Page 61 of Beneath the Shadows

Tears pour down my cheeks as I shut my eyes, wishing myself far away. Far from this room, from Val, from everything. His grunts are the only sound as he uses my body and empties himself inside me.

“From now on, you’ll keep your mouth shut when you’re told to do something. Do you understand?” he growls, his voice dripping with vitriol.

I nod, too stunned and broken to speak.

“Good,” he spits, shoving me away. “Now get out of my sight.”

With trembling hands, I right my skirt and hurry out of the room. I need to get away from him.

A hand wraps over my mouth, and I’m pulled into an empty room. I struggle to get away.

“It’s just me,” Dante whispers urgently. “Stop fighting, and I’ll let you go. Okay?”

I nod, and he slowly drops his hand.

“What do you want?” I ask, my voice cracking.

“I want to make sure you’re okay,” he says gently, his concern clear.

“I’m fine. Can I go now?” My voice shakes as I try to leave.

Dante grabs my arms, turning me to face him. I keep my gaze down, desperate for him to let me go.

“You’re not fine. Your lip’s bleeding,” he says, scanning me for more injuries. “And your eye’s already bruising. Did Val do this to you?”

“I tripped and fell.”

“I heard him yelling at you from across the house,” Dante presses, his eyes searching my face.

“We had a disagreement,” I say hoping to sound convincing.

“It sounded like more than that.”

“Val has a kink for being watched.” The lie slips from my lips. “That’s all you saw. Now, I really need to go.”

Dante steps aside, allowing me to pass. Just as I reach the door, he calls, “Alessia.”

I pause, my hand on the doorknob, but I don’t turn around. “Please, don’t say anything more,” I whisper. The last thing I need is to hear him offer help I can't accept.

For a moment, there’s only silence. I stand frozen, bracing myself for what might come next, but Dante says nothing. He watches as I open the door and walk out. My body aches with every step, but the pain is nothing compared to the storm swirling inside me.

Val may think he’s broken me, but one day, I’ll be the one to break him.

Antonio

I’m sitting in my father’s office,myoffice now, atCasa della Ombre. He ran this part of the business for as long as I can remember. Even though he’s gone, his presence lingers in every corner, guiding me.

I remember coming here as a kid, sitting in this very chair while he worked. He’d ruffle my hair and telling me that one day, this place would be mine. Back then, I didn’t fully grasp what that meant—that one day, he’d no longer be here. But now, I do.

It’s up to me to protect what he built and find a way to take Valentino out without turningLa Famigliaagainst me. Thinking of him gives me the clarity I need to stay patient. To plan carefully.

As I’m lost in thought, there’s a soft knock on the door.

“Come in,” I call.

“I’m sorry to interrupt,” Alessia says as she steps in. “Valentino wants me to start work today.”

I turn to look at her, my heart nearly stopping at the sight of the bruises on her face. I jump up from my seat and rush over to her. “What the hell happened?”

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