Ranger - Jericho's Boys #4 - ch. 1 & 2 (Patreon)

I was going to wait to share these, but since i realized your ARC's had the wrong chapter 1 for Ranger, I'm just going to put them out there. The storyline has changed slightly, Enzo isn't quite the asshole he was. I hope. He's still a douche but tolerable.

Unbeta'd/Unedited.

Chapter 1

Enzo

“You sure you know what you’re doing?” 

Lorenzo Conti raised a brow at his brother. Lucian—Lucky to those who knew him—sat slouched in a chair on the other side of Enzo’s desk, his dirty boots kicked up on the corner. He wore dark denim jeans and a black polo shirt, his gun and badge clipped to his hip. He looked out of place in the fancy chrome and marble decor of Blackwood, Thorne & Fairchild, the law office where Enzo had worked for the better part of his career. 

“I don’t know what you mean,” Enzo said, gaze darting through the glass wall of his office for the hundredth time. 

Figures, the kid would be late. It was probably a good thing, considering Lucky didn’t look like he planned on leaving anytime soon. Why would he go to work when he could sit around and lecture Enzo? Of course, like Enzo, Lucky’s real job often involved not doing the cover job that paid his bills. That was just how it was in their family. 

Lucky snorted. “I mean don’t shit where you eat, asshat.” 

“Charming,” Enzo said, straightening his tie. He refused to mention how that particular ship had already sailed. “I know what I’m doing.” 

Lucky grimaced. “Every time you say that, my eye twitches.” 

“Maybe you should see a doctor,” Enzo quipped. 

His brother heaved a sigh, running a hand over his close-cropped brown hair, agitated. “This isn’t one of your little fuckbois you play with at Eden. This kid comes with strings. And those strings are attached on either side by two very powerful allies: Navarro and the Mulvaneys. Mama will be pissed if you fuck up her relationship with either.” 

Enzo rolled his eyes. “You get you’re not the oldest, right?”

“What?” Lucky spit. 

“You’re not the boss of me,” Enzo said mockingly, making a face at his brother. 

“Well, since the oldest is probably somewhere licking paint off the walls, you’re stuck with me. I’m just trying to save you. If you fuck up the delicate ecosystem she’s taken two decades to create, Mama will literally kill you. Without hesitation. I’m serious. She pops out babies like a Pez dispenser. She will murder you, let Dante cremate you, and make another one who looks just like you without even breaking a sweat.” 

Enzo gave him a pissy look. “She can’t. Dad’s dead. The best she can hope for is a cheap knock-off version of me. Besides, I’m her favorite.” 

Lucky snorted. “Elio’s her favorite. You’re just the most useful.” He waved a hand. “Well, aside from me.” 

Mama would say they all had their uses. And she was right. But, in this particular instance, Lucky was also right. Playing with one of Jericho’s boys would probably be a mistake. But Enzo couldn’t just let it go. He couldn’t just let him go. Still, if Mama found out Enzo was planning on turning Seven into one of his subs, she would likely put him on the menu right next to Nona’s famous lasagna. Of course, if she knew he’d already had a taste, she would make sure he suffered first.  

But the kid had started it. Hell, he’d practically begged for it, sitting in that meeting vibrating with his need for attention. All pouty and sullen, making little comments under his breath like a total brat. If Lucky thought Enzo could resist an invitation like that, he didn’t know him at all. Besides, if the biggest concern was him using the kid as a cheap one-night stand, then there was nothing to worry about. He’d technically already done that. 

No, that wasn’t true. The kid had used him as a one-night stand. And Enzo hadn’t been able to get him out of his head since. He’d been so sweet, so hot, so desperate, clawing at him and begging. They’d both gotten what they wanted out of it. Hell, somehow, Seven had even convinced Enzo to get his mom to give Levi a job at her restaurant. 

And Enzo had actually done it. 

But despite calling him Daddy that whole night, it was clear Seven was not in the community. He wasn’t a trained sub. He certainly had never been in a contracted relationship. Enzo had resigned himself to keeping the kid as strictly spank-bank material going forward. He figured the kid felt the same since he hadn’t reached out to Enzo either. 

Until last night. 

The kid had been on Enzo’s mind so much, he’d made a deal with himself: if the kid never called him again, he’d let him be, but if he reached out, he’d make him an offer. What could it hurt to ask? They were both adults. 

He liked Seven. He was gorgeous, smart, funny. But Enzo wasn’t going to waste time training the brat just for the possibility of a few random hook-ups. Enzo had thought long and hard—mostly, with his dick in his hand—about how he could see Seven again, but on his terms. Seven was busy, too. He probably didn’t want a relationship any more than Enzo did. He had law school, his friends…his extracurricular unalivings for Navarro. It was probably why the kid had ghosted him for the last two weeks.

He’d had no expectations when he’d handed Seven his business card with his cell phone scrawled on the back. The way he’d slunk off, barely willing to look at Enzo, he figured he’d never hear from him again. The boy had clearly seen their meeting going much differently. With those pretty green eyes and all that gorgeous golden skin, he was probably used to crooking his little finger and having a dozen men fall all over themselves. 

Enzo was not one of those men. He demanded obedience. His subs didn’t talk back, didn’t say no, and they certainly didn’t brat in private, much less in public like he had. Seven’s behavior had immediately put him on Enzo’s no list. But then the kid had melted the moment Enzo put him in his place, all sulky and sad but so malleable. The way he’d said “yes, sir,” all grumpy and sullen. The way he’d shuddered when Enzo had called him a good boy. Enzo had spent that whole meeting fighting a hard-on. 

He hadn’t expected him to call as quickly as he had. He hadn’t expected him to ask to come over. He certainly hadn’t expected that they’d fall into bed almost immediately. But that is exactly what had happened. And it was incredible. Seven was incredible. 

Enzo gave his brother an impatient look. “I know what I’m doing. This isn’t going to be a casual thing. I plan on keeping him around for a while. If he survives training, anyway.”

“The fact that you have to train someone to date you is fucking creepy, dude.” 

