Page 5 of Savage Prince

“You are,” I retort. “Your precious Isa is more than safe here in Milano.”

Raf lets out a grunt, tightening his hold around Bella. “I’ll be the one to determine that.”

“Anyway,” Bella interrupts, prying herself free from his possessive hold, “I can’t wait to see Milano, the shopping, the food, I want it all!”

“Now that’s what I’m talking about.” I throw her overbearing guard a smirk. “Matteo and the twins should be arriving in the next hour or so, then we’ll go to dinner at DG Martini, followed by a pop-up night club in Parco Sempione. There’s a hot new DJ performing that I’ve been dying to see.”

“In the middle of a park?” Raf snaps. “It’s going to be very difficult to maintain the perimeter in that enormous area.”

“Relax,amore.” Isabella squeezes his hand and flashes another nauseatingly sweet smile. “Andrew will be in charge of the team tonight. You’re off duty, remember?”

His eyes lock on hers, and this weirdly intense moment passes between them. Like I’m tempted to leave them alone before they jump each other. “I’m never off duty when it comes to protecting you.”

“I know… but please try for tonight, okay? I just want my boyfriend, not my bodyguard. We’re supposed to be on vacation.”

“Fine, I’ll try,” he grumbles.

I flutter over to the two lovebirds and pat the big brute on the back. “It’s going to be perfect, you’ll see.”

I can’t help the stupid grin that stretches across my face as I watch Alessandro and Alessia bickering over the merits of a vodka or gin martini while Matteo and Bella gush over the zebra print couches and crimson damask wallpapering the elegant lounge. All of us together again feels so normal, as if not aminute has passed since we’ve seen each other. Raf sits stiffly beside Bella, his eyes searching every velvet curtained corner of the restaurant for threats.

Ignoring him, I refocus on the conversation. “Vodka all the way.” I pick up my dirty martini and clink the glass against Alessia’s. “I don’t care if it isn’t the original.”

“You’re both barbarians,” Alessandro grumbles. My cousin owns The Velvet Vault in Manhattan, one of the hottest new clubs in the Meatpacking District. He thinks he’s the end all, be all of cocktails now.

“So should we move to the dining room?” I tick my head toward the archway that leads to the elaborate interior with sleek black contemporary furnishings and opulent gilded touches.

“One more drink,” Bella replies. “I have a feeling once dinner arrives, I’ll find myself in a food coma before long.”

“She’s not wrong.” Raf glances down at her adoringly. “This girl loves her pasta.”

“Oh,Dio, Bella, I almost forgot to tell you. They have the most amazing Nutella calzone!”

My cousin licks her lips, excitement lighting up her lively blue eyes. She picks up her champagne flute and downs it in one huge gulp. “On second thought, let’s get this dinner going.”

Matteo laughs, bringing his cocktail to his lips. “Slow down, Bells. We’ve got a long night ahead of us.”

“Don’t make it sound like I’m forcing you to go out and have fun, Matty.”

“Not at all, Sere. I’m thrilled to have my wingwomen back.” He casts a glance at Bella who’s wedged beside Raf, hands intertwined, and frowns. “Well, at least I have you.”

“Hey!” Isabella swats at his arm, her lips twisting into a pout. “I can still be your wingwoman. Just because Raf’s here doesn’t mean I can’t have fun.”

“Right…”

“Oh, I can be fun.” The big bodyguard rises and pulls Bella up with him. “Come on,amore, let’s dance.”

“There’s no dancefloor,” she squeals as he tugs her into his arms and begins to sway to a slow beat which is in sharp contrast to the pulsing rhythm of the background music.

I scoot closer to Matteo, rolling my eyes. “Drink with me, Matty. I’m going to need to be good and drunk to survive the night with those two.”

He chuckles, revealing the dimple that has all the girls back in Manhattan dropping their panties for. “You should be happy for Bells.”

“I am.”

“You don’t look it.”

“Why can’t I be happy and still cautiously suspicious?” I watch Raf and Bella, giggling and whispering as they dance. “I just don’t want her falling for the first guy she fucked. And what do we really know about him anyway?”

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