Page 47 of The Empress

Shit, there’s no way I’m asking Leo for his wifi password.

I check how much data I have on my phone, but there isn’t much, and I don’t want to waste it.

I’ll just shove all the books into a folder.

I spend the next few hours sorting out my Kindle before I take a break to eat the fruit.

When lunch time comes and goes, and Leo doesn’t come to knock on my door, I decide to take a relaxing bath.

Heading to the bathroom, I open the faucets before looking at the products on the counter. I pick up the bottle of bath oil and sniff it. It smells like some kind of expensive perfume.

I pour a few drops into the tub and wait until there’s enough water and the temperature is the way I like it before I switch off the faucets.

I grab clean underwear, a pair of leggings, and an oversized T-shirt, wanting to cover as much skin as possible.

Gathering my phone and Kindle, I walk back to the bathroom and lock the door behind me.

I set my clothes down on the counter and the devices on the floor beside the tub.

While I put my hair up in a messy bun, my thoughts fill with everything that’s happened since Leo barged into my life and kidnapped me.

Unlike the past two days, there’s no wave of shock, which must mean I’m getting used to the trauma.

I strip out of my clothes and climb into the tub. Determined to lose myself in a book, I pick up my Kindle and lie back. I look through the small town romances and pick one that has good reviews, noting it’s a light and funny read.

After everything Leo has put me through, I’ll never read anything remotely dark again.

I force myself to focus as I start with chapter one, but every few minutes, the hell I’m stuck in pops into my mind like a creepy Jack-in-the-box.

I can’t believe he made me marry him. He said ‘I do’ so easily.

Why? What the hell is it about me that caught his attention?

Was it love at first sight?

I let out a disgruntled snort and mumble, “Yeah, right.”

A beep from beside the tub draws my attention, and I set the Kindle down before picking up my phone.

Kristen: You’ve been quiet. How are things with your family? Any idea when you’re coming home?

I might never go home to Whitefish again.

My heart clenches as I contemplate what to say to my best friend.

Haven: Things are a shit show this side. I can’t talk about it yet, but I have a huge favor to ask.

Kristen: Oh no! I’m so sorry. What can I do to help?

Haven: If we’re not back by the end of the month, can you pack all our belongings and put them into storage? I don’t want the landlord to throw everything out.

Kristen: What the hell? Is there really a chance you won’t come back? How long will you stay in Italy then?

Haven: I don’t know.

Kristen: That’s insane! How am I supposed to survive without you for so long?

My chin begins to quiver, and a lump forms in my throat.