Page 106 of The Empress

I let out a chuckle. “I miss you too.” My teeth tug at my bottom lip, then I say, “So you know those mafia romances we always read?”

“Random topic change, but yeah?”

“Remember I told you about the hot guy I saw at that party?”

Her voice sounds wary as she replies, “Yeah?”

I squeeze my eyes shut and blurt out, “When all the shit went down and we couldn’t come home, it’s because he basically took me and forced me to marry him.”

“Say what now?” Kristen gasps.

“There’s nothing for you to worry about. I’m safe and my mom’s safe, but there’s so much to tell you.”

“Wait…what?” Her tone is filled with confusion. “You were forced to marry some random guy? Why?! What the fuck! And you’re only telling me this now? Do I need to call the FBI, or CIA, or Interpol? Isn’t Harlow’s brother a Navy Seal? I can check. If he is, he me be able to help.”

“No!” I shriek. “Don’t get law enforcement involved at all. Promise me you won’t tell anyone!”

“Yeah, I’m not making that promise,” she mutters.

“Let me explain everything,” I say, before taking a deep breath. “Yes, Leo forced me to marry him, but it’s not…bad.”

“Are you asking me or telling me?” Kristen snaps, and I can hear she’s a second away from losing her cool.

Hopefully, this doesn’t blow up in my face.

“Leo is the head of the Italian mafia, so I’m basically living our book-world dream. He’s amazing, Kristen. Intense as hell, but he loves me. It turns out, I knew Leo from before my parents adopted me. My family was killed, Leo was shot, and I was kidnapped,” I ramble to get all the information out as quickly as possible. “Leo’s been searching for me all this time, but that’s not why he married me. We only found out about our past connection after the wedding. He’s shown me photos of themand told me so many things. I had a whole family I forgot about.” A sob bursts from me, and before I know it, I’m ugly crying.

“Oh, Haven,” Kristen says, her tone stunned. “Why didn’t you call sooner, so I could’ve helped you through all of that shit?”

I sob uncontrollably because Kristen is the one person who’s not involved in all of this. She’s my person who’s one hundred percent there for me.

“I’m here. Jesus, Haven. I wish I could hold you,” she says, her tone supportive and loving. “I’m here. I’m so sorry you’re going through this.”

I begin to calm down. “I just hate that I can’t remember more of my family. They looked so happy in the photos. I can see how much they loved me.”

“Oh, honey.”

I take a deep breath and gather my thoughts. “Okay, let’s get back to Leo. I want you to know I’m safe with him. He’s groveled, and he’s still groveling. It’s actually sweet.”

“I’m going to need a few bottles of wine to help me process all of this,” she mutters. “So you’re married to a mafia boss?”

“Yep.”

“And we’re not planning your escape because you say he’s groveling and you think it’s sweet?” Her tone is cynical, and she clearly thinks I’ve lost my mind.

“It’s difficult to explain. The moment I saw Leo, there was an instant connection. Yes, he screwed up, but he’s been amazing since. I’m falling in love with him.”

“Right.” She’s quiet for a few seconds. “I’m coming to Italy.”

I sit up straighter. “Really?”

“Yes. If I have to, I’ll sell a kidney on the black market to pay for the ticket.”

I let out a chuckle. “You don’t have to do that. I’ll buy you a ticket. My husband is stinking rich, and I have no problem spending his money.”

She lets out a bark of laughter. “I trained you well.”

“I’ll talk to Leo once he’s home so we can make travel arrangements for you.”