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)
When I turn around, it’s to find her eyes locked on me, the guarded and fearful expression back on her face. “One, but we only dated for a few months my senior year.”
Instead of heading to the couch I was sitting on, I move around the side of hers and take a seat, leaving a few inches between us.
Haven scoots as close to the armrest on her side as she can, her body wound tense.
The corner of my mouth lifts. “I don’t bite, principessa.”
Her gaze lowers to my lips, and even though she’s shit scared, desire makes the brown of her irises look like melted caramel.
The slight smile on my face turns into a smirk, and I tilt my head. “Like what you see, principessa?”
Her gaze widens, and she jumps to her feet. Before she can dart away, I grab hold of her wrist and tug her back down onto the couch. She ends up right beside me, her lips parted with breaths rushing over them.
When I lift my other hand to her face, and my fingers skim over her cheek where I saw the dimple the night of the party, she freezes and holds her breath.
I lean closer, and it has her squeezing her eyes shut. My hand lowers to her neck, and positioning my fingers over her pulse, I feel how fast her heart is beating.
She’s fucking terrified of me.
I let go of her wrist, and placing my arm around her shoulders, I gently pull her against my chest. “Calm down, Haven. I said I won’t hurt you, and I meant it.”
I brush my other hand over her hair, realizing it’s as soft as it looks.
Cazzo, she smells sweet like a dessert, making my mouth water for a taste of her.
When I press a kiss to the top of her head, a sob sputters from her, and she actually leans into me.
“Today was a rough day for you,” I murmur, my tone gentle. “I promise it will get better. I’ll protect you from the violence in my world, and I never bring work home. The mansion will be a safe space for you.”
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.”