Page 100 of Beneath the Shadows

Before Alessia can move, I reach across her, gripping her wrist just enough to get her attention. “Listen carefully,” I say, my voice dark, low. “You’re going to behave, or I won’t hesitate to drug you again. Do you understand?”

Her eyes burn with anger, that same fire still blazing inside her, untamed. She presses her lips together, defiant as ever. “Fine,” she spits out, the bitterness dripping from every word.

I release her wrist, but inside, I can’t help the surge of pride. Alessia’s her beautiful, defiant self. Still whole. Still unbroken. A part of me wishes I didn’t have to be the one to drag her back, but it’s that fire I need to protect.

“Good. Now let’s get out.”

She doesn’t argue, just throws the door open and steps out, slamming it behind her. I watch her walk toward the restroom, her shoulders rigid with barely contained fury. I don’t take my eyes off her until she disappears inside.

Dante steps out of the car and joins me as I lean against the wall outside the restrooms. He studies me for a moment, the weight of what’s happening hanging between us.

“You gonna tell her about her upcoming wedding?” he asks, his voice cautious but direct. He knows the score, knows the stakes. We’ve been in this life long enough to understand how complicated the next steps will be.

I shake my head, keeping my gaze fixed on the ground. “Not yet. I’m not saying anything until I have to.”

Dante crosses his arms, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp. “And when will that be?”

“As soon as we get home,” I reply, my voice flat. “I’ve already arranged everything. The ceremony will be private. It’s all lined up.”

We both know what this is really about. Draco’s orders to marry Alessia are a power play, his way of asserting control over me and keeping her tied to theFamiglia.

But what Draco doesn’t realize is that I’m shifting the game. I might be following his command, but I’m doing it on my terms, in my time. By handling this my way, I’m ensuring I still hold the upper hand, not him.

“She’s not going to take this well, you know.”

“She doesn’t have a choice,” I say, my voice harsher than I intend betraying my nerves.

We both know this is a disaster waiting to happen, but there’s no way to stop it—no way out.

A few minutes later, Alessia reappears. She glances at me, then looks away, like she can’t stand the sight of me.

“Are you hungry?”

“No,” she snaps, the anger in her voice barely contained.

“When’s the last time you ate?” I press, not willing to let this go.

“What’s it to you?” she shoots back, glaring at me.

I’m trying to keep my frustration in check, but she’s not making it easy. “You’re with me. And as long as you are, I’ll make sure you’re taken care of.”

She scoffs, crossing her arms tighter over her chest. “I don’t need you to take care of me.”

Dante gives a quick jerk of his chin toward the store. "I’ll leave you two to figure this out." He walks off, leaving me alone with her.

“I know you don’t want to hear this, but I’m not your enemy, Alessia.”

She turns her head slowly, her eyes filled with pure loathing. “You really think that?”

"Whether you believe it or not, it doesn’t matter. I’m responsible for you now."

"Responsible? Is that what you call dragging me back to a life I don’t want?"

"I don’t expect you to understand," I reply, keeping my tone even. "But I have my reasons."

"Your reasons?" she says quietly, but the anger in every word is undeniable. "What reasons could possibly justify dragging me back to hell? You’re no better than?—"

“Stop right there,” I cut her off. "I’m not him, Alessia. I’m not doing this to hurt you. I’m doing this to protect you."

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