Alessandro's Prize (3 page)

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.

‘Darling, you look absolutely stunning,' a light feminine voice offered in gushing tones. ‘Who are you wearing?'

‘A British designer who's making quite a name for herself.'

‘Really. Who?'

The name was lost as another voice intruded, male, this time.

‘Alessandro. Sophia.' Dark eyes settled on Lily. ‘And this is?'

‘Francesco,' Sophia acknowledged with polite charm. ‘Allow me to introduce my niece, Lily. Francesco Alverro.'

A tall man, whose practiced smile appeared exactly that—practiced—as Lily took the hand he extended. And ignored the silent invitation in the intimate press of his thumb against her palm.

‘We must get together.'

Not going to happen,
she silently declined as she freed her hand.

‘We have a number of social engagements planned over the next few weeks,' Sophia relayed with seeming regret.

‘At a few of which we're bound to meet again.'

Lily felt the light touch of Alessandro's hand at her waist, and managed not to freeze into immobility.
What was he doing?

‘Perhaps,' Alessandro conceded smoothly. ‘If you'll excuse us?'

Francesco inclined his head, eyes gleaming with wicked recognition for an instant before he stepped aside.

‘I'm quite capable of judging men for myself,' Lily intoned quietly minutes later as a guest engaged Sophia in conversation.

‘Of course you are,' he agreed with the barest hint of cynicism, and she wanted to
hit
him for alluding to her disastrous relationship with James.

‘That was uncalled for.'

‘You would do well to steer clear. Francesco has a history of enjoying the chase, the capture, only to walk away.'

She met his dark gaze fearlessly. ‘Don't most men?'

‘Not always.'

‘You, of course, are the exception,' she dismissed in droll tones. ‘Which would explain why you've managed to avoid any commitment?'

His husky chuckle curled round her nerve-ends and tugged a little. ‘Maybe I have yet to meet the one woman I would choose to share my life?'

‘Someone sufficiently brave not to pander to your ego?'

‘How…refreshing.'

‘You think?' she offered with a faux smile, only to blink at a sudden flashbulb.

‘A new conquest, Signor del Marco?' a feminine voice demanded, and thrust a small recording device close to him.

‘A friend,' he responded with pseudo politeness, only to gain a knowing smile.

‘Are you going to divulge the lady's name?'

Alessandro's silence earned a light laugh in response. ‘I have my sources. Enjoy the party.'

‘Interesting,' Lily declared with a tinge of humour when the woman had moved out of earshot. ‘Is it your celebrity or notoriety that draws attention?'

He subjected her to a steady appraisal. ‘You possess a sassy mouth.'

A swift shaft of sensation arrowed deep within, and for a timeless second she felt the breath hitch in her throat, then she recovered.

‘I believe it is a defence mechanism against men like you.'

‘You have no knowledge of what manner of man I am.'

Believe me, I don't want to know.

So why this inclination to indulge in a tangle of words with him when instinct warned against it?

‘Should I dare to offer a homespun psychological assessment?'

She caught a glimpse of wry humour in his dark eyes, then it was gone. ‘You could try.'

Lily pretended to contemplate the challenge. ‘I'll attempt a comparative balance,' she managed solemnly. ‘In your favour, there is Sophia…for whom you would do almost anything. Even gifting time and support to her niece, which earns you several brownie points.' She held up a hand and figuratively ticked off one finger. ‘I assume you're kind to young children and animals?' She barely paused as she counted off another finger. ‘Of course you are. So let's move along. You're presentable, dress well, and possess a
credible work ethic.' More than credible, but she chose not to linger.

‘However, you have a certain—' Lily trailed deliberately. ‘—reputation. Which may be part fiction.' She pretended to contemplate the issue. ‘Let's concede the jury is still out on that one.'

‘Generous of you.'

She offered him a stunning smile. ‘I'm glad you think so.'

There was a certain satisfaction to being in control, even temporarily. Yet she had the uncanny sensation it was
he
who held the strings.

Sophia rejoined them, and it was interesting to observe the guests shift singly and in small groups as the evening progressed.

In turn it was exciting to be part of it all, to simply observe the guests whose mission it was to be seen and impress; those who attended the various fashion weeks in other European capital cities and for whom designer after-parties were
de rigueur
.

