CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT (ELI'S POV)

The gun was still in my hand as I stared at Marco Vasquez’s lifeless body laying lifeless at my feet, a dark pool of his blood  spreading beneath him, soaking into the wood of the docks.

I should have felt something, maybe guilt, regret or even fear.

But all I felt was relief.

I had done it.

I had finally cut ties with the last piece of my old life and I was finally free.

And more importantly, I was theirs.

I heard the sound of footsteps approaching from behind me. I knew who it was before I even turned around.

Luca and Matteo. 

They walked slowly and came to a stop. For a brief moment the night air was filled with nothing but silence. Luca was the first to speak. “Are you okay?”

I blinked. It was a strange question, I had just murdered my boss and I ought to have been shaken but I wasn't.

I finally turned to look up at him and said the honest truth. “I feel nothing.”

Matteo smirked. “Good boy.”

My stomach flipped. It was such a simple and effortless praise that I have been badly craving for so long. It warmed my insides hearing it.

It was all I had wanted.

Luca studied me, those piercing eyes searching for something. When he didn’t find whatever it was, he nodded approvingly. “You did well, Elias.”

My heart jumped.

I had done well.

For them.

That was all that mattered.

The dock creaked beneath my boots as I took a hesitant step forward. I swallowed, suddenly feeling nervous. I had to know. I had to ask.

My voice was barely above a whisper. “Have I earned your forgiveness?”

Matteo and Luca exchanged a look. Then without a word, Luca took a step towards me, reached out, his fingers holding under my chin, tilting my head up before his lips pressed against mine—firm, possessive, claiming.

I melted. He tasted like power. Like dominance. Like mine.

All mine.

He pulled away after some minutes and before I could recover, Matteo pulled me into his embrace, his kiss was rougher, teeth grazing my bottom lip asking for access which I granted him. I moaned as his warm tongue slid inside my mouth, I tried to fight for control but he easily subdued me and I melted into him. He made sure to bite my lip hard before he pulled back with a smirk.

“You’re officially ours,” he murmured.

I shivered.

“Ours to share.” Luca’s voice was velvet-smooth.

“Ours to spoil.” Matteo’s hand slid down my back.

Then smack. A sharp sting bloomed across my ass.

I yelped, eyes wide, and Matteo only grinned, squeezing the flesh in his palm.

I should have been embarrassed. But I wasn’t. I was theirs, every single inch of me and I loved it.

Matteo leaned in, his breath fanning against my ear. “Our men will take care of the body.”

His fingers trailed down my spine, teasing me in a way that made me imagine a lot of dangerous things.

“You, on the other hand…”

I swallowed hard.

He chuckled, dark and hungry. “Tonight, I’m going to wreck your body in ways you’ve never imagined.”

A shiver ran through me.

I was so, so screwed.

And I couldn’t wait.

***

The walk back to the mansion was slow— unhurried. We walked through the forest leading back to the house, the night air was cool and the smell of damp earth filled the air but all I could focus on was the heat radiating from the two men beside me.

Matteo’s fingers brushed against my lower back, deliberate and teasing, and every time I inhaled, I swore Luca was just a little bit closer.

I was caught between them. Exactly where I wanted to be.

"Can’t believe you actually did it," Matteo muttered, his voice laced with something that almost sounded like admiration.

I arched my brow. "Did you doubt me?"

He smirked. "Not doubt. Just thought you'd be a little messier about it."

Luca hummed. "Mm. Would’ve been a shame if you’d gotten blood on that pretty face of yours."

I flushed, my stomach flipping at the casual compliment.

Matteo, however, scoffed. "Shame? Please. It would’ve been hot."

Luca shot him a flat look. "Matteo, your type is literally anyone who looks like they’ve committed a felony."

I snorted. I wasn’t sure what was more surprising, the fact that Luca had cracked a joke or the way Matteo actually looked offended.

"That’s not true." Matteo folded his arms. "I have standards."

Luca smirked. "Oh? Like what?"

Matteo pointed at me. "Like him."

My breath hitched.

Luca chuckled lowly, shaking his head as he nudged me forward. "Come on, pretty boy. Let’s get you home before Matteo decides to devour you right here."

Matteo grinned, eyes glinting in the darkness. "Tempting."

I swallowed.

Very.