Elijah doesn't know what Dominic's deal is.
One moment, the guy is grabbing his wrist, looking ready to tear someone apart.
The next? He just walks away.
No threats. No scolding. Just silence.
And honestly? It's weird.
Not that Elijah cares.
Because he doesn't.
Not one bit.
---
Morning After - University Campus
Elijah stretches, slinging his backpack over one shoulder as he walks onto campus.
"Dude." His best friend, Leo, jogs up to him. "What the hell did you do?"
Elijah raises a brow. "What?"
Leo glances around, lowering his voice. "You seriously don't know? You pissed off Moretti."
Elijah scoffs. "Yeah, right. The guy's probably forgotten I exist by now."
Leo gives him a look. "You mean Dominic Moretti? The guy who owns half the damn city? The one who doesn't let people 'accidentally' piss him off?"
Elijah waves him off. "Relax. If he wanted me dead, I wouldn't be standing here, would I?"
Leo groans. "Man, sometimes I swear you've got a death wish."
Elijah just grins.
Because seriously. What's the worst that could happen?
---
Moretti Enterprises - Dominic's Office
"You're too soft on him."
Dominic doesn't look up from his desk as Vincent speaks.
"I mean it, boss," Vincent continues. "He doesn't respect you."
Dominic's jaw tightens.
That isn't true.
Elijah doesn't fear him, sure.
He doesn't obey. He doesn't hesitate. He doesn't look at Dominic like everyone else does.
But respect? Elijah respects no one.
And that?
That pisses Dominic off more than he'd like to admit.
---
Elijah's Apartment - Late Night
Elijah drops onto his couch, rubbing his temples.
He's been feeling off all day.
Like someone's watching him.
Like he's being followed.
It's probably nothing.
Probably.
Until his phone buzzes.
[Unknown Number]: "Go to bed early tonight."
Elijah stares. What. The. Fuck.
Before he can even react-
Another text.
[Unknown Number]: "Don't make me come over there."
Elijah freezes.
Because there's only one person who would say that.
Dominic.
And Elijah?
Elijah suddenly realizes maybe he should be a little more scared.
Elijah should probably be scared.
Most people would be.
Dominic Moretti is a dangerous man. A man people whisper about, fear, avoid.
And yet-
Elijah just finds him annoying.
Like a strict parent he never asked for.
Like a guard dog he never needed.
So, naturally-he ignores him.
And that?
That pisses Dominic off.
---
The University Bar - 10:32 PM
Elijah is drunk.
Not blackout drunk. Just the right amount-the kind where everything feels funnier, where bad decisions seem like great ideas.
Which is why, when he sees a group of men eyeing him from across the bar, he doesn't think twice before winking at one of them.
Leo groans. "Dude, what are you doing?"
Elijah smirks, taking a sip of his drink. "Having fun?"
Leo rubs his face. "Those guys don't look like the 'fun' type."
Elijah shrugs. "Relax. It's just a drink."
It is not just a drink.
Because fifteen minutes later-
Elijah finds himself pushed up against the back alley wall.
And not in a sexy way.
The guy-tall, broad, sketchy as hell-grins down at him. "You're bolder than you look, huh?"
Elijah does not like this.
He tries to move, but the guy's grip tightens.
"You're Moretti's little toy, aren't you?"
Elijah blinks. Wait. What?
Before he can process that-
A gun cocks.
And suddenly-
The guy isn't touching him anymore.
Because Dominic is here.
And he looks murderous.
---
Dominic's Fury
Elijah barely has time to react before Dominic grabs him by the wrist.
Hard.
Pulling him away, dragging him into the waiting car.
Elijah blinks. "Whoa, whoa-what the hell? I was handling it!"
Dominic slams the car door shut.
Silence.
The air is suffocating.
And then-
Dominic speaks.
"You don't get to be reckless."
Elijah scoffs. "Oh, so now I need your permission to exist?"
Dominic's jaw tightens.
"You have no idea how many people want you dead."
Elijah rolls his eyes. "Yeah, yeah, scary mafia men, blah blah-"
Dominic moves.
Fast. Too fast.
One second, he's sitting across from Elijah.
The next?
He's leaning over him.
Hand gripping Elijah's chin, forcing him to look at him.
Elijah's breath catches.
Dominic's voice is low, furious.
"You think this is a game?"
Elijah doesn't answer.
Because for the first time-
He's not sure anymore.
Elijah doesn't like this.
Not the way Dominic is looking at him. Not the way his grip on Elijah's chin tightens just enough to make a point.
And definitely not the way his heart just skipped a beat.
This is not happening.
Not now. Not ever.
Elijah scoffs, slapping Dominic's hand away. "Chill, man. You act like I almost died or something."
Dominic's eyes darken.
"You did."
---
The Ride Home – Tension in the Air
Elijah sits in the backseat, arms crossed, as Dominic stares out the window. Silent. Unmoving.
Vincent is driving, wisely keeping his mouth shut.
Elijah sighs, tapping his fingers against his knee. "Alright, fine. I get it. The guy was sketchy. Whatever. Can I go now?"
Dominic's voice is calm. Too calm.
"No."
Elijah blinks. "Uh… excuse me?"
Dominic turns to him. "You don't get to walk around like you're untouchable. Not when people know your name. Not when they think you belong to me."
Elijah's stomach flips.
He forces a laugh. "Yeah, well, news flash—I don't."
Dominic's lips curl slightly.
"Don't you?"
What the fuck does that mean?!
Elijah stares at him, heart pounding. "Listen, man. I don't know what kind of weird mafia logic you've got going on, but I don't belong to anyone."
Dominic hums, leaning back in his seat. Smug.
"Sure."
And somehow—that pisses Elijah off even more.
---
Moretti's Estate – A Forced Stay
Elijah was supposed to be dropped home.
Instead?
He finds himself being dragged into Dominic's ridiculously huge mansion.
"What the hell?" Elijah protests, yanking at Dominic's grip. "Dude, I have classes tomorrow!"
"You're staying here tonight," Dominic says smoothly, like it's not a big deal.
Elijah glares. "Says who?"
"Says me."
Elijah growls. "Oh, bite me, Moretti."
Dominic leans in, voice low, teasing.
"Don't tempt me, Eli."
Elijah's face burns.
He hates that stupid nickname.
He hates the way Dominic says it.
And most of all he hates that it's starting to get to him.