Page 105 of Beneath the Shadows

“I know you were forced to say those vows.” His eyes lock with mine. “But I meant every word. I’ll be faithful to you,” he says, his voice low. “And I won’t force you into my bed. I’ll wait patiently for you to come to me on your own. I’m confident you will, eventually,” he breathes. “I’ll take care of you and protect you with everything I have.”

His words hang in the air, and for a moment, I’m caught in his spell. The sincerity in his words is undeniable, but it doesn’t stop the bitterness and rage I feel. I can’t let myself believe it. I won’t.

“The guest room has been made up for you,” he adds, his voice quieting again. “I hope you’ll find it suitable.”

With that, he turns and walks out of the office, leaving me standing there, alone.

When the door clicks shut behind him, my knees buckle beneath me. I grip the edge of the desk for support, the cold wood grounding me. I can’t allow myself to break down.

But the truth is, I’m exhausted.

I glance down at the ring on my finger—a family heirloom, passed down through generations. My thumb traces the intricate designs, the cold metal a constant reminder of the vows I was forced to say.

Years ago, when we were young and in love, I dreamt of this moment—Antonio’s ring on my finger, a promise made between us. But this ring isn’t a symbol of love, it’s ownership. And that boy is gone, replaced by a man—a Capo who now holds my life in his hands.

So why are Antonio’s words, the promises he made, lingering in the back of my mind. A part of me, the girl who once loved him, longs to believe him. To hope that maybe he’ll keep his word to not hurt me. But then I remember Valentino. The way he manipulated me. Used me. Hurt me

“Don’t be naïve, Alessia,” I whisper aloud. “Men like Antonio don’t know how to love without causing pain.”

With that thought swirling in my mind, I leave the office. My footsteps echo in the empty hallway as I make my way to the guest room. When I push open the door, I’m greeted by a beautifully furnished space.

The pale pink linens on the bed are soft and inviting, with an array of plush pillows propped against the headboard. The room is luxurious, almost too much so. Like it’s a carefully crafted illusion meant to make me forget it’s nothing more than a cage.

I move to the dresser, opening one of the drawers to find my clothes neatly folded inside. I see more of them hanging in the walk-in closet. Antonio’s control over every detail of my life is evident in each corner of this room.

It’s too much to think about tonight.

After a long, hot shower, I slip into a pair of shorts and a tank top, crawling into the large bed. The soft sheets do little to comfort me. Closing my eyes, the tears finally break free, sliding silently down my cheeks.

I don’t know what my future holds, but one thing is certain—I’ll never allow Antonio to get close enough to hurt me again.

Antonio

After Dante leaves, I lock up, securing what I intend to be a home—our home. Alessia’s free to come and go as she pleases. But the life we lead, my job as Capo, means neither of us can escape the necessity of having guards. They’re always there, lingering just beyond sight.

Exhaustion pulls at me as I make my way upstairs, the steps creaking as I go. Passing by her room I notice the door slightly ajar. I pause when I hear the soft sound of her tears.

The urge to go to her, to hold her, is overwhelming, but I promised her I wouldn’t touch her. I force myself to keep moving, my feet heavy as I retreat to my own room. The ache in my chest is no longer from exhaustion, but from knowing she’s hurting. And I can’t do a damn thing about it.

Kicking off my shoes, I shrug out of my suit jacket, draping it over the arm of the chair. My body wants nothing more than to collapse into bed, but the shrill ring of my phone stops me. Draco. His name flashes across the screen like an omen.

I swipe to answer, pressing the phone to my ear. “It seems you’ve found my daughter,” his voice slithers through the line.

“Good evening to you too,” I reply, keeping my tone measured, though my grip on the phone tightens.

“How did Alessia respond when she found out you drugged her and hauled her back from Magnolia Springs?” Draco’s says, his voice dripping with sick amusement.

There’s only one way he’d know that. “You had her followed?”

“Someone had to keep tabs on her, Antonio. Clearly, it wasn’t going to be you,” he replies without hesitation.

“What do you want, Draco?”

“Don’t be so touchy.” His laugh is like nails on a chalkboard. “I’m just letting you know I’ll be there first thing tomorrow to take my daughter off your hands.”

His arrogance sends a surge of rage through me. "Excuse me?"

“I changed my mind about our little arrangement. You’re too soft—too weak. Alessia needs a man who will crush her defiance, someone who won’t hesitate to break her. I’ve promised her to someone far more capable of doing just that.”

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