Page 72 of Stolen Queen

My chest tightens at her words. How can I make her understand that nothing would be right without her? "Ava," I say, cupping her face in my hands. "You're not coming between me and anyone. I chose this. I chose you."

I take a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions raging inside me. "You need to understand something. Yourfather… he's going to want me dead no matter what. Whether you go back or not, once he finds out I've been hiding you, I'm a marked man."

Fear flashes in her eyes, and it kills me. But she needs to know the truth.

"I knew the risks when I took you that night," I continue, my hands moving down to her arms. "I've been living with that threat hanging over my head ever since. But I'd rather face that danger than see you shipped off to Nardone in New York."

"You don't know what kind of man Nardone is. I can't let that happen to you, Ava." I realize I'm gripping her arms too tightly and force myself to loosen my hold. But I can't bring myself to let go completely, as if she might disappear if I'm not touching her.

"I understand now that you were trying to protect me," I say softly. "But don't you see? The thought of you with him, suffering God knows what… it would kill me. It would destroy me in a way your father never could."

I pull her close, overwhelmed by the intensity of my feelings for her. Without thinking, I capture her lips with mine in a passionate kiss.

Ava responds instantly, matching my fervor. Her fingers tangle in my hair as she presses herself against me. As the angry conflict transforms into raw passion, I deepen the kiss, pouring all my fears, frustrations, and longing into it.

When we finally break apart, I rest my forehead against hers. “Tell me you won’t run again. Not without telling me. Not without letting me make the arrangements. If you really care about me, you’ll promise me this.”

She looks up at me. “I promise.”

I caress her cheek gently, marveling at how this woman has completely upended my world. I’m convinced now that it won’t be long before I’m dead. I’m not sure if Elio will really hand me over to Rinella, but because he knows I have Ava, it won’t be longbefore everyone knows, and Rinella will come knocking. Maybe I can kill him first, but that will cause even more trouble. Caruso would likely order Elio to deal with me for taking out the head of a family.

Yep, I’m well and truly fucked. But with Ava in my arms, knowing she’s safe, I’d do it all over again.

27

AVA

Igaze into Matteo's eyes, my heart pounding. The intensity of his stare makes me feel both vulnerable and cherished. I know I should push him away, tell him this can't continue. I've already put him in so much danger by staying here. His family, his entire world is at risk because of me.

But I can't bring myself to do it. There's a magnetic pull toward him that I'm powerless to resist. My body… my soul aches to be close to him.

He kisses me again. It’s deep and passionate, igniting a fire that spreads through my entire body. In this moment, all my doubts and fears melt away. Nothing else matters but him.

When the kiss breaks again, we stare at each other.

“I’m ready for my surprise now.” His words break the final remnants of pain and fear.

“I’ll be right back.” I turn to return to the bedroom. He playfully swats my backside, making me yelp and sending thrilling sensations coursing through my body. When I reach the bedroom, I slip back into the ruby red lingerie.

Before I can return to the living room, Matteo appears, standing in the doorway. He removes his jacket and tie as heenters the room, his gaze intense on me in the skimpy outfit. “That is a sexy surprise.”

I feel a little bit self-conscious. Part of me wants to cover up, to hide from the intensity of his stare. But another part revels in it, wanting to bask in his attention.

I focus on him, drinking in his muscular frame, the tattoos peeking out from his unbuttoned shirt, the way his eyes darken with hunger. Matteo takes a step closer, and my pulse quickens. There's something predatory in his movements, like a panther stalking its prey. This feels different from the times before. It’s nerve-racking and exciting all at once.

"You look beautiful," he murmurs, his voice low and husky. From somewhere he pulls out a pair of handcuffs, dangling them in front of me. “Can’t let my Princess escape.”

I swallow as the nerves and excitement ramp up even more. “What… what is that?”

“This?” He glances at the cuffs. “This is my sexy surprise.” He puts one of the cuffs on my wrists and then leads me to the bed. I can’t deny that this freaks me out a little bit, and yet, I want to make him happy. I want him to know I trust him.

He spanks me again. “You need to be punished for what you did to me tonight.”

I yelp and feel like I should get mad at his actions and words. Weirdly, I find it erotic. “You mean trying to protect you?”

He spanks me again. “You terrified me, Ava.” He links the other cuff to the headboard spindle. “I’m not a man who is easily afraid. I don’t like it.”

I put my free hand on his cheek. “I’m sorry.” I’m sincere in these words. He tilts his head, kissing the inside of my wrist.

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