The car pulled into the private underground garage of Alessio's penthouse complex. The engine purred to a halt. The soft click of the door unlocking was the only sound until Noah stirred.
He blinked slowly. His lashes fluttered, then his brows furrowed.
And then—
"What the hell?!" Noah's voice rang out, sharp and panicked.
Alessio had exactly two seconds to react before Noah shoved hard against his chest and scrambled out of his lap. The boy's feet hit the floor, his robe slipping off his shoulder. He looked horrified, his cheeks flushed, hair wild.
"Were you holding me?!" Noah demanded, eyes wide in disbelief.
"You were sleeping," Alessio said smoothly, stepping out of the car as well.
"On you?"
"You seemed comfortable," Alessio added, brushing imaginary dust from his sleeve like Noah hadn't just manhandled him. "I didn't want to disturb you."
Noah stood frozen, torn between embarrassment and rage. "You—! Ugh. Stay away from me."
Alessio quirked a brow. "That might be difficult. You live with me now."
Before Noah could unleash another insult, Alessio turned on his heel and gestured for them to follow.
"Come on. I'll show you around."
They took the private elevator up to the top floor. The doors opened to a spacious, modern penthouse that stretched out like a luxury showroom—glass walls, marble floors, and minimalist decor in a cool palette of blacks and whites. The air was crisp, scented faintly of citrus and cedar.
Noah stepped in hesitantly, his bare feet brushing against the polished floor. He glanced around, eyes narrowing.
"Is this a house or a damn museum?" he snapped.
Alessio smirked. "The only thing on display here is your attitude."
Theo stifled a laugh. Enzo elbowed him with a grin.
Noah scowled and folded his arms. "It's so cold in here. Everything looks like it's been untouched for years."
"I don't like clutter," Alessio said, moving to the built-in control panel. "The thermostat adjusts to your preference. You'll have your own room—across from mine. Don't get any ideas about locking the door. It's for security reasons."
"Yeah, sure," Noah muttered.
Alessio moved with quiet authority, showing him the kitchen, the dining area, the indoor pool and gym. Noah followed reluctantly, arms crossed, eyes rolling every few minutes.
"And here's the guest room," Alessio finally said, opening the door to a spacious, elegantly furnished bedroom. "Your room, for now."
"For now?" Noah asked suspiciously.
"I like my home organized," Alessio said, stepping closer. "You'll fit in once you stop stomping around like a pissed-off kitten."
Noah turned away, but not before Alessio caught the twitch of his lips.
"I'm not a kitten," Noah muttered.
Alessio leaned against the doorframe, watching him with mild amusement. "No. You're a stray with claws."
Noah turned to glare at him. "I'm not some toy you can show off."
"Did I say you were?" Alessio's voice was quiet but firm. "You'll stay here. You'll follow my rules. In return, you'll be protected. Fed. Respected. You're not in a cage, Noah. But don't think for a second you're untouchable."
Their eyes met again, sparks flying. The tension between them crackled, thick and electric.
"I'm not afraid of you," Noah said, defiant as ever.
"I know," Alessio replied, voice lower now. "And that's what makes you dangerous."
Noah looked away first.
Not because he was scared.
But because he felt something stir in his chest, something he couldn't name.
And he hated it.
---