Page 34 of Beneath the Shadows

He nods approvingly. “Once again, we’re sorry for your loss.”

“Thank you for your condolences,” I reply, keeping my tone even. “I look forward to a prosperous future for our families.”

* * *

The funeral itself is a grand affair, a fitting tribute to the Capo of the most powerful family in Philadelphia. The church is packed with mourners, not just family and friends but also members of rival families who came to pay their respects. I sit at the front, the image of the grieving son, though my mind is far from sorrowful.

As the service begins, Uncle Marco steps up to the podium to deliver my father's eulogy. His voice carries through the church as he speaks of my father's unparalleled wisdom and unwavering strength. He paints a picture of a man who was a pillar of the community, someone who led with honor and compassion.

When he finishes, others step forward, close associates and family members, each recounting stories that present my father as a heroic figure, a man whose leadership brought years of peace and prosperity. They speak of him as a patriarch whose kindness touched everyone around him.

But as they talk, I sit there, my gaze fixed on the casket, my mind elsewhere. My thoughts swirl with the future that now lies before me. I can’t help but feel a rising excitement—my father’s reign is over. No one will ever know what was really said in that room before he collapsed. They will only know my version of events. How my father gave me his blessing to take over as Capo.

He ruled with tradition, with softness. That’s not how I’ll lead. My rule will be one of strength, of control, of absolute power. Today marks the beginning of a new era. One where I usher ourFamigliainto an age of dominance, with me as theCapo dei capi—the boss of bosses, ruling with an iron will and unwavering authority.

Antonio

Valentino’s been the acting head of the family for several weeks now since Uncle Gio’s passing. Tonight, however, we’re conducting his official induction. High-ranking members of our organization will be in attendance, including my father, who’ll continue serving as Vigo’s underboss, and Enzo, our Consigliere, who will conduct the ceremony.

I’ve never attended an induction ceremony, as Uncle Gio had been Capo long before I was born. Tonight should feel significant—exciting. Instead, it’s shrouded by unanswered questions surrounding my uncle’s death and the suspicion Valentino knows more than he’s letting on.

The restaurant is bustling tonight, packed as usual for a Friday evening. I look around, hoping to spot my father making his rounds, talking to customers, and keeping an eye on things.

“Looking for someone?” Lena sidles up beside me placing her hand on my bicep.

“Is my father here?”

“I think he’s in the office,” she replies, her tone turning sultry. “Need help with anything? It’s been a long time, Anton,” she adds, her voice dripping with seduction.

I met Lena after everything went down with Alessia back in high school. I needed a distraction, something to keep me from thinking about her. Lena was perfect for that—an easy fuck with no strings attached.

I wasn’t attached to Lena—there were never any feelings involved. She was just a way to pass the time, so when Valentino wanted in, I didn’t care. There was no jealousy, no reason to keep her to myself. We agreed to share her. Hell, the three of us have been together more times than I can count, and it didn’t bother me at all.

But things changed when Valentino’s desires started to spiral into something darker, more twisted. He pushed boundaries. Took things to extremes that made me uncomfortable. And Lena? She didn’t just accept it. She seemed to thrive on it.

I remember one night vividly, up in the penthouse of one of our hotels. Valentino had arranged a private party, just the three of us. At first, it seemed like any other night, drinks and some kinky fun, but then he started bringing things out I’d never seen before—things that made my stomach churn.

Valentino placed a blindfold over Lena’s eyes before he bound her with thick leather restraints that had steel chains threaded through them, securing her to a spreader bar at her ankles, forcing her legs apart. Her wrists were locked into steel cuffs that had sharp edges on the inside—dangerous enough that too much struggle would break her skin. Each cuff was attached to the bedposts with steel carabiners.

Once he was satisfied that Lena couldn’t move, he clipped on nipple clamps, tightening them until she gasped. With a wicked grin, he added the clit clamp. I thought that was it, but he was far from done. He picked up a silver butt plug, covering it with lube before he slid it in her ass. Then, Valentino connected an electrostimulation device, running wires from the clamps to the control box he held in his hand. His thumb rested lightly on the dial, teasing her as the low hum of electricity filled the room.

The first jolt hit her hard, her back arching against the restraints, her body straining helplessly as the electricity surged through the clamps at her nipples and clit. Her breath caught in her throat. A sharp gasp followed by a moan as she tried to process the overwhelming sensations. Valentino seemed pleased with himself and increased the intensity with each flick of the dial, her body jerking uncontrollably with every pulse of electricity.

But he didn’t stop there. Vigo picked up his bullwhip, dragging it lazily across her thighs before delivering a sudden, brutal lash. The crack of leather echoed through the room, her body convulsing under the combined force of the whip and the relentless shocks. He reveled in it—the sight of her writhing in agony and ecstasy. Her skin, flushed and marked from the whip, glistened with sweat, but she didn’t beg for him to stop. She begged for more.

Lena’s moans turned to desperate cries as Valentino turned the voltage up even higher, his eyes glinting with sadistic pleasure. Every jolt forced her body to twitch and spasm. The restraints dug into her skin, causing small rivulets of blood to drip down her arms. The chains rattled as she fought against them, but there was no escape.

Tonight was no longer about fucking around and having fun. Valentino was using her as a canvas for his darkest desires, pushing her to the edge and seeing if she’d break.

As I watched, a knot twisted in my stomach. This wasn’t the kind of game I wanted to play anymore. I liked being dominant in the bedroom, but what Valentino was doing was something else entirely. It was dangerous, sadistic, and without limits. That night, I saw the true extent of his darkness. And I wanted no part of it.

“I’ll pass,” I mumble, pulling my arm back and walking toward the office.

The door’s closed when I get there. I knock quick before opening it and stepping inside, finding my father buried in paperwork.

“You’re early,” he says without looking up.

“Is everything ready for tonight?” I ask, trying to shake off the lingering unease.

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