TWENTY EIGHT_THE TRAP
Morning came, but the tension from the night before never left the room.
Aiden barely slept.
Every time he closed his eyes, he remembered the message Marco had sent.
If you want to protect the boy, come meet me tomorrow night.
The words echoed in his head.
Across the room, Alexander was already awake.
He stood near the window, buttoning the cuffs of his black shirt, his expression calm… almost too calm.
Aiden sat up slowly on the bed.
“You’re really going tonight,” he said quietly.
Alexander glanced at him.
“Yes.”
Aiden frowned.
“You didn’t even hesitate.”
Alexander walked toward the bed.
“In my world, hesitation gets people killed.”
“That’s not what I meant,” Aiden replied.
Alexander stopped in front of him.
“I know.”
Aiden looked down at his hands.
“What if Marco hurts you?”
Alexander chuckled softly.
“Kitten, Marco should be worried about me.”
But Aiden didn’t smile.
Alexander noticed.
His expression softened slightly.
“You’re worried.”
Aiden looked up.
“Of course I am.”
The words came out before he could stop them.
Alexander studied his face for a moment.
Then he reached out and gently lifted Aiden’s chin.
“I told you something yesterday,” Alexander said quietly.
“That I finally have something to lose.”
Aiden felt his heart beat faster.
“And that something,” Alexander continued, “is you.”
Aiden’s cheeks warmed slightly.
“Then maybe you shouldn’t go.”
Alexander smiled faintly.
“If I don’t go, Marco will keep coming after you.”
That answer made Aiden fall silent.
Alexander stepped back and grabbed his jacket.
“Where are you meeting him?” Aiden asked.
“An old warehouse near the docks.”
“That sounds even worse.”
Alexander smirked.
“That’s why I’m bringing men.”
Aiden stood up from the bed.
“I’m coming with you.”
Alexander turned immediately.
“No.”
“Why not?”
“Because you’re exactly what Marco wants.”
Aiden crossed his arms stubbornly.
“I can take care of myself.”
Alexander walked closer until he was standing directly in front of him again.
“Yes,” he said calmly.
“But I’d rather not test that tonight.”
Before Aiden could argue again, Alexander leaned down slightly.
And pressed a soft kiss against Aiden’s forehead.
Aiden froze.
“Stay here,” Alexander said quietly.
“For me.”
Aiden didn’t answer.
Alexander gave him one last look before walking toward the door.
“Lock the room when I leave.”
The door closed behind him.
The room suddenly felt much emptier.
Aiden stared at the door for a long time.
Something inside him felt wrong.
Very wrong.
Night arrived faster than Aiden wanted.
Outside, several black cars waited in front of the mansion.
Alexander walked down the stairs, his men already prepared.
“Everything ready?” he asked.
“Yes, boss.”
“Good.”
He stepped into the car without another word.
The convoy drove through the dark streets toward the docks.
The warehouse stood alone near the water, surrounded by shadows.
The cars stopped.
Alexander stepped out slowly.
His men spread around the area.
The large warehouse door creaked open.
Inside, a single light hung from the ceiling.
And beneath it stood Marco Rossi.
Marco smiled the moment he saw him.
“Well… if it isn’t Alexander DeLuca.”
Alexander walked inside calmly.
“You wanted to meet,” he said coldly.
Marco clapped slowly.
“I knew you wouldn’t disappoint me.”
His eyes scanned Alexander carefully.
“But I’m surprised.”
Alexander raised an eyebrow.
“Why?”
Marco’s smile widened.
“You actually came alone.”
Alexander’s voice was calm.
“That’s all I need.”
Marco laughed.
“Oh Alex… you’re still as arrogant as ever.”
His gaze darkened slightly.
“But I wonder…”
Marco tilted his head.
“Would you still be this confident…”
“…if your little kitten was here?”
Alexander’s expression turned to ice.
“You stay away from him.”
Marco smiled again.
“That’s exactly why I brought you here.”
And suddenly—
Several men stepped out of the shadows.
The trap had already closed.
Marco’s voice echoed in the warehouse.
“Welcome to my game, Alex.”