Page 75 of Savage Vows

“I’m here for you,” she reminds me. “I mean it. Anything you need. Call anytime. And if you need me urgently, you can always drop by the office.”

I really like her, how down to earth she is, how forthcoming. She seems to understand where I’m at. In a different world, I would enjoy being friends.

When I finally arrive home, Matteo isn’t there.

I should be grateful, but the house feels somewhat empty.

I’m just getting out of the bath when Matteo appears in the doorway, shoulder propped against the jamb. He’s taken off his suit coat, his sleeves are rolled back, exposing part of his Duty First tattoo, and his tie is loosened, just enough to make my mouth go dry. And he’s holding a glass of wine.

“Figured you might want this while dinner is warming up.”

He crosses to me and offers me the drink.

As he leans toward me, I inhale his power and determination.

The sight of him, the scent of him has my head swimming. Maybe I don’t need the wine. But I accept it, just the same.“Thank you.” He claims a kiss as payment. It’s a casual, caring gesture, speaking of the ease that exists between us. His action is a little unnerving, more intimate than our lovemaking has been.

“How did shopping go?”

“I found an engagement dress.”

His eyes flare with approval. “Did you?”

“It’s…” Is there a word for it? “Spectacular.”

“I’d expect no less.”

“And expensive,” I warn.

“Of course. Things that are spectacular usually are.”

I try to prepare him for the shock that’s coming.“Veryexpensive.”

He narrows his gaze as I take a sip. “Okay,” he says cautiously.

“You may not be so agreeable when you get your credit card bill.”

“Ah.” But he grins. “You billed it to my account?”

“Every penny.” I search his gaze for a reaction. Annoyance, maybe? Then he smiles, and I realize Bella was right about him wanting to make me happy.

“Model it for me?”

“But…” I frown. “Aren’t there rules against that? Like it’s bad luck or something?”

“That only applies to wedding dresses, I’m sure.”

Or he’s making it up.

Once I’m dry, he follows me to my closet.

At the sight of the extravagant dress, he releases a long, slow wolf whistle. “Now put it on so that I can take it off you.”

His phone rings.

With a scowl, he reaches into his pocket to silence the device.

His gaze focused on me, he helps me into the silky confection and zips it up. Then he captures my lips in a blazing kiss filled with intention and promise.