Alessandro's Prize

by Helen Bianchin

  Any hope it would go unnoticed was lost as Alessandro closed the door behind them and tilted her face.

  ‘Tears, Liliana?’

  ‘An eyelash in my eye.’

  ‘Of course,’ he said gently as he dispensed the traitorous rivulet with his thumb before lowering his head to capture her mouth with his own.

  A light sensual caress that soothed as he cradled her face, then he released her and trailed light fingers down her cheek.

  ‘I’ll call you.’

  CHAPTER TEN

  LILY worked a double shift Thursday, and retired to bed utterly beat, for it had been one of those when anything that could go wrong, did…from an apprentice breaking down in tears when Cristo lost his cool with the poor girl after demanding she quicken her pace or she’d never make chef.

  Giovanni, to give him credit, had defused the situation and assigned Lily to oversee.

  A love of food was a necessity; knowing the ingredients all-important; creative passion ranked right up there.

  Working a professional kitchen involved knowing what was required and achieving it with deft accuracy in a timely manner. Something that could only be acquired with practice.

  Lily could vividly recall sessions wielding a knife to slice and dice beneath her parents’ eagle eye in the Parisi kitchen.

  ‘I don’t think I can work with him,’ the girl declared quietly. ‘He’s a temperamental monster.’

  ‘Cristo is a perfectionist,’ Lily corrected. ‘He takes pride in his work, and he demands the same degree of perfection from everyone else.’

  ‘I didn’t think it would be this hard.’

  ‘Do you want to be a chef?’

  ‘More than anything else in the world.’

  ‘Then stiffen up,’ Lily offered gently. ‘Show Cristo what you’re made of, and earn his approval.’

  ‘Does he ever approve anything?’

  Lily’s eyes lit with humour. ‘Occasionally.’

  Yet there had been further incidents, one in particular where Lily quietly berated Cristo in his native tongue.

  A long and fraught day, she concluded wryly as she disposed of her apron, collected her bag and exited the restaurant and walked to where her car was parked.

  Friday didn’t appear to fare much better, for within minutes of entering the restaurant it became apparent Cristo’s taskmaster skills had moved up a few notches, and any camaraderie in the kitchen went out the window…until Amy, the apprentice chef, inadvertently succeeded in tossing the contents of a pan a little too vigorously, which resulted in the contents spilling onto the gas hob and sent the pan clattering to the floor. Worse, her effort to catch the pan caused the naked flame to sear her hand.

  Fellow staff paused in what they were doing, and Lily, who was closest, swiftly reached for a towel, only to have it taken out of her hand by Cristo.

  Within a matter of seconds he doused it with cold water and gently wrapped it over Amy’s hand.

  ‘It hurts, sì?’

  ‘I’m sorry.’ Two tears rolled down her cheeks, and Lily watched, as indeed the others did, as Cristo merely placed a hand on Amy’s shoulder.

  ‘It is nothing. An accident,’ he dismissed quietly. ‘Can you continue?’

  ‘Yes.’

  A slight smile lifted the corners of his mouth. ‘Break for five minutes.’

  With that he returned to his station and it was as if the incident hadn’t happened.

  Well, Lily breathed, so there was a soft heart beneath the temperamental exterior after all.

  The restaurant was fully booked for the evening, and everything moved up a pace as the kitchen staff coped with plating orders on time.

  It was late when Lily exited the restaurant, and once home she stripped off her clothes and indulged in a leisurely shower, then dry she donned sleep-wear, caught up her laptop and slid into bed to check the daily email from Parisi before closing down in an effort to sleep.

  Difficult, given her mind inevitably strayed to Giarda and Massimo’s party and her increasing concern Giarda had assumed Lily and Alessandro were a couple and accommodated them in the same suite.

  Surely Alessandro would correct that?

  But what if he didn’t?

  Lily was ready with her bag packed when the in-house phone rang at three. She checked the video screen, relayed she was on her way down, and emerged into the foyer to see Alessandro standing a few metres distant.

