Page 67 of Beneath the Shadows
She goes limp beneath me. The urge to whip her, to hear her cries and feel her fight me is strong, but we don’t have time. Instead, my fingers dig into her waist, and I fuck her hard and fast, spilling inside her. Then, I pull out, leaving her used and motionless on the bed.
“Get dressed,” I snap, adjusting my clothes. “We’re leaving in ten minutes.”
Alessia moves mechanically, picking up her discarded clothes and slipping them back on. I watch her in the mirror as I fix my hair. Satisfied with my appearance, I head downstairs and pour myself a glass of whiskey.
Tonight, the restaurant will be filled with the city’s most influential figures, all gathered to witness Antonio’s promotion. Little do they know this party isn’t really about him. It’s a display of my control and strategic brilliance. Everything that happens in that room will be a testament to my power.
Finally, I hear Alessia’s footsteps behind me, but I don’t turn. With my drink in hand, we step outside. Guido holds the door open, and I slide into the backseat, my anticipation already building.
* * *
The restaurant is closed to the public tonight, reserved for my private event. Guards stand at the entrance, ensuring no unwanted guests slip in. As we step inside, the room hums with hushed conversation. Men in expensive suits gather in small groups, their expressions serious.
I move through the room, exchanging nods, shaking hands, and receiving murmurs of appreciation. I take a moment to savor it, each interaction reinforcing the control I hold over them all.
Finally, I spot Antonio at the bar, sipping his whiskey.
“You ready for your big debut?” I mock, my tone dripping with false encouragement.
“You know parties aren’t my thing,” he replies, forcing a smile. “I would’ve preferred to slip into the role quietly.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” I scoff. “This is an event worth celebrating.”
I grab my own drink and return to working the crowd. This is where I thrive——surrounded by power, commanding respect without needing to say a word.
Out of the corner of my eye, I catch sight of Alessia balancing a tray, her hair falling slightly over her face as she tries to hide the bruises. A wave of satisfaction washes over me.
She may resist, but it changes nothing. Alessia’s beneath me—just another possession to be used as I see fit. Until she fully accepts her place, she’s no better than the shit I scrape off the bottom of my shoe.
Draco catches my eye from across the room and makes his way over, his voice booming as he approaches. “Ah, my favorite son-in-law,” he calls out, clapping me on the back with a heavy hand, making sure everyone nearby takes notice.
“Looks like you’ve been keeping her in line,” he adds, his chuckle low and deliberate, a hint of mockery lacing his words as he throws a glance at Antonio. The jab isn’t lost on me.
I flash a slow, deliberate grin, letting the cruelty behind it sink in. “You know how it is,” I say smoothly, my voice carrying just enough to be overheard. “Sometimes, you have to remind them who’s in charge.”
The night proceeds as planned. Laughter and the clinking of glasses fill the air. I make my way through the crowd, basking in the admiring glances. Antonio sits at the bar, brooding and serious, as always. He’s lucky to have me elevating him. Without me, he’d be nothing.
I spot Lena serving drinks across the room, her tight skirt drawing appreciative glances from the men around her. The way her white blouse stretches over her chest sends a rush of arousal straight to my cock. It’s not about her—it’s about knowing I can take her whenever I want. Knowing she wears scars, she can never erase.
She tries to avoid my gaze. Unacceptable.
I stride toward her and grab her arm, pulling her close. “Do you think I can’t see you pushing your tits into other men’s faces?” I growl into her ear. “My dick’s hard watching you.”
“I’m just trying to do my job,” she whispers, pulling away.
“Put the tray down,” I order, my voice low and commanding. Lena hesitates for a moment too long, so I wrench it from her hand and set it on the nearest table. Grabbing her arm, I lean in close. “Don’t make a scene,” I mutter, my grip tightening. “Unless you want me to bend you over one of these tables and fuck you in front of everyone.” She won’t dare resist now.
I pull her along, quickening my pace as we head down the hall. Her heels click on the floor, and she stumbles, struggling to keep up. The promise of what will happen in the basement looms closer. Each step is heavy with anticipation.
The door slams shut behind us, echoing in the empty space. I turn to her, eyes narrowing. “Get on your knees.”
She looks up, defiant. “You’re doing this with your wife upstairs?”
“I don’t give a fuck who’s upstairs,” I say, already unbuckling my pants. “Now open your mouth.”
She obeys, her lips parting just enough. The moment I thrust into her mouth, satisfaction surges through me. “You take my cock like a good little slut,” I growl, gripping her hair tighter, forcing her to take every inch. Her throat tightens around me, and I let out a low chuckle. “Can you taste Alessia on me?”
Lena gags, her eyes watering. She pushes at my thighs as she struggles to get a breath. Watching her fight drives me to fuck her face harder. Her choked gasps spurring me on.