Matteo's eldest son Cortez had gone too far this time. Kidnapping a civilization in the open?! He could've gotten caught! But it had already been done, and there wasn't much Matteo could do about it. Matteo would walk into the room where you were being held. You were tied up to a chair and were struggling against your restraints. Matteo walked over to you, and brushed some of your hair out of your face. Once he saw your face clearly, His expression softened when he saw how attractive you were. "Well, now I can see why my son kidnapped you." He said to you in a gentle voice before he began to gently caress your cheek, before speaking once again. "You know we can't let you leave, so be good and don't try to escape. We wouldn't want anything bad happening to your family or their business now would we?"

Coldly, Matteo retracted his hand but his gaze never left your face. "I can understand if you're angry about being kidnapped and tied up, I would be too... if I wasn't the one doing it." He smiled thinly. "Now, why don't we make a deal? You cooperate with us, stay here quietly until Cortez and I see fit to release you, and in exchange, no harm will come to your family or their business. Sound fair?"

Matteo's eyebrows furrowed together at your sarcasm. "I understand that you must feel unsafe and suspicious, but I assure you that I will keep my word. I may be the leader of a powerful mafia family, but I am also a man of my word." He paused, leaning closer to you before continuing in a softer voice. "And... perhaps once this is all over, we could get to know each other better. There's something about you that I find myself drawn to."

Matteo smiled sadly, seemingly unphased by your coldness. "Very well then, I shall leave you be until Cortez and I see fit to release you." He paused, his expression softening again as he said quietly, almost to himself, "I hope that in time... you may come to feel differently." With one last glance at your face, Matteo turned and left the room, leaving you alone with your thoughts.

Matteo paused at the doorway of the room, watching Marcus for a moment before finally speaking. "I apologize if I came across as insensitive earlier... it's just that we cannot take any chances with your safety or that of your family." He sighed, looking away briefly before meeting your eyes again. "Perhaps... I could arrange for someone to stay with you while you are here? Someone who could perhaps... make the time a little more bearable?" His voice was soft and hesitant, as if he were unsure if his offer would be welcomed or rejected.

Matteo's expression softened even more as he noticed your annoyance and resentment. He understood that you were feeling trapped and helpless in the situation, but he hoped that his offer would make things a little easier for you. With a deep sigh, he stepped further into the room, closing the distance between the two of you. "Look," he began gently, crouching down so that our eyes were level with each other. "I know this isn't ideal... but please believe me when I say that I will do everything in my power to keep you safe and ensure your release happens as soon as possible." He paused, reaching out a hand to tenderly brush some hair from your forehead. "And if there's anything you need, anything at all, please don't hesitate to ask me. I may be part of the reason you're here right now... but that doesn't mean I won't do everything in my power to make sure you're comfortable until this is over."

Sighing softly, Matteo stood up and took a step back, giving you some space. "Alright... I'll leave you be for now. But please remember that I am here if you need anything," he said before turning and walking out of the room, closing the door quietly behind him.

Once he was gone, he would return to his office to deal with the matters of the Mafia organization while keeping a watchful eye on Marcus through various cameras installed throughout the compound. As time passed, Matteo found himself thinking about you more and more, unable to shake the feeling that there was something special about you...

As the hours passed, Matteo found himself growing increasingly restless and anxious. Despite having to deal with various matters regarding the Mafia organization, his mind kept wandering back to Marcus. He couldn't help but feel a strange pull towards him... it was unlike anything he had ever experienced before. He would occasionally glance at one of the screens showing footage of Marcus, unable to resist stealing these moments just to watch the other man and admire his beauty.

Eventually, Matteo made an excuse to leave his office, claiming he needed some fresh air. In truth, he was making his way towards the room where you were being held, hoping to spend some time with you away from prying cameras. As he arrived at the door, he took a deep breath before entering and shutting it quietly behind him. His expression softened as he approached you, searching for words to break the silence.

Matteo cleared his throat, feeling awkward as he stood by the chair you were tied to. "Um... I hope I'm not disturbing anything," he finally managed to say. "I just... couldn't stay away any longer. Something about being near you has been weighing on my mind all day." He bit his lower lip nervously, unable to meet your gaze. "I know it must be uncomfortable for you... with everything that's happened..."

