Alessia
The sight of the blood-soaked knife on the patio sears itself into my mind, a grotesque reminder of the world I’ve tried so hard to leave behind. My heart hammers in my chest, but beneath the fear, there’s a cold certainty. There’s only one person capable of sending such a twisted message.
My father.
Draco Moretti never does anything without a purpose. This was a message he knew I couldn’t ignore—a warning that he’s done waiting. My hands tremble as I grab my phone, dialing the number I know by heart. It rings once before he picks up, his voice slithering through the receiver, smug and full of venom.
“I thought that might get your attention,” my father says, his tone dripping with satisfaction.
My grip tightens on the phone. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” I spit, my words laced with fury.
“Is that any way to greet your father?” he replies smoothly.
“What do you want?”
“I’m merely reminding you of the promise you’ve broken.”
“ I haven’t made any promises,” I snap, my voice trembling despite my efforts to stay calm. “You’re trying to scare me, but it’s not going to work.”
“Scare you?” he laughs, sharp and cruel. “No, darling. I’m simply ensuring you understand where your true obligations lie. I’ve already arranged your future—my gift was just a reminder of your place.”
“I know my place, father. It’s with my husband,” I force out, my voice filled with as much conviction as I can muster.
There’s a pause, a chilling silence that stretches out before he speaks again. “We both know your marriage is a charade,” he says, his voice darkening. “But don’t worry—I can take care of that.”
I have to make him believe this marriage is real. “It’s not a charade. I’m in love with Antonio,” I lie, desperation creeping in. “And I’m pregnant with his child.”
The silence that follows is suffocating. I hold my breath, hoping it will be enough to stop him. But when he speaks again, his voice is colder than ever. “Pregnant?” he spits, disgust saturating the word. “You think that will stop me? That I’ll abandon my plans because you’re carrying his bastard? You’re even more foolish than I thought.”
Fear surges through me. “Papa, please?—”
“I promised you to another,” he snaps, cutting me off. “And I intend to keep that promise. I was willing to let Antonio remain alive, even though he took you without my blessing. Now, you’ve left me with no choice but to kill him.”
“Don’t you dare,” I hiss, a mix of anger and fear twisting inside me. “If you touch him, I swear?—”
“Watch your mouth, little girl,” he sneers. “Tell your husband his days are numbered. I’m coming for him, and when I’m done, there won’t be anything left of the man you claim to love.”
The words hit like a slap. Before I can respond, the line goes dead. I’m left sitting on the couch, the phone still clutched in my hand.
What have I done?
Cold dread settles over me as my father’s words echo in my mind. What was I thinking, telling him I’m pregnant? I thought I could protect Antonio, make my father back off. Instead, I’ve only made things worse.
Somehow, I have to find the courage to tell Antonio. The thought of his reaction terrifies me. Will he see this as a betrayal? Will there be consequences?
My legs feel like lead as I make my way to his office, the door open just like he promised. I pause outside, my heart racing as I overhear Antonio and Dante in conversation, their voices low and serious.
“You need more security,” Dante insists. “Guards at the house and a security alarm system.”
“I won’t turn this house into another cage to keep her locked in,” Antonio replies firm, but weary.
“It doesn’t have to be forever. But until this threat is dealt with, we can’t leave her or you exposed.”
“I don’t need a security system,” Antonio argues. “I’m perfectly capable of protecting my wife.”
“I’m not saying you aren’t,” Dante counters. “But men like Draco don’t play by the same rules. We need to be prepared.”
“I’ve already increased the number of guards.”
“You need an actual security system and guards at the doors,” Dante presses. “Think about it, Anton. It’s not just about us anymore it’s about protecting .”
Antonio’s trying so hard to keep his word, to make me feel safe, and I’ve gone and made everything worse. Swallowing hard, I step forward.
He looks up, his gaze locking onto mine. The moment he sees the tears in my eyes, his expression shifts from concern to something deeper, something that cuts through the tension between us. He rises from his chair, closing the distance between us in a few long strides.
"," he says gently, his hand cupping my cheek. "What’s wrong?"
"Can I talk to you alone?" I ask, glancing at Dante.
Antonio nods at Dante. "Give us a minute."
Without a word, Dante steps out, leaving a tense quiet in his wake. I feel as though I’m standing on the edge of a cliff, ready to plunge into the unknown.
"I called my father," I say, my voice unsteady. "He’s the one who left the knife and the note."
“I guessed as much,” Antonio says.
“There’s more.”
“Go on.”
“I told him I was pregnant,” I say, my words barely above a whisper. “With your child.”
Antonio’s eyes widen slightly, but he remains silent, waiting for me to continue.
“It was a lie obviously,” I confess, the words rushing out. “I thought if he believed I was carrying a baby that’s half Moretti, he might back off. But it didn’t work. It only made him more furious. He said he was going to kill you.”
Antonio turns away, grabbing the back of his neck. I brace myself for his reaction, terrified of what comes next.
“I’m so sorry,” I whisper.
Slowly, Antonio turns back to me. “This isn’t your fault,” he says, his voice low and controlled.
Tears spill down my cheeks, a mix of relief and fear swirling inside me. “I’m so scared,” I admit. “I don’t want him to hurt you.”
Antonio’s gaze softens as he steps closer, gently wiping away my tears. “You don’t have to worry about me,” he says, his voice filled with quiet resolve. “And I won’t let him hurt you, either.”
“I thought I could handle him on my own and make him back off.”
Antonio shakes his head, tilting my chin up so I’m forced to meet his eyes. “You’re not alone anymore,” he murmurs, his thumb brushing over my lower lip. “From now on, you don’t contact him without me. Promise me, .”
His eyes hold me captive. “I promise,” I whisper, breathless.
His hand slides to the back of my neck, pulling me closer. My heart pounds as the warmth of his presence surrounds me. He’s so close, but it’s a closeness that makes me feel safe and protected.
“Good,” he whispers, his voice husky. “Because I won’t let him take you from me.”
The sincerity in his words tugs at something deep inside me. Without thinking, I lean in, pressing my lips to his. Antonio responds instantly, his lips soft against mine, the kiss tender, filled with unspoken promises. My hands find their way to his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heart beneath my fingers.
Antonio rests his forehead against mine. “Don’t be scared,” he whispers. “Let me in, tesoro. I’ll protect not only your body but your heart as well.”
“I don’t know how,” I admit.
“You don’t have to have all the answers. We’ll figure it out together.”
Tears well up again, but this time, they’re tears of hope. “I want to trust you,” I whisper. “I want to try.”
He smiles, a small, reassuring smile that makes my heart ache in a way that’s both painful and beautiful. “That’s all I ask,” he murmurs, pressing another kiss to my lips.
Antonio holds me close as if he’s afraid to let go.
“As long as I’m breathing no one will ever hurt you again,” he breathes
As I look into the endless blue depth in his eyes, a new feeling takes root—faith. Faith in him, in us, and in the fragile hope that we could become something more.