Page 31 of The Empress
She pulls away from me, and this time I don’t hold her back when she climbs to her feet. Without saying anything, she heads toward the staircase and goes to her bedroom.
I let out a sigh as I relax against the couch and stare at the view of the moonlight reflecting on the dark waves.
Did I make progress with Haven or not?
Chapter 7
HAVEN
My heart is thundering in my chest, and I use my fingertips to wipe the tears from my cheeks as I shut my bedroom door behind me.
Honestly, I hate that Leo is so damn attractive. It’s unnerving as hell and makes him seem even more dangerous.
I hate that he picked up on the stupid desire I felt when the hot smirk graced his lips.
And then I had to lean into him. What was I thinking?
Lifting my hand, I place it against my forehead as I shake my head.
When he held me, there was a split second it actually felt comforting, but I can’t let anything like that happen again. He might get the wrong idea.
I have to do my best to keep him at a distance, or I’ll never be able to escape him.
He made it crystal clear he’ll never let me go.
God. Leo is really going to force me to marry him.
Panic pours through my body, but before it can spiral out of control, my phone rings, and I rush to dig the device out of my handbag.
Seeing Mom’s name on the screen, sobs instantly burst from me as I quickly answer, “Mommy?”
“Haven! Are you okay? Where are you? Has that man hurt you?”
Intense relief fills me because I get to hear her voice, and it takes a few seconds before I’m able to say, “I’m at his mansion. He hasn’t hurt me.”
Her voice is filled with fear, worry, and an urgent need to get to me. “Where is the mansion?”
“I don’t know.” I walk out onto the balcony and glance at the dark beach and ocean. “I remember a long stretch of road. The mansion is on the side of a hill, and it has a private beach.”
“Didn’t you see the name of the street?”
“No. I was too scared to think of looking at directions. I’m sorry.”
“Shit!” she exclaims. “Can you get out of there?”
Even though she can’t see me, I shake my head. “There are armed guards everywhere, and I don’t want to risk Leo killing you.”
“Don’t worry about me, Haven. If you get the chance to escape, then do it. Go straight to the embassy so they can send you home.”
I’ll never risk Mom’s life for my freedom.
“Are you okay?” I ask.
“Nicolo won’t tell me anything. He said we just have to go along with everything, but he can go to hell. I’ll find a way to get you away from that man.”
“Don’t, Mom.” I glance over my shoulder to make sure I’m still alone. “I’ll never forgive myself if something happens to you. With Daddy gone, you’re all I have.” I take a seat on one of thechairs out on the balcony and pull my legs up. Wrapping my arm around my shins, I say, “Leo promised he won’t hurt me. So far, he’s fed me and only asked me questions.”
I don’t tell her about the two times he yanked me to him or about the hug he gave me a few minutes ago.
