Page 46 of Savage Vows

At the rough softness in his tone, a flicker of warmth blooms in my chest—dangerous, unbidden, but undeniable. Matteo Moretti is impossible to understand, and yet in this moment, he’s given me something I hadn’t dared hope for: a place that’s all mine. “Thank you.” I ache to touch him. “Truly.”Matteo.He’s gotten inside the barriers I’ve been busily erecting to keep him out of my heart.

“Let me show you how the security system works.”

A little reluctantly, I come back inside and lock the door behind me.

“I’d prefer you keep it set when you’re in here alone.”

Always the reminder that his property is a fortress.

“But I’ll still be able to go out onto the balcony?” I imagine myself sitting there, sipping coffee, sketchpad in my lap. Or maybe setting up an easel near the railing when the light is right and capturing the world as it’s coming alive. Even a night like this one would be perfect, with a glass of wine.

“Absolutely.”

“I may never come back to the main house.”

“No?” He seems completely unconcerned.

“Seriously. I can’t thank you enough.”

“I love taking care of my good girl.”

At his sexy tone, I swallow hard.

“Anything that’s in my power to give you, I will.”

Except the one thing I want the most.

He walks to the kitchenette and picks up my tumbler. In a couple of strides, he reaches me and offers me the wine. “To your masterpieces.”

I clink my glass against his.

Then while he patiently watches, his shoulders against the far wall, I wander around the room, sipping the wine, trailing my fingertips across each surface, rearranging some things in ways that suit me, dreaming of the things I’ll create.

I have no idea how long we’ve been here—an hour, maybe more—but he never tries to hurry me.

“I meant it earlier. It really is perfect.”

His smile melts me. “Ready to go back?”

I’m not sure I ever will be. Still, I nod.

He shows me how the alarm works, and he has me repeat his actions.

With each button I push, the system chimes in response.

“At night, make sure the entire loft is armed, including windows and the balcony door. Understand?”

“I think I’ve got it.” The instructions and codes are a lot to remember.

“You can always contact me or Nash if you’re uncertain. And both of us can set it remotely.”

“Good to know.”

That handled, we make our way back to the main house.

I place my tumbler in the sink. But as I start to say goodnight, the words vanish.

Before I can think, he closes the space between us. His hands are firm but gentle as they cradle my face. I feel protected, desired.

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