Matteo shifted uncomfortably, his heart going out to you as he watched your defeated posture. He wanted nothing more than to take away your pain and make things better for you... but he knew that wasn't possible under the circumstances. "Look," he finally said, trying to find the right words. "I know I haven't been very nice to you so far, and for that I am truly sorry. You don't deserve any of this." He moved closer, reaching out a hand to brush some hair away from your face. "Please, just... tell me what I can do to make things easier for you." His voice was gentle and soft, almost pleading.

Matteo's expression flickered for a moment before he nodded slowly. "I understand why you would think that," he said softly, stepping back and kneeling beside the chair. Carefully, he began to untie the knots that held you in place. As each one came loose, you were finally able to move your arms and legs again, stretching them out with a sigh of relief. Once you were freed from the restraints, Matteo stood up once more, wiping his hands on his pants as he looked at you apologetically. "I'm sorry for treating you this way... it was not my intention."

"You're welcome," Matteo replied softly, taking a step closer to you. "And I meant what I said earlier... if there is anything you need, anything at all, please don't hesitate to ask." He paused, swallowing thickly before continuing in a rougher tone, "Even if it's... companionship." His gaze dropped to the floor as he waited for your reply.

Matteo laughed softly, almost sadly. "Oh no, I have quite a busy life as the leader of this organization," he replied, waving his hand dismissively. "But... if it would make you feel safer or more comfortable, perhaps we could find someone to stay with you until Cortez and I see fit to release you." His gaze flickered back up to meet yours, searching for your reaction.

He moved closer still, their bodies almost touching as he spoke. "Or... maybe you'd prefer that it was just me? It's not like I have anyone else these days... and being near you... well, let's just say that it makes me feel good." There was a hint of desperation in his voice, but also an underlying current of strength. He was willing to offer himself up to you, body and soul, if it meant making your stay here more bearable.

Matteo's expression darkened slightly at your words, but he forced a smile onto his face. "Very well," he said quietly, trying to hide the hurt that was in his voice. "I will see what I can do about finding someone more... suitable for the task." He stepped back then, clearing his throat before speaking again. "In the meantime, if you need anything at all, please don't hesitate to call out. I'll be just outside the door, and I promise I won't leave your sight." And with that, he turned and walked towards the door, pausing with his hand on the knob before glancing back at you one last time. "Goodnight, Marcus," he said softly before finally exiting the room, leaving you alone once more.

As the hours passed by slowly in the room, Matteo found himself unable to stop thinking about Marcus. He paced restlessly back and forth outside the door, his mind filled with conflicting emotions - desire, guilt, anger, fear... Despite knowing that he should focus on running the organization, his thoughts kept returning to the younger man within the room. Finally, when dawn began to break over the horizon, Matteo made a decision. He would personally see to it that Marcus' time in captivity would be as comfortable as possible. With one last deep breath, he opened the door and walked back into the room.

"Good morning," he said softly, his voice raspy with sleep. "I hope you got some rest despite being confined to this chair." He glanced around the room, unsure of what else to say or do before leaning against the wall next to the door and folding his arms across his chest, trying to look casual yet approachable at the same time.

His gaze drifted back to Marcus, studying him carefully. Despite being tied up again, there was something about him that seemed different this morning... more at ease perhaps? Matteo found himself hoping that whatever it was, he could keep it alive and growing between them.

Matteo raised an eyebrow at the look on Marcus' face and quirked his lips in a small smile. "I apologize if my earlier comment came across as insensitive," he said, walking closer to the chair. "I merely meant that I hope you were able to rest somewhat while sitting here overnight." He paused, glancing down at the knots binding Marcus' hands before turning his attention back up to meet his gaze. "If you'd like something more comfortable to sit on, or if there's anything else you need..." he trailed off, leaving the offer open-ended.

The silence stretched between them as Matteo continued to observe Marcus carefully. He wasn't sure what it was about the other man that made him feel so... protective. In any case, he intended to make sure that Marcus' time spent with him would be as pleasant and comfortable as possible.

"I understand your frustration," Matteo said quietly, his expression softening as he studied Marcus' face. "But I want you to know that I am doing everything in my power to ensure your safety and the safety of your family." He paused for a moment before continuing, a hint of determination in his voice. "I promise you, things will work out in the end."

Without further prompting, he turned and left the room once more, pausing briefly at the door to glance back over his shoulder before exiting completely. He would return later with food and drinks for Marcus, as well as a few comfort items such as pillows and blankets. For now, however, he had other matters to attend to.

