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."
_____