Page 68 of Stolen Queen

“But I do and I’m the head of this family.” He’s seething. His expression is the epitome of blowing a gasket.

“I thought we were supposed to take care of those who are innocent, those we care about.” I remember there was a time I thought Elio was too soft-hearted. I’ve since learned that while he does have a moral compass where his family or innocent lives are concerned, he has no qualms about going to the dark side when necessary.

"Care about? Since when do you care about women beyond fucking them?"

My anger flares at Elio's accusation even though he’s not completely wrong. But that was the old me. “You don’t know anything.” I down another two fingers of whisky.

“No, I don’t, because you’ve been lying to me. You can’t just take her on a whim and put the rest of us at risk, Matteo.”

"That's rich coming from you,” I sneer. "You’re the one who originally put Rinella on our bad side by rejecting her. Then you did it again when you let Lazaro marry Diana.”

“That’s different.”

“Why? Because I’m not a D’Amato?” My heart is tearing in my chest. Partly from knowing I have to save Ava by sending her away. Partly from being reminded by my cousin that while I’mfamily, I’m not his brother. I’m still lower than him. Lower than Lana and Lazaro as well.

He jerks back, his expression stricken. “What?”

“I’m fixing a wrong you created. She deserves better than what you set her up to have by abandoning her. I’m a little disgusted that you didn’t step in and do more. So I’m doing the right thing.”

I think I see a flash of understanding and maybe guilt in his eyes. Or maybe not. "You kidnapped a Mafia princess and lied to everyone… lied to me about it. How is that the right thing?"

"I saved her from being sold off like cattle!" My voice rises, echoing off the walls. I’m about to throw my glass across the room. "You know what kind of monster Nardone is. How could I stand by and let that happen?"

Elio's face twists with fury. "And what about our family? Did you even consider the consequences for us? Rinella's out for blood, and now we're caught in the crossfire because you couldn't keep it in your pants!"

It hurts me more than he could ever realize that he thinks I’m incapable of love. That my vow to protect Ava is simply so I have a chance to fuck her.

“Don’t tell me she’s more than just another notch on your bedpost? Another conquest to add to your list of broken hearts and one-night stands?"

I lose control of my anger. I shove Elio, my hands on his chest as I push him to the door. “Get out!”

Elio stumbles back, shock and anger warring on his face. "Matteo, you're making a mistake. This isn't just about you. You need to stop being selfish. You can’t put the family at risk just for some pussy you’ll toss aside when you’re bored.”

I push him out of my penthouse. “Fuck you.” I slam the door in his face.

Well. That’s done. I’ve burned my bridges. It won’t be long before Elio tells Rinella what I’ve done to protect the family…hisfamily. Could I have done things differently? Maybe. But I have no regrets. Keeping Ava safe, giving her a chance at the life she deserves, that was worth any price, including my life.

I turn toward the bedroom to check on Ava. "Ava?" I call out, pushing open the door. The room is empty. I check the bathroom. She’s not there. I search the house, checking every room, every possible hiding spot. The bathroom is empty, the guest room untouched. What the fuck?

"Ava!" I shout, louder this time, desperation creeping into my voice.

There’s only one answer. She must have slipped out during my argument with Elio. I check the bedroom again, finding the envelope. She didn’t take anything she needed to forge her new identity. She doesn’t even have the phone. What is she doing?

Fuck!

25

AVA

Ireplay what I overheard between Matteo and Elio as I scurry down the dark street. Their raised voices still echo in my ears. Guilt gnaws at me as I think about the risks Matteo has taken to protect me. He's been lying to his family for weeks. And now that deception has blown up in his face. I never meant to cause such a rift between him and Elio.

I always thought Elio seemed like a good man, loyal and supportive of his family. But the anger in his voice, the harsh words he threw at Matteo… I believe I was wrong. How could he turn his back on Matteo so easily, threaten to hand me and him over to my father?

I realize how selfish I’ve been. Matteo was right when he called me a selfish brat. All I thought about was myself. Now, I see that by protecting me, Matteo has put himself and his entire family at risk. If my father finds out, it could start a war between the families. People could die because of me.

I stop, lean against a building, and press my hands to my face. I’m feeling overwhelmed. Guilty. Uncertain. I never asked for any of this. I just wanted to escape my father. But in doing so, I've trapped Matteo in an impossible situation.

I take a deep breath to steady my nerves. I made my decision back in the bedroom as I changed and overheard the angry words Matteo and Elio were hurling at each other. I can’t stay. Not only that, but I also have to go home. Taking the documents, the new identity that Matteo created for me won’t solve this problem. As long as I’m gone, my father will search for me and focus on the D’Amatos and Matteo as the ones who took me. The only way to protect Matteo from my father and his family is for me to go home.

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