CHAPTER FOUR (ELI'S POV)

One thing I have come to learn in my story time at the Rossi mansion is that the hallways had ears. If your loyalty is doubted even for a second, you will join the blood of the people used to build the empire.

The first step of my mission was to get in, the second was to gain their trust dn from the look of things, I was on the right track.

So here I was, standing in front of the dinning table, my body still sore from my training session with Matteo. Bruises had become a part of me now, he always made sure to leave a mark like the masochist that he was. He left marks that wouldn't fade for days and always made sure to add new ones. I caught him staring at them with a sick, twisted smile on his face on several occasions.

Luca and Matteo were like fire and ice. One made calculated cold moves while the other ripped things apart.

And now, they were both watching me keenly.

“You’ve proven yourself,” Luca finally said, his deep, soft voice echoing in the dining room. “You’re an excellent fighter. You don’t hesitate to take orders. But most importantly…” His fingers drummed against the polished wood table, a rhythm that I've noticed he does subconsciously. I needed to find out what it meant. “You know when to keep your mouth shut.”

I remained silent.

Matteo made a sound of irritation like a cold about to throw a tantrum, he downed his glass of whiskey. "That’s the fucking problem," he muttered, tilting his chair back. “He barely speaks. It’s annoying.”

I didn’t react.

Matteo smirked, like he was waiting for me to snap.

Luca ignored him and slid a folder across the table. “Starting today, you’ll be my personal guard.”

What?!

My fingers twitched at my sides in excitement.

This is what I have been waiting for. An opportunity.

Matteo raised a brow, his lips tilting up in amusement. "That’s a big promotion for a fucking nobody."

Luca shrugged. “He has the skills. A military background. No attachments. And unlike most of our men, he doesn’t run his mouth.”

Matteo hummed then proceeded to scan me in a way that was both lustful and dutiful. He was sizing me up and feasting his eyes on what he wanted to devour.

He was always looking for any crack. Any form of weakness that he could latch on to and consume.

When he found none, he exhaled. “I don’t trust him,” Matteo said.

Luca's lips twitched, something that I have come to realize is the closest thing to a smile that the man can muster. "Neither do I. But I trust that he values his life."

Matteo chuckled, the sound dark and filled with amusement. “I don't like him being silent all the time.” he murmured. "But I'll fix that."

His gaze flicked to mine with something wicked gleaming in his eyes. And then—that fucking smirk.

"I’ll make you scream soon enough, Eli."

Heat pooled in me and my member twitched slightly. I took a deep breath to calm myself.

Matteo just made a threat. A promise.

Luca exhaled, pushing back and standing up from the table. "We leave in an hour. Get ready."

And with that, he was gone, leaving me alone with Matteo.

The room was too quiet.

Then slowly, Matteo pushed his chair backwards and stood up. I didn't move as he stalked towards me.

He stopped a foot away from me. “You think you’re unbreakable.” he murmured, voice low, dangerous.

My jaw clenched.

He chuckled, fingers grazing the hem of my shirt, barely. “Don’t worry, little soldier," he whispered, his lips brushing my ear. "I’ll break you eventually."

And then—he was gone.

***

An hour later, we were in the car heading to wherever they were taking me. I sat in the passenger seat, Matteo at the back— thankfully and Luca in the driver's seat.

The first half of the ride was quiet, I was happy to finally be catching a break but I was wrong.

Luca placed a hand on my thigh making me stiffen. Matteo was the one who harassed me so a touch from luca was foreign.

The heat radiating from his palm was seeping deep into my bones.

Slowly, his hand went further up until he was close to my groin. I stifled a moan that threatened to escape.

I was disappointed in myself. The man had barely touched me and I was a withering mess, this wasn't me.

He gently massaged my thigh making my breathing pick up.

“Well what do we have here?” The devil, Matteo, just had to speak up. Further deepening my embarrassment. “The little soldier is enjoying it.”

Luca hummed in agreement then his hand suddenly cupped my member and he squeezed making me throw my head back and moan. “Wonderful.”

I didn't realize we had arrived and parked until he withdrew his hand and got out. “We're here.”

I closed my eyes, willing the embarrassment to vanish but then, I felt a hot breath on my ear.

“You make nice noises. Can't wait to hear more of them.” Matteo licked my ear then got down.

Oh boy.