Page 56 of Beneath the Shadows

Valentino sighs dramatically as he walks to the door. “Dante,” he calls.

“Yes?” Dante appears almost immediately.

“Alessia wants to go for a walk. Escort her,” Valentino orders.

“Not a problem, boss.”

“Thank you,” I say sweetly, stepping up on my tiptoes to kiss Valentino’s cheek. The gesture makes my stomach churn.

Valentino turns to Antonio. “And you doubted my methods,” he says as I walk out of the office. “You could learn a thing or two from me,” he adds as he closes the door.

“Are we walking in the park, Mrs. Comiso?”

"That would be nice," I reply, keeping my tone light. "Mind if I get my camera first?"

"Whatever you'd like," he answers.

I hurry upstairs to get my camera. It’s a beautiful day for photos, but I have something more important in mind—I need to stop by the gallery.

When I return, Dante holds the door open for me. “Ready?” he asks.

“Yes, thank you,” I say as I step outside. “Do you have a preference for which way we go?”

"Not at all. Lead the way." He gestures for me to go ahead.

We walk toward the park, the warmth of the sun on my skin a brief comfort. I snap a few pictures of the flowers, the kids playing nearby, but my mind is on the gallery. After a while, I clear my throat and turn to Dante.

“Actually, Dante, would you mind if we made a quick stop? There’s a gallery nearby. I’d like to drop off some photos to be developed.”

Dante hesitates, glancing around. “A gallery? Valentino only said the park.”

“I know. But it won’t take long. I really need to get these photos developed. It’s important,” I plead.

He shifts on his feet looking torn. “I don’t want to upset Val. I know how he gets.”

I place a hand on his arm, meeting his gaze. “Please, Dante. It won’t take long.”

He sighs, still unsure. “Alright, Mrs. Comiso. But we need to be quick.”

“Thank you,” I say, relief flooding me. “And please, call me Alessia.”

Dante shakes his head, a faint smile on his lips. “It’s easier if I stick with Mrs. Comiso. Less chance of slipping up when we get home.”

“I understand,” I say with a slight nod.

He pulls out his cell, powering it off. “Do you have your phone with you?”

“I left it at home. I know Valentino tracks it.”

Dante slides his phone into his pocket, glancing around nervously. “Let’s hope he doesn’t check mine.”

“I’m sure he’s distracted with Antonio,” I say, trying to reassure him.

We continue walking, though Dante seems more on edge now, glancing over his shoulder more frequently. The streets are bustling with life, and I capture moments of everyday beauty—a street vendor selling flowers, a couple sharing an ice cream cone, a child chasing a butterfly. Each click of the shutter helps calm my nerves.

As we approach Starlight Studios, anticipation settles in. Dante holds the door for me, and I step inside.

“Allie, it’s good to see you,” Ophelia says with a warm smile.

---