CHAPTER 4

Jamie woke up on clouds. After using the well equipped bathroom and looking through the massive closet for a shirt that could fit him he went to look for Lucas. Luckily he didn't have to go far.

Lucas sat on the edge of the plush sofa, ankle elevated on a cushion, pale against the deep green fabric. His stormy blue eyes followed Jamie as his friend paced into room, he had been doing this for the past hour. This was the longest time he had seen Jamie not talking.

The sprain had immobilized him for at least five days—maybe a week—leaving him dependent, frustrated, and more aware than ever of how impulsive Jamie could be. He stared at the bandage that was  wrapped tightly around his ankle by Enzo.

“So when are we leaving, we cant just take advantage of their hospitality” Lucas didn't add that they felt dangerous. He left it unsaid hanging over the air.

Jamie sighed loudly running his hand across his face.

 “ We cant leave yet... Matteo said he wanted to speak with us. I guess they think we broke in here on purpose. I mean I totally get it look at this house.” he rambled on

Lucas groaned softly, shifting slightly to ease the ache in his ankle. “Jamie, I’m stuck here. I can barely walk, and now you’re saying… I don’t even know what you’re saying.”

Jamie pouted. “They seem dangerous okay? I don’t want to get on their bad side by disobeying them”

Lucas’s lips pressed into a thin line, jaw tight. “ Dangerous? Jamie is running away from danger not towards it? I don't believe it.” he laughed.

Jamie threw his hands up dramatically. “Luke, we’re already here! They helped you when you were hurt. They carried you without hesitation! That’s proof enough, isn’t it? That they’re… good people? Lets just answer their questions and get the hell out of here.”

Lucas shifted again, wincing slightly. “I’m cautious because I can’t afford mistakes like this. Not when I’m physically… vulnerable. I can’t exactly run away if something goes wrong.”

Jamie’s greenish eyes softened, a hint of guilt flickering across his face. “I know, I know… and I feel awful about your ankle.  Trust me, I’ll handle everything.”

Lucas’s gaze flickered toward Jamie, wary but reluctant. “Handle… everything? You’re impulsive, Jamie. That’s why I’m cautious.”

The television was background noise to at least bring sounds to the quiet mansion

Later, after some hidden staff that they didn't even know existed had brought Lucas some water, snacks and arranged a small stack of pillows to keep his ankle elevated, they were watching TV while waiting for the enigmatic men to appear. Jamie lazily flipped through the channels until a news feature caught their attention—a special segment on global entertainment companies and their owners.

The segment showed two men, confident, sharp, commanding, their headshots familiar. Jamie froze. “Wait… those are… them.”

Lucas leaned forward on the sofa, wincing slightly as he shifted his weight to ease his ankle. “They… they’re the owners of… Uniflix?”

The captions confirmed it: Enzo Bianchi and Matteo Alfonso, owners of the world’s largest entertainment company, complete with images identical to the men they had met. The segment spoke about the company’s massive global reach, media influence, and streaming empire.

Jamie’s jaw dropped. “Holy… Luke, they’re legit. Real. Powerful. Like… controlling the world of entertainment.”

Lucas’s eyes widened, the initial shock slowly turning into intrigue. “I… didn’t expect this. I thought… random eccentric billionaires. But this… they’re actual leaders, legit.”

Jamie nudged him gently, grinning. “See? This means they are not as dangerous as we thought. Just rich.  We’re safe.”

Lucas ran a hand over his face, thinking. His ankle throbbed slightly, reminding him of his current immobility.

The TV continued, showing more of Enzo and Matteo’s public appearances—charity events, film premieres, corporate meetings. Jamie’s mind raced with possibilities, excitement, and anticipation. Lucas, injured and immobilized, allowed himself to imagine a world beyond his careful plans, a world full of adventure and luxury.

The sunlight streamed through the mansion windows, highlighting the gleaming marble, the velvet furniture, the subtle elegance everywhere. And for Jamie, the possibilities stretched far beyond what he had ever imagined—Italy, luxury, adventure, and the intrigue of two men who could change everything.

Matteo appeared with Enzo into the room disrupting them. Jamie quickly shut the tv off. They both stared at them feeling so small.

“ We agreed to discuss more in the morning, didn't we Jamie?” Matteo asked.

“ How is your ankle.” Enzo asked Lucas at the same time.

Lucas was flustered and mumbled out a reply keeping his head bowed low.

“ We investigated James Noel and Luke Miller. Those are your full names right?” Matteo continued as if saying the weather.

They gulped and nodded.

“ Don’t worry you are safe and vetted for. In fact we want to apologize for Lucas injury by sponsoring the rest of your trip.”

Jamie and Lucas jaw dropped. Immediately Lucas shook his head.

“ Thank you so much but we are -”

“ - we will accept your apology.” Jamie interrupted Lucas.

Lucas looked at him dumbstruck before a frown settled over his beautiful face. He was angry.

Adrenaline rushed through Jamie. A fully sponsored trip by hot billionaires. Count him in!!!