Page 41 of Stolen Queen

A thrill runs through me at the idea that this powerful, dangerous man thinks about me, dreams about me.

"What… what do you dream about?" I bite my lower lip. My curiosity gets the better of me.

Matteo's thumb brushes across my bottom lip, freeing it from my teeth. The simple gesture feels incredibly intimate.

"Things I shouldn't. Things that would shock your innocent mind."

His statement should frighten me, but instead, they only fuel the fire building inside me. I desperately want to know more.

"Tell me.”

Matteo's eyes flash with something primal, and for a moment, I think he might reveal his fantasies.

But then he takes a deep breath, visibly reining himself in. "Not yet, Princess. Some dreams are better left unspoken… for now."

I search his face, seeing the conflict in his eyes. There's desire there, burning hot and bright, but also something else, a troubled expression.

“Is that why you didn’t touch me?”

His smile is sweet. “You deserve better than a drunken fuck. Especially the first time.”

My hackles rise, embarrassed that he knows I’m a virgin. “How do you know I haven’t done it before?”

“Because you told me when I asked.”

Oh. Right.

“And I know your father… how he puts value on your being a virgin."

"I'm more than that." I hate that my worth is solely wrapped up in my sexuality.

"Of course you are. That's why you're here with me. You're not a conquest, Ava. You’re…” He trails off, seemingly at a loss for words.

"I'm what?" I prompt, needing to hear the rest.

Matteo's expression tightens, that troubled look deepening. "You're everything I shouldn't want."

My heart races at Matteo's confession. The intensity in his eyes, the gentle touch of his hand on my cheek, I want it. I crave it. All of it.

Taking a deep breath, I gather every ounce of courage I possess. "I'm not drunk now, Matteo."

His eyes widen slightly. "Ava. You don't know what you're asking."

But I do. For the first time in my life, I feel certain about what I want. "I may be inexperienced, but I know my mind. My body."

Matteo's hand slides from my cheek to the nape of my neck, his fingers tangling in my hair. The atmosphere between us thickens, charged with electricity that makes my skin sizzle.

"You have no idea how dangerous this is," he murmurs, his eyes searching mine. "The things I want to do to you…"

I shiver in nervous excitement. “Show me. I want to know.”

“Ava…” His voice is a warning.

"You said you would show me how good life could be if I let you. I'm letting you, so show me."

16

MATTEO

---