  The impeccable business suit and tie were absent. In their place were casual chinos, a dark navy polo knit shirt that hugged his muscular shoulders, and sunglasses propped on top of his head.

  ‘Hi.’ She offered a bright smile as she handed over her bag, only to feel her eyes widen as he leant forward and brushed his lips to her cheek.

  He placed an arm loosely along the back of her waist. ‘Shall we leave?’

  The black sports car was parked out front, and he unlocked the passenger door, saw her seated, then he crossed round the back and stowed her bag in the trunk before slipping in behind the wheel.

  Lily waited until they were heading north on the A8 autostrada before broaching the somewhat delicate matter of weekend accommodation…specifically theirs.

  She met Alessandro’s brief studied glance before he returned his attention to the motorway.

  ‘Afraid, Lily?’

  ‘Of you—no.’

  ‘Don’t presume to judge me by the actions of other men.’

  She closed her eyes, then opened them again, grateful for the tinted lens of her sunglasses. ‘That wasn’t my intention.’

  ‘I’m relieved to hear it.’

  She was the one with the problem, for it was she who had responded to his kiss—if you could call such a provocatively sensual joining of mouths a kiss—with such fervour as to lead him to think she was willing to allow the passionate exchange to progress into something more.

  It didn’t help knowing with instinctive certainty she’d never emerge from a liaison with Alessandro with her emotions intact.

  So don’t go there.

  ‘Relax, Lily.’

  Like she could do that?

  Giarda’s home was reached via a winding road high on a hillside overlooking Lake Maggiore. A beautiful two-storied villa set among spacious landscaped grounds whose entry was guarded by high ornately designed steel gates, which automatically swung open as they approached.

  Giarda and Massimo emerged as Alessandro brought the car to a halt adjacent the main entrance.

  Giarda greeted them with affection, tucking her arm through Lily’s own as she led the way indoors. ‘It is so good to see you.’

  A large marble-tiled foyer showcased a curved double staircase leading to the upper level. Original art graced the walls, and sun streamed through French doors.

  ‘Come, we will take you upstairs to your suite.’

  Suite…as in one?

  Perhaps she misheard, Lily decided as they reached the atrium at the head of the stairs.

  ‘I have put you in the guest wing. I am sure you will be very comfortable.’ Giarda indicated a door at the end of the hallway. ‘Here it is quite private, and you have a beautiful view over the lake.’

  The view was inspiring, the room large with an adjoining en suite.

  One suite…with two queen-size beds.

  ‘Thank you,’ Lily managed. ‘It’s perfect.’

  ‘I knew you would like it.’

  What was not to like? Lovely furniture and fittings, elegant drapes, an exquisite escritoire, and a marble en suite to die for.

  ‘Settle in, unpack, relax a little. Then you must join us…shall we say, half an hour?’

  Giarda preceded Massimo from the room, and Lily turned towards Alessandro the instant the door closed.

  ‘Which bed do you want?’

  A slight smile lifted the edges of his mouth. ‘You don’t wish to share?’

  She met his intent gaze, and held it. ‘No.’

  ‘Shame.’

  He was amused, damn him. Hi
s eyes gleamed as he gave a husky chuckle as he lifted his bag onto the nearest bed and freed the zip fastener. ‘Any preference for left or right side of the wardrobe?’

  Given it was a sizable walk-in, she merely lifted a hand in a careless gesture. ‘Be my guest.’

  The evening lay ahead, there would be company, and in the evening the party would last well past midnight. By which time they would retire here and inevitably fall asleep within minutes.

  Tomorrow there would be a late brunch on board as they cruised the lake, and they would head home before dark.

  It was remarkably simple. She had absolutely nothing to worry about.

  Except Lily hadn’t factored in changing clothes as the time approached to dress for the party.

  It irked that Alessandro didn’t seem to give a thought to shedding casual wear for a formal evening suit, while she had no intention of stripping down to bra and briefs in his presence.

