Page 118 of The Empress

“I’ll pay an income,” I add. “I was thinking you can get a ranch in Montana and save horses that side, while I run the charity here in Italy.”

“I’m one hundred percent on board with that.” She hugs me tightly and shrieks in my ear, “Jesus, it will be a dream come true to work with horses!”

“I’m glad you like the idea,” I say as we pull apart. “We can plan everything in detail while you’re here.”

“Hold up.” She gives me a curious look. “How much did Leo give you that you’re able to buy a ranch?”

We’ve never kept anything from each other, but I don’t want to tell her how much because it’s something personal between Leo and me.

I wag my eyebrows at her. “A lot. Luckily for me, he’s helping me invest it so I can use the interest to run the charity.”

“Holy shit.”

We talk about the charity for a while, then Kristen says, “Jet lag is kicking my butt. I’m going to sleep for a few hours.”

We stand up and head back into the house. “Should I put your lunch in the oven if you’re still asleep at two?”

“Please.”

I lead Kristen up the stairs to my old bedroom and watch as her eyes widen while she glances around. “God, Haven. This room is beautiful. I even have a balcony.”

“It used to be mine. The bed is pretty comfy.”

She gives me a questioning look. “If I’m taking your room, where are you sleeping?”

“I moved my stuff to Leo’s room.” When it looks like she’s going to protest, I add, “There are eight rooms in the mansion. Don’t worry. I didn’t move because of you.”

“Oh, good.”

I walk closer and give her a quick hug before gesturing at her luggage that’s been placed near the closet. “There are your bags. I hope you sleep tight.”

“Thanks. I’ll see you later.”

I walk out of the room, pulling the door shut behind me. Heading back down the stairs, I go to the office, and when I pop my head inside, it’s to see Leo sitting behind his desk. He’s typing fast, his eyes on the wall that’s covered in monitors.

“Can I come in?”

His gaze flicks to me, and a smile spreads over his face. “Of course.”

I step into the office, and seeing a bunch of information on the monitors that I don’t understand, I turn my attention back to Leo. “Kristen is going to sleep for a few hours.”

He stands up and comes to wrap his arms around me. “So, I have you all to myself for a while?”

Grinning up at him, I nod. “But I don’t want to keep you from your work.”

Leo lets go of me and walks to the door. I watch as he shuts it before he turns back to me. “Work can wait.”

Oooh, I like the sound of that.

Chapter 30

HAVEN

The past few days I got to spend with Kristen have been so good. We unpacked all my clothes, had lunch with Mom, and went sightseeing all over the town.

Unfortunately, jet lag is still kicking Kristen’s butt, so she didn’t want to come out with us for lunch today.

It’s fine. While she’s sleeping, I get to spend time with Leo, and when we get back, Kristen and I can hang out again.