Alessandro's Prize. Helen Bianchin

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      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 СКАЧАТЬ