Page 55 of Savage Vows

He helps me to stand, and he tweaks one of my nipples. Then he turns from me. Because I’m trembling so badly, I sink onto the mattress.

He towers over me, smelling of determination and male prowess.

Instinctively I try to cover myself.

“You’ll find it’s in your best interest to please me, little rebel.”

Without giving me a chance to respond, he turns and crosses the room. When he reaches the door, he glances back at me. “And don’t you fucking dare touch yourself. I denied you on purpose. Your orgasms belong to me. They’re mine to give.” He pauses. “Or withhold. Understand?”

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Matteo

“We enjoyed meeting Alessia yesterday.” My father’s voice carries the quiet authority of a man who has rebuilt our family empire and dismantled our enemies with ruthless precision.

He leans back in the high-backed leather chair behind his imposing mahogany desk, his hands steepled as his piercing gaze focuses on me.

No doubt my upcoming nuptials were part of the discussion he had earlier with Nico.

I incline my head and shift in my seat. Thoughts of Alessia are frustratingly persistent. Yesterday, in the car, I gave into the temptation to touch her. But the taste wasn’t enough for me.

And then I saw her beautiful ass presented to me on the coffee table in my living room, and she responded to me as if we were made for each other.

Despite the promises I made to myself that I’d give her time to adjust to our relationship, once she came for me, I had to have her.

She was so sweetly responsive, perfect for me in every way.

And then this morning …

I awoke early, with a raging hard-on. She was snuggled against me, sleeping soundly.

My body demanded I claim her. But I fought against my baser impulses. I’d already fucked her hard, even after tormenting her pussy and spanking her butt. Then around midnight, I made love to her.

Every sigh, every whimper is embedded in my memory, part of the fabric of who I am.

We’re marrying because of obligation, nothing more.

But after last night, she’s working her way past all of my barriers.

I never want to let her out of my sight, not even to go shopping with my sister-in-law.

But I know that if I hold on too tightly, she will rebel. I wouldn’t put it past her to attempt an escape.

Frustrated, I eased myself away from her, covered her up, then headed to my home fitness center and sent a text to Nico.

Since he’s an earlier riser like I am, he responded immediately.

Despite my hesitations when my father announced his intention to move Nico into the role as the family’s consigliere, my cousin has proven to be solid, capable, despite the fact he’s around my age.

Like me and Alessia, he and Bella had a rocky start. He forced her down the aisle as his form of revenge against her family.

Despite that, he’d fought for her, for them, and their love.

He advised me to allow Alessia freedom. Maybe not as much as she wants, but certainly more than I’m comfortable offering.

He confirmed that Bella always has a driver. That’s not optional in their relationship, especially not now that he’s my father’s most trusted advisor. Nico is a potential target, and that makes Bella one as well.

If I had my way, Alessia would never leave my home, unless I was with her.