Page 70 of The Empress

“Oh.” It’s clear the word touches a very sensitive nerve for him. “May I ask why?”

The pain flashes over his face again. “It’s something I don’t talk about.”

Up until now, I didn’t think of Leo as someone who could feel pain, but just as a ruthless mafia boss who takes what he wants. But as we lie on the beach, I realize he’s a human being with normal emotions.

For a while, Leo remains tense beside me, but then he finally relaxes again.

His tone is soft as he asks, “What makes you angry?”

“If someone interrupts me while I’m reading.”

His chest shakes as he laughs silently. “Only that?”

“Being kidnapped and force to marry a mafia boss,” I add, and I’m surprised when there’s no bite to my words.

“That’s a given.” I listen as he takes a deep breath, then he says, “I’m sorry, Haven. I could’ve handled things better.”

He moves, partially rolling over me. My head ends up resting on his bicep, and when he looks down at me with remorse, I feel my resolve slipping a bit more.

“I should’ve asked you to dinner like a normal man.”

“Yes. That’s usually what sane people do.”

His voice is low and deep, and oh so seductive when he says, “I promise to take you out for thousands of dinners.”

“What if our first date sucks? It’s not like I can ghost you.”

A smile spreads over his face, and I stare at the hot-as-sin man like a dumbstruck idiot.

“The first date won’t suck,” he says, sounding very confident of himself.

“That remains to be seen,” I whisper.

Leo’s eyes drift over my face, and the way he looks at me makes me feel like I’m all he sees. I have all his attention right now.

Slowly, he begins to lean down, and I’m hit with such an intense wave of anticipation, my heartbeat sets off at a crazy pace.

Don’t let him kiss you!

Leo’s eyes become hooded with desire, and holy shit, it makes my abdomen clench hard. Then his expression turns predatory, and like the helpless prey I am, I realize I don’t stand a chance against him.

I feel his breath on my lips.

I smell his woodsy scent.

I feel the heat coming from his strong body.

I’m completely powerless against the strong attraction I have for him, and I think he knows it.

At the very last second, he turns his head and kisses my left cheek before he whispers, “Beg me, Haven.”

“For sex?” I exclaim. “Hell no!”

When he chuckles right by my ear, goosebumps erupt over my skin.

“Not sex.” His lips brush over my jaw, and I almost let out a moan, my right hand gripping hold of his shoulder. “A kiss.”

My mind screams no while my body wildly nods yes.