Page 88 of Savage Prince

I shake my head. “Let’s just play it by ear, okay?”

She must misunderstand my reluctance, and her lips screw into a pout as she rolls off me. I want to explain, to tell her it’snot that I don’t want to see her again, it’s that I can’t bear to disappoint her. How can I give her hopes of a reunion I’m certain won’t ever happen? The moment she’s safe aboard that jet with her cousin, I’m a dead man.

CHAPTER 43

UNDER DIFFERENT STARS

Serena

Staring at my weary reflection in the mirror, I huff out a breath and pull out my phone.It’s over, Serena, it’s time to move on. Sure, the kidnapping was fun and all, and the sex was ah-mazing, but clearly nothing more will ever come of this thing with Antonio. And I’m crazy to even want more.

Despite knowing all of this, there’s still something I have to do.

I type out a message toPapàbefore I lose my nerve. For all I know, he could be on his way here right now with Alessandro. Bella swore our cousin to secrecy, but I knowPapàhas his ways.

Me: I need you to promise me something.

Pa: Anything,cuore mio.

I’m surprised the response comes so quickly and now that pit of dread in my stomach expands to twice its size. Is he here in Milano already? My fingers fly across the keyboard.

Me: Swear to me you won’t kill Antonio when this is over.

Those little blue bubbles dance across the screen for an endless moment, my pulse escalating with every second that passes.

Pa: I can’t promise that.

I stare at the words, my heart lodged in my throat. I won’t let Antonio die because of me. Did he royally fuck up by kidnapping me? Yes. But the thought of the starlight in those piercing irises going forever dark is suffocating.

Me: You can, you just don’t want to.

Pa: He stole you from me, Serena!My only child! How can I allow him to live after that?

I can practically see him fuming across the line, hear him shouting curses at the phone.

Pa: I will not make a promise I cannot keep. We can discuss this when I see you in person.

Me: No, I need the promise first.

The phone rings, his number flashing across the screen. I send it to voicemail because I’m in no mood to listen to him scream at me.

Pa: Answer the phone.

Me: No. Not until you swear on Mom’s life that you won’t kill him.

Pa: You cannot be serious about this.

I am deadly serious which is why I mention Mom.

Me: Antonio saved my life. I owe him.

Another long minute passes, and I’m sure he’s thrown his phone out the window in a fit of rage.

Pa: Fine...

Me: Thank you. I’ll see you at home tonight.

More bubbles, then nothing. The tightness in my chest wanes slightly, and I draw in another breath. At least I know Antonio will be safe once I step on that plane. And for now, that’s good enough.

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