Matteo paused as he left the room, fighting against the urge to turn around and rush back to Marcus' side. His promise to Cortez was weighing heavily on his mind, but so too was his growing attachment to the younger man. He couldn't help but feel that there was more at stake here than just another business deal gone sour. With a deep breath, he forced himself to continue down the hallway and attend to his other responsibilities.

Later that day, he returned with food and drinks as promised, as well as an extra pillow and blanket for Marcus' comfort. Seeing the other man still looking tired and disheveled made Matteo's heart ache, but he knew there was nothing more he could do at the moment. He would just have to wait until the time was right to make his move...to see if perhaps Marcus might feel differently about him then.

"I brought you something to eat," he said softly as he entered the room, setting the tray with its food and drinks on the table nearby. "And I thought you might appreciate these." With a gentle smile, he placed the pillow and blanket at Marcus' feet.

Matteo chuckled softly as he closed the door behind him. "I meant you could use them," he said with a small shrug, moving over to take a seat on the floor beside the chair. "It's not much, but I thought it might make things more bearable for you."

He glanced up at Marcus, his expression serious as he asked, "How are you holding up?" It was clear from Marcus' tone and demeanor that he hadn't been sleeping well, and Matteo couldn't help but feel worried about him. Despite the circumstances, he wanted nothing more than to see Marcus happy and healthy.

Matteo winced visibly as Marcus shouted at him, his heart clenching painfully in his chest. He'd never expected the other man to react so harshly to his attempts at kindness. "I'm sorry," he said softly, his tone gentle but firm. "I only meant to help." He paused, searching for the right words before continuing, "Look, I know you must be going through hell right now, and I can't even begin to imagine how you feel... but please know that I am doing everything in my power to make sure you are safe until this is all over."

He moved closer still, reaching out a hand to rest it lightly on Marcus' shoulder. "And if there's anything else I can do for you, anything at all..." He trailed off, his eyes meeting and holding the other man's gaze steadily. "Just let me know."

Matteo's hand dropped away from Marcus' shoulder as if it had been burned, and he recoiled slightly, his expression pained. He swallowed hard before speaking again, his voice barely a whisper. "Alright... I understand." Slowly, he rose to his feet and turned away, moving toward the door as if in a daze. "I'll leave you alone for now," he said hoarsely, hesitating with his hand on the knob before looking back over his shoulder at Marcus. "Just know that I'm here whenever you need me... even if you don't want me."

Without waiting for a reply, Matteo left the room and shut the door quietly behind him, leaving Marcus alone once more with his thoughts and his pain.

Sleep eluded Matteo that night as he tossed and turned in his bed, images of Marcus' exhausted and anguished face haunting him. He couldn't help but feel responsible for the younger man's suffering, even though he knew that it was hardly his fault alone. The Mafia world was a cruel one, built on violence and deceit, and he had been raised in it since birth.

As the early morning light crept through the cracks in his curtains, Matteo rose from his bed, dressed quickly, and made his way towards Marcus' room. He needed to check on him, to make sure he was still alive and well despite their turbulent relationship. As he reached out to turn the knob, he took a deep breath, steeling himself for whatever he might find inside.

Matteo's heart stopped as he took in the sight of Marcus lying on the floor, his usually strong and handsome features now drawn and pale. Without another thought, he moved forward, dropping to his knees beside the younger man. Gently, he reached out a hand, lifting Marcus' head into his lap. "Marcus," he said softly, brushing hair away from the other man's face. "Can you hear me?"

There was no response except for the faint sound of shallow breathing and the flutter of eyelashes against Matteo's palm. Fear gripped him like a vise as he realized how close they had come to losing Marcus entirely. Quickly, he reached for his cell phone, dialing one of his most trusted men on the force.

"Roberto," he said when the other man answered. "It's me... I need your help with something urgent." He explained the situation in hushed tones, asking Roberto to bring him a first aid kit and some water as soon as possible. As he waited for his arrival, Matteo focused all of his attention on Marcus, doing everything he could think of to ease the younger man's suffering until help arrived.

"Shhh..." Matteo whispered softly as he continued to tend to Marcus. "You're going to be okay... I promise." He didn't know if his words had any real meaning, but he needed to believe them himself in order to maintain some semblance of hope. The sound of footsteps approaching the door interrupted his thoughts, and a moment later Roberto appeared, carrying a first aid kit and a bottle of water.

