CHAPTER NINE
Lines That Bleed
Matteo did not sleep.
He stood on the terrace long after the estate went quiet, the city spread beneath him like a living thing that never truly rested. His cigarette burned down to the filter untouched. He crushed it out and stared at his hands as if they belonged to someone else.
He had crossed a line.
Not with words. With want.
That was worse.
Below him, the guards changed shifts. Footsteps echoed. Somewhere inside, Alessandro moved through rooms that belonged to him like breath belonged to lungs.
And Seraphina was in those rooms.
Wearing that dress.
Looking at Alessandro the way Matteo had seen too many women look at him before they were broken or buried.
Except Seraphina was neither.
That was the problem.
He turned as footsteps approached.
You are awake late, Alessandro said.
Matteo straightened instantly. Respect snapped back into place like muscle memory.
Boss.
Alessandro joined him at the railing, eyes on the city. The air between them was tight. Charged.
You watched her tonight, Alessandro said casually.
Matteo's jaw set.
I watch everything.
No.
Alessandro turned his head slightly.
You watched her.
A beat passed.
She is a target, Matteo replied carefully. Attention is inevitable.
Is that what you felt.
Matteo did not answer.
Alessandro exhaled slowly.
Do not make me ask twice.
Matteo finally looked at him.
She is dangerous, he said. Not because of enemies. Because of you.
Alessandro's gaze sharpened.
Explain.
You have never let anyone stand where she stands. Not beside you. Not seen. Not protected like this.
She is not anyone.
That is exactly my point.
Silence stretched.
Then Alessandro said quietly, You are my right hand. My brother in everything but blood.
I know.
Do not become my enemy.
Matteo's voice was steady.
I would die before that.
Good.
Because I will not forgive betrayal.
Matteo nodded once.
Understood.
Alessandro turned to leave, then paused.
And Matteo.
Yes, boss.
If you ever touch what is mine.
The threat was not finished.
Matteo met his eyes.
I would rather cut off my own hand.
Alessandro studied him for a long moment. Then nodded and walked away.
Matteo remained on the terrace long after the door closed.
Inside, Seraphina stood by the mirror, slowly removing her jewelry. Her reflection looked calm. Too calm.
She had seen it.
The way Alessandro had stiffened. The way Matteo had retreated. The invisible tension humming like a live wire.
She had not imagined it.
She was the spark.
A knock came.
Come in.
Alessandro entered. His jacket was gone. His expression was controlled to the point of violence.
You should rest.
She turned.
You spoke to him.
Yes.
About me.
Yes.
She folded her arms.
What did you say.
That he was forgetting himself.
Her lips pressed together.
And what did he say.
That he would never betray me.
You.
Her gaze held his.
Which one matters more.
Alessandro stepped closer.
Do not twist this.
I am not. I am asking.
His voice dropped.
You belong with me.
She laughed softly.
I am not a territory.
No.
You are a risk.
He reached out, stopping just short of touching her.
I have lost men I loved because of hesitation.
I will not lose you because of curiosity.
Is that what this is to you.
Curiosity.
His eyes darkened.
It is temptation.
That word sat heavy between them.
She stepped past him and opened the door.
I need air.
Seraphina.
She did not stop.
She walked the corridor barefoot, the cool stone grounding her racing thoughts. She reached the garden doors and pushed them open.
Night wrapped around her.
She did not expect Matteo.
He stood near the fountain, jacket discarded, sleeves rolled up, hands braced on stone like he was holding himself in place.
You should not be out here alone, he said without turning.
Funny. That sounds familiar.
He turned slowly.
I hoped it was you.
She approached cautiously.
Did you.
Yes.
You should not.
I know.
She stopped a few feet away.
Alessandro warned you.
He did.
And yet here you are.
Matteo straightened.
I wanted to apologize.
For what.
For looking at you like something I could want.
Her chest tightened.
Honesty again. Dangerous honesty.
I am not something, she said quietly.
I know. That is why it is difficult.
She studied his face. The scars. The restraint. The man who had built his entire existence around control and loyalty.
You love him, she said.
Matteo did not deny it.
In the way soldiers love generals, he said. In the way men love leaders who save them from becoming monsters.
And me.
He hesitated.
I want you in a way I have no right to.
The admission cracked something open.
She took a step back.
This ends badly.
Everything here does.
She wrapped her arms around herself.
You think you see me clearer than he does.
I think I see what he refuses to.
Which is.
That you are not built to be owned.
She swallowed.
You think he owns me.
Matteo stepped closer, stopping where Alessandro never would.
I think he would burn the world to keep you.
She looked away.
And you.
I would let it burn if it meant you lived.
That made her breath catch.
Footsteps sounded behind them.
Alessandro.
He took in the scene in a second. Distance. Posture. Expression.
He smiled.
A cold, dangerous thing.
So this is how it begins.
Seraphina turned.
It is not what you think.
It is exactly what I think.
Matteo stepped forward.
Boss, this is on me.
Alessandro's eyes never left Seraphina.
Is it.
She lifted her chin.
I did not invite this. But I will not pretend I did not feel it.
Silence exploded.
Alessandro laughed once.
Then we are done pretending.
He stepped toward Matteo.
Leave us.
Boss—
Now.
Matteo hesitated only a second before backing away.
As he passed Seraphina, his voice was barely audible.
Be careful who you give your heart to.
Then he was gone.
Alessandro turned to her.
You enjoy chaos.
I enjoy truth.
Truth gets people killed.
So does love.
His jaw tightened.
Say his name.
Why.
Say it.
She held his gaze.
Matteo.
Something dark flared in Alessandro's eyes.
Good.
She frowned.
Good.
Because now you understand something very important.
Which is.
You are no longer the only man willing to bleed for me.
The words hit like a challenge.
Alessandro stepped closer until there was no space left.
Then I suppose I should remind you who you belong to.
She pushed against his chest.
I do not belong to anyone.
He caught her wrists gently but firmly.
Then remind me why I am the one you choose.
The night watched as three lives bent toward collision.
And somewhere in the dark, loyalty cracked.