Page 65 of Beneath the Shadows

Valentino raises his hand. “Alright, enough joking. Let’s get serious for a moment.” The applause fades, and his voice drops, taking on a darker edge. “Antonio’s been my right-hand man for years, dependable as ever. But let’s be honest—he’s always been second to me. Just like his father was second to mine.”

My body stiffens. I’ve endured a lot from Valentino, but dragging my father’s name into this? That’s a low blow.

His eyes gleam with cruel delight as he continues, “He’s the kind of guy who’ll never step up and try to steal the spotlight. That’s why he’s perfect for his new role.” A wave of uneasy laughter sweeps through the crowd.

“Antonio’s been loyal. Like a dog,” he says, his laughter ringing out, mocking. “I never have to worry with him by my side.”

“I’ll always have your back, cousin.” The lie slips from my lips.

Valentino swirls his whiskey. “That’s what I like to hear—loyalty.” He pauses, his smirk deepening. “It’s funny, though. Where does it really stand when the stakes are high?”

The room falls into tense silence, every eye on me. I glance at Dante, who gives a subtle nod, his gaze focused. He’s not only observing, but he’s also gauging the shifting power dynamics.

“And speaking of loyalty,” Val’s eyes shift to Alessia, standing off to the side. “Why don’t you tell us what you really think of her, Antonio? What do you see when you look at my wife?”

The sudden shift catches me off guard. I know what he’s doing—trying to humiliate me, maybe even provoke me. But I won’t give him the satisfaction.

“Alessia’s your wife and a respected member of our family,” I reply calmly.

“Come on,” Valentino taunts. “Tell the truth. Or are you too scared?”

My jaw tightens. “Alessia’s a beautiful woman. Intelligent. Strong-willed.”

“Beautiful, yes,” Val sneers. “But have you ever wondered what it would be like to fuck her? To have what’s mine?”

The air in the room shifts, thick with tension. Alessia’s face flushes with a mix of anger and humiliation.

“Of course not,” I reply, keeping my voice steady. “I would never?—"

“Not even back when you two were together? Before she was promised to me?” Val leans in, his breath reeking of whiskey. “You never dreamed of it?”

The crowd shifts, nervous laughter filling the gaps. I keep my face impassive, determined not to give him the satisfaction of a reaction.

“I’ll let you in on a little secret,” he murmurs, his voice dripping with cruelty, half to me, half into the microphone. “Alessia’s a terrible fuck. She’s horribly boring. I’m hoping she can learn a little something about how to please a man while she’s working alongside my favorite whores.”

Valentino’s gaze shifts to Lena, who’s waiting tables, her movements nervous and uneasy. “Lena here,” he continues, flicking his hand toward her with careless arrogance. begs for my cock. “Her cunt drips for it every time. You should give her a go,” he slurs, his words dripping with mockery. “Almost forgot—she used to let you fuck her, too.”

“Were you not able to satisfy her? Is that why she stopped letting you into her cunt?” Valentino spits the words, his sneer curling as flecks of saliva hit my face. I wipe it away with the back of my hand. He turns back to Alessia, a cruel smile twisting his lips, and continues his drunken tirade. “Maybe Alessia will spread her legs and let you try out all her holes—if you don’t mind sloppy seconds.” His eyes light up as though he’s had a sick revelation. “Hell, the two of you can watch me fuck Lena. Maybe you’ll pick up a few new tricks.”

Lena’s tray slips from her hands, the glasses shattering on the floor, the crash piercing through the uneasy quiet. Alessia’s face crumples, and I see her fighting back tears. Valentino stumbles forward, still grinning like a fool.

“Enough, Vigo,” I say, my voice low but firm.

“Enough? We’re just getting started,” he replies, raising his glass to take another sip of whiskey. His aim falters, and the drink spills down the front of his shirt, but he barely notices.

“The party’s over, cousin,” I say flatly.

I catch Dante’s eye. He’s already making his way toward us.

Grabbing the microphone, I force a calm, composed tone despite the turmoil inside. “Excuse me, everyone. I apologize for Valentino’s behavior. He’s had a little too much fun this evening, and I think it’s best if we get him some fresh air.”

Valentino, oblivious to the shift in the room, keeps rambling, his words slurring into incoherence. Dante and I guide him off the stage, his loud, unrestrained laughter echoing as we make our way down the back hallway. He stumbles, barely able to keep himself upright, still grinning like a fool.

“You know,” Valentino mutters, slurring his words, “I’ve always been meant to be the one in charge. I’m the best there is.”

“Yeah, Vigo. Something like that,” I reply, keeping my tone carefully placating.

We reach my office, where Valentino’s personal guards are already waiting. “I pulled the car out back,” Guido informs me.

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