 
Scandal

BOOK 1

Italian Politics Series

Copyright © 2014 Grace Kagni

Version 3 - Copyright © 2018 Grace Kagni

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return it to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

# Dedication

This book is dedicated to women who are searching for love and who have the courage to look within themselves to understand the definition of the word.

# From the Author

In my search for the perfect romantic story, I've found that in order to have love and happiness in life, one must face challenges that may not be apparent to others. I've had the privilege of meeting important and influential people in my life and what I've noticed is that they have the same need to be happy and feel loved, and carry the same demons as all of us. I've created this story to show that fame has a price and no matter how rich or famous a person may be, nothing comes easy or should be taken for granted.

The Italian Politics Series was influenced by what was reported on the news - the personal lives and scandals of Italian politicians. The constant scandals and deception that surround the Italian government inspired me to write a series about the lives of influential Italian politicians because in truth, they bleed and hurt just like anyone else. I've created these characters based on public figures, but the series is a work of fiction.

I've been working hard preparing some free stuff for you all. When you sign up to my newsletter, you'll receive a #FREE hot and spicy Italian novella by Rita Gracie the moment you submit your email address. You'll be able to start reading it within minutes. Click on the below link to sign up.

#FREE hot and spicy Italian novella

I'd like to thank E-Book Cover Designs By Carey for the fantastic book cover.
Other books by Grace Kagni

Famiglia Conti Series

Marco's Vines - Book 1

Giacomo's Patience - Book 2

Serena's Cellars - Book 3

Matteo's Challenge - Book 4

Italian Politics Series (The Billionaire's Affair)

Scandal - Book 1

Breakup - Book 2

Promise - Book 3

The Miller Family Series

Liam's Best – Book 1

Dalton's Embrace – Book 2

Tessa's Flame – Book 3

Stand alone

Dreaming Victoria

# Table of Contents

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

# Prologue

Alessia Ferrara was just arriving at work on Monday morning when her phone rang, so she started to take off her coat as she picked up her desk phone.

"Hello?" she said, shrugging off her coat.

"Miss Ferrara?"

"Yes?"

"I'm calling from the Human Resources Office to tell you that you've been reassigned to another office."

Alessia slumped into her chair. "I haven't received an email or memorandum informing me of any changes," Alessia said, hoping she didn't have to move. Alessia really liked where she worked and got along well with her colleagues.

"Well, a special request arrived late last night."

"Where am I being moved to?" she asked, looking at all the pictures, plants and objects that filled her space. Alessia would have to pack it all up.

"You've been reassigned to work in the main offices for the Minister of Labour, His Excellency Alessandro Medici-Visconti."

Alessia gasped—just the thought of working for that arrogant politician made her stomach clench. She sat in silence wondering what she should do. Should she refuse? Would they let her decline the reassignment? Her father's medical bills and the costs to keep him at the seniors' home were increasing quickly, so how could she afford to refuse the transfer? It was too much to take on a Monday morning and she had a sinking feeling she didn't have a choice.

"Miss Ferrara?"

"Yes, I'm listening." Alessia knew very well she couldn't refuse a promotion of this sort because obviously the move also implied a pay rise. The extra money would be a godsend and she could always quit if it turned into a nightmare.

"All right then. Please go directly to the main building, up to the top floor where the Minister's office is located. I will ensure the contents of your office will be moved to your new office."

"When am I expected to start?"

"You're already late, so please hurry along."

Alessia grabbed her coat, placing it over her arm, and before leaving, she picked up the picture of her parents from her desk and placed it in her handbag; then she took the elevator down to the main floor. She walked out of the secondary building entrance to the main entrance where the guards thoroughly checked her with metal detectors before allowing her on the elevators to the top floor.

As she rode the elevator up, she knew it would be a long day. She hoped she could cope with His Excellency's arrogance and that he kept his hands to himself—it was another thing she'd heard about him. He was known to have a flow of gorgeous women fluttering around him, like he was a Greek god, but that didn't scare her because she had no problem defending her virtue if the need arose.

The doors opened, and as she stepped out into the lavishly decorated hall, she let out a long sigh. Taking a few steps forward, she noticed the 17th century Chigiana furniture and the beautiful paintings on the walls. Heads of state walked through this same hall, making her shiver at the thought of how much power flowed through these offices.

Cristina, a messenger at the beginning of the hallway greeted Alessia and told her to go down the hall to the last office on the right, so Alessia walked slowly down the long corridor, admiring the fresco paintings on the high ceilings, completely mesmerized by their beauty when she bumped into someone tall and muscular. She lowered her eyes from the ceiling to gaze into the bluest eyes she'd ever seen—His Excellency Alessandro Medici-Visconti stood before her, grinning.

"Minister Medici-Visconti, I'm terribly sorry. I was admiring the ceiling and didn't see you. Please accept my apologies."

"Are you lost?" he asked, tilting his head to the side as he looked into her dark brown eyes.

"Actually, no. I was on my way to your office."

"My office? Are you my new assistant?" he smiled, his charming nature shining through.

"Yes. I was told by Human Resources to come directly here."

He grinned and looked her over from head to toe. "It will be a pleasure working with you. What is your name, mia Cara?"

"Alessia Ferrara. Can you please tell me which is my office?"

He held out his arm and escorted her to an enormous room with fresco paintings on the ceiling. It had a beautiful 17th century desk in the middle of the room and antique sofas on the far wall. Alessia presumed it was the Minister's office from the opulence of the furnishings, so she waited for him to say something, and as she let go of his arm, she felt electricity pass through her body as his blue eyes looked down at her.

"Don't you like your office, mia Cara?" the Minister asked.

"This is my office?" Alessia asked, surprised. She'd never seen an office as beautiful as this, so her heart fluttered a tiny bit, knowing it would be a pleasure to work in such a beautiful place. Since she'd been a child, she was fascinated by art, and now that she would be working in a beautiful office, it would give her the opportunity to study some of the paintings surrounding her.

His eyes twinkled as he smiled. "Yes, this is your office. My office is past those doors, which means you will be my protector to the outside world."

Alessia looked at him, wondering what he meant, but then realized her job was to screen everyone who walked through the door, insisting they needed to see the Minister. She suddenly felt the heavy burden on her shoulders, and yet she also felt excitement about the new job.

"Don't worry, mia Cara. I'll tell you who to let through and who should never be allowed through those doors. Do you have a strong character?"

"Yes, I believe I do."

"Then you will do well here. Now take a few minutes to put your things away and then come into my office so I can provide you with instructions." Fixing his tie, he walked past Alessia's desk and through the doors to his office.

Alessia looked through the doors and noted it was bigger than her apartment, but then so was her office. Alessia hung her coat, placed her bag in the cabinet, found a pencil and notepad, and then took a breath before walking through the Minister's office doors.

Alessia stopped to look in and noticed how attractive he was writing at his desk. His dark wavy hair gave him the appearance of the Prince Charming she read about in fairytales, but she knew he was far from it, so she rid those thoughts from her mind and knocked before going in.

Alessandro looked up and smiled. "Come in." His office was impressively decorated to meet foreign diplomats. As she took a step forward, he told her to take a seat in front of him while he finished writing his note. When Alessandro finished, he looked up and grinned. "So, have you settled into your new office?"

"Yes, thank you." Alessia looked directly into his beautiful blue eyes and watched as he got up and sat on the chair across from her. His nearness made a sensation flutter throughout her body, something that had never happened before.

"So, tell me a little about yourself. If you're going to work for me, I'd like to know a little about you." Alessandro smiled, crossing his leg so his calf touched hers.

"Certainly, Excellency." The feel of his leg touching hers was distracting, so Alessia moved her leg.

"Please, call me Alessandro."

"Well, I was born and grew up in Rome, graduated in art history from the Sapienza University and have been working here for two years," Alessia explained, trying not to feel awkward about being so close to him. Alessia could almost feel the heat from his body as his knee suddenly touched hers, sending a uncomfortable feeling throughout her veins.

"Do you live at home with your parents? Do you have any brothers or sisters?" Alessandro asked, placing an arm over the back of the 17th century Chigiana chair.

He looked at ease sitting there, unlike her, who felt like she was a bag of nerves. "My mother passed away when I was very young, and my father, who has Alzheimer disease, has been moved to a seniors' home," Alessia said, her heart still aching at the thought of her father in a home. Her job paid well, but most of her wage was spent paying their bills and not much was left after all the expenses were paid. It was the main reason she really needed to keep this job.

His Excellency leaned over to stroke Alessia's cheek.

Alessia felt electricity pass through her body as Alessandro touched her, and yet her mind reminded her that he was an arrogant man who used women relentlessly. An over all feeling of disgust took over her body because she'd let herself be affected by a man like him. Thankfully, it had only lasted a brief moment.

"I'm sorry to hear that." Then he got up and walked back to the other side of his desk where he'd left the pen and paper. He carefully picked up the paper and read it before passing it to Alessia. "This is what you need to know about this job. Study the names carefully and the comments beside each name. If you have any questions, just ask me."

Alessia took the paper, and as she walked back into her office, she was mesmerized a moment by the blue eyes. She had to admit that he was an extremely good looking man and for a split second, Alessia wondered what it would be like to have his arms wrapped around her—but when she realized she was playing with fire and it was an inappropriate thought since he was her boss, she focused on what she needed to do. The movers had just dropped off boxes from her old office, so Alessia sat down and turned on her computer before putting her things away in her desk. She looked at the paper and recognized some of the names—important people, so why would he not want to talk to them? It was something she would need to clarify with Alessandro, so as not to make any mistakes.

The morning passed quickly as people came and went, asking to schedule appointments with the Minister. Alessia felt drained when it was lunchtime and really needed some fresh air, so she knocked on Alessandro's door to let him know she was going to eat.

"Excuse me. I just wanted to let you know I'm going to lunch now."

"Come in a minute," Alessandro said from his desk. "How was your morning?"

"Busy." Alessia smiled, feeling like she'd been on the job a week.

"Well, I hope it won't wear you down too quickly. I have a busy schedule and the previous two assistants didn't last a month, but I can sense you'll do just fine." He stood to look out his window. As Alessia watched him, she noticed he had a spectacular view of the city. For a couple of seconds, her mind wandered as she admired his body from behind. Alessandro was tall, broad-shouldered, had a slim waist and a tight butt. She couldn't keep her eyes off him as he stood with his dress shirt sleeves rolled up.

Alessia needed to focus on work and not her boss. "You don't need to worry because I can handle just about anything."

"I'm happy to hear it. Do you have a passport?" Alessandro asked, turning to look at her. He slipped his hands in his dress pants' pockets.

"I don't," Alessia responded, wondering why she'd need a passport.

"You'll need to get one urgently because I travel quite a bit and I need you to be with me when I go away." Alessandro walked back to his desk and wrote down something on a piece of paper. "Call him as soon as possible to obtain a passport quickly."

Alessia looked at the piece of paper and recognized the name of the police commissioner. Alessia made a mental note to call him in the afternoon and then left the office to meet a colleague from her old office for lunch. On her way out, Alessia was stopped by Cristina, who asked if the movers had brought everything to her new office.

~~~

Alessia looked up from her computer and noticed it was already 8 p.m. It was getting late and time to go home, so Alessia shut down her computer and went to Alessandro's office to tell him she was leaving.

"How was your first day?" he asked.

"Tiring, but very satisfying." Alessia enjoyed the constant visitors, making the hours pass quickly.

"Did you call for your passport?"

"Yes, I did. I filled out the paperwork and sent everything to the police commissioner. I've been told it will be delivered by the end of the week."

"Very good. It'll arrive in time for our trip."

"What trip?"

"We're leaving next week for Milan. The details should be in my calendar." Alessandro got up and walked over to Alessia. Then he took her hand and clasped it in between both his smooth long fingers. "It's late now, so go home and get a good night's sleep. We have a busy week ahead."

"I don't understand. I don't need a passport to go to Milan, so why the urgency?" Alessia didn't know if she could trust Alessandro, and yet the idea of traveling with him excited her.

"My plans can change at any moment of the day or night, so be ready and keep the passport in your bag at all times."

Alessia suddenly felt her heart skip a beat at the thought of traveling with the handsome man standing before her. He was certainly charming his way into her mind, which confused her tremendously. Alessia knew it would be an interesting job. "Okay, have a good evening."

"Have a good night, Alessia, and thank you for taking on this job with a positive attitude." Alessandro raised her hand to kiss the back before letting Alessia go for the night.

She nodded and left the office.
Chapter One

The week passed quickly and it was soon the weekend, for which Alessia was grateful to have a little time to relax after an extremely busy week. Sunday evening, Alessia prepared her bag, hoping to have packed the right clothing for the trip since Alessandro's calendar didn't say much about Milan except for a fundraiser he needed to attend on Monday evening.

Monday morning, Alessia was ready and packed for the trip, waiting to be picked up at home as Alessandro had been kind enough to arrange. Alessia was ready when the driver rang to tell her he had arrived and would be waiting for her downstairs.

There were two black cars waiting outside. The first one had a blue police light on it and the driver took her bag, placing it in the second car before opening the back door for her. As Alessia got in, she noticed Alessandro was waiting inside, dressed in a dark designer suit, white shirt with platinum cufflinks and a gray tie.

"Good morning, Alessia." Alessandro was reading a document as she sat down.

"Good morning," Alessia responded politely.

Alessandro handed Alessia an iPad mini and told her she should keep it with her at all times, explaining he'd be sending her notes and messages for the meetings.

Alessia placed it into her handbag and then looked out the window at the dark sky, wondering if it would rain in Milan.

They drove the short distance to the Tiburtina train station.

"We'll be taking the high-speed train to Milan today," Alessandro said without looking at Alessia. "You would have known if you'd read the email I sent you this morning on the iPad I just gave you."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I'll read my messages as soon as I get on the train." Alessia grabbed her bag and stepped out of the car when they arrived at the train station. Who reads their emails at 6 a.m.? She realized she needed to pay more attention to those things if she wanted to keep her job.

The two men in suits from the first car followed them inside.

"Do they always follow you around?" Alessia asked, pointing behind them at the guards.

"They're my bodyguards and they always need to go where I go," Alessandro smirked, when he saw her ponderous expression.

She nodded and made a mental note they'd always be two steps behind them. Alessia suddenly felt better knowing they were close when she looked around at the people at the train station. Some were homeless, some were drug addicts, some were migrants—none had pleasant faces, so she walked a little closer to Alessandro, suddenly feeling apprehensive. Alessandro caught Alessia's insecurity and placed his hand on her lower back and led her to the VIP area of the station.

They were shown to a waiting area that was not open to the general public, and after a few minutes, they were called to board the train. Alessia followed Alessandro, while his two guards remained close behind. Alessia had never been on the high-speed train, so it would be an adventure. As soon as Alessia took a seat beside Alessandro, she pulled out the iPad to look at her emails and noticed he'd sent her three early that morning. Didn't he ever sleep? The subject line on one read **Very urgent**, so Alessia looked at it first.

I have a special request for you when we arrive in Milan. I will explain when we get there.

Alessia wondered what Alessandro's special request could be for a few minutes and then looked at the other messages that were about his meetings. It was an odd feeling, not knowing what Alessandro had planned, and yet it intrigued Alessia more than ever.

During the train ride, he was very pleasant, occasionally asking if she was hungry or thirsty, and when they arrived in Milan, he accompanied her to the car and waited while she got in the back. There were two cars with flashing blue lights, permitting them to drive down restricted streets in the heart of the city to the Hotel Principe di Savoia. When they arrived, the formalities of check-in had been done by the booking agent, so they were immediately accompanied to Alessandro's suite.

Alessia walked in with Alessandro and wondered where she would be sleeping, knowing the suite was for his comfort. "Where will I be staying?"

He walked slowly to the bar and poured himself a glass of a water; then, bringing it to his lips, he took a sip and walked over to the window to look out at the city center while he held the glass in his hand. "You'll be staying here with me. There are two bedrooms, and since I don't sleep much, you can choose whichever you prefer."

During the long hours at work, Alessia had come to know Alessandro a little better, and yet he still kept his personal life private. However, Alessia had seen a gentle side of him during moments such as at the end of the day. Alessandro always told Alessia to go home because it was getting late or when she was really tired, Alessandro would send her home earlier than needed. Alessia had realized Alessandro wasn't the arrogant person the public made him out to be. There was something behind those beautiful blue eyes that Alessandro didn't want others to see, and sometimes Alessia could see sorrow and loneliness, and yet he was good at covering it up quickly.

Alessia went to look at the two bedrooms and decided on the one with the bathtub. When she returned to the living space, Alessandro was still standing by the window, clearly lost in his own thoughts. "So, what does a Minister do when he's not working?"

Turning from the window to look at her, Alessandro raised his eyebrows. "I work day and night."

"That can't be true. Don't you have a wife? Children?"

"No," Alessandro replied, returning his glass to the bar, his expression clouded. The truth was that he was a lonely thirty-two-year-old male with no family other than his sister, Valentina.

"Oh, so you must spend time with friends." Alessia could sense Alessandro didn't want to talk about his private life, but if she was going to work with him this closely, she needed to know more about him—his likes, dislikes—so not to be intrusive.

"I don't have friends." Alessandro put his work bag on the dining table and pulled out his laptop and papers. Then he took off his suit jacket and pulled off his tie, placing both over the back of the sofa.

"I can't believe someone like you doesn't have friends," Alessia remarked, narrowing her eyes, wondering what Alessandro was hiding. There was no way a person of his wealth and position wasn't constantly surrounded by people.

"There are a lot of things you don't know about me." Alessandro's eyes were distant, almost hazy under the afternoon sun streaming through the window. "Don't believe everything you read in the newspapers and magazines. I have many acquaintances and yet nobody that I trust enough to call a friend."

"It sounds lonely," Alessia whispered, wondering why he didn't let anyone get too close.

"I don't have time for friends," he said, sitting down.

"You must have lady friends or... are you gay?" Alessia suddenly wondered if he liked men. It wasn't uncommon for gorgeous men to be attracted to other men.

Alessandro looked up at her and laughed, and then turned back to his computer. "No, I'm not gay, Alessia, and you could say I have lady friends."

"Anyone in particular?" Nobody called during her first week that wasn't related to work, but then Alessandro probably received his personal calls on his private phone.

He turned to look at Alessia and grinned. "You are persistent, aren't you?"

"I told you I have a strong character and I'll speak my mind, most of the time."

"You feel you can do that with me?" Alessandro questioned, his eyes darkening, wondering why the small feisty woman with long dark hair and dark eyes the color of chocolate had the courage to stand up to him. Nobody was candid with him, so it was refreshing to find someone who spoke her mind. Actually, it attracted him more than anything, and Alessandro realized it was going to be difficult to concentrate knowing Alessia would be sleeping in the room beside him.

"Does it bother you?" Alessia wondered if she'd crossed the line. After all, Alessandro was her boss.

"Not really. It fascinates me and worries me at the same time." Alessandro noticed her eyes sparkling as he told Alessia he was intrigued by her zestful character.

"Worries you?" Alessia asked, tilting her head as she watched him.

"Yes, because I can sense you'll be trouble," Alessandro chuckled.

"I promise I'll be on my best behavior when I'm in public," she rebutted.

"Very gracious of you."

"Your welcome. Now, if you don't need me, I'll go soak in that large tub of mine." Alessia walked into her room and shut the door. She knew Alessandro didn't need her for the next hour, so she filled the tub with hot water as she unpacked her bag and then slid into the warm bath.

Alessandro watched as Alessia shut the door and wondered if the transfer was a mistake after all. He may have hastily let his emotions lead him, but it was too late now to send her away. During the past week they'd worked together, his need to be with her had grown intensely and he couldn't put it off any longer.

