CHAPTER 5

“ How dare you make such a decision without even asking me?” Lucas whisper yelled at Jamie.

Although they were alone he didn't want anyone hearing them.

“ We dont even know anything about them!” Lucas continued.

“umm.. yes we do. We know they are the owners of Unflix! Where would we get the chance to meet people like them again?” Jamie was also angry. He wondered why Lucas wanted to pass up such a huge opportunity like this. He wasn't going to let him.

Lucas groaned. “ Havent you watched any movies about billionaires? They eat people!”

The stared at each other for a moment before bursting into laughter.

“ I did this for us okay? We don't have to spend any more money on this vacation and live in a mansion. For free!” Jamie continued.

“ And you think theres no catch?” Lucas asked in a small voice.

Jamie shrugged. “ Well I think Enzo likes...you.”

“ WHAT?” Lucas voice rang out. His blue eyes wide and his mouth agap.

“ I mean only a fool wouldnt see it from the way he looks at you.”

“ We just met last night.” Lucas sounded like he was trying to convince himself.

“ Who cares.”

The morning sunlight spilled through the mansion’s massive windows, golden and warm against the marble floors. Jamie bounced on the balls of his feet, practically vibrating with excitement, while Lucas, still perched on a velvet armchair, gingerly flexed his ankle. The sprain had kept him immobilized for days, and even now, every slight movement reminded him that he wasn’t fully mobile.

Enzo appeared quietly beside him, dark hair gleaming in the light, tall frame exuding calm authority. Without a word, he knelt in front of Lucas, adjusting the pillows beneath his leg and checking the angle of his foot. Lucas’ face flushed, a warmth he couldn’t hide creeping up his neck.

“Better?” Enzo asked, voice low and steady, just above a whisper.

Lucas swallowed, blinking rapidly. “Uh… yeah. Thank you.”

Enzo’s sharp blue eyes lingered a moment too long. The subtle intimacy—the way he adjusted the cushion, the careful way he moved Lucas’ ankle—made Lucas shift, blush deepening. He looked down, fumbling with his fingers. “I… I can manage, really.”

“You’re injured,” Enzo said simply, expression unreadable. “I’ll help. That’s the responsibility I’ve taken.”

Lucas’ throat tightened. He wasn’t used to being cared for this way—not by anyone. And certainly not by a man like Enzo, whose presence was overwhelming yet strangely comforting.

Jamie, oblivious to the blush creeping across Lucas’ cheeks, bounced over with uncontainable energy. “Luke, we have to think about how to maximize our vacation.”

Lucas glanced at him, wincing slightly. “I’m… not.. I can't go anywhere today.”

Jamie waved him off. “That’s fine. You get spoiled, I get spoiled, everyone’s happy.” He leaned closer, eyes glinting mischievously. “Besides, I think Matteo and I might have some fun without you. Don’t worry, we’ll bring back souvenirs.”

Matteo appeared in the doorway, dark hair falling slightly over his forehead, faint stubble along his jaw catching the light. He leaned against the doorframe casually, arms crossed, eyes sharp and calculating—but a small, teasing smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

“Souvenirs you say?” Matteo’s voice was calm, smooth, playful in a way that made Jamie’s stomach flutter unexpectedly. “And here I thought you were only interested in reckless adventures, Noel.”

Jamie felt his cheeks warm but didn’t back down. “I AM interested. But I like adventures with people who… keep me on my toes.”

Matteo tilted his head, eyes glinting. “Is that so?” He stepped closer, measuring Jamie with slow precision. “Do you think you can handle an amusement park?”

Jamie’s grin widened. “Handle it? I live for it. Come on. Let’s go.”

Matteo’s smile deepened, subtle. “Very well.”

Jamie laughed, leaning back slightly.

Meanwhile, Lucas watched the exchange, ankle elevated and warm from the pillow’s comfort. He glanced at Enzo, who now stood beside him, tall and silent, hand resting casually near the armchair. There was a calm authority in Enzo that made Lucas feel simultaneously nervous and safe.

“Don’t worry about them,” Enzo said softly, voice low enough that only Lucas could hear. “Enjoy your day here. Relax. I’ll make sure you’re comfortable.”

Lucas swallowed, heart fluttering. “Thanks… for… everything.”

Enzo’s lips quirked into the faintest of smiles. “It’s my responsibility. That’s all.”

Lucas’ gaze dropped, face heating again. He wasn’t used to someone taking such care with him—not so deliberate, not so… intense.

Jamie passed through the kitchen with Matteo, the mansion’s staff bustled quietly, moving like a well-oiled machine. Chefs in crisp whites stirred pots, sliced fruits, and arranged fresh pastries on silver trays. House staff flitted across polished floors, ensuring everything gleamed to perfection. And in the center of it all, a woman in her late fifties, stern but graceful, oversaw the operations.

“Make sure the guests have everything they need,” she instructed firmly, voice carrying authority that had clearly been honed over decades. Her eyes softened slightly as they met Matteo’s briefly, a hint of history between them. “Remember, they are guests of the house.”

Jamie noticed her immediately. She moved with efficiency and quiet power, yet there was something almost maternal in the way she observed everything. He guessed instantly that she must have been around Matteo and Enzo during their upbringing.

Matteo appeared in the kitchen moments later, and the woman inclined her head subtly. “I see you’ve convinced him,” she said, voice softening, referring to Jamie.

Matteo’s lips curved slightly. “I merely suggested. He’s eager enough on his own.”

Jamie watched silently.

By late morning, Matteo and Jamie were ready to leave for the amusement park. Lucas’ bandaged ankle elevated on multiple pillows. Enzo stayed behind, moving quietly to ensure his friend’s comfort, adjusting pillows and checking the ice pack placement.

“Stay here beside me when we go out,” Matteo said casually to Jamie, voice low, teasing. “Don’t get into any trouble… or at least, not too much.”

Jamie grinned, greenish eyes sparkling. “Trouble is kind of my specialty, remember?”

Matteo smirked, dark eyes gleaming. “I’m counting on it.”

Jamie laughed, heart racing. As they stepped out into the sun-drenched driveway, a luxury car waiting silently, he couldn’t help glancing back at the mansion. Lucas’ small, pale figure was sitting against the pillows, Enzo standing protectively nearby. Jamie’s chest tightened slightly, worry mixed with anticipation.

“Don’t worry about him,” Matteo said, sensing the glance. “He’s well taken care of.”

Jamie nodded, excitement bubbling. “Oh,okay.”

As the car glided through the winding roads of Sicily toward the amusement park, Jamie couldn’t stop grinning. The thrill of speed, the anticipation of rides, and the subtle tension of Matteo beside him—calm, teasing, dangerous—made every heartbeat feel faster.

Matteo’s presence was intoxicating, his teasing sharp but playful. his eyes fixed on the road ahead.

Jamie laughed, adrenaline surging.

And for the first time since the accident, Jamie felt the weight of the mansion, the power, the wealth… fade just slightly. Adventure awaited, full of thrills, teasing, and unknown dangers.

And he was ready.