Chapter 7: Customed Collar

Julian stands stiffly in the center of Enzo's private floor, the top level of the mansion that feels more like a gilded prison than a home.

The space is breathtaking--an open-plan living area with sweeping views of Los Angeles at night. A massive bedroom, and a bathroom larger than his childhood house.

But none of it comforts him.

A line of estate staff stands before him ; maids, chefs, personal attendants--all watching with careful, knowing eyes.

"These are my staffs," Enzo says to him, "And since you belong to me now, they are authorized to offer you any services you might need."

He turns to the staff. "Anything he needs, he gets. But he does not leave this floor without my permission."

The staff nods in unison, but julian doesn't miss the looks exchanged between them.

Whispers have already began to spread through the estate. To them, he is Enzo Moretti's newest obsession -- an Omega who calms the unstable Alpha.

The only Omega the boss has allowed into his personal floor. All his other fucks were usually down in the other suite.

Their eyes hold a mix of pity and curiosity, as they slowly disperse.

--

Later that evening, Enzo hosts a private dinner in the grand dining room on the private floor, and only a few guests are invited.

His business partners who come visiting from Italy, among then is an Alpha named Kane-- a sharp-featured man who has come to discuss distribution lines.

Julian is also present-- though not by choice-- seated to Enzo's right, dressed in a fitted black shirt and slacks chosen by the Alpha himself. He keeps his eyes on his plate, trying to remain invisible.

The moment kane's eyes land on him, a slow grin spreads across his face.

"You have excellent taste, Moretti," he says, eyes sliding over Julian with open interest. "This one is quite beautiful. Those green eyes… very striking for a male Omega. Tell me, Enzo, how much did you get him for? I could pay double."

Julian tenses, fork frozen in his hand at the way the man talks about him like he's a commodity.

Enzo's jaw is tight. "This one isn't for sale."

But of course, the man doesn't drop it, his leans forward maybe more stupid than taunting. "Oh, come on Enzo, since when are we stingy with Omegas huuh?" He turns to Julian. "I can be much gentler with pretty things...you should come to me."

Before he can respond, Enzo's hand clamps down beneath his thigh under the table, wordlessly lifts and drags him onto his lap in front of everyone.

"I said this one isn't for sale!" His dark voice carries across the table, shutting him up.

Julian's breath catches, as his back presses against his hard chest. The power imbalance feels suffocating.

Everyone watches -- staff, guards, even the business associates exchange nervous glances as Enzo reaches into his jacket pocket and pulls out a sleek black collar he had reserved for tonight.

The leather is supple, expensive, with a small silver lock at the front, and Enzo fastens it around his throat with deliberate care. The click of the lock echoes in the silent room.

"Now nobody confuses who you belong to," Enzo says coldly, fingers tracing the collar, pressing it firmly against Julian's skin. "He is mine! Touch him again with your eyes, Kane, and I'll take more than those distribution lines from you."

Kane raises his hands in surrender, "I was just joking, Enzo." but his smile is strained as he continues his meal.

Julian sits rigid on Enzo's lap, cheeks burning with humiliation. The collar feels heavy on his neck.

The rest of dinner passes in thick silence. Julian barely eats, hyper-aware of the collar around his neck and Enzo's possessive arm locked around his waist.

As soon as dinner ends, Julian doesn't wait before he sprints away from the room, away from all their prying eyes.

Later that night, back in the master bedroom, Julian waits until Enzo leaves for a late call in his office. The moment the door closes, he moves to the large mirror.

He looks like a dog with a collar-- the silvery glinting against the bedside lamp.

His fingers tremble as he tries to unfasten the collar. He pulls, twists, and digs at the lock, growing more frantic with each failed attempt.

It doesn't budge.

The lock is small but reinforced, clearly custom-made for him. And behind it-- he notices there initials are engraved into the silver lock.

E.M.

Wtf!?

Tears of frustration sting his eyes. He is trapped. Trapped and owned now, with no way to escape.

The door opens behind him. Enzo stands there, watching him struggle with quiet, dark satisfaction. He doesn't say a word, enjoying wordlessly until Julian notices him standing there.

He freezes, fingers still hooked uselessly under the collar. "I was just--"

Enzo steps closer, cutting him off completely. "It's locked for a reason," he says softly. "And only I have the key."

Julian sighs. If he's every going to get out of here, he needs to play Enzo's games. He meets his beautiful eyes.

"Can you please take it off then?"

"I can." Enzo replies, but before Julian's exhale can fully form,"If you give me something in return."

"What?"

"Give me a show with the collar on." He says again, voice a low, turned on mess. "Then I'll take it off.."

Julian blinks twice. "Are you always this eager? You're not even in your rut yet!"

Enzo's eyes narrow slightly, the amusement fading from his face as he walks closer.

"Watch your mouth, Julian. You seem to forget who you're speaking to."

Julian immediately looks away, refusing to show fear. He already feels totally used, and claimed-- but if he wants to get the stupid collar off his neck then..

"Fine." He whispers reluctantly.

"Fine what? Use your words."

The silence stretches.

Finally, he swallows hard and lowers his gaze. "I'll do it." Julian adds reluctantly. "I'll put on a show for you."