[BL] The Mafia Boss Wants My Body-Chapter 43: A Warning in the Silence

Mark shot Matteo a pointed look, silently pleading with him to calm down.

Matteo didn’t say another word.

He turned on his heel and walked into the living room, his expensive shoes clicking against the marble.

Marco took his seat across from Matteo, unhurriedly, as if he owned the space. "You look relaxed for a man who’s starting to lose control," Marco said coolly.

Matteo didn’t look up from his phone. "If you have something to say, Marco, say it and leave. I have a busy morning."

Marco gave a faint smile. "I’ll get straight to it. Our father’s shipping port in the north, the one you’ve been overseeing. The numbers are down, and your attention is clearly... divided."

He paused, letting the words settle. "I’m here to tell you to step back. Hand it over to someone who can actually carry the weight, since you obviously can’t."

Matteo finally looked up. His expression was cold as he held Marco’s gaze. The silence stretched, heavy and suffocating.

"I have nothing to discuss with you on that," Matteo said.

He rose, straightened his shirt, and turned to walk out of the living room when Marco’s voice cut through.

"It’s either you leave that position voluntarily, Matteo," Marco said, "or I will make you leave. Don’t think for a second that our blood will protect your interests."

Matteo stopped.

He didn’t turn around, but his shoulders squared with a sudden, dangerous edge.

"Then make me leave," Matteo said, his voice devoid of emotion.

Without another word, he walked away, leaving his brother alone in the silence of the living room. From the dining room, Mark and Tony watched in silence. Marco didn’t say goodbye, he turned and walked out.

When Matteo got upstairs and entered the bedroom, Adrian was sitting on the sofa, waiting for him.

Matteo walked in, his face hard.

Adrian noticed immediately. "What happened?"

"Nothing," Matteo replied.

Adrian frowned. "Are you sure?"

Matteo nodded. "Yeah. I’m fine."

Adrian held his gaze for a moment, then gave a slight nod. "Okay."

Matteo turned his attention toward the walk-in closet, changing the subject. "We don’t need to take much to the villa. The new clothes we bought should be enough for the trip."

Adrian nodded, glancing at the shopping bags. "That works for me. I didn’t want to pack a huge suitcase anyway."

"Good," Matteo said. "I’ll have my men come up and pack the bags. If we miss anything later, we can just get it there."

"Alright," Adrian replied.

"Actually," Matteo said, looking at him, "we’re not coming back here. After the studio, the driver will take us straight to the villa."

Adrian paused, surprised. "Are we going alone? Just the two of us and my friends?"

Matteo shook his head. "No. Mark is coming, and I’ll have my men there. It’s a massive villa, and I need to keep the perimeter secure. It’s safe, but I’m not taking chances."

He checked his watch. "My men will pick up Charles and Frank this evening. Once you’re finished at the studio, we’ll all start the journey together."

"Okay," Adrian agreed. "But I still need to stop by my place first. I have a few personal things I can’t leave behind."

Matteo nodded. "Fine. We’ll head to the studio, then your place, and then we’ll leave the city."

Adrian stood up from the sofa. "That’s fine."

They walked out of the bedroom together, leaving the tension of the house behind as they headed for the car.

They drove straight to the studio. Adrian spent a few hours finishing his family portraits. He didn’t want to leave them behind.

After the studio, they stopped at Adrian’s apartment. He went in to grab his essentials while Matteo waited in the car, his men keeping watch over the street.

Tony and Mark were already on their way to the destination in a separate vehicle. Matteo’s security team had confirmed they had picked up Charles and Frank.

By the time everything was set, the sun was beginning to dip, casting long orange shadows across the road.

Matteo and Adrian slid into the back of the car. Matteo reached over and took Adrian’s hand as the driver pulled away.

The city lights began to fade behind them as they started the long drive toward the villa. Adrian leaned his head back, hoping everything would go smoothly.

"You okay?" Matteo asked.

Adrian squeezed his hand. "Yeah. I’m just ready to be there."

The drive felt long, but eventually the car pulled through a set of massive gates, and the villa came into view.

It was a modern villa set right by the ocean, the sound of waves steady in the background. Warm lights glowed from the windows, casting a soft golden tone. The pool stretched toward the sea, reflecting the lights, while the garden was lined with plants and small lanterns that lit the pathways.

A long table had been set up outside near the water. Tony, Mark, and several bodyguards were already seated, and Adrian felt a rush of relief when he saw Charles and Frank waving at him. Beside Mark sat a woman Adrian didn’t recognize, her hand resting familiarly on Mark’s arm.

Adrian and Matteo walked toward the group. The moment Matteo stepped into view, the bodyguards rose immediately, their heads bowing in silent respect.

"Boss."

The greeting came in unison.

Matteo gave a slight nod, acknowledging them without breaking his stride.

Charles and Frank stood up next, relief clear on their faces as they greeted Adrian warmly.

After a brief exchange, Matteo spoke.

"We’ll go inside first to settle in for a moment," he said to the group. "We’ll join you at the table soon."

As they walked toward the villa’s entrance, Adrian leaned closer to Matteo, his voice low. "Who’s the woman sitting next to Mark?"

"That’s his girlfriend," Matteo replied.

Adrian blinked, a bit surprised. "I didn’t know your brother was straight."

"He is," Matteo said.

Adrian frowned slightly. "Then... why are you different?" He hesitated before adding, "I mean... you’re gay? You’re into men?" he asked, trying to find the right words.

Matteo slowed his pace. "I don’t really label it. I’ve been with women, and I’ve been with men. To be honest, I prefer men, but I care more about the person I’m attracted to than their gender."

Adrian went quiet, absorbing that. He hadn’t expected such a blunt answer. They entered the master suite where a bodyguard was already dropping off their bags. Once the door clicked shut, Matteo noticed Adrian’s silence.

"Is everything okay?" Matteo asked, stepping toward him.

"I’m fine," Adrian said, though his voice was small. "I just didn’t realize you were also into women."

"Are you upset because you didn’t know?" Matteo asked.

"No, not upset," Adrian said. "Just... surprised."

They talked for a few more minutes until the tension eased, then headed back outside to join the others. Matteo took his seat at the head of the table, with Adrian beside him, followed by Charles and Frank. Across from them sat Tony and Mark, with Mark’s girlfriend next to him.

The meal was served, and the table was filled with fresh seafood. Matteo spent the time quietly peeling shrimps and placing them on Adrian’s plate, his focus entirely on making sure Adrian was eating.

Midway through the meal, Adrian realized he needed to use the restroom. He leaned closer to Matteo and told him.

"I’ll come with you," Matteo said.

Adrian shook his head. "No... I’ll be fine."

He stood up and headed toward the house. Bodyguards were positioned at every corner, watching the surroundings.

Adrian walked inside, used the restroom, and started heading back.

Then suddenly—

The lights went out.

The hallway dropped into complete darkness.

Adrian froze.

He reached for his pocket to grab his phone... then realized he had left it on the table.

Panic crept in.

His hands started to shake.

Outside, Matteo was already on his feet.

Charles and Frank stood up immediately.

"Check inside," Matteo ordered his men.

"Yes, boss."

The bodyguards moved at once, spreading out across the villa.

Tony remained where he was, still seated. He didn’t react, didn’t move, as if Matteo’s order had nothing to do with him. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

Matteo didn’t wait. He rushed inside himself.