The Mifia Prince's obsession (MM)

Elijah

I'm leaning against the wall, nursing a drink and scanning the crowded room. Maya ditched me when my mother pulled her away from me, and Elon, well that one is a social butterfly, she doesn't stay in one place for more that 2 minutes.

Just as I'm about to sneak out, two figures slipped out of the crowd heading my way. It was the twins, Luke and Luca. I straightened, feeling a bit wary.

Luke was first to speak, his eyes glinting with mischievous light. "You look like you'd rather be anywhere else."

Luka smirked, crossing his arms. "We might know the feeling. Parties like these.....well, let's just say they're usually not our scene either."

I managed a small smile. "So, you two sneak out often?"

Luka leaned in, his tone lowering conspiratorially. "But we figured we'd give this one a shot. After all Dante's hosting for his important someone." He winked, clearly meaning the awkward setup with Maya.

I relaxed a bit, shrugging. "Important is a stretch," I said, playing along. "More like...strategic."

Luke laughed, clearly enjoying my dry sense of humor. "Strategic, huh? You're a quick sdudy."

We talked about everything from the over-the-top decorations to the stifling family expectations that seemed to permeate the room.

At one point, Luca nudges Luke. "You know, mybe this party's not so bad after all. We've got ourselves a 'strategic guest' who might actually make it interesting."

I shake my head, half amused, half bewildered. But as they continue talking, I felt a weight lift. For the first time tonight, I didn't feel entirely out of place.

I watched Luke and luca drift of into the crowd, our conversation still playing in my head as I nurse my last drink. After bieng in their company I feel more grounded.

Just as I take a deep breath, a familiar voice interrupts my thoughts.

"Enjoying yourself?" Dante's deep, smooth tone cut through the din, sending a quiet thrill down my spine.

I turn to see him standing beside me, hands in his pockets, an amused smile playing at the corner of his mouth. His gaze is focused and attentive. The intensity of his eyes has me feeling rooted to the spot.

"Better now," I reply, my voice barely above a murmur but confident. I held his gaze, a hint of a smile creeping into his lips.

He arched a brow, stepping closer. "So my brothers didn't scare you off?"

I chuckle softly, shaking my head. "Not quite. They were....actually entertaining."

"Good," he replies, his voice low. "But I can't let them be the only ones who get your attention tonight."

I felt my heart skip, the way his gaze seems to draw me in. "Seems like you're here to fix that."

His smile softenes as he holds my gaze, letting a beat of silence settle between us. "So you don't mind me keeping you campany for a while?"

I shrugged, feigning nonchalance, but failing to keep the smile from tugging on my lips. "I suppose I could put up with you."

Dante chuckles, a warm sound that felt like it was meant just for me. He moved in closer, leaning in as if to speak directly to my ear. "Careful, Elijah. I might start thinking you actually like my company."

My cheeks warm, and I shoot Dante a sideways look. "What if I do?"

His eyes gleamed with amusement, but there was softness there too. "Then I'll say that's the best news I've heard all night."

We stood there, words hanging between us as the room faded to a low hum. The connection between us felt magnetic, undeniable and for a moment  I forgot about everyone else in this room. It was just me and him, lingering in the warmth of the shared glances, waiting to see who would break the silence first.

_________________________________________

Back in the quiet of my bedroom. I lay on my bed, staring up at the ceiling, the events of the evening replaying in my mind like scenes from a film.

I closed my eyes, exhaling deeply as I recall the different faces, the looks, the unexpected conversations.

Then, of course, there was Dante.

My lips curve into a small, involuntary smile as I remember Dante's approach. The subtle intensity in his gaze, the way  his voice seemed to dip to a tone only I could hear. I remember the warmth of him standing close, leaning in just enough that it sent a pulse of electricity running through me.

And those works–soft but laced with suggestion. "Careful, Elijah. I might start thinking you actually like my company."

The memory of that line had me shaking my head, a quiet laugh escaping as I relived the way my heart had pounded, betraying the carefully guarded cool I'd tried to maintain.

There was no denying that Dante had this magnetic pull that made it hard for me to look away, hard not to fall into the spell he was weaving.

What unsettled me most was how natural it felt, the way his attention made me feel seen, as though there was something deeper going on between us, something HE wasn't afraid to acknowledge.

I turned into my side, letting the cool air seep over me, grounding me. In a way Dante had rattled something in me that I didn't quiet know how to name. And yet there was a part of me that already wanted more.

That thought made my cheeks warm. I had no idea what the next family event might hold–or if Dante would seek me out again–but tonight had already changed something for me, and mybe that was enough for now.