Elijah doesn't know when he started pushing Dominic's buttons.
Maybe it was the first time he saw that cold, unreadable face and decided it would be funny to get a reaction.
Maybe it was when he realized Dominic didn't just get annoyed—he got possessive.
Either way, Elijah keeps doing it.
And tonight? He's pushing harder than ever.
---
The Underground Club – 11:47 PM
Music. Smoke. Bodies moving under neon lights.
Elijah leans against the bar, swirling his drink lazily.
He's aware of Dominic's eyes on him.
Because of course Dominic is here.
Because of course he's watching.
But Elijah?
He pretends not to notice.
Instead, he tilts his head, flashing a playful smile at the bartender—a gorgeous woman with dark eyes and red lips.
She leans closer. "Another drink?"
Elijah grins. "Only if it comes with your number."
The woman laughs, sliding a whiskey glass toward him.
She's flirting back. Harmless, right?
Wrong.
Because the moment Elijah reaches for the drink—
A hand grabs his wrist.
Strong. Unyielding.
Elijah blinks, turning—
And meets Dominic's eyes.
Dark. Blazing. Furious.
Elijah smirks. "Oh. Hey, boss."
Dominic doesn't speak.
He just takes the whiskey glass from Elijah's fingers—and downs it in one go.
Then, without breaking eye contact, he leans in.
Close. Too close.
Elijah's breath hitches.
Dominic's voice is low, dangerous.
"I told you."
His fingers tighten around Elijah's wrist.
Elijah feels his pulse jump.
"No reckless flirting in my presence."
The bartender awkwardly steps away.
Elijah, however, just grins.
"Damn, I really got under your skin, huh?"
Dominic's jaw clenches.
"Elijah."
That's all he says.
But the weight behind it? Feels like a warning.
A challenge.
And Elijah?
He's not the type to back down.
---
The Tension Escalates
The moment they step outside, Dominic doesn't let go of Elijah's wrist.
Elijah laughs breathlessly. "Damn, you're really serious about this rule thing, huh?"
Dominic spins him around.
Elijah's back hits the alley wall.
And Dominic?
He cages him in—hands pressed against the cold brick, trapping Elijah in place.
Elijah's breath catches.
Because this?
This is new.
Dominic has always been intense. Always possessive in his own quiet, deadly way.
But this?
This is territorial.
Dangerous.
Elijah swallows. He should stop pushing.
…But he won't.
He tilts his chin up, smirking. "What, you jealous?"
Dominic's gaze drops—to Elijah's lips.
For a second, the world holds still.
And then—Dominic speaks.
"I don't share."
Elijah's heart slams against his ribs.
It's not just the words.
It's the way Dominic says them. Low. Deadly. Like a promise.
Elijah licks his lips.
"Oh?" He hums, tilting his head. "That sounds a lot like an admission, Moretti."
Dominic's gaze darkens.
A slow, dangerous smirk curls at his lips.
"Elijah," he murmurs.
And then—he pulls away.
Just like that.
Leaving Elijah breathless, confused, and slightly pissed.
Because what the hell just happened?
---