[BL] The Mafia Boss Wants My Body

The day eventually faded into the night. Just as Adrian was beginning to drift off, his phone lit up.

A message from Matteo, rare, unexpected... and enough to pull him fully awake.

I’m lying here in this empty bed, and all I can think about is that you aren’t in it. I love you, Adrian. More than I ever thought I was capable of. I’m counting down every minute until I’m back home, until I can take care of you, hold you, and show you exactly how much you mean to me.

I’m coming home to you, baby. Dream of me.

Adrian read the words, and a warm, genuine smile spread across his face. He felt cherished, settled, and completely at ease.

He typed back, his fingers lingering on the screen: Just know you mean just as much to me. Goodnight, Matteo.

Goodnight, baby, Matteo replied immediately.

That was the end of their conversation for the night, the silence that followed felt peaceful rather than lonely.

The next morning, Adrian woke up feeling lighter.

He stretched, testing his ankle, it felt significantly better, then stepped out of his bedroom, ready to face the day.

Downstairs, the smell of breakfast filled the air, along with the soft, cheerful hum of Maxwell already at work, as he determined to keep everything in perfect order until his brother returned.

As soon as Maxwell caught sight of Adrian, he hurried over with a bright, welcoming smile. "Good morning, brother-in-law! I hope you slept well?"

"I did, actually," Adrian replied. "And how about you? How was your night?"

"Splendid," Maxwell beamed, gesturing toward the dining table where a spread had already been perfectly arranged. "It was great. And I’ve already got your breakfast ready, so please, sit."

Maxwell pulled the chair out with a flourish, waiting for Adrian to settle in before taking his seat across from him. As they began to eat, Adrian cleared his throat, looking at the younger man.

"Maxwell, it’s Monday, and I’ll be heading to work soon. I’m not sure if you’d prefer to stay here and relax or come with me."

"Oh, I’m definitely going with you," Maxwell said without a second of hesitation. "Don’t worry about stressing yourself, I’ll be there to help with whatever you need."

Adrian tried to protest lightly, "My ankle is feeling much better, you know. You really don’t have to follow me around if you’d rather have a day to yourself."

"It’s completely fine," Maxwell insisted, his smile earnest. "I’m happy to go with you."

"Alright then," Adrian conceded with a soft smile. "After breakfast, you should go get ready for the day."

After they finished their meal, Adrian headed upstairs to prepare for the day, while Maxwell did the same. Just as Adrian was about to step out of the shower, his phone buzzed.

It was a message from Matteo.

Good morning, baby.

Adrian quickly typed back, Good morning, as he moved to get dressed.

Matteo’s next message arrived a moment later:

I’m already heading out from the hotel. I slept a bit late, so I’m in a rush today. I’m planning to fit all my meetings into one long block so I can finish everything at once. If I keep this pace, I should be back by tomorrow.

Adrian read the words, his heart softening. He typed back: Alright, but try not to put too much pressure on yourself.

Alright, baby, Matteo replied. I love you.

Adrian closed the chat, feeling a quiet sense of peace. He took a final look in the mirror, straightened his clothes, and headed back downstairs, ready to start the day.

Adrian stepped out of the house, and Maxwell was already waiting—dressed impeccably and radiating restless energy. They climbed into the back of the car, the tinted windows creating a private bubble as they drove toward the studio.

Their conversation flowed effortlessly, drifting from one topic to another, easy and surprisingly enjoyable. By the time Adrian glanced outside again, they had already arrived.

As their driver pulled into the space, Adrian saw a familiar car parked nearby: Iris. He stiffened, instinctively leaning back into the darkness of the tinted glass.

Maxwell noticed Adrian’s reaction and followed his gaze. The moment he saw Iris, he understood everything.

"Don’t move," Maxwell said, his playful demeanor turning cold and protective. "Stay inside. I’ll handle her."

Before Adrian could protest, Maxwell stepped out. Iris, expecting to see Adrian, looked relieved, until she saw who was actually emerging from the car. She blinked, searching the vehicle for Adrian, but Maxwell blocked her view entirely.

"Adrian isn’t coming in," Maxwell announced, his voice smooth and dismissive. "He has urgent work in another city, and he won’t be back anytime soon."

Iris’s brow furrowed, her frustration clear. "Who are you? Why do you keep showing up everywhere? Where is he?"

"You wouldn’t know me. I’m his new assistant," Maxwell said with a casual shrug. "He’s not available, and he didn’t leave any messages for visitors. You should go. I’ll inform him you stopped by."

Iris looked ready to scream, but Maxwell’s firm, unbothered stance left her no choice. Scowling, she retreated to her car and sped off.

Only when she was well out of sight did Adrian finally exhale. Relief washed over him, he couldn’t afford any drama getting back to Matteo and triggering another senseless argument. He wanted their reunion to be perfect.

Maxwell walked back to Adrian, and together they took the elevator up, heading straight into the studio.

Inside the studio, the staff greeted Adrian as usual—Kate, James, and the others.

Their attention briefly shifted to Maxwell, curiosity flickering across their faces, but no one questioned it. Most of them didn’t recognize him.

Maxwell had only recently returned from abroad, where he had been living with his mother. Now back under his father Luciano’s roof, life had been anything but easy. In their world, strength was everything, and Luciano believed in throwing him into demanding, often brutal work to toughen him up.

Maxwell hated it.

He preferred something lighter, something effortless.

So this... this felt like a reward.

Staying by Adrian’s side, talking, observing, and getting paid for it? It was the easiest job he’d ever had.

But somewhere along the way, it stopped feeling like just a job.

As he watched Adrian draw, completely focused and absorbed in his work, Maxwell found himself genuinely interested, quietly enjoying every moment of it.

He found himself genuinely happy.

He was eager to be useful, and throughout the day, he stayed close, watching Adrian draw with open fascination.

Finally, Maxwell turned to Adrian. "I’d love to learn from you. Would you be willing to teach me?"

Adrian smiled. "Why not? If you have the talent," he added, touched by the younger man’s interest, "I’d be happy to teach you the basics."

Maxwell jumped at the chance, and they spent the day alternating between work and lessons. It was a productive, surprisingly pleasant day that ended with them heading home for dinner.

After dinner, Adrian went up to his room. Just as he got there, his phone chimed, it was a video call from Matteo.

"Hey, babe. How was your day?"

"It was productive," Adrian said, though his heart sank when Matteo’s tired face appeared on the screen. "You look tired... are you okay?"

"It’s been a long, stressful day," Matteo admitted, rubbing his temples. "I thought I could finish early... but I won’t be able to make it back until Thursday."

Adrian felt a sharp pang of disappointment, but he forced a smile.

"Are you disappointed... or angry?" Matteo asked softly, catching the shift in Adrian’s expression.

Adrian felt a sharp pang of disappointment, but he forced a smile.

"Are you disappointed... or angry?" Matteo asked softly, catching the shift in Adrian’s voice.

Adrian shook his head. "Thursday is soon enough. Just focus on your work, Matteo. Take care of yourself."

Matteo studied him for a moment before nodding. "Alright, baby."

They stayed on the call for a long time, their conversation drifting into the soft, romantic space that had become their quiet refuge.

When Adrian finally fell asleep, his thoughts were already counting down to Thursday.

The next morning...