Page 17 of The Empress

The sound of Mom weeping follows me until I’m shoved into the backseat of a Porsche. The door is slammed shut, and for a moment, a deafening silence falls around me.

I’m paralyzed with fear as I look at the mansion’s entrance, and I watch as Leo comes stalking out the front door.

God, he looks like the stuff nightmares are made of.

Car doors open, and while he climbs in behind the steering wheel, Massimo gets into the front passenger seat.

With a trembling body, breaths bursting over my dry lips, and a heart that’s pounding a mile a minute, I sit as still as possible while the engine starts.

Movement draws my attention back to the entrance of the mansion, and I see Mom running out onto the porch.

The Porsche begins to move down the driveway as Uncle Nicolo grabs Mom, forcefully shoving her back into the mansion.

The sight rips a sob from me, and I quickly cover my mouth with a trembling hand.

God, is this really happening to us?

Chapter 4

HAVEN

Frozen in terror, I’m unable to take in any of my surroundings.

By the time Leo steers the car through massive black gates that are guarded by armed men, every muscle in my body aches from all the trembling.

I can’t think of a single thing, my mind flooded with shock and fear.

The car stops, and when Leo and Massimo move, climbing out of the vehicle, another wave of fear rushes through me.

I wildly glance over the property, visible from the backseat of the Porsche. There’s a beautiful mansion built on the side of a hill, and to my left, the ocean stretches out as far as the eye can see. More armed guards move around the landscaped yard.

The door beside me opens, and once again, I’m gripped by my arm and pulled out of the car. My legs still feel weak, and I stumble before catching my balance.

I’m tugged toward the front of the vehicle where Leo is standing, and when he reaches for me with a bloody hand, prickles of terror ghost over my skin.

His hand feels as cold as his icy demeanor when he takes hold of me.

Massimo lets go of my other arm, then he says something in Italian. Leo replies to Massimo before he hauls me toward the front door.

Glancing over my shoulder, I see Massimo remove my luggage from the trunk.

I’m led into a foyer where a large crystal chandelier hangs, and my body grows colder, making my breaths quiver over my lips.

Leo lets go of my arm, and I watch with wide eyes and a tense body as he walks toward a living room that’s bathed in the late afternoon sun on the other side of the foyer. I also notice sliding doors that open onto a veranda where there’s an infinity pool, which gives the impression it blends in with the ocean.

Massimo comes into the house, carrying my luggage, and I quickly step to the side to get out of his way.

My movements are shaky, my eyes constantly darting all over the luxurious place. I wrap my arms around myself and cautiously walk past a doorway. I peek into a big kitchen before looking at Massimo, where he’s taking my belongings up a staircase leading to the second floor.

My attention is drawn back to a living room where Leo stands by a glass table. He pours amber liquid into a tumbler, and as he takes a sip, his head turns in my direction. The instant his dark eyes lock on me, my heartbeat speeds up even more, and I begin to feel lightheaded.

“Come here, Haven.” His voice is a low rumble that sends more fear cascading through me.

What is he going to do to me?

I’m a trembling mess as I slowly move forward. My chin quivers, and unable to stop the tears, they escape and spiral over my cheeks.

Gone are the thoughts I had of him being the most attractive man I’ve ever seen. All I see now is a dangerous man who might kill me at any moment.