Page 36 of Stolen Queen

I laugh at his audacity. "Dashing? That's debatable.”

He grins, and I’m glad I didn’t offend him.

I poke at my pasta. I don’t really like talking about myself because there really isn’t that much to me. My life has always been whatever my father says it should be.

“I don’t know.”

He arches a brow. “I see you’ve made a new necklace. It’s lovely. Simple but elegant.”

I press my hand over it, surprised he noticed. “Thank you.”

“Did I get you the right supplies? Or do you need more? I can pick some up tomorrow.”

“You’d do that?”

“Of course. I want you to be comfortable here. I know the circumstances aren't ideal, but…" He trails off, but I’m not sure why. It’s almost as if he’s confused about our situation as well. Weird.

"What about you? What does the great Matteo Moretti do when he's not… well, you know… extorting or breaking kneecaps?"

He lets out a laugh, leaning back in his chair. "I'm not as one-dimensional as you might think. I enjoy cooking, obviously. And reading after a long day of extortion and kneecap breaking."

As we continue to talk, I'm surprised by how easy it is to converse with him. He's witty and charming, with a depth I hadn't expected. We discuss books we've both read, our favorite places in Chicago, and even our dreams for the future, something I’ve never considered much as my life has never been my own. Even now, as his prisoner, my dreams feel like pie-in-the-sky. But he doesn't say or do anything to quash my desire to travel and experience life away from the confines of the world I live in. But even as I share that, I know that my future is squarely in his hands right now. What does he want with me?

I take a deep breath to shore up my courage. The wine has loosened my tongue, and the comfortable atmosphere we've created emboldens me. "Why did you really take me? You said it was to protect me, but… why?"

Matteo's eyes meet mine. "It's complicated, but I guess it started that night at the club, when you first snuck out."

My cheeks flush at the memory, but I stay silent, waiting for him to continue.

"I saw you there, looking so out of place and vulnerable. And I realized how easily someone could take advantage of you." His jaw tightens. "Plus there’s the fact that your father is a total asshole who plans to send you to a sadist. I couldn't let that happen."

Warmth spreads through my chest at his words.

“You’re naïve about the world.”

I start to protest, not liking being told I’m like a child, even though I know he’s right.

“But,” he continues, “you have a spirit about you. I knew it was a matter of time before you’d try to sneak out again. So I, uh…” His cheeks flush pink, which intrigues me. Is he embarrassed?

“I watched over you. I'd come by at night to make sure you were safe. When I saw you trying to sneak out again…" He shakes his head. "I wasn’t surprised, and I’ll admit, I was a little bit proud of you even though I knew it was an idiotic thing for you to do."

"You've been watching over me?" I’m stunned by this revelation.

Matteo nods, his blue eyes intense. "I can’t seem to bear the thought of your being hurt. Whether by some random creep at a club or by your own father. I know taking you wasn't right, but I… I just wanted to protect you."

His words send a thrill through me. The idea that this powerful, dangerous man has been looking out for me, caring about my safety, is both terrifying and exhilarating. It’s like having a fairy godfather. Even as I think that, I wonder if I am falling victim to Stockholm syndrome. For all I know, this is an act. And yet, I don’t think so.

“I thought… I don't know what I thought." I shake my head, looking down at my food. I hoped talking would make my situation clearer, but I’m more confused than ever.

“What did you think?”

I shrug. “I don’t know… retaliating against my father or you wanted to… take me for…”

Matteo reaches out, his hand covering mine on the table. “This isn’t business, Ava. For me, it’s personal.”

My gaze shoots up to his. “Then why lock me up?”

He withdraws his hand and picks up his wine. “I’m sorry about that. But this situation is dangerous for both of us. When you didn’t react well, I didn’t feel I had a choice, but it was selfish. It was to protect me. But I’d rather not lock you up.”

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