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)
Mom: God, the man is so stubborn, he infuriates me.
Mom: But I heard what you said. I’m going to try to make the best of this shitty situation.
Mom: As long as he doesn’t hurt you. If he does, all bets are off.
Mom: I can’t wait to see you tomorrow.
Letting out a chuckle, I shake my head while I type a response.
Haven: I’m glad you bonded with Mrs. Toscano. I’ll see you tomorrow morning at nine. Sweet dreams, Mom. Love you!
I set the device down on the bedside table, then turn onto my side and snuggle into my pillow.
I begin to think about everything that’s happened today. I feel a hell of a lot better after getting to spend time with Mom.
And Leo being nice to me helped a lot.
He was more than nice to me. If he keeps turning up the heat around me, I’m going to melt at some point, because after all is said and done, I’m very attracted to him.
If only he’d gone the normal route and asked me on a date instead of kidnapping me. I would’ve fallen in love with him in a heartbeat.
Chapter 18
HAVEN
After getting to spend the whole day with Mom, I walk into my bedroom, glad to be rid of the guards.
It’s going to take some time getting used to traveling around with four armed, but very quiet, men.
Seeing a big, white box on my bed, I walk closer and pick up the note tucked into the bow.
Please accept this gift as a token of my remorse. I couldn’t find something as beautiful as you, but it will have to do.
Your coldhearted bastard,
Leo.
Ps. The tablets beside your bed are for travel sickness. I suggest you take it if you’re prone to getting nauseated while flying.
Damn, that’s actually cute.
Wait. Flying? Where is he taking me for our date?
I put the note down and pull on the bow. When it comes loose, I carefully lift the lid.
There are three more boxes inside, all different sizes.
Excitement trickles into my chest as I open the biggest one. At the sight of the black silk, my lips part. I gently lift the dress out, and holding it up in front of me, I whisper, “Wow.”
I carefully place it on the bed before checking the next box, finding a pair of black heels.
When I pick up the last gift and lift the lid, I gasp as I stare at the black diamond choker and stud earrings.
“Oh. My. God.” I brush my fingertips over the stunning pieces.
These must’ve cost Leo a fortune.
I carefully set the box down and check the time. I only have an hour and forty-five minutes to get ready.
I hurry to the bathroom and open the faucets in the shower before rushing to grab a pair of black seamless panties so they don’t show under the silk of the dress. I won’t be able to wear a bra, though.
I shower as fast as possible, washing my hair. Time freaking flies, and I start to worry that I won’t be ready in time.
I’ve just finished drying my hair when I hear the sound of a helicopter, and it has me running to the bed. I quickly put on the dress and shove my feet into the high heels, then pause to take a deep breath.
Calm down, or you’re going to be all sweaty.
I exhale slowly, and when I pull the choker out of the box, I notice my hands are trembling.
God, I’m nervous!
I struggle to put on the choker, but I finally win the battle. I slip the earrings into the holes in my earlobes then walk to the dressing table to pull a brush through my hair one last time.
I went all out with my makeup, and as I look at my reflection in the mirror, I worry it’s too much. Just as I grab a tissue to try to wipe off the red tint on my lips, there’s a knock at the door.
My heartbeat sets off at a crazy pace, and my stomach dips and sours as if it’s taking flying lessons.
I walk to the door, and when I open it, Leo’s head snaps back. Placing his hand over his heart, surprise tightens his features.
“Gesù Cristo, sei Bellissima.”
I recognize ‘Jesus Christ’ and ‘beautiful’ as Leo looks at me in awe.
Dressed in a black silk shirt and suit pants, he looks drop-dead handsome as always.
He lets out a heavy breath. “Cazzo, Haven. Are you even human?”
I let out a chuckle. “Enough. You’re making me feel self-conscious.”
He shakes his head. “You better get used to me giving you compliments.”
Taking a step closer to me, he lifts his hands and places them on my shoulders. His eyes fill with a serious look before he leans down and kisses my left cheek. “Thank you for going out on this date with me.”