His Queen,Their War

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

By the time I got home, the sun had long disappeared, leaving the sky bruised with streaks of violet and gray. My feet ached from walking, and my mind still spun from what had happened at the boutique. The embarrassment, the fear, the strange rescue, it all lingered like smoke in my chest. All of it happened in one day,to one person!

I wanted nothing more than to collapse on my bed and forget the day had ever happened. School was in the morning, and it was my first day! I wouldn't make a first impression if I’m late on my first day.

I told myself I’d just rest my eyes for a few minutes. But first… a hot shower, a quiet house, maybe a cup of tea. That was all I needed.

When I turned the corner toward our compound, I slowed.

There were cars parked outside, not one or two, but a fleet. Sleek black vehicles lined up neatly, the kind that screamed money and danger all at once. The kind you didn’t question.My pulse quickened.

Men stood around the cars, all dressed in black suits. Their stances were too rigid, their expressions too unreadable. They didn’t look like the usual guards Matteo hired — his men were always polite, even friendly when they saw me. These ones… their gazes were sharp, predatory and assessing.

A cold chill crept up my spine.

Who were they?

I tightened my grip,to hold whatever was rising within me and kept walking, my heels clicking softly on the stone path. One of the men turned his head to follow my movement, eyes hidden behind dark glasses even though night had fallen.

I forced myself not to look away.

When I reached the gate, the guard who usually greeted me wasn’t there. The door was slightly ajar. A sliver of light glowed faintly from inside the house.

Something wasn’t right.

I stepped through, trying to appear calm, even though my heart was thundering. The air felt heavier the moment I entered — still, thick.

“Matteo?” I called softly. My voice sounded too small.

No answer.

The living room was quiet, the chandelier dimmed. The faint smell of cigar smoke lingered — but Matteo didn’t smoke,Salvatore did,I froze mid-step.

He wasn’t here… was he? Why did my mind go to him?!

I swallowed the lump in my throat, pushing the thought aside. Maybe Matteo had guests. Maybe these men outside were part of some business deal. I tried to convince myself of that as I walked deeper into the house.

My footsteps echoed faintly on the marble floor. Every shadow seemed longer, every creak louder. I reached the base of the stairs and paused, glancing up toward the hallway that led to Matteo’s study.

There was light spilling from under the door.

He never left it on.

I hesitated. Something inside me whispered to turn back, to go to my room, lock the door, pretend I’d seen nothing. But curiosity — and that strange, gnawing fear pulled me forward.

Step by step, I climbed the stairs, careful to avoid the spots that creaked. The closer I got, the clearer I could hear voices. Low. Tense. Masculine. The tone of their voices didn't sound friendly.

One of them sounded vaguely familiar, deep and steady, each word carrying weight. I couldn’t make out what they were saying, but the tone made my stomach twist.

I reached the study door and crouched slightly, my heart hammering in my chest. My palms were sweaty.

The door was old, the kind with an antique keyhole big enough to peek through. I bit my lip, hesitating only for a second before leaning closer.

I pressed one eye to the keyhole.

At first, all I saw was light, a dim, amber glow from the chandelier above. Then shapes came into focus. Matteo stood by his desk, his posture stiff, tense. His hands were clasped behind his back, and he looked like a man standing before judgment,but he looked tense.

There was someone else in the room.

I couldn’t see his face clearly, but his presence filled the space. He stood tall, broad-shouldered, the outline of his suit sharp against the light. His movements were slow, deliberate. Authority radiated off him like heat.

Matteo said something then and it sounded quick and defensive — but the other man didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he reached for the glass on the desk, swirling the liquid inside with an unhurried hand,then he pointed a gun at Matteo.

I clamped my hand around my mouth,to hold in the sound of my gasp as I leaned closer, trying to catch a better glimpse.

“You can't run away from Judgment Matteo!”said the guy who I couldn't see.His voice was calm but laced with anger.

“You have to face the consequences of what you have done!”

“Okay. Okay. Just put the gun down Lorenzo and tell me what is to be done” said my brother with an unsteady voice.

What in the world is going on here? I took a step closer and leaned in more. Finally,the mysterious man came into the light…gasps…

Hold on a second,the mysterious guy was the same as one I saw at the airport,and his gun was pointed directly at my brother’s head. Is he going to kill my brother? What is going on here? What is he doing here!? He slowly brought down his gun and gave my brother a deadly gaze.

Suddenly his gaze flickered to the door. To me!

A chill crawled up my spine as his icy blue eyes locked onto mine. My breath hitched! I couldn't move. I couldn't breathe either. But I couldn't look away.

“She will suffer the consequences of your betrayal! He said in a dangerous tone."She is the one paying the price of your sins!”