Page 62 of The Empress

You’re just overwhelmed because you were alone for so long.

Leo opens the front door, then calls out, “Mamma.” She replies in Italian from somewhere in the house, then Leo gestures at the living room. “Take a seat while I speak with my mother.”

Mom and I slowly walk into the living room that’s decorated with two sofas that are covered in a floral fabric.

Leo’s mom sure loves flowers.

I see a bunch of photos standing on a side table, and letting go of Mom, I walk closer so I can look at them.

I see one of a married couple, and assuming they’re Mr. and Mrs. Toscano, I stare at Leo’s father. There’s a dark expression on the man’s face that gives me the creeps, and I quickly put the photo down.

I see one of a teenage boy, and my lips part as I pick it up. Staring at the younger version of Leo, he looks exactly the way he does in the nightmares I’ve been having since he took me.

He looks happy in the photo, and the longer I look at the younger version of Leo, the more something inexplicable trickles into my heart.

Arms wrap tightly around me. “Stellina mia.”

“Haven?”

Mom’s voice rips me out of my thoughts, and rattled by the flashback I just had, I accidentally drop the photo.

“Crap.” I quickly bend down and pick it up. I check that I didn’t damage the frame before putting it back on its place. When I turn to Mom, Leo and his mother’s voices sound up, coming in our direction.

They come into the living room, and I feel a little nervous seeing Mrs. Toscano again.

“Hello,” she greets us, a smile forming around her mouth.

At least she doesn’t look upset like she did at the church.

“Hi,” Mom and I chirp at the same time.

“Leo told me everything,” Mrs. Toscano says, then her expression turns bitter. “Nicolo is a vile man.”

“You can say that again,” Mom agrees.

Mrs. Toscano smiles at Mom again. “You’re welcome to stay with me while Leo makes other arrangements.”

Mom’s tone is super tense as she replies, “I’d much rather prefer your son lets my daughter go.”

“Don’t even go there,” Leo mutters, his tone filled with warning.

“I have no say over what Leo does,” Mrs. Toscano informs us. “Just like everyone else, I live by his rules.”

“Jesus,” Mom whispers.

Taking a step forward, I jump in so things don’t spiral out of control. “Thank you for letting my mom stay with you. I appreciate it.”

Mrs. Toscano’s eyes lock on me, then she comes closer, and her gaze softens a bit. “It’s the least I can do for you.”

It feels as if she’s trying to apologize for what Leo’s done without actually saying the words.

Needing to check with her, I ask, “Is it okay if I visit a lot?”

“Of course.” Her mouth lifts into a smile again. “You’re always welcome here. After all, you’re my daughter-in-law.”

I forgot about that.

Holy crap, I have a mother-in-law.