Emilio barely had time to react before Matteo's grip tightened, yanking him back against a wall of heat and control.
The conversation around them faded. The music? A distant hum.
All Emilio could focus on was the way Matteo held him—one arm wrapped around his waist, the other resting on his throat.
Not tight.
Not rough.
But firm enough to remind him exactly who he belonged to.
Leonardo smirked, swirling his wine. "So possessive, Matteo. I thought you didn't keep pets."
Matteo chuckled. "Who said anything about keeping?" His fingers traced along Emilio's jaw, a mocking caress. "I take. And I don't like when people touch what's mine."
Emilio flinched at the word.
Mine.
A single word, yet it sent shivers down his spine.
Leonardo exhaled a laugh. "Does he know what you are?"
Matteo tilted his head. "Does it matter?"
Leonardo's gaze flicked back to Emilio. Hungry. Curious.
And Matteo?
Matteo saw it.
Felt it.
Hated it.
"Actually," Matteo mused, dragging Emilio even closer. "Let me make something clear…"
Then—
His lips brushed Emilio's throat.
Slow.
Intentional.
A touch that was barely a kiss, yet sent heat spiraling through Emilio's body.
He sucked in a sharp breath.
Matteo felt it.
Smirked against his skin.
Leonardo raised an eyebrow. "Interesting."
Matteo's mouth curved against Emilio's throat. "Oh, it's more than interesting."
Then—
He bit him.
Not hard.
Not enough to mark.
But enough to make Emilio shudder.
Enough to make the air thick with tension.
Leonardo let out a low chuckle. "Enjoy your prize, Matteo."
He turned to walk away.
Matteo finally let Emilio go, but not before whispering, low and sinful,
"I hope you liked the show, tesoro."
Emilio's breath was shaky. "You're insane."
Matteo's smirk was wicked.
"You haven't seen anything yet."