Page 37 of The Fall of Sin (The Sins of Saint 2)

“Of course not, dear. Nothing but the best for my beautiful wife.”

Mila smiled warmly and twirled one last time in the red dress that was on the edge of being ruined mere seconds ago.

She winked at me right before she pulled the curtain closed. I had to let out a half-hearted laugh. It was either that or tearing through those goddamn curtains and bending her sweet body over so I could have my way with her. One thing was for sure; time with Mila would never be dull or dreary.

Amused to no end, I sat on the couch and noticed Maria stare at my untouched glass of champagne with a frown. Mila came walking out, and I narrowed my eyes.

“Maria,” I started, “I’m afraid the champagne you served us was not to my wife’s liking.”

Mila’s mouth dropped open as she balked, her bewildered expression priceless.

“Of course,” Maria replied with forced politeness.

I held my arm out to Mila and shot her a warning look, which she heeded by keeping her mouth shut and accepting I had just won that round.

Reluctantly, she hooked her arm in mine, and I leaned closer. “See, I can play too.”

13

Mila

I hadto give it to him. He played that scenario pretty well, blaming the untouched champagne on me after I gave him a piece of my mind for being a prick to the salesclerk.

On our drive to the hotel, Elena chatted away about the items she had bought herself, and how she couldn’t wait to see all the things Saint had bought me. The trunk of the SUV was stacked with boxes filled with designer bags, dresses, shoes, items that made for a sizable wardrobe most women could only dream about.

We arrived at the hotel, and the second I stepped foot in the reception area, I was transported to a different world of Milan’s rich artistic heritage. It was nothing as I imagined it would be with its blend of past and present artistry. It was an oasis of elegance, the interior design warm with the friendly faces of staff standing at the ready as if they were to greet royalty at any moment.

Elena grabbed my hand and snickered when she saw the expression on my face. “What did I tell you?”

“Elena, this is…” I was at a loss for words as I admired every inch of the reception area. “I have no words.”

“This hotel underwent millions of euros’ worth of refurbishment in 2009, but still kept some of its original Art Deco flair.”

“I have no idea what that means, but in my language, this hotel is awesome.”

Her laugh was melodic. “Oh, Mila. I do enjoy seeing you experience the grander luxuries in life.” She leaned closer as if we were two best friends engaging in gossip. “As a Russo wife should. Now, wait until you see the presidential suite. It is the epitome of luxury, and with its three bedrooms, it can accommodate all of us.”

“Mila.” Saint grabbed my hand and clutched it tight. “The elevator is this way. Elena, I reserved a different suite for you.”

“Oh.” Elena seemed surprised. “James and I won’t be joining you in the presidential suite?”

“No.” His reply was clipped, and there was a fleeting look of hurt on Elena’s features, but it passed just as quickly.

I turned to Saint. “The suite has three bedrooms. I don’t see why James and Elena can’t join us.”

“Not to worry,” Elena started with a dulcet tone. “It’s understandable that my nephew would like some privacy with his wife.” She leaned in and placed a chaste kiss on my cheek. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Yes,” Saint said. “We’ll be leaving tomorrow morning at nine o’clock sharp.”

Elena seemed disappointed. “Can we not do some sightseeing while we’re here?”

“I think we’ve done enough sightseeing.”

I squeezed his hand. “We’ve only been to one boutique, Saint.”

He ignored me and dismissed Elena with a courteous nod before leading me to the elevator.

“Signor Saint,” the elevator operator greeted as we approached. “Bentornato in hotel.”

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