  Instead she gathered the red evening gown she’d purchased in Sophia’s company, the red matching set of lingerie, and swept into the en suite without sparing a glance in his direction.

  Only to emerge half an hour later, hair and make-up perfect.

  ‘Beautiful.’

  She executed a mock curtsy. ‘I’m glad you approve.’

  It seemed a precaution to tuck her arm through his as they descended the staircase. Killer heels and stairs did not make a good combination when it came to safety.

  The party was in full swing as they entered what had to be the ballroom, and at a guess there were upwards of seventy guests mingling as they sipped champagne from crystal flutes, while availing themselves from an abundance of finger food offered by several uniformed waiters.

  Muted music made it possible to converse, and Lily recognized a few of the guests, made polite and greeted them, exchanged small talk, and determined to enjoy herself.

  Which she did, as Giarda and Massimo had provided entertainment, and there was a DJ spinning discs for those who wanted to be active and dance.

  ‘Alessandro darling. I was sure you’d be here tonight.’

  A vision of loveliness with, Lily deduced, a yen for Botox. No one possessed a forehead so incredibly smooth.

  Which was hardly fair, given it was every woman’s prerogative to look their best.

  ‘Chantelle.’ His greeting was sufficiently warm for Lily to wonder at their connection.

  ‘And you are Lily,’ Chantelle acknowledged. ‘The paparazzi’s current must-have as Alessandro’s new partner.’

  ‘Friend,’ Lily corrected.

  ‘So shy, darling?’

  As if to compound her words, Alessandro caught hold of Lily’s hand and brought it to his lips. ‘Lily is very beautiful, is she not?’ His eyes gleamed as he looked deeply into her own.

  ‘Exquisite,’ Chantelle agreed. ‘I hope she appreciates you.’

  If he could play a part, then so would she. ‘Alessandro is amazing. I am very fortunate to have him.’

  Chantelle smiled and drifted into the crowd.

  He leant in close. ‘You haven’t…’

  ‘Had you yet?’ Lily finished the sentence for him, and deliberately give him a stunning smile. ‘And I never will.’

  ‘So sure of that?’

  She lifted a hand and cupped his jaw. ‘Darling, of course I’m sure.’

  It didn’t help that he laughed, admittedly quietly, and didn’t stray from her side for what remained of the evening.

  In fact, she could almost swear his attention was meant to convey a togetherness he knew would annoy her.

  At the witching hour of midnight the champagne flowed, toasts were gifted to their hosts, and an hour later a number of the guests had begun to disperse.

  ‘Bed, I think,’ Alessandro indicated, and Lily wrinkled her nose at him.

  ‘Must we?’

  ‘The party is all but over.’

  So it was, but she was hesitant to be alone with him, even though the suite contained two beds. And although she was loath to admit it, she was tired. Working double shifts for the past few days was taking its toll.

  It seemed expedient to capitulate, and she merely smiled as he gathered her close to his side.

  She waited until they reached their suite and the door closed behind them before moving away from him.

  ‘You can stop the pretence.’

  One eyebrow arched. ‘You think I am pretending?’

  ‘Aren’t you?’

  He reached for her, and she gasped as he drew her close. Then his mouth was on hers, teasing, coaxing, gentle, in a way that was at variance with what she expected, and when she attempted to wrench free he merely framed her face as he traced the seam of her lips with the edge of his tongue, persuasive, tempting…and when she failed to comply, he opened his mouth over her own, nibbling a little as he tested the soft curve of her lower lip before taking its fullness between the edge of his teeth, easing it down to taste the soft inner tissue.

  The temptation to nip him with the edge of her teeth was too great to deny…and she did. Or at least she tried, except light pressure on her jaw succeeded in allowing Alessandro the entry he sought.

  Proof positive he possessed the strength to bend her to his will?

  Instead he tasted, savouring gently in a kiss that melted her bones…or at least, that was what it felt like.

  This was no power trip. Nor was it possession.

  Something more.

  A promise.

  Lily’s mind reeled. Dear heaven…promising what?

