Page 98 of Savage Prince

“Yup. Just as long as Pa sticks to his word.”

“Which is?”

I blow out a breath, shifting on the small bed. “You don’t want to know.”

“Listen, you already dragged me into this shit, so I deserve to hear the whole story. I’m guessing it has something to do with you making out with the asshole who captured you?”

“It’s complicated…”

A rueful chuckle slips out, and again, he winces. “It always is with you, Serena.”

“I madePapàpromise not to kill Ferrara, but I’m worried he won’t stick to his vow.”

“Of course he won’t. The man stole you from us, held you hostage, then tried to use you as leverage against Dante. You have met your father, right?”

Rolling my eyes, I let out a grunt. “I see Bella caught you up on everything.”Traitor.

“I wouldn’t have volunteered without being privy to the whole story.”

“Fair enough.”

“Please don’t tell me you’ve fallen for this guy?”

“No, of course not,” I blurt, a little too quickly apparently because Ale’s brows arch incredulously.

“Holy shit, you have!” His nostrils flare as he eyes me before his lips twist in disgust. “Oh, damn it, Serena, you’re fucking him, aren’t you? I can practically smell him all over you.”

“I’m glad the explosion didn’t do anything for your sense of smell,” I snap, crossing my legs, then my arms over my chest. The man has always had a weirdly sensitive gift for tracking scents.

“Oh,merda, it’s more than just fucking, isn’t it?” His worried gaze rakes over me, and the irritation lessens a bit.

“I don’t know…” I mutter. “All I know is that I don’t want him dead.”

“He didn’t hurt you?”

I shake my head. “He saved me—a few times.”

Ale lets out a low whistle before laying his head back on the pillow. I can see the exhaustion carved into his face, and I feel like a total asshole going on and on about my problems when he’s lucky to be alive.

“None of it matters.” I squeeze his hand again. “I’m just glad you’re okay and that all of this will be over soon.”

He nods. “My parents should be here any minute. The jet landed just before you got here. If you don’t want my dad handcuffing you to the chair to ensure your departure in a few days, I’d get out of here ASAP.”

“Thanks for the heads up.”

“Don’t make me regret it, Sere. Figure out your shit with this guy and get your ass back home. From what the doctors say, you’ll have two or three days max. And you know I’ll be itching to get out of here as soon as possible.”

I jump up, irrational fear of my uncle and aunt arriving before I can escape suddenly overwhelming. “I swear I’ll be here.” I grab a piece of paper from the nightstand and jot down my number. “Just call me when it’s time and please don’t share this number with anyone. If my dad asks, tell him you haven’t seen me, okay?”

“That’s a big ask, Sere.”

“I know.”

“Dante’s going to kill me if he finds out…”

“He won’t.” I tick my head at the guard by the door. “Just give him some cash to keep my secret. I would, but I’m kind of low on funds.”

Alessandro rolls his eyes before motioning toward a clear plastic bag on a chair across the room. “My wallet is in there. Grab whatever you need.”

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