Page 129 of Beneath the Shadows

Enzo raises an eyebrow in disapproval. I’m sure he thinks I should force her to go. And maybe I should. But I can’t.

“Alessia stays with me. But my mother and sister will go. The fewer people I have to worry about, the better.”

Enzo sighs. “Fine. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

Without a word, I draw Alessia closer. Right now, she’s all that matters, and there’s nothing, and no one, that will take her from me.

Alessia

The grief over losing my mother has taken me by surprise. It’s not that we were close. She spent most of her life drowning herself in alcohol, trying to stay numb against my father’s infidelity. But she was still my mother. And now that she’s gone, there’s an emptiness—not for what we had, but for what could’ve been.

Without a doubt, I know my father killed her. That’s the hardest part—living with the certainty that he saw her as nothing more than a liability, a loose end. The man who gave me life is the same man who took hers. It leaves me wondering what kind of poison might be running through my blood.

I’d like to believe his sudden disappearance means he’s done with this twisted game. That maybe whoever I was promised to accepts I’m married to Antonio and no longer wants me. That my father’s done haunting me. But I know better. I’d be a fool to believe that.

I’m aloose endnow, and my father doesn’t leave loose ends. He killed my mother, and I know I’m next.

Antonio sent Nicki and Cecilia to Italy a little over two weeks ago. They weren’t thrilled about leaving, but they didn’t argue either. They’re as used to this life as I am, but in a much different way. They’ve always known the love of their family, so instead of putting up a fight, they accepted it with a quiet understanding.

Cecilia begged me to go with her. Although she doesn’t know the full extent of the threats, she knows that they somehow involve a danger to me. When a tear slipped down her cheek, I nearly cracked. But when I looked at Antonio, I knew I couldn’t leave.

Still, a part of me wonders if I should’ve gone. Maybe disappearing across the ocean, far from my father’s eyes, would’ve been the smart choice. But another part of me refuses to give him that satisfaction. He hasn’t left. He’s watching, lurking in the shadows—I can feel him. Running would only prove what he’s always believed—that I’m weak, afraid.

That might’ve been true once. But not now.

Not anymore.

Alessia

My gallery show is tonight. It feels surreal, like a dream I never fully allowed myself to believe was possible and it’s coming true right in front of me.

I stare at the black dress draped over the edge of the bed. It’s stunning—long, elegant, with just a hint of sparkle that catches the light. Antonio’s taste is impeccable, as always. He told me he wanted me to feel special tonight, and this dress is everything I never knew I needed.

I’m about to slip into the dress when there’s a knock at the door. Antonio steps inside, his eyes sweeping over me before revealing a small, delicate box in his hand.

“What’s that?” I ask, smiling at the sight of him in his tuxedo.

“I wanted to give you something before we head out,” he says, crossing the room to stand in front of me. “Close your eyes.”

I do as he asks, the anticipation making my chest flutter. There’s the soft click of a box opening, followed by the cool metal of a necklace being fastened around my neck.

“You can open them now.”

“Antonio,” I whisper. Dangling from a delicate gold chain is a small camera with a diamond embedded in the lens. “It’s beautiful.”

He gently tucks a strand of hair behind my ear, his touch lingering. “Not as beautiful as you,tesoro.”

He stands behind me, pressing a gentle kiss to my bare shoulder, his lips leaving a trail of soft, lingering touches down my skin. His hands glide along my sides, tracing the curve of my hips and sending a shiver of anticipation through me.

My breath catches, every nerve igniting under his touch. He’s learned my body so well, discovering each sensitive spot, knowing just where to touch to make me crave more.

His fingers dip lower, exploring the wetness between my thighs. “You’re so responsive,” he murmurs, his lips ghosting my neck, sending a shiver through me. “I love the way your body reacts to me.”

A soft mewl escapes my lips. He chuckles, his breath warm against my skin. I glance up at the mirror and catch his heated gaze. Our eyes lock as he slides a finger deep inside me.

My head falls back as he slides in a second finger, his thumb finding my clit and rubbing slow circles until I’m breathless. Just as I’m about to fall over the edge, he pulls away, and I can’t help but groan at the loss.

He turns me to face him, capturing my mouth in a heated kiss. We devour each other, his hands exploring every inch of my body. Pulling down the cups of my bra, he lets my breasts spill free, his fingers twisting and tugging at my nipples. I arch into his touch, a soft moan slipping from my lips. “Bend over the bed,” he says, his voice rough and commanding.

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