Page 45 of The Empress

At least I won’t have to search for light switches.

I cautiously glance into the foyer and up the stairs, and keep still for a moment. Not hearing Leo moving anywhere nearby, I quickly walk to the kitchen.

Maybe I’m lucky, and he’s not home. He said he had work to do.

When the light comes on and I don’t see any signs that Leo’s prepared dinner, I go to the fridge and open it.

I glance over all the produce before helping myself to an orange and an apple. I grab two bottles of water and a can of soda that looks like it’s orange-flavored. I set my haul down on the marble island and search through the drawers and cupboards until I find a shopping bag.

I load my fruit and drinks into it, then look through the cupboards, helping myself to a pack of cashew nuts and a box of salted crackers.

At the last second, I decide to take another two cans of soda and the remaining four waters.

Now I can hide in my room for a day or so.

I quickly head back to my bedroom and lock the door behind me. Knowing Leo can easily break it down, I set the shopping bag down on my bed. I spend the next ten minutes struggling my butt off to move the heavy dressing table in front of the door.

Hopefully, that will be enough to keep Leo out.

My phone begins to ring, and I rush to where I left it to charge on the bedside table.

Seeing Mom’s name, I quickly answer, “Mom. Are you okay?”

“Where have you been?” she shrieks. “I’ve been so worried. Did Leo do anything else to you?”

“I’m okay.” Feeling awful for not keeping my phone with me, I say, “I’m sorry. I was outside. I couldn’t be in the same mansion as Leo. He hasn’t done anything else. I think he’s out, probably killing some poor soul.” I pause to take a breath. “I got food and water from the kitchen, and I’ve barricaded myself in my bedroom.”

“Oh, thank God!” Mom lets out a heavy sigh, and for a few seconds, silence falls between us.

Knowing I’ve hurt her today, my voice is filled with remorse as I apologize, “I’m sorry for locking you in that room. I knew you’d fight for me, and they’d end up hurting or killing you. I did what I had to do to protect you.”

“It’s my place to protect you, Haven.” She sounds distraught, and it has me sitting down on the bed and closing my eyes. “How am I supposed to live with the fact that I didn’t keep you safe from that monster?”

“We don’t stand a chance against him.”

I shake everything from the shopping bag and pack my haul on the bedside table. Taking a bottle of water, I unscrew the cap and drink some.

“I know, but I still have to try. I can’t just leave you there with the head of the mafia.”

“Maybe we get lucky, and the police arrest him,” I mutter.

“We can only hope!”

I put Mom on speakerphone before I lie down, getting comfortable. “How are things on your side?”

“Nicolo is a madman. He’s locked me in my room, and I heard him yelling at Giada and Liliana to stay away from me.”

We’re both prisoners, but at least I can walk around the mansion.

“I’m so sorry, Mom.” A tear sneaks out of my eye, and I brush it away. “Things can’t stay like this forever.”

“As long as they don’t get worse,” she mutters.

We’re quiet for a while again before I say, “I gave him back the stupid ring. I refuse to wear it.”

“Good! The bastard can shove that ring where the sun doesn’t shine.”

I let out a tired chuckle.