CHAPTER ELEVEN
LILY slid into her car, fired the engine, and eased into traffic. The morning shift had involved few dramas, with the kitchen staff working in unison with efficient speed. Even Cristo displayed a remarkable lack of temperament, and the remainder of the afternoon stretched ahead offering a variety of options in which to occupy her time.
There was little urgency to make like a tourist, and browsing boutiques or department stores held little appeal. Food, on the other hand, held her interest, and she smiled at the thought of inspecting one of the city’s better known delicatessens. Indulge in a specialty latte, select a few purchases, and when she was done she’d stop by a gelato bar and choose something delicious from the selection offered.
It was pleasant to examine the delicatessen wares, the large shaped jars with their preserved red, yellow and green capsicums; the bottled olives, sliced and roasted eggplant, the various salami, prosciutto, parma ham to mention a few. And the cheeses—so many to choose from. The display was akin to an Aladdin’s cave of delicacies.
It was enough to make a seasoned gourmand salivate.
Lily made a small selection, paid, and collected a crisp crunchy bread roll. Dinner for one taken care of.
The gelato bar was next, where she chose a favourite, mango, and enjoyed every morsel.
It was almost dark when she reached her car, and after depositing her purchases onto the passenger seat she slid in behind the wheel.
Alessandro’s image filled her mind as she engaged the engine. Admit it, he had become a constant, even when he wasn’t physically present.
Examining why he affected her to such an emotional degree didn’t supply any answers she was prepared to contemplate.
They didn’t share a relationship per se. Yet it had become more than friendship. As to where it might lead…who knew?
Where do you want it to go? a silent voice taunted.
At that point her mind skittered away from the obvious. She could handle friendship, a few kisses, but taking the next step?
That was an entirely different ball game.
Although the thought of Alessandro in the role of lover held the power to liquefy her bones. Not to mention arouse every erogenous area in her body.
Don’t go there.
She didn’t need the heartache that would inevitably follow when the relationship came to an end.
Enough already.
Soon she’d be home, and there was the pleasure of a quiet evening alone. First she’d unpack her purchases, fix something light to eat, then she’d shower and relax.
With such thoughts in mind, she parked the car, gathered up her parcels, activated the remote locking mechanism, then she made her way to the apartment building.
The next instant a hard push from behind sent her sprawling to the ground, and for an instant shock robbed her of the ability to move, then she was scrambling to her feet.
Who…why? raced through her mind as she swung round towards her aggressor, and for a horrified second she saw only a man.
‘Hello, Lily.’
Her vision sharpened at the sound of a familiar voice. James?
Lily’s eyes widened in disbelief. ‘What in hell do you think you’re doing?’
‘That should be my question, don’t you think?’
He began moving towards her, and she stood her ground.
He cast the apartment building a sweeping glance. ‘Nice digs, Lily. Rent must cost a bundle.’ His gaze returned to spear her own. ‘Is your new lover picking up the tab?’
None of this boded well, and she forced herself to remain calm. ‘I pay my own way.’
‘With your body?’
‘I don’t have to listen to this.’
‘But I’m not done.’
‘James…’
He took a step closer. ‘Do you plead in his arms, Lily? Like it when he becomes…assertive, shall we say?’ He jabbed a fist to her shoulder, and smiled as she steadied herself. ‘Bitch. You invite him in to your apartment. Go away with him for the weekend.’
He’d been watching her? The knowledge sent chills feathering her spine.
He slapped her face, and she reeled back in disbelief.
This was James? The seemingly placid man she’d almost married? Not once during their relationship had he been physically or verbally violent.
A little possessive on occasion, which at the time she’d considered protective. But this…this behaviour showed a side of him she could never have imagined he possessed.
Which only showed how well he’d played a part, and proved she really hadn’t known him at all.
‘You won’t walk away from me.’ He stepped forward and caught her shoulders in a punishing grip. Then he ground his mouth against her own.
Get away from him.
The words were a silent scream inside her head, and she lashed out with her foot, hard, and had the momentary satisfaction of hearing him grunt in pain.
His mouth on her own was a violation, and she bit his tongue in a bid to wrench free. For a brief second she thought she succeeded, except he was taller, heavier, and he had the advantage of anger.
The next instant his arm swung in a vicious arc to connect with the side of her head and sent her toppling to the ground.
Shocked pain vied with stunned disbelief.
James…James was attacking her?
Something hard thudded painfully with her ribcage, and like a wounded animal she screamed for help.
There was vague recollection of someone shouting, the sound of running footsteps, then an anxious male voice queried, ‘Are you all right?’
Followed by a female voice… ‘Are you hurt? Can you stand?’
Yes. Not sure.
Had she uttered the words aloud? Who knew? Her head didn’t seem to be her own, and coherent thought wasn’t really happening.
She was vaguely aware of a male voice in the background, and she heard the words ‘police’, ‘ambulance’…and began to protest.
‘You need to see a doctor,’ a female voice said gently. ‘Is there anyone we can call for you?’
No. She moved tentatively…arms, legs OK. Sore head, sore ribs.
‘My apartment building is just a few metres away.’
