The car ride was silent.
Not the peaceful kind.
The kind that suffocates.
Dominic's grip on the steering wheel was tight, his knuckles white. Elijah sat beside him, arms crossed, eyes glaring out the window.
The tension was so thick, it could break.
Then—
"You're hurting me."
Dominic's head snapped toward Elijah. His grip on Elijah's wrist had tightened without him realizing it.
He let go—reluctantly.
"Elijah," his voice was low, strained, "what the hell were you thinking?"
Elijah scoffed. "I was thinking about having a drink. Didn't know I needed your permission."
Dominic's jaw clenched. "With Matteo Romano?"
Elijah shrugged. "Didn't seem like a big deal."
Dominic slammed the brakes.
The car jerked to a stop on the empty road.
Silence.
Elijah turned to face him, startled but defiant. "Are you crazy?"
Dominic's eyes burned. "You don't know what he's capable of."
Elijah held his gaze. "Then tell me."
Dominic exhaled sharply. "He's not interested in just conversation, Elijah. He's playing a game, and you're the prize."
Elijah rolled his eyes. "Wow. Didn't know I was that special."
Dominic's hand shot up, gripping Elijah's chin, forcing him to look at him.
"You are."
Elijah's breath hitched.
Dominic's gaze burned into him, intense, possessive.
"You're mine, Elijah."
Elijah's heart pounded. Too fast. Too loud.
"Who said I was?" he muttered.
Dominic leaned closer, his breath hot against Elijah's lips.
"I did."
Elijah's lips parted slightly. He should pull away. Should.
But Dominic's eyes held him captive.
Then—
Dominic released him and leaned back, gripping the steering wheel.
"Stay away from Matteo."
Elijah scoffed. "You don't own me."
Dominic's smirk was dark. "Don't I?"
Elijah hated the way his stomach fluttered.
This was dangerous. Too dangerous.
And yet…
He couldn't look away.
Elijah didn't sleep that night.
Dominic's words lingered in his head.
"You're mine, Elijah."
What the hell did that even mean?
Elijah scoffed, rolling over in bed. He shouldn't care. Didn't care.
And yet…
His skin still tingled from Dominic's touch.
He groaned, sitting up. "I need a distraction."
---
The Invitation
Morning came too fast.
Elijah walked onto campus, yawning, when his phone buzzed.
Unknown Number: Hope you slept well, bello.
Elijah frowned. Bello?
Unknown Number: Meet me for coffee? Just a friendly chat.
A second later, a photo followed.
Matteo Romano—sitting outside a café near campus.
Elijah hesitated.
Dominic's warning echoed in his head.
"Stay away from Matteo."
But Elijah? Elijah hated being told what to do.
So he typed back: On my way.
A Game of Words
The café was quiet when Elijah walked in. Matteo sat by the window, wearing that easy, charming smile.
"Elijah," Matteo greeted smoothly, standing as Elijah approached. "Glad you came."
Elijah slid into the chair across from him. "Well, you asked nicely."
Matteo chuckled. "I always do."
A waitress appeared, setting down two cups. "For you, sir."
Elijah blinked. "You ordered for me?"
Matteo smiled. "I pay attention."
Elijah eyed him. "Creepy."
Matteo laughed, leaning back. "Or flattering."
Elijah took a sip. Okay, maybe the guy had good taste.
"So," he said, "why exactly am I here?"
Matteo tilted his head. "Can't a man enjoy good company?"
Elijah narrowed his eyes. "You're Dominic's enemy."
Matteo smiled. "Is that what he told you?"
Elijah hesitated. "Isn't it true?"
Matteo leaned in. "Let's just say… Dominic and I like playing the same games. Only difference? I play to win."
Elijah's stomach twisted. He wasn't stupid. Matteo was dangerous.
But…
There was something about him. Something calculated.
Something Dominic hated.
Matteo smirked. "Tell me, Elijah. Do you always do what Dominic says?"
Elijah frowned. "Of course not."
Matteo's eyes gleamed. "Good."
Before Elijah could respond, a dark shadow fell over the table.
His blood ran cold.
Dominic stood there, eyes burning.
And he was furious.
Elijah barely had time to react before Dominic's hand gripped his wrist.
Firm. Unyielding. Possessive.
"Get up," Dominic's voice was low, deadly.
Elijah's stomach flipped. "Excuse me?"
Dominic's eyes didn't move from Matteo. They were locked in a silent war.
Matteo, of course, smirked.
"Dominic, always so dramatic." He sipped his coffee, completely unfazed. "Relax, we're just talking."
Dominic's grip tightened.
Elijah winced. "Damn it, let go!"
Dominic's eyes flicked to him then—sharp, unreadable.
"Elijah. Now."
Elijah pulled his wrist back, his temper flaring.
"I'm not a damn pet, Dominic! You don't get to order me around!"
Matteo chuckled. "That's what I like about him."
Dominic's jaw clenched. "Shut the hell up, Matteo."
Matteo just shrugged, looking amused. "Touchy."
Elijah exhaled hard. "I came here on my own. You don't control me."
Dominic turned to him then, dangerously close.
"Elijah." His voice was low, almost a whisper. "Do you have any idea who you're playing with?"
Elijah hesitated. Matteo wasn't safe.
But Dominic's jealousy? That pissed him off.
He crossed his arms. "Maybe I like playing games too."
Dominic's fist slammed onto the table.
The cups rattled. A few people turned to stare.
Matteo grinned. "Now, now. Let's not cause a scene."
Dominic ignored him, eyes locked onto Elijah's. Burning. Furious. Desperate.
"Elijah," he said, voice raw, "you don't understand. He's not just some guy. He—"
"Alright, alright," Matteo cut in, waving a hand lazily. "I think Elijah's heard enough of your warnings."
Dominic's breathing was heavy. Controlled rage.
Matteo smirked. "Maybe he should decide for himself."
Silence.
A tense, heavy silence.
Then Elijah did something reckless.
He looked Matteo dead in the eyes and said—
"Maybe I will."
Dominic froze.
Matteo's smirk widened. "I like you, bello."
Dominic snapped.
In the next second, Matteo was shoved back against the wall, Dominic's forearm against his throat.
The café erupted in gasps.
Elijah shot up from his seat. "Dominic, stop!"
But Dominic didn't even flinch. His voice was low, menacing.
"You think this is a joke?"
Matteo coughed but still grinned. "Oh, I know it's not."
Dominic's grip tightened.
"Stay. The fuck. Away. From him."
Matteo chuckled, even as the pressure increased.
"Scared I'll take him from you?"
Dominic's eyes flashed murderous.
Elijah grabbed his arm. "Dominic! Let him go!"
It took a second—one second—for Dominic to snap out of it.
He released Matteo roughly, stepping back.
Matteo laughed softly, rubbing his neck. "Damn, I love pissing you off."
Dominic was breathing hard.
Elijah glared at him. "Are you insane?"
Dominic turned to him, expression unreadable.
"Elijah." His voice was dangerous. "Get in the car. Now."
Elijah hesitated.
Dominic's eyes darkened. "I won't ask
again."