Page 76 of Stolen Queen

"I understand why you did what you did, Matteo. And I'll back you on this. The D'Amato family will extend its protection to Ava."

I let out a breath. Knowing that Ava will have the full protection of the D'Amatos is more than I could have hoped for.

Elio’s eyes harden slightly as he continues, "However, you need to understand something. You can't go rogue like this again. You've broken trust with the family."

I swallow hard, nodding. "I know. I'm sorry. It won't happen again."

"It had better not," he says firmly. "We're family, Matteo. We need to be able to trust each other implicitly. Your actions have put us all at risk."

I’ve always prided myself on my loyalty to the D’Amatos, and knowing that I've damaged that trust is painful.

"I understand. I'll do whatever it takes to regain your trust, Elio. You have my word."

He stands and comes around the desk. I rise to meet him. His stare is intense, and then he pulls me in for a hug. “I’m sorry I insinuated that she was just a fleeting interest.”

I shrug. “I know my reputation, but it’s not hers. I was offended for her.”

He nods. “I’m sorry for that. But based on what I saw last night, she’s no longer a virgin. I won’t ask your intentions, butyou have to know that she’s not the type of woman you discard when you get tired of her.”

I bristle at his words. “I don’t intend to discard her at all.”

His smile is wide. “Well, that will make things with Rinella a lot easier.”

I doubt it, but I nod.

“Sir,” Janey, one of the house servants, appears at the door. “Vincenzo Rinella is here to see you.”

“Fuck,” I groan.

“I’ll handle this. You keep your mouth shut.”

I nod, knowing it's best to follow his lead.

The door swings open, and Rinella strides in, and he’s pissed. His eyes lock onto me immediately, and I can see the accusation in them. Does he know? Has he somehow found out about Ava?

I force myself to maintain a neutral expression.

"You," he snarls, jabbing a finger in my direction. "I know you're involved in my daughter's disappearance. Don't try to deny it!"

“You can talk to me, Vincenzo.” Elio steps in front of him, demanding his respect.

“A woman who matches my daughter’s description was seen being taken by a man who matches Matteo’s description. He fucking threw her in the trunk. Are you behind this?”

“Did it occur to you that we might have found her like you asked us to?”

My gaze swings to Elio in shock. Is he about to betray me? Is this my punishment? He’s going to hand Ava back to her father.

“Did you?”

Elio sniffs like he’s already bored with the conversation. “No. But your constant accusations are growing old.”

“Like you didn’t accuse me of fucking with you.”

“And I apologized. I’ve bent over backward to make restitution. You, on the other hand, continue to ask for more and more, you greedy bastard.”

I bite my lower lip to keep from saying something snarky to add to Elio’s assessment.

I’m not sure how Rinella doesn’t stroke out, his face turns so red. “I know you have her.”

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