Page 56 of Savage Vows

I thought I was being more than generous by reassigning Chiara to Alessia’s personal detail, and I expected her to be grateful instead of annoyed that she had to have security.

And then my hand was on her ass again, and my cock demanded I fuck her. Walking out of the bedroom door strained every bit of my self-control

Confounding woman gets to me in a way no one ever has.

“Your mother was particularly impressed by her,” my father continues, and I shake my head to bring me back into the present. His tone is neutral, his words carefully measured. “She said Alessia has a sharp mind and a way of holding her own in conversation. Admirable qualities.” He nods. “She fit in well. Was happy to help out in the kitchen.”

“I’m glad to hear it.” But I’m not surprised. With me, she’s a spitfire, but I know Artemis adores her. And my future bride was all but working as a scullery maid at Elysian Hall.

“These kinds of arrangements can be challenging initially,” my father acknowledges.

“She’ll adapt.”

He lifts his demitasse cup in acknowledgement of my words.

Then, his gaze sharp, he leans forward to rest his forearms on the desk. “Alessia’s integration into this family is critical. Her presence at the table solidifies our position with the DeLucas, and we cannot afford any mistakes. Do you understand, Matteo?”

“Yes, sir.”

“The announcements need to go out this week.”

As if I could forget. My father had been firm about that at dinner last night, and Bella has already sent me an email reminder.

“The time with Bella will be good for her.”

I bite back my annoyance.

“The more friends she has, the easier her transition will be. You want her to establish ties. Connections.” He pauses. “Loyalty.”

That’s more important than anything.

Slowly I nod.

My father has a point, and he’s right. But that doesn’t mean I have to like it.

“Bella will be an ally for you,” Nico adds. “She knows her role.”

Even though she smoothly manipulated me yesterday. If Alessia had come to me and said she wanted to spend the afternoon driving around Houston with Bella, dining, shopping, I would have said no. But when Bella asked in front of my family, there was no way I could refuse.

Still, in the time she’s been working under the tutelage of Celeste Fallon, Bella has been a great asset. Her PR skills are sharp. And the word my father just used is the most important of all. Loyalty. Bella is committed to the Moretti family.

Perhaps Nico is right. She could be my ally. Even if I don’t like being manipulated.

“She genuinely likes Alessia,” he adds.

“As does your mother.”

Two important things. My little rebel could have intentionally tried to sabotage our relationship, but she hadn’t.

That earns my respect.

“Now, to business.” My father motions to Nico. “Update us on the Russo situation.”

Nico straightens, his expression hardening. “The Russos have been skirting the line—brokering deals through intermediaries. Nothing overtly traceable but enough to raise questions. For example, some of their new contracts involve businesses that overlap with our territory.”

My father scowls. “Define overlap.”

Choosing his words carefully, Nico explains. “They’re leveraging third parties to acquire shipments at ports just outside our jurisdictions. The goods don’t technically cross into our territory, but the intent is clear. It’s a test, and they want to see how far they can push.”

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