Page 3 of Savage Vows

“The Cotswolds.”

I frown, trying to place it. If I recall, the Cotswolds are scenic, rolling hills in the southwestern part of the country. Beautiful,I’m told. A great place to vacation and filled with artists and writers. “At a house?”

He clears his throat. “It’s a place called Elysian Hall.”

That gives me pause. A hotel, perhaps? The name doesn’t sound familiar, and Nash’s discomfort tells me something’s off. I narrow my eyes, waiting for the rest.

“It’s an artists’ colony,” Nash continues, but there’s a note of unease in his voice. “A secure, gated …commune type of place.”

What in the actual fuck? “A commune?” I echo, disbelief seeping into my voice. “She’s staying there?”

Nash meets my eyes. “She’s not a guest, Matteo. She’s been working there. Living there. Growing food. Shopping for the entire community. Cooking. Cleaning. Laundry. She’s …one of them.”

I ball my fists at my sides, the words igniting an even deeper fury within me. She’s a Mafia daughter, soon to be the wife of an underboss. And she’d rather fucking scrub toilets than marry me?

I won’t stand for it.

“Your plane is on standby, sir.”

His practicality lasers my anger into action.

“I’ve taken the liberty of arranging accommodations at the usual place.”

Which means the Hollings House, a historic, luxurious townhome in the Mayfair area of London, complete with a discreet staff. “I’ll let you know when we’re ready to roll out.”

Silently he leads the way to the room where my father is.

Once we’re there, Nash stands with his back to the door, alongside Nico and my father’s bodyguards.

Steepling his hands, my father says, “You have news.”

“Alessia has been found.”

He remains silent, and I fill the air. “In England.” I keep the rest of the information to myself.

Getting there won’t be easy, and since the estate she’s on is gated, I’m guessing that getting her out will be challenging.

“This needs to be resolved, Matteo.”

At least no one beyond our family and the DeLucas are aware there’s a problem.

“Your wedding will happen no later than summer.”

“It will be done.” I set my jaw.

This may be the first battle between my future bride and me, but I’m going to win it.

She will be my wife and behave like she should.

Are you ready to reap the consequences of your actions, my little rebel?

CHAPTER TWO

Matteo

The Cotswolds, England

Irritation nips at me, and I impatiently drum my fingers on my thigh. My annoyance is so great that I don’t appreciate the scenic, rolling countryside.