scoffed; the sound harsher than he intended. "That’s not how this works. I took an oath; to save lives, not to be owned by the people I help."

Enzo chuckled, low and dark. "Oaths are just words, Julian. And words mean nothing without power behind them." His gaze sharpened. "You saved me. That makes you valuable. And I don’t waste what’s valuable."

Julian exhaled sharply, gripping the armrests of his chair. "So that’s it? You’re keeping me because I’m useful?"

Enzo tilted his head, watching him with something unreadable in his expression. "Should there be another reason?"

Julian hesitated. He wanted to push back, to argue, but the weight of Enzo’s presence, the unwavering way hewatchedhim, made it impossible to find the right words.

"You analyze too much," Enzo murmured, his voice dangerously soft. "Always looking for logic. For reason. Tell me, does it make you feel in control?"

Julian’s breath caught, but he forced himself to hold Enzo’s gaze. "Iamin control."

Enzo’s smirk deepened, something almost appreciative in his expression. "Then why are your hands shaking?"

Julian stiffened, instinctively curling his fingers against the fabric of his sleeve. He hadn’t noticed the slight tremor.

The fire popped loudly in the hearth, but Julian barely registered it. His heart pounded as Enzo reached forward, his fingers ghosting over Julian’s wrist, light as a whisper. It was nothing, just a touch, barely there. And yet, it sent a shiver racing through him.

"Go ahead," Enzo said, voice softer now, almost mocking. "Keep trying to understand me, if that’s what you want." His fingers lingered for just a second longer and then he pulled away. "But just know… the more you try, the deeper you’ll fall." he said before leaving the room.

Julian exhaled slowly, staring at the space where Enzo’s touch had been.

Maybe, he thought,he already did.

Chapter 20

Breaking Point

Enzo sat behind the grand mahogany desk in his office, his fingers drumming idly against the polished surface. The dim lighting cast deep shadows across the room, the only real illumination coming from the city lights filtering through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The air smelled faintly of whiskey and leather, the remnants of a half-finished drink sitting within reach.

He was patient, he had to be in his line of work, but tonight, anticipation coiled tight in his chest.

A knock at the door. Sharp. Impatient.

"Come in," Enzo called, already knowing who it was.

Julian entered, his expression wary, his shoulders tense as if bracing for another battle. He had barely stepped inside before he crossed his arms and fixed Enzo with a tired glare. "What do you want, Enzo?"

Enzo smirked at the immediate hostility, but his voice remained calm. "Sit down."

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