Page 70 of Beneath the Shadows

“You got it,” he replies, stepping aside.

Antonio allows me to enter first, then closes the door behind us, shutting out the noise of the party. Is he planning to take Val up on his offer? My face remains stoic, though inside, my nerves are fraying.

I’ve survived Val. I can make it through this, too.

"Sit," Antonio says softly, gesturing to a chair.

I sit down, a mixture of anger and shame swirling inside me. Antonio pulls up a chair beside me, his eyes full of concern.

"I’m so sorry, Alessia. You didn’t deserve that," he says, his voice gentle.

His kindness catches me off guard, and my resolve begins to weaken. "How can he say those things about me in front of everyone?" I whisper, my voice trembling.

Antonio reaches for my hand, his touch soft but steady. “Your father and Valentino are cruel men, blinded by their power and arrogance.”

His words chip away at the wall I’ve built around myself. “I can’t keep doing this,” I admit, my voice breaking. “I can’t keep pretending everything is fine.”

“You’ve never had to pretend with me,” Antonio says quietly. “You’re safe here.”

I hesitate, unsure if I can trust the warmth in his voice but he sounds like the Antonio I used to know.

I’m tired—so tired.

For the first time in so long, I let my guard down. Tears I’ve been holding back for far too long spill over. Antonio rubs soft circles on my hand, his touch soothing. A thought suddenly occurs to me. “What about Lena? Is she okay?” I ask, wiping my eyes.

He looks at me, confused. “Why would you care about Lena?”

“Even she doesn’t deserve to be treated that way. No one does.”

“Lena can handle herself.” His voice takes on a hint of that familiar coldness again.

“Antonio,” I say softly. “I’m so sorry for what Valentino did tonight. The way he humiliated you in front of everyone?—”

“Don’t you dare apologize for him,” Antonio interrupts. “Valentino’s actions are his own. You’re not responsible for his behavior.”

I nod, grateful for his understanding.

“I’ll have Dante get your things, and I’ll bring you home.”

“My shift isn’t over,” I say, trying to steady my voice.

“I don’t expect you to go back out there after that.”

Sitting up straighter, I take a deep breath and square my shoulders. “I refuse to allow Valentino to make me cower,” I declare, my tone braver than I feel. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to finish out the evening.”

“Are you sure?” Antonio asks, eyebrows raised in surprise.

“I’m sure,” I reply with a nod.

He studies me for a moment. “You’re too good for him, you know that? He has no idea the treasure he has right in front of him.”

Pulling my hand back, I stand. “I’m going to wash my face and get back to work.”

“Take all the time you need,” Antonio replies, sitting back in his chair.

I walk out of the office feeling more confused than when I entered. The man sitting in that room is as deeply entrenched in this brutal world as my father and husband. Yet, I still catch glimpses of the boy who captured my heart years ago.

Antonio Luciano is a paradox that leaves me torn, unsure if I can truly trust him or if he’ll betray me again.

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