Page 52 of Savage Vows

Is there any end to his demands?

The stone is cold against my body, and my nipples tighten.

“You should always be available for me.” He sets my drink near me, then cups my ass cheeks and squeezes hard, making my breath whoosh out. “No reminders of your spanking.” He makes a sound of disappointment. “I’ll have to remedy that.”

Hewantshis marks on me?

Is he going to spank me now? Here? I tense, waiting for him to begin. Instead he surprises me.

“You’re such a good girl. You’ve earned your coffee.”

I stand, and he is holding my robe.

After accepting it and knotting the belt tight, I pick up my coffee.

Sharing a room with him is complicated. I’d be much safer behind my locked door just down the hallway.

“We need to talk.”

Picking up my drink, I frown. “About what?”

Matteo is still wearing his robe with an embroidered insignia that I don’t recognize. I’m not accustomed to the informal look, and the fact it’s so intimate is a little uncomfortable.

“Your outing tomorrow.”

Setting my chin, I regard him over the rim of my cup. He’d better not be changing his mind now that we’re alone.

Before I can say anything, he holds up a hand. “I’m not making you cancel your plans.”

Once more, he’s managed to read my mind.

“I’d like to know who you’d prefer to have as a bodyguard.”

“Bodyguard?” I shake my head “I don’t need one.”

“This is not optional.”

“Matteo—”

“Don’t try me, Alessia. Unless you want to stay home.”

After the brief conversation between Bella and the Don at the dinner table, I had a million questions. But from the moment we got in the car after dinner, Matteo had made sure I wasn’t able to think straight.

“Chiara is happy to accept the position. Of course, she won’t be available all the time, but whenever possible, you will be her assignment.”

“Look, Matteo…”

He takes a step toward me. Intimidated, I back up until the vanity stops my retreat.

“I’m being more than generous in letting you choose who protects you. If you have no preference, Nash can work out a schedule with available personnel.”

Personnel.He carefully avoided the word soldiers, as if he’s a businessman instead of a criminal who operates outside the law.

“Whoever is with you will act as your driver and be unobtrusive.”

As unobtrusive as a gun-toting, suit-wearing Mafia operative can be.

I put down my untouched coffee so I don’t spill it. “Does Bella have to have a goon with her at all times?”