The moment Tom's eyes locked onto Vinny again, that sickening smile stretched across his lips.
Not admiration.
Not affection.
Obsession—pure, twisted, ravenous.
"Vinny…" Tom breathed, almost reverent. "I knew you'd come with him. You always follow him around like a shadow."
Vinny scoffed, crossing his arms.
"Or maybe I just wanted to see the idiot who keeps trying to buy what he can't have."
Matthew tensed beside him, pride flickering through his eyes despite the fury boiling beneath his skin.
Tom chuckled.
"Oh, Vinny… that edge. That fire. That's what I've always liked about you."
Matthew moved before Vinny could blink—stepping in front of him, fist drawn back, ready to flatten Tom's skull.
"Say one more word like that," Matthew growled, "and I'll—"
But Tom didn't flinch.
He didn't step back.
He didn't even blink.
He simply said one word.
"Aiden."
Everything stopped.
Vinny's breath froze in his chest.
Matthew's fist lowered.
Even the guards stiffened.