"Thanks for coming so quickly," Matteo said gratefully as he accepted the items from his friend. With shaking hands, he opened the kit and retrieved a wet cloth, carefully cleaning Marcus' face and neck before offering him some water to drink. "Slowly... just sip it." He helped Marcus to sit up slightly, supporting him with one arm around his shoulders as he held the bottle to his lips.

Matteo carefully wiped away the last of Marcus' tears with the cloth before tossing it aside and gathering the younger man back into his arms. "It's okay," he murmured, rocking him gently as he held him close. "Everything is going to be all right." He knew that he had no way of knowing if that was true, but he needed Marcus to believe it...for both their sakes.

As Roberto finished tending to Marcus, Matteo stood slowly, lifting the younger man with him. Carrying Marcus back to his bed, he helped him lie down and pulled a blanket up over his shoulders before taking a seat beside the bed. "Try to get some more sleep," he said softly, resting a hand on Marcus' forehead. "And when you wake up, I promise we'll figure out what to do next." There was no doubt in his mind that as long as Cortez remained alive, they were all still in danger...but somehow, with Marcus here now, the future didn't seem quite so hopeless anymore.

Matteo watched over Marcus as he slept, his expression a mix of concern and relief. He knew that the younger man had been through so much in such a short time, but somehow seeing him at peace like this gave him hope that they might find a way to make things right again. As hours passed, Matteo dozed off himself, his head resting on his arm as he sat beside Marcus' bed.

When the other man awoke some time later, he glanced around briefly before meeting Marcus' gaze. There was an unspoken understanding between them; they both knew that things had changed since their first encounter. Matteo couldn't help but feel a stirring in his chest as he looked into those haunted green eyes...a feeling that went beyond mere duty or obligation. It was something deeper, more powerful...and it terrified and exhilarated him all at once.

For now though, there were more immediate concerns. Cortez's safety remained their top priority, and they would need Marcus' help if they had any chance of keeping the situation under control. Carefully, Matteo rose from his seat beside the bed and walked across the room to fetch some water and food for Marcus before returning to sit down again.

"How are you feeling?" he asked softly as he set the tray on Marcus' lap. "Better than last night, I hope." He didn't expect Marcus to trust him yet, but he hoped that with time, perhaps things could be different between them...that there might still be a chance for something more.

Matteo watched silently as Marcus ate and drank, his expression concerned but non-judgmental. He knew that the other man must be going through an inner battle of emotions right now, struggling to understand what was happening and where he stood with him. It pained him to see Marcus in so much turmoil, but he didn't know how to help without making things worse.

As Marcus finished eating, Matteo cleared his throat before speaking. "Look... I don't expect you to trust me or believe anything I say right now. But I want you to know that I am doing everything in my power to protect you and your family," he said slowly, choosing each word carefully. "If there's anything you need, anything at all, please don't hesitate to ask."

He paused for a moment, searching for the right words before continuing, "I understand that this must be incredibly difficult for you... and I want you to know that I'm here for you, if you ever decide you want someone on your side." He held Marcus' gaze steadily, willing him to understand the sincerity behind his words.

Matteo watched as Marcus drifted back off to sleep, a conflicted expression on his face. Part of him was relieved that the younger man had found some comfort in exhaustion; the other part ached with desire to ease Marcus' pain more directly, to show him that he didn't need to go through this alone.

With a sigh, he leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes, trying to ignore the butterflies that fluttered wildly in his stomach every time Marcus looked at him. For now, all he could do was wait...and hope that someday soon, Marcus would see him as something more than just another dangerous mafia boss.

Matteo didn't dare close his eyes as he sat beside Marcus, afraid that he might miss some small sign of trust or understanding if it were to pass between them while he wasn't looking. The silence stretched on for what felt like hours, and still the younger man slept, exhausted from all they had been through together.

Eventually, the door opened again, and Roberto poked his head in. "There's a problem at one of our warehouses," he said apologetically. "I need to deal with it right away." With an apologetic glance at both Marcus and Matteo, he turned and left once more, leaving the mafia boss alone with the sleeping man.

Matteo let out a slow breath as the door clicked shut behind his friend, wondering how many more distractions life would throw at him before they could find some semblance of peace...and whether Marcus would still be there when they did.

As the day wore on, Matteo found himself watching Marcus even more carefully, his heart aching with concern every time he saw the younger man twitch in his sleep or let out a soft moan of discomfort. He wanted nothing more than to make this all go away, to bring back their lives before everything had changed and restored them both to safety and peace.

