Page 117 of Beneath the Shadows

He looks up, his gaze locking onto mine. The moment he sees the tears in my eyes, his expression shifts from concern to something deeper, something that cuts through the tension between us. He rises from his chair, closing the distance between us in a few long strides.

"Alessia," he says gently, his hand cupping my cheek. "What’s wrong?"

"Can I talk to you alone?" I ask, glancing at Dante.

Antonio nods at Dante. "Give us a minute."

Without a word, Dante steps out, leaving a tense quiet in his wake. I feel as though I’m standing on the edge of a cliff, ready to plunge into the unknown.

"I called my father," I say, my voice unsteady. "He’s the one who left the knife and the note."

“I guessed as much,” Antonio says.

“There’s more.”

“Go on.”

“I told him I was pregnant,” I say, my words barely above a whisper. “With your child.”

Antonio’s eyes widen slightly, but he remains silent, waiting for me to continue.

“It was a lie obviously,” I confess, the words rushing out. “I thought if he believed I was carrying a baby that’s half Moretti, he might back off. But it didn’t work. It only made him more furious. He said he was going to kill you.”

Antonio turns away, grabbing the back of his neck. I brace myself for his reaction, terrified of what comes next.

“I’m so sorry,” I whisper.

Slowly, Antonio turns back to me. “This isn’t your fault,” he says, his voice low and controlled.

Tears spill down my cheeks, a mix of relief and fear swirling inside me. “I’m so scared,” I admit. “I don’t want him to hurt you.”

Antonio’s gaze softens as he steps closer, gently wiping away my tears. “You don’t have to worry about me,” he says, his voice filled with quiet resolve. “And I won’t let him hurt you, either.”

“I thought I could handle him on my own and make him back off.”

Antonio shakes his head, tilting my chin up so I’m forced to meet his eyes. “You’re not alone anymore,” he murmurs, his thumb brushing over my lower lip. “From now on, you don’t contact him without me. Promise me, Alessia.”

His eyes hold me captive. “I promise,” I whisper, breathless.

His hand slides to the back of my neck, pulling me closer. My heart pounds as the warmth of his presence surrounds me. He’s so close, but it’s a closeness that makes me feel safe and protected.

“Good,” he whispers, his voice husky. “Because I won’t let him take you from me.”

The sincerity in his words tugs at something deep inside me. Without thinking, I lean in, pressing my lips to his. Antonio responds instantly, his lips soft against mine, the kiss tender, filled with unspoken promises. My hands find their way to his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heart beneath my fingers.

Antonio rests his forehead against mine. “Don’t be scared,” he whispers. “Let me in,tesoro.I’ll protect not only your body but your heart as well.”

“I don’t know how,” I admit.

“You don’t have to have all the answers. We’ll figure it out together.”

Tears well up again, but this time, they’re tears of hope. “I want to trust you,” I whisper. “I want to try.”

He smiles, a small, reassuring smile that makes my heart ache in a way that’s both painful and beautiful. “That’s all I ask,” he murmurs, pressing another kiss to my lips.

Antonio holds me close as if he’s afraid to let go.

“As long as I’m breathing no one will ever hurt you again,” he breathes

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