The Underbosses Chef [M/M]

05 - Five - Matteo Concetta's Point Of View.

Three days passed quietly without Alessio and I speaking. Caio assured me it wasn't because I had done something, just that he was busy. This was normal, he said. Alessio would go days, just working and going home to Lev.

"Is he like this often? Just working and sleeping?" I asked.

"Alessio takes his work pretty seriously. He spends his time away with Lev and I'm sure they do things together."

"Right. To be married." I said.

"Your brother is happy with Lev."

"I know."

"I'm sure your brother will come see you shortly." Caio said. Working on Vito's paperwork on his computer in the office, he had in his wing. I understood I was probably bothering Caio. I was angry that he loved my mother, but he was just like me, hopelessly in love with someone who didn't want you. Like before, everything happened, and Caio found out about my love for him. I wanted to be around him. Even if it hurts to do so.

Even though I had drawn the line in the sand, in my mind. Telling myself that I didn't want to be around Caio. In three days, I was hovering far too close, too soon, again. Three years away had not changed how I felt about this man.

"Sorry. I'll find something to do." I muttered.

Shaking my head as I walked away from him. I knew Caio was uncomfortable when I pointed out things he liked, did or I watched him for too long. Together in this space, for three days alone, was enough time for it to be a little more than just a touch awkward.

"Caio. I'm going to bother Alessio."

"Matteo, he—-Oh just go." He groaned, frustrated with something.

Shoeless again, I wandered around the halls of Alessio's complex. I raised my hand to knock, but Luca spoke.

"Alessio is in a meeting with Maddox."

"Of course he is." I sighed.

"Did you need something?"

"No. Not particularly." I muttered.

"Matteo, I'll let him know you want to see him."

"Eh, don't bother. He's busy." I said, walking away. The boot making annoying sounds on the carpets used to protect the floors. I wandered around some more, leaving Alessio's complex to wander outside in the sunshine. Someone came running out of Maddox's complex and smacked into me, as I wasn't really paying attention. They grabbed my arm to keep me from falling.

"Shit sorry—Matteo, holy fuck!"

Looking up, Nikki, Alexi's younger brother, had my arm, and he wasn't young anymore. He was taller, and larger than me, and god, he looked like Alessio and Alexi.

"Sorry, I wasn't paying attention."

"Neither was I, to be fair. I mean, Alessio said you came back, but I didn't actually believe him."

"Haha, yeah. I returned."

"You looked good, minus the boot." Nikki said, looking me up and down. He checked his watch and swore again. "Hey, I want to catch up with you, Matteo, but I have to get my daughter from daycare. Before grumpy gills accuses me of using day care as a second parent."

"Oh. Don't let me keep you."

Nikki ran off to a vehicle and started it, leaving in a hurry. Alexi was the next one to try to run me down, holding something in his hand. He swore in Italian.

"You just missed him." I said.

Alexi turned his head. Looking me up and down, his face showed a few different emotions before he finally spoke.