Page 23 of Beneath the Shadows

Alessia turns away from me, curling up into a ball.

"Goodnight, princess."

I’ve been waiting to claim her virginity since the day I told Antonio that Alessia was mine. I can't wait until we return home so I can see the look on his face, knowing I possess something he can never have.

As her quiet sobs fill the room, I drift off to sleep.

Alessia

He raped me, and I orgasmed for him. How could my body betray me like that? The thought churns in my mind, a sickening mix of shame and confusion. Sitting up in bed, I clutch the sheets around me, trying to shake off the memory of his touch on my skin—inside me.

Valentino lies beside me, sound asleep. I can't bear to look at him—the man who stole everything from me. We're isolated in a luxurious villa, miles away from anyone who could help me. Even if we were surrounded by people, no one would dare stand up to him.

Careful not to wake him, I slip out of bed and tiptoe to the en suite. Shutting the door behind me, I catch my reflection in the mirror. The face staring back at me is a haunting reminder of my humiliation.

The shower comes on, water running as hot as I can stand it. Stepping in, I scrub my skin until it's red and raw, as if I can somehow erase the memory of his touch. Steam fills the room, matching the fog clouding my thoughts. With my forehead pressed against the cool tile, tears mix with the water cascading down my face.

How did it come to this? How could my body betray me in the most intimate way.

The water eventually runs cold, but I stay under the stream, shivering, until the chill becomes unbearable. Wrapping a towel around myself, I return to the bedroom, praying Valentino’s still asleep.

He stirs as I enter, his eyes blinking open. "Couldn't sleep?" he asks, his voice relaxed.

I freeze, hoping not to fully wake him.

With a small sigh, he turns away, his eyes drifting shut once more. I crawl back into bed, lying as far from him as possible. The early morning light filters through the curtains. A cruel reminder that another day is beginning.

* * *

In the days that follow, I try to put on a brave face, playing the role of the dutiful wife, while inside, I'm screaming. Valentino makes the most out of our last week in Italy, dragging me to lavish restaurants where he can flaunt me like a shiny new toy.

He continually boasts about his plans, his eyes gleaming with ambition. "I can see it now," he says, a dangerous hunger in his tone. "I’ll be unstoppable. The money, the power—it’s all within my grasp."

I nod absently, trying not to upset him. I’ve quickly learned that disagreeing with him is a painful mistake.

Valentino leans in, his hand resting possessively on my knee. "You're a part of this too, Alessia. Together, we can have everything."

I force another smile. "Of course, Valentino. Together."

* * *

Our honeymoon eventually comes to an end, and we board a crowded flight back to Philadelphia. I pretend to sleep, hoping to steal a moment of peace.

“I know you’re awake,” Val whispers, his lips brushing against my neck while his hand trails up the inside of my thigh.

Opening my eyes, I’m met with his dark stare, I gently push his hand away. “We’re surrounded by people.”

Valentino sits up slightly, his hand still resting possessively on my leg. “We’re newlyweds, Alessia. It’s important that we maintain appearances,” he says. “We’ll be landing soon. When we do, I expect you on my arm, like the eye candy you’re meant to be.”

Ignoring his comments, I ask, “Where will we be living?”

He leans back, a smug grin spreading across his face. “As you know, we own most of the block. My father prepared one of his houses for us.”

“I see.”

“I expect you’ll find it to your liking,” Valentino continues. “It’s a spacious property with all the amenities you could desire.”

“I’m sure it’s lovely,” I reply evenly.

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