~~~

The urgent matter Alessandro needed was whether Alessia would accompany him to the fundraiser, and she was so excited to be invited to an elegant evening that she accepted with pleasure.

After having a bath, she went to the wardrobe, where she'd hung her dresses earlier in the dressing room. Alessia had hung an elegant black cocktail dress which she wanted to wear and was surprised to find a beautiful long dark blue Dolce & Gabbana gown hanging on the wardrobe door. On the chaise were dark blue silk undergarments, silk stockings and a pair of matching satin shoes tucked under the chaise. Alessia touched the fabric of the undergarments and felt a thrilling sensation run through her body from the smoothness and beauty of the garments.

Alessandro bought her these for the evening? Confusion and excitement built up inside as she realized how presumptuous he'd been, believing without a doubt she would go with him to the dinner. She ran her fingers over the dress and watched as the soft fabric fell smoothly through her fingers. It was her size, making her question how he knew it.

Alessia walked into the living area and found Alessandro sitting at the table on his computer, wearing jeans and a t-shirt. He looked really hot sitting there casually like that. How was Alessia going to work for Alessandro if he looked like that when he was at ease in private?

Alessandro turned when he heard Alessia's footsteps and found her in a plush bathrobe with a towel wrapped around her hair. "Did you have a relaxing bath?" It was all he could say, knowing Alessia had nothing underneath the bathrobe and feeling his manhood growing by the simple sight of her.

"Yes, thank you. I found a dress and other things in my dressing room. Did you bring them?" Alessia wondered if Alessandro walked in while she was in the bathtub.

"No, I wouldn't walk into your room without your consent. The housekeeper brought in the clothing. Do you like them?"

"Yes, they're lovely, but I can't accept them." They were far more expensive than she could ever afford and it wasn't right accepting gifts from her boss—no matter how rich he was.

"Why not? It's part of the job," Alessandro said, trying to convince Alessia that he always brought his assistants to evening functions.

"Do you always buy your secretaries clothing?"

"Sometimes when the need arises." It was a white lie, but he wasn't going to tell her.

"Well, I'll need to ask you to warn me next time because I don't like surprises. I mean, they're lovely things, but I wish I had known before."

"What would it have changed? If you like the clothing, then just accept them and get ready for the evening."

It was disturbing that Alessandro bought her expensive undergarments, which was not what one does for subordinates, but maybe he was just being polite about it, so Alessia went back to her room to get ready for the dinner.

She sat at the tiny beauty table to brush out her wet hair and noticed the table was filled with makeup and perfumes for her. Closely inspecting the makeup, Alessia noticed the tones were perfect for her complexion and wondered how Alessandro managed to know all these things about her. How did Alessandro know her dress size or her shoe size? He obviously had someone help him do all of this, but wasn't she supposed to be his assistant? Alessia looked at her reflexion in the mirror and blushed at the thought of Alessandro asking another woman to make all these arrangements.

It didn't take her long to get ready, and as Alessia took one last look in the mirror, she smiled, thinking she'd be attending a fundraiser on the arm of His Excellency—something she'd never thought would ever happen. Alessia needed to be on her toes, rubbing elbows with the rich and famous.

As Alessia walked out of her room and into the main living area of the suite, she saw Alessandro waiting while he talked on his phone. He was handsome in his dark Armani suit, his gold cufflinks shining under the bright ceiling lights. She watched as he stood with one hand in his pant pocket while he gave instructions to someone on the phone. Alessandro glanced over at Alessia as she walked into the room and caught his breath, forgetting about the telephone call for a few seconds. Then he went back to the caller and gave the person final instructions before hanging up.

"You look beautiful," Alessandro said, walking to her and then bringing her hand to his lips. "Ready?" When Alessia nodded, he took her arm, placed it through his and accompanied her out of their suite.

As soon as they walked out, his guards escorted them downstairs to the waiting cars. Alessia noticed flashes when they stepped outside, and as she turned to look, Alessandro pushed her into the car with an abrupt force, nearly making her lose her balance.

"Hey, you almost knocked me over." She hadn't expected Alessandro to give her a shove, and by her tone, Alessia wanted him to know she wasn't pleased.

"I was trying to protect you from the press. Or would you prefer seeing your face plastered all over the gossip magazines as my lady friend?" Alessandro's expression was dark, seeming upset with her.

"No, I wouldn't want that—thank you. Why didn't you ask one of your lady friends to accompany you tonight?" Alessia asked, knowing that women lined up to be seen on his arm, especially at an important occasion as a fundraiser.

"It's a long story."

"I have plenty of time." She really wanted to hear why Alessandro preferred going with his assistant rather than take one of his lady friends.

"You really want to know?" He looked into Alessia's beautiful brown eyes and couldn't think of anyone else he'd rather be with.

"Yes, I really do." Alessia couldn't understand why he'd asked her to a formal dinner.

"Three years ago, there was a woman in my life, who went around publicly announcing our eminent engagement."

"Oh, you were engaged to be married?" Finally, proof that Alessandro didn't work day and night as he professed.

"No, I wasn't—and yet it didn't stop her from lying."

Alessia was silent a moment. "I'm sorry."

"Why are you sorry?" he asked, turning to look at Alessia as the lighting above her made the auburn highlights in her hair stand out—she was breathtaking.

"I'm sorry someone would take advantage of you in that way. It's not right."

"I know, but the world is full of people like that."

The car stopped in front of the Palazzo Visconti, and as soon as they got out, the organizer of the fundraiser greeted Alessandro and Alessia.

"Good evening, Excellency Medici-Visconti, Miss Ferrara," the gentleman said.

"Good evening, Mr. Mancini," Alessandro said, shaking the gentleman's hand.

"Thank you for coming tonight," Mr. Mancini said.

"It's my pleasure," Alessandro replied, putting his hand on Alessia's back to accompany her into the Palazzo.

Alessia gazed at the beautiful rooms as they walked through the Palazzo, and as she looked up at the frescos, she turned to Alessandro. "Does this Palazzo Visconti have anything to do with your family?"

"My family owns it," Alessandro said as they were approached by benefactors of the evening.

She stood dumbfounded while Alessandro greeted members of high society with such ease. Alessandro introduced Alessia to each person he spoke to and all Alessia could do was smile. She suddenly felt ill at ease, not knowing how to act or what to say if someone asked her what her thoughts were on a certain topic. Alessia turned pale quickly and it was only when Alessandro took her arm to pull her to the side that she felt sick to her stomach.

"You don't look well."

"I just need to sit down a moment and catch my breath," Alessia said.

"Go to the ladies' room and take all the time you need. I'll mingle with the guests until you're ready to come back. Just call me on my phone to come get you," Alessandro said and then watched as she walked into the bathroom before turning to go to the dining area.

Alessia sat down on the comfortable dusty rose colored sofa set against one of the plush walls decorated with silk olive toned wallpaper. There were ladies walking in and out. Most came in to look at their reflection in the mirror or to touch up their makeup. All were dressed in beautiful evening gowns and talked as the upper class. Some glanced at Alessia on their way out, but most didn't pay much attention to her, thinking she was nobody of importance.

After a few minutes, Alessia got up and went to wash her hands. Before leaving, she looked at herself in the full-length mirror and smoothed her dress with her fingers.

Alessia followed the sound of chatter, knowing everyone would be gathered in the dining room for the charity dinner. As she walked through the door, she looked around for Alessandro and spotted him talking to a group. Not wanting to disturb Alessandro, Alessia took the time to look at the beauty of the room. Alessia was gazing up at the frescos, completely mesmerized by their beauty, when she felt a warm hand behind her back. She looked down to see Alessandro's beautiful blue eyes sparkling as he smiled at her. "Are you feeling better?"

"Yes, thank you," she said, suddenly noticing everyone's eyes on her.

"Just breath and stay close to me—you'll be fine," Alessandro said, gently guiding her toward the center of the room where the guests gathered. Alessandro introduced Alessia as Miss Ferrara and didn't give any indication of her being his assistant. He let their minds wander, knowing they would.

Alessia found herself in a whirlwind of chatter, people eager to know about her and what she thought of the fundraiser. She was thrown off guard since she hadn't asked Alessandro what the charity dinner was about, but she quickly glanced on the tables and saw there was a menu indicating Charity dinner for the Italian Cancer Society. Alessia picked up the topic and was able to give her views on the subject. She talked about friends and family who had been diagnosed with cancer, and how the Italian Cancer Society had helped the families. Alessia went on to explained how she volunteered every year for the Komen Race for the Cure for breast cancer to raise awareness for cancer research. The guests chatted with Alessia as if she belonged to the upper class, and as Alessandro chatted with different guests, he watched how Alessia brilliantly fit in with Italy's wealthiest crowd.

The tables were set up in rows of three. The first row was a few yards from the stage. Alessia and Alessandro were seated at the central table on the first row, directly in front of the stage. The table sat eight, and at their table was another politician with his wife, the President of the Italian Cancer Society with his wife, and the Director of the Milan Hospital and his wife.

The food was plentiful and delicious, making the evening pass slowly as each dish was served in between speeches from important dignitaries.

Just before they served dessert, Alessandro was called up to the stage to say a few words.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen,

I am pleased to see tonight's turnout for such an important cause. Unfortunately, cancer has effected each and every one of us in one way or another. We are here tonight to raise awareness and to do what we can to be one step closer to finding the cure. Cancer is a terrible illness and it can make a patient feel completely alone. The Italian Cancer Society provides support to patients and their families so let's raise our glass and acknowledge the good work it has provided over the years..."

Alessia sat back and watched as she was transfixed by his handsome features and charismatic character. Alessandro thanked the guests for having participated at the important dinner to raise funds for the Cancer Society, and when he finished, the guests stood up to applaud. Alessia stood with the other guests and overheard them say how much the Minister had done for the Cancer Society. Alessia felt a thrill run through her, acknowledging how important and impressive Alessandro looked standing before the guests. He seemed so comfortable on stage that it blew Alessia's mind away and she was lost in her thoughts when Alessandro came back to the table.

"Are you all right?" he asked, stroking her cheek.

"Yes. It's such a lovely evening," Alessia said as they sat down again.

"It is, and I'm pleased you're here to share it with me."

Alessia felt small butterflies in her stomach, knowing she wouldn't be able to resist him if he kissed her.

The rest of the evening went quickly and they were soon in the car escorted by the guards back to their hotel.

They walked into the suite, and instinctively, she took off her shoes as he took off his tie.

"These shoes are beautiful, but they were not made for walking."

"I could say the same about suits and ties." Alessandro smiled as he went to the minibar to pull out a bottle of water. "Do you want one?"

"Yes, please. I didn't eat much and I feel like I've been deprived of water for days."

Alessandro handed Alessia a bottle and their fingers sparked as they touched.

"So, how do you spend your evenings and weekends?" he asked.

"Oh, well I visit my father in the home and do what most people do during their free time."

"Which is what exactly?" Alessandro wanted to know what was not in the file prepared for him by his bodyguards. It only mentioned what was visible from a distance and what was kept on record, but he needed to know more. Alessandro wanted to know what Alessia dreamed about and what she feared the most—things she kept shut in her heart where nobody could see.

"You know. Washing, ironing, grocery shopping, and paying the bills. Things most people do."

"Those are your responsibilities. What do you do for fun?"

Alessia laughed a moment, wondering when was the last time she did something for fun. It had been a long time.

"Don't you do anything to relieve stress?"

"Do you?" Alessia asked, wondering how Alessandro spent his weekends if all he did was work day and night.

"No, we're not talking about me, we're talking about you. I want to know more about you, so how about we get into something comfortable and meet back here for a chat."

Alessandro wanted to chat with her? Alessia wanted to find out more about him too, so she planned to get whatever information she could about Alessandro's life during their talk. He'd been mysterious up to now, but this could be Alessia's chance to find out about the man so carefully hidden from the eyes of the world.

# Chapter Two

The rest of the week passed quickly while Alessandro attended back-to-back meetings, keeping Alessia extremely busy in the process. She didn't know how he managed to maintain that tempo, and yet he seemed to thrive on it. It was finally Friday morning and she stayed in bed a little longer, thinking about what Alessandro had said to her the first night they'd arrived in Milan. They had talked for hours about their personal lives and she thought he would kiss her at one point, but then he caressed her cheek and hesitated.

"I don't deserve someone like you," Alessandro had said, and then he had gotten up to go to bed. His comment had been really strange, although Alessia had put it behind her and the week had gone really well—tiring, but she had assisted Alessandro every moment of the day and evening, preparing for meetings the next day. Alessia knew he worked late into the night most of the time while she slept and yet Alessandro was always up before her.

In the little time she knew him, Alessia gained confidence being around Alessandro privately and she liked what she saw. He was compassionate and caring toward others. Alessandro treated Alessia with respect, and sometimes she had a feeling he wanted to tell her more and yet hesitated.

Alessia finally pulled herself out of bed and went into the living room to see if Alessandro was up yet, and as she suspected, he was sitting at the table on his computer.

"Do you ever sleep?" Alessia asked.

"I slept enough."

"Yeah, right. What time did you go to sleep last night? Have you seen your schedule today? You'll be busy all day, starting at 9 a.m."

"I'll be just fine," Alessandro said without looking up from his computer.

"It's nothing to laugh about. I'm responsible for your wellbeing while we're away, and if something should happen to you, I'll panic."

Alessandro looked up from his computer and shook his head a moment, then he got up and walked over to Alessia. He took Alessia's hands in his before bringing them to his lips. "I appreciate your concern, but first of all, you are my responsibility and not the other way around. Second, my guards are always by our side to assist if something should happen, and third, I don't want you to worry about my wellbeing."

Alessia tried to turn away, although Alessandro held her chin so she was forced to look at him. "Fine, I won't worry."

"Okay. Now let's talk about breakfast. I've written down what I want to have. The menu is on the table, so as soon as you decide what you'd like to eat, call room service with our order."

"I can do that," Alessia said, walking to the table to look at the menu.

She noticed Alessandro ordered expresso and toast. After changing her mind twice, she called room service to order two of the same. Alessia needed a strong coffee and some toast to settle her stomach. Something she ate the night before hadn't settled well, so the toast would hopefully help her feel better.

While they waited for breakfast, Alessia pulled out her iPad to see if any changes occurred during the night to Alessandro's agenda for the day. Alessandro had several meetings that morning, including one with the Mayor of Milan. Then Alessandro had a thirty-minute break for lunch before his afternoon started.

Their breakfast arrived and as they sat down together to eat, Alessia gave Alessandro a brief summary of his day. She looked at him and wondered, "How do you bear the long hours with back-to-back meetings? I think I'd be exhausted after a day like this."