“Tell me you know nothing about BDSM without telling me you know nothing about BDSM,” Enzo shot back. 

“I know enough to know that you’re a dick,” Lucky said. 

Enzo could feel the muscle of his jaw starting to twitch. “Look, everything is consensual. That’s the point. They want to submit and I want to control. There’s a contract. There are terms, and when it’s over, everyone moves on with no hurt feelings. How does that make me a monster?” 

“It doesn’t make you a monster; it makes you an emotionally unavailable partner,” Lucky retorted. 

“Thanks, Dr. Phil.” 

Lucky gave him that look, the one he hated. The one where he acted like Enzo was someone to be pitied. “You’re only acting like that because you’re afraid of someone breaking your heart again.” 

Enzo rolled his eyes for what felt like the hundredth time since his brother had shown up. He wasn’t having this conversation again. “That was ten years ago. I play with trained submissives because it’s convenient, not because I’m afraid of getting my heart broken. If he wants a Daddy, I’m willing to train him, as long as we can come to an understanding about his expectations, namely, not to have any. I like this kid. He’s got sfacciataggine.” 

Lucky studied him. “You…you’re serious. You want to…date him?” 

That wasn’t exactly what Enzo was proposing, but Lucky didn’t need to know that. Still, his brother didn’t have to be a dick about it. 

Enzo’s brows furrowed together. “Why do you say that like I said I planned to kill and eat him?” 

Lucky gave a derisive snort. “Compared to dating you, cannibalism might be kinder.” 

He wasn’t wrong. Hurtful, but not wrong. 

“Whatever. Your date’s biggest danger is deflating, so keep your dating advice to yourself.” Enzo grinned. 

Lucky gave him a hard stare. “You’re serious. You’re going to keep him around? You? Have you ever had a relationship that didn’t have an expiration date? At least since—” 

“Have you ever had one that didn’t require an air pump?” Enzo fired back, cutting him off. 

Lucky’s face turned an ugly shade of red. “For the last fucking time, I told you it was an initiation prank. I don’t fuck blow-up dolls.” 

“No judgment,” Enzo said, holding up his hands in mock surrender. 

He leaned back in his chair, fingers threading together across his flat stomach. No amount of deflecting could make Lucky less right. Enzo hadn’t had a serious relationship in over a decade and he didn’t plan on starting now. That was why he played at his brother’s club. He was married to his job. Relationships took too much of his time, and no matter how much he warned his partners in advance, they all grew too clingy, too needy. 

Aftercare was one thing, but Enzo didn’t have time to deal with all the drama that came with relationships. It was always the same thing. Hurt feelings over canceled plans, crying when he wouldn’t bring them to meet his family, fury because he was secretive and tended to leave home at all hours of the night. He got why they were upset, but that was why he didn’t do relationships. 

So, now, he just played with people who understood there were terms and conditions to being with him for longer than a one-night stand. 

The beauty of Seven was that he already knew Enzo wasn’t who he said he was. He understood the need for secrecy. He could be around without fear of him overhearing something that might shock him or cause him to turn on Enzo and destroy their family. The more he thought about it, the more perfect the boy seemed. If he was willing to meet Enzo’s stipulations. Would he be willing? Would he see how this could be a beneficial thing…for both of them?

At least, that was what he’d decided when, out of the blue, Seven had texted him again last night. It wasn’t much, just three letters delivered ten minutes before midnight: WYD. 

What you doing? Enzo had stared at it for an hour, a smirk on his face. Did the kid think he would invite him over again? Exchange dick pics? Was he looking for another hook-up? Enzo disavowed him of that idea with just two words.

Try again. 

He’d jerked off later with memories of Seven bouncing on his dick, then went to sleep without checking to see if he had responded. In the morning, there was nothing. Enzo had only shrugged and gotten ready for work. It was a little past ten-thirty that morning when he’d received a new message. 

Brat Baby: How’s your day going? Did you sleep well?

God, that was so cute. Enzo had rewarded Seven’s good behavior by responding promptly. Busy. I slept about as well as I usually do. How’s your day? 

Seven responded back immediately. 

Brat Baby: Classes were canceled. Bomb scare. I’m bored. 

Enzo should have made him wait. He should have given him a polite response and then held back a few days before giving him any attention. Instead, he’d invited him to lunch that same day. Better to rip off the Band-Aid now and see if the kid was even willing to play the way Enzo wanted. It was better to be upfront about what he was willing to give.

Lucky rolled his eyes. “You and Vince are a whole other level of twisted. I don’t know how you two turned out to be such freaks while the rest of us are normal.” 

Their younger brother, Vince, owned an underground BDSM club. Lost Eden. Enzo preferred to find his playmates there since the rules were well established before anyone—them—might catch feelings. Seven was out of Enzo’s comfort zone, but there was just something about the kid he couldn’t resist, in or out of bed. 

Enzo snorted. “Normal? You’re a dirty cop whose longest relationship is with a ten-year-old basset hound named Agatha. Rafa is so high on the spectrum, his friends call him Sheldon. Oh, sorry, his friend. Singular. Gio makes junkyard dogs look like Snoopy. Dante spends his days putting people’s eyeballs on little spikes like they’re party favors. Alexi makes toys that literally kill people. And while most college kids are drinking ‘til they puke at frat parties, the twins’ idea of fun is bankrupting billion dollar corporations and redistributing their funds to overseas charities. And don’t get me started on the triplets. What about any of that is normal?” 

Lucky sighed through his nose. “Okay, fine. None of us are normal. But you and Vince are next-level kinky. At least you keep it extracurricular. Vince is such a pervert, he made it a full-time job.” 

Enzo rolled his eyes. “Who knew cops had such delicate constitutions? You make it sound like he’s a porn star and not the owner of one of the most successful clubs in the country. And don’t forget, his business is what allows us to do what we do.” 

Lucky wasn’t a hundred percent wrong about Vince. He was a bit…off. But Enzo refused to give Lucky that win. Besides, he was hardly a saint. He was a detective with major crimes at the one-ten, but his real job was keeping prying eyes off the family. Everyone had a role to play, but, for some reason, Lucky thought his made him more virtuous somehow. Mama should have just let him become a priest.

