Page 3 of Stolen Queen

I watch as Vincenzo continues to talk about Ava as if she’s nothing more than a prized show dog. Fucker.

I glance back at her, and again I’m struck by the fire in her eyes that belies her placid exterior. On the surface, she’s the picture of demure compliance, but there’s more to her. She’s not a fragile doll. She’s a woman with a core of steel, forced to hide her true self behind a mask of docility.

There’s more to this woman. I wonder what she’d be like if given the freedom to be herself. What would she do? Whatpassions and dreams lay dormant, crushed under her father’s dominance?

I risk another glance at her, our eyes meeting for a brief moment. In that instant, I see a spark of something. Does she recognize that I see more in her than she’s letting on?

“I’m sure we can set up space and time for crafting, can’t we, Elio?” Lana says to him. I’m not sure whether Lana sees what I see or she’s insulted by Rinella’s misogynistic attitude.

“Of course.”

“We should get this wedding planned,” Vincenzo says, continuing on emphasizing the strategic benefits of solidifying the D'Amato-Rinella alliance through Elio's marriage to Ava. But I can see that Elio doesn't really have his head in the game.

I glance over at Lana, whose furrowed brow tells me she's noticing too.

“I say we get it done. With our contacts, there’s no reason we can’t have this wedding in… say… two weeks.”

Elio is taken off-guard by Vincenzo’s plan. He doesn't respond.

I clear my throat. "Elio, what are your thoughts on the matter?" Actually, I’m wondering why the hurry. Is Ava not so innocent, after all? Is she with child that Vincenzo wants to pass off as Elio’s?

“What are your thoughts, Ava?” he asks.

Ava's lips curve into a small smile as if she's never been asked her opinion. "Well, I've always envisioned a grand, traditional Italian wedding. With all the trimmings, of course."

“We should do that, but it will take more than two weeks," Elio says.

“Nonsense.” Vicenzo waves Elio's comment away. “Like I said, between our contacts, we can arrange something quickly.”

"The D'Amatos do know how to throw a party,” Lana adds, earning her a glare from Elio.

Is he trying to get out of this wedding? If he does, it will cause a bunch of shit with Rinella. Shit I don't want to deal with. And yet, a part of me doesn't want her to marry him.

“Two weeks it is,” Vincenzo announces.

I hold my breath wondering if Elio is going to push back on this, but thankfully, he doesn't.

We finish dinner, and it's clear Elio has had enough. He can barely hide his relief when we're walking Vincenzo and Ava to the door.

Before he leaves, Vincenzo says to Elio, “You seem distracted. Is everything alright?”

He doesn't give a shit about Elio. He's more concerned about this business alliance.

Elio pats him on the back. “Everything is fine, Vicenzo. Just tired is all.”

“You know how important this alliance is. We cannot afford any… distractions."

"I understand. I assure you, my focus is where it needs to be."

Vincenzo studies him for a moment, his eyes narrowing slightly. "See that it remains that way, Elio."

Elio's eyes flash with heat, a warning of sorts. Vincenzo is disrespecting him, and any moment now, Elio is going to confront him.

I shake my head at him, telling him not to do it. This deal is too important.

“Have a good evening, Ava.” Elio gives her a kiss on the cheek. “Vincenzo.” He shakes his hand.

When they leave, Elio heads to his office.

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