Page 27 of Beneath the Shadows

Glancing around, I notice the restaurant’s nearly empty. The few patrons around are too engrossed in their conversations to pay attention. “I’ve been busy,” I reply, keeping my tone casual, even though I’m already getting hard.

“It sounds like you’re working too much.” She drops her hand, cupping my erection. “Maybe you need a break?”

My eyes dart between the clock on the wall and Lena. “Maybe I do.”

Taking her by the wrist, I lead her to the back office. As soon as the door closes, the tension between us snaps. Unbuttoning her silky shirt, I pull the cups of her bra down, exposing her breasts. I capture a nipple between my teeth and tug.

“Valentino,” she breathes. “I’ve missed you.”

“Prove it,” I growl, pushing her to her knees. She looks up at me, her eyes hungry, and eagerly takes me into her mouth. A groan escapes as my fingers tangle in her hair.

“Don’t stop,” I command, my voice rough. It’s been too long since I’ve had an experienced mouth wrapped around my dick. My grip tightens as I thrust deeper into her throat.

“Valentino,” she gasps, pulling back for a moment. “I want you.”

“You want me?” I pull her up roughly and bend her over the desk. My hands slide up her thighs, hiking up her skirt as she arches her back.

“Is this what you wanted?” I growl, my voice thick with lust. Gripping her hips, I drive into her with hard, relentless strokes.

“Yes,” she pants, her fingers digging into the edge of the desk. “Harder.”

I give her what she asks for, pounding into her, the room filled with the sounds of our bodies colliding. There’s nothing tender or gentle about this—it’s raw, primal, and exactly what I need.

“Valentino,” she cries out. “I’m close.”

Her body shutters as an orgasm ripples through her. The sight and feel of her climax push me over the edge, and I spill into her with a guttural groan.

Pulling out, I quickly adjust my clothes as she smooths down her skirt. There's no need for sweet talk or empty promises of romance. This was never about anything more than satisfying an urge.

Just as my hand reaches for the door, it swings open, and I almost collide with my father. His gaze sweeps over me, then lands on Lena standing behind me, her face still flushed.

“What’s going on here?” he demands.

“I was having a word with Lena,” I reply casually, without bothering to look at her.

His eyes narrow, suspicion clearly evident. “You have tables waiting, Lena. Get back to work.”

“Yes, Mr. Comiso,” she says quietly as she slips out of the room.

Once she’s gone, my father’s expression hardens, “You’re a married man, Valentino.”

“I’m aware,” I respond, meeting his gaze without flinching

“Have you no desire to be faithful to your wife?” he presses.

I shrug dismissively. “My wife doesn’t care what I do in my free time. Actually, I think she’d be pleased to know I’m satisfying my needs elsewhere.”

“You must give her time. Alessia needs to know she can trust you before?—”

“I don’t need you telling me how to conduct my marriage.”

He sighs, his shoulders slumping in defeat. “We’ll have lunch downstairs.”

“Fine. Let’s go.”

The walk down is quiet, tension simmering between us. My father doesn’t have to like how I live my life, but I refuse to let him force his outdated views on me.

When we walk into the meeting room, I notice the table is set for three.

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