Chapter 4. Escape from the shadows

The sun rose and set, but time felt meaningless to Marco when every day was the same. Pain. Control. Fear. And Uncertainty.

As he got on his feet, he let out a faint groan, his muscles twitching with each movement, a reminder of the pain and strain he endured.

There were faint red marks on his shoulder. One he'd gotten from the stripes Antonio's men gave him when he confronted them some days ago.

In the dimly lit corridor, Antonio’s footsteps and voice were audible as he discussed with the guards.

“I want you to schedule a meeting with the Esposito family. Find out what they're up to. I don't trust them.” Antonio instructed in a firm voice as he turned to face Hugo, one of his trusted members.

“I will, Sir. You have my word,” Hugo replied, earning a nod from Antonio.

“Great. You may leave now.” 

“Okay. I'll ensure to keep you updated, Boss.” Hugo replied as he wore his Comms earpiece.

Antonio's gaze lingered on him as he retreated, his footsteps becoming fuzzier.

A deep sigh escaped his lips as he strolled down the corridor hesitantly.

His scrutinizing gaze swept around and he came to halt when he saw a figure in the last room. – the attic.

His eyes narrowed, his face filled with anticipation as he drew nearer.

And that was when he saw him.

The young, beautiful champ. Marco. The son of his enemy 

Antonio's footsteps faltered, and his eyes sparked with a hint of desire as Marco's stunning body came into view.

He stood rooted to a spot, his tongue glued to the roof of his mouth as his gaze fell on Marco's bareback.

Antonio’s gaze intensified, a hint of admiration in his eyes. Marco was shirtless and only in his black pants. His broad back was muscular, with a few scars scattered across his skin.

The atmosphere shifted drastically, the air heavy with a heightened sensual energy that permeated every corner of the room. Antonio couldn't tear his gaze for a single second. 

He was extremely captivated by the stunning work of art in front of him.

He subconsciously walked into the room with faltering footsteps. Marco stiffened, his muscles tensed when he noticed Antonio's presence. 

It was like a suffocating weight on his spine.

Marco's breath came out in short, angry bursts as he stared at his reflection in the mirror.

Antonio swallowed the lump in his throat when he saw the marks on his smooth, pale skin.

He had instructed his guards to beat him up last night when he tried fighting them

Handing him an ice pack, he said, “Here. You might need this to reduce swelling and ease pain.”

Marco’s jaw tightened. He swallowed hard, trying to tamp down the anger bubbling inside him…

His eyes met Antonio's and for a brief moment, he thought he saw something there— anger? Regret? But he looked away just as quickly.

“Here. It should help you heal on time,” Antonio said as he dropped the ice pack on the table without sparing him a glance.

Marco's chest rose and fell, his face etched with impotent fury. 

Clenching his fist, he replied, “Why are you suddenly feeling concerned about me? Why do you bloody care?!!”

Silence hung heavily in the air, and Antonio could feel his chest constrict at Marco’s intense stare.

He remained speechless as he tried to find the right words.

“You told your men to beat me up and now you have the audacity to show concern after sighting my scars?!!!!” Marco blurted, his voice cracking at the edges.

Antonio balled his fist and approached him, his looming presence trapping him in a corner.

Gritting his teeth, he grasped Marco’s neck and growled, “Do not even think I have the slightest concern for you! If I choose to kill you at a spot, I won't hesitate to do it.”

“Then kill me! Just fucking kill me!” Marco spat back, his voice going an octave higher.

Antonio's eyes went wide at his directedness and bravery.

He pushed him off and grasped some strands of his hair, bringing him closer such that their faces were an inch apart.

Leaning towards him, he whispered in his ears, “I won't ever kill you. I'll make you suffer. I'll torture you slowly till you plead for death.”

“Why are you doing this to me?” Marco managed to ask, pushing back those tears that threatened to fall.

Antonio swallowed hard and turned away, breaking eye contact.

Even though the desire for revenge flooded in his heart like a strong current, he wouldn't deny that he felt guilty for letting his anger consume him.

Marco tried to catch his breath, his chest rising and falling..

As he stared straight into Antonio’s eyes, a sense of familiarity hung heavily in the air, a fog of curiosity surrounding him.

What if Antonio was indeed the stranger he slept with? Could that really be possible?

Antonio felt a pang of guilt wash over him as Marco's question echoed in his ears.

He lifted his face and admitted, “I'm doing this to you because you deserve it. You're the son of a murderer. No one messes with the Morenos and goes Scott free.”

