Chapter 4: Beneath the Mask
1141 Words
The Ricci Estate – Midnight
Alessia’s pulse pounded in her ears as she stood in the grand study of the Ricci estate. The room was all dark wood and leather, shelves lined with books that carried more secrets than knowledge. The warm glow of the fireplace flickered against Matteo’s face as he stood near his desk, rolling his sleeves up with slow, deliberate movements.
She could still hear his words echoing in her head.
“Because you’re already mine.”
It was reckless. Insane. But the worst part? A part of her wanted to believe him.
Matteo wasn’t supposed to be part of this equation. Yet here he was, standing in front of her like an immovable force, like a man who had already decided how this story would end.
But Alessia wasn’t a woman who let men decide her fate.
She folded her arms. “Why did you bring me here, Matteo?”
His lips curled into something that wasn’t quite a smile. “You came willingly.”
She exhaled sharply. “I need answers.”
Matteo took his time studying her, as if weighing how much truth he wanted to give. Finally, he leaned against the desk, arms crossed. “Fine. Let’s start with the obvious. Luca is going to come for you.”
She already knew that. The DeLucas never let what they claimed slip through their fingers.
Alessia straightened her spine. “And you think you can stop him?”
Matteo’s smirk turned sharp. “I don’t think, princess. I know.”
The possessiveness in his voice sent a shiver down her spine, but she wouldn’t let herself react. She had spent years surviving in the shadows of men like her father and Luca. Matteo wasn’t going to be just another name on that list.
She met his gaze head-on. “Why? Why do you even care?”
A flash of something crossed Matteo’s face—something deeper than just a power move. He pushed off the desk and closed the space between them, slow and deliberate, until there was barely a breath between them.
His fingers reached out, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, and for a moment, his touch was impossibly gentle.
Because you were never meant to belong to him.
”His voice dropped, his breath warm against her skin. “And because I don’t lose to DeLuca.”
Her heart pounded harder, though she wasn’t sure if it was from anger or something much more dangerous.
Before she could respond, the heavy doors to the study burst open.
A Ricci guard stepped in, his expression tense. “Boss, we have a problem.”
Matteo exhaled through his nose, already irritated. “What is it?”
The guard’s next words sent a chill through Alessia’s blood.
“It’s Luca. He’s outside.”
Outside the Ricci Estate
The iron gates stood tall against the midnight sky, and beyond them, Luca DeLuca waited with a patience that sent unease crawling down Alessia’s spine.
He was dressed in all black as always, his suit crisp, his posture deceptively relaxed. But his eyes—the same cold, calculating blue as his father’s—held none of that ease.
Matteo strolled to the gates like a man who had been expecting this.
Luca smirked as soon as he saw him.”Ricci.”
Matteo mirrored the expression.”DeLuca.”
There was no handshake. No pretense of civility. Only the quiet hum of tension thickening the air.
Luca’s gaze flickered past Matteo, landing on Alessia, who stood just behind him. He took his time drinking in the sight of her before he finally spoke.
“I believe you have something of mine.”
Alessia’s fists clenched, but Matteo was quicker. He shifted slightly, positioning himself just enough in front of her to make a point.
“Funny,” Matteo said casually,”I don’t recall your name on her anywhere.”
Luca’s smile didn’t waver, but his jaw tightened. “We had an agreement.”
“An agreement between your father and hers,”
Matteo corrected.”She was never part of that decision, was she?”
Alessia expected Luca to argue, but instead, his gaze met hers.
“Come here, Alessia”
It wasn’t a request.
A part of her wanted to laugh. As if he actually thought she would obey.
Matteo’s voice cut through the silence before she could respond.
“She’s not a dog, DeLuca.”
Luca’s smirk returned, but this time, it was cruel. “Neither is she yours, Ricci.”
Matteo’s entire body went still, but the tension in his stance was lethal.
“I wouldn’t be so sure about that.” His voice was soft, deadly.
Luca chuckled.”Oh, Matteo. Do you really think this is about who she wants?”
Alessia stiffened.
Luca took a slow step forward. “This is bigger than us. The Moretti name holds power. Power that was meant to merge with mine. You think the Riccis can protect her forever?”
Matteo’s smirk was slow, calculated. “You’d be surprised what I can do.”
Luca let out a small laugh, shaking his head.”Then lets make something clear, Ricci.”His voice dropped. “This isn't over”
Matteo’s expression didn’t change. “It never is.”
Luca gave Alessia one last look before turning on his heel and walking away, disappearing into the night like the shadow he had always been.
But even after he was gone, Alessia felt the weight of his presence like a noose tightening around her throat.
Inside the Estate – Aftermath
The study felt different now. Tighter. Heavier.
Alessia paced near the fireplace while Matteo leaned against his desk, watching her like he was waiting for her to break the silence.
Finally, she did.
“This won’t end until someone wins.”
Matteo nodded, arms crossed. “No, it won’t.”
Alessia exhaled, pressing her fingers to her temples.
“And you think you can win against him?”
Matteo pushed off the desk, his confidence unwavering. “I know I can.”
The certainty in his voice sent an unfamiliar sensation through her—one she didn’t want to
name.
She met his gaze. “And what happens to me after that?”
Matteo was quiet for a moment, then stepped closer, so close she had to tilt her chin to keep eye contact.
His fingers ghosted over her wrist, where her pulse thrummed violently.
“You’re still asking the wrong questions, princess.”
She swallowed hard. “Then tell me—what’s the right one?”
Matteo’s smirk was slow, dangerous.
“The right question,” he murmured, voice like silk,
“is whether or not you want me to win.”
Alessia’s breath caught.
Because deep down, she already knew the answer.
- Writer
