Page 86 of Stolen Queen

"I'm pregnant."

Those words took us all off guard. I suppose that was a good thing as Lazaro saw it as an opportunity to act and save all our asses.

The question is, did she mean it or did she say it thinking her father would finally discard her?

I study her face as I wait for her answer. My hands hold hers, and I realize she’s shaking. Now I feel like an asshole for not asking how she is first.

“I’m… I’m going to be sick.” She jumps up and rushes to the bathroom.

“Ava…” I watch her go, wanting to follow her but knowing I have work to do. I take my gun and stalk over to Rinella.

“Matteo,” Elio warns.

“I should kill you right here, you motherfucker.” I ignore Elio.

“You wouldn’t dare.”

My hand shakes as I hold the gun to his head. “You’re a pathetic excuse for a man.”

“This changes nothing. Ava is my daughter?—”

Elio's voice is steel. "No, Vincenzo. This changes everything. Ava is carrying a D'Amato child now. She's family, and we protect our own.”

Okay, so I wasn’t hearing things when she said she was pregnant. And whether she’s bluffing or not, Elio is going with it. Good.

I lower my gun and step back.

Elio continues, “We can have the same deal as before. She marries Matteo and?—”

“He’s not a D’Amato,” Rinella growls.

“Of course he is. He’s Enzo D’Amato’s grandson, just like I am. I know you were around during his day. Are you going to tell me Enzo’s grandson isn’t good enough for your daughter?”

“The deal was?—”

“Deals change. You have two choices. You can let Ava come with us, knowing she’ll have our full protection and preserve the alliance, or you can start a war that will end with the destruction of everything you've built. Choose wisely."

“You cocky son of a bitch.”

Elio shrugs. “You know who Caruso will favor in this dispute. I’m right in that as the father, Matteo’s rights to Ava and the child usurp your own.”

Fucking hell, I’m going to be a father. “I need to check on Ava.”

Elio nods. “Get her packed. She’s coming with us.”

“Like hell,” Rinella yells. “That little whore is coming home with me.”

Unable to help myself, I backhand Rinella. His head whips hard, and blood oozes from his lip.

“How do you like it?” I sneer at him.

“Matteo, go,” Elio orders me.

I head down the hall to the bathroom and knock on the door. “Ava?” I click open the door and peek in. She’s sitting on the floor, her head resting against the wall next to the toilet.

“Baby.” I rush in, drop to the floor, and gather her close. “It’s okay. You’re safe. We’re going to pack up and bring you to the house.”

She looks at me with tired, wary eyes. “It won’t end.”

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