Stolen Queen (Dynasty of Deception #4)

25. Ava

25

AVA

I replay what I overheard between Matteo and Elio as I scurry down the dark street. Their raised voices still echo in my ears. Guilt gnaws at me as I think about the risks Matteo has taken to protect me. He's been lying to his family for weeks. And now that deception has blown up in his face. I never meant to cause such a rift between him and Elio.

I always thought Elio seemed like a good man, loyal and supportive of his family. But the anger in his voice, the harsh words he threw at Matteo… I believe I was wrong. How could he turn his back on Matteo so easily, threaten to hand me and him over to my father?

I realize how selfish I’ve been. Matteo was right when he called me a selfish brat. All I thought about was myself. Now, I see that by protecting me, Matteo has put himself and his entire family at risk. If my father finds out, it could start a war between the families. People could die because of me.

I stop, lean against a building, and press my hands to my face. I’m feeling overwhelmed. Guilty. Uncertain. I never asked for any of this. I just wanted to escape my father. But in doing so, I've trapped Matteo in an impossible situation.

I take a deep breath to steady my nerves. I made my decision back in the bedroom as I changed and overheard the angry words Matteo and Elio were hurling at each other. I can’t stay. Not only that, but I also have to go home. Taking the documents, the new identity that Matteo created for me won’t solve this problem. As long as I’m gone, my father will search for me and focus on the D’Amatos and Matteo as the ones who took me. The only way to protect Matteo from my father and his family is for me to go home.

So I deliberately left behind the new ID and phone Matteo gave me. He and Elio were so focused on their argument that I was able to sneak by them and out the door without them noticing. I imagine Matteo will be angry when he discovers I’m gone. I hope he understands that I’m doing this for him. He’s shown me so much patience and kindness. I’ve had a lifetime of experiences in the few weeks I’ve been with him. Experiences I’ll remember forever.

I push off the building and continue up the street, sending up a silent prayer that Matteo will forgive me for leaving. I venture into the dark streets of Chicago, not sure where I am or how to get home. The bustling city that once seemed full of promise now looms threateningly around me.

My eyes dart nervously from face to face as I pass strangers on the sidewalk. Does anyone recognize me? Are my father's men lurking in the shadows, waiting to drag me back home? I’d rather return on my own, but perhaps one of his men will find me and take me there.

I scan the area, looking for a familiar landmark. Suddenly, I remember the club where Matteo found me all those weeks ago. If I can find my way back there, maybe I can use it as a reference point to navigate home. I believe it’s close by. But which direction? The streets all look the same in the darkness.

I continue walking, hoping my instincts are right. But as the minutes pass, nothing seems familiar. I could be walking in circles for all I know.

I approach a man standing outside a restaurant. "Excuse me. Could you please give me directions to?—"

"Well, hello there, beautiful.” His eyes rove over me in a way that makes my skin crawl. "Why don't you come inside with me? I'll buy you a drink."

I take a step back, alarm bells ringing in my head. "No, thank you. I just need directions."

He moves closer, backing me against the wall. "Come on, don't be like that. A pretty little thing like you shouldn't be out here alone."

My breath catches in my throat. "Please, I need to go.”

But he doesn't listen. His hand reaches out, gripping my arm tightly. "Why don’t you join me in my office?” He tugs me around the corner into an ally.

Panic floods through me as I struggle against his grip. This can't be happening. I try to scream, but fear has frozen my voice.

His other hand clamps over my mouth, muffling any sound I might make. "Shh, don't make a scene.”

Tears spring to my eyes as the full weight of my situation hits me. I'm in real danger, and there's no one here to save me. Not my father's guards, not Matteo. I'm completely alone.

"Get your fucking hands off her."

Relief floods me. Matteo.

"This is none of your business, pal," the man snarls.

Matteo steps closer, his eyes blazing with fury. "That woman is my business. And if you don't let her go right now, I'll make sure you never use those hands again."

There's no mistaking the threat in his words. Even in the dim light, I can see the color drain from my attacker's face as he realizes he's made a grave mistake.

"Hey… you’re one of D’Amato’s men… I didn't know she was with you," he stammers, releasing me and backing away. "We were just talking, that's all."

Matteo's laugh is cold and humorless. "Talking? Is that what you call assaulting a woman on the street?"

He moves with lightning speed, grabbing the man by the collar and slamming him against the wall. "Let me make this very clear," Matteo growls, his face inches from the terrified stranger. "If I ever see you near her or any other woman again, you'll be begging for death by the time I'm done with you. Do you understand?"

The man nods frantically, his eyes wide with fear.

Matteo releases him with a shove. "Get out of my sight."

As the man scrambles away, Matteo turns to me. I’m ready to throw myself in his arms, so thankful he showed up when he did. He’s saved me yet again. What is that? Two? Three times now?

But I stop short when I see the fury blazing in his blue eyes. I think he’d like to throttle me just like he did to that man.

Instinctively, I take a step back. I’m considering trying to run.

His lip curls up into a snarl. “Don’t you even think about running from me.”