Page 84 of Savage Prince

Valerio eyes me, then the hand on my back, and a chill snakes up my spine. “A glass of wine perhaps?”

I’m weirdly awake considering the time of night, and a bottle of Chianti to settle my nerves sounds perfect. “Yes, please.”

“Are you sure?” Antonio’s dark gaze settles on me. “We have to be awake early to make it to the airport.”

Shit, that’s right. Ale is already mid-air, on his way across the Atlantic. He sent me a text message on the drive over. And still, I nod because the idea of all of this finally being over doesn’t bring me the peace it should. “Yeah, I need a drink.”

Antonio ticks his head at his friend, or whatever he is. “Just one glass for her, none for me. I need to speak to you about a few things.”

“Of course.” Valerio moves toward the kitchen, gliding with preternatural grace. Who is this guy? I watch, oddly enthralled, as he pulls a bottle from a wine fridge under the counter and begins to decant it. From the looks of the bottle, it’s vintage and expensive. I almost open my mouth to tell him not to bother. It seems like a waste, but it’s too late now as the fruity tannins fill the air. At least he grabs two glasses, filling one for himself, then hands me the full one.

Clinking his glass to mine, he offers a smile. “Cin cin, to your health.”

“I’m going to need it,grazie.”

He glances at Antonio then back at me. “No luck will be needed, I’m certain you are in good hands.”

My escort clears his throat, then runs his hand across his nape. “If you’re quite ready, Val, I’d like to go over the footage you’ve uncovered.”

“Cierto.” Then his gaze flickers to mine. “Shall I show you to your room on the way?”

“Yes,” I groan. “That would be amazing.”

We follow Valerio down the hallway, the squeak of my sneakers on the marble embarrassing. I should have bought some sandals while I was at that shop in Como. Antonio’s shoulder grazes my side as we walk and it’s oddly comforting, just like his hand on the small of my back.

Our host finally stops in front of a door and twisting the knob, swings it open. Much like the rest of the apartment, it’s impeccable with a clean, modern design that had to be created by a professional. “I hope it’s to your liking. I didn’t exactly have time to prepare for your arrival.”

“As long as there’s a bed and a shower, it’s more than enough.”

He offers a smile, then turns to his friend. “And your bedroom?—”

“I’ll stay with Serena.” Antonio cuts him off before he finishes his sentence.

I spin at the bold insinuation, knitting my brows as I regard him. “That’s pretty presumptuous.”

His gaze sharpens, those bottomless orbs daring me to contradict him. “I’m not assuming anything, but I also won’t risk you out of my sight all night long.”

“Neither of you will be in any sort of danger at my home. But still—” Valerio backs up a step, lingering in the threshold when Antonio shoots him a narrowed glare. “I’ll leave you two to discuss.”

I take a sip of the wine, and the floral notes burst along my tongue, distracting me from the glaring beast in front of me. Mmm, this is amazing.

“I’ll sleep on the floor if that makes you more comfortable.”

Glancing up to meet those piercing orbs, I focus on his words, and a pang races across my heart. “Relax, Toni, I’m messing with you. I spent the last few days sharing a tiny boathouse with you. I’m fine with you in my bed.”

Something unreadable sparks across those midnight irises, and the ghost of a smile hitches the corners of his lips. “Good.”

“Good,” I echo.

“Do you need anything before I go?”

“Nah, I’m just going to draw myself a hot bath, drink my wine and pass out.”

His eyes darken, and a trickle of heat kindles at the sight. “I wish I could join you.”

“You could,” I whisper, stepping into him. If this is our last night together, we may as well make it memorable, right?

A groan vibrates his chest and his hand snakes out, cupping the back of my neck, drawing me closer. “Then I’d never want to leave.” He huffs out a breath, shoulders sagging in frustration. “And I must discover who burntMamma’s villa to the ground.”

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