Page 20 of The Empress

He stares at me for a moment before gesturing with a wave of his arm at the open door. “Welcome to your prison,principessa.” His tone is sarcastic, as if he’s annoyed with me.

I carefully step closer to the doorway and peek into the bedroom.

If my circumstances weren’t so dire, I’d take a moment to appreciate the beautiful rose gold and cream décor. The bed looks like it’s fit for royalty.

There’s a dressing table and doors that open up to a balcony where I can see plants and a wooden table with matching chairs.

When I take a step into the bedroom, my phone beeps in my hand, and my eyes flick down to the screen.

Kristen: Why did you leave me on read?

Leo moves closer, then mutters, “Reply to her.”

My gaze darts to him. “What must I say?”

When he lets out a chuckle, it sends a shockwave of prickles through me. I’m in for a surprise when he says, “Whatever you want. Contrary to what you think, you’re not my prisoner,principessa. You have a choice. I won’t stop you if you try to leave again.”

My jaw clenches as a burst of anger fills my heart. “But you’ll kill me and my family.”

He shrugs as if it’s nothing and we’re talking about the weather. “Still. You have a choice.”

“That’s no choice at all,” I mutter through clenched teeth.

He tips his head toward my phone. “Your friend is waiting.”

I unlock the device again, and I’m hit with so much hopelessness, I struggle not to cry as I type a quick reply.

Haven: Plans changed again. Things are a little crazy with my family on this side. I’ll give you a call once things settle down.

“Hmm.” The sound rumbles from Leo’s chest. “You’re not going to tell her you’re getting married?”

“No.”

I shove my phone back into my handbag before wrapping my arms tightly around myself.

Suddenly, Leo’s arm darts up and he grabs hold of the back of my neck. Air wooshes from my lungs as I’m yanked flush with his body and forced to tilt my head to look up at him.

Oh God!

I grip hold of his sides for a few seconds before I try to push away from him. My heart almost explodes out of my chest, and I freeze like a deer in oncoming traffic when Leo leans down until our faces are a mere inch apart.

Shit.Shit.Shit.Shit.Shit.

With his eyes keeping mine captive, he says, “What did you say at the party?” His dark gaze bores into mine for tense seconds, and his tone takes on a predatory quality that has my insides vibrating. “Hot is the understatement of the year.”

Oh no. He heard me.

The little burst of anger I had up and vanishes, and apprehension takes its place. “Just because I said that doesn’t mean anything.” I shake my head and try to push away from him again, my palms tingling where I’m pressing against his muscled chest.

Jesus, he’s only holding me with one arm, and I’m unable to get free. He’s an unmovable force.

Leo’s eyes burn over my face, then the corner of his mouth lifts in a disarmingly hot smirk. “At least the attraction is there, and with time, we’ll get to know each other. We’ll make a success of our marriage.”

“No.” I struggle against his tight grip on my neck, and when he suddenly lets go of me, I stagger backward and almost lose my balance.

He lifts an eyebrow at me. “No?”

My face crumbles under the weight of the traumatizing situation I find myself in, and my voice catches in my throat as I say, “Never in a million years. I don’t want to get to know you. The only reason I’m here is to keep myself and my family alive. There will never be anything more between us.”