The Underbosses Chef [M/M]

41 - Forty - One - Matteo Concetta's Point Of View.

While Ilya and Vito were getting plates and stuff for breakfast, I leaned over and whispered in Caio's ear. "Next time, please let me know if you're going out on a mission. I want to hear it from you, not Vito."

"Right, I apologize. I should have at the very least sent you a message or called to let you know."

"Please don't let it happen again." I hummed. I didn't want to fight with him again. I worried about him, and I understood about him not wanting me to worry, but that wasn't solely his choice anymore. We were in this together. "I need to know, so I can make sure you're safe," I added firmly.

"I understand, Amore." Caio said softly, slipping his hand into mine, despite the fact it was the hand he injured. I brought his hand up to mouth and kissed the top of his hand.

I trusted Caio. That was the part that hurt. I had blind faith in him. I had, for the longest time. Ilya set a plate down in front of me, and then one in front of Caio. He swallowed before he spoke. "I hope your injuries heal in a timely manner."

"Thank you. Ilya." Caio said, politely.

Things with them were going to be awkward for a while. It surprised me that Caio even came down here after what happened.

"How'd you get your injuries, Caio?" Vito asked, and he looked at me, and then at Vito.

"A gang member, just the usual." He said, tightly, and I knew Caio. I knew he was hiding something.

"Tell me." I said.

"They are targeting your brother and you. Luca and I found photos, and shit of you both, and not just photos from this year, but photos from when you were younger, before you left."

"And what is the plan?" Vito said, crossing his arms. "What the hell do they want with Alessio and Matteo?"

"They have switched their focus from your brother to you. Lev protects your brother, and they can't get him. But you, Matteo, you don't have someone that dangerous to protect you, and they know it," Caio said, pulling his hand through his hair. "Matteo, I will make sure that they stay far away from you. You have my word." Caio said, truthfully.

"I'm not worried, honestly." I said, shrugging. "Alessio is going to put me under house arrest. I have Vito and you. I don't have a reason to feel unsafe."

I lived most of my years watching Caio protect my brother. I knew he was capable. Resting my head on his shoulder. "Let's eat now. I worked hard at breakfast."

We all ate in silence. Forks on the plates being the only sound until after, when Vito got up to go wash dishes. He told Caio to come give him a hand. Caio dried the last dish, and they disappeared down the hall. They were going to talk about me and my safety. I wasn't as dense as they tried to keep me.

"Walk with me?" Ilya said, heading to the door.

"Sure." I said, trusting there was a reason that Ilya wanted out of the wing, and wanted me to go with him.

He closed the door behind him, and as we walked down the hall, he opened another door to a large gym set, workout gear, and a mat floor.

"You want to workout?"

"I want to train you, not the way they want to." Ilya said. "You all rely too much on your firearms. I am proof that isn't enough, sometimes. I want to teach you to use your surroundings to your advantage."

"Should you be doing this?"

"If something happens to you, Matteo, I can promise Vito will not be enough to stop me. Not Lev or your brother, either. I can leave here, at any time I like. I choose not to. I'm content here. It keeps me grounded."