3

Vito stared down at the man kneeling in front of him, and something ugly twisted in his chest. He was irritated.

This guy went easily on his knees like he had no pride left in him. And that pissed Vito off more than the fact that he had barged in here uninvited. 

A man should have some self-respect. Some dignity. You made deals standing up, not groveling like a dog begging for scraps.

But what really got under Vito's skin was the face staring up at him.

His features. The way his dark hair fell across his forehead. It reminded him of a ghost from his past. A ghost Vito had spent years looking for. Someone he had fantasized about making kneel exactly like this in front of him, broken and desperate.

Except, that asshole had fucking black eyes, this one had blue. And he would never bend his knees for something as measly as this.

It made Vito's hands itch.

"Don't make me repeat myself," Vito said, his voice cutting through whatever daze Aiden had fallen into.

Aiden blinked, his eyes refocusing. He looked panicked now, his gaze darting around the room like he was searching for something. His hands fidgeted at his sides.

"I– I don't..." Aiden's voice was shaky. "I don't have anything. I work at a bar. I barely make rent. I don't own anything valuable."

Vito watched him spiral, finding it almost amusing. Almost.

"I mean, I have a car, but it's a piece of shit," Aiden continued, talking faster now. "And my apartment is nothing special. I've got some cash saved, but it's not much. Maybe a few thousand? You could take that. Or… or I could work for you. Like I said. I'll do whatever job you need. Anything."

He was rambling now, desperate to find anything that would make the boss agree to help him.

Vito let him talk. When Aiden finally fell silent, looking defeated, Vito spoke.

"Anything?"

Aiden hesitated for just a moment, then nodded. "Yes. Anything."

"Stand up."

Aiden scrambled to his feet, nearly losing his balance. He steadied himself, trying to look composed even though his hands were still shaking. 

Vito took a step closer, closing the distance between them. Aiden didn't back away, but his breath hitched. Vito could see it… the way his chest rose and fell faster. The way his pupils dilated slightly.

He smirked, finding it interesting.

Vito watched as Aiden's eyes flicked down for just a second… to his chest, where his shirt was open, before snapping back up. A flush crept up Aiden's neck.

Oh, this was going to be fun.

"I could make good use of a pet," Vito said casually, like he was talking about the weather.

Aiden's eyes went wide. "What?"

"Someone who belongs to me. Someone who does what I say, when I say it, no questions asked."

Aiden's mouth opened and closed, he couldn't find the words. "I– what does that even mean?"

"It means exactly what it sounds like. I'll take care of the people responsible for your father's death. I'll make sure everyone involved pays for what they did. You'll get your revenge."

He paused, letting that sink in.

"In return," Vito continued, his voice dropping lower, "you belong to me."

Aiden stared at him like he'd grown a second head.

Then he laughed.

It was a broken, hollow sound. Almost hysterical. Aiden ran a hand through his hair, shaking his head.

"You've got to be kidding me," Aiden muttered. He couldn't believe his ears, he was either hallucinating from shock, or this boss was completely insane.

"You seriously think I'm going to agree to… to belong to you? Like I'm some kind of object?" Aiden's voice was rising now, anger bleeding through the fear. "Like I'm something you can own?"

"Yes." Vito nodded, nonchalantly bringing out a cigarette from his pocket.

"No." Aiden shook his head again, more firmly this time. "No way. I'd rather die than let another man own me. Especially–"

He cut himself off, but Vito heard what he didn't say. Especially another man like you.

"I appreciate the offer," Aiden said, his voice tight. "But I can't… I won't do that. I'll find another way to get my revenge. I'll figure it out."

He took a step back, then another.

"I'm sorry for wasting your time," Aiden said. "I'll see myself out."

Vito didn't move or try to stop him. He just leaned back against his desk, and lit the cigarette between his fingers. His eyes watching keenly as Aiden turned toward the door.

He was a little impressed. Most people didn't have the balls to turn him down. They would've taken the deal without a second thought, consequences be damned.

But this one had some pride left after all. Some fight.

Vito respected that, in a way.

Aiden made it three steps toward the door before he froze.

The sound of a gun cocking echoed through the room, sharp and unmistakable.

One of the guards was walking towards Aiden with his weapon raised, the barrel pointed directly at his head. His finger angled roughly on the trigger.

Aiden went completely still. His shoulders tensed. 

For a moment, no one moved. No one breathed.

Then, very slowly, Aiden turned around. His eyes found Vito's, and there was a question in them. A silent one.

Why?

His brow lifted, just slightly. Like he was asking Vito to explain why there was suddenly a gun to his head.

Vito smiled. It wasn't a kind smile.

"You didn't think you could just walk in here, make a wish, and leave like nothing happened, did you?" Vito asked, his tone almost conversational.

Aiden's jaw clenched. "I'm not making a deal with you."

"I heard you," Vito said with a nod. "Loud and clear. You said you'd rather die than belong to me."

"Yeah. I did."

"So that's exactly what you're getting." Vito's smile widened. "Because no one turns down a deal with me. No one."