Lily overheard voices raised in conflicting opinion over one particular designer's offerings on the runway.

‘
Cara
, fashion is an art form,
presented
for visual appreciation of the designers' skilled technique with cloth and thread.'

‘But, darling, who would consider wearing it?'

‘A designer original speaks for itself.'

‘And that is its attraction.'

‘Exactement.'

Of course, Lily agreed silently as she scanned the room with interest, pausing when she sighted Sophia in deep conversation with a very attractive man.

Her aunt led a very full life with her involvement in a few select charities, together with an active social existence. She
had once confided she'd chosen not to remarry, for her late husband had been her soulmate, and true love rarely struck twice.

For a moment Lily pondered the meaning of
soulmate
…two people so totally in tune with each other in every way, there could never be anyone else for either of them during their lifetime.

Had
she
felt that way about James?

In all honesty, she'd thought she
loved
him. Yet with the benefit of hindsight, she had to admit she'd loved the man she wanted him to be.

Rose-coloured glasses? Perhaps. From her perspective the relationship had felt right at the time. Although on reflection, she was able to pinpoint a few instances when she'd experienced slight niggles, little things she'd found mildly irksome, which she'd dismissed on the grounds she undoubtedly possessed a few irritating traits of her own.

Yet she'd enjoyed the sense they were a couple, with supposedly the same interests, and the sex, the intimacy had been…satisfactory.

James had wanted a short engagement, while she had been in no rush to legalize their relationship. It was James who had suggested they have a big wedding, and who had endeavoured to veto the small private ceremony she preferred.

He also had a liking for expensive clothes, the status symbols of wealth, but without the income to support them, given he regularly gifted financial assistance to his sister who resided in another state. Or so he had said.

Except the purported
sister
had turned out to be the lover she had faced sharing
her
bed in her own home.

Soulmate
…to be so in tune with a partner, to know without doubt you were twin halves of a whole co-joined for life… Was it possible?

For some, perhaps.

‘You're thinking too much.'

Alessandro's silky drawl lifted the fine hairs on her body, and there was no valid reason for the sudden spiral of sensation deep within.

Except it was
there
, like an ache that needed soothing…
ridiculous
.

Breathe,
she bade silently as the tension between them became electric.

You're being fanciful,
Lily silently chided.
Overly imaginative
. In the thrall of rampant hormones, the thought of which she found almost laughable.

Alessandro watched the play of fleeting emotions in her expressive eyes, and wondered if she realized how easily he could divine them.

On one level she fascinated him. For she possessed a conflicting mix of strength and vulnerability that made him feel…protective of her.

Even in killer heels the top of her head barely reached his shoulder, and he had an instinctive urge to remove the pins from her hair, knot its length with his fist and tug back her head to taste the sweet column of her throat, then savour the increased pulse-beat in the hollow at its base.

There was a bemused inclination to wonder how she'd feel in bed…
his
…her hair loose and tangled, her voice husky with passion as he drove her wild.

Not the most comfortable of contemplations, he perceived a trifle wryly as he caught a glimpse of Sophia on the point of rejoining them.

‘I am so sorry,' Sophia apologized. ‘I became caught up with one of the sponsors responsible for contributing to next week's charity gala.'

‘Who undoubtedly agreed to increase his original donation,' Alessandro ventured, and was rewarded by Sophia's sparkling agreement.

‘It is going to be a magnificent event. Tomorrow,' she added, gifting Lily a warm smile, ‘we shop for something spectacular for each of us to wear.'

‘Sounds like a plan,' Lily agreed.

It was late when Sophia suggested they should leave, and Lily glanced idly at the well-lit streets as Alessandro negotiated traffic.

The after-party had been a fascinating experience, completing an exceptional day…and Lily said as much as they entered Alessandro's apartment.

‘Thank you,' she added with genuine appreciation, and gave Sophia a warm hug. Then she turned towards Alessandro and offered a smile.
‘Grazie.'

‘My pleasure.'

His dark gaze encompassed them both. ‘Shall we have coffee?'

‘I'll pass,' Lily declined, ‘and head for bed.'

‘Sleep well,
cara
,' Sophia bade gently, and watched Lily ascend the stairs, aware Alessandro's attention mirrored her own. With a quiet smile she tucked a hand beneath his arm. ‘Let's have that coffee.'

