Page 79 of The Empress

As soon as we climb into the backseat of the SUV, my phone beeps and I grin again. I pull the device out, and when I see Haven’s bank details, I mutter, “Not even ten minutes.”

“You’re kidding,” she gasps as she leans over to look at the screen. “Damn, that’s kind of impressive.”

Not giving a shit that she’s looking at my phone, I sign into my banking app and upload her details. When I type in the amount I want to transfer, she squeaks beside me.

“No changing your mind. You agreed and I’m holding you to it,” I mutter as I press send.

I’m asked to enter a code for extra security, which I do. When it shows the transaction is done, I close the app and push my phone back into my pocket.

I turn my head and glance at Haven. She looks like she’s shellshocked, just blinking with her lips parted.

“You okay?” I ask while placing my arm around her.

“I’m going to need a minute,” she whispers. “Holy shit. I can buy all the books in the world and then some.”

“If that’s what you want,” I chuckle.

“Oh my God!” She grabs hold of my thigh. “I can save all the horses in the world before they’re slaughtered.” Her eyes swing to me, and when I see excitement shining in them, there’s one hell of a burst of warmth in my chest. “How do you feel about doing something good to make up for all the bad?”

“I’m listening.”

“Help me buy stables and employ people to take care of the horses.”

“You’re serious,” I murmur when I realize she’s dead set on spending the hundred million euros I sent her on horses.

I give Haven a life-changing amount of money, and she instantly wants to spend it on saving animals.

She tilts her head, her eyebrows pulling together. “I’m dead serious.”

“Gesù Cristo,” I whisper in complete awe of her. “You’re fucking incredible, Haven.”

“Will you help me?” she asks again.

“Yes.”

I hope it will show her how sorry I am for the hell I’ve put her through, and maybe…just maybe, she’ll forgive me.

Chapter 20

HAVEN

Snuggling against his side, I whisper, “Leo.”

“Yes, stellina mia.”

“I’m glad you’re here.”

“Me too.”

Suddenly, loud bangs go off, and I scream.

Darkness engulfs me as I fly through the air before landing on hundreds of hands that are clawing at me.

“Leo,” I scream, the hands pulling me into the floor. My chest closes up, and I begin to suffocate.

My eyes fly open, a scream tearing from me, and completely disorientated, I struggle against the arms locked around me.

When I can’t get free, I let out a sob, crying, “Leo!”