Page 26 of Stolen Queen

Ava struggles against me, her earlier seductive demeanor replaced by defiance. "Let go of me!"

I ground my still hard dick into her backside. “What about what you promised me?” My stomach roils at the insinuation, but if she’s going to play big girl games, she needs to understand potential consequences.

She freezes, and I feel even more guilty that she thinks I’m going to collect on her offer or punish her.

"You have no idea what I've risked to keep you safe," I hiss. "And this is how you repay me? By trying to seduce me and run?"

“I never asked for your help," she spits. "You kidnapped me!"

Her words sting more than they should. It proves the old adage that no good deed goes unpunished.

"I saved you. From your father, from that bastard in New York. And this is the thanks I get?"

Ava struggles against me. "Let me go!" she demands, her voice shaking. "My father will kill you for this!"

"Your father?" I scoff, tightening my grip on her. "The same man who was ready to sell you off to that monster in New York?"

“And you’re better?”

Her words enrage me. “The fact that I’m not fucking you right now after your little stunt is proof that I am.” I’ve lost control. I’ve let a woman mess with my mind, and as a result, I’m going to hell. She doesn’t seem to understand that I’m trying to help her. And yes, I see the irony that I’ve locked her in a room and am now holding her hostage. But I wouldn’t be doing it if she’d understand that by my saving her, we’re in deep shit.

I need to go with another tactic. I maneuver Ava toward the closet, my anger still simmering beneath the surface. She struggles against me, but I'm stronger and more experienced. Ipress her firmly against the wall with my body, ignoring the way her soft curves fit against me, as I release one hand to open the door. Reaching into the closet, I grab a length of rope. My hands work quickly, muscle memory taking over as I begin to bind her wrists.

"What are you doing?" Ava's voice is high-pitched with panic. "Stop it!"

I grit my teeth, forcing myself to ignore her pleas. The fear in her voice makes me feel like the worst kind of bastard.

"Hold still," I growl, cinching the rope tight around her wrists.

Ava continues to struggle, her breath coming in short, panicked gasps. "Please, Matteo. Don't do this."

With her hands secured, I crouch down to bind her ankles. She tries to kick at me, but I easily dodge her attempts.

“What are you going to do with me?”

“You want to go home so badly, fine. I'll take you home."

Ava's eyes widen in surprise, hope flickering across her face. "You're letting me go? Then why are you tying me up?"

I laugh, but there's no humor in it. "I can't just let you waltz out of here on your own. Your father would have my head on a platter before sunrise."

"I won't tell him it was you. I'll make something up."

I shake my head. "You don't get it, do you? Your father's not an idiot. He'll figure it out, and then I'm as good as dead. No, I have to take you back myself and explain to him how you snuck out and I found you. As a sign of respect to him, I brought you back."

She stares at me, and I can see that she’s weighing the ramifications.

“I’ll tell him how you went to a club, let men buy you drinks and grab your ass.”

Her face pales. “He won’t believe you.”

“Won’t he? My experience with your father is that he doesn’t have much respect for you or any woman. Then there’s the fact that we have surveillance in the club. I can show him you were there.”

I study Ava's face, watching the emotions play across it. Fear, desperation, and yet still, a hint of defiance. Is she going to call my bluff?

"You're lying."

I lean in close, my voice low and intense. "Am I? Are you willing to bet your freedom on that? Because I promise you, if I show your father that video, he'll believe every word I say."

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