In the kitchen he spooned ground coffee beans into the espresso machine, then he filled two demitasse cups with the dark aromatic brew, set both cups on the table and gave the woman seated opposite a quizzical look.

‘This is not about the coffee.'

Sophia met his gaze with a degree of solemnity. ‘No.'

He took a seat and offered a wry smile. ‘Lily.'

Sophia was silent for a few measurable seconds. ‘I would hate to see her hurt,' she said gently.

‘Will it ease your mind if I assure you that is not my intention?'

‘Sì.'

A simple affirmative, one she had no hesitation in giving. ‘
Buona fortuna
, Alessandro.'

Dark eyes gleamed with a tinge of humour. ‘I may need it.'

I
T TOOK
ages for Lily to fall asleep, for however much she tried she couldn't dispel Alessandro's powerful image, or justify the disturbing awareness that arose whenever she was in his presence.

He seemed imprinted in her mind…
there
, a vivid haunting constant that heightened her senses, teasing how his mouth would feel on her own, the touch of his hands…

Stop right there!

Such thoughts hardly made sense, and she did her best to dispense with them, attempting to qualify the fact she slept in a guest suite on the same floor as
his
suite as being responsible for her heightened awareness.

Anything else was madness.

Tiredness eventually won out, and she woke feeling ready to face the day.

Showered and dressed, she moved downstairs and discovered her aunt seated in the dining room sipping coffee.

‘Good morning,
cara
,' Sophia greeted with a smile. ‘You slept well?'

‘Yes, thanks…and you?'

Sophia inclined her head and indicated the chair opposite. ‘Join me for breakfast. Alessandro left early for the office.'

The faint knot in her stomach relaxed a little, for the
thought of facing him across the breakfast table hadn't sat well.

The tempting aroma of coffee permeated the air, and there was a carafe of orange juice, together with a few cloche-covered dishes resting on the table.

It was a perfect way to begin the day.

‘Carlo will collect us in half an hour and be at our disposal before we head back to Lake Como,' Sophia relayed, and Lily offered an impish grin.

‘Sounds like fun.'

Her aunt laughed. ‘It will be. Serious shopping is on the agenda.'

No idle promise, Lily perceived as Sophia focused their attention on the
quadrilatero
situated in the heart of Milan.

‘We will begin with Via Montenapoleone,' Sophia stated knowledgeably, sparing Carlo a twinkling smile. ‘Familiar territory, is it not?'

‘Indeed. I have extensive knowledge of every shop.'

‘Carlo is very patient,' her aunt confided with a light laugh. ‘He is my driver, he accompanies me on shopping excursions, and he also acts as bodyguard.'

Bodyguard?

‘Merely a protective measure,' Carlo informed.

The question had to be
why
it was deemed necessary.

‘Do not look so concerned,' Sophia bade gently. ‘Since Giuseppe's death, Alessandro and Carlo have taken it upon themselves to escort me wherever I choose to go.'

Two strong masculine men, each a recipient of Giuseppe and Sophia's benevolence during their youth, who cared enough to give of their time, their resources, to ensure Sophia's safety and well-being.

It was a commendable act, and one Lily could only admire.

‘Let's begin, shall we?'

She gave her aunt an infectious smile. ‘Lead the way.'

It came as no surprise when Sophia was greeted by name and afforded deferential treatment at many of the shops they visited.

‘The Charity Gala,
signora
? For you?'

‘And my niece, Lily.'

‘Ah, I have the perfect gown. So elegant.' She paused as she considered Lily's slender curves and height. ‘For Lily, perhaps something from the Spring Collection. An opaque floral silk chiffon in delicate shades of powder blue, lavender, with a hint of pink. There is simplicity in the style, and with your hair swept high…' Her head tilted a little. ‘Or the red,
sì
, the red would be stunning with your colouring. We shall view them both.'

Of the two, Lily adored the red silk chiffon with its bias cut skirt, ruched bodice. Elegant, the design showcased her delicate shoulders, narrow waist, and Sophia clapped her hands together as she accorded it
perfectto.

‘We will take both.' Her eyes twinkled with pleasure and she lifted a hand at Lily's protest. ‘It is my gift to you.' A light laugh escaped her as she took hold of Lily's hand and lifted it to her lips. ‘All these years I am your godmother, and there have been so few opportunities for us to spend time together.'

‘
Zia
, please. It is much too generous.' She turned towards the vendeuse. ‘The red gown, for which I shall pay.'

‘
Cara
, we will not argue.'

‘We have exquisite stilettos to match the gown.' As if by magic the delicate shoes were presented for approval, and as promised, they were perfect.

‘Lily, you may pay for the stilettos,' Sophia conceded graciously. ‘But that is all I will allow.'

It was an exceedingly beautiful gift and a very special
memory she would treasure for a very long time, and she said so as she hugged her aunt with genuine appreciation.

‘Now I shall stand strong,' Lily insisted as they emerged onto the street. ‘Lunch is on me, at a restaurant of your choice.' She paused fractionally, then lobbied with an impish twinkle, ‘We will not argue,
sì
?'

Sophia gave a delighted laugh. ‘You remind me so much of your mother, when, as single young women, we shopped together.'

Carlo retrieved their signature-emblazoned carry-bags, and spared both women a musing look. ‘Success?'

‘Indeed,' Sophia agreed. ‘Yet we are far from done.'

Carlo merely smiled. ‘Of course not.'

Together they strolled towards Via Manzoni, pausing frequently to browse the shops, venturing into a few, purchasing items that enchanted the eye, as Sophia and Carlo pointed out places of historic interest, the aristocratic
palazzi
along Via Manzoni, the Grand Hotel, the Archi di Porta Nuova, a city gate once part of the medieval walls.

There was a sense of timelessness, a lingering knowledge of centuries past, and how life must have been then in comparison to today's era.

Lunch offered a leisurely respite, and they sampled excellent cuisine, shared a light white wine, concluding with coffee before they emerged onto the street to visit a famed
museo
where paintings graced the walls and precious ceramics were featured.

It was Sophia who suggested they dine before returning to Lake Como, and Carlo drove them to a charming little
osteria
owned by a couple who made divine pasta sauce. So much so, Lily savoured the taste with a view to determining an elusive ingredient.

‘I have tried to persuade the chef to divulge the secret of his sauce,' Sophia confided. ‘All he will do is smile, lift his
hands and offer “a bit of this, a touch of that”. Incredible, is it not?'

‘A hint of chilli, unless I'm mistaken,' Lily posed in contemplation. ‘With perhaps a sprinkle of brown sugar to sweeten. And scallions, I think, for their crisp light taste.'

‘You would like to experiment in my kitchen?'

Lily offered an impish smile. ‘Perhaps we can experiment together. Tomorrow?'

‘I'd like nothing better.'

‘Such an honour,' Carlo declared. ‘Only Alessandro has been permitted to try his hand in Sophia's kitchen.'

Lily raised an eyebrow. ‘Alessandro?'

‘He worked kitchens in places no respectable person knew existed,' Sophia revealed, sobering a little. ‘Liaised deals with undesirables likely to double-deal or worse, rather than pay up. And sleep anywhere he could find a place to lay his head.'

‘Always on the alert, and with means of protection,' Carlo added quietly.

Lily looked at him carefully. ‘You speak from experience.' It wasn't a question, merely a statement.

‘Yes.'

‘As one of Alessandro's…partners.' She refrained from adding…
in crime
.

‘An interesting description,' Carlo conceded in a lightly accented drawl.

An understatement, if ever there was one, Lily conceded, aware the reality had been far worse than either man would admit.

It was late when Carlo brought the car to a halt outside the main entrance to Sophia's villa, and he delivered their purchases indoors, refused coffee, and bade both women
buona notte
.

Lily turned to Sophia as Carlo left, and issued genuine thanks for a wonderful day.

‘You're most welcome,
cara
.' Sophia hugged Lily close. ‘We will sort our purchases in the morning. Goodnight, Lily,' she bade gently. ‘Sleep well.'

‘You, too,
Zia
.'

Together they ascended the staircase, then parted as Lily moved to her guest suite.

The large bed looked inviting, and she removed her clothes, took a leisurely shower, then she slid between the sheets and fell asleep almost as soon as her head hit the pillow.

It was almost seven when she woke, and she stretched her limbs, then she threw back the covers and padded to the set of windows, tilted the indoor shutters and watched in admiration as sunrise coloured the gardens to a beautiful kaleidoscope of landscaped glory.

