Page 91 of Beneath the Shadows

The door creaks open, and Draco steps in. “Antonio,” he says, a serpent’s smile playing on his lips and his voice smooth as silk yet edged with a sinister undertone. “I trust you’ve been keeping busy.”

“What can I do for you, Draco?” I reply, forcing calm as I sink into the chair opposite him.

He drums his fingers lightly on his desk—a steady, almost maddening rhythm, like the ticking of a clock counting down to something inevitable. “I’m concerned, Antonio,” he begins, his tone deceptively casual. “I haven’t heard from my daughter in over a week. You told me she’s staying with your mother?”

“She is,” I say, keeping my voice steady. “She’s safe.”

Draco’s expression remains unreadable, but his eyes are sharp—razor-like, dissecting every word. “Then why hasn’t she returned my calls?” His voice drops, a threat lurking beneath it. “Alessia knows better than to ignore me.”

I keep my gaze locked on his, unblinking. “I’ll look into it. But I assure you, she’s fine.”

He leans forward, his fingers no longer drumming but resting motionless on the desk. “I’m also concerned about our alliance now that Valentino’s dead.”

“Our alliance is solid,” I reply, feeling the tension coil tighter in my chest. “Valentino’s death changes nothing.”

Draco’s lips curl into a smile, but it’s hollow, lifeless. “I disagree,” he says, his voice a whisper of malice. “Actions, Antonio, speak louder than words. If you want to ensure our families remain united, there’s something you must do.” His voice drops further, a shadow of intent, “It would be unfortunate if anything were to disrupt the harmony we’ve worked so hard to maintain.”

A chill runs down my spine. “What are you suggesting?”

“You will marry Alessia,” he says, the words falling like a death sentence.

“Marry Alessia?” I repeat, my disbelief barely restrained.

“Yes,” he replies. “That will prove your desire to remain allied.”

My pulse hammers in my chest, but I keep my expression neutral, the storm of anger held tightly in check. “This isn’t necessary. Our families?—”

“It is necessary,” he interrupts, his tone colder than stone. “Alessia’s my daughter, and I want to ensure her future is secure. If you truly want to keep this alliance intact, you will marry her.”

I clench my hands in my lap, nails biting into my skin. He doesn’t care about Alessia. He never has. This is about power—his power. I force a nod, my voice calm though it feels like poison on my tongue. “I understand.”

“Good,” Draco says, his gaze piercing. “Make it happen, Antonio.”

The conversation with Draco ends abruptly, leaving a bitter taste in my mouth as I walk out of the Moretti compound. The memory of when Alessia and I were teenagers floods my mind, unbidden. Back then, I wanted nothing more than to marry her. I remember standing in front of my mirror, rehearsing how I’d ask for his blessing. I thought I could make it happen—build a life with her. But Valentino stepped in, his ambition like poison, and everything between Alessia and me was ripped apart.

Now, Draco’s trying to force me into a marriage I once wanted, but I can't stand the thought of being forced into anything—especially this. I grip the steering wheel as I get into the car, my mind swirling. I’m tired, exhausted from the constant battles, and frankly, I don’t want more problems with the Moretti’s.

Marrying Alessia won’t be out of love or desire—only to keep the peace.

The drive to my mother’s house feels longer than usual, each mile stretching out as Draco’s demands echo in my head. I haven’t been home in weeks. I’ve been too consumed with managing the chaos that erupted after taking over as Capo. Most nights, exhaustion drags me down before I even reach my apartment—I end up crashing on the couch in my office at the restaurant.

But I don’t want to wait on this. I need to see Alessia and tell her that this time we’re both trapped.

The house glows softly in the evening light, the warmth of home almost mocking the storm inside me.

As I step through the door, Aunt Domenica greets me. “It’s been too long, Anton,” she says as she embraces me.

“I’ve been busy,” I reply, the guilt settling in alongside my exhaustion. “How are you?”

“I’m well,” she sighs, leading me to the living room. “It’s good that you came tonight. There’s something I need to discuss with you.”

“That sounds serious.”

Her smile is sad, the creases around her eyes deepening. “My brother in Italy sent me a ticket. He wants me to return home and live with him.”

“You don’t have to go,” I say quickly. “Your place will always be here.”

She shakes her head softly, her eyes searching mine. “It’s time, Anton. Now that you’re Capo, I want you to move into the house I shared with your Uncle Giovanni.”

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