Page 13 of Stolen Queen

"How was it?" I ask, trying not to lean over and kiss her. In this moment, eyes bright, cheeks rosy, lips shiny with minty liquor, she’s amazingly beautiful.

"It's… strong."

"That's one way to put it." Perhaps I should have picked something else, but I figure Rumplemintz is a good first shot. It’s strong but sweet.

Ava's eyes narrow playfully. "I like it.” To prove her point, she signals the bartender for another round. I raise an eyebrow, both impressed and concerned. This girl is full of surprises.

As we wait for our drinks, I study her profile. In the dim club lighting, the mark on her cheek is less noticeable, but knowing it's there makes my blood boil. I want to fucking rip Vincenzo’s arms from their sockets and beat him with them.

The bartender slides two more glasses our way. Ava reaches for hers without hesitation, but I place my hand over the rim of her glass.

"Slow down, princess. You've got nothing to prove here."

Her eyes meet mine, a flash of defiance in their depths that makes something in my chest shift. "Don't I?"

The simple question hits me harder than I expect. She’s not trying to prove anything to me. She wants to be her own woman. This is about proving to herself that she’s not anyone’s pawn. Except she is. The risk she’s taking by being here is greater than maybe she realizes.

"Not to me," I say softly.

Ava's lips curl into a mischievous smile. "Are you sure this isn't poison? It certainly tastes like it could be."

I laugh at her playful accusation. "If it is, we're both in trouble now."

She giggles, the sound light and carefree. It's a contrast to the prim and proper façade she wore earlier at dinner. The alcohol's starting to work its magic, melting away her initial nervousness. It’s nice to see, and yet, I know I need to tread lightly. I’m not as concerned that we’re serving an underage minor, something I’ll need to talk to the entry staff about, but that she’s so inexperienced in the adult world. But it’s hard to keep my focus on doing what’s right when she looks at me with a sparkle in her eyes at her newfound excitement.

"You know," she says, leaning in conspiratorially, "I've always wondered what it would be like to be… normal. To do things like this without worrying about disappointing everyone."

The vulnerability of her words tugs at something deep inside me. I want to take her away from all this and show her the world, help her find her agency in it. And yes, give her a first kiss… a first orgasm. I've seen countless women in various states of undress and pleasure, but none have affected me quite like thisfully-clothed, innocent Mafia princess sipping her second shot of liquor.

"And? How does it feel?"

Ava takes a moment to consider, her brow furrowing adorably. "Liberating. Terrifying. Exhilarating. All at once."

I nod, understanding completely. "Freedom often feels that way at first."

“Is this how Lana is? She’s always so strong, unafraid.”

This tells me that while Ava is quiet and dutiful, she’s observant. “Lana is her own woman.”

“Her father didn’t…?” She trails off.

“Old Man D’Amato did his best to stifle her independence, but Lazaro… well, she had an ally in him. And now Elio respects her. She’s proven her place in the family business.”

“And she’s going to marry a cop. My father says Elio is an idiot.” Her hand covers her mouth, and her eyes widen as if she wishes she hadn’t revealed so much.

“Your father sure has a hard-on to work with Elio for someone who thinks he’s an idiot.” Granted, I’ve had concerns about Lana’s fiancé, Henry, but I trust Lana and so far, Henry has been helpful to the family, saving Lana and later helping Lazaro.

“He wants the deal he made with Elio’s father.”

I wonder if she’s disappointed she didn’t get to marry Elio, and now her marriage to Lazaro is off. A flare of jealousy lights in the pit of my stomach.

“How do you feel about it?” I ask, wishing I hadn’t.

She shrugs. “I don’t want to talk about it. This night is about forgetting all that.”

She is disappointed, and I suppose I don’t blame her. She’d have a freer life with the D’Amatos.

“Alright. What do you want to talk about?”

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