Page 27 of The Empress

“They’re both missing in action. I have men searching for them.”

“Fucking rats,” I growl while pulling the door shut. I let down the window, then mention, “I have a meeting with the alliance tomorrow, and I’ll be at home. Keep me up to date with what’s happening.”

“Will do.” Massimo places his hand on the roof and leans down. “Take some time to think about what you’re doing with Haven Romano.”

“Yeah-yeah,” I mumble before starting the engine. My eyes flick to him again as he takes a step away from the car. “Get some rest, Massimo.”

He nods. “You too.”

Driving away from the house, I take a deep breath before letting it out slowly.

I better stop at my mother’s place and tell her about the wedding. Fuck, she’s probably going to have a lot to say about it as well because she hates the Romanos as much as I do.

I replay the day’s events in my mind during the trip, and by the time I park the Porsche in front of my mother’s house, I feel even more aggravated.

Usually, I’m calm and collected, but Haven’s appearance in my life has shaken me up so much, I have no fucking idea what I’m doing.

Getting out of the car, I give Riccardo, my mother’s guard, a chin lift. He’s sitting on a bench having a smoke break.

“How’s everything here?” I ask on my way to the front door.

“Quiet as usual.”

Letting myself into the house, I call out, “Mamma?”

“In the kitchen.”

I find her putting the leftovers from dinner in containers.

Mamma gives me a loving smile. “This visit is unexpected. Is everything okay?”

I lean down and kiss both of her cheeks before I take a seat at the wooden kitchen table. “It was a crazy day.”

Her eyes flit over me. “Did you get hurt?” When I shake my head, she asks, “Do you want coffee?”

“No, thanks.” I pat my hand on the table. “Come sit.”

The loving expression fades, and worry creeps into her gaze while she takes a seat. “What’s wrong?”

Locking eyes with her, I say, “I’m getting married.”

Shock flutters over her face, and she gapes at me. “What? I wasn’t aware you were dating! Who are you marrying?”

I brace myself for one hell of a strong reaction from her. “I’m marrying Haven Romano. She’s Nicolo’s niece.”

An unhappy frown instantly forms on Mamma’s face. “A Romano! Why?”

“It’s for business,” I say, playing the only card I have in my hand. Mamma never interferes with anything mafia-related.

“But, Leo!” she exclaims. “This is marriage we’re talking about. Why arrange one with a Romano?”

Clenching my jaw, I shake my head. “I’m not going to talk about work with you.”

Mamma is visibly upset as she stares at me. “When are you marrying the woman?”

“As soon as Massimo makes all the arrangements. It will be a small and quick wedding.”

She shakes her head, leaning back in her seat while crossing her arms over her chest.