Page 9 of Beneath the Shadows

She gasps, her body tensing around me, and it’s all I need to push me over the edge. My release hits like a brutal wave, my grip tightening as a guttural growl escapes me. I don’t care that she hasn’t come—that her pleasure is meaningless. She’s nothing more than a body to use, a hole to fuck, and she’s served her purpose.

In this moment, I’m untouchable. The king of this world.

Alessia

We’ve been gathered in the small chapel that’s housed in the estate for what feels like an eternity, and Valentino still hasn’t shown up. Giovanni sent a message to him almost half an hour ago, but there’s been no sign of him. I’ve been standing at the end of the aisle, watching the doors with growing frustration, hoping that with each passing minute, he won’t come at all. Praying he changed his mind and called off this charade.

My father sits in the front pew, his foot tapping in annoyance. “I don’t see why we need to be here,” he mutters under his breath, loud enough for anyone nearby to hear. “There are other matters that need my attention.” He’s been complaining all day, frustrated that the priest insisted the rehearsal was necessary.

Our mothers sit in the last row, their voices low as they go over last-minute details for tomorrow. I hear the occasional murmur of flowers and seating arrangements, but I can’t focus on any of it.

The heavy walnut doors creak, and I hold my breath, expecting to see Valentino saunter in with that smug grin of his. But when the doors swing open, it's not him. It’s Antonio.

For a moment, I’m frozen, memories of our past rushing back—the stolen glances, the fleeting touches, the quiet moments only we shared. He steps in, his eyes scanning the room for a brief second. Our eyes meet, and it’s as if the years fall away.

“Where is he?” Giovanni’s voice slices through the moment as he walks over to his nephew, pulling Antonio’s attention away.

Antonio hesitates, his gaze briefly looking over his uncle’s shoulder to the priest, who seems to understand the silent message and leaves the room without a word. Leaning in close to Giovanni, Antonio whispers something I’m unable to hear.

“On the night before his wedding?” he asked, a mix of shock and disappointment on his face.

“Yes, sir.”

Giovanni exhales sharply, running a hand through his hair. “I have half a mind to call this whole thing off,” he mutters.

My head snaps up at his words, a spark of hope igniting in my chest.

“Don’t be so dramatic,” my father interjects, rising to his feet with an air of finality. “Alessia knows her place,” he says coldly. He walks toward the door, his voice dismissive as he calls, “Let’s go. I have more important things to do as well.”

“Where are you going?” My mother asks, her voice soft as both she and Domenica look at my father expectantly.

“Valentino isn’t coming,” he replies, not bothering to hide his irritation.

“Is he okay?” Domenica asks concerned.

My father chuckles. “He’s more than fine—he’s buried in some pussy right now.”

Domenica gasps at my father’s crude language, her eyes darting to her husband, who stands frozen in the middle of the chapel. My mother remains silent, lips pressed into a thin line, her stance tense.

“Come along, Alessia,” my father orders. “We’re going to dinner.”

“I’m not hungry,” I say quietly, having lost my appetite.

“Suit yourself,” he says with a shrug and turns to my mother. “Let’s go, Sophia. I’ve wasted enough time here.”

Giovanni lingers for a moment, turning back to me with a weary, almost apologetic look. Refusing to let Val’s disgusting behavior affect me in front of everyone, I offer him a reassuring smile. With his wife’s hand in his, they walk out together, leaving me alone with Antonio.

His gaze meets mine. “I’ll walk you to the dining room.”

“I’m not going to my wedding rehearsal dinner while my fiancé is screwing another woman,” I laugh bitterly. It’s not a secret we don’t love each other. Most men would’ve at least pretended the night before their wedding, but not Valentino.

Antonio sighs. “I’ll escort you back to your room.”

I shake my head slightly and step toward the door. "I didn’t say I was hiding in my room. I’m going for a walk." Without waiting for a response, I push the door open and step outside.

“Alessia, wait,” Antonio calls as he hurries to catch up to me, his footsteps heavy on the tiled floor. “What the hell are you up to?”

I stop abruptly, spinning around to face him. “Take me to Val,” I demand.