A new day lay ahead, and she completed her morning routine before choosing dress jeans and a casual top, then she slid her feet into flat shoes and was about to leave the room when she remembered to check her laptop.

There were several emails awaiting her attention, a few of which she quickly skimmed before reaching an update from Parisi's manager reporting that all was going well in the restaurant.

The sender of the next email was
James
, and her initial reaction was to delete it unread. Except curiosity led her to the deleted folder minutes later, and she read the apologetic missive, citing his remorse, heartbreak, and the plea for reconciliation, followed by a promise to be loyal and loving…if only she'd give him another chance.

It didn't even qualify an answer.

Without pause she closed the laptop and made her way
downstairs to find Sophia sipping coffee at the dining-room table while she perused the daily newspaper.

‘Good morning,
cara
,' Sophia greeted with a warm smile, and indicated the table's contents. ‘Coffee? Juice?'

Lily slid into a chair and helped herself to juice, drank it slowly.

‘Some of the fashions from the runway are written up.' Sophia indicated the page in question. ‘Together with photos from the party. This week's trade magazines will feature both in more detail.' She moved the newspaper so Lily could view it.

Lily had no problem reading the Italian script, and she skimmed over the photographs, then came to a halt as she recognized one of her standing next to Alessandro at the party.

Except it wasn't so much the photo that drew her attention, but the teasing caption speculating her identity, and if
she
was his latest romantic interest. Concluding with
watch this space
.

It angered her that innuendo and supposition combined with clever angle photography lent evidence to there being a grain of truth to the gossip.

‘Where do they get this stuff?' Lily demanded over a second cup of coffee.

‘
Cara
, don't allow it to distress you,' Sophia attempted to soothe. ‘It's how the media makes a living, and Alessandro has a propensity to attract attention.'

‘Which I don't choose to share.'

Sophia commiserated in silence, all too aware Lily had captured Alessandro's interest. She knew him so well, better than most…enough to recognize the occasions when he merely played the social game. Somehow she very much doubted this was one of them.

‘Have something to eat, then we shall attempt to duplicate pasta sauce, hmn?'

As a distraction ploy, it worked, as they combined experience, instinct and flair to create what promised to be ambrosia.

‘What do you think?' Sophia queried as she dipped a spoon into the simmering sauce and held it out for Lily to taste.

‘Close.' So very close, but something was missing. She made a sudden decision. ‘Another pinch of brown sugar, and I'm going to add a bay leaf. Maybe that'll do it.'

‘This is so much fun. I remember
Mamma
would make her own pasta and teach your mother and me how to make
panini.
Her kitchen was always the focal point of our house, filled with different aromas. She had the most comprehensive herb garden…and her vegetables were the best tended in the village.'

‘I've heard some of the stories…how the chickens each had names,' Lily declared with a warm laugh.

‘There were a few ducks, turkeys, and a pig you named Mirabella.'

Sophia chuckled. ‘Poor Mirabella. She didn't realize she was a pig. I woke one morning and she wasn't there.' She shook her head. ‘
Papa
explained,
Mamma
consoled…but I haven't been able to eat pork since.'

While the sauce continued to simmer they took out fine flour, eggs and made pasta, which they ate for lunch with fresh crusty bread.

‘Hmm, this is so good,' Sophia complimented, while Lily lifted a hand and tilted it back and forth.

‘But not quite
right
.' Her forehead creased a little. ‘Next time I'll ditch the bay leaf and add a pinch of paprika.'

‘Lily, this dish would draw genuine praise in the finest
restaurant.' Sophia's eyes lit with a mischievous sparkle. ‘You are bent on a mission.'

‘Uh-huh.'

‘But not today,' her aunt said firmly. ‘This afternoon Alessandro is taking you on a scenic tour of the lakes. There is much to see.'

Alessandro
? ‘I'm sure he's much too busy,' Lily protested, only to see Sophia shake her head.

‘If that were so, he would not have offered.'

The fact that he had disturbed her more than she was prepared to admit.
Why
seemed a logical query, for which she had no sensible answer.

Lily was ready at the appointed time, attired in tailored black trousers, a fine red cashmere sweater beneath a tailored black jacket, with comfortable black flats on her feet.