Alessandro's Prize Read online

  A redolent aroma that begged a sample taste as it teased the nose with the promise of ambrosia.

  ‘Yet you returned to Australia,’ a fellow guest noted, and Lily returned her attention to the present.

  ‘My family was there,’ she relayed simply. ‘Friends. It was where I wanted to be.’

  And Parisi, the upmarket Italian-style restaurant her parents had worked so hard to achieve the stellar success it rightly deserved.

  Hers now, with subtle additions to the menu, extra touches to the table settings, and slight changes to the decor.

  There was pride in maintaining the high standard of quality food, excellent service, while ensuring a relaxed and happy atmosphere, where regular guests were welcomed by name with every effort made to secure their preferred table.

  She’d imagined her life was mapped out…a brilliant business in a field for which she had a genuine love; a man she believed loved her; a wedding to plan.

  Only for James to prove himself unfaithful, untrustworthy, and not the man she’d thought him to be.

  There had been times over the past weeks when she’d shuddered at how close she’d come to committing to a marriage that held the portent of heartbreak and disaster.

  A lucky escape, yet while it still hurt to think her trust had been betrayed, most of her anger was directed against herself for failing to recognize the real James beneath his practiced façade.

  ‘And now you are here,’ a light feminine voice concluded, bringing Lily back to the present. ‘Sophia will adore having you join her on shopping excursions and ensure you enjoy the history that is Milan.’

  ‘I’m looking forward to it.’ She offered a smile that encompassed the guests seated opposite, and felt a start of surprise as she met Alessandro’s steady gaze.

  It was crazy, but she had the distinct feeling he’d discerned the passage of her thoughts and it rankled, stirring something deep inside she refused to acknowledge.

  To be so conscious of him was unsettling, for it made her feel uncomfortable, almost vulnerable, and she dismissed it, him, as she conversed with the guests.

  Following the debacle with James, she wanted peace in her life, and a man of Alessandro del Marco’s calibre was the antithesis of calm.

  Sophia regarded Alessandro with immense affection, the son she and Giuseppe had made their own in all but name.

  It was likely any invitation Alessandro extended to Sophia would include Lily while she remained a guest in Sophia’s home.

  So how difficult could it be?

  The answer presented itself as the evening drew to a close, the guests departed, with Alessandro the last to leave.

  ‘Grazie, Sophia,’ he bade gently as he lowered his head and brushed his lips to each of her cheeks in turn before shifting to accord Lily a similar salutation.

  Except in a bid for formality, she moved fractionally and to her utter embarrassment his lips touched her own…briefly, but it was enough to quicken her pulse.

  Worse, she felt the insane desire to linger, to experience more…

  For a moment her skin heated, and she took a hasty step backwards, misjudged the angle of her killer heels and clutched at his arm in an effort to maintain her balance.

  Oh, hell. ‘I’m sorry.’ Had she said the words out loud? Hopefully not.

  ‘My dear,’ Sophia voiced with concern. ‘Are you all right?’

  ‘I’m fine,’ Lily reassured, and knew it to be a lie.

  Fine didn’t cover it, when her pulse raced to a quickened beat, and sensation quivered deep within.

  What was with that?

  She didn’t want to react emotionally to any man.

  Especially not Alessandro del Marco.

  Why, she didn’t even like him.

  Wrong, a silent voice accorded with impish intent. You’re afraid of how he might make you feel.

  Only a fool would travel that road.

  Isn’t going to happen, she assured with conviction.

  Not in this lifetime.

  So why this uncanny feeling nothing about her visit to Milan would follow any preconceived plan?

  CHAPTER TWO

  THE day Sophia had tickets for fashion week dawned cold, with drizzly rain, and Lily chose black leggings, soft leather calf-high black boots, an elegant knit thigh-length black dress, and added a long deep red cashmere scarf for contrast and extra warmth.

  After a few days in Lake Como, she was still experiencing the transition from a southern Australian autumn to the close of a chilly northern Italian winter.

