Page 68 of Beneath the Shadows

I slam into her over and over, each thrust harder than the last. My pace is relentless. Tightening my grip on her hair, I force her to take me deep into her throat, using her like she’s nothing. I don’t stop until I’ve emptied myself inside her.

“Clean me.”

Lena licks my cock until there’s no trace of cum left. Without another word, I tuck myself back into my pants and start climbing up the steps.

When I return to the main floor, the lights blur slightly. Everything feels like it's swaying around me. A server passes by with a tray, and I snatch a whiskey, downing it in one go before grabbing another without a word. The burn of the alcohol barely registers as I glance around the room.

My eyes land on Alessia. Her gaze locks onto mine, a flash of disgust in her eyes. She knows what happened downstairs. I raise my glass in a mocking toast before heading toward the stage for tonight’s main event.

Faces blur together, conversations slurring in my ears, but I don’t care. I tap the microphone to test if it’s on. The high-pitched squeal silences the room, and all eyes turn to me.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” I begin, commanding everyone’s attention. I see heads turning, eyes on me, just as it should be. “Thank you for joining us tonight to celebrate my dear cousin and his, let’s say, unexpected promotion to underboss.”

Applause ripples through the crowd, and I can already feel the energy shifting in my favor. They’re eating this up. I wave Antonio forward with a grand gesture. “Come on, Antonio, don’t be shy,” I say, grinning as I slap him on the back when he reaches the stage.

The applause fades, and I lower my voice, making sure everyone’s hanging on my words. “Since we were kids, I’ve kept Antonio by my side because, as we all know, every leader needs a loyal sidekick.” The room erupts into laughter. They love this.

Raising my hand, I signal for the crowd to quiet down. “Alright, enough joking. Let’s get serious for a moment.” My tone turns darker. “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.”

There’s a rush of satisfaction at the subtle jab. Antonio stiffens beside me, but what’s he going to do? Nothing. The room is mine.

I smirk, savoring the moment. “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.” More laughter follows. I’ve got them exactly where I want them.

“Antonio’s been loyal. Like a dog,” I add, my own laughter ringing out, loud and mocking. This is too easy. “I never have to worry with him by my side.”

“I’ll always have your back, cousin,” Antonio says, his voice steady. I swirl my whiskey, the glass catching the light just right as I take a slow sip.

“That’s what I like to hear—loyalty.” I let the word linger, my smirk deepening. “It’s funny, though. Where does it really stand when the stakes are high?”

The room falls into silence, all eyes on me. Perfect. They’re hanging on every word.

I’m invincible.

My gaze shifts between Antonio and Alessia, who’s standing off to the side and an idea forms. “And speaking of loyalty,” I say, my tone turning sly. “Why don’t you tell us what you really think of Alessia, cousin? What do you see when you look at my wife?”

I notice the brief shift in his expression, a hint of discomfort he can’t quite hide. I love it. How far can I push him before he’ll crack?

“Alessia’s your wife and a respected member of our family,” he answers, too calm for my liking.

“Come on,” I taunt, taking a step closer. “Tell the truth. Or are you too scared?”

His jaw tightens, and I feel a surge of satisfaction. “Alessia’s a beautiful woman. Intelligent. Strong-willed.”

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

Alessia’s face flushes with humiliation, but I don’t care.

“Of course not,” Antonio says, still trying to play the honorable cousin. “I would never?—"

“Not even back when you two were together? Before she was promised to me?” I sneer. “You never dreamed of it?”

I keep going, drunk on power and alcohol. Everyone loves this, whether they show it or not. “I’ll let you in on a little secret,” I murmur, my voice dripping with cruelty, half to Antonio, half into the microphone for everyone to hear. “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.”

I flick my hand toward Lena, who’s returned to waiting tables. She’s part of the show now. “Lena here,” I continue, slurring my words but still feeling in control, “begs for my cock. Her cunt drips for it every time. You should give her a go,” I sneer, my grin widening as I watch Antonio’s reaction. “Almost forgot—she used to let you fuck her, too.”

Antonio tries to walk away, but I grab his arm, holding him in place. “Were you not able to satisfy her? Is that why she stopped letting you into her cunt?” I spit the words, watching my saliva hit his face.

Turning back to Alessia, I grin, my mind swirling with more twisted thoughts. “Maybe Alessia will spread her legs and let you try out all her holes—if you don’t mind sloppy seconds.” I’m inspired by the thought. “Hell, the two of you can watch me fuck Lena. Maybe you’ll pick up a few new tricks.”

---