Page 72 of Savage Vows

“Tell me about it?” Bella prompts.

“It’s perfect. He talked to Artemis—who runs the artists’ colony—and he made sure to get everything right. The lighting, the storage. He even had special shelving built for canvases. I’ve got a balcony, all the supplies I can think of. Sometimes when I’m there, I almost forget…”

“That you’re not free?”

I nod, grateful she understands. No wonder the Morettis wanted her as their PR person. She’s smart and compassionate.

“Can I tell you something?” Bella leans forward. “Having a driver doesn’t mean giving up your life. Yes, they report to our husbands—or in your case, future husband. But they’re also there to enable our lives, not restrict them.”

“How do you handle it?” I ask. “The constant watching?”

“I changed how I think about it. Instead of seeing chains, I see…support. The freedom to focus on what matters to me because someone else is handling the logistics and security.” She smiles. “I can work or read during my commute.”

Catching up on my social media and not having to worry about directions or parking was a nice perk.

“I think maybe Matteo is having some adjustment issues. I have freedom and so does Aunt Gina.”

Aunt Gina.It takes me a moment to realize she’s talking about the Don’s wife, who is Nico’s aunt.

“She has an amazing circle of friends. Artists, philanthropists, business owners. They meet weekly for lunch, organize charity events. She hasn’t given up a single thing that matters to her.” Bella signals for more wine. “And neither have I. I still work, still have my foundation. The only difference is now I have people making sure I’m safe while I do it. Nico is more relaxed, and that means my life is simpler.”

“But how did you get comfortable with it?”

“Time. Trust. Realizing that Nico’s need to protect me comes from love, not a desire to control.” She studies me over her glass of wine. “You know, there’s quite an active arts community here in Houston, and there are several galleries in River Oaks that might like to show your work. I know a lot of the owners from my work at the foundation. I’m happy to make introductions. From there, you could build your own circle, create your own community.”

“Matteo would allow that?”

“He might not like it at first, but he’d eventually support you. His father and Nico are both advising him, and he listens to them.” She grins. “He’d probably buy out your first show just to prove a point.”

That idea is so farfetched that I dismiss it out of hand.

Once our plates are cleared, we both decline dessert, though I’m tempted by the chocolate cake.

“I’ll have coffee, though,” Bella says.

“Make that two,” I agree.

“These men of ours can be…intense. But they support the women in their lives. Keeping you happy is in his best interest. His parents will have told him that.”

A memory of the loft and the way he treats me in bed flashes through me, bringing a wave of heat with it.

To cover my reaction, I take a sip of coffee.

“The trick is building your life within the parameters of this world, not fighting against them.” She’s quiet for a moment. “I hate to put on my business hat,” Bella says as she stirs cream into her coffee, “but how are the wedding preparations coming along?”

The question shouldn’t surprise me. The Don was very clear in his expectations. I’ve been avoiding anything to do with the wedding as much as possible, hoping that if I don’t acknowledge it, somehow it won’t happen. “They’re not.”

“It can be overwhelming, especially since everything is so new.” She sits back, untouched coffee in hand. “We have a list of everyone who needs to be invited from our side. I’m sure your family has names to add to it.”

I’m still planning that there won’t be a wedding, even if I go through the motions. And I couldn’t care less about any opinion my father has.

“Protocol is important in this world, and I’m happy to help navigate it. And so is Gina. She adores her sons, but I know she would have loved to have had daughters.”

I consider myself critically; I look uncertain, trapped. “I don’t know how to do any of this.”

“No one does at first. But you’re not alone.” She smiles reassuringly. “I meant it on Sunday. I know of a great wedding planner, and I’m happy to go with you, though I’m sure that Matteo is happy to also.”

I can’t even picture that.

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