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.
“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.
“You okay?” Massimo asks, worry tensing his voice.
I shake my head, and pulling my phone out of my pocket, I send a few orders to Edoardo, who’s in charge of security at the mansion.
Leo: Make sure nothing happens to my wife. Have Sofia keep the fridge and cupboards stocked with easy-to-prepare meals.
Edoardo: Will do, boss. Is Mrs. Toscano allowed to leave the property?
Leo: Yes, but you and four other men accompany her at all times. I want her home before it gets dark. She’s not allowed to leave the town under any circumstances.
Edoardo: Got it.
Leo: While she’s at home, only you’re authorized to interact with her. If I find out any of the other men have spoken a word to her, the penalty will be death. She’s traumatized enough. I don’t want anyone upsetting her even more.
Edoardo: I’ll make sure they all keep their distance from her while we’re at home.
Leo: Protect her with your life.
Edoardo: I will, boss.
Done, I shove my phone back into my pocket and glance around us. Noticing we’re almost at the airport where my private jet is, I ask, “Do we have any leads on Vito and Sebastiano?”
“Sebastiano was spotted in Sicily. We’re heading there first, while Mattia and his team keep searching for Vito.”
“I want Sebastiano alive. I need to kill someone to get rid of this fucking edgy feeling.”
“Yeah, I don’t think killing someone is going to make any difference,” Massimo mutters. “Want to talk about the shit that’s gone down since yesterday?”
I check the time on the dashboard. It’s been twenty-seven hours since Klodian died and I took Haven.
Twenty-seven hours of me losing my mind and fucking up everything around me.
I need to regain control of my life, or I’m going to end up dead soon.
My tone is a mere whisper. “No. I don’t want to talk about it at all. Let’s focus on work.”
Massimo nods as he brings the SUV to a stop near the private jet where a group of my men are waiting.
I think time away from home will do me good as well. With a bit of luck, I’ll get my shit together before I return to Haven.
Then I’ll have to do some serious damage control and do my best to win her heart.