"Mia Cara, it comes with the job. You get used to it after a while, but I promise you won't need to accompany me to all the meetings today. I'll need you to run a few errands this morning, so after you've dropped me off, the driver will take you where you need to go."

After finishing breakfast, they went to get ready for the day, and when Alessia came out of her room, she wore a black skirt, a cream blouse and a black silk jacket. She looked very elegant, and as she met Alessandro in the living area, he grinned while he suddenly wanted to rip her clothing off and feel her soft skin.

He cleared his head of those thoughts and grabbed his portfolio to leave. "I've sent you a few emails with things I need you to do this morning, so after you've dropped me off at my first meeting, I'd like you to do as instructed. Read one email at a time, and when you have completed the task, proceed to the next one. Don't come back until you've picked up all the packages I've asked. Understood?"

"Yes, of course," Alessia said. She watched as they drove past some of the main sites in Milan, passing the Duomo which she'd always seen on television and yet never had a chance to visit, until they arrived at the Mayor's office.

Alessandro kissed her lightly on the hand and then stepped out as the guards followed close behind on his way into the building. Alessia watched as people on the street stopped him, wanting to shake his hand, and Alessandro politely stopped to say hello until his guards distanced the people enough for him to walk into the building.

She opened her mailbox on the iPad and saw his first message. It provided an address and he asked to collect a package. The message didn't say what she needed to collect, but it would be waiting inside. Alessia gave the driver the address and looked out at the city while the car drove through the tight streets to the first destination.

Alessia got out and went inside to ask for a package for His Excellency Alessandro Medici-Visconti. She looked around at the store as the sales lady went to the back to get the package. She noticed it was a lingerie store selling men and women's items, so she thought he'd ordered himself some undergarments.

The lady came back with a package wrapped nicely in a gift bag with a sealed note attached. Alessia took the bag from the lady, said thank-you and went back out to the car. The driver took the bag and placed it in the trunk while Alessia got in. She opened her mailbox again and read the second email Alessandro had sent. It provided another address, so after giving the driver instructions, she sat back and looked out at the city streets.

The car stopped in front of a building that didn't seem to be a store, so when Alessia stepped out and looked at the building, she asked the driver if he was sure it was the correct address. He confirmed it was, so Alessia took out her iPad to read the message again and it indicated an apartment number. After finding the number on the intercom, she buzzed and a voice told her to go to the first floor, apartment 2. Alessia walked up the stairs and found the door already open. It had a sign on the door indicating it was a business, so she pushed open the door and went inside. A receptionist greeted her, and when Alessia told her she was there to collect a package for the Minister, the lady smiled and called someone, telling Alessia someone would be right with her.

Shortly after, an elegant middle-aged woman approached Alessia, holding a small letter-sized envelope, and after greeting Alessia, she gave her the envelope and then went back to her office. Alessia looked at the envelope, feeling something hard inside like a credit card and thought it must have been a bank card. So, she tucked it into her handbag and went back outside to the waiting car. She got back in as the driver held the door open and then she pulled out the iPad to read the next email.

The third email gave another address, so after giving the details to the driver, she sat back once again and waited to reach the destination. Alessia stepped out of the car and walked to the front of the building, ringing the MVD company name as indicated in the email. She was immediately buzzed in and was told to take the elevator to the top floor.

Stepping out of the elevator, Alessia saw the nameplate Medici-Visconti Designs and wondered a moment if there was any relation to Alessandro's family before pushing through the doors to the receptionist to ask for a package for Minister Medici-Visconti. Alessia was shown to a room where a few models were being fitted with gowns which Alessia thought were absolutely beautiful; most probably beautiful on the models because of their height and figure.

Alessia waited patiently as she was told someone would be with her in a few minutes, so she sat and watched while the models moved around the room, gowns flowing as they walked by, as it were a fashion show. She'd never been to one, but enjoyed watching them as they walked to see how the material of the gowns swayed while they moved.

She was lost in her thoughts when a young woman that had the same eyes as Alessandro approached her.

"Good morning, Alessia," said the lady with friendly eyes.

"Good morning. How do you know my name?"

"My brother, Alessandro, told me you'd be coming this morning."

"Oh, you're Alessandro's sister?"

"Yes, I'm Valentina Medici-Visconti," she said, extending her hand to shake Alessia's.

"It's nice to meet you. I'm Alessia Ferrara, although I guess you already know that."

"Oh yes, my brother has done nothing but talk about you."

"Really?"

"Yes. Don't be so surprised."

"I didn't know Alessandro had family in Milan."

"Well, my brother is not one to give out personal information about himself—and he doesn't normally talk about a woman either, and yet he seems to be quite taken by you."

"Oh, well I'm new at the job and I'm trying my best to do things right."

"It's not about work Alessandro talks to me about."

Alessia didn't know how to respond to Valentina's comment. "Am I here to pick up something for Alessandro?"

"No, actually you're here so I can make some alterations on a dress he commissioned from me."

"A dress? For me?" Alessia asked incredulously, suddenly feeling a rush of heat on her face at the thought of Alessandro asking his sister to design a dress for her.

"Yes. You must be very special to him because he's never asked me to do this before, so let's not waste more time. We'll have plenty of opportunities to get to know each other now that you're in Milan, so come with me," Valentina said, showing her through a door to a private room.

In the room, on a mannequin was the most gorgeous dress Alessia had ever seen. It was a cream chiffon full-length evening gown with hand-sewn beads. The back was open, forming a V. It was simple and yet elegant, and it was so beautiful, it made her eyes tear.

"Do you like it?" Valentina asked.

"I love it—I feel so honored to have such a beautiful gown designed just for me."

"I'm happy you like it. Try it on so my seamstress can make the final alterations for this evening," Valentina said, pulling it off the mannequin and hanging it behind the partition changing area. "I'll have to help you put it on because it's full of pins. My brother would never forgive me if you're pricked by the pins," Valentina said with a twinkle in her eye.

Alessia undressed and let Valentina help her into the beautiful gown which fit like a glove. There were few alterations to make, and as she moved to the center of the room, Valentina passed her a pair of matching shoes.

"The shoes look the same as the dress. Did you design these too?" Alessia asked.

"Yes, I did."

"The gown and shoes are beautiful. Thank you for making these for me," Alessia said, looking at herself in the large mirror. She was spectacular, and as Valentina's seamstress came in to put pins where last-minute alterations were needed, she had to take a long breath to calm her nerves which were spiraling from excitement.

"It's my pleasure. It's not every day my brother asks me to do this, so I'm more than happy to have designed something that you like," Valentina said.

"How did you know my size?"

"Alessandro gave me a brief description of your height and weight."

When the seamstress finished, she helped Alessia out of the dress and took it to the back to work on it. Alessia dressed quickly, not to waste more of Valentina's precious time, and when she came out from behind the dressing partition, Alessia thanked Valentina and left.

As soon as she got back into the car, she read the last message Alessandro had sent her, and this time he signed it with his full name, making it official. She read the message twice before she realized it was an invitation.

Mia Cara, in the envelope, you'll find the address to my penthouse and card key to get in. Give the driver the address and when you arrive at my penthouse, go in and make yourself at home. A hair and makeup stylist will pass by in the afternoon to help you prepare for a romantic evening I've planned.

Alessandro Medici-Visconti

She felt her heart beating quickly with the latest revelation. Alessia suddenly felt excitement and worry at the same time. Alessia had always been a no-nonsense kind of girl and she was brought up knowing she needed to work hard in life to get ahead, no matter how much sacrifice it took or hardship that occurred. Now there was suddenly Alessandro, a Minister of the Italian government, who had feelings for her which she hadn't been aware about? How could it be possible? These were things that didn't happen in real life, but here Alessia was living a life she'd never imagined.

The car stopped in front of an exclusive residential building, and when the driver opened Alessia's door, she was greeted by the doorman and shown to a private elevator. Her head was spinning with emotions running through her body, and when she finally arrived at the top, she stepped out with wobbly legs. Alessia slid the card to open the glass doors, and as she stepped into his penthouse, she suddenly felt dizzy from the grandness of the furnishings and the elegance throughout. This was Alessandro's home? The fact that Alessandro had let her into his private life suddenly made her realize he truly had feelings for her.

When she stepped farther into the penthouse, she found a table set for a meal with a vase of red roses and a note with her name on it.

Mia Cara, I hope you had a pleasant morning. I've ordered lunch for you, so sit down and enjoy a quiet meal after your busy morning. Then take a nap or have a relaxing bath before the stylist arrives. I've made plans to take you out tonight for a special evening and then I will bring you back to my penthouse if you are in agreement.

Alessandro

The scent of the red roses together with his note sent a delirious sensation running through her body, simply by the thought of what Alessandro had planned for the evening. Alessia sat down and uncovered the dishes, making a delicious scent float up into the air.

Alessia took a moment to look around at Alessandro's penthouse and saw it was different from what she expected. It was elegant and very grand, yet nevertheless it also felt cozy. It was difficult to explain, but Alessia sensed it was where Alessandro called home.

She ate in the large open space living area, which overlooked a large terrace. Alessia ate her food, tasting a bit of everything, although the butterflies in her stomach made her appetite go away. She got up and walked around the penthouse to look at the rest of it, finding a large library with a beautiful mahogany desk from the 1800s and a comfortable brown leather armchair in the corner. It had a cream and blue patterned quilt hanging over the back, and as Alessia walked in to look around, she wanted to curl up in the leather chair with a book. Then she saw there was a large, open space, rustic-style kitchen with a huge square island in the middle. The kitchen opened up onto a beautiful terrace overlooking the center of Milan.

She opened the by-folding doors and stepped out a minute to look at the view, but was mesmerized by the beautiful garden Alessandro kept on the terrace. The garden terrace ran all the way around the side to the other areas of the penthouse. This was obviously not a weekend home, but a properly loved home accommodating a family. Alessia wondered who watered his plants when Alessandro was in Rome and realized he probably had a housekeeping service to clean and tend to his garden.

Alessia went back inside and followed the large staircase upstairs where she found two guest rooms, each with an on-suite bathroom, and then she found the master bedroom. When Alessia walked in, she stopped by the doorway to take in the effect because it too wasn't what she'd expected. It was plainly decorated by a huge bed with a leather headboard, two night tables, a large dresser drawer and a small library with some books. Under the window was an antique cherrywood writing table with papers she recognized from his office in Rome. Alessia walked over to the desk and saw he had a particular dry seal on it, and when she lifted it, she noted Alessandro had a proper title. The name on the dry seal read Duca Alessandro Marco Medici-Visconti—he was a duke!

Alessia ran her fingers over the engraved paper and his pen, ready for the next time he needed to write. This was the moment she realized who Alessandro really was. He wasn't only a Minister; he came from a noble family with an important title. The realization of how different their worlds really were suddenly came crashing down and she took a step back from the writing table as her fingers started to tremble. What was she doing? Alessia had started to have feelings for a man she could never have because they were from completely different classes of society. Now it was more apparent than before, and while she lifted her trembling fingers to her mouth, she held back tears as the feeling of wanting something she couldn't have overcame her and shook her entire body.

Alessia took a long deep breath and decided she needed to calm down because she was letting her heart get too far ahead. Alessia was confused from what her heart wanted and her mind told her was right. Nothing had happened and she was there because Alessandro invited her into his life.

She left the bedroom to look for the bathroom, where she found a spectacularly large oval bathtub that could fit two people. On the counter Alessia found an assortment of bath salts and oils with a note from Alessandro.

Mia Cara, have a warm and relaxing bath. I want to think of you soaking in my bathtub, hoping to be there beside you soon.

Alessandro

She smiled at Alessandro's words while she turned on the tap and waited as the large tub filled with hot water. Then she went to the counter and chose a scented oil to put into the water. As the bath was filling, Alessia wandered back into the bedroom to explore the rest of it and saw there was another door, so after sliding it open, she walked into a dressing room. Two walls had open cabinets with Alessandro's suits, shirts, ties and shoes for work, and a third wall had another cabinet with his casual wear. She walked up to the cabinets and felt the fabric of his clothing, sensing his spicy cinnamon fragrance as it lingered in the room. She saw Alessandro's cologne on a table, and after picking it up, Alessia brought it to her nose and closed her eyes as the scent made a wonderfully delirious sensation run through her. Alessia put the bottle down and went back to the bathroom just in time to turn off the water.

Alessia got into the tub and rested back, enjoying the warmth and scent of the water, and as she leisurely washed with a soft sponge, she thought about the evening to come. She wondered what Alessandro had arranged, and yet she knew whatever he'd planned would be spectacular. He'd been so mysterious sending Alessia on the errands that morning, she was now anxious to see his face when he saw the dress Valentina designed for her. It was stunning and Alessia knew Alessandro would be on his knees as soon as he saw her wearing it. A giggle passed through Alessia's lips as she slowly pulled herself out of the water and put on one of the plush bathrobes hanging on the heater. As Alessia tied the robe around her waist, she noticed there was a glass door behind one of the cabinets, and when she went to look inside, she was thrilled to see it was a sauna.