Nobody was innocent in their family. But it was for the greater good. Much like the Mulvaneys, Francesca Conti—known affectionately as Mama to the whole neighborhood—had raised her children to do bad things for good reasons. What had started out as a revenge scheme was now so much more. If Thomas Mulvaney was Batman and Jericho Navarro was Peter Pan, then Francesca Conti was Robin Hood and her children were her merry men…and women. 

The phone on his desk buzzed. Enzo pushed the button, wincing as Drucilla’s condescending voice announced, “Your…guest is here.” 

“Send him in.” Once he disconnected the call, he looked at his brother. “Get out.” 

Lucky snorted but rose to his feet. “I’m telling Mama.” 

Enzo gave him a smug look. “Go ahead. She already knows him, anyway.” 

“What?” 

“She knows all of Jericho’s boys. One of them works for her, remember?” 

Lucky blinked at him. “I thought you were joking.” 

Enzo grinned. “I’m not. If he accepts my offer, I’m gonna keep him around for a while.” 

“What are you going to tell her?” Lucky asked, narrowing his gaze at him. “Since I doubt it will be the truth.” 

“It will be my version of the truth,” Enzo countered with a shrug. 

Lucky gave him a flat stare. “The truth doesn’t have versions.” 

Enzo chuckled. “Oh, now, we both know that’s not true.” He waved him off. “Now, go away and mind your own business.” 

“I’m out,” Lucky said, shaking his head. 

As his brother opened the door, Enzo called, “Say hi to Agatha for me. Give her a big sloppy kiss. It will probably be the most action you’ve seen in years.” 

Something kicked in Enzo’s stomach when Seven appeared in the doorway, eyes going wide as he took in Lucky. His brother wasn’t as physically imposing as Enzo, but it wasn’t his physique that had Seven’s attention. It was the badge hooked to his belt. Lucky snorted when he saw the kid’s fixation, then turned to Enzo with a final, “See ya, bro.” 

With that, Enzo and Seven were alone. 

“Come in,” Enzo said, waving him forward, keeping his tone neutral as he looked the boy over. 

Seven had skipped the oversized hoodie and baggy jeans for well-fitted olive green cargos, a caramel-colored sweater, and a pair of snowy white sneakers. Perfect. He looked gorgeous. He also looked incredibly nervous, though he tried to hide it by rounding his shoulders and digging his hands into his pockets. 

Enzo clicked a button on the small white remote on his desk. The kid flinched as the automatic blinds began to slowly roll down the glass office wall. Enzo’s dick twitched with interest at his reaction. 

Seven hovered close to the exit, like he worried he’d have to make a run for it. Where was the brat he’d met that day? 

“Come here,” Enzo said softly. 

Seven’s startled gaze flicked to his, but he complied, moving deeper into the space, his expression wary. 

Enzo tilted his head, studying him, when he stopped once more, still keeping his distance. “Are you suddenly afraid of me?” 

Seven’s gaze jerked to his expression mutinous. “No,” he snapped. Enzo couldn’t stop the grin that broke out across his face. This only seemed to further antagonize the boy. “I just don’t like cops.” 

“Aren’t you in law school?” Enzo asked, amused. 

Seven narrowed his gaze. “How did you know that?” 

Enzo shrugged. “I have my ways.” 

Meaning he’d simply asked Jericho why Seven had tagged along with Levi and his new client that day. Jericho had explained Seven’s interest in becoming a litigator himself. Which worked out well for Enzo. 

“Is he really your brother?” Seven asked, glancing back over his shoulder like he expected to find Lucky lurking behind him. 

Enzo gave a half-smile. “So my mother tells me. It’s possible she grabbed the wrong baby from the hospital. He doesn’t really look like the rest of us.” He crooked his finger at Seven, then pointed to the space in front of him. “Come here.” 

Seven licked his bottom lip, hands still buried in his pockets as he crept closer. 

“Quickly,” Enzo urged, just to watch Seven sulk. 

Seven glowered at him, if anything moving slower, coming to stand in the space between Enzo and his desk. Once there, he crossed his arms over his chest, widening his stance like he was trying to look intimidating. It probably worked on most people. Enzo found it kind of adorable. He found Seven kind of adorable…and that made him dangerous. 

“Why do you look so nervous?” he taunted, reaching out to run his knuckle along Seven’s thigh. “My brother’s not even here.” 

Seven looked two seconds away from jumping out of his skin. “I just don’t know why I’m here,” he mumbled. 

Enzo rolled his chair a little closer, his legs easily slipping between Seven’s. “What do you mean?” he asked, feigning innocence. “You hit me up. Remember? What was it you said? Oh, right. ‘What you doing?’ What were you hoping to accomplish with that? Hmm?” 

Seven’s cheeks darkened, and he shrugged, dragging his gaze to Enzo’s with effort. “I don’t know,” he said, almost under his breath. 

Enzo’s hands slipped behind Seven’s knees. “Oh, now, I don’t think that’s true.” One hard tug had his legs giving out, forcing him to drop onto Enzo’s thighs. “I think you knew exactly what you wanted. I think you were hoping for a repeat of that night we spent together.” 

“Clearly, you weren’t,” Seven sulked, staring at Enzo’s butter yellow tie like it held the secrets of the universe. “So, I don’t know why I’m here.” 

Enzo gently gripped his chin, forcing him to look at him. “You’re here because I invited you to lunch. You don’t want to have lunch with me?”

“But why?” Seven asked, his confusion obvious.

“Because I reward good behavior.” 

Seven blinked rapidly. “I… What does that even mean?” he asked, breathless. 

Enzo shrugged, letting his thumb trace Seven’s full bottom lip, fascinated with the way he melted at the touch. “I suppose that depends on you.” 

“How?” he asked, pupils already blown. 

Enzo ghosted his fingertips over the boy’s cheek, watching the way his eyelids fluttered. “We’ll discuss that at lunch.” 

Seven slow-blinked at him. “Okay.” 

