Page 16 of Beneath the Shadows

I watch him, disdain building with every passing moment. He’s obsessed with material wealth and status, as if owning a rare bottle of whiskey will somehow prove he’s worthy of leading our family. Meanwhile, he’s too blind to see the true value of what he already possesses—Alessia.

“If you’ll excuse me, Vigo,” I say, setting the glass on the bar. “There’s someone I need to speak to.”

I don’t wait for his response before turning and striding across the terrace, my eyes locked on the petite brunette I plan to spend the night with. I need a distraction, something to numb my feelings. And for tonight, she’ll do.

Valentino

The reception is winding down. Alessia managed to avoid me all evening, but now she’s stuck by my side, my arm draped around her waist—a display of affection meant only for the eyes of our guests as we bid them farewell.

We’ll be staying at Carinwood tonight. In the morning, we’ll fly out to the Amalfi Coast for our month-long honeymoon. She’ll have no choice but to get used to being alone. Isolation without effort.

While in Italy, I plan on making a short trip to Sicily to meet with Giancarlo De Guido. Although he spends the majority of his time at his residence in Cianciana, he conducts the majority of his business in Pittsburgh.

Rumor has it he’s looking to expand into Philadelphia. My father wants nothing to do with him. Says his methods are too violent. But I see an opportunity—an opening to expand our business, to make my own mark, so I’m taking it.

Rico appears in the doorway, and I make my way over. “Have the arrangements been made?” I murmur, keeping my voice low so only he can hear.

“Yes, sir,” he replies quietly, handing me a silver key attached to a black keychain. I slide it into my front pocket. “Is there anything else you need?”

“No. That’s all.” I dismiss him with a wave. He exits the room, leaving Alessia and me alone.

Her gaze lingers on him until he’s out of sight. Then, she turns to me. “What was that about?”

“Business,” I say with a shrug.

“Business?” She raises and eyebrow, her tone sharper now.

“Since I can’t spend tonight with my wife. I’ve made alternate plans,” I say smoothly.

“You’re despicable,” she spits out, her voice cold and hard. “I can’t believe I’m married to someone like you.”

Pulling her closer, I savor the way she tenses against me. “You’ll get used to it, Alessia. This is your life now.”

Her jaw clenches. “I’ll never get used to it.” She tries to pull away, but I tighten my grip.

“You don’t have a choice,” I reply, my voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “You’re mine now, and you’ll do as I say.”

Her eyes glisten with unshed tears. “I hate you.”

“Good,” I smirk, brushing my thumb across her cheek. “Hate is better than indifference. It means you care.”

Her gaze burns with defiance. “You disgust me.”

“Get used to that feeling,” I say coldly and push her away from me. “Let’s go. I want to get on with my night.”

She doesn’t move immediately, her eyes filled with a mixture of anger and pain. But finally, she turns and walks away, her back stiff with resolve. I watch her go, satisfaction coursing through me. She can resist all she wants, but in the end, she’s mine.

We make our way through the grand hall of the estate, meeting several guests who offer their congratulations and farewells. Alessia maintains her composure, a tight smile plastered on her face as she exchanges pleasantries. I keep my arm around her, a possessive grip that doesn’t loosen until we’re out of the public eye.

As we reach the main staircase, I pause, leaning in close to whisper in her ear. “Go straight to our room. Rico will accompany you to ensure you don’t get lost.”

Her eyes flash with fury, but she bites her tongue, wisely refraining from arguing with me in front of one of my men. I watch until her slender figure disappears around the corner. As soon as she’s out of sight, my mind shifts to the night ahead.

Valentino

After I stole Alessia from Antonio, he changed. He became dark and cold. He started fucking anything with a pussy just to feel in control again. That’s when I met Lena. She was the latest girl he was banging against the wall in the supply closet atCasa della Ombre.

I wanted a piece of Lena, too.

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