Page 47 of Beneath the Shadows

“Of course I do,” he replies, a smug grin on his face.

“Neither of these men are our allies, and you’re sending yourself and my father—two of the most powerful men in our family—alone and unarmed? That’s beyond reckless.”

“It’s a show of good faith,” Vigo says, his voice dripping with false reassurance.

“It’s insane.” I turn to my father. “You didn’t agree to this, did you?”

Dad pins me with his stare. “If Valentino says it's safe, I trust him.”

Silence lingers between us, my shock still sinking in as I stare at him, waiting for some sense to surface. Valentino doesn’t miss a beat and changes the subject. “I’ve arranged a party,” he says, his tone so casual it’s almost unsettling. “Giancarlo’s offered some of his finest acquisitions for our pleasure tonight.”

“Acquisitions?” I question.

“Women, Antonio,” Valentino replies, rolling his eyes. “Even you can’t be that naïve.”

“Where did thesewomencome from?” I press, ignoring his backhanded comment.

“Here and there,” he says, waving his hands dismissively. “He’s moving them through the city to their final destination. We get to sample them tonight as a thank you for our new arrangement.”

“Trafficked women?” I ask, bile rising in my throat.

“Who cares where they came from,” Valentino shrugs, brushing off my concerns. “They’re already in the penthouse. I sent my men there to start the party. You and Dante should head over.”

“I need to get back to my detail with Alessia,” I mumble, unease gnawing at me.

“There’s no need,” he says, a sly smile creeping onto his face. “I’ve ensured she’s unable to go anywhere.”

I want to ask what he’s done to her this time, but this isn’t the time or place to get into that.

“Then let me follow your car. I’ll stay out of sight,” I suggest, trying to find a way to protect my father. “You need backup, just in case.”

“We have an arrangement,” he says, trying to placate me. “There’s no need for weapons.”

“Val—”

“I have everything handled,” he cuts me off, his tone patronizing. “Go enjoy the party. You look like you need to get laid.” He flashes me a smile that sends chills down my spine. “You trust me, right?”

“Of course, I trust you,” I say, keeping my voice steady.

“I knew I could count on you,” he says with a satisfied nod.

“I’ll always have your back,” I murmur, repeating the phrase I’ve said to him since we were kids—though now they feel like a bitter lie.

Valentino

I wait for Anton and Dante to head to the party before sitting down with Marco to finalize the details for tonight. Once I’m sure they’re out of earshot, I invite my uncle to sit.

“Tonight’s an important step for the future of our family,” I begin. Uncle Marco nods, but I see the wariness in his eyes. “It’ll pave the way for everything I do moving forward.”

“You’ve made your stance clear on the direction you’re takingLa Famiglia, so I won’t argue my objections again,” he says. “That said, the idea of the two of us going together to this meeting alone is reckless.”

“We won’t be traveling together,” I explain. “You need to give me more credit than that.

“It’s not about credit,” he says, leaning forward slightly. “You’re a savvy young man, but you’re also new to this level of leadership. There are lessons only time and experience can teach.”

I raise my hand, cutting him off. “Enough. Your car’s waiting. Leave your weapons here.”

I watch as Marco hesitates, his gaze searching mine before he removes his gun from its holster and locks it in the safe. “My car will follow a few minutes after yours,” I continue, standing. “Forsecurity, we travel separately.”

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