  ‘Layers,’ Sophia had advised. ‘And pack an overnight bag with evening wear, for we will be attending one of the after-parties. Alessandro has insisted we stay overnight at his apartment to accommodate our shopping expedition tomorrow.’

  Whoa. For a brief moment Lily vied between pleasure and mild apprehension.

  The shopping expedition would prove delightful. But she had reservations about being a guest in Alessandro’s apartment.

  Reservations she determinedly dismissed on the grounds Sophia would be a fellow guest, and the only time they’d come face to face with their host would be breakfast…if then, for inevitably he’d leave early to begin the business day in his city office.

  It was a matter of convenience, the combination of what would inevitably become a late night, and Alessandro was practically family.

  So get over it.

  Consequently an overnight bag became something more as she chose elegant red evening trousers and matching blouson top, black designer stilettos and a black evening bag. Together with sleep trousers, a cotton sleep vest, toiletries, make-up, and she was good to go.

  In Carlo’s capable hands the large Mercedes purred south from Sophia’s Lake Como villa to Milan, entering the age-old city where traffic was intense, and it appeared every driver vied for position…often with a combination of high risk and dubious skill.

  ‘Ah, we are almost there,’ Sophia enthused as the car slowed before turning into an entrance bay decked with carpet leading into the chosen venue.

  Lily was unsure what to expect, but the sight of the paparazzi crowding in on each car as it arrived, the inevitable crush to determine who were the occupants, the brilliant flash bulbs popping, was incredible, and over the top.

  ‘Your bags will be waiting for you at Alessandro’s apartment,’ Carlo relayed as Sophia and Lily exited the car.

  ‘Grazie, Carlo,’ Sophia offered in thanks. ‘I’ll be in touch with a time for our return.’

  To say the day was an experience to remember didn’t quite cut it, Lily mused as she became caught up with the sheer glamour, the personage of world-famous designers, the models and the Spring Collection fashions.

  From avant-garde to almost bizarre, there were designs that were delightful, appealing and in a brilliant mesh of colours. Worn with professional panache by slender young models with sculptured hairstyles, perfect make-up, who held their heads high, eyes front, and rarely smiled.

  Exquisitely aloof, Lily accorded, and couldn’t help wondering if there was pandemonium behind the scenes as egos clashed in discord.

  Yet on the runway the presentation went like clockwork, there were envious nods from those in the audience who were contracted to record the day for numerous fashion magazines.

  It was a privilege to be there, and Lily turned to Sophia as she offered a genuine thank you, accompanied by an impulsive fleeting kiss to her aunt’s cheek.

  ‘You are enjoying the day, cara?’

  ‘Very much.’

  There were some familiar personages present, women who held high positions with prestigious fashion magazines. New York, Paris, London. Easily recognizable were a few members of royalty, and three actresses seated front-row centre.

  Then the music changed, and her attention returned to the runway where a famed designer provided an awe-inspiring cavalcade that drew murmurs of appreciation.

  It was as the last in a series of models disappeared backstage that Lily experienced a fain
t prickle of awareness settle at the back of her neck, and she glanced at Sophia in time to see Alessandro slip into a seat next to her aunt.

  There was a brief moment when she caught his smile, managed an acknowledging nod in response, and attempted to dispel his powerful image without much success.

  He was an advocate of fashion?

  Perhaps he was deciding to gift a designer original to his current mistress?

  As if it were any concern of hers…

  So why the sudden shaft of…what? Disappointment?

  How crazy was that? She didn’t even particularly like him. No, that wasn’t entirely true. He aroused thoughts she didn’t want to entertain with any man…especially him. So why this increased sense of awareness? Almost as if her body was at total variance with her mind.

  Get with the programme, for heaven’s sake, she silently bade as she focused her attention on the runway.

  Sky-high heels, platform soles, boots—ankle, mid-calf and mid-thigh. Sandals with straps winding up to mid-calf. Fascinating, thrilling…out of this world. And mostly impractical for everyday wear.