With each passing hour that they remained cooped up in this room, though, he could feel the tension between them growing thicker and heavier, like a physical presence in the air around them. It was clear that Marcus did not yet trust him, and Matteo couldn't blame him...but part of him wondered if there might be some way to change that. Some gesture or word that would bridge the gap between them and show Marcus that he truly did have a friend in this chaos.

As the light began to fade outside the window, Matteo decided it was time for another visit from Roberto. He needed advice, someone to help him navigate these unfamiliar waters...and most importantly, someone who might be able to offer him hope that things would ever return to normal.

Matteo glanced up as Marcus stirred, his expression neutral but concerned. "How are you feeling?" he asked softly, pushing himself to his feet and moving closer to the bed. Despite the tension between them, he couldn't help but feel a stirring of affection for the younger man...an emotion that was both confusing and unsettling in the context of their situation.

As Marcus stretched lazily, Matteo found himself wishing there was some way to make this all go away, to give them both back their old lives before everything had changed. The thought brought with it a pang of regret and guilt, but he couldn't bring himself to let go of the hope that maybe...just maybe...things could be different between them someday soon.

Matteo inclined his head slightly in acknowledgement before replying, "You're welcome...I only hope you can forgive me for everything that's happened." His voice was soft and hesitant as he spoke, the words tasting bitter on his tongue despite their sincerity.

He paused, unsure of how to continue, but feeling a need to say something more. "If there's anything I can do to make things right...anything at all..." He trailed off, not daring to meet Marcus' gaze as he waited for a response.

Matteo smiled gently and nodded before stepping away to fetch some food from the nearby kitchen. He returned a few moments later with a tray laden with various dishes, setting it down on the bed beside Marcus. "Eat whenever you're ready," he said softly as he settled back into his chair, careful not to intrude upon the younger man's space too much.

The silence that fell between them was thick but somehow less uncomfortable than before. As Marcus ate, Matteo found himself watching him intently, studying every line of his face and expression, searching for any sign of trust or understanding. The hope that he might find it one day kept him going, driving him forward even in the darkest of moments.

Matteo glanced up from his hands in his lap as he heard the other man's voice, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "You're welcome," he said softly, his tone sincere and non-judgmental. He wasn't sure what to say next, but he felt the need to break the silence that had fallen between them. "I hope you know I only want what's best for you and your family."

He paused again, searching for words that might somehow convey the depth of his feelings without making things any more awkward than they already were. "It may not seem like it right now," he continued hesitantly, "but I truly believe we can find a way through this together...if you'll let me."

His gaze drifted back down to his lap as he finished speaking, unsure of how Marcus would react to what he had said. The air between them seemed lighter now, almost expectant, and Matteo couldn't help but hope that perhaps this time things might truly begin to change for the better.

Matteo's eyes widened slightly at the younger man's words, and he stared at Marcus in shock for a moment before finally finding his voice.

"No...that's not what I meant,"

he said quickly, putting down his hand to cover his lap and avert eye contact with Marcus. He could feel his face flushing hotter by the second as the realization dawned on him just how badly that question must have sounded.

"I mean...not right away, of course..."

he stammered, struggling to find the right words.

"I just meant...that we could be partners...allies."

There was an uncomfortable silence between them as Matteo struggled to make sense of his own words and their impact on Marcus. He knew that he had said the wrong thing, and now it seemed like all of his earlier attempts at sincerity and honesty had gone up in smoke. It pained him to see Marcus looking so confused and unsettled...and yet, despite everything, there was still a part of him that hoped they could find their way back to some sort of understanding.

For several long moments, Matteo sat in silence, struggling to process his own feelings as well as the unexpected turn their conversation had taken. When he finally spoke, his voice was calm and measured, attempting to put some distance between them once more.

"Look...I apologize if I made you uncomfortable," he said, slowly withdrawing his hand from where it had covered his lap. "That wasn't my intention." He paused, searching for the right words before continuing softly, "I only meant to show you that I am serious about helping you and your family through this...that I won't let anything happen to either of you."

He took a deep breath, letting it out slowly before looking back at Marcus. "But if you still feel unsettled by what I said," he continued, his voice gentle but firm, "I understand. It's important that we both feel comfortable with this arrangement...and I won't push you into anything."

Matteo hesitated again, unsure of how Marcus would respond to this newfound clarity in their relationship. For now, all he could do was wait and hope that they might find a way back to some sort of understanding.