Page 69 of Beneath the Shadows

The room goes silent. Then, the crash of shattering glass breaks through as Lena drops her tray, and I laugh. Alessia’s face crumples. I don’t know why. They’re all acting like I said something shocking. They’re pathetic.

“Enough, Vigo,” Antonio says, his voice low, but he’s not my boss. It’s the other way around.

“Enough? We’re just getting started,” I say, raising my glass to take another sip of whiskey. My hand misses my mouth, and the drink spills down my shirt, but I don’t care.

“The party’s over, cousin,” Antonio says flatly, and I glance around, not understanding why he’d want to end things so soon.

Before I can respond, Dante’s already making his way over. Antonio grabs the microphone, addressing the crowd with his usual neutral expression. “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.”

Too much fun? They loved every minute of it.

Dante and Antonio drag me off the stage, but I’m still laughing, my steps unsteady as they take me down the back hallway. “You know I’ve always been meant to be the one in charge. I’m the best there is,” I slur, pounding my chest with my fist for emphasis.

“Yeah, Vigo. Something like that,” Antonio replies, his voice annoyingly calm.

Guido appears outside of Antonio’s office. “I pulled the car out back,” he says, like this is some big emergency.

“Take him home. Get him sobered up,” Antonio orders. “I’ll make sure Alessia gets home safely.”

As they drag me toward the exit, the hallway spins, the lights blur and pulse with every unsteady step I take. “You can have her if you want,” I mumble, trying to provoke him one last time. “She’s useless—barely worth the effort. Maybe I should’ve let you have her all along.”

The cool air hits me like a punch, making my head spin even more. Guido grips my arm, steadying me as he opens the door. “In you go, boss,” he mutters, guiding me into the back seat.

The leather feels cold against my skin, but I barely register it. The world outside is a swirl of headlights and shadows, everything shifting in and out of focus. I blink hard, my thoughts muddled, the edges of my vision closing in.

Alessia

My drunken husband not only made a fool out of himself, he humiliated me in front of everyone in this room.

“Alessia,” my father calls, his voice harsh. “Come here, now.”

Keeping my head down, I walk to the table where my father sits with several men I don’t recognize. “Yes, Papa?”

“Your husband expressed his disappointment in your performance as a wife.”

“He was drunk,” I reply, my voice tight.

“Clearly, you’re lacking.” He motions at my face. “If your husband feels the need to use his fists to keep you in line.”

My anger flares. “How dare you?—”

“Alessia,” Antonio says, cutting me off as he places his hand gently on my elbow. “Can I speak to you in my office?”

“Is my daughter failing with her responsibilities at work, too?” my father sneers.

Antonio’s expression remains calm. “Where I don’t feel a Capo’s wife should be waitressing,” he remarks, a hint of sharpness in his voice, “Alessia’s an exemplary employee.”

My father eyes him, suspicion darkening his gaze. “Valentino’s methods must’ve had a very positive effect on her. Unfortunately, it seems she’s as lacking as her mother in other ways.” He leans back, crossing his legs casually. “Maybe if Val passes her around, she’ll learn how to please a man.”

“If you’ll excuse us,” Antonio interjects smoothly, gently taking my arm. “There’s an important matter I need Alessia for.”

I allow him to lead me away from my father and his cruelty.

“I’m glad to see you’ve decided to take my son-in-law up on his generous offer to fuck his wife,” he calls after us, his voice dripping with mockery.

Antonio stops abruptly, his body tensing beside me. For a moment, I think he’s going to snap. But then he exhales, his grip firm yet comforting as he continues to guide me away.

“I’m not to be disturbed,” Antonio tells Dante, who’s standing guard outside his office.

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