Something I Don't Like

[Alfio's Pov]

As I stepped into Salvo's room and shut the door behind me, I stood there… For a long second.

Just breathing.

Not calmly. Not rhythmically.

No—I was breathing like I'd just run a fucking marathon. Like someone had pressed a knife to my chest and whispered, "Run, rabbit."

I leaned against the door, head tilted back, eyes fixed on the ceiling like maybe it had answers. Spoiler: it didn't.

"What the hell is wrong with me…" I muttered.

I didn't know. That was the worst part. I didn't know what the hell this was. This weird ache in my chest. This fucking throbbing that started the second I saw Salvo, bleeding and calm like death itself.

Something in me had clenched.

Not fear. No. I wasn't afraid of him anymore. I am just used. I was afraid for him.

And that? That pissed me off more than anything.