Page 97 of Savage Prince

Where the hell could she have gone at this hour?

CHAPTER 47

THE BEST NURSE MAID

Serena

The heavy scent of antiseptic lingers in the air as I cross the quiet corridor of the hospital, the buzz of the halogen lights overhead the only sound besides my steadily increasing heartrate. The idea of escaping to Rome without seeing Alessandro first is unacceptable. I know Antonio would never approve which is exactly why I didn’t ask.

I tug the cap I bought from a street vendor further down over my eyes, hoping desperately not to be recognized. With my blonde locks tucked underneath the hat and wearing Antonio’s oversized sweatshirt again, I don’t look a thing like the real Serena Valentino.

Not that I know who exactly that is anymore.

I’ve always been reckless and had shit taste in men, but this thing with Antonio has absolutely flipped my world upside down. I’ve fucked lots of guys, but it wasneverlike this. Amazing sex is one thing, but the part that has me messed up in the headare the unexpected feelings I’m catching. And I don’t think I’m the only one. Already, I’ve felt the shift between us.

The sight of a uniformed guard sitting in front of a room ahead draws me from the jumble of thoughts. I pause, muttering curses. Of course there’d be a guard. Did I really think I could just stroll in? Even if Uncle Marco hasn’t arrived yet, he probably hired some local guys to keep an eye on Ale until he lands.

Throwing my shoulders back, I saunter up to the guard and flash him a smile. “Do you know who I am?”

The young guy’s eyes widen, dropping his phone on the floor. Before he can reach for it, I press my foot down on the screen. Not hard enough so that it breaks the glass, but firmly enough so that he knows I mean business.

“I’m Alessandro’s cousin, but no one can know I’m here. Do you understand?” I slide my hand to the gun at my hip, hidden beneath the oversized sweatshirt. It’s a good thing we aren’t in the U.S. There’s no way I would have been able to walk into a hospital armed.

“Yes,signorinaValentino. I know who you are.”

“I just need a few minutes with him, then you can call whoever you have to.”

“Let her in.” A rough voice echoes from inside the room, and my heart rockets up my throat.

“Ale!” I barrel by the guard and race in, eyes locking on the familiar form of my cousin stretched across the hospital bed. Oh,Dio. I stiffen my upper lip as I take him in, the entire left side of his torso covered in bandages that run all the way up to his hairline. He’s never going to forgive me, that perfect face of his must be ruined.

I resist the urge to throw my arms around him just to ensure he’s alright.

“No smart remark, Sere?” he whispers, his voice nothing like its typical cocky timbre. “I must really look like shit.”

“Nah, you look good, Ale, really good for someone who just got blown up.”

The hint of a smile lifts the corner of his lip before he winces.

“Fuck, I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. I could use a little humor in my life.”

I fold onto the bed beside him, careful not to jar the mattress or tangle the wires and tubes coming out of him. “Not for the comment,bastardo. I’m so sorry I got you caught in this mess.”

“Not your fault. I volunteered for the rescue mission.”

“Why would you do something so stupid?”

“I don’t know, Sere, maybe I missed your face.”

I chuckle, finding his hand beneath the bandages and squeeze. “I missed you too. I miss all of you.”

“Then it’s a good thing you’re coming home with me as soon as the doctor gives me the all-clear to fly.”

I nod, but my face must give something away because his dark brows furrow.

“You are coming home with us, right?”

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