The heat from inside begged her to go in, so Alessia took off the robe and stepped inside. She put the robe down on the wood bench and lay down on it, feeling the last cobwebs melting away as her body was caressed by the warmth of the sauna. Alessia was lost in her thoughts when the air became too dry to breathe, so she got up and pushed the door open to go back to the bedroom. Wrapping herself up in the warm bathrobe, she went to lie on Alessandro's bed for a moment and suddenly felt really sleepy. Closing her eyes for a few minutes, Alessia dozed off.

~~~

When Alessandro arrived home, he called out Alessia's name and when there was no answer, he put his briefcase down in his study and went to see if she was there. Apprehension coursed through his body, wondering if Alessia had decided to leave, but when Alessandro found her sleeping on his bed in her bathrobe, his body relaxed. Alessandro didn't have the heart to wake her since she was sleeping soundly, so he let her sleep and went to have a shower.

Alessia awoke to the sound of running water, and as she looked toward the bathroom, she saw the light was turned on and knew right away that Alessandro was home. Alessia crawled out of bed and, noticing how late it was, she went to look if her dress had arrived; and as Alessia expected, it was hanging in a bag in one of the guest rooms along with the shoes. Valentina must have dropped it off while Alessia was asleep.

She went to the guest room to get ready and found an assortment of makeup and perfumes for her use along with silk stockings and a velvet box with a note.

I've waited a long time for you and I hope you'll wear this tonight for me. It will symbolically mean you now belong to me.

Alessandro

The note sent thrilling chills down her spine, and as Alessia wondered what Alessandro had bought, she opened the velvet box and saw the Tiffany logo on the suede cover. As she lifted it, her eyes fell to the choker and she felt her breath catch, seeing the white gold choker with diamonds all around. The diamonds sparkled as the light's rays suddenly caught the clarity of the diamonds. It was like a wedding band and yet it was thinner and designed to be worn around the neck, making it the most beautiful thing Alessia had ever seen, and as she picked it up and looked at it closely, she noticed Alessandro had inscribed something inside. Taking a closer look, Alessia saw the word Mine and suddenly felt her heart swell for the man. It wasn't about the gift or the cost of the jewelry, but what it symbolized.

Alessia had never thought much about men or falling in love. She too had never let anyone get too close, and yet Alessandro had found his way to her heart in so little time.

The stylist arrived and did her makeup and hair beautifully. After the stylist left, Alessia took her time dressing, and when she was finally ready, she stood before the mirror in the beautiful cream-colored gown and the diamond choker. Her hair was swept up into a loose twist as tendrils fell from the sides past the choker. Looking at herself one more time before going out to meet Alessandro for their evening, she picked up the small evening bag Valentina made to match her dress and shoes before she walked into the living room.

Alessandro was waiting for her by the bar as he sipped a glass of Prosecco and turned when he heard Alessia enter the room. His hand stopped in midair as he was bringing the glass to his lips. Clearing his throat, he picked up the other glass of sparkling Italian white wine and gave it to her.

Then Alessandro took Alessia's hand and brought it to his lips, placing a soft kiss on the back. Without a second passing, he rested both glasses on the counter and pulled her closer. "You haven't run away, so that gives me hope you'll agree to what I'll propose later."

Her expression was soft. "I'm intrigued by your interest in me, if that is what it is." Alessia stared into his blue eyes the color of the ocean and yet she couldn't read what Alessandro had planned. Alessia saw desire, evident by the way Alessandro pulled her into his arms.

"It's more than interest, Alessia. I want you to know that."

She felt heat building inside her. "It's a lot to take in all at once."

"I've planned an evening out, and then when we come back tonight, I'd like to take off that beautiful dress you're wearing and run my lips over your gorgeous body." Alessandro lowered his lips to kiss Alessia gently on her neck, just below her ear where the choker was fastened. The warmth of Alessandro's lips on Alessia's neck sent desire running through her body in anticipation of what he'd do to her when they returned later that evening.

Placing his hand on Alessia's lower back, Alessandro felt her skin shivering under his touch. For a moment, hesitation was clearly in Alessandro's eyes, but then it passed as he guided Alessia toward the front door.

The guard held the door while they got into the car and then they drove toward town as another car escorted them with flashing blue lights.

"Do the guards always have to follow you? Also when you're at home?" Alessia asked, not understanding why they couldn't have a private evening on their own.

"Yes, the guards always go where I go. No exceptions to the rule," Alessandro said, holding her hand. "I'm sorry we can't have a private evening just the two of us."

"It's all right. I just wondered if they ever let you go out to play on your own," Alessia asked, looking at Alessandro's hand as it stroked the back of hers.

Alessandro let out a long sigh, tired after a long day of meetings, but his face returned immediately to its business-as-usual facade. Alessia looked at him a moment and realized how exhausted he was, and yet he still insisted on taking her out.

"I don't need to be wined and dined. I like staying at home just as much as I like going out, so next time you feel tired, let's just stay in," Alessia said, looking straight into his eyes.

"Mia Cara, I'm never too tired to be out with you, and your words give me hope that there will be a next time," Alessandro said just as the cars stopped in front of a building.

Alessia looked out the window and saw an imposing building with a banner draped down the side, showing events that were being presented. Alessandro waited for his guards to step out first, and then when his driver opened the door, he stepped out and held out his hand to help Alessia. When she got out, he placed her hand into the crook of his arm, and as they went up the steps to the entrance of the theatre, she felt the presence of eyes watching. As soon as they passed through the doors, patrons of the theatre constantly stopped Alessandro, and after a few minutes, his guards stepped in to escort them into their theatre box. When Alessia saw Alessandro had a private box, she grinned, knowing they would have privacy while at the theatre.

Alessandro pulled the curtain between the area they were sitting and the passage in the back so people passing couldn't see them, and within a few minutes, the lights dimmed to near darkness as the stage lit up and music played. Alessia leaned over the balcony to see what appeared on stage, and when Alessia saw it was the ballet, she leaned in to watch the beginning of Swan Lake, anxious like a little girl watching a fairytale.

Alessandro watched Alessia intently, the way her bare back moved under the softness of her gown and the gown contoured her backside as she sat forward. While Alessia watched the ballet progress, Alessandro put his hand on her back, feeling the warmth under his fingertips.

A loud sigh escaped Alessia as she felt the touch of Alessandro's fingers.

"Shhh," he whispered, stroking her back.

Alessia's face flushed from the new sensation, and as she turned to look at Alessandro, she felt desire building throughout her body.

"I don't know how much longer I can resist," he said, fire burning in his eyes.

"We can leave," Alessia murmured, feeling Alessandro's lips on the base of her neck.

"I've planned an evening to be with you—let's not rush it," Alessandro said, pulling away from her.

Alessia was quiet during the second part of the ballet, enjoying the scenes on the stage, intrigued by the ballet costumes and the music.

When the ballet was over and they stood up to leave, Alessandro walked behind her, keeping his distance, and when Alessia tried to take his hand, he pulled away.

They sat in silence until they arrived at the restaurant for a late night dinner. They were shown to a private room with only one table, filled with lit candles, illuminating the room and setting a romantic ambiance. While they sat in silence, the waiter brought their entrees and then left.

"We're finally alone," Alessandro said.

"Yes." Alessia suddenly felt her stomach tighten, knowing they were coming to the end of the evening and their night would begin.

"Did you enjoy the ballet?"

"Yes, I did. It was my first time." She thought of the pretty costumes and the wonderful dancers.

"I'm happy you enjoyed it then."

They both picked at the entree until the waiter came back to remove the plates and serve the pasta dish.

"I hope you like fish," Alessandro said.

"Yes, I do."

She picked at most of the food served, and when it was time for dessert, Alessandro wasn't sure if the dinner was going as well as he'd planned.

"Are you feeling all right?" he asked, frowning when Alessia didn't eat much.

"Yes." She moved her fork around on her plate, looking at the food.

"You've hardly eaten anything." Alessandro sensed her mood had changed.

"I'm a little nervous."

Alessandro reached over to take her hand. "You don't need to be. We'll take it slowly if you prefer."

"Okay," Alessia said, shrugging her shoulders.

When they finished their dinner, the guards escorted them back to their car and they drove to Alessandro's penthouse.

The moment they walked through his glass doors, Alessia started to panic. What if Alessandro was not satisfied with her? What if he changed his mind after tonight and didn't want her anymore?

Alessandro went to the bar to pour them each a glass of Grappa. As he passed Alessia one, he noticed the worry lines on her forehead. "Mia Cara, there is no need to worry. Are you having second thoughts about me?"

"No, not about you." Alessia took a sip of the liqueur and coughed.

For a moment, Alessandro wondered if someone in the past had hurt her—physically or mentally. Sometimes men were rough with women while having sex. He wasn't going to be like that with Alessia and wanted to reassure her he would be gentle. There was a time in his life, which he was not proud of, when he took his frustration out on his sex partners, but he was done with that part of his life. It would be different with Alessia. "Did someone hurt you in the past?"

"No."

"I promise to be gentle. Is there anything you don't feel comfortable doing?" Alessandro questioned, taking her hand. Alessandro wanted Alessia to know how much he cared about her.

"I'm not sure." Alessia lowered her eyes, embarrassed where the conversation was leading.

Alessandro felt her apprehension and realized she was hesitating. "What do you mean?"

"This will be my first time," Alessia whispered, feeling her entire body wash over with embarrassment.

"Look at me." Alessandro tilted her chin up so he could look into Alessia's eyes. "You've never been with a man?"

She shook her head.

Alessando took a moment to study her face. "Are you here willingly? Do you feel I'm forcing your hand?"

"No, I want to be here with you." Alessia's stomach was in knots, wondering if he preferred women with experience who knew how to pleasure him.

"This pleases me immensely, mia Cara. You can't imagine how long I've been watching you from a distance," Alessandro murmured, pulling Alessia into his arms.

"What do you mean, watching me?" It didn't make any sense what he was saying. They'd only met a couple of weeks ago.

"I saw you a while ago and I've been wanting to meet you ever since."

"Why?"

Alessandro took Alessia's hand to lead her to the sofa. "Come sit with me."

Alessia sat and waited for him to take the lead, and yet all he did was caress her cheek.

"I saw you nearly a year ago, while I was walking in Villa Borghese with my guards. You were sitting on a park bench, looking really sad. My heart broke for you that very moment, and if it weren't for the public constantly greeting me, I would have approached you to ask why you were so melancholy—but I couldn't in broad daylight in front of everyone. My guards took on the duty of finding out who you were and providing me with details of your life. The more I knew about you, the more I wanted to meet you, and when I found out you worked for the government, I had to make it happen."

"You reassigned me to work for you?"

"I did. Are you angry?"

"No, it's just a lot of information to take in all at once."

"Please know I've only done this because I want to make you happy."

Alessia started to feel like a puppet and didn't like it. "Happy? You don't know me and you certainly can't understand what my life has been like by simply reading about me in a file."

"I'm sorry, I'm going about it the wrong way. I didn't mean to offend you. When I saw you sitting in the park that day, you made me feel sad, wanting to fix whatever distressed you. You looked so lonely, my heart ached for you. Yes, I felt compassion for a total stranger, and the more I watched you, the more my feelings grew. Please don't be angry with me."

"I'm not angry, just confused."

"Listen, let's change out of these clothes and get to know each other."

She snorted.

"What's so funny?" Alessandro asked, confused by Alessia's gesture.

"You already know everything about me, so what's there to get to know?"

"I don't know why you were forlorn that day in the park, and my guards couldn't tell me what's here," Alessandro said, placing his hand over her heart. "Will you give me a chance?"

"I'm still here, aren't I?"

"Yes, you are, and that fills my heart with promise."

They went to their bedrooms to change, and when they returned shortly after, they were both wearing sweatpants and a t-shirt.

"Now sit down and tell me about yourself. I want to know what is not known to others. What are your hopes and dreams for the future? What are your fears? And above all, I want to know what made you so sad when I saw you the first time."

"You're asking a lot of me. I'm a private person and don't talk about my problems to others," Alessia said.

"Talk to me about what you feel comfortable discussing. I'm sorry to be so abrupt, but I have an urgent need to know more about you."

She laughed a moment at the thought of someone like Alessandro needing to know about her personal life. Never could she have imagined anything like this happening. Alessia could tell Alessandro was genuine so she decided to open up to him.

"Well, first of all, I was sad that day at the park because I'd signed the papers to put my father in a seniors' home. It wasn't an easy decision, but I had to do it because it was becoming difficult to keep him at home."

"Tell me about your father. How is he?"

"He's had Alzheimer's disease the past ten years."

"It must have been difficult for you to cope with his illness on your own. Do you have family or friends that help?"

"Nobody," Alessia said, feeling the ache in her heart.

Alessandro sensed her change in mood right away, and without saying more, he pulled Alessia close and held her quietly for a little while.

"How have you been since your father's been in a home?" Alessandro asked, knowing it couldn't have been easy taking on the world on her own.

Alessia let out a long sigh. "I've been better, but there's not much I can do about it. He's a completely different person from who he used to be and it's hard for me to see him like that when I visit."

"I'm sorry," Alessandro said, pulling Alessia closer, wrapping his arm around her shoulder.

Alessia rested her head on his chest and listened to his heartbeat until she looked up at him and knew she needed him to make love to her.

"Will you take me to bed now?"

"Is that what you want?" Alessandro asked, stroking her back.

"Yes," Alessia said, her eyes tearing up.

"Why are you crying then?" Alessandro gently caressed her face, waiting to find out what was going on in her mind.

"I'm an emotional person and I want you to make love to me."

First, Alessandro took Alessia's face in his hands and kissed her softly. Then he picked Alessia up in his arms and walked to his bedroom, gently putting her down on his bed. As Alessandro started to undress her, each time he removed a piece of clothing, he kissed Alessia's skin, making her react to every sensation on her body. When Alessandro's kisses touched her inner thighs, it made Alessia arch her back as soft groans escaped her mouth. Nobody had touched her there and Alessandro's soft lips filled her mind and body with a desire she'd never experienced.

Alessia watched with wide eyes as he took off his shirt, revealing his beautiful body, and as soon as Alessandro had taken off the last piece of his clothing, she saw his manhood spring up. Alessandro lay down on top as Alessia closed her eyes and moved his hands over her body slowly with skill, awakening a desire she didn't know she had. Alessia's body moved toward every caress and kiss Alessandro placed on her until she couldn't hold back her emotions. Alessia heard groans coming from her throat she couldn't control and bit her bottom lip, trying to be brave.

"It'll be okay," Alessandro whispered in Alessia's ear. He stopped a moment to slip on protection, and when he continued, Alessandro curled his fingers into Alessia's and raised her arms above her head as he gently pushed inside. Alessandro's mouth was on hers when Alessia let out a gasp, but the outburst was brief as his mouth commanded hers with a force. Alessandro then moved his hands underneath Alessia's head, cradling her as he moved slowly to let her adjust to his size.

Alessia felt terrible pain at first, but then it slowly went away and the love-making became pleasurable. She moved her body with Alessandro's and hoped it was right, giving him pleasure. Alessia suddenly felt a sensation building up inside that was about to explode, and as she arched her back, excitement grew quickly, and when she felt she was flying, she called out Alessandro's name as the orgasm overtook her.

Alessandro was tender, placing kisses over her face and body as she climaxed, and he held off as long as possible to let Alessia enjoy the pleasure controlling her body. Not long after her orgasm hit, Alessandro's movements quickened until he groaned and his body tensed just before he fell spent to Alessia's side. He moved his arm underneath Alessia and pulled her close, kissing the top of the head.

Alessia didn't move, enjoying the last sensations of desire and pleasure still flowing through her body as she listened to Alessandro's heart beating for a little while until she felt him move.

"How do you feel?" Alessandro asked, moving a strand of hair from Alessia's face.

"Incredible," Alessia said, feeling happy and alive. It was the most wonderful feeling she'd ever experienced and she was grateful it had been with Alessandro. Her eyes looked up at the ceiling and then around the room as they were silent. "So is this where you've brought your lady friends?"

"No, I've never brought lady friends here. This is my home."

"You brought me here," Alessia said, wanting to understand what she was to Alessandro.

"You're different. I want to share my private life with you. The other women were for sex."

"You've brought them to your house in Rome?" Alessia asked, pushing for more information. She desperately needed to know more about these women Alessandro had been with in the past. It was silly, but she suddenly felt jealous knowing he'd made love to other women as he had with her.

"No, I brought them to special places that cater to a certain type of client."

"What does that mean?" Alessia was curious to know more.

"I don't want to talk about how I've spent the past few years."

"Why not? You're asking me to open up to you, and yet you won't tell me about your personal life? I don't think it's fair." Alessia sat up in bed, crossing her arms over her chest.

"It's not that I don't want to tell you, but that I don't think you'd understand."

"Why not? I'm not a child," she said, feeling hurt.

"Cara, the reason I'd prefer not to tell you is because it's not about love-making. It's about having hard sex with experienced partners."

"Will you show me some of the things you did with them?" Alessia was really curious about what was involved when he talked about hard sex, so she lay back down on the bed to look in his eyes.

"Mia Cara, you are so innocent that it scares me." If Alessia knew what Alessandro's life had been like, how he had treated women in the past, he was sure she would walk out the door and not look back.

"Why does it scare you? I just want to know more about you," she murmured, caressing his cheek.

"One day I might explain it to you, but for now, close your eyes and go to sleep," Alessandro whispered, pulling her warm body close.

Alessia curled up beside Alessandro and with the sound of his heart beating, she drifted off to sleep.

~~~

The next morning Alessia woke up to find Alessandro still sleeping. She watched as his chest rose with his breathing and suddenly wanted to wrap her fingers around the fine curly dark hair on Alessandro's chest. Alessia gently lifted her hand and held it so she could just feel his curls without waking him. Alessandro was so beautiful and she still couldn't believe she was there with him.

Alessia's stomach started to growl since she hadn't had much to eat the night before, so she decided to get up and find out what was in the fridge. She put on Alessandro's shirt from the night before, smelling his cinnamon scent around the collar as she walked barefoot through the penthouse to the kitchen.

The fridge was surprisingly well stocked. The housekeeper must have gone shopping, and since Alessia enjoyed cooking, she pulled out some ingredients from the fridge and started to prepare breakfast.

As Alessia was humming, she heard footsteps, so she turned to see Alessandro walking toward her in his boxers.

"Good morning," Alessandro said, kissing her passionately.

"Good morning to you too."

"When I turned over, I almost thought you'd changed your mind and run off, breaking my heart."

"I wouldn't do that to you. Now sit down and I'll have breakfast ready in just a few minutes," Alessia said, rising up on her toes to kiss Alessandro on the nose.

Alessandro walked over to the breakfast bar and sat on a stool. "You know how to cook?"

"Yes, and don't be so surprised. I had to learn or starve when I was young so I borrowed cookbooks from people and started to make dishes that were awful until my cooking skills improved."

His smile reached his eyes as Alessandro watched Alessia move around his kitchen like she'd always been there.

"I looked at today's schedule and noticed you have the morning free, so does that mean you can teach me more in bed?" She winked.

"I thought we were going to take it slow?"

"I want you to make love to me again." Alessia said it with such enthusiasm that her eyes sparkled.

Alessandro laughed. "Oh mia Cara, what have I done to you?"

"You brought life to me." Alessia had gone through some terrible times these past few years, and for the first time in a long while, Alessandro brought happiness to her heart. It was something Alessia didn't think would be possible again.

They talked and joked as they ate the delicious zucchini omelet Alessia prepared, and as soon as the dishes were in the dishwasher, she ran to the bed, giggling like a child.

Alessandro followed Alessia at a slower pace, and when he entered the bedroom he ran his fingers through his hair at the sight of her.

Alessia had taken off his shirt while she ran to the room and threw herself on the bed with pure excitement. "Teach me more. Show me what you do to those ladies."

His face went dark a moment. "No. You're too innocent."

"Why? I want you to show me more."

"That, I can do," Alessandro said, taking off his boxers as he waked to the bed. Then he opened his night table and pulled out another condom.

"Get on your knees and face the headboard," Alessandro told her, then he gently pushed Alessia's head down onto the pillow and held her hips while he moved his manhood close to her folds.

Alessia did as she was told and felt excitement building between her legs. A giggle escaped her as she prepared to feel desire. When she felt Alessandro's manhood thrust inside, Alessia groaned, making him stop, resting his head on her back until she became comfortable with his size. "Okay?"

"Yes," Alessia croaked.

Alessandro gently kissed her back before moving slowly inside. Alessia was really tight so he moved slowly in and out until her body adjusted to him.

Alessia felt him warm inside and the position they'd taken made her feel Alessandro more than the night before. She held on as long as she could, but when she was about to fall over the edge, Alessia screamed from deep inside.

His movements deepened as he was close to release, and the moment Alessandro felt her orgasm hit, he let himself go as his washed over him. He slowed down, feeling painfully aware that he was slumped over Alessia's back, weighing her down, so he slid them both to the side and spooned her while they caught their breath.

After a little while, Alessia turned to face Alessandro and saw pleasure still set in his face. "I really liked that."

He grinned, knowing Alessia was experiencing new sensations and Alessandro was happy she was pleased with their love-making.

"Promise me you'll show me what you do with the ladies. I want to learn about sex, everything there is to know about it."

