A Woman's Empire

XXIII

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE

It was early the next morning and Leo was ready to leave for Japan. Audrielle was upset that he had told her at such a late notice. Now with Leo leaving, she felt scared and vulnerable, knowing that Christian would only be around her.

"See you when I get back, Princess." Leo whispered, kissing Audrielle on the cheek. Audrielle savoured the lingering smell of his cologne. She wished she could hold onto him and not let him go but unfortunately, with owning billion dollar businesses, you had to be prepared to up and leave when there were emergencies.

"I'll miss you." Audrielle whispered, holding him tightly as they hugged.

Leo places a kiss on her cheek. "I'll miss you too. I will try to ring you every night to see how you are."

Audrielle smiled. Knowing that Leo would check on her every night was a secret blessing, she had no idea how she would be able to cope with Christian twenty-four seven.

"A presto amore." Leo said as he picked up his bag. Audrielle had no clue what he said but she just smiled and waved, watching Leo hop in the car.

(Translation: See you soon my love.)

Audrielle stood and watched the black car leave the estate, the smaller it got as it drove towards the large iron gates. She was in such a daze that she gasped when Christian patted her shoulder.

"We're going to have so much fun this week." Christian chuckled darkly, leaving Audrielle in her frightened state as he walked back inside.

————

The whole entire day Audrielle spent it cooped up inside the safe walls of Leo's bedroom. She didn't have much to do to keep her occupied so she decided to make the bed at least three times, color coordinated her side of the walk in wardrobe and then sat down and watched some television while she painted her toenails a light blue.

It wasn't until the sun had set that a maid walked into the room. "Good evening ma'am, Mr. Amour has requested for you to have dinner with him in the sun room." Audrielle gulped at the mention of him. Why couldn't he just leave her alone?

Audrielle nodded and kindly dismissed the maid before she quickly chucked on some less revealing clothing. Pulling on a pair of leggings then throwing on an oversized hoodie. Before Audrielle left the room, she slipped on some slippers.

Quietly, Audrielle walked out to the sun room. There sitting mysteriously in a chair was the man Audrielle feared.

"Good evening Audrielle, so glad you could join." Christian smiled. Audrielle shivered as she took a seat in the chair beside him.

"I think it's best we get straight to business, sì?" He offered. Audrielle stared into his eyes, afraid to say anything.

Suddenly, like a snake attacking its prey, Christian's hand caught onto Audrielle's thigh. He squeezed it tightly causing her to whimper in pain and tears to prick her eyes.

"Rule number one, if I ask you a question, you answer, always." He spat through a sly smile.

Audrielle nodded hurriedly, silently begging him to let go of her.

"Use words Audrielle."

"Y-Yes I u-understand." She stuttered and he suddenly let go of her. Christian picked up his knife and fork and began cutting into his piece of steak. As he ate, his eyes raked down Audrielle's appearance.

"Rule number two. You are an Amour now. No matter where you are or who you're with, you must always present yourself neatly. None of this shabby hoodie shit." He spat in disgust.