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)
“Hi,” Mom and I chirp at the same time.
“Leo told me everything,” Mrs. Toscano says, then her expression turns bitter. “Nicolo is a vile man.”
“You can say that again,” Mom agrees.
Mrs. Toscano smiles at Mom again. “You’re welcome to stay with me while Leo makes other arrangements.”
Mom’s tone is super tense as she replies, “I’d much rather prefer your son lets my daughter go.”
“Don’t even go there,” Leo mutters, his tone filled with warning.
“I have no say over what Leo does,” Mrs. Toscano informs us. “Just like everyone else, I live by his rules.”
“Jesus,” Mom whispers.
Taking a step forward, I jump in so things don’t spiral out of control. “Thank you for letting my mom stay with you. I appreciate it.”
Mrs. Toscano’s eyes lock on me, then she comes closer, and her gaze softens a bit. “It’s the least I can do for you.”
It feels as if she’s trying to apologize for what Leo’s done without actually saying the words.
Needing to check with her, I ask, “Is it okay if I visit a lot?”
“Of course.” Her mouth lifts into a smile again. “You’re always welcome here. After all, you’re my daughter-in-law.”
I forgot about that.
Holy crap, I have a mother-in-law.
I haven’t thought much about being married to Leo, but as I stand in his mother’s lounge, it sinks in.
Glancing at Leo, I try to think of him as my husband, but my cheeks flame up at the mere thought.
I turn to Mom. “At least it will be better staying here than with Uncle Nicolo.”
Mom nods, the tension on her face easing slightly. “You’re right.” She gives Mrs. Toscano a tight smile. “Thank you for letting me stay here.”
Mrs. Toscano nods. “Let me show you to your room.”
Mom takes hold of my right hand, and knowing she feels uncomfortable, I walk with them.
When we step into the guest room, I take in the armchair that’s covered with beige fabric that has yellow roses printed on it. The bedding matches, and it has me whispering to Mom, “It’s your favorite flower.”
“You love yellow roses?” Mrs. Toscano asks.
“Yes. They’re the flowers my late husband gave me when we went on our first date,” Mom tells her.
“They’re my favorite, too.”
“You have something in common,” I say, letting out a chuckle that sounds a little nervous.
A few seconds later, the guard we saw outside brings Mom’s luggage into the room.
“This is Riccardo. He’s my guard,” Mrs. Toscano introduces us.
I give him a lame wave while Mom just nods.
“We have to go,” Leo suddenly says from the doorway.
“No,” Mom gasps.
“The doctor is coming at five to check Haven’s hand,” he explains. “You can see each other tomorrow.”
“The doctor can’t come here?” Mom asks.
I can see that Leo wants to say no as he thinks about it, and I give him a pleading look. “Please.”
His features soften, then he nods and pulls his phone out of his pocket.
Wow! He actually agreed.
Today is a day for miracles.
I walk to the doorway and as he brings the device to his ear, I say, “Thank you, Leo.”
The corner of his mouth lifts, and he nods before talking into the phone.
When I move back into the room, Mrs. Toscano says, “I’m going to get started with dinner. Is there anything you don’t eat, Dakota?”
“No.” Mom looks awkward again. “Ah…can we help with anything?”
Mrs. Toscano shakes her head. “Take your time to get settled.”
She leaves the room, and I glance at Mom, giving her a smile. “It’s not that bad.”
“Considering we’re being held against our wills,” Mom mumbles while she looks around the room. “It sure is pretty, though.”
I walk to where Riccardo left the luggage and open a bag. While I begin to unpack Mom’s belongings, I say, “At least we can see each other. I’ll visit a lot.”
“Is he getting to you?” she suddenly asks.
Holding a pair of slacks in my hand, I frown at her. “Why would you ask that?”
“You seem to be okay with Leo keeping us captive.”
I lock eyes with Mom and shake my head. “I’ve been alone the past two weeks, Mom. I’m just happy to be around people finally…to be with you. I need this good moment.”
Her features instantly soften, and she comes to give me a hug. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. You’re right.”
When she pulls back, our gazes meet again, and I say, “If he doesn’t let me go, I’ll have no choice but to make the best of the situation.”
“I wanted so much more for you,” she whispers, heartache flitting over her face.
“We can’t change our circumstances, so let's make the best of it. Okay?”
Mom nods as she brushes her palm over the side of my head. “Okay.”
As we unpack Mom’s belongings, I just soak up being near her. We’ve talked about everything there is, so a comfortable silence wraps around us.
When we’re done, I sit down on the side of the bed, and Mom comes to join me. I lean my head on her shoulder and cradle my left hand against my chest because the pain is getting worse.