Page 70 of Stolen Queen

I'm seething with rage as I grip Ava's wrist, my mind reeling from the events of the past hour. How dare Elio barge in and threaten everything I've built with Ava. And this scumbag in the alley, I should have killed him right then and there. But what cuts deepest is Ava's betrayal. She ran away… again. After everything we've shared, everything I've risked for her, she decided to throw it all away.

"What the hell were you thinking?" I snarl, pulling her closer. "Do you have any idea what could've happened to you out here?"

Ava flinches at my tone, tears welling in her eyes. "I, ah?—"

"No," I cut her off. "You made your choice. You were ready to leave without a word, without even saying goodbye."

The pain in her eyes mirrors my own, but I can't let it sway me. Not now. Not when my world is crumbling around me.

“Matteo…”

I don't listen to her stammered attempts at explanation. My emotions are too raw, too volatile. Without thinking, I hoist her over my shoulder in one swift motion.

She lets out a startled yelp, her small fists pounding against my back. "Put me down!"

I ignore her protests, striding out of the alley. I'm relieved I found her, enraged she tried to leave, and terrified of what could have happened if I'd been a moment later.

I make my way back to where I hastily parked my car. My heart still pounds from the frantic search, the fear that gripped me when I realized she was gone. Now, with her safely in my arms, that fear morphs into rage.

"You can't just manhandle me like this!" Ava continues to struggle, but I tighten my hold.

I reach the car and fumble for my keys, keeping a firm grip on her legs. I open the trunk and unceremoniously put her in it. Then I slam the trunk closed, muffling Ava's protests as I slide behind the wheel. Am I being a dick? Yep. But fucking hell, what was she thinking?

My hands shake as I grip the steering wheel. The engine roars to life, and I peel away from the curb, tires squealing. Ava's muffled screams and the thudding of her fists against the trunk lid echo through the car. Each impact sends a jolt through me, fueling the storm of emotions raging in my chest.

"Fuck!" I slam my palm against the steering wheel. How did everything fall apart so quickly? One minute, all was well. Sure, I knew we were playing with fire, but there was no hint of smoke anywhere. Next, Rinella is accusing me of taking Ava, Elio is threatening to turn me over to Rinella, and Ava's running away. It’s that last truth that is fucking with me the most. The thought of losing Ava, of her walking away without a word after everything we've shared… it's tearing me apart.

I want to put the fear of God in her. Not fear that I’ll hurt her physically, although I may have fucked that up by putting her in the trunk. But that’s the only place I could put her that she can’t escape. I can totally see her jumping out of the car at a stoplight if I put her in the front seat.

Another series of thumps from the trunk makes me flinch. "Matteo! Let me out!" Ava's voice is barely audible over the engine and the rush of blood in my ears.

Guilt wars with anger and fear. I know I've crossed a line. I kidnapped her. Again. I grit my teeth, fighting the urge to pull over and release her. Part of me wants to beg her forgiveness, to explain why I reacted so extremely. But another part, the wounded, angry part, wants her to understand the pain she caused by trying to leave. Plus, I reason, she always nearly gets killed when she runs off.

I pull into the underground garage of my building and park. I climb out of the car, my legs unsteady. As I approach the trunk, Ava's voice becomes clearer.

"Matteo! Let me out, you bastard!"

I pop open the trunk, and Ava bursts out, her face flushed with anger. "You monster! How dare you throw me in there like some piece of luggage!" She shoves me hard, her eyes blazing. "I thought you were different, but you're just another brute!"

Her words sting, but I can't let her see how much they affect me. I grab her arm, dragging her toward the elevator. She struggles, but I'm stronger.

"Let go of me!" she screams, trying to wrench free.

I ignore her, pulling her into the elevator. As soon as the doors close, I pin her against the wall, my body caging her in. She glares up at me defiantly, but I can see a flicker of fear in her eyes.

"You have no idea what you've done," I growl, my face inches from hers. "Do you understand how reckless you were? How much danger you put yourself in?"

She opens her mouth to argue, but I cut her off.

"You think I’m a monster? I've shown you nothing but gentleness, Ava. I've protected you, cared for you." My voicedrops lower, a dangerous edge creeping in. "But if you ever try to run from me again, you'll see just how much of a brute I can be."

I see the shock in her eyes, the realization that I'm not the man she thought I was. Part of me hates myself for threatening her, but the fear of losing her overrides everything else.

I storm into the penthouse, dragging Ava behind me. As soon as we're inside, I release her arm, and she stumbles away from me.

"You're insane!" Ava shouts, rubbing her wrist where I gripped her. "How could you do that to me?"

I ignore her, striding to the bar. My hands shake as I reach for a bottle of whiskey. The familiar routine of pouring a drink helps steady me, if only slightly.

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