Page 43 of Beneath the Shadows

I don’t give a shit what my Uncle Marco thinks. Lena’s off the clock as soon as I get there. She’s more valuable to me with her legs spread and my cock shoved in her cunt than she is waiting on tables.

Valentino:I’ll deal with him when I get there.

Pocketing my phone, I bound down the steps to find Guido, one of our newer men. “I’m going out,” I announce.

“Where do you need to go?” he asks, trailing behind.

“Doesn’t matter,” I order. “Where are the keys?”

His eyes dart around nervously. “Sir, you’re not supposed to go out without a guard.”

I step closer, my voice low and threatening. “I’m the one who makes the rules around here. Don’t make me ask again.”

He reaches into his pocket and passes me the keychain.

“Alessia’s not to leave this house. Do you understand?”

“Yes, sir,” he murmurs, keeping his gaze low.

I turn on my heel and head for the door to the garage.

“What time should I expect you back?” he calls after me, hesitant.

I stop, hand on the doorknob and glaring over my shoulder. “Do I have a curfew?”

“N-no, sir. It’s just,” he stammers but quickly corrects himself. “I made a mistake.”

“That’s what I thought.”

* * *

It’s a busy Friday night in Philadelphia, so the streets are crawling with cars. By the time I pull up to the valet outside the restaurant, I’m already in a foul mood.

“Good evening, Mr. Comiso,” the valet greets, but I brush past him.

“Yeah, I’ll be here for a while,” I say curtly, not bothering with formalities.

Inside, the restaurant is packed. I spot Lena taking orders at a nearby table and make my way toward her, placing a firm hand on her lower back.

“Excuse me,” I say to the diners, flashing a tight smile. “There’s an emergency Lena needs to attend to. Your meal is on the house tonight.”

One of the women at the table smiles back. “Thank you.”

“Of course,” I murmur, steering Lena away.

“What the hell, Val?” she whispers as soon as we’re out of earshot. “I’m in the middle of my shift.”

“I told you I was coming.” I tighten my grip on her waist.

“An emergency?” She raises an eyebrow.

“Yes, a very big one,” I smirk, leading her to the back hallway.

Just then, Uncle Marco steps in front of us, blocking our path. “I wasn’t expecting you tonight,” he says, his eyes narrowing as he looks between Lena and me.

“Change of plans,” I reply smoothly. “If you’ll excuse us. Lena and I have some business to discuss.”

“May I speak to you? Alone?” Marco’s voice is tight.

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