The Shadows Within

Chapter 7

**Matthew's POV**

I couldn't believe it. Shana had actually walked away from me, from this lifestyle. I had thought she was different, that she would eventually see the value in what I had to offer.

But now, it seemed that she had chosen to abandon me, to abandon the freedom and excitement that came with being part of my world.

As I watched her walk away, I felt a surge of anger and resentment. Who did she think she was, anyway? Did she think she was better than me?

I pushed the thoughts aside and focused on the task at hand. I had a business to run, and there were those who would stop at nothing to take it from me.

I thought back to my childhood, growing up in the streets of Italy. My father had been a ruthless Mafia boss, and I had learned from him. I had learned how to be cunning, how to be merciless.

I had started small, taking care of minor disputes and collections for my father. But as I grew older, I began to make a name for myself. I took over my father's business, expanded it, and made it mine.

But there were those who opposed me, who wanted to take what was mine. And I didn't hesitate to take them out. I had no qualms about killing anyone who got in my way.

Shana thought she was so pure, so righteous. But she didn't know the real world. She didn't know what it took to survive in this city.

And yet...and yet...there was something about her that had gotten under my skin. Maybe it was her conviction, her determination. Maybe it was the way she looked at me with those big brown eyes, like she saw right through me.

Whatever it was, I knew one thing - I wouldn't let her go without a fight. I would do whatever it took to get her back.

**To Be Continued...**