The Mafia Prince's obsession (MM)

Elijah

After the intense breakfast with my family, I needed an escape. The weight of their words had settled into my chest like a stone, and the only place I could think of to breathe freely was the animal center near campus.

The familiar scent of hay and warm fur always had a way of calming me and grounding me in a way nothing else could.

I entered the center, immediately feeling a sense of relief as I walked through the rows of kennels and pens.

Some animals recognize me right away, a few excited barks and meows greetings me as I walk down the aisle. I kneel by a pen with a young shepherd mix, scratching behind its ears as it leaned into my touch, tail wagging.

"Hey, buddy," I say, feeling some of the tension start to melt. "Bet you don't have to deal with family drama, hu?"

Lost in the calming routine of petting and talking to the animals, I don't notice someone approaching until I hear a voice beside me.

"Looks like you've got a fan," the voice says, warm and friendly.

I look up, startled, to find a tall, broad shouldered man about my age, with a friendly smile and gentle energy. He wore the center's staff shirt, a few dog treats sticking out from his pocket, and his gaze as warm as he looks between me and the shepherd mix.

"Oh—yeah, he's a sweetheart, " I reply, straightening up. "I come here sometimes, and he always comes right up to me."

He chuckles and extends his hand. "I'm Marco. Been working here for a few months. You must be the 'mystery student ' who comes to hang out with the animals. "

"Elijah, " I say, shaking his hand with a slight smile. "Didn't realize I was so well-known around here."

He shruggs, his gaze lingering on me with a hint of curiosity. "Well, you stand out. We don't get many visitors with as much dedication. Animals seem to trust you, and that says a lot."

I feel my cheeks warm, flattered yet slightly self-conscious. I am not used to this kind of attention, but there was something refreshing about Marco's easy-going nature. For a moment, I forgot about my family and Dante's message, just enjoying the company and simplicity of the moment.

As we move through the center, talking about the animals, I found myself genuinely laughing, my worries slipping away.

Marco seems easy to talk to—understanding and unassuming, with a shared passion for animal care.

At one point, we are crouched by a cage with a small tabby cat, both of us reaching in to scratch its ears. Our shoulders brushed, and I felt a jolt of awareness, something I didn't expect. I glace up, catching Marco's eyes, that looked back at me with an expression that seemed to linger a little longer tham usual.

For a brief moment, I wondered if there could be something there, but I quickly push the thought aside. After everything with Dante, I know better than to let my gaurd down so easily.

Still, as I left the center, I couldn't shake the feeling of warmth that Marco's presence brought.

I walk out of my last class, already worn out from the day. Just as I'm about to call my driver, I spot Bella waiting for me by the campus fountain, waving with a bright smile.

"Eli! You're finally free!" She calls, rushing over.

I chuckle, thankful of her lighthearted energy. "Yeah, it's been a day. You wanna head out?"

Just as we are walking, a shadow crossed our path, and my stomach drops as I look up to see Dante leaning casually against a nearby pillar, arms crossed. His gaze was fixed solely on me, that signature intensity making my skin prickle.

"Leaving so soon?" His voice smooth but laced with something that made my pulse race.

Bella glances between us, sensing the tension. "Oh, hey... you must be a friend of Eli's?"

He gives her a brief, charming smile. "Something like that. " his gaze returns to me, dark and unreadable. "Mind if I borrow him for a moment?"

Before I could respond, he steps forward, wrapping a firm hand around my wrist. Bella glances at me, raising her eyebrows in question, I force a smile, trying to appear calm.

"Uh..sure, Bella. I'll catch up with you later, " I manage, hoping my voice didn't betray the jolt of nerves that has me frozen in place.

With a nod, Bella walks off, leaving me alone with Dante. As soon as she's gone, Dante's hand slids from my wrist to my waist, pulling me close. The sudden proximity sends a thrill through me, even as I fight to keep my composure.

"What are doing here?" I hiss, glancing around, suddenly hyper-aware of any passing students.

"Just wanted to see you," he replies, his voice low and teasing as he tilts his head, bringing his face dangerously close. "Turns out, I know your schedule now. Thought I'd surprise you."

I swallowed, trying to pull back, but his grip was unyielding. "This is...crossing the line," I say, though my voice lacked conviction.

"Is it?" His smirk grows as he leans closer, his breath warm against my ear. "You ran off on me, remember? I figured you'd need a reminder that there's no running from this....from me."

My heart hammers, and I hate the thrill his words send coursing through me. My instinct was to break away, to deny the way my pulse quickened under his touch—but my body betrays me, rooted in place, helpless against the undeniable pull between us.

"You don't get it," I whisper, forcing myself to look up and meet his gaze, even though my voice falters. "I can't...we cant...."

His fingers tightens slightly on my waist, possessively. "Can't what? Keep pretending you don't want this?" His eyes flicker over my face, dark and challenging. " Go ahead. Try and tell me you haven't thought about it."

My breath hitches as his thumb brushes along my hip, the touch deliberate, electrifying. I wanted to deny it, to insist that I could stay unaffected but the way he was looking at me, as though I belonged to him already,  made my resolve crumble.

"You're...impossible, "I murmur, hating how weak my voice sounds, how exposed I feel under his gaze.

His smile is pure satisfaction as he pulls me just a bit closer. "The stop fighting it," he says softly, his voice a rough whisper, each word wrapping around me like a promise. "You know there's no running away from me. Not now, not ever."