Elijah is not staying here.
Dominic Moretti can play all the scary mafia boss games he wants—Elijah isn't his damn prisoner.
The second the house falls silent, he's gone.
Or at least… that was the plan.
Until he tries to leave.
And fails spectacularly.
---
Attempt #1: The Front Door Escape
Elijah tiptoes through the hallway, heart racing. Almost there.
He reaches the massive front doors, fingers curling around the handle.
Just as he starts to pull—
Click.
The lock doesn't budge.
Elijah's brow twitches. He tries again. Still locked.
"Looking for something?"
Elijah jumps.
Because Dominic is right behind him.
Leaning against the wall, arms crossed, watching him like a predator amused by its prey.
Elijah groans. "Seriously?"
Dominic's smirk deepens. "Go back to bed, Eli."
Elijah scowls. "Stop calling me that."
Dominic just tilts his head—like he's considering something. Then he turns and walks away.
Which is… weird.
But fine. Elijah will try again later.
---
Attempt #2: The Window Escape
Elijah throws open the window of his guest room, looking down.
It's a three-story drop.
… Okay. Maybe not the best idea.
But he spots a balcony below.
If he can just—
"You're an idiot."
Elijah yelps as a voice suddenly speaks up.
Dominic is right there. Again.
Sitting in a chair, sipping whiskey, watching him like he's been expecting this.
Elijah glares. "Do you just… stalk me for fun?"
Dominic takes a slow sip, eyes glinting. "Eli, if I wanted to keep you locked up, you wouldn't even make it to the window."
Elijah folds his arms. "Then unlock the damn door."
Dominic smirks. "No."
Elijah groans.
This is so unfair.
---
A Change in Tactics
If he can't leave, he'll do the next best thing.
Be annoying as hell.
So, for the next few hours, Elijah:
Turns the TV up way too loud
Refuses to eat anything Dominic offers
Keeps pacing just to irritate him
Dominic doesn't react.
Until—
Elijah grabs his phone.
"Cool. If I can't leave, I'll just call someone to pick me up."
Before he can even dial—Dominic moves.
Fast.
Too fast.
One second, Elijah is holding the phone. The next?
Dominic has him pinned against the couch.
Hand wrapped around Elijah's wrist.
His other hand gripping Elijah's chin, forcing him to look at him.
Dominic's voice is low. Dangerous.
"Do you enjoy testing me, Eli?"
Elijah swallows.
Because for the first time—Dominic looks genuinely pissed.
And somehow, that's more terrifying than anything.
---