Stolen Queen (Dynasty of Deception #4)

Epilogue

EPILOGUE

Ava

I wake up smiling in bed next to Matteo like I have every day since he brought me to the D’Amato mansion two months ago. But today, my smile is extra wide. Today's the day I become Mrs. Moretti, and I can hardly believe it's real. Matteo's love for me still feels like a dream sometimes, but as I touch my belly, I'm reminded of how real our future is.

His hand covers mine. “Ready to become my wife?”

I turn toward him. “Past ready. What about you?”

“I’ve been wanting to fly you to Vegas and get these nuptials done since you said yes to marrying me.” He pulls me closer to him, his mouth covering mine in a toe-curling kiss.

“Starting the honeymoon already?” I ask with a laugh when he breaks the kiss.

“Is that a problem?”

I loop my arms around him. “Not at all.” He kisses me again, and I sigh into it. Yes, life is wonderful.

There are no words spoken for the next hour, but love is expressed in the most intimate way. Languid touches. Soft kisses. When Matteo grips my hands over my head and slides into me, it’s like my soul is joining with his. I wrap my legs around his hips and move with him until our breaths catch, and pleasure consumes us both.

When it’s over, I snuggle next to him. “Are you going to be okay with just having me for the rest of your life?”

“I’m fucking thrilled about it.” He looks down on me. “What about you? I’m all you’ve had. You’re not going to feel like you’re missing out by not having other men, are you?”

I shake my head. “Never.”

“Good, because I’d have to kill any man who touched you.”

I smile, but his words do bring up a concern. “Is everything going to be okay at the wedding with my father?”

Matteo sucks in a breath. “I promise not to kill him, if that’s what you’re asking. You’ll have to check with him to see if he will refrain from killing me.”

I hate that sort of talk, but I know it’s part of the world I’m in. I wish I could have this wedding without my father, but part of the deal Elio struck was that he’d have a say in the wedding, including making it a big deal that the Rinellas and D’Amato families were forming a union. And without my father there, my mom and sisters wouldn’t be able to attend.

Matteo takes my chin in his hand. “I won’t let him fuck up this day for you, okay?”

“For us. It’s our day.”

He smiles. “For us.”

A few hours later, I sit in a room at the church, finishing getting ready to become Mrs. Moretti. The room buzzes with activity as my sisters, mother, and soon-to-be sisters-in-law flit about, helping me prepare for the ceremony. Bella, my closest sister, fusses with my hair while Piper adjusts my dress.

"You look absolutely radiant, Ava," Piper says. She’s been so wonderful to me. I thought it might be weird between us since for several years, I was supposed to marry Elio. But she’s been nothing but wonderful to me, helping me adjust to living in the mansion, giving me tips to deal with morning sickness, and being a supportive friend.

Lana nods in agreement. "Matteo won't know what hit him when he sees you walking down that aisle." Lana still intimidates me, but she’s been welcoming too.

My mother dabs at her eyes, overcome with emotion. "My baby girl, all grown up and getting married."

My sister Sofia rolls her eyes. "Mom, save the waterworks for the ceremony!"

“Why do you cry on a happy day?” Gianna, my youngest sister, asks, truly baffled.

The room erupts in laughter and emotion fills me. This is what family should feel like, supportive, loving, and full of joy. It's so different from the atmosphere I grew up in.

As Bella puts the finishing touches on my hair, she leans in close. "I'm so happy for you, Ava. You deserve all this happiness."

I squeeze her hand, overwhelmed with love for my sister and the family surrounding me. This is the beginning of a beautiful new life, and I can't wait to see what the future holds with Matteo by my side.

As the time approaches for me to walk down the aisle, my father stands stiffly beside me, his disapproval radiating off him in waves, even as he brags about the joining of our two families. I refuse to let his attitude dampen my spirits.

I steal a glance at Matteo, standing tall and handsome at the altar. His eyes lock with mine, and the love I see there blows away the negativity I feel from my father. The corners of Mateo’s mouth lift in a small, secret smile meant just for me, and my heart soars.

My father clears his throat, drawing my attention back to him. "Ava, you keep an eye on the D’Amatos. I don’t trust them.”

