Page 12 of Stolen Queen

He snorts. “I don’t give two shits about being in your father’s good graces.” His eyes narrow as he studies my cheek. His fingers brush over the still tender spot where my father hit me. “What happened here?”

I press a hand to my burning cheek. "It's nothing," I mumble, unable to meet Matteo's intense gaze. "I… disrespected my father."

The anger radiates off Matteo in waves. His hand clenches into a tight fist at his side. "He hit you.” It's not a question, but a statement of fact said with a quiet fury that sends a chill through me. It reminds me of just how deadly Matteo can be.

I realize that I’m not ready for this sort of adventure. I’ve bitten off more than I can chew. I look down, feeling embarrassed. “I should go.” I slip off the stool to leave.

Matteo's hand catches my arm, his grip firm yet gentle. "Wait.” His voice is softer. “What kind of adventure were you looking for tonight, Ava? What did you hope to find here?"

I blink up at him. "I… I don't know. I had no plans. I was just looking for something exciting, I guess. I’ve never been allowed to do anything. Drink. Have fun. I’ve never even been kissed."

Something flashes in his eyes as his gaze drifts to my lips. “Is that what you want? To be kissed?”

I’m embarrassed by how childish I must appear to someone like Matteo.

“I just want to live my life for once.”

He takes a step back and it feels like a rejection. I wrap my arms around myself, suddenly feeling exposed. Why am I telling him all this? What is it about him that has me rambling my secrets?

"Listen, Ava," he says after a moment, running a hand through his hair. "How about I buy you another drink? Then I'll make sure you get home safely."

His offer is kind, practical even, but something has shifted between us. The connection we'd shared just moments ago feels strained. I said something wrong.

"That sounds… nice."

Matteo lifts a finger, ordering two shots of something called Rumplemintz. I've never heard of it before, but a sense of excitement bubbles within me. Maybe Matteo does understand. He’s giving me excitement in a protected way.

"Have you ever done a shot before?" Matteo asks, a hint of amusement in his eyes.

I shake my head, trying not to feel like a completely inexperienced idiot. "No."

He smiles, and it feels like it’s just for me. "Well then, let me teach you how to toast properly."

The bartender sets two small glasses filled with clear liquid in front of us. Matteo picks his up and motions for me to do the same.

"First, you look your drinking partner in the eye," he instructs, his gaze locking with mine. The intensity of his blue eyes makes my breath catch. "Then, you clink glasses, not too hard, mind you. We're not trying to spill anything."

I follow his lead, gently tapping my glass against his. The soft 'clink' sounds oddly celebratory in the noisy club.

"Now, here's the important part," Matteo continues, his voice low and conspiratorial. "You bring the glass to your lips, but before you drink, you look your partner in the eye again."

I do as he says, marveling at how easy and natural he makes it all seem. There's no pretense, no air of superiority. He’s not making fun of me. He’s helping me experience what I snuck out to experience.

"Ready?" he asks, a glint of challenge in his eyes. "Down it all in one go."

I nod, steeling myself. On his count, we both throw back our shots. The burn of the Rumplemintz scorches down my throat, igniting a minty fire in my chest that spreads through my entire body. I gasp, eyes watering, but grinning. This feeling, this moment, is exactly what I've been searching for.

I look at Matteo, seeing his approving smile, and suddenly, I'm overwhelmed by the significance of this night. Here I am, Ava Rinella, sheltered Mafia princess, doing shots in a club with one of the most dangerous men I know. And I've never felt more alive.

This isn't just about the alcohol or the thrill of sneaking out. It's about taking control of my own life, even if just for one night. It's about experiencing the world on my own terms.

This night marks the beginning of something new. My first real taste of freedom, of adventure. I've crossed a line that can't be uncrossed. I've seen a glimpse of what life could be like outside my father's grasp. Instead of satiating the craving, it fuels it. This is just the start.

4

MATTEO

Iwatch as Ava tilts her head back, her delicate throat working as she swallows the shot. Her eyes water and she coughs, sputtering adorably as the liquor burns its way down. A grin tugs at my lips despite my best efforts to remain stoic.

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