She caught sight of the bag containing her purchases lying in a mess of broken glass and seeping preservatives on the pavement.
‘Here’s your shoulder bag.’ There was genuine regret in his voice as he indicated the bag of soiled food. ‘Nothing to be saved there, I’m afraid.’
‘We’ll get you into the lobby and wait with you until help arrives,’ the feminine voice assured.
She hurt most everywhere, and she could taste blood as she ran her tongue over her lower lip.
Wonderful. Just what she needed when she was rostered on to work the lunch and dinner shifts next day.
Maybe after a shower, some first aid, painkillers, she’d feel better in the morning.
‘Thank you.’
It hurt to move, and she felt immensely grateful for the support offered as together the three of them made it slowly to the entrance. Lily punched the security code into the panel, the doors slid open, and she was helped into a chair.
She became vaguely aware of voices, the ding as lift doors opened, expressed concern…and the peal of a cell-phone.
The last thing she wanted was any fuss. In fact, all she wanted was the sanctuary of her apartment, a long hot shower, and to slip into her comfortable bed.
‘I’ll be fine to go to my apartment.’
‘You’ve had a nasty experience,’ someone soothed. ‘It’s probably best you rest quietly for a while.’
Five minutes, ten…then she’d insist.
Except she didn’t get the opportunity as the entry doors slid open and a familiar male figure loomed large in the aperture.
Lily closed her eyes, then slowly opened them again as
Alessandro reached her side. She could try for humour or opt for silence… It was easier to choose the
latter.
A muscle tensed at the edge of his jaw as he raked her pale features. ‘Per meraviglia.’ The words were dangerously quiet as he crouched down in front of her.
‘What are you doing here?’
Alessandro lifted a hand and gently tucked a lock of hair that had fallen onto her cheek behind her ear. ‘The apartment manager rang me.’
‘Why would he do that?’
‘I own the building.’
Well, then. ‘Why am I not surprised?’
He rose to his feet. ‘Let’s go.’
Hopefully up to her apartment, but caution had her querying, ‘Go where?’
‘A private medical centre.’
‘I don’t need—’
‘Yes, you do.’ He picked up her shoulder bag and carefully scooped her into his arms.
She cast him a cross look. ‘I can walk.’
Not that he took any notice, and much to her chagrin he repeated the action when they reached the medical centre.
‘There is no need for this.’
He didn’t answer, merely settled her into a chair in the waiting room and proceeded to take control.
A doctor examined her, organized blood tests, X-rays, scans, an injection…or was it two?
Lily lost count as an hour dragged by, then another before she was cleared to leave.
It didn’t help her sense of modesty that Alessandro remained present during it all. Or that he took care of medical expenses, ignoring her protest without offering so much as a word.
Worse, it wasn’t her apartment he returned her to, but his own.
‘Why have you brought me here?’ Lily demanded with exasperation as he cut the engine.
‘I want to sleep nights,’ Alessandro declared.
‘So this…suggestion is entirely so you can rest easy?’
‘Primarily your safety.’
‘No.’
He, who ruled boardrooms with an iron fist, and never lost for a response, was somehow finding he was treading dangerous waters.
‘You don’t have the right to dictate to me,’ Lily said, ignoring Alessandro’s dark look.
‘Caring for you gives me the right.’
‘I didn’t ask you to care.’
‘Tough.’
This was fast approaching dangerous territory, a place she wasn’t ready to visit just yet. For what seemed an age she simply looked at him, searching his features in an attempt to make sense of what remained unsaid.
‘Choose, Lily,’ Alessandro said quietly. ‘My place or yours, but we share the same roof for as long as it takes.’
‘Mine. Alone.’
‘Madre di Dio. Must you be so stubborn?’
Stubborn didn’t come close. Yet she was damned if she’d admit she was afraid…not of him, herself.
It was too much… He was too much.
‘Take me home, Alessandro,’ she said at last. ‘Please,’ she added. It was late, she was tired, wanting nothing more than a leisurely shower and to crawl into bed.
Lily almost expected him to refuse, or attempt to change her mind, and it came as a complete surprise when he ignited the engine and returned to her apartment.
She told herself she couldn’t care less whether he followed her indoors or not, nor would she admit to feeling immeasurably relieved when he did.
Without a further word she crossed to her bedroom, closed the door, then she shed her clothes and entered the en suite.
The hot pulsing water helped soothe tense muscles, and the combination of scented soap and steam felt good, so good, she stayed longer than necessary, emerging to towel off the moisture, brush out her hair and loosely plait it, before pulling on cotton sleep trousers, a sleep vest and emerging into the bedroom.
The apartment was quiet. She knew the front door was locked, yet a sense of self-preservation had her doing a final check.
It was then she caught a glimpse of a large male frame stretched out on a leather recliner chair in the lounge.
Alessandro. Minus shoes, jacket, tie. Asleep, if his steady breathing was any indication.
For a moment she wanted to shake him awake, then she heaved a deep sigh and retreated to the bedroom.
Surprisingly to sleep, and wake to the enticing smell of freshly brewed coffee, toast, and, if she wasn’t mistaken, bacon crisping in a pan.
