Page 109 of Savage Vows

The hotel’s security guards follow us. One positions himself at the exit, the other leans up against a nearby wall.

A server comes over to take our order.

He asks me what I want.

I request a glass of the champagne that Bella introduced me to.

“Good taste,” he says.

“Only the best,” I agree.

Last night, I’d asked room service to deliver a bottle to my room. If I wasn’t billing the cost to Matteo, I would never have considered such an expensive option. Bella’s a bad influence, and I love it.

When the server looks at him, he orders a Bonds whiskey. “Gold label. Neat.”

The same kind I put in the hot chocolate in England. Now that I know the price, I can’t believe I did that.

Promising to be right back, she leaves us alone.

Before we can settle into a conversation, my phone rings, and Matteo motions me to answer it.

That’s different. Generally he consumes all the oxygen in the room, demanding my full attention. Of course, that’s when he wants mine. When it’s the other way around, he’s not at all accommodating.

I pull the device from my purse and check the screen.Rafe Sterling.

With a grin, I show Matteo, and he winces.

Rafe doesn’t wait for me to finish my greeting before asking if I’m okay.

“Thank you. Everything is fine. I apologize. I should have let you know I expected him.”

He assures me the security guards will remain in place during the time we’re together.

“I can be trusted with my wife,” Matteo snaps.

“I’d like to talk to your husband,” Rafe says.

I’m happy to have so many protectors.

Matteo takes the phone when I offer it, and he repeats himself. “I can be trusted with Alessia.”

I don’t hear Rafe’s response, but Matteo’s scowl tells me all I need to know.

Without another word, he hands me back the phone.

“Matteo and I have an understanding,” Rafe assures me.

I’m not so sure about that.

“Don’t hesitate to call me or summon security. Matteo was treated well last time. I won’t be as patient again.”

“Thank you.”

As our beverages arrive, I drop my phone back into place.

Matteo doesn’t drink immediately, but I take a fortifying sip of mine, the delicate bubbles tickling my nose.

The alcohol seems to hit my bloodstream immediately, making me light headed, but then I realize it’s most likely Matteo’s effect on me.