  ‘I can almost feel my feet wincing in sympathy,’ Sophia offered quietly, and Lily bit back a light chuckle.

  ‘I suggest we leave soon,’ Alessandro indicated. ‘We’ll have dinner, then return to my apartment to change in time to attend the after party at the hotel.’

  ‘An excellent idea,’ Sophia agreed, while Lily hid a degree of surprise.

  Not to mention the faint onset of nerves. Crazy, she dismissed. Except she didn’t want to experience the slight edginess his presence generated. Or the feeling he saw more than she felt comfortable with. For it was almost as if he could divine her mind…aware of the complexity of her thought process.

  None of which sat well as she faced the evening in his company. Except what other choice did she have?

  Alessandro chose an elegant restaurant full of belle epoque charm, which offered high quality fare Lily noted as she perused the menu.

  Instead of a main, she selected an exquisite pasta dish as an entree and opted for a light fruit confection for dessert.

  Intimate table seating ensured she was aware of the subtle tones of his exclusive cologne, the clean smell of fresh linen…dammit, him…the masculinity he exuded with effortless ease, the sensual electricity apparent and a heightened sexuality that was intensely male.

  Dangerous to her peace of mind, and other more intimate parts of her body.

  How could she feel this way…now, when a matter of weeks ago she had been planning her own wedding to someone else?

  It didn’t make sense. Nor did it seem conceivable for the teenage crush she’d once had on Alessandro to linger in her subconscious mind for years, only to re-emerge with disturbing clarity when confronted with his presence.

  Get over it, Lily bade silently.

  Her own vulnerability, a combination of anger and hurt provided a simple explanation…one she chose to accept on the grounds that anything else defied analysis.

  ‘Busy day, caro?’ Sophia queried, and Lily saw a warm smile curve Alessandro’s generous mouth.

  Doubtless wheeling and dealing multimillion-dollar takeovers formed part of his everyday life, Lily accorded silently.

  ‘You were successful in acquiring the villa,’ Sophia stated, and paused to take a sip of her wine before replacing the goblet on the table. ‘It is charming, but in a sad state of disrepair.’

  ‘But structurally sound,’ Alessandro advised. ‘I have a team of experienced craftsmen on standby to begin work as soon as the plans are approved.’

  ‘A valuable investment,’ Sophia concluded.

  ‘An interest and a challenge,’ Lily offered.

  His dark eyes captured her own. ‘Much like a woman,’ he said smoothly, and glimpsed the momentary uncertainty before she quickly covered it with a degree of humour.

  ‘Achieve the necessary work to reach your goal.’ She paused imperceptibly. ‘Then move on to the next challenge.’

  ‘Inevitably with bricks and mortar,’ he drawled, pinning her with his dark gaze. ‘But not always with a woman.’

  Why did she get the sudden impression she was verging into dangerous waters? ‘Yet you have not taken the plunge into marriage.’

  ‘Are you concerned for my marital comfort?’

  Oh, my. Erotic images momentarily filled her mind before she successfully dismissed them. ‘Your progeny,’ she managed evenly. ‘And the future generation of Del Marco Industries.’

  For a moment she thought she caught a wicked gleam in those dark eyes, then it was gone, and she put it down to her vivid imagination.

  Sophia nodded. ‘It is something of which I remind him on occasion.’

  Why did the thought of Alessandro married cause her heart to plummet? And imagining him with another woman, a child or three…hurt?

  It didn’t make sense.

  ‘Shall we order coffee?’ Alessandro queried, and Sophia sent him a wry smile.

  ‘Always you evade the issue.’

  ‘And always I promise you will be the first to know when I find the right woman,’ he said gently.

  The sky was a dark indigo, and the air held an icy chill as they emerged from the restaurant a short while later.

  It was a relief to reach Alessandro’s car, the heating welcome as he took the north-west route to Magenta.