Lily entered the kitchen to find Alessandro transferring bacon onto two plates, deftly following it with creamy scrambled eggs.
‘Buon giorno.’
‘I won’t ask the obvious question.’
‘Sit,’ he commanded quietly. ‘Eat.’
There was only one word she could summon. ‘Bossy.’
‘Grazie.’
‘You can’t stay here,’ Lily voiced a trifle desperately.
He met her troubled gaze, and saw the doubt, the anguish and a trace of fear in her eyes.
Alessandro opted for a faintly wry smile. ‘This chair isn’t exactly comfortable.’
‘Please, Alessandro.’
‘Pack a bag while I call Giovanni.’ He stood to his feet and stretched his arms high in an effort to ease the kinks in stiff muscles. ‘Then you’re coming with me.’
A frown creased her brow. ‘I’m not going anywhere with you.’
‘Yes, you are.’ His voice held a hint of steel.
Lily huffed out an angry breath and spared him a dark look. ‘You can’t…’
‘Easily,’ he assured silkily. ‘Whether you comply, or we do it the hard way.’
‘I’m rostered on to work.’ It was a desperate measure which had no effect whatsoever.
‘As of now you’re off the roster until such time as you’re fit to return.’
‘Says who?’
He took a step towards her, but refrained from touching her. ‘I do.’
It was war as they went toe to toe, and at any other time they each might have glimpsed the humour in the standoff.
Lily eyed him with fearless disregard, her eyes dark velvet brown brimming with speechless anger, while Alessandro continued to hold his ground.
The air between them sizzled with tension for several long seconds.
She wanted to refuse. Except she couldn’t win. And her ribs, her head, everything ached too much to fight him.
‘I don’t like you.’
His mouth curved a little at the edges. ‘Right at this moment, I don’t expect you do.’
It didn’t take long to retrieve a bag, add clothing and collect what else she needed before re-emerging into the lounge to deposit the bag at his feet.
Alessandro merely grasped the leather handles and hefted the bag over one shoulder. ‘Don’t forget your keys,’ he reminded as he crossed the room to the door, leaving her to follow.
OK, so she’d made her point. Without a word she collected her laptop, then she covered the distance to the door, opened it, and summoned the lift.
The drive to Alessandro’s apartment was achieved in silence, and the moment they were indoors she turned to face him.
‘Happy, now?’
His eyes measured her own, deceptively calm, almost lazy in their regard. It was the faint hint of elemental ruthlessness just beneath the surface of his control that lifted her fine body hairs in instinctive self-defence.
‘I’ll go upstairs and unpack.’
She chose the guest suite she’d occupied when both she and Sophia had stayed over following the Milan fashion after party.
There was a need to check the kitchen and see what she could prepare for their lunch. Both pantry and refrigerator were well-stocked and she sought Alessandro’s home office, then she tapped the door twice.
There was no answer, and she knocked more forcibly.
Maybe he wasn’t there.
Then the door opened and he stood in the aperture, looming far too tall since she’d ditched her heels for soft moccasins.
‘Are you going to be here all day?’
‘The prospect bothers you?’ he queried evenly.
It bothered th
e hell out of her, but she was darned if she’d admit to it. ‘Not at all. Will one o’clock suit you for lunch?’
For a second she thought she glimpsed a gleam of humour apparent, and her eyes sharpened a little.
‘One o’clock will be fine.’
Lily inclined her head. ‘I’d like to check my emails later. After lunch will be fine, if that’s OK with you?’
On receiving his affirmative, she turned and retraced her steps to her suite.
Unaware Alessandro remained where he stood until she moved out of sight, before he thrust one hand in his trouser pocket and lifted the other to thread fingers through his hair.
He felt at odds with his emotions, alternately wanting to drag her into his arms and kiss her until she begged for mercy…or what?
Go one step further and take her to his bed? That would work…not. Bruised ribs, a narrow escape from concussion, add shock, and anything approaching intimacy wasn’t going to happen. Yet.
Meanwhile, he had the distraction of work.
With lunch in mind, there was a need to decide what she should prepare.
Pasta was a staple, and there were sufficient fresh tomatoes, ingredients to make a basil pesto, bread rolls in the freezer she could use to make bruschetta.
It was pleasing to discover Alessandro had invested in excellent equipment, and for a kitchen in a private apartment it was a dream in which to work. Whoever drafted the plan knew where to build cupboards, place the dual ovens, the stove top, pull-out drawers in which to store saucepans. Plenty of bench space.
Did he cook? Or did he dine out?
At precisely one o’clock Lily put lunch on the table and tamped down a sudden jolt of nerves as Alessandro appeared without warning.
He possessed the silent tread of a cat, and for a second her hand shook as she indicated the table.
His eyes narrowed. Her features were pale, and bruising was beginning to appear around the twin butterfly strips at the edge of her forehead.
Silent anger rose to the surface against her ex-fiancé. It was only a matter of time before James’s whereabouts were discovered.
He watched as she picked at her food, eating little before she pushed her plate aside.
‘Not hungry?’
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