Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 82485 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 412(@200wpm)___ 330(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82485 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 412(@200wpm)___ 330(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
“I’m sorry,” I say, then my emotions spiral out of control, and I break down.
Mom quickly closes the distance between us and wraps me up in a tight hug. For long minutes, we just hold each other before Mom pulls slightly back so she can see my face.
“We’ll get through this, Haven.”
Even though our futures look grim right now, I nod. “We’re alive. It’s all that matters.”
Using her thumbs, she wipes the tears from my cheeks. “Whatever happens, just know that I love you.”
“Love you, too, Mommy.”
In my distressed state, I don’t keep track of time, and when Leo appears in the doorway, my heart sinks.
“It’s time to go. You’ll see your mother soon.”
A sliver of hope trickles into my chest. “Promise.”
He just nods before walking away while saying, “Come, Haven.”
Uncle Nicolo stalks into the room, and grabbing hold of Mom’s arm, he forcefully begins to drag her out into the hallway.
“No!” I rush after them and shout, “You don’t have to yank her around! Stop handling her roughly.”
“Nicolo,” Leo snaps.
Uncle Nicolo instantly stops dragging Mom and mutters under his breath, “I don’t have time for this. Let’s just leave before someone gets killed.”
I give Mom a quick hug and whisper near her ear, “Just go with Uncle Nicolo. I’ll talk to Leo and see if he’ll let you come stay with me.”
Hope flits over Mom’s face. “Yes. Ask him.”
Lifting the skirt of my dress a little, I dart away from her and rush to catch up with Leo as he stalks toward the main entrance of the church.
“Leo,” I call out, and it has him glancing over his shoulder. “Please let my Mom come with us.”
His eyes flick to the back of the church before he continues to walk toward the Porsche. “No.”
“Please,” I cry as I go after him.
“Stop, Haven!” he snaps as he opens the front passanger door. “Get in. I have work that needs my attention.”
Hatred fills my veins as I glare at Leo, grinding out through clenched teeth, “You’re a coldhearted bastard.”
“I’m a coldhearted bastard with a gun.” He tips his head toward the car. “Get in.”
I glance at the entrance of the church, but there’s no sign of Mom.
“Now!” Leo’s voice thunders between us, making me jerk with fright.
I quickly climb into the car, and my eyes remain glued to the doors, but as Leo slides in behind the steering wheel and starts the engine, there’s still no sign of Mom.
As he drives away from the hellhole where my fate was sealed, I struggle to cope with the nightmare that’s been unleashed on me.
How am I going to survive being married to a ruthless mobster?
Chapter 10
LEO
I’m annoyed with everything and everyone.
But mostly with myself.
My fucking conscience is riding me hard as I drive us home.
Honestly, I’m a little shocked that I just went through with the wedding.
I forced an innocent woman who has nothing to do with the mafia to marry me.
Haven is right. I’m a fucking bastard.
Not wanting to face what I’ve done, I shove the thoughts aside. I glance at Haven, and seeing how pale she is, my heart squeezes.
Her hands are clamped together on her lap, and she’s trembling like a leaf in a shitstorm.
The dress Massimo got for her is fucking beautiful. The moment I saw her in it, something in my chest shifted. Up until that moment, I was still in two minds about going through with the wedding, but then Haven came stalking toward me with her chin held high and tear streaks on her cheeks.
A fucking masterpiece.
“At least it’s over and done with,” I mutter.
Even though her voice is soft, it’s brimming with hatred as she says, “Go to hell.”
“Careful,” I murmur, my fingers clenching around the steering wheel.
“Why can’t my mom come to live with me?”
I let out a heavy sigh. “Because the two of you together will be trouble, and I have a lot of work to take care of.” I glance at her again. “Right now, your mother is the only leverage I have, so you don’t try to kill me.”
“Keep pushing me and see what happens,” she mumbles.
I let out a chuckle, the corner of my mouth curving up.
I like this fiesty version of Haven. It’s a turn on.
“What do you think? Should we consummate our marriage?” I tease her.
She bends over and yanks a shoe from her foot before gripping it tightly. “Try and I’ll stab you with my five-inch heels.”
“See, now I’m in a position to tell you not to do anything stupid for your mother’s sake.”
A sob bursts from Haven, and it has my eyes flicking to her as I steer the car through the gates of my property. She’s shaking badly, and I instantly regret teasing her.
“Calm down. I’m not going to force myself on you.”
Her terrified gaze snaps to me, and she searches for the truth in my words.