"Cara, not everything is pleasure and not all is worth knowing."

"If it's something connected to you then I want to know. I want to experience it with you. Please?"

Alessandro looked at her a few minutes, hesitating, not wanting to give into Alessia, and yet he knew how persistent she could be. "Okay, mia Cara, with time we'll do that."

Alessandro pleasured her most intimate part where her heat grew, giving her a taste of the many ways he could make her body react to his touch, and then they made love two more times until he needed to get ready for the afternoon. He took a quick shower while Alessia relaxed in the large tub, soaking her sore muscles, and when Alessandro was dressed and ready to go, she was just stepping out of the tub. Alessia turned to find Alessandro holding the bathrobe for her.

"Try to sleep this afternoon; we're having dinner with my sister, Valentina, tonight." Alessandro wrapped his arms around Alessia's body from the back and snuggled his nose in her hair, just below her ear, as he took in the scent of her shampoo.

"I will, but don't expect me to lounge around like this all the time. I am your assistant and I've come to work," Alessia remarked, turning to look at Alessandro.

Alessandro caressed Alessia's cheek and smiled as he stood a full head above her, so Alessandro lowered his mouth to kiss the top of her head.

"Be good while I'm gone. I'll send you a message on the iPad about dinner." Alessandro kissed Alessia on the lips and then left the penthouse.

This was the first time Alessia was alone since they'd made love, and she sat on the bed, thinking how incredible the past twenty-four hours had been. She had to pinch herself to make sure she wasn't dreaming. Smiling, she rolled on the bed while she took in Alessandro's scent.

~~~

They spent an enjoyable evening with Valentina, giving Alessia a chance to get to know her, and she was amazed how successful both brother and sister had become, and admired their determination. Alessia was sad to say goodnight when the evening was over, but they promised to meet again soon.

They went back to Alessandro's penthouse and made love with an eagerness that moved Alessandro. She badgered him about the hard sex until he told her about the sex toys he used, and when she still wouldn't give up, he finally gave in to Alessia's demand. Alessandro decided he needed to take Alessia somewhere that was protected and not leave a hurtful memory if she didn't have the stomach for it.

When Alessia finally dozed off, Alessandro got up to make a few calls. He couldn't sleep, so it would be a good time to make the arrangements. When he was done, Alessandro walked back to the bedroom to find Alessia still asleep, but as he pulled her closer, Alessia turned over and partially opened her eyes.

"Hmm, what time is it?" she asked, snuggling closer to Alessandro.

"Go back to sleep. We have to get up early tomorrow morning."

"Tomorrow's Sunday. Don't you have a day off?"

"Normally I would, but I'm taking you to Florence." He grinned.

"Florence? Why are we going there? Can't we stay here in bed tomorrow?"

"You'd like that, wouldn't you, mia Cara? I have a surprise for you in Florence, so that's why we can't stay in Milan."

"Another surprise," Alessia said.

~~~

Alessia awoke the next morning feeling tired but happy, and after having an abundant breakfast, they got into the car and were escorted by Alessandro's guards to Florence.

When the cars drove up to the side gates of Palazzo Pitti and stopped, Alessia looked out the car window and asked, "We're visiting Palazzo Pitti?"

"This is where we'll be staying for the night," Alessandro said.

"We'll be sleeping at Palazzo Pitti tonight?" Alessia asked, raising her eyebrows in delight. "I came here on a class trip many years ago."

"My mother was a Medici and it belongs to her family. Part of the Palazzo is open to the public, but we still use the private quarters when we are in Florence."

Alessia looked at Alessandro a moment, taking in the full picture of who he really was, and it overwhelmed her. When Alessandro got out of the car, he held out his hand to help Alessia out, and yet she sat still, staring at the palace.

"Alessia, are you coming?"

"Yes, of course," she said, pulling herself out of the daydream. Alessia remembered visiting the palace years ago and it seemed unbelievable she would enter the place after so many years, and with one of its owners.

"I have a surprise for you," Alessandro whispered into her ear.

"More surprises?" Alessia said, grinning.

"This is a special surprise which I hope you will enjoy as much as I," he said, leading the way to the private quarters. She looked around as they walked through the rooms that were decorated with the same opulence as the public area, until they reached Alessandro's bedroom. It was clearly a man's bedroom, and as Alessia noticed the dark four-poster bed and the heavy wardrobe and cabinets, she also noticed it was decorated with rich red and gold colors. Then Alessandro walked to a wall and pushed a panel that opened a secret passage.

"Do you trust me?" Alessandro asked.

"Yes," Alessia said, looking over his shoulder to the secret passage.

Her eyebrows raised in surprise as Alessandro grinned and extended his hand to show Alessia inside. He led her through a narrow passageway to another room—a secret bedroom that was equipped with what Alessia believed to be tools used for torture. Fear started to creep into her gut and as soon as Alessia saw his expression change to comprehension, her fears started to fade. "I only use this room for sex, not for torture, and the room gives me a sense of excitement knowing that sex slaves were tortured here by their masters back in the day," Alessandro said.

"You've brought other women here?" she asked, surprised that a woman would let herself be tied and gagged in such a sad room.

"No, this was too personal for me to share with a woman until you. I've been here with male partners who aren't scared off by the thought of what the room was used for in the past," Alessandro said, waiting for a reaction from her.

"Male partners? So you've had sex with men?" Alessia asked, shocked and curious to know the truth.

"Yes and I've also been dominated by them in this very room," he said, stepping closer to Alessia.

"You've let men torture you in this room?" she asked, completely speechless by the discovery.

Alessia looked around and saw whips, chains, and neck cuffs as well as other things with purposes she could not comprehend. There was a strange metallic thing hanging from the ceiling. It was hanging over the end of the bed and there were cuffs at the top and bottom. Three steps led up to the metallic contraption, and as Alessia went closer to touch it, she turned to Alessandro. "You've been tortured by a male partner in this room?"

"I've been dominated, and if you will agree to it, I would like for you to be present tonight while I submit to my male partner," Alessandro said, hoping Alessia trusted him enough to participate in what he had planned.

Alessia's eyes widened and her hand went to her mouth as she shook her head.

Alessandro walked to her and pulled her into an embrace. "Amore, nothing will happen to you. I will be the one being dominated by my male partner. I will be the only person to touch you—nobody else," Alessandro said, feeling Alessia trembling from fear.

"I don't know if I could do this. You've taught me so much these past twenty-four hours, but this is totally different. I don't think I could sit back and watch someone torture you for pleasure," Alessia said, closing her eyes, not wanting to look at the room any longer.

"Amore, I promise you won't be hurt, and my partner and I use safe words to stop before it becomes unbearable. You said you wanted to know about me and experience my world. Well, this is it."

"You talked about having sex with women. You never mentioned being tortured by a man. I didn't ask to be part of this," Alessia said, stepping away.

Alessandro pulled Alessia close again. "I've only done this three other times," Alessandro said, raising her chin to look into her eyes. "Open you eyes and look at me."

Alessia opened her eyes and he saw fear in them. "I know it's a lot to take in. Just think about it for now and let me know later if you feel you can't be here," Alessandro whispered, hoping not to scare Alessia away.

"Do you mean you'll do it whether I participate or not?" Alessia asked, shocked by her revelation.

"Yes, it's all been arranged. I feel safe with my partner, so it is up to you if you want to participate or not," Alessandro said, kissing Alessia on the forehead.

"But I don't understand. Why would you want to be tortured by someone?" Alessia asked.

"I won't deny it doesn't cause me pain, and yet it also gives me pleasure while I'm being dominated by a male partner. I can't explain it; you'll just have to trust me," he said as they walked back to his bedroom. As soon as Alessandro shut the door, Alessia's expression changed, which gave him hope she could soften up.

Alessandro led her to the main dining room for lunch where they sat at the long table in silence, and as the courses were being served, he noticed Alessia hardly touched her food. "Alessia, please eat something. You need to eat," he said, caressing the back of her hand while it was on the table.

"I still can't believe you're going to go through with this. Is there any way I can persuade you not to?" Alessia pleaded.

"Amore, are you so worried about me that you'd rather I not do it?" Alessandro asked, touched by her sincere interest in his wellbeing.

"Of course. I don't want to see you being tortured or know you're being tortured. It would break my heart," she said, as sadness fell over her and a tear rolled down Alessia's cheek from the dreadful feeling that Alessandro would be hurt in the process.

Alessandro pulled her hand, making Alessia get up, and brought her close to him, sitting her on his lap. "Amore, I'm not afraid of it. Isn't that enough to put your mind at peace?" he asked, stroking her back.

"But after it's all finished, you'll be in pain, and I can't bear to see you in that state. Why do you have to put yourself through it? That's what I can't understand. You come from a noble family, an important family, and you have everything anyone could want in life, so why should you feel pain to feel pleasure?" Alessia asked with a heavy heart.

"Because it is what brings me back to reality; knowing that many people were put through it by my ancestors—it gives me a sense of peace. Please reconsider; it would mean very much to me if you could be present and experience it with me."

"I can't promise anything, but I'll think about it seriously. Now can we please change the subject?"

He nodded.

"Do we have to go anywhere tonight?" Alessia asked.

"Actually, since you asked, we're going to a fundraiser at the Meyer Children's Hospital. Our family hosts it every year and this year it is my turn to attend the event," Alessandro said, as Alessia slid off his lap and sat back on her chair.

"Oh, that's a wonderful event. I've heard good things about the Meyer Hospital and I'll be proud to attend the fundraiser with you, but there is only one problem," she said.

"What would that be?" Alessandro asked.

"I don't have a dress to wear. The one I wore last night will need to be dry cleaned before I can wear it again," Alessia replied.

"Mia Cara, when you go to your bedroom, you will find a new dress with all the accessories needed for tonight," Alessandro said, kissing the back of her hand.

"You bought me a new dress for tonight's event?"

"Of course—you've become an important part of my life these past few weeks and I want you next to me at all times."

Alessia sat back down and ate a little more of her food before dessert was served. She had an espresso and then felt the need to lie down, so Alessandro showed her to her chamber, which was next to his, and as she walked in, she gasped at the beautiful room. It was decorated in a dusty pink color with a dark four-poster bed, a beauty table, a wardrobe and large dresser. Alessandro showed her to the private bathroom that had a freestanding antique bathtub, toilet, bidet and sink.

"I presume there is indoor plumbing?" Alessia smirked.

"Of course," Alessandro said, running water in the tub for her. "The new gown and undergarments are hanging in the wardrobe, so take your time in the bath, have a nap and I'll pass by at 7 p.m.," he said, kissing her on the forehead before leaving.