I close my eyes, hating that my father is wanting me to spy on my new family. “You put a gun to my head, Father. It’s you I don’t trust.”

His dark eyes turn to me. “That was all for show, Ava. To see just how committed they were to you. And now you know.”

He’s so full of it.

“By spreading your legs, you tied my hands. I could have arranged something so much better for you.”

For you, you mean , I think but don’t say.

The music starts, and I take a step forward, ready to untether my life from my father and bind it to Matteo. I'm no longer the scared, obedient daughter he once knew. Matteo has shown me what true love and respect feel like, and I won't settle for anything less.

We begin our walk down the aisle, and I push thoughts of my father's disapproval aside. Each step brings me closer to Matteo, closer to our future together.

We reach the end of the aisle, and time seems to stand still. My father hesitates, his grip on my arm tightening for just a moment, and I panic that he’s going to try something. Then, slowly, he places my hand in Matteo's.

The instant our hands touch, relief, joy, love, and freedom wash through me. It's like taking a deep breath after being underwater for too long.

Matteo's eyes are full of love as he squeezes my hand. I want to jump in his arms, but I restrain myself.

As the officiant begins the ceremony, every word seems to drag on endlessly, and I wish we could fast-forward to the moment when Matteo and I are finally pronounced husband and wife.

I steal glances at Matteo, admiring how handsome he looks in his tailored suit. His eyes meet mine, and I see the same impatience reflected there. A small smirk plays on his lips, and I know he's thinking the same thing I am. Let’s get the honeymoon started.

As we prepare to exchange vows, my breath catches. This is the moment I've been dreaming of since I first realized I was in love with Matteo. He takes my hands in his, and the world around us fades away.

"Ava, from the moment I first saw you, I knew you were different. You've challenged me, inspired me, and shown me what true love really means. I promise to protect you, to cherish you, and to love you fiercely for the rest of our lives."

The love I feel from him fills me with awe. "Matteo, you've given me more than I ever thought possible. You've shown me freedom, passion, and unconditional love. I promise to stand by your side through whatever life throws our way, to be your partner in every sense of the word, and to love you with every fiber of my being."

He winks at me, and again, I have an urge to jump in his arms that is difficult to resist. We exchange rings, and the symbol of it, of joining my heart and soul with him forever, makes my chest fill with emotion and excitement. This is it. I’m Mrs. Matteo Moretti.

“You may kiss your bride.”

Hallelujah! Matteo’s lips meet mine, pure love radiating between us. I wrap my arms around him and hold tight, never wanting to let go.

“I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Moretti.”

Matteo laughs, and like Prince Charming, he scoops me up in his arms to carry me back down the aisle. I'm breathless and giddy as applause erupts around us.

It’s amazing to think that just a few months ago, I was trapped in a life destined to be filled with domination and pain. My mind drifts back to that daring night when I snuck out of my father's house. I was terrified but exhilarated, desperate for a taste of freedom. Little did I know that one act of rebellion would change my life forever. It led me to Matteo, to discovering what true love and happiness feel like.

“I love you. I love you. I love you,” I chant to him as he carries me out of the church and to the limo waiting to take us to the reception.

“I love you more.” He helps me into the limo, pulling me onto his lap as it pulls away from the curb. His lips fuse to mine, and I think I understand now what it means to swoon.

I hitch my dress up and straddle his lap, fumbling with his belt.

He laughs. “What are you up to, Mrs. Moretti?”

“Consummating the marriage. It’s not a done deal until then.” I free his dick and stroke its long, hard length. He groans as he presses a button on the door’s armrest that insures our privacy. My cheeks heat as I realize I was about to give our driver a show.

Matteo’s hand makes its way under my dress, his fingers finding me wet and needy for him. “Tell me what you need, Mrs. Moretti.”

My chest fills with such love to hear him call me that. “I want you to fuck me, Mr. Moretti.”

He growls, tugging me down until I take him into my body. Once he’s seeped inside me, I look into his blue eyes. They’re looking back at me with the same love and awe I feel.

His fingers brush along my cheek. “I love you, Ava Moretti. You’re my life.”

I lean in and kiss him, pouring everything I am into it. He makes me feel seen, alive, cherished. I plan to make him feel the same for the rest of my life.