Antonio
Alessia lies beside me, her leg draped over mine as her fingers trace lazy patterns across my chest. Her touch is soft, almost hesitant, as if she’s still testing the waters after everything we’ve shared. I tighten my arm around her, pulling her closer, savoring the warmth of her bare skin against mine.
She shifts slightly, breaking the comfortable silence. “What are you planning to do with all those pictures?”
I can’t help but smile, already anticipating her reaction. “I’m thinking about remodeling the restaurant. Using your photos as the inspiration for the new design.”
She props herself up on her elbow, eyes widening. “Are you serious?”
“Completely,” I reply, her excitement contagious. “The place needs an update, and your work deserves to be seen.”
Her gaze softens, disbelief flickering in her eyes. “And the gallery show?” she asks, voice quieter now. “You’re really okay with me having it? Even with everything going on?”
I know no one’s ever supported her dreams before, not like this. I brush a strand of hair away from her face, letting my thumb graze her cheek. “I’m more than okay with it, tesoro . It’s time the world sees how talented you are.”
The way she looks at me makes my chest tighten. It’s not just appreciation—it’s deeper than that. And it terrifies me.
Before I can say more, her phone buzzes on the nightstand, shattering the moment. Her body tenses as her hand reaches for it.
The color drains from her face as she reads the message. “He knows where we are,” she whispers. “We’re being watched.”
She passes me her phone, and I read the message.
The pendulum swings, inching closer with each breath you take. No matter where you go, Alessia, you remain under its relentless gaze.
The number from the message is already disconnected when I dial—not that I’m surprised.
“Get dressed,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady for her sake. “We can’t stay here.”
Her hands shake as she reaches for her clothes. I hate that she’s seeing just how bad things have gotten, but there’s no way to keep her in the dark anymore.
The sun’s beginning to set, casting long shadows across the room. Walking home now isn’t an option. I grab my phone and call Dante.
“We’re at the restaurant. I need you to bring the car.”
“No problem,” he replies.
I glance at Alessia as she finishes getting dressed. Lowering my voice, I add, “A text message came through to her phone. We’re being followed.”
There’s a brief pause. “How long ago?”
“Just now.”
Another silence follows. I can almost hear Dante calculating the situation. “I’ll be there in ten. I’m bringing extra men. We’ll sweep the area before you move.”
“Thanks. See you soon.” I hang up and turn to Alessia, catching her gaze. I try to keep my tone calm. “Dante’s on his way. We’ll be home soon.”
She walks over and wraps her arms around my waist, resting her head on my chest. “Why is he doing this?”
I hold her tighter, the tension in her body feeding the storm building inside me. I’ve been more patient than I should’ve been. I gave Draco a warning—told him to stay away from her.
I never wanted this to escalate, never aimed to start a war, but he ignored my warning. Now, Draco Moretti is about to learn the cost of pushing me too far.
“I don’t know,” I say, running my fingers through her hair. “Let’s head downstairs. We can have the chef prepare something for dinner, and we’ll take it home.”
We slip downstairs to the back of the restaurant and find Enzo going over the books. He looks up as we approach.
“I didn’t expect to see you two here this evening,” he says, raising an eyebrow.
“It was an impromptu visit,” I reply, taking a seat and motioning for Alessia to sit beside me.
“Mrs. Luciano,” Enzo greets with a smooth tone, but his sharp eyes look between us. “Always a pleasure.”
Alessia nods slightly. “Thank you.”
“I’m glad you’re here. We received another message.”
Before he can respond, Dante walks in. “We’ve got a problem,” he says but stops short when he notices Alessia.
“What is it?” I ask, my pulse quickening.
“There was a 911 call from the Moretti estate,” he continues, his tone clipped. “There was a situation.”
“What kind of situation?”
He looks to Alessia and then back to me. “Mrs. Moretti was found dead.”
Alessia’s hand grips mine tightly, her breath catching. “What?” she whispers.
“It’s an apparent suicide,” Dante adds, his eyes narrowing.
“Like hell it is,” I snap, struggling to keep my temper in check. “This has Draco written all over it.”
“According to the police, Moretti wasn’t there,” Dante continues. “He’s supposedly out of the country on business.”
“How’s that possible? We’ve had eyes on the house the whole time.”
Dante’s gaze shifts to Alessia. “I was hoping she could help us answer that.”
My senses go on high alert. “What are you implying?”
“Just that she grew up there,” Dante says, his voice measured. “Do you know if there are any secret exits or places where your father could slip away unnoticed?”
“I don’t… I… Um…” Alessia stumbles over her words.
Gently, I tilt her chin up. “ Tesoro , look at me. I know this is hard, but we need your help. Were there any rooms your father kept locked? Any places you weren’t allowed to go?”
“There was one time, when I was a little girl and my parents were fighting,” she says blinking back tears. “I was trying to find some place to hide. Someplace I thought my father wouldn’t find me. I found a door that led to a cellar. I wasn’t able to hide for long. He found me,” she recounts, with horror reflected in her eyes. “He forbade me from ever going down there again. Then, he took his belt to me to make sure I didn’t forget.”
Dante and I exchange a quick glance. “A cellar could have a hidden way out.”
I turn back to Alessia, my voice soft. “You did good, tesoro .”
She nods, though her lips tremble slightly.
Enzo clears his throat, his expression unusually tense. “This is getting out of control. Nicoletta and Cecilia need to be sent to Italy—it’s the safest option.” His gaze shifts to Alessia. “She should go with them.”
Before I can respond, Alessia straightens beside me. “No,” she says firmly. “I’m not leaving. I refuse to run.”
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.