“Fuck, you’re so pretty,” Enzo said, gripping the boy’s ass and yanking him higher into his lap before returning his hand to the boy’s cheek. He sucked in a startled breath, clutching at Enzo’s shoulders. 

“Am not,” Seven muttered. 

Enzo chuckled, fascinated by the way Seven allowed him to continue caressing his face, lids heavy, lips parted, half-hard in his too tight pants. He was so sensitive. He’d been sensitive that night, too. Whimpering beneath Enzo at the slightest touch. Hard to believe the kid was a stone-cold killer with the way he was trembling in his arms. 

“You call every man you meet Daddy?” Enzo asked, dragging down his bottom lip, then letting it go. 

“Only the hot ones,” Seven murmured, pink tongue darting out to lick over the spot Enzo had just touched. 

“Well, around here, Daddy is an honorific you earn. You can just call me ‘sir’ for now.” 

“You didn’t mind it when we hooked up,” Seven said, shoulders stiffening and jaw tight. “Besides, who says I want to call you anything at all?” 

Enzo studied his face, noting how Seven made no attempt to leave his lap. 

“Open your mouth for me, brat,” he crooned, keeping his voice low and warm so as not to spook him.

Seven glared at him for a solid thirty seconds before opening his mouth. Enzo held his gaze as he pushed two fingers past his lips, running them along his tongue, over his molars, exploring with the same thoroughness as a dentist, waiting to see how much the boy would tolerate before he snapped. 

He surprised him by sitting obediently in Enzo’s lap as he pushed on his tongue, forcing his fingers deep enough to trigger the boy’s gag reflex, though he tried to hide the way his throat convulsed. Enzo filed that away for later. He continued to keep his mouth pried open until saliva slipped down his chin, his own dick taking interest when the boy made no move to wipe it away. 

“Good boy,” Enzo praised, hooking his fingers behind his bottom teeth to drag him closer, running the flat of his tongue over the boy’s messy chin. Seven jerked his head away as Enzo removed his fingers from his mouth, wiping them on his pants. 

“Don’t call me that,” Seven snapped, green eyes flashing. “Calling me ‘good boy’ is something you earn.” 

“Touché,” Enzo said, studying the boy’s face, enjoying the back and forth a little too much. “But you want to be good for me, don’t you? You tried so hard to be good for me that night.” 

Seven shrugged, watching Enzo with his bottom lip clamped between his teeth. 

Enzo tugged his lip free. “When I ask you a question, I expect a verbal response. Understand?” 

“Why should I care what you expect?” Seven shot back. 

“You could just go,” Enzo said with a shrug. “That’s fine, too. But then you wouldn’t hear my proposal.” 

Seven stayed where he was, but he pouted about it. 

God, he was cute. 

Enzo grinned. “Good boy,” he said mockingly, just to make him mad. 

Seven didn’t correct him, instead huffing out a breath through his nose. 

“As I was saying, when I ask a question, I expect a verbal answer so there’s no miscommunication. Understand?” 

“Yes,” Seven said, sulky.  

“Yes, what?” Enzo asked quietly, raising a brow. 

Seven rolled his eyes. “Yes, sir.” 

Enzo gripped the boy by his sweater, reeling him in. When he was a breath away, he said, “I really thought you’d be harder to train.” 

“I’m just humoring you,” Seven shot back. 

Enzo couldn’t stop the laugh that escaped. “Is that so?” 

Seven shrugged. “Yeah. I just want to hear your ‘proposal’,” he said, curling his fingers around the last word. 

Enzo stood, taking Seven with him, forcing him to stand. Once on his feet, he crowded him against the desk, planting a hand on either side of him, trapping him there. “Don’t pretend you aren’t loving this,” he taunted softly against his ear. 

Seven shoved at his chest weakly, his palms staying firmly on his pecs. “Don’t pretend you know what I love.” 

Enzo didn’t budge, cupping Seven’s face and tilting his head up. “I thought you wanted a Daddy?” he mocked. 

“I was just looking to get laid again,” Seven said, sounding like he didn’t believe his words either. “I wasn’t looking for someone to treat me like a whore.” 

Enzo stepped between Seven’s open legs, forcing him to rest his ass on the desk, letting his thigh press against his half-hard cock. He wrapped his hand around the back of Seven’s neck, tilting his head so he could press the words right into his ear. “You were just looking to get off again? Should I cancel our lunch plans and let you ride my dick in my office chair? You looked so pretty on top. Remember?” He flexed his thigh, earning a choked moan from the boy. “Or do you want to turn around so I can bend you over my desk?” 

Seven’s gaze was unfocused once more, his hands fisted in Enzo’s shirt as he ground himself against Enzo’s leg, looking for some friction. He was breathing heavily now. 

Enzo pushed a little more. “If you want quick and dirty, I can do that for you. I just thought you were looking for something more. Something that could benefit us both.” 

“Like what?” Seven managed, eyes locked on Enzo’s lips. 

Enzo grinned, pressing a long chaste kiss to the boy’s soft cheek. “We can discuss that at lunch. Unless you want to go the other route. There’s lube and condoms in my bag.” 

Seven was hard, his whole body trembling as he seemed to fight with himself. After what felt like an eternity, Seven pushed against him once more, sighing with relief when Enzo took a step back before saying, “Where are we eating? I’m starving.” 

Chapter 2

Seven

As always, Mama’s was packed. All outdoor tables were filled, a small line of people waited at the door. Levi said it was always busy like this. One of the few neighborhood restaurants left with reasonably priced good food. Enzo skipped the line, nodding politely, then held the door for Seven. He gave the people waiting an apologetic look, even as he tried not to focus on Enzo’s hand burning a hole through his lower back. He hated how much he’d missed his touch.

Inside was equally busy. Three waitresses made their way through packed tables, all in black pants, white button-downs, and green aprons, their dark hair pulled into ponytails that swayed as they hustled from person to person, taking orders and delivering trays topped with steaming piles of food. 

