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’ll make you a deal. No sex until you beg me,” I say as I pull the Porsche into the garage.
Her voice quivers as she replies, “I’ll never beg you for that.”
Switching off the engine, I grin at her. “We’ll see.”
Haven shoves the door open and climbs out.
I follow her into the kitchen, where she suddenly stops and yanks the ring off her finger. She slaps it down on the counter, then removes her other shoe and runs into the foyer.
“I want my clothes and sneakers that are still at the church,” she shouts.
I stare at the antique family ring before I move closer to pick it up. It doesn’t look like something that belongs on Haven’s finger.
No. Only the biggest diamond will be able to complement her beauty. Not this ring that’s only brought my mother heartache.
I tuck the family heirloom into my pocket before pulling my phone out. Pressing dial on Massimo’s number, I don’t have to wait long for him to answer.
“Yes.” His tone is brisk, telling me he’s pissed off.
“Haven’s clothes and sneakers are still at the church.”
“I have them. Want me to bring them?”
“Yes. I’ll shower and get changed, then we can leave to get to work.”
“I’m just going to stop at my place to grab my bag and say goodbye to everyone.”
“Okay.”
I head to my bedroom, where I shower while trying not to think about everything that’s happened over the past twenty-four hours.
Last week, I had all my shit together, but now everything has derailed around me.
All because of Haven Romano.
If I had killed Luciano and Nicolo and left the women, I’d be filled with satisfaction for finally getting the revenge I’ve been thirsting for.
But no. Both Romano men are still alive, and I have a brand new wife who’s terrified of me.
I’ve traumatized the hell out of Haven, so it’s safe to say she’ll never warm up to me.
Great. I’m married to the most beautiful woman, and I’ve done everything in my power to make her hate me.
Angry at myself, I put on a fresh suit after I’m done showering, then pack myself a bag.
I don’t know how long I’ll be away from home, but I’m hoping it will give Haven time to adjust to her new life.
When I zip the bag shut, my gaze lands on the photo next to my bed. I walk to the bedside table and gently pick it up. I stare at Carina’s face, and the bitter taste of failure fills me.
I’m sorry, stellina mia. Cazzo. I’m so fucking sorry for not finding you.
My eyes move to Diego’s face, and I know if he were alive today, he’d probably beat the shit out of me for the way I’m treating Haven.
Yeah. I fucked up, brother. I wish you were here.
My life would’ve turned out very different if I had never lost the Messinas. If we weren’t attacked and only my father was assassinated, I wouldn’t have taken over as head of the mafia because I never wanted any part in the family business at sixteen.
But that didn’t happen.
I set the framed photo down, and grabbing my bag, I leave my bedroom, pausing to lock the door.
I pocket the keyring holding all the important keys, like the one for my safe where my weapons are stored.
Stopping at Haven’s bedroom, I knock. This time, she doesn’t respond, and when I push the door open, it’s to find the room empty. The wedding dress is lying discarded on the floor.
I head downstairs, and not seeing her in the living room, I notice the sliding doors are open. Leaving my bag in the foyer, I walk out onto the veranda and see Haven running along the beach.
I’m about to go after her so I can say goodbye, but she suddenly sinks down onto the soft sand with a cry that sends chills over my body.
God help me, what have I done to her?
There’s a painful stabbing sensation in my chest, and unable to witness the destruction I’ve caused any longer, I stalk back into the mansion. I grab my bag and head out the front door.
Luckily, Massimo pulls up the driveway. When he stops the SUV, I yank the back door open and throw my bag inside before climbing into the front passanger seat. “Let’s go.”
Without a word, he makes a U-turn and drives us away from the one place on Earth where I used to find peace and rest.
Now it’s filled with fear and sorrow.
Haven will have two to three weeks where she can deal with everything that’s happened. She’ll probably spend all her time with her mother.
The only reason I don’t want Dakota living with us is because I don’t need her fighting me as well. I’ll deal with the mother once I’ve made progress with the daughter.
Cazzo. I’m an asshole.