  Nothing she could want.

  Nothing she dared need.

  Liar.

  If she kissed him back… Her mind screeched to a halt at the folly of giving in. Madness.

  Complete and utter insanity.

  Unbidden her hands reached for his shoulders, and pushed, wanting to be free of him. Because she had to.

  As if he knew, he eased back a little, allowing her the freedom she sought as his hands shifted to cup her shoulders and he lifted his mouth from her own.

  Lily could only look at him in stunned disbelief.

  For a moment she seemed to have lost the power of rational speech, and she saw his eyes darken as he slid his hands to capture her head.

  He smoothed a thumb over each cheek, dispelling the slow trickle of moisture, and her eyes widened in shock.

  Tears?

  She was crying?

  She so rarely cried.

  Not even in anger when she’d discovered James’s infidelity.

  An exception was the loss of her parents.

  Yet Alessandro del Marco had tapped into her emotions and laid them bare.

  It had to cease. Here. Now.

  Lily opened her mouth to utter the words, except they were stalled as he pressed a finger to her lips.

  ‘There is nothing you can say that will change what we just shared.’

  She wanted to rail against him…and almost did.

  Instead she moved away from him, gathered up her nightwear and retreated into the en suite, where she took her time with her nightly routine in the hope that when she emerged, he would be asleep in the bed…his bed.

  Some hope.

  Alessandro had retired to bed. Except he was awake, arms crossed above his head, and after an initial glance Lily ignored him completely as she crossed to her bed, slid between the covers, and settled down with her back to him.

  Seconds later she heard the faint click of the lamp and the room was plunged into darkness.

  ‘Buona notte, Liliana. Sleep well.’

  Sure, and she could do that?

  Except tiredness won out, and when she woke it was morning.

  Coffee, she could smell coffee, and she lifted her head, saw the carafe together with cup and saucer on the bedside table, together with a note, which she read.

  With Giarda and Massimo. Join us when ready. Cruiser departs at eleven. A

  Lily checked the time and immediately slid out from the bed, unable to believe she’d slept in so late. />
  Time to shower, dress in casual attire and head downstairs.

  The cruiser proved to be in the luxury category, and twenty guests in all shared a catered brunch on board as Massimo took the wheel.

  It was cool, with a brisk breeze, and Lily was glad she wore jeans and a woollen jumper, for there was a mist with the threat of rain.

  Such a shame, although the guests made light of the weather, and the array of food provided for every preference. There was a never-ending supply of coffee, and Lily determined to enjoy herself, grateful as Alessandro pointed out points of interest, named each village and some of the history of the area.

  He rarely moved from her side, and occasionally moved to stand behind her to direct her attention towards the Bocca di Angera as they passed by, the fishing village of Stresa, and Santa Caterina del Sasso Ballaro, which was built on rock and served as a monastery.

  For some of the guests this was familiar territory, but Lily was fascinated by everything she saw, for it provided a different view from that gained by road.

  It was easy to relax, to enjoy…and if there was conjecture about her relationship with Alessandro, she convinced herself she didn’t care.

  Massimo brought the cruiser in to berth mid-afternoon, and the remaining guests who had stayed over for the weekend began to slowly depart.

  It had been delightful, and Lily said so as she thanked Giarda and Massimo for their hospitality.

  The return trip to the city didn’t seem to take as long, and it was pleasant to lean back against the headrest and let music from the disc-player take up the silence.

  There was the temptation to close her eyes…and perhaps she did for a short while.

  It was early evening when Alessandro brought the car to a halt outside her apartment, and she thanked him as he accompanied her into the lobby, then rode the lift with her to the third floor.

  Outside the door of her apartment he drew her close and covered her mouth with his own, then he released her, took the keys from her hand, unlocked the door, deposited her bag, and trailed gentle fingers down her cheek.

  ‘I’ll call you.’ Then he retraced his steps and re-entered the lift.

  Tomorrow she was rostered on for the early shift, which meant an early start to the day.