Page 74 of Stolen Queen

I flinch at the reminder, guilt washing over me. "I was scared. I thought I was protecting you."

Matteo's expression softens slightly, but the intensity in his eyes remains. "I appreciate that, but you have to understand that running away isn't the answer. We're in this together now, for better or worse."

I nod.

“When it’s time for you to go, I’ll arrange it, okay?”

I nod again. "What about Elio? He already knows I'm here."

Matteo runs a hand through his hair. "I'll handle Elio. But I can’t focus on all that if I’m worrying whether or not you’re going to run. I have no problem locking you up again.”

“Maybe you can stay here and make sure I don’t leave.” I try for a seductive smile. “I could lock you up for once.”

He groans. “I can’t go talk to Elio with a hard-on.”

“I could help with that.”

He laughs. “I’m taking a raincheck. Stay here. Be safe.”

“I will.”

He leaves, and I sit alone staring at the breakfast tray Matteo so thoughtfully prepared. The pancakes look fluffy and inviting, but my stomach churns with unease. I think I understand the fear Matteo had when I left because with him gone, all I can think about is my father ambushing him or Elio handing him over to my father. The guilt gnaws so intensely that I can’t eat.

I take a sip of orange juice, hoping it might settle my nerves, but acidity only makes it worse. The anxiety over Matteo’s safety builds until I feel sick.

I stumble to the bathroom, barely making it in time before the meager contents of my stomach come up. Hunched over the toilet, I retch, my body shaking with each heave. Tears prick my eyes as the full weight of our situation hits me again. Matteo is in danger because of me. Because I was reckless.

I drag myself back to the bedroom, my body feeling heavy and drained. The events of the past day have left me utterly exhausted, both physically and emotionally. I crawl under the covers, pulling them tightly around me, seeking comfort in their warmth, in Matteo’s scent that lingers.

My mind is a whirlwind of thoughts and worries, but I'm too tired to process them all. Sleep seems like the only refuge right now. I close my eyes, willing my body to relax, for sleep to come.

My last conscious thought before sleep claims me is a hope that when I wake up, things will be better. That Elio will understand and support Matteo’s decision to protect me. That they’ll make a deal with my father to let me stay. But for now, I surrender to the darkness.

28

MATTEO

Igrip the steering wheel as I drive to Elio's place. Last night, I was white knuckling it out of anger. Today, it’s out of fear. Not of Elio’s wrath, but of the loss of his respect for me. He’s not just my boss. He’s my family, and I've royally screwed up.

As I pull up to the D'Amato estate, I steel myself for the confrontation ahead. I've known Elio my whole life. We grew up together, fought together, bled together. I've never seen him as furious as he was last night.

I played down my concern about this visit to Ava, but as I approach Elio's office, my confidence wavers. It’s possible I’m about to lose my family.

Knocking on the door, I hear Elio's gruff "Come in." I enter, finding him behind his desk, a scowl etched on his face.

"Sit," he commands.

I comply, maintaining eye contact. For a moment, I wait for him to yell at me again, but then it becomes clear he’s waiting for me to explain myself.

“I’m sorry about last night… the things I said and for putting you and the family in a difficult situation.”

Elio's expression remains hard, but he nods slightly, acknowledging my apology. “Have you returned the girl?—”

“She’s a grown woman, Elio. And no, I haven’t. I won’t. I might be sorry for how I impacted you, but I don’t regret what I’ve done.”

Elio's eyes narrow. "Matteo?—"

I cut him off, leaning forward. "Ava's safety is my top priority now. I won’t let her father abuse her or send her to Nardone. Surely, you can understand that… wanting to protect a woman from abuse.” It might be a low blow to reference how his wife was once abused by her first husband.

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