Page 63 of The Empress

I haven’t thought much about being married to Leo, but as I stand in his mother’s lounge, it sinks in.

Glancing at Leo, I try to think of him as my husband, but my cheeks flame up at the mere thought.

I turn to Mom. “At least it will be better staying here than with Uncle Nicolo.”

Mom nods, the tension on her face easing slightly. “You’re right.” She gives Mrs. Toscano a tight smile. “Thank you for letting me stay here.”

Mrs. Toscano nods. “Let me show you to your room.”

Mom takes hold of my right hand, and knowing she feels uncomfortable, I walk with them.

When we step into the guest room, I take in the armchair that’s covered with beige fabric that has yellow roses printed on it. The bedding matches, and it has me whispering to Mom, “It’s your favorite flower.”

“You love yellow roses?” Mrs. Toscano asks.

“Yes. They’re the flowers my late husband gave me when we went on our first date,” Mom tells her.

“They’re my favorite, too.”

“You have something in common,” I say, letting out a chuckle that sounds a little nervous.

A few seconds later, the guard we saw outside brings Mom’s luggage into the room.

“This is Riccardo. He’s my guard,” Mrs. Toscano introduces us.

I give him a lame wave while Mom just nods.

“We have to go,” Leo suddenly says from the doorway.

“No,” Mom gasps.

“The doctor is coming at five to check Haven’s hand,” he explains. “You can see each other tomorrow.”

“The doctor can’t come here?” Mom asks.

I can see that Leo wants to say no as he thinks about it, and I give him a pleading look. “Please.”

His features soften, then he nods and pulls his phone out of his pocket.

Wow! He actually agreed.

Today is a day for miracles.

I walk to the doorway and as he brings the device to his ear, I say, “Thank you, Leo.”

The corner of his mouth lifts, and he nods before talking into the phone.

When I move back into the room, Mrs. Toscano says, “I’m going to get started with dinner. Is there anything you don’t eat, Dakota?”

“No.” Mom looks awkward again. “Ah…can we help with anything?”

Mrs. Toscano shakes her head. “Take your time to get settled.”

She leaves the room, and I glance at Mom, giving her a smile. “It’s not that bad.”

“Considering we’re being held against our wills,” Mom mumbles while she looks around the room. “It sure is pretty, though.”

I walk to where Riccardo left the luggage and open a bag. While I begin to unpack Mom’s belongings, I say, “At least we can see each other. I’ll visit a lot.”