“You can't keep me here forever. Besides, you already put my father behind bars. What else do you still want from me?!” Marco blurted, his words making him more enraged. 

Antonio smirked, his lips curled into an evil smile.

“Putting your dad behind bars isn't enough for the crime he committed. You as his son will suffer for his crimes. I'll only be satisfied seeing you both get tortured!”

Saying that, Antonio let go of him and turned to leave.

Marco slid his fingers into his hair, his intense furious gaze lingering on Antonio's retreating figure.

Furious, he balled his fist and hit the wall continuously till his knuckles bled.

His phone chimed after a while, breaking through his thoughts.

It was a call from the hospital.

As he placed the phone to his ear, the doctor's sympathetic voice broke the silence. “Your mom's situation has taken a turn for the worse. If you can't make the required deposit, then no surgery would take place. We're deeply sorry.”

The phone slid from Marco's trembling hands, his eyes red-rimmed from unshed tears.

As he sat upright, he glanced in the direction of the door, his mind racing with several thoughts.

There was just one plan he had in mind.. and he would do it regardless of the consequences.

****

Antonio's shoes clacked against the polished tiles. Even as he tried to indulge himself in his daily activities, he couldn't help but think about Marco.

Why is he suddenly feeling sympathetic towards him? And why does he seem to be trapped under the spell of his charm?

Does he really deserve to be tortured?

No. He deserves it. He deserves every bit of it.

Antonio nodded as he gave his chin a gentle stroke.

Settling on his chair, he crossed his legs and stared into the distance. 

Just then, the Comms device buzzed to life with Hugo's low tone. “Boss. I've got an update.” 

“Spit it!” Antonio said through gritted teeth.

“The Esposito family wants to propose a new venture– one that would expand our businesses and also keep us united. Should I agree with the offer?”

Antonio paused, his lips thinning as he gave it a thought.

“Are there any shady schemes or suspicious activities going on?” He asked, his voice low.

“No sir. Everything seems normal but I'm not fully convinced.” Hugo replied.

“Okay then. Keep a close watch on them. Don't let them find you suspicious.”

“Noted. What about the offer?”

“Accept it.”

“But Boss—-”

“-- Accept it, Hugo. Let's see how everything goes.” 

With that, Antonio ended the call and exhaled deeply.

Raising his head, his gaze settled on a figure at a distance.

Alessandro.

He was in a dapper ensemble with a fitted suit, patterned shirt and statement shoes.

Antonio's eyes narrowed as he wondered how long he had been there.

He brushed the thought off as Alessandro approached him with a saucer and a cup of hot coffee.

Placing it on the desk in front of him, Alessandro whispered, “You've been working all day. I feel you might need this.”

Antonio hesitated before replying in a low tone. “Thanks.”

He picked the cup and blew the hot steam from the surface.

Settling his lip on the rim, he took a sip, and paused to face him.

“This…. tastes good. Did you make this?” Antonio asked.

“Yes. I did. Apart from fashion and tech, I also enjoy cooking.” Alessandro replied with a bright smile.

Antonio nodded, clearly impressed. As he took another sip of the coffee, Alessandro leaned towards him, his breath hot in his ears, “Why don't I give you a massage?”

Feeling somewhat uneasy, Antonio brushed him off politely with a smile on his face.

“No. I don't need a massage. I still have a lot of work to do. Thanks for the offer.”

Alessandro managed a weak smile as he leaned off him.

Itching his nape, his gaze drifted to the Comms piece in Antonio's ears.

He wondered who he had been communicating with.

His teeth sank into his lower lip, feeling frustrated at his failed attempts to seduce Antonio.

As he watched Antonio whose attention was diverted to the paper works on his table, he brought out a device and began sending multiple text messages to someone anonymous.

Everything about Alessandro screamed suspicion but unfortunately, Antonio was so distracted to notice it.

Before Alessandro could take a picture of Antonio secretly, one of the guards burst in, his eyes wide with terror.

“What is it?” Antonio asked, his brows furrowing as he looked up at him.

“It's - it's Marco. He's escaped!” The guard announced, his breathing coming out in short bursts.

Gnashing his teeth, Antonio slammed his fist on the table, his eyes darkening with rage.

Walking up to the guard, he grasped him by the collar, his eyes daring him to justify.

“How the hell did this happen?” Antonio questioned, his voice rough and demanding.

The bodyguard trembled, his face pale.

With quivering lips, he tried to respond but Antonio wasn't willing to listen.

Tightening his grip around his neck, he instructed, “Do everything you can to find him or you'll end up as dead meat!!”