Emilio slammed the door behind him, his breath coming in sharp, uneven gasps.
His body was still on fire—not just from the party, but from Matteo.
From his touch.
From his mouth.
From the way he claimed him in front of a room full of dangerous men.
His fingers trembled as he ripped off his tie, pacing the dimly lit apartment. "What the hell am I doing?" he muttered, pressing his palms to his burning face.
Matteo was dangerous.
Matteo was obsessive.
And worst of all?
Matteo had made him want it.
A shiver ran down his spine. No. He had to shake this. He had to—
A knock.
No.
Not a knock.
A lazy, deliberate thump against the door.
Emilio froze.
His pulse spiked.
He knew.
He knew who it was.
Another knock, slower this time.
"Tesoro."
Matteo's voice was silk and sin, smooth as whiskey, dark as the night pressing against the windows.
Emilio's fingers curled into fists. "Go away."
A deep chuckle. "Now, that's a lie."
Silence stretched, heavy, charged.
Then—
A quiet click.
Emilio's breath hitched.
The door unlocked.
His stomach dropped.
Matteo pushed it open, stepping inside like he owned the place. Like he owned Emilio.
Black suit, loose tie, red eyes locked onto their prize.
Emilio took a step back. "How—?"
Matteo held up a key, twirling it between his fingers. Mocking. Amused.
"You left your coat in my car," he said, tossing the key onto the counter. "Sloppy mistake, bello."
Emilio's jaw clenched. "Get out."
Matteo just smirked. "Why?"
He took a step forward.
Emilio took one back.
Another step.
Another retreat.
Until Emilio's back hit the wall.
Until Matteo was right there, close enough to steal the air from his lungs.
His hands braced on either side of Emilio's head, caging him in. Daring him to run.
"You don't want me to leave." Matteo's voice was a whisper, a taunt, a promise.
Emilio swallowed hard. "I—"
Matteo leaned in, breath brushing against his throat.
"You smell like me," he murmured, low and pleased.
Emilio's breath hitched.
Matteo's lips ghosted against his skin. Not touching. Just teasing.
"You ran," Matteo continued. "But here's the thing, tesoro…"
His mouth curved into a smirk.
"I always catch what's mine."