Chapter 3
1036 Words
Jax barely had time to pull his shirt straight before Nico’s hand found his again.
His fingers laced tight.
Nico tugged him toward the hallway, bare feet padding softly beside Jax’s boots.
The guest wing lights were still low, morning sun barely touching the curtains, but Nico moved like he owned every inch of the corridor. He did.
“Breakfast is in the sun room,” Nico said, swinging their joined hands a little.
“They always wait for me. If I’m late they get grumpy.”
Jax glanced down at their linked fingers. “You do this every morning?”
Nico looked up, eyes bright and teasing. “No. Just when I have someone worth showing off.”
Jax’s stomach did a slow flip. He should pull away. Should make an excuse.
Should remember the earpiece still taped behind his ear, the mission that had him here in the first place.
Instead he let Nico lead him down the grand staircase.
Halfway down Nico pressed closer, shoulder bumping Jax’s arm, head tilting so his temple rested briefly against Jax’s bicep.
“You smell like my bed now,” Nico murmured. “I like it.”
Jax swallowed. “Nico.”
“What?” Nico’s voice was all innocence. “It’s true.”
They reached the bottom step. Nico didn’t let go. He kept their hands linked as they walked through the arched doorway into the sun room.
The room was flooded with light. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the gardens.
A long glass table was already set with white plates, silver cutlery, fresh flowers in crystal vases.
The Valtieri family sat around it like a council of war disguised as morning coffee.
Vittorio was at the head, newspaper folded beside his espresso. Marco to his right, arms crossed, black shirt straining over shoulders that looked like they could break concrete.
Luca lounged opposite, phone in hand, smirking at something on the screen. Elena sat closest to the door, pouring orange juice into a glass shaped like a child’s sippy cup.
All heads turned when Nico walked in.
All heads noticed the man whose hand he refused to release.
Vittorio lowered the paper an inch. “Good morning, piccolo.”
Nico beamed. “Morning, Papa.” He tugged Jax forward one more step. “I brought company.”
Marco’s eyes narrowed instantly. “The consultant.”
Luca looked up from his phone, grin spreading slow and sharp. “Well, well. Nico’s new shadow has a face.”
Elena’s smile was softer, but her gaze flicked between them like she was reading a book she didn’t quite trust. “You look happy today, baby.”
Nico finally let go of Jax’s hand. Just long enough to slide into the chair beside Elena. He patted the empty seat next to him.
“Sit here, Jax.”
Jax hesitated for half a heartbeat.
Every eye in the room waited.
He sat.
Nico immediately scooted his chair closer until their thighs touched under the table. He reached for a croissant, tore off a piece, and held it to Jax’s lips.
“Try this. It’s still warm.”
Jax stared at the flaky bit of pastry. Then at Nico’s expectant face.
The table was silent except for the faint clink of Marco’s coffee cup.
Jax opened his mouth. Nico fed him the bite, fingers brushing Jax’s bottom lip on purpose.
Luca laughed low. “Jesus. He’s feeding him now.”
Elena reached over and smoothed Nico’s hair. “Let him breathe, Nico. Not everyone likes being mothered.”
“I’m not mothering,” Nico said cheerfully. “I’m claiming.”
Vittorio cleared his throat. The sound cut through the room like a blade.
“Consultant,” he said, folding the newspaper completely. “You’ve made quite an impression in less than twenty-four hours.”
Jax met the older man’s gaze. Steady. “Just doing my job, sir. Keeping an eye on things.”
Marco snorted. “Looks like my brother’s keeping an eye on you.”
Nico leaned into Jax’s side, head on his shoulder for a second. “He’s good at it.”
Luca leaned forward, elbows on the table. “So. Jax. Tell us. How does a guy like you end up working for people like us?”
Jax kept his voice even. “Good pay. Interesting work. Bad references from better jobs.”
Luca’s grin widened. “Honest. I like that.”
Vittorio studied Jax for another long beat. Then he nodded once. “Tonight we have a delivery. Sensitive. I want you on perimeter detail. Marco will show you the layout.”
Marco grunted. “After breakfast.”
Jax nodded. “Understood.”
Under the table Nico’s hand found Jax’s thigh. Squeezed once. Hard.
Jax’s jaw clenched.
Nico whispered so only Jax could hear, “Don’t be nervous. I’ll be waiting when you get back.”
Breakfast dragged. Small talk about weather, shipments disguised as cargo, Elena asking Nico if he slept well.
Nico answered everything with one word replies while his fingers drew slow circles on Jax’s leg.
When Vittorio finally pushed back his chair, the room exhaled.
Marco stood. “Come on, consultant. Let’s get this over with.”
Jax rose.
Nico’s hand slipped away reluctantly. He looked up at Jax with those wide dark eyes.
“Hurry back,” he said softly. “I’ll miss you.”
Jax forced a nod. “I’ll be quick.”
Marco was already walking toward the hallway. Jax followed.
At the doorway he glanced back once.
Nico was watching him. But he wasn't smiling anymore. He was just staring.
Like he already knew Jax would come back. Like he already knew Jax had no choice.
The door closed behind them.
Marco didn’t speak until they were halfway down the corridor.
“You’re playing with fire, consultant.”
Jax kept his tone neutral. “Just doing my job.”
Marco stopped. Turned. Looked Jax dead in the eye.
“My brother doesn’t let people close. Ever. You hurt him, you disappear. Clear?”
Jax met his gaze. “Crystal.”
Marco nodded once. Then kept walking.
Jax followed.
But the weight of Nico’s stare stayed on his back the entire way.
- Writer
