Page 9 of The Empress

I finish the whiskey in the tumbler before getting up and moving back to the windows. Moonlight shines over the ocean,and I watch as waves crash against the rocks on either side of my private beach.

My thoughts turn to the impending attack on Vito Santoro, who’s been very vocal about taking me out so he can rule in my stead. I’ve had enough and have decided to take the fight to him.

Next week is going to be intense, but there’s no backing out now. I’m going to make an example of Santoro, and if Luciano doesn’t show up to help with the attack, I’ll make an example of the Romanos as well.

The only way to stay at the top is by ruling with coldhearted brutality.

It’s either that or I’ll end up six feet under in a box, and I plan to outlive all my fucking enemies.

Chapter 2

HAVEN

After all the guests have left, I sit outside with Liliana, a blanket draped over my shoulders.

I met so many people tonight, but the only name I remember is Leo Toscano.

The Italian man is easily the most attractive person I’ve ever seen. I’m not sure if his hair is black or dark brown, but God, he’s next-level hot.

I bring up the mental image of him that’s seared into my brain, and it has my stomach fluttering.

The moment I saw Leo, walking with so much confidence that I had no choice but to take notice of him, I forgot how to breathe. He’s tall, dark, and has a foreboding vibe.

Honestly, the man looks like he’s stepped out of a romance book. He’d make a ton of money as a cover model.

I glance at all the twinkling lights and the tables that are cluttered with dirty glasses and plates before looking at my cousin.

When Mom mentioned coming to Italy, I was nervous about meeting Dad’s side of the family, but Liliana turned out to be a pleasant surprise. She’s only three years older than me, and I like spending time with her. I haven’t spoken much to Luciano, because he’s hardly home. I get the vibe that he bats for the other team, and he has an eye for style.

When Dad was alive, he didn’t speak about Italy that much, but I knew he always kept in contact with Uncle Nicolo. My Italian is super rusty, but thankfully, my father’s side of the family is fluent in English.

My heart clenches when I think about Dad. The heart attack that took him from us was sudden. There are moments I still struggle to process the shock.

It’s only been a month since we lost him.

I was surprised when Mom mentioned the trip, but she insisted it was time for me to meet the other half of my family. I agreed because I thought it would help her deal with her grief by visiting Dad’s brother.

I had to cancel my plans with Kristen, my best friend. We were going to do a marathon read of all our favorite books before we start looking for jobs. I studied business management at the local college, but I still have no idea what kind of work I’d like to do.

After living my whole live in Whitefish, Montana, coming to Italy is the most exciting thing I’ve ever done. Kristen is living vicariously through me because she’s also never had the opportunity to travel.

I wish I had a photo of Leo to send to her. He definitely fits the role of morally gray hero to a T.

Wrapping the blanket tighter around me, I give Liliana a curious look. “Why did you say Leo Toscano isn’t someone I would want to get involved with?”

Liliana’s gaze snaps to mine, and she quickly shakes her head, her features tensing. “It’s better if you don’t ask questions about him.”

Hmm…that only makes me more curious.

I’ll ask Mom later. Maybe she knows something about the hot-as-sin man.

I swear, if he turns out to be morally gray, my ovaries might explode.

Yeah, right. You’d run so freaking fast for the hills.

It’s one thing reading about the big, bad men in romance novels, but coming face-to-face with one in real life will probably have me shaking in my boots.

A grin forms on my cousin’s face. “We can go to a club on Friday night. There will be plenty of hot men for you to choose from.”