Alessia looked around at the room and couldn't believe she was a guest inside the beautiful palace. She undressed and slipped into the hot water, relaxing against the back of the tub. Alessia's mind wandered back to that horrible room, wondering how she was going to find the courage to be there, but she decided she had to be there because it was important to him—she only needed to overcome her fear.

~~~

After a relaxing bath and a nap, Alessia got up and went to the wardrobe to see what Alessandro had arranged for her to wear that evening. The garments were hanging in designer bags, so she pulled each one out of the wardrobe and laid them out on the bed. Carefully unzipping the larger bag, knowing the evening gown would be inside, she stood back a moment to look at the beautiful material and the design of the gown. It was a hazy mustard, full-length, sleeveless gown with tiny pearls around the neck, sloping down to the V-shaped back that extended to the base of her spine. Inside the other bags, she found matching satin shoes, an evening bag, silk undergarments and silk stockings. In the last bag was a box with a necklace, bracelet and earrings with a note:

Mia Cara, tonight you will be a jewel among the flowers and I hope you like what I have chosen for you.

Alessandro

Alessia smiled as she touched the fabric again, and when she closed her eyes, she could almost feel Alessandro's gentle hands on her back. She opened her eyes and started to get ready for the evening.

Alessandro was punctual as always, and when she opened the door to her room, he smiled as he took Alessia's hand and brought it to his lips. "Tesoro, you are gorgeous tonight."

"Thank you. You are very handsome," Alessia said, looking at his tall figure in his expensive dark designer suit.

Alessandro escorted her down the corridor to the front entrance where his guards were waiting and as soon as they got into the car, Alessia felt butterflies floating in her belly as they made their way to the evening.

The event was held at the Hotel St. Regis Florence. The moment his two cars drove to the front of the hotel, they were greeted by the event promoters.

Alessandro stepped out of the car and leaned in to help Alessia out. Photographers took pictures as Alessia stepped out. The flashes shone in her eyes like strobe lights, nearly sending her off balance. Alessandro caught her by the waist and led her through the front doors to the main reception room where the photographers weren't permitted. "I'm sorry—I should have warned you about the photographers. Are you all right?"

"Yes. The lights stunned me a little. Luckily I didn't fall over," Alessia said, looking at the beautifully decorated reception room.

The guests immediately came to Alessandro to greet him, and after a brief moment, Alessia stood back and looked at the dining area, noticing it was prepared with round tables in the middle of the room, surrounded by large plants and flowers on every corner of the reception hall. The tables were set with cream-colored tablecloths and blue china settings with silver trim. In the middle of each table was a large crystal vase with long-stemmed red roses and silver branches that gleamed under the chandeliers, dimly illuminating the room.

Alessia sat down while Alessandro held her chair, and then he chatted more by the table as people constantly came to shake his hand. Finally, after a long while he was able to sit and enjoy the evening.

They were served several courses, and before the dessert arrived, Alessandro went onto the stage.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I feel honored to be part of such an important evening. I am a firm believer that it takes only one person to make a difference and I can see by the turnout tonight that our impact on the future will be greater because there is strength in numbers. I would like to thank you each and every one of you for making a difference tonight...

When the event was finally over, Alessandro shook many hands on his way out and more pictures were taken when they walked to their car. Once safely inside, Alessandro turned to Alessia and kissed her. "Thank you for coming with me tonight. It's always long and boring no matter how important the charity is, and your being with me has made it pleasurable tonight." Alessandro took Alessia's hand and raised it to his lips, softly kissing the back of her hand. His kisses continued up her arm to her shoulder until he stopped and looked into her eyes.

"We're nearly home—have you decided about tonight?" Alessandro asked, hoping she would be present.

"Yes, I will be there, although if I find I cannot bear it, I will either ask you to stop or leave. I will not stand by and watch you be tortured beyond reason," Alessia said with stern eyes.

"It's all I ask of you."

"And I will not let your partner touch me," Alessia said, crossing her arms.

"He won't—there are rules we follow and I am his submissive, not you. Actually, your task will be to submit to my requests," Alessandro said, leaning over to softly kiss her neck.

"No torture?"

"No, I promise you won't feel any pain."

"Is there anything I can say to you to change your mind?" Alessia's eyes were pleading.

"Some things can't be changed."

She tried with all her will to change his plans. "They can if you want them to."

"Alessia?"

"Okay, I'll let it go, but can you promise me one thing?"

"I will if it's in my power to do it," Alessandro said carefully.

"You really are a politician, aren't you?"

"Sorry, I'm used to the media publishing every word I say so I'm careful how I respond. What is it you'd like me to promise?"

"That this will be the last time you'll let anyone torture you. That is something I'm not willing to negotiate," Alessia said calmly.

"Mia Cara, I promise you this will be the last time." Alessandro pulled her into an embrace. "It warms my heart to see you worry about me."

Alessia hit him on the arm. "Why wouldn't I worry about you if you're hurt?"

Alessandro lifted her chin up so he could look into her eyes. "Amore, my partner won't hurt me to the point of needing hospitalization."

"Well, I'll feel much better when it's over."

They arrived at Palazzo Pitti and got out of the car. As they walked into the palace, they walked to their rooms, where Alessandro told Alessia he'd call her when his male partner arrived. In the meantime, Alessia was to change into what she'd find in the top dresser drawer of her room.

Alessia went into her room and took off her gown, placing it carefully on the bed. Then Alessia went to the dresser and opened the top drawer to find a black silk chemise that closed with a little diamond button behind the neck. It was completely transparent and had matching crotchless panties. Taking these out of the drawer and placing them on the bed, Alessia proceeded to take off the undergarments and put on what Alessandro asked for the evening. Alessia slowly put the evening gown back into the garment bag and hung it inside the wardrobe. She went into the bathroom to brush her hair and put on some perfume.

Suddenly, Alessia heard a knock on her door, so she took a deep breath and went to answer it. Alessandro was standing outside in a black silk robe and extended his hand to lead Alessia from the room. She followed him quietly, feeling knots in her stomach from what was about to happen. Alessia's palms were sweaty while she started to breath heavily.

Alessandro noticed her apprehension and turned to look at her before entering his bedroom. "Tesoro, everything will be all right. You have to trust me. I promise you won't be touched or hurt," he said, taking Alessia's face in his hands and kissing her.

As Alessia looked into Alessandro's blue eyes, she felt safe and fear at the same time. "I know I won't be hurt. What I'm uncertain about is if I can bear to see you hurting," she whispered.

"I won't be hurt in any way. We use a safe word, so if it becomes too much for me to tolerate, I use the safe word and my partner stops. I promise I will use it if I need to," Alessandro said, kissing her again on the lips.

Alessia let out a long sigh and followed Alessandro into his bedroom, through the passageway to the secret room. Inside was a tall muscular man with dark hair. Alessandro introduced him as "Marco" for privacy reasons and then shut the door to the chamber.

Alessandro's voice suddenly changed and he told Alessia to lie on the bed with her legs spread open. First, Alessandro told Alessia she needed to respond, "Yes, Minister," when he spoke to her. Second, Alessia would touch herself until she came, and third, she needed to repeat the process until they were done for the night.

Alessia wasn't sure what that meant, so she asked, "Do you mean I need to make myself come more than once?"

"Yes, that is exactly what you need to do. Do you understand?" Alessandro asked.

"Yes," Alessia said.

"Excuse me?" Alessandro asked, his tone dominating.

"Yes, Minister," Alessia responded, crawling onto the bed.

"You will use the tools you find on the bed to make yourself come, using a different tool each time, is that clear?" Alessandro growled.

"Yes."

"Excuse me?"

"Yes, Minister, " Alessia replied, looking at the strange tools that rested on the bed next to her.

Marco stepped forward and removed his robe, exposing his body. Alessia was lost in the moment, watching his muscular body and his erection that was large and thriving while his legs were muscular and toned. Marco then turned to Alessandro and said, "Take off your robe."

"Yes, Master," Alessandro said, taking off his robe, exposing his beautiful body. Alessia looked at Alessandro and felt wetness growing below by the sight of his erection that was hardening. Then Marco told Alessandro to step up onto the metallic contraption and lie forward, extending his arms outward.

Alessia watched as Alessandro went up the few steps and bent over onto the contraption. He stood with his legs against the bottom part of the contraction as his chest rested on the metallic plate at the top of the contraption. Alessandro's manhood dangled downward freely. Marco fastened the ankle cuffs and the wrist cuffs on him, binding him to the contraption in a position so he was bent forward with his backside spread open. The position looked uncomfortable, and yet Alessandro seemed to be tranquil, so Alessia remained calm.

Alessia felt desire swell between her legs watching as she placed her finger into her core to make herself come. She was so close to the edge that Alessandro told her in his dominating voice, "Don't hold back. I want to hear your desire echoing throughout the room."

"Yes, Minister," Alessia said, breathing hard. She felt the first wave of pleasure wash over her body. Alessia's eyes darkened with lust as he watched her body trembling from the first orgasm.

Then Marco picked up a long leather whip and took a couple of steps back from Alessandro before cracking it into the air, hitting across Alessandro's bare backside. The sound of the whip releasing over Alessandro startled Alessia, and when she looked up, she saw Alessandro flinch, but then his face relaxed, so she didn't alarm herself.

Looking at the tools next to her on the bed, Alessia saw there was a metallic stick with a switch at the end of it. She took it in her hands to look at it closely, and when she touched the switch, it buzzed to life. Alessia put it against her hand and felt the stimulation as it pulsed against her palm, and when she looked up, she saw Alessandro's hooded gaze, watching her test it. Alessandro nodded and Alessia moved it close to her wetness, letting it massage her labia before pushing it into her heat.

The coldness of the metal sent delirious sensations through her body, and as Alessia moved it in and out a couple of times, it brought her immediately to her second wave as she heard the second crack of the whip. Looking up at Alessandro, Alessia saw him wince for a moment, and then he relaxed again, so she continued with what she was doing. She felt the juices from her heat as she opened her legs wider to push the tool deeper inside her. As she did this, she saw Alessandro grinning at her, clearly giving him lustful desire seeing her pleasure herself.

Then the third crack of the whip hit and again Alessandro barely winced. Alessia hit the top of her wave and was riding it until her orgasm washed over her. She lost focus of what was happening to Alessandro as she moved her body while the tool inside sent her spinning as she screamed out her desire. Slowly her body started its descent and relaxed as she heard another crack of the whip. She wasn't sure how many times Marco had hit Alessandro with the whip, but she heard Alessandro say the color yellow.

Marco put the whip down and then pulled out a paddle. Taking two steps up onto the platform so he stood next to Alessandro's body, Marco lifted the paddle and whacked it on Alessandro's backside, once, twice and a third time. Then Marco moved the paddle over Alessandro's backside, caressing the skin with it.

"Your ass is sweating from pleasure. What is your color?" Marco asked.

"Green, Master," Alessandro said.

Marco took the paddle firmly in his hand again and gave Alessandro another four hard slaps on his backside that clearly gave Alessandro more pain than he wanted to admit.

Alessandro's face relaxed again, so Alessia looked around the bed again for another tool. This time Alessia saw a feather, and wondered if she could excite herself by simply using a feather, so she picked it up and started to move it around her breasts as she stuck two fingers deep into her folds. The tingling of the feather over her sensitive skin and the movement of her fingers inside her core sent Alessia quickly into her third orgasm. She was deep in her abyss while she was washed over by her pleasure and lost focus again on what Marco was doing to Alessandro. She tried to stretch out the pleasure of this orgasm longer than the previous ones, and by the time she'd finally screamed out, she saw Marco had attached a clamp to Alessandro's erection while he was getting ready to penetrate.

"What is your color?" Marco asked.

"Green, Master," Alessandro said.

Alessia looked at Alessandro's blue eyes and suddenly started to worry about what they were doing. The clamp looked painful and she was sure being penetrated from behind while he was bent over couldn't be pleasurable.

Marco, after placing a condom on his erection, pushed himself deep into Alessandro's behind and pumped in and out quickly. Alessandro closed his eyes, clearly not comfortable with what was happening. He kept his eyes closed, and as Marco pumped from behind, the clamp on Alessandro's erection pressed against the metallic contraption, pulling and squeezing.

Alessia suddenly felt fear groping at her throat. Alessandro was being tortured now and it was not acceptable anymore. Alessia gasped and cried out, "Stop, please! This is too much!" They didn't seem to hear Alessia while Marco continued to pump in and out as Alessandro kept his eyes closed. Suddenly Alessia saw a tear running down Alessandro's cheek. "I said stop!" Alessia shouted again.

"What is your color?" Marco asked Alessandro.

"Green, Master!" Alessandro said, opening his eyes to gaze at Alessia.

"Green? Green? You are out of your mind?" Alessia said, getting off the bed and wanting to leave the room. Alessia couldn't find the exit and pounded her fists over the walls, hoping to find the opening to the secret door, but when she didn't, she slumped down with her back against the wall, placing her head between her knees, crying. "I can't watch this anymore. Please stop!" Alessia whispered.

"What is your color?" Marco asked again.

"Red, Master," Alessandro whispered.

Marco pulled himself out and pulled the clamp off, clearly leaving markings. Marco immediately unclamped Alessandro's ankles and wrists. He helped Alessandro up off the metallic contraption and carried him in his arms to the bed, gently lying him down on his stomach.

"Will you need me to take care of your wounds?" Marco asked.

"No, Master. Alessia will take care of me," Alessandro groaned.

Marco put his robe back on and then went to Alessia. "You'll find all the necessary sanitary items to clean him up and medicate his wounds in the cabinet next to the bed. Are you sure you can handle it on your own?" Marco asked, gently, as he helped her up off the floor.

Alessia looked at Marco and suddenly heard the gentleness in his voice—someone who cared about Alessandro more than she believed after what she'd just witnessed. She stood on shaky legs and found her voice again. "I'll take care of him," Alessia said, turning to Alessandro, who was clearly in pain. "I only need one thing from you before you leave. Please carry him to his bedroom. I can't stay in this room one more minute," she said, closing her eyes a moment to focus on what she needed to do.

"Of course. You grab the cleansing products from the cabinet and I'll carry Alessandro to his bedroom," Marco said, again in a gentle voice.

Alessia went to the cabinet and pulled out everything that she could carry, not wanting to return to that dreadful room again. Then she watched Marco as he gently picked up Alessandro's aching body and went to the wall to push a hidden button that opened the secret door to the passageway. Alessia followed him through it, and when they were on the other side, she shut the secret door, not wanting to see the chamber again.

Alessia watched Marco as he placed Alessandro face down on his large four-poster bed and then said goodbye before leaving. Suddenly the room was silent and all Alessia could hear were Alessandro's moans. Letting out a deep breath, Alessia went to the bathroom to fill the antique pitcher with hot water and came back to the room to fill the porcelain basin. Then she went back to the bathroom and pulled out some clean towels along with washcloths.

Pouring some disinfectant into the water, Alessia soaked the washcloth into the hot water and then started to clean Alessandro's wounds. The touch of the cloth made him howl from the pain, but Alessia continued to clean him no matter how much it pained her to see Alessandro in that state until he was cleaned up and medicated. Then she pulled a clean cotton sheet over his body and lay down beside him. Alessandro's face was turned toward her, but his eyes were closed.

"Why do you put yourself through this?" Alessia whispered, stroking his cheek.

He opened his eyes and looked deep into hers. "Because the pain reminds me of how fortunate I've been in life," Alessandro whispered.

"I don't understand," Alessia said.

"I've always had an extremely easy life and I need to feel pain to feel alive," he said, looking at Alessia's beautiful face. Alessandro's entire body ached and yet he would have given anything to pull her into his arms that moment.

"You don't need to be tortured to feel alive. There must be other ways for you to experience life-changing moments—surely there must be," Alessia said, frustrated.

"Thank you for being with me tonight. This means the world to me," Alessandro said, still staring into her beautiful eyes.

"Why did you decide to involve me this time?" she continued questioning.

"You wanted to know about my past, so I decided to do it with you by my side so you can understand the darkness I have inside," Alessandro said, closing his eyes.

"Did you mean it when you said you won't do this ever again?" she asked, feeling hope rising in her chest.

"I won't do this again if you don't want me to. I care what you think and if it pains you to see me like this then this will be the last time—I promise," Alessandro whispered, dozing off shortly after.

Alessia leaned over and kissed Alessandro tenderly on the forehead before stroking his face. "I don't want you to do this again," she said, cuddling without disturbing him.

# Chapter Three

They stayed two full days in bed while Alessandro's wounds healed and during that time, they talked about their childhood. Alessia explained how she'd felt when her mother passed away when she was six, remembering the terrible moment when her father told her that her mother had gone to Heaven and wouldn't be back. She'd stopped speaking for a long time. Doctors believed the loss of her mother made her voice go away. Her father had brought her to a psychologist regularly, hoping it would help, but it took a couple of years before her voice came back.

"I'm sorry you lost your mother at such a young age," Alessandro said, pulling her into an embrace while they were in bed the second evening.

"It disturbs me more to see my father wither away, not recognizing me and not remembering the past," she said, feeling a tear fall from the corner of her eye.

"Oh Tesoro, I'm sorry you didn't have anyone to lean on," Alessandro said, kissing her tenderly on the forehead as he held her close.

Alessandro talked about his upbringing in an extremely privileged world, which made Alessia understand his strong desire to have an emotional dark experience. She didn't condone it and yet she started to understand his need to feel something strong enough to shake his life for a little while.

On the third day, when Alessandro was finally well enough to walk around, they got out of bed and had a bath together. They got dressed and went to the dining room to have lunch. The palace cook had prepared soups and easy foods for Alessandro's ailment until he was better, and now that he was up and about, the cook prepared a three-course meal which they relished with a ravenous appetite. Alessia sat across from Alessandro as they talked, ate and drank red wine, and noticed the gleam in his eyes. "What?" Alessia asked, smiling.

"I love being alone like this with you."

"Me too," she confessed.

Alessandro smiled. "So, what would you like to do today?"

"Since we're in Florence, could we visit the Galleria degli Uffizi?" Alessia asked, remembering how much she'd enjoyed it years ago.

"Of course. I'll make a phone call and we can visit the Uffizi later in the afternoon," Alessandro said. They finished their lunch and then went to take a nap.

Alessandro and Alessia arrived at the Gallery in late afternoon, but when they got out of the car, Alessia noticed it was closed. "We've come too late. It was open only in the morning," Alessia said, disappointedly.

"Come with me," Alessandro said, grinning while he linked Alessia's arm with his as they walked to a side door and he took out his phone to make a call. Suddenly the door opened and the Director of the Uffizi, Raffaele, ushered them inside.

"Please take your time and let me know when you've finished your tour," Raffaele told Alessandro. They shook hands and then Raffaele walked away, leaving Alessandro and Alessia alone.

"Just like that? We're allowed to walk through the Uffizi on our own?" Alessia asked, completely spellbound.

"I went to school with Raffaele and we're old friends. I told you I grew up in an extremely privileged world, and this is one of the perks of being who I am," Alessandro said, grinning as he placed his hand on her lower her back to lead her through the rooms. He knew so much of the history and the contents of the Gallery that he guided Alessia through, patiently explaining what they saw while responding to her questions.

"I didn't know you knew so much about this place. Sure, I studied art history in university, and yet I'm impressed on how you remember the details. How do you do it?" Alessia asked, amazed by his memory.

"I used to love art history at school so it became my passion. Now I enjoy visiting galleries when I have a free moment to remind me of the wonderful cultural history Italy has," Alessandro said as they continued through to the numerous rooms.

Alessia looked at the paintings on the walls, the frescos on the ceilings and the sculptures throughout, always amazed at how much Alessandro knew.

"I'll tell you a little secret," Alessandro said, grinning. "When I was young, just before going to university, I worked as a tour guide one summer here at the Galleria degli Uffizi."

Alessia hit him on the arm jokingly as she looked into his blue eyes. "I knew there had to be something you weren't telling me. You've actually worked as a tour guide. Interesting news." She giggled at the thought of a young Alessandro walking around with a group of tourists while describing the beautiful artwork in the Uffizi. Alessandro must have been a very smart boy, but then he wouldn't be where he was today if he wasn't.

They stayed a couple of hours until Alessandro's back started to ache, so Alessia kissed him on the cheek, thanking him for giving her a private tour and said it was time for them to go back to the palace.

They thanked Raffaele for letting them in and then they stepped back into the car to go back to Palazzo Pitti for the night. After they had a quiet dinner, they went to the library where they cuddled in front of the fireplace and drank the rest of their wine.

"When you feel up to it, will you show me what you've done with the ladies? I want to learn," she whispered as they sat on the rug by the fire.

Alessandro stroked Alessia's cheek and then stood up, leaving the room a moment only to return five minutes later. "Stand up."

Alessia looked at him a moment and then stood. He took her hand and kissed it before slowly undressing her, and when she was completely naked, he told her to hold out her hands, which he tied with a cord. Then Alessandro knotted the cord to a hook on the side of the fireplace, pushing Alessia flat down in a ninety-degree angle.

Alessia felt excitement building as she did what she was told and then Alessandro told her the safe words: red to stop, yellow for tolerable and green to continue.

"Do you understand the safe words?"

"Yes."

"Excuse me?"

"Yes, Minister."

Alessandro placed himself to Alessia's side and slapped her backside with his open palm, making her skin turn pink where his hand struck; then he raised his hand and slapped her again.

The flame from the fireplace heated Alessia's skin, but she felt a stronger heat growing between her legs as her backside burned. Each time Alessandro slapped, it sent a burning sensation down the back of Alessia's legs. He lifted his hand again and slapped her a second time, harder than the first. Alessandro did it five times and then unfastened his belt and freed his pulsing manhood, sliding protection on it before thrusting inside Alessia's core. Alessandro pumped in and out quickly, holding Alessia's neck as he pushed harder until he found release.

Her core was burning freely and as Alessandro moved quickly inside her, Alessia felt his warmth seeping in just as her orgasm hit while she screamed out Alessandro's name. Alessia's wrists began to bite and yet she didn't care because she felt she was glowing inside and out.

Alessandro noticed the redness on Alessia's arms and pulled out quickly to unknot the cord binding her wrists. Then Alessandro pulled Alessia to the sofa and sat her down on his lap, caressing her face while he waited for her to say something. Bringing Alessia's wrists to his lips, Alessandro kissed the redness and looked into her eyes.

"I'm sorry. I didn't expect the cord to leave a mark," Alessandro said, rubbing the soreness out.

"I asked for you to show me." Alessia stroked his face.

Alessandro and Alessia sat for a long time while he stroked her glistening back until her skin returned to normal.

"I feel sleepy—do you mind if I lie down a little? My bones are aching," Alessia said, suddenly feeling like a truck had run over her. They walked back to Alessandro's bedroom, where they spent the rest of the evening cuddling.

~~~

The next day they got up late, and after having a light breakfast, they got in the car with his guards to return to Rome, and since Alessia wasn't feeling her best, she went home to take it easy. It wasn't until after dinner, when Alessia was relaxing on her sofa watching television, that Alessandro called.

"Tesoro, how are you feeling?" Alessandro asked, knowing she hadn't been well during the trip back to Rome.

"I'm on the sofa watching television, but I think I'll be ready to go back to work tomorrow morning after a good night's sleep," Alessia said, yawning.

"I think you should take a couple of days off to rest," Alessandro said, grinning as he heard how sleepy she was over the phone.

"No, I'll be okay by tomorrow morning," she insisted.

"I have a full day of meetings tomorrow, so just let me know if you don't feel up to coming in and I'll get a temporary assistant before my day starts."

"Okay, but I'm sure I'll be fine tomorrow. I'm going to go to bed now so goodnight."

