Page 41 of The Empress

“We’ll get through this, Haven.”

Even though our futures look grim right now, I nod. “We’re alive. It’s all that matters.”

Using her thumbs, she wipes the tears from my cheeks. “Whatever happens, just know that I love you.”

“Love you, too, Mommy.”

In my distressed state, I don’t keep track of time, and when Leo appears in the doorway, my heart sinks.

“It’s time to go. You’ll see your mother soon.”

A sliver of hope trickles into my chest. “Promise.”

He just nods before walking away while saying, “Come, Haven.”

Uncle Nicolo stalks into the room, and grabbing hold of Mom’s arm, he forcefully begins to drag her out into the hallway.

“No!” I rush after them and shout, “You don’t have to yank her around! Stop handling her roughly.”

“Nicolo,” Leo snaps.

Uncle Nicolo instantly stops dragging Mom and mutters under his breath, “I don’t have time for this. Let’s just leave before someone gets killed.”

I give Mom a quick hug and whisper near her ear, “Just go with Uncle Nicolo. I’ll talk to Leo and see if he’ll let you come stay with me.”

Hope flits over Mom’s face. “Yes. Ask him.”

Lifting the skirt of my dress a little, I dart away from her and rush to catch up with Leo as he stalks toward the main entrance of the church.

“Leo,” I call out, and it has him glancing over his shoulder. “Please let my Mom come with us.”

His eyes flick to the back of the church before he continues to walk toward the Porsche. “No.”

“Please,” I cry as I go after him.

“Stop, Haven!” he snaps as he opens the front passanger door. “Get in. I have work that needs my attention.”

Hatred fills my veins as I glare at Leo, grinding out through clenched teeth, “You’re a coldhearted bastard.”

“I’m a coldhearted bastard with a gun.” He tips his head toward the car. “Get in.”

I glance at the entrance of the church, but there’s no sign of Mom.

“Now!” Leo’s voice thunders between us, making me jerk with fright.

I quickly climb into the car, and my eyes remain glued to the doors, but as Leo slides in behind the steering wheel and starts the engine, there’s still no sign of Mom.

As he drives away from the hellhole where my fate was sealed, I struggle to cope with the nightmare that’s been unleashed on me.

How am I going to survive being married to a ruthless mobster?

Chapter 10

LEO

I’m annoyed with everything and everyone.

But mostly with myself.