Page 10 of Savage Prince

“No need to twist my arm.” He gives me a smile, and I’m relieved things are back to normal again.

Once my cousins left, I took my fashion bestie out for a drink to make up for my less than stellar behavior. I don’t knowwhat comes over me when I’m around my family. I’m like a different person. I miss them already, but I bury the twinge of sadness and remind myself I’ll see them in a few weeks back in Manhattan.

“A domani.” Santi drops a kiss on my forehead and sashays out.

“See you tomorrow.”

Once he’s gone, I run my fingers across the delicate petals of the violet bloom that sits on the corner of my desk before I refocus on my latest sketch, a bright floral pattern with smatterings of zebra and leopard print. I’m a total whore for animal motifs mixed with brilliant, obnoxious pops of color.

Which is why I’m a great fit for D&G. I’m lost for a few more minutes, my brain completely immersed in the drawing and my pencil moving on autopilot. If I could do this for the rest of my life, I’d be happy. Who needs a man when you love your career, right? I may have still been a little salty about that encounter the other night. No man ever says no to me… especially not seconds from sex. Even if it was for a good reason.

A married man? That would have been a new low for me.

“You’re still here?” Bianca’s voice sends my head spinning over my shoulder.

“Yes, I was just finishing up on this design.” I hold up the colorful sketch, and my boss rewards me with a smile.

She walks closer, bringing the glasses perched on her head down to her nose. Squinting, she scans the design, and I find myself holding my breath. There’s not much in this world that flusters me, but this woman’s word means everything. She’s the difference between a permanent position at Dolce & Gabbana and a one-way ticket back to Manhattan. Not that my life in the city wasn’t great, but these past few months in Milano, the fashion capital of the world, have been a dream.

“It’s excellent, Serena.” She pushes the chic glasses up to sit atop her neatly gelled chignon. “Your work in the last month has been exceptional honestly. I’ve never seen someone advance so quickly. It seems Milano is good for your soul.”

“I couldn’t have said it better myself.”

Her dark eyes sparkle with excitement, and her red-stained lips curve into a smile. “In fact, I’m supposed to wait until the end of the month to tell you, but if you promise to keep it between us…”

My pulse accelerates, the enthusiasm in her gaze leeching into my skin. “Yes, of course, anything.”

“The partners and I have spoken, and we’d like to offer you a permanent position as a design assistant. It’s an entry-level job, but you’ll be assisting the more senior designers with their tasks, conducting research, creating sketches, and learning about garment construction. It’s a great opportunity to gain valuable industry experience, develop skills, and begin building your career in fashion design.”

“Damn, that sounds amazing!” I press my lips into a tight line before I start cursing like a sailor.

“I am pleased that you are interested.”

“I’m more than interested, I’m ecstatic.” I can’t believe this is finally happening.

“Very well, now you must keep the news to yourself. We have decided only to keep one intern, and we wouldn’t want the others to hear before the end of the program.”

My happy heart sinks when Santi’s face materializes in my mind. He’s going to be so disappointed he didn’t get it.

My Apple watch vibrates, the reminder popping up on the screen.Merda, dinner with Dad. I shove all the papers scattered across my desk into the drawer and jump up. “Thank you so much, Bianca. This is going to be amazing, and I promise to keep the news to myself until it’s time.”

“Yes, I believe it will, Serena. I’m looking forward to watching you grow within the Dolce & Gabbana family.”

“I’m sorry, but I have to run. I’m meeting my father in ten minutes across town.”

“Of course, please give Dante my regards.”

My eyes widen, and I’m certain they look cartoon-character ridiculous. “Oh, you knowPapà?”

It was my Aunt Jia’s connections who’d gotten me into this internship, but I had no idea Bianca knew my father too.

“Yes, we met a few times prior to your arrival.” The light in her eyes darken, and a pit of dread sinks to the bottom of my gut. DidPapàthreaten her? Am I only getting this job because of my scary-ass father?

Throwing my bag over my shoulder, I offer her an uneasy smile. “Grazieagain. I’ll see you tomorrow, then?”

“Si, enjoy your night out.”

I’ve never raced out of the office so quickly as a swirl of anger brewed in my gut. Nothing should surprise me about Dante Valentino, but if he went behind my back and bought my way into this job, he was going to be in so much trouble.

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