  His apartment was situated on the P.za Sant Ambrogio, comprising two levels, and the height of luxury with marble-tiled floors, elegant oriental rugs, beautiful rosewood furniture in the lounge and reception rooms. Four guest bedroom suites were situated upstairs, including the master suite.

  It wasn’t the image Lily held of a bachelor pad. Somehow she’d expected something less…refined. Instead there was a quiet elegance apparent, simpatico with the building itself with its stucco exterior and ornate window framing illuminated by street lighting.

  Whoever had organized the restoration had ensured the renovations combined modern-day luxury while maintaining the feel of a former era.

  It was in a word…lovely. And Lily offered the compliment with sincerity.

  ‘Grazie,’ Alessandro inclined. ‘It pleases me you approve. Will an hour be sufficient in which to shower and change?’

  ‘With ease,’ Sophia assured. ‘Lily?’

  ‘Of course.’

  It took only minutes to unpack her overnight bag, discard her clothes and slip into the decadent marble en suite. For a moment she took an envious glance at the bath with its marbled surrounds and elegant fittings, before moving to the shower. A luxurious soak in decadent scented water was out of the question, and she quickly quelled the image as she turned the water dial.

  There was no need to rush, and she took her time before drying off, then she wound a towel turban-style over her hair before slipping into fresh underwear, and tended to her make-up with a light hand, merely emphasizing her eyes, a touch of bronze blusher to each cheek, followed by a light gloss to her lips.

  The classic little black dress with black stilettos was a safe choice.

  She decided to sweep her hair into an elegant twist, which took several minutes to pin in place, and she added a subtle perfume to a few pulse points, attached diamond and ruby ear-studs and added a matching bracelet to her wrist.

  Then she placed a red coat over her shoulders, collected an evening purse and joined Sophia at the head of the stairs.

  ‘You look lovely, cara,’ Sophia complimented, and Lily smiled as she tucked a hand inside her aunt’s elbow.

  ‘So do you.’ For Sophia bore a timeless elegance in whatever she chose to wear, she accorded with genuine admiration as they descended the stairs.

  Alessandro was in the process of ending a call as they reached the spacious lounge, and she watched idly as he slipped the device into the inside pocket of his jacket before moving forward to greet them.

  Attractive, intensely masculine in impeccable tailoring, white shirt in fine cotton, silk tie—he was something else, Lily p
erceived.

  There was a depth to him, well hidden beneath the outer trappings his wealth could provide.

  For a brief moment she sought to define it, and failed to adequately pin it down to any one quality.

  Yet there was an instinctive sense of a need for self-preservation, a wariness that warned that when he played, he played to win. In any situation, be it a business deal, or a woman.

  It wasn’t difficult to imagine the type of woman he would seek. Tall, slender, beautiful, a socialite who would be the perfect hostess, please him in bed, bear him the requisite heir and turn a blind eye when he sought out a mistress.

  ‘Charming,’ Alessandro accorded with a smile that encompassed both women, and Lily caught the faint gleam of humour as his eyes caught and held her own.

  For a brief moment she had the uncanny feeling he’d read her mind. Something she immediately dismissed as being ridiculous, for she wasn’t that transparent…surely?

  ‘Shall we leave?’

  The hotel was situated adjacent the neighboring Botanical Gardens, and entrance into the hotel’s exclusive lobby revealed beautiful fittings and furnishings.

  Directions to a private lounge where the designer after party was being held were on display, and Security checked invitations at the door.

  Once inside, Lily was met with a wave of the beautiful people, a few recognizable actresses, a model or three among them, and an abundance of glitz and glamour.

  Members of the paparazzi were there with camera flashbulbs snapping the rich and famous, and the not too discreet journalists rapidly recording names as they matched who was with whom.

  Voices filled the room, vying with background music which fought to be heard above snatches of Italian, French and English.

  The people, the fashions, the sheer ambience… It was, in a word, amazing.