"Goodnight, mia Cara," Alessandro whispered. "I wish I was there with you."

Alessandro's words warmed Alessia inside, thinking what he'd do to her. "You still have more to teach me about hard sex." Since Alessandro opened her world to the dark side of sex, she'd grown fond of it.

He chuckled. "What happened to the sweet girl I met?"

"She took the slow train to Sicily." Alessia laughed at how comfortable it was to be with him.

Alessandro sat on his large terrace, drinking a glass of wine while he spoke to her. As soon as he hung up, Alessandro let out a deep sigh, missing Alessia's body more than he realized.

After he finished his wine, he went inside to watch the news, which talked primarily about scandals of the Italian political parties. Alessandro was tired of listening to the same news all the time because the media was only interested in the scandalous actions the politicians were up to rather than informing the public on changes the parties wanted to implement to improve the Italian economy. Frustration setting in, Alessandro turned off the television and went to bed.

# Chapter Four

Alessia woke up the next morning feeling more tired than the day before, and yet after rolling over to turn off her alarm clock, she pulled herself out of bed and went to have a quick shower. Alessia had an espresso for breakfast, got dressed and ran out the door to catch the bus before she missed it.

She arrived at the office before anyone else and was looking at Alessandro's calendar for the day when she saw a shadow reflecting on her computer screen. Turning, Alessia saw Alessandro standing behind her, and as he grinned, Alessandro crouched down next to her.

"Amore, why did you come in today? You should have stayed home to rest." Alessandro saw the strained lines on Alessia's face and lifted his hand to caress her cheek.

"You have a full day today, so I wanted to be here to help you prepare for your meetings." Alessia knew his day would be much longer without assistance, so she was happy to be in the office for him.

"I want you to go home at lunch. You look tired and I want you to be rested for what I have planned tonight," Alessandro said, leaning in to kiss Alessia softly on the lips.

"Oh? What do you have planned for us tonight?"

"It's a surprise. I will say that you'll need to be prepared for our evening," Alessandro whispered, as he kissed Alessia just below the ear.

"More surprises?" Alessia said, leaning into the warmth of his lips on her skin. It sent delirious shivers down her spine, making her back arch, waiting to be touched.

Alessandro noticed her nipples hardening underneath her blouse. "I'm going to be late for my first meeting if I don't go to my office right now," he said, his eyes hooded.

Alessia was disappointed as her body burned with desire for his touch, but she knew he needed to concentrate on his first meeting of the morning, an important discussion with the heads of the Italian unions.

Alessia got up and went to prepare the meeting room with paper, pencils, water and documentation that had been circulated for the meeting. On her way to the room, she noticed colleagues started arriving for the day. While she was in the meeting room, her phone chimed with a message from Alessandro.

Amore, did I tell you how much you turn me on when I look at you? Looking forward to tonight when I can ravage your body again...

Alessandro

Feeling her cheeks flush, Alessia brought her hands to her face, hoping that nobody noticed as she finished preparing the meeting room before returning to her desk.

She crossed paths with Alessandro in the long corridor back to her office while he was with one of the other ministers, so she kept her eyes down and walked past, hoping not to blush again.

Alessandro's meeting started with a twenty-minute delay due to late arrivals, but once everyone arrived, Alessia was free to go for a quick coffee, knowing they would be in the meeting room for the next three hours. She grabbed her handbag and took the elevator down to the ground floor before walking outside into the warm sunshine. It was a gorgeous day and the sun's warmth felt good on Alessia's body.

At the coffee shop, she ordered an espresso and cornetto before sitting down at a table, and as she sat back, relaxing a moment, she received another message from Alessandro.

Darling, all I can think of right now is the taste of your wetness on my tongue and the softness of your skin when I'm making love to you. My erection is bulging through my pants. How will I survive this meeting?

Alessandro

Alessia grinned at the power she had over Alessandro. Her panties suddenly felt damp and Alessia knew it was time for her to go back to the office, but she needed to change her panties before she was caught in an embarrassing circumstance.

Alessia stopped to buy some new panties before returning to her office, and just before getting to her desk, Alessia went to the ladies' room to change.

While she was there, her phone chimed again. Alessia had just taken off her damp panties and was about to put on a new pair when she saw the message was from Alessandro. Alessia thought he may need something for the meeting, so she looked at his text before changing.

Tell me what you're doing right this very minute.

Minister Medici-Visconti

She noticed how he had signed it and responded as he would want.

Yes, Minister—I'm in the ladies' room, changing my panties.

Alessia

She received another text message.

Why are you changing your panties?

Minister Medici-Visconti

She wrote back.

My panties are wet from my thoughts of you so I need to change.

Alessia

Her phone chimed again.

Not yet. Before you go back to your desk, I need you to do something for me. Are you in the bathroom next to the meeting room?

Minister Medici-Visconti

She responded.

Yes.

Alessia

Her phone made the buzzing noise.

Sit on the toilet cover with your legs open—completely exposed—shoes up on the door with your back against the wall. Then open your blouse and stick two fingers into your mouth before touching your nipples, making them harden with desire. I want you to feel the moisture between your legs dripping from the touch of your nipples.

Minister Medici-Visconti

She sighed, thinking of what he'd asked her to do and the embarrassment she'd feel if someone walked into the bathroom—and yet she did what he asked. She replied.

Yes, Minister.

Lifting her skirt, Alessia sat with her legs spread open while she placed her shoes up against the door. Then, after opening her blouse, Alessia placed two fingers in her mouth and circled her nipples with her wet fingers. She instantly felt heat growing between her legs, making her desire grow quickly. She was excited within seconds, and as Alessia was about to come, she realized Alessandro hadn't given her permission, so she sent him a message.

I'm dripping with desire. May I come, Minister?

Alessia

He wrote back immediately.

Yes, you may come, and I want you to shout as it washes over you. I want to hear it from where I'm sitting.

Minister Medici-Visconti

Alessia responded.

No, I can't let everyone hear me!

Alessandro wrote back immediately.

Are you defying me?

She answered.

It would be embarrassing!

He wrote back again.

Do as you are told!

She hesitated, and when Alessia knew Alessandro wouldn't relent, she answered.

Yes, Minister.

Alessia's feet were slipping off the door, so she readjusted herself before she wet her fingers again and continued to arouse herself, feeling her nipples. At first, she moaned softly, feeling self-conscious of being in a public bathroom, but then as she was hit with the full strength of her desire, she let out a scream from deep inside her core that she didn't recognize. Her body shook with passion and perspired from the pleasure that came from deep inside. Alessia's legs were slowly sliding down the door again, so she moved them back up and waited for her body to calm down before sending Alessandro another message.

After Alessia's telephone chimed a moment later, Alessia picked it up to read the message, knowing it was from Alessandro.

Very good—I heard your release from here and now you may go back to your desk. No panties. My meeting will be finished in less than thirty minutes and I want to see your exposed backside as soon as I return to my office.

Minister Medici-Visconti

Alessia waited a moment before responding, and then as she stood up to fix her skirt, she sent him a confirmation message.

Yes, Minister.

She wiped herself dry and walked out of the bathroom stall to wash her hands. A lady walked in as Alessia was washing her hands and Alessia did her best not to blush, but she was sure anyone close by heard her scream and she would have to do the walk of shame back to her desk.

Alessia went to Alessandro's private bathroom to make sure she was presentable again, and as she passed Alessandro's desk, she found an envelope addressed to her with Alessandro's official seal on it. After putting on her coat and grabbing her handbag, she opened the envelope while she walked passed Cristina on her way out for some fresh air. She was in the elevator on her way to the ground floor when Alessia finally pulled out the hand-written note.

Tesoro, you'll find a key to my house inside this envelope. Please go directly to this address and you'll find another note waiting with instructions.

Alessandro

Alessia suddenly felt her cheeks flush from the desire burning inside again. Alessandro gave her a key to his house and wanted Alessia to go directly there, slowly opening himself up to her and letting her into his personal life. Alessia realized she obviously meant more to Alessandro than a flirtatious relationship. The thought of being part of Alessandro's personal life sent butterflies fluttering in her stomach, and before Alessia had had a chance to re-adjust to her new job, Alessandro had already given her a key to his house. Alessia knew very well their relationship was moving very quickly, and yet she felt safe with Alessandro, knowing he wouldn't harm her.

She hopped on the subway and took a bus to Alessandro's home address. She'd never been to his neighborhood, but as soon as she stepped off the bus, she realized she was worlds away from her home—literally and figuratively worlds away.

Alessia stood before the large gate and looked at the key she had in her hand just before opening the pedestrian gate and walked through the garden to the large house. The house was beautiful and Alessia could see from outside it had been there for centuries as the gardens boasted tall Mediterranean pine trees and a well-tended rose garden.

Smiling as Alessia walked up the steps to the front door, she slipped the key into the door and unlocked it. Pushing the heavy metallic door, Alessia stood in the entrance a moment while her mouth dropped open, gazing at the high ceilings, large windows and beautiful antique furniture. After Alessia closed the door, she stepped through the foyer and found an envelope with her name on the large round table in the middle of the room. The envelope leaned against a large vase holding long-stemmed red roses, and as Alessia stepped closer to pick up the envelope, she noticed there was a blue velvet box behind the envelope.

Turning the envelope over, Alessia saw Alessandro's wax seal on the back and felt excitement building in her belly. Alessia opened the envelope carefully, wanting to keep the wax seal as a reminder of their time together. Alessia smiled when she saw Alessandro's handwriting and gently ran a finger over the writing.

Darling, I've made arrangements for a special evening tonight. A stylist will pass by around 6 p.m. to do your hair. Wander through the house as you desire and make yourself comfortable in my room where you'll find something new to wear tonight on my bed. On the table in the foyer, you will find a special gift that I'd like to see you wear tonight with the gown. When you've wandered through the house and made your way upstairs to my bedroom, you will find another note with my instructions.

Alessandro

Alessia opened the blue velvet box and saw the most beautiful necklace she'd ever seen. It was white gold with sapphires all around. Alessia put her fingers over the necklace a moment, feeling the elaborate workmanship of the jeweler's design before taking it out of the box and walking over to the oval mirror in the foyer to see it around her neck. She held it up against her skin and felt butterflies dancing in her stomach as Alessia saw how it sparkled under the chandelier lighting.

Placing the necklace back in the box, Alessia put the velvet box in her handbag with the handwritten note before wandering through the other rooms on the ground floor. There were numerous rooms with extremely high ceilings, boasting fresco paintings where Alessia lost any concept of time, admiring the artwork. She walked through the library, two parlor rooms, dining room, kitchen and two bathrooms. Each room opened up onto the garden, which was extensive and beautifully maintained. The kitchen and parlor rooms opened up to a large terraced patio with a long table, twelve chairs at one end and comfortable sofas at the other end. She walked to one of the sofas and sat a moment to enjoy the sunshine.

When Alessia went back inside, she followed the large open staircase up to the second floor, where she found a couple of guest rooms with on-suite bathrooms and walk-in closets before she found the master suite. It was more than a master suite—it was a suite of rooms beginning with a comfortable living area. Alessia saw Alessandro's study, where she found his paper and seal on his beautiful 19th century mahogany desk, and then his bedroom, which had a simple four-poster bed, two side tables with bed lamps and a chest of drawers. Alessia expected something more elaborate, antique or more fitting with the rest of the house, but his bedroom left her wondering.

A garment bag was on the bed, and when she walked over to it, she sat down before opening it. Alessia was curious to see what Alessandro had selected for their evening. Inside was a beautiful cream-colored gown with a tight bodice top and a long flowing skirt. It looked like something Grace Kelly would have worn. Alessia stared at it a few minutes, feeling the softness of the chiffon material before zipping the bag back up and turning her attention to Alessandro's bedroom again.

There was a sliding door in the back corner. Pushing open the door, Alessia saw it led through a small corridor leading to the bathroom—but what a bathroom! It had a huge tub capable of fitting two people easily, a large shower that converted to a sauna and Turkish bath big enough for two people, a long counter with a double sink, separate his and her toilets and bidets. The bathroom was open space but it was designed such that part of it was for a man with the large shower and the other part was for a woman with the large bathtub. Alessia grinned at the thought of soaking in that large tub.

She turned to go back to the bedroom and noticed there was another sliding door in the middle of the corridor, and after pushing the door open, Alessia walked into what she believed was the biggest walk-in closet she'd ever seen. It was the size of her apartment—literally. In the middle of the room sat a couple of sofas, and all around the room were floor-to-ceiling custom-made wardrobes. Alessia went to push one open and saw Alessandro's shirts hanging nicely spaced out, perfectly ironed. Below the shirts were drawers that, when opened, Alessia saw Alessandro's silk ties folded perfectly in each slot. She closed the door and opened another to find his suits hanging perfectly spaced out on two levels. The top had a bar to pull down, and not resisting temptation, she pulled the bar, making the suits on the top come down to eye level. Alessia smiled as she touched Alessandro's suits and then pushed the bar back up to put them back in place. Sliding the door closed, she went to sit on one of the sofas in this large room to enjoy the moment as she pulled out the necklace from her bag and looked at it a few minutes before putting it down on the little table beside the sofa.

She'd always wanted to have a walk-in closet and never thought that her lover would have such a room—such a grand house! She wondered if he'd filled all the closet space, and when she went to open the doors on the other side of the closet, she was surprised to find women's clothing inside.

Alessia stepped back a moment, suddenly wondering if Alessandro was married or had a full-time partner. Was Alessia Alessandro's mistress? She suddenly needed to sit down, feeling weak in the knees at the thought of another woman—someone who was more important to him. Alessia couldn't sit in the room any longer and needed to get some air, so she ran out of the master suite and down the steps to the front door. Pulling the door open, Alessia ran out and down the garden until she reached the street, standing frozen, feeling confused—and when she saw the bus was coming up the street, she decided to go home.

Alessia sat on the bus while it passed through the busy streets and lost track of time until she finally got off near her place. After Alessia walked the short distance to her apartment building, she walked up the steps to her unit. Alessia dragged her feet as her legs felt really heavy until she finally stepped into her living room, where she sat on her sofa and started to cry. Why hadn't she thought of it before? Alessia felt so stupid having fallen for Alessandro and realized all she was to him was a free prostitute.

Her phone suddenly chimed and she knew it would be Alessandro.

I'll be home soon. I hope you've read the instructions I left on my night table—if not, you'll be punished when I get home.

Minister Medici-Visconti

Alessia flung her phone against the sofa, anger seeping through her veins, not knowing if she should scream or cry. She took her phone and responded.

Bastard! Find yourself someone else!

She hit send and threw her phone down onto the sofa. A few seconds later, Alessia's telephone rang and she knew it was Alessandro, but she didn't want to speak to him—and yet he kept calling back until he realized she wouldn't respond.

Alessandro sent her a message.

What did I do? Please call me.

Alessandro

Alessia threw her phone onto the sofa and walked into the bathroom to have a shower where she could hear her phone ringing, but she really didn't care anymore. The phone rang insistently; however, Alessia refused to respond and knew she didn't want to speak to him ever again. She planned to go to the personnel office the next day, demanding to be moved to another office. She was through with His Excellency Alessandro Medici-Visconti—what a mistake. The thought floated in her mind as she hit her head repeatedly with her hand while tears fell uncontrollably. Alessia sunk to the bottom of the shower, feeling lonely and used, drained of all energy since Alessandro took her heart and her soul the moment he walked into her life. How was she going to cope with life now that Alessandro wouldn't be in it anymore?

After a long while, she got out of the shower, dried herself off and put on her housecoat. Feeling miserable, she looked at herself in her mirror and noticed she looked as bad as she felt.

Not having the energy to do anything, she went back to the living room and turned on the television; nevertheless, she stared at the screen for hours without focusing on what was on. Alessia had no willpower left and just wanted to crawl into a hole to protect herself from the cruel world outside.

While she was in a semi-comatose state on the sofa, there was a knock on the door, and yet she ignored it. Then there was another knock and then a third—always more insistent until there was pounding on the door.

"Go away—there's nobody home," Alessia shouted.

The pounding continued until she couldn't take it anymore, so she got up and flung open the door. Standing before her was Alessandro, holding a bouquet of red roses, and when Alessia went to slam the door in his face, Alessandro put his foot forward, blocking the door.

"Talk to me," Alessandro said, putting his head through the crack that was still open.

"I don't want to," Alessia said, trying to push the door closed, but Alessandro was stronger, so she gave up and walked back to the sofa to sit down.

He walked in and shut the door quietly behind him; then he walked to the sofa. Sitting down on the coffee table, Alessandro waited quietly while he looked into her eyes.

Alessia tried to avoid his blue eyes, and yet Alessandro kept them directly in front of her face, making it hard to avoid his gaze.

"What's wrong? What happened that you're suddenly angry with me?" Alessandro asked softly.

Alessia didn't respond and tried to get up, but Alessandro held her down.

"Alessia, I'm not going to leave until you tell me what's wrong. Did I hurt you or offend you in any way?" Alessandro asked patiently.

She turned her furious gaze to him before trying to get up again, but Alessandro held her down. Alessia hit him and screamed out her pain while Alessandro sat there, letting her hit him repeatedly until she had no more energy and started to cry from heartbreak.