Seven’s stomach growled loudly at the smell of garlic and tomatoes. He loved Mama’s cooking. Even though she no longer did the cooking at the restaurant, she’d invited Levi and his friends–Seven included–to eat at the restaurant last Monday after his first successful night shift alone on the floor. He took in the same lush green plants hanging from the ceiling and climbing down the walls, the maroon tablecloths and cozy lanterns at the center of each table. At night, after hours, the atmosphere had seemed cozy, homey even. During the day, it was busy enough to trigger Seven’s anxiety. 

He was already on edge from his interaction with Enzo in his office. First, learning his brother was a cop, then having the man just…destroy him mentally. He still didn’t understand how it happened. He’d gone in there determined to play it cool, keep up his usual cocky persona. But the moment he’d seen him again, it was like his brain had melted like an ice cream cone in mid-July and he became this creature that was all want. He didn’t understand why his body reacted like it did whenever Seven saw him. 

He was so in his head, he didn’t realize they were entering the back of the house until Enzo held a swinging door open for him. He stepped through without thought and found himself standing in the kitchen. The back was just as busy as the front. Three men in chef’s uniforms, bustling about, paying them no mind. The only one who seemed to notice their arrival was a little old man loading dishes. 

“Who’s this?” he called, his curiosity etched across his face. 

“Mind your business, old man,” Enzo quipped, earning a bold laugh that reverberated through the tiled space. 

The hand at his lower back kept propelling him forward until they stood at an open office door. Francesca Conti sat at a desk in the middle of what appeared to be organized chaos. Her steel gray hair cascaded down her shoulders, white strands artfully framing her face. Her black framed glasses sat perched on her nose as she worked, unaware of her observers. 

She looked up in surprise when Enzo rapped his knuckles on the door. She quickly pushed her glasses up like a headband, then stood, giving Enzo a suspicious look before coming towards them. She wore a flowy cream-colored dress and loads of chunky jewelry that his mother would have loved. Given the ages of her many children, she was likely in her fifties or sixties, but she was easily one of the most stunning women Seven had ever seen. 

When she stopped before them, she craned her neck up to look at Enzo. “To what do I owe this impromptu visit, patatino?” she asked, her Italian accent almost musical. “You never visit me midday. And why do you have this gorgeous baby with you?”

Enzo pressed his hand harder into Seven’s back. “I just thought I’d treat him to lunch.” 

“Seven, you don’t want anything to do with this man. Don’t believe a word he tells you.” 

“Mama,” Enzo said, looking exasperated. 

She scoffed. “You brought him here and thought I wouldn’t tell him how unworthy you are of this sweet boy?” 

“I just wanted to see you,” Seven lied, giving her his best smile. When they both looked at him, amused, warmth flooded his face. “You’re a far better lunch date than this one will ever be. Prettier, too.” 

She beamed at him, cupping his face in a way that was far too similar to what her son had done less than an hour ago…and two weeks ago. But she didn’t appear to be attempting to emotionally devastate him like Enzo had. She just turned his head this way and that like she was inspecting a piece of art. 

“You’re so very handsome,” she said, like she was marveling over his beauty and not the other way around. “But you’re too young for my degenerate son. Find someone your own age. I can help you. I have many children, several better suited to your age.”

Seven snickered, looking at Enzo smugly. “Oh, yeah? Which ones?” 

She grinned. “You like only boys or you like girls, too?” 

“Sadly just boys,” he glanced over at Enzo looking him up and down. “But only ones who are nice to me.” 

“Then look elsewhere, sweet boy,” she said. “Before it's too late.” 

“Mama,” Enzo admonished. 

Seven’s mouth went dry as Enzo’s hand slipped beneath the back of his sweater, his wicked fingers teasing across the waistband of his pants. “Ignore her. She has no room to talk about age. My father was fourteen years older than her and my stepfather is ten years younger. She’s just trying to get a rise out of me.” 

His mother scoffed, dropping her hands. “Lies,” she said to Seven. “I’m trying to save you from my son and his deviant lifestyle. He collects expensive toys that are way out of his price range and then he breaks them. He’s never appreciated what he’s given, even when he’s unworthy.” 

Seven’s eyes went wide. His mother knew about Enzo’s relationships? Something curdled in Seven’s stomach. How many other boys had Enzo brought here to parade in front of his mother? Was it only boys? Did he get some kind of kick out of it? Was he trying to embarrass Seven? Did she know they’d slept together? Why did it feel like he’d been kicked in the chest? 

“Mama,” Enzo said again, this time with a sharp tinge of warning in his voice. 

She just laughed like she was delighted to have gotten under his skin, then slapped him on the side of his face with just enough force to not be a caress. She then turned her attention back to Seven, narrowing her gaze, slipping her glasses on and off again. “You know this though, don’t you, bellino?”

Seven’s gaze darted to Enzo then to his mother once more. “I’m learning quickly.” 

“Mm,” she said, mouth flat as she gave her son a withering look.  “You seem like a quick study. Smart, too. Run while you can.” 

Enzo gave his mother a brilliant smile that she did not return, then said, “I swear, I’m innocent,” He lied. “Seven is in law school. I thought he might be looking for a…mentor. I invited him to lunch to, uh…hammer out the details.” Enzo cleared his throat. “I thought it would be a good idea to let you know he’s going to be around more often.” 

Seven’s head jerked towards him, eyes going wide. When he looked back towards Mama, she seemed just as caught off guard by his statement. 

“Is that so?” she asked, studying her son carefully. “Well, in that case, I look forward to seeing you more often, bellino.” 

Enzo shrugged, fingers caressing up Seven’s spine in a way that made him want to squirm. “That depends on how this lunch goes.” 

She gave him a hard stare. “Well, then. Have fun hammering out your…details.” Before they could leave, she grasped Seven’s face once more, eyeing him critically. “You should be careful,” she warned her son. “I might just make you keep this one. Imagine my beautiful grandbabies.” 

Enzo snorted. “I’m not sure my keeping him would ensure you get grandchildren with his DNA, Mama.”

“That’s why I should set him up with one of your sisters,” she said casually, waving her hand. 

This time, it was Enzo who seemed irritated. “Let’s go before my mother tries to call your mother to arrange a marriage.” 

“Call me on your way home from work. I have some questions only you can answer,” she said, then turned sharply, dress twirling around her ankles as she returned to her desk. 

Seven allowed Enzo to walk him back into the dining room on auto-pilot, weaving them through tables to a large decorative partition. He pushed on the seam and it opened, revealing a whole other dining room, this one much cozier with several small private dining rooms. He let Seven enter first, then caught the eye of one of the servers before closing the partition again, instantly dulling the din of the customers. 

Seven breathed a sigh of relief. All that noise had ratcheted his nerves to about a hundred. He allowed Enzo to guide him to a table in the back, then sat across from him. 

Once they were seated, Seven immediately asked, “Why am I really here?” 

“I have a proposition for you,” Enzo said vaguely. 

Seven rolled his eyes. “What does that mean, exactly? Can you just speak plainly?” 

Enzo leaned back in his seat. Seven watched the buttons strain across his powerful chest, unable to stop himself from licking his bottom lip when the older man steepled his tattooed fingers on the table. He was having a hard time believing this man and the man he’d been with that night were the same. Enzo at work had been so stern and gruff. But the Enzo he’d slept with had been nothing like that. He’d been rough in bed, but afterwards, he’d been funny and attentive, feeding him and bathing him, making jokes that were only funny if you understood the legal field. 

“We only have about an hour before I have to get back to work,” Enzo said, pulling Seven from his memories. “Let's have a talk. Okay?” 

Yes. 

No. 

Fuck. 

“That is why I came,” Seven muttered. 

Seven looked at Enzo’s hands. Remembering just much of his body was covered in ink, tracing the shapes on his back while Enzo’s fingers had swept over his arm. 

He mentally shook himself. 

Think of literally anything else. 

He slouched in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest. “Fine. What is this? Are you trying to turn me into your sugar baby or something?” 

Enzo’s hungry gaze raked over him like he was sitting there naked, then dragged it back up to meet his eyes. “Are you applying for the position?” 

Seven cocked a brow, tone growing flirty. “Maybe. What’s my allowance?” 

Enzo’s lips twitched like he was trying not to smile. “I offer very generous compensation. But, unfortunately for you, I don’t do brats. I prefer my babies obedient.” 

Something withered inside Seven’s chest, but he pushed it away.  “You already did this brat, remember? So we both know that’s not true.” 

“I made a one time exception,” Enzo said. 

Seven made sure to keep his face expressionless even though he felt like he’d been gut-punched. “So, what am I doing here if you were so dissatisfied?” When Enzo continued to study him, Seven rolled his eyes. “Your mom’s right. You are too old for me. You could have just left me on read. It’s not that serious.” 

Enzo huffed out a soft laugh, the one that made him seem more…human. “No, smart mouth, I invited you here to offer you an…opportunity.” 

Seven blinked at him stupidly. “To what, exactly?” 

Enzo studied his face. “I’m offering you a contract. I want to train you to be my new submissive. If you’re interested.” 

Seven was in flames one moment, only to be doused in ice water the next. He was asking him to be his…what? Servant? He wanted to teach him to…service him? Seven should have known better. This was why he didn’t bother dating. This was why he stuck with one night stands. Enzo should have just stayed a good memory. 

Seven had been stupid to reach out again. 

He had a hard time keeping the disgust from his voice as he said, “You can’t be serious.” 

Enzo looked surprised by his response. “At least hear me out.”

“Why should I? Was our one night together so unsatisfying you thought I needed my own training program to satisfy you? You weren’t complaining that night.”

“That’s not what I’m saying at all,” Enzo said. “I want to see you more. I like you–” 

“Are you sure?” Seven countered, cutting him off. 

Enzo huffed a sigh, like Seven was exhausting him. “Yes, I don’t usually make offers like this–” 

“Oh, wow. I’m flattered,” Seven muttered, rolling his eyes. 

This was so humiliating. 

Enzo leaned in. “You should be flattered. Like I said, I don’t do brats. But I’ll make an exception for you.” 

Seven wasn’t sure if he wanted to punch him or cry. Maybe both. Somehow letting Enzo bend him over his desk probably would have been more dignified than having to sit here and listen to Enzo offer to ‘train’ him to be his bed warmer. 

He’d make an exception for him? Was he supposed to thank him? What the fuck was he even offering him? Sure, Seven liked the idea of calling a guy Daddy. He liked the idea of being cared for. Hell, he even liked the thought of being submissive…maybe…for the right person. A person he could trust. 

He didn’t trust Enzo. Not this version of him. Whoever it was sitting across from  him was nothing like he’d been a couple of weeks ago. 

Before Seven could tell him to go fuck himself, the partition opened and closed and one of the servers entered, her amber eyes shining with interest as she studied the two of them. 

“Who’s this?” she asked by way of greeting. 

Enzo continued to stare at Seven. “A candidate for a job at my firm,” he lied smoothly. “I wanted to treat him to lunch.” 

Boy, Enzo really didn’t care about keeping his stories straight. First, he was Seven’s mentor, now he's his potential boss? Well, given his proposal, he guessed that part wasn’t far off.

“He’s cute,” she said, as if Seven himself couldn’t hear her, boldly checking him out just like both Enzo and his mom had. This girl had to be related as well. Was Seven just fly paper to the Conti family? “Is he single?” 

Seven forced himself to grin at the girl, flashing his perfect teeth at her. “He is.” 

She smiled back. “Oh, yeah? I’m Carlotta. But most people call me Carli.” She put the end of her pen in her mouth in a way that would have sent most straight guys into a frenzy. 

“I’m also very gay,” Seven said mournfully. 

“That’s good,” Enzo said tightly. “Because she’s very underage,” he said, tilting his head and giving the girl a firm look. 

Carli looked back and forth between the two of them, then rolled her eyes. “My brother clearly wants to make you do his filing and bone you. Make sure he pays you what you’re worth. He’s loaded. So is that fancy firm he works for.” 

Right. Was Enzo offering to pay him for…No. There’s no way. Not even Enzo would make that kind of proposition. 

“Carli,” Enzo said through clenched teeth. “Shut up.” 

Seven snickered when Carli rolled her eyes again. She was definitely a teenager. 

She stuck her tongue out at her brother, then turned to Seven. “What can I get you to drink?”

“Just water, please.” 

She nodded. “I’m sure my brother can explain the menu to you.” 

“Don’t you want to know what I want to drink?” Enzo asked, irritated. 

“No. You can have water, too,” she said. 

She gave a little wave to Seven, who returned it, then she was gone to get their drinks. 

“That’s your sister?” Seven asked once they were alone again. 

“One of them,” Enzo muttered. 

“How many do you have anyway?” he asked, desperate to change the subject. “Some people say your mom has ten kids, some say she has like fourteen. What’s the real number?” 

“I have four sisters.” 

“And a brother? The one from the office, right?” Seven asked. 

Five kids sounded far more reasonable than some of the other wild stories he’d heard. 

Enzo scoffed. “I wish. I have seven brothers.” 

“Seven!” he shouted, then winced, lowering his voice. “You’re telling me that gorgeous woman gave birth to twelve kids? Twelve? Some of them are adopted, right? Or step-siblings? Something?” 

Enzo laughed. “You have nine siblings. Why is this so shocking to you?” 

That’s right. Enzo knew his father. Somehow that just made this all so much worse. Did he feel sorry for him or something? 

“No,” Seven clarified. “My dad accidentally knocked up ten women, all of whom hate each other, but still somehow love him. They’re not my siblings. I probably pass one on the street every week and couldn’t pick them out of a line-up. Like, your mom chose to get pregnant twelve times.” 

Enzo chuckled. “Would you feel better if I told you that she has two sets of fraternal twins and a set of fraternal triplets, one of whom you just met? So, that cuts down greatly on the amount of pregnancies.” 

“Wow. That’s…is that normal? To have that many…multiples?” Seven asked. 

Enzo shrugged. “It is when you do IVF. Though Dante and Rafa were pre-fertility treatments. So...” 

Seven’s stomach churned. He’d wanted to change the subject, but talking so casually about their families made this a little too cozy. It was starting to feel a little too much like a date and too little like an affair. Or whatever the hell it was Enzo was proposing. 

He hated this. Maybe he would have found it funny if he’d had any clue that’s what Enzo had in mind when he asked him to lunch. When he’d hit the older man up last night, he had just been testing the waters, hoping for one more night maybe. When he’d invited him to lunch, Seven had let his guard down. Like an idiot. 

“Why me?” Seven blurted, the words punched from his soul. 

He shouldn’t even be entertaining this. He should just get up and leave. But he’d always been a glutton for punishment. Why not stay and let the man insult him some more? 

Enzo leaned forward. “Because I need someone who knows all about my…extracurricular activities.”

Seven’s stomach sank. It was starting to make more sense. But not in any way he wanted. He sighed internally. Of course, that was why he wanted to play with him. It was just convenient. 

Seven’s face must have told Enzo he wanted a further explanation. “In the past, our families have simply existed in the same circles, with everyone agreeing to assist if or when necessary. But now, it seems like my mom is making in-roads with both Jericho and Thomas.”

“And that has what to do with me?” Seven asked, feeling both weirdly optimistic but also grumpy and unwanted. 

Enzo leaned in. “You get what it’s like. You’ll understand when I have to do something outside of the law. You’ll understand when I have to cancel plans. You know what it's like to live two lives. You want a Daddy, I want to play with someone I don’t have to lie to.” He shrugged. “Unless you’re not interested.” 

“Interested in being your contracted sugar baby that you can ditch whenever you feel like it? Gosh, while that does sound tempting, I’m afraid I’ll have to pass.” 

“That’s not what this is,” Enzo assured him. 

“Oh, so it would be a relationship?” Seven asked, crossing his arms over his chest. 

“Of sorts,” Enzo hedged. 

Seven snorted. “Talk about the bare minimum.” 

“You don’t want to even consider it?” Enzo asked, looking…hurt somehow, like Seven not wanting to be his own private sex slave was making him sad.

“Do a lot of boys take you up on this offer?” Seven asked. “Do they just jump at the chance to be treated like shit by you?” 

Enzo’s eyes went wide. “I don’t treat the boys I play with like shit. I just like to have rules and contracts. That way nobody’s feelings get hurt.” 

Seven huffed out another breath. “I’m not gonna lie, I would have felt less shitty if you’d just nailed and bailed last night. Or ghosted me. This just feels…gross.” 

 “I think you’re looking at this all wrong,” Enzo said, shaking his head. “Or maybe I’m not explaining it right?” 

“Oh, I think you’re explaining what you want perfectly. Trust me,” Seven spit. 

Enzo shook his head, holding his hands out palms up like he was surrendering. “I really like you. I liked you from the moment we met. I don’t usually like bratty subs, but there is just something about you…I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you. This is a way for us both to get something we want.” 

Seven hated that he was actually a little flattered. But nobody in their right mind would agree to that. “What is it you think I want from you?” 

“A Daddy,” Enzo said. “I can be that for you. I meant it when I said I would compensate you generously.” 

“Wow, you really are just looking for a sugar baby you can treat like shit.” 

Enzo shook his head, looking frustrated. “I just think you’d make an excellent sub and I felt like we kind of understood each other that night. This is an opportunity. If things work out, you might not even have to work your way through law school.” 

You won’t have to work your way through law school.

 Wow. 

“You want this to last until I’m out of law school?” Seven asked. 

Enzo pulled a face that let Seven know he hadn’t meant that at all. “Well, I mean, we can discuss the terms of the contract together, including the length of contract, if you agree to let me train you.” 

Fuck this. 

“Well, this has been great but if I wanted to feel like shit about myself, I would just go visit my dad in prison,” Seven said, making to stand. Enzo snatched his wrist. Seven glared at his hand. “Let me go.” 

Enzo had the audacity to look upset. “At least stay and eat.” 

Seven’s breaths came a little faster, trying not to squirm under Enzo’s scrutiny. 

“I wasn’t trying to hurt your feelings. I’m not good at talking about this shit. Most of the people I play with are not only trained submissives, but they’re not looking for a long-term relationship. This is how we negotiate our time together. I thought maybe you might be looking for some mutually beneficial fun with an expiration date. That’s all.” 

Seven didn’t know why this bothered him so much. If it had been any other man, Seven would have just eaten his lunch, politely refused and had a great story to tell the others. It wasn’t like he did relationships, either. He loved to throw the word Daddy around but not in any serious way. He wasn’t much for long-term, preferring one-night stands or maintenance dick appointments. He wasn’t looking for hearts and flowers and all the shit his friends had. But something about this interaction with Enzo after that night was rubbing his heart raw.

Finally, Seven shook his head, forcing himself to act like he didn’t care. “I only texted you because you were hot and I figured I could probably tolerate your shitty personality for one night if it meant getting your dick in my ass, but I’m starting to realize no dick—especially yours—is worth this shit.” 

Enzo leaned into his space, the scent of his cologne making him dizzy. “First of all, you have a filthy mouth,” he murmured. “Second, if all you wanted was a quick fuck, I could have taken care of it at the office before we left.”

Seven just glowered at him. 

“I think I hurt your feelings, which wasn’t my intention. But if I’m wrong and you do just want a repeat of that night, we can do it right now. I can take you upstairs and fuck you pressed up against the dessert wines. Just say the word. But if I do, this ends today.” 

Seven’s heart jack-rabbeted in his chest. He really did have daddy issues. 

He snatched his wrist from Enzo’s grip. “I actually don’t want anything from you, so I’m gonna go.” 

Enzo’s eyes went wide. “At least stay and eat lunch.” 

Seven’s chest tightened. Why did this suck so bad? “No, thanks.” 

Enzo stood, once more catching his arm. “At least let me give you a ride wherever you’re going.” 

Seven met his gaze, horrified when he felt the words clotting in his throat. “I’m gonna be honest” he managed. “I’m fighting the urge to punch you in the face right now. So I’m gonna go before I give into that urge and get arrested.” 

“If you punch me, I won’t be calling the cops,” Enzo promised. 

Before Seven could respond, the partition scraped open. Carli frowned when she saw the two standing. “What are you guys doing? Are you ready to order?” 

Seven pulled his arm free. “I’m not staying, but it was nice meeting you.” 

“Seven…” Enzo called. 

Seven kept walking, tears stinging his eyes. He looked at the crowded dining room, then made for the kitchen door, determined to just sneak out the back. 

When he swept past Mama’s office, she called his name. He contemplated pretending he didn’t hear her but she hadn’t done anything wrong and he didn’t want Thomas or Jericho to hear he’d been rude to their friend. He stopped and turned, startling when he found her standing directly behind him. 

“Oh,” she said when she saw his watery eyes. “Come here, bellino.” 

Seven let her pull him into her office just as Enzo came through the kitchen doors, heading towards him. 

“Sit down,” Mama told Seven, putting herself between her son and Seven. “He clearly doesn’t want to talk to you. Go back to work. That’s all you care about anyway.” 

“Mama,” Enzo said, tone pleading. 

The desperation in his tone made Seven feel a little better, which was just pathetic really. She closed the door in his face, then shut the blinds so Seven didn’t have to look at his stupidly handsome but comically put out face. 

“Sit, bellino,” she said, gesturing towards the chairs on the opposite side of her desk. She didn’t take her seat, but the one beside Seven, sliding a tissue box towards him. 

“I’m sorry,” he said, flushing when he sniffled and an actual tear slid down his cheek. “This is so stupid.” 

“I take it this wasn’t about a mentorship at his law firm?” Seven shook his head. “What did he do to make you cry like this? Huh? Did he proposition you?” 

Seven nodded, the words stuck in his throat. “I-He was nice about it, I guess. I just didn’t see it coming. I should have after what you said when I got here but he was so…sweet when we-he just didn’t act like this when we met a couple of weeks ago. I’m the idiot for thinking he wanted something more.” 

“Oh, bellino, this isn’t your fault. For someone so smart, he’s so stupid.” She patted his back, a faraway look in her eyes. After a few minutes, she gave him a calculating look that made her look just like her son. “You’re in law school, yes?” 

Seven frowned. “I’m just a first year student, but yeah.”  

“How about you let me make up for my son’s terrible manners. You need an internship, right?” she asked. 

“What? No. You don’t have to do that,” Seven said, waving his arms. “It’s not that serious. Like I said, I was just caught off guard. I-I started it last night when I propositioned him for…for another hookup.” 

“You’re a grown man,” she said, patting his leg. “You can sleep with anyone you like. He still had no right to treat you like that. I want to make it up to you. An internship–a paid internship–at a big name law firm goes a long way after graduation. I can get you into my son’s firm.” 

Seven’s eyes went wide. “Why would you…You-You really think that’s a good idea?”

“The only reason my son got his foot in the door over there was my connections. Let me do the same for you.” 

“Won’t Enzo be mad?” Seven asked, staring out at the closed blinds, hoping he’d already left. 

“Oh, I hope so, bellino. I definitely hope so.”

“I-He wouldn’t be my boss or anything, right?” he asked. 

“Absolutely not. But he will have to see you every day. And work with you every day. And my son needs to learn a lesson.” 

“What lesson is that?”

“He can’t always get what he wants,” she said. 

“And you think he wants me?” Seven asked, heartbeat skipping. 

“Oh, I know he does. He would have never had the balls to bring you into my restaurant and parade you around in front of me and his sisters if he wasn’t secretly hoping we’d adopt you.” 

Seven shook his head. “I don’t think that’s true. I think he just wanted me to be comfortable when he asked me to be his sugar baby or whatever.”  

“He likes you, bellino. Trust me on that. He’s just too afraid to admit it.” 

“I doubt it.” 

“You’ll see,” Mama smiled. “But promise me one thing.”

Seven nodded. “Anything.” 

“If you do decide to forgive my son, you make him grovel.” 

“Grovel?” Seven repeated. 

Mama nodded. “Yes. What is it you kids say? Walk him like a dog.”