"Are you going to tell me what happened?" Alessandro whispered softly, waiting for her to say something.

"How could you?" Alessia said through tears.

"How could I what?"

She looked at him and tilted her head to a side as she whispered, "What am I to you?"

"Amore, you're the most important person in my life. Can't you tell?" Alessandro asked, feeling hurt that she didn't realize how much he cared about her.

"Well then whose clothes are hanging in your closet at home?" Alessia questioned.

Alessandro hung his head and stared at his hands, realizing he should have told Alessia, and then shook his head before he looked up again at her.

Alessia could see there was pain in Alessandro's eyes and she suddenly felt she had crossed a barrier she didn't know existed.

"They belonged to my wife, Isabella, who passed away from cancer three years ago," Alessandro said softly.

Alessia suddenly felt her heart break more, not for herself but for Alessandro. She'd jumped to the wrong conclusion when she saw the clothing, and rather than asking him about it, she doubted him, which made it worse.

"I wish you'd asked me about it rather than believed I had another woman. How could you doubt my love for you?" Alessandro asked, looking deep into her eyes.

Alessia didn't know what to say, and since she felt like a fool now, all she could say was sorry as the tears rolled down her cheeks for what she had done.

Alessandro moved to the sofa to sit beside Alessia and pulled her close, kissing her on her forehead as the tears continued to flow.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner, it's just that you're the first woman that has found a way into my heart since my wife died and I didn't know how to tell you about her," Alessandro said, gently stroking her back.

"No, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have been looking through your things to start with," Alessia replied.

"Alessia, I've opened my heart and my life to you which includes everything that goes with it, so you have nothing to be sorry about."

They sat on the sofa a long time, cuddling until Alessia felt better, and then she looked up into his blue eyes when she realized what she'd done. "I'm sorry, I've ruined your plans for the evening."

"It's fine, and I can reschedule it to another night. Are you hungry? Shall we order some food and stay here tonight?" Alessandro asked, realizing Alessia probably still felt as run down as she looked.

"I'd like that. There are great restaurants nearby that deliver," Alessia said, getting up to look for the menus.

Alessandro got up and looked around at Alessia's small apartment for the first time and noticed that although it was very small, it was comforting and inviting. "So, are you going to give me a tour?" Alessandro asked, grinning.

"There's not much to see." Alessia showed Alessandro the kitchen, her bedroom and then the bathroom. After returning to her living room, Alessandro took off his suit jacket and tie, and then they pulled out the restaurant menus to decide on what to have for dinner.

"How did you find where I live? You've never been here," Alessia asked, suddenly wondering if he asked HR for her home address.

Alessandro raised an eyebrow and asked, "Do you really need to ask?"

"Right, I forgot—you probably have access to just about any information," Alessia said.

Alessandro kissed Alessia passionately on the lips. "What have you decided for dinner?"

Alessia pulled out the Chinese restaurant menu and grinned, hoping Alessandro would agree.

He laughed. "All right, Chinese food it is."

Alessia and Alessandro relaxed on her sofa, talking while they ate Chinese food until Alessandro couldn't wait any longer, so he picked her up and carried her to her bedroom, where he took off her housecoat. Alessandro's eyes went wild when he saw Alessia was naked.

"I don't think I could have waited this long if I'd known you had nothing underneath." Alessandro quickly started to strip off his clothes while his eyes danced with excitement at the sight of her body.

Alessia laughed and felt good again now that Alessandro was back in her life.

Alessandro took his time making love to her, showing Alessia how much he loved her, and after he pleasured her several times, he found his own release deep into the night. They cuddled until he kissed her sweetly on the forehead and said he needed to go home. Alessia felt a sense of loss when Alessandro left her bed and got dressed, leaving an emptiness in her heart.

Alessandro must have sensed her mood change because he turned to Alessia and kissed her passionately, lingering a little longer than expected.

"Take the day off and then prepare an overnight bag; I want you with me this weekend. We'll relax in bed and sleep until late morning," Alessandro said, leaning over to kiss her. "I'll call you during the day, but for now, get some rest."

Alessia's life had suddenly taken a different turn, and now she was sure that what they shared was more than just sex—it was worth celebrating. She closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep, feeling completely content.

Alessia awoke late and was having coffee when her phone rang. She ran to get it and knew it would be Alessandro.

"Hello?"

"Amore, did you fall back to sleep after I left?"

"Yes, I did, and I just woke up about five minutes ago," Alessia said, yawning into the phone.

"I can hear it," Alessandro laughed. "Relax the rest of the day. A car will pass by to pick you up around 6 p.m. Do you still have my house key?"

"No, I left it in your house when I left in such a rush."

"Don't worry. I'll give the key to the driver when he comes to pick you up."

"Okay."

"We'll have a relaxing weekend—I promise nothing stressful, all right?"

"Yes, it sounds nice. So, I can pack jeans and sweatshirts?"

"Yes, you can. We'll do whatever your heart desires this weekend."

Alessia had breakfast and then decided to visit her father at the seniors' home, so she went to have a quick shower before putting on a pair of jeans, a sweater and running shoes. When she finally made it out of the house, the bus was arriving, so she ran to get in before the doors closed.

She had to change buses twice to get to the seniors' home, and when Alessia finally got there, she was happy to find out they'd just finished serving lunch, so her father would be free to sit with her a while before having his afternoon nap. Alessia walked in and greeted the nurses, chatting a moment since they'd created a friendly relationship from the moment her father had arrived.

"Hey, Alessia. How are you?" asked Gianni, one of the male nurses.

"Fine, thanks. How's my dad?"

"He has good days and bad days. Let's hope today is a good day and he recognizes you."

"I certainly hope he does. I like it when he talks about the past."

"He's in the living room now so go right on in and take a seat. I'm sure he'll be happy to see you," Gianni said.

Alessia went to the living room, and when she walked in, Alessia looked around and recognized most of the patients with their families who she'd gotten to know during her visits. Searching for her dad, Alessia saw him sitting on a reclining chair, watching television, so she took a deep breath and walked toward him, hoping it was a good day.

"Good morning, Daddy," Alessia said, kissing him on the forehead.

Alessia's father turned, raising his eyebrows at her. "Who are you?"

Her heart sank, realizing it was not a good day, so she pulled up a chair. "I'm your daughter, Alessia. Don't you remember?" she said, hoping it would trigger part of his memory.

"I don't have a daughter," he said.

"Dad, look what I brought you," Alessia said, pulling out a box of his favorite chocolates from her bag.

He looked at the box as Alessia was pulling off the lid and hit it underneath, sending the chocolates flying through the air.

"I don't want any chocolates from you. I don't know who you are and I want you to leave," he yelled, waving his arms in the air.

"I'm your daughter, Alessia."

"I don't have a daughter. My wife couldn't have children, so I don't know who you are!"

Gianni arrived to calm him down, and yet he wasn't able to subdue him enough, so Gianni suggested Alessia should go and return another day.

Alessia was so distraught by what her father had said that she didn't know whether to believe him or not. Could she have been adopted? She would have known if that were the case, wouldn't she? Alessia got up and walked out of the seniors' home, feeling like someone had stabbed her in the heart. She walked to the bus stop and waited thirty minutes for it, replaying in her head what transpired with her father.

By the time Alessia arrived home, she was exhausted physically and mentally. The first thing she did was she pulled out her childhood photo album, and then turning to the first pictures, Alessia noticed they were all taken after she was about six months old. There wasn't even one picture of her just after birth or of her mother during her pregnancy, which confused Alessia more than ever. Why hadn't Alessia ever noticed it? Suddenly, she didn't have the energy to do anything, so she lay down on the sofa and fell asleep.

She woke up when she heard her phone ringing.

"Hello?"

"Alessia? Are you all right?" It was Alessandro.

"Sure," she said, looking at her watch. "Am I late?" Alessia asked, confused by his call.

"The driver's been trying to contact you the past ten minutes, and when you didn't respond, he called me."

"Oh, I fell asleep and didn't hear the buzzer downstairs."

"Listen, take your time getting ready. I'll let him know that you'll be down as soon as possible," Alessandro said, hesitating a moment. "Are you sure you're fine?"

"Yes, I'll be ready in a few minutes," Alessia said before hanging up.

Alessia packed an overnight bag and was downstairs in the back of the car shortly after. The drive took longer than expected, and when the driver passed through Alessandro's gate, she thanked him as he gave her the key to open the front door.

When Alessia stepped through the foyer, there was an envelope with her name on the round table, so she walked over to read it. Turning it over, she smiled when she saw Alessandro's seal on the back.

Darling, go upstairs to my bedroom and make yourself comfortable until I arrive.

Alessandro

Alessia walked up the stairs, remembering how angry she'd been when she'd run out of Alessandro's house, and now as she walked into his master suite, she stopped by the door when she saw the room was filled with red roses, sending their perfumed scent throughout the air. It made her smile as she walked up to smell the scent of the beautiful roses before sitting on the sofa to wait for Alessandro.

As she waited for Alessandro, her birth certificate suddenly came to mind, and the fact that it indicated her place of birth as Bologna, Italy and not Rome where her parents were originally from. Her parents had never gone into great detail about her birth, which Alessia had never understood, but she was never really bothered by it—until now. Alessia wished she had pressed them for more details.

Alessia was saddened and confused by her father's remark and was completely lost in her own thoughts when Alessandro walked into the bedroom, so much so that she didn't hear Alessandro walk in.

Alessandro sensed something was wrong, so as soon as he reached Alessia, Alessandro crouched down to get her attention. "Amore, what's troubling you?" Alessandro asked softly.

Alessia looked at Alessandro with sad eyes that told him more than she realized. Her world had suddenly crumbled in one afternoon and she didn't know where she belonged. Her parents, whom she'd loved and cared for her entire life, were apparently not her biological parents. She'd been given away, making her wonder what made her mother give her up so easily.

"I went to visit my father today and not only did he not recognize me, but he also told me that I wasn't his daughter."

"What do you mean?"

"He didn't recognize me and got really angry, telling me to leave. Then he said I couldn't be his daughter because he and his wife couldn't have children," Alessia said as a tear ran down her face.

"He said you were adopted?" Alessandro sat down on the sofa beside Alessia and pulled her into his arms.

"Not in so many words but that was what I understood," she said, leaning into him.

"Amore, just because he can't remember the past, it doesn't mean that he's not your father or that you were adopted."

"I've been thinking about it and there are pieces of my life missing that I can't explain."

"Such as?" Alessandro asked.

"I was born in Bologna and yet my parents were from Rome. I don't have any pictures of my mother when she was pregnant with me and there aren't any pictures of when I was born in the hospital."

"There could be a logical explanation for all of it so don't jump to conclusions so easily."

"I left the seniors' home feeling sad and I haven't been able to shake it off. I'm not really good company right now. I'm sorry—it was a mistake coming here. I should leave," Alessia said, getting up to go, but he stopped her from moving.

"No, I'm not letting you out of my sight. It's more reason for you to stay and be pampered. Let me have a quick shower and then I'll make you dinner," Alessandro said, kissing her softly on the lips.

Alessia really didn't have the energy to argue, so she waited on the sofa while Alessandro went to have a shower and returned thirty minutes later dressed in jeans and a sweater.

"Come with me. I have a surprise for you," Alessandro said, helping her off the sofa. He guided her to his large walk-in closet and opened one of the sliding doors where his wife's clothes had been. She saw the compartment was completely empty. Alessandro opened the other doors on that wall, showing Alessia that he'd removed everything that was there previously. "I felt it was time to remove my wife's things. It has taken me three years, but when I got home during the night, I felt it was time to do it. I had someone pack up her things and give them to charity while I was at work today."

Alessia knew it must have been a difficult decision and appreciated he'd done it to make her feel better. She walked over to Alessandro and wrapped her arms around him while placing her cheek on his chest. "Thank you, but you didn't need to do it for me."

"Yes, I did. I needed to do it for the both of us. Now, let's go make some dinner."

Alessandro and Alessia went downstairs to the large open space kitchen and she sat at the breakfast bar while he pulled out things from the refrigerator. They talked about their childhood and Alessia realized that although Alessandro grew up in a privileged world, he grew up lonely. If it weren't for his sister, Valentina, Alessandro would have been alone since his parents travelled most of the time. Then he talked about his wife. Alessandro had fallen in love with her when they were really young and they had gotten married when they were twenty-five. Soon after they were married, she was diagnosed with a tumor, and after four years of treatment she lost her battle with cancer.

Alessia sat listening, sorrow filling her heart for the young man who'd seen his wife battle an extremely aggressive cancer, only to lose her battle in the end.

She got up and walked around the counter to hug Alessandro, without saying a word, because Alessia couldn't possibly say anything to ease the pain he felt from losing his wife.

Alessia helped him chop onions, which made her cry. While she was helping, she realized Alessandro really knew how to cook, which surprised Alessia knowing he grew up with a cook, housekeeper, chauffeur—all the household staff a rich family would have.

"Where'd you learn to cook?" Alessia asked.

Alessandro smiled. "My wife, Isabella, taught me because she said I needed to know how to boil an egg if our housekeeper, Rosalia, should be sick one day. Isabella was a great cook, and when we were first married, she did all the cooking and insisted I help her so I could learn the basics. When Isabella became ill, I started cooking for her, trying different foods to tempt her to eat."

Alessia lifted her hand and caressed the side of Alessandro's cheek, making him turn to look at her. His deep blue eyes pierced through her like lightning, sending a bolt of excitement through Alessia's body that she didn't expect.

As Alessandro lowered his head to gently kiss Alessia, he sensed her body react to his touch, so he placed both hands on her face and pulled her closer for a long, sensuous kiss.

Alessia felt electricity run through her veins, leaving her with the need to feel Alessandro's skin, and as she moved her hands under his sweater, she felt the curves of his toned chest as he guided her toward the table.

Alessandro lifted her up and continued kissing while he unbuttoned her shirt. Alessia's hands quickly removed his sweater while he unclipped her bra, sending it to the other end of the table. They were both bare from the waist up and Alessandro's eyes drank in the beauty of Alessia's skin as he started to kiss the contour of her breast, sucking the nipple hard. Alessia's hands were trembling from the urgent need to feel Alessandro, and as she managed to unzip his jeans, Alessandro pushed her down onto the table. Alessia's jeans and panties were discarded within a few seconds.

Alessandro grinned while he looked at Alessia's beautiful body, and when he knelt down before the edge of the table, he pulled Alessia forward to place her feet on his shoulders. Alessia was wet from desire, and as soon as Alessandro placed his lips on her folds, she let out a soft groan that came from the depths of her core. Alessandro's tongue found her heat, twirling and tantalizing Alessia inside as she climbed higher with fervor.

Alessia was about to explode, and as she arched her back, her body convulsed and perspired from the energy that sent her to another dimension. She felt her veins pulsing as her body heated from desire, flowing through from her core. Then Alessandro moved away and pushed his hard, pulsing manhood deep inside Alessia's folds, pumping in and out, slowly at first until he gained speed.

Alessia was close to coming a second time when Alessandro's pumping suddenly slowed down. When she lifted her head to look at him, she saw regret in his eyes.

"What's the matter?" Alessia asked.

"I promised you a relaxing weekend and here I am banging you on the table," Alessandro said, shutting his eyes as he rubbed his face with his hand.

Alessia struggled to sit up while he was still pulsing inside, but she managed and cradled his face in her hands. "This is what I want. I want to be here with you inside me right now," she remarked, kissing him gently until Alessandro opened his eyes again.

Alessandro's arms wrapped around her, pulling her closer, and yet not moving, so she locked her legs around his hips, lifting herself off the table, and started to move his manhood in and out to finish what they'd started. Alessia held on tight while her head rested on his chest, hearing his heart beating as fast as hers. Alessandro finally found his release, and when she lifted her face to look into his eyes, the look of regret was gone. Alessia kissed him passionately on the lips while their breathing was still labored.

"Alessia, I really had good intentions for the weekend and I'm sorry I let my lust for you take over again. I promise to let you rest and relax for the remainder of the weekend," Alessandro said, kissing the tip of her nose. He walked over to the sofa and put her down before pulling the quilt off the back of the sofa to cover her. Crouching down, he moved the strands of hair from her face. "Take a nap and I'll finish preparing dinner." Then Alessandro picked up his shirt as he walked back to the cooker.

She watched him cook for a little while until her eyelids became heavy, so after struggling to stay awake, she shut her eyes and fell asleep.

Alessandro had a sauce cooking and some meat with potatoes in the oven when he finally looked over at Alessia. He saw she'd fallen asleep and felt heartache for her. She somehow broke through the wall he'd put up after his wife, Isabella, had died and now she'd become important to his own wellbeing as his wife had been when he'd been married. Alessandro still loved his wife, but he knew he needed to open his heart to another, and that was exactly what he'd done when Alessia walked into his life. Smiling at the sight of her on his sofa, he turned back to check the pasta sauce before preparing the table.

When everything was ready, Alessandro went to the sofa and bent down to wake Alessia. "Tesoro, wake up. Dinner is ready."

She moved slightly and opened her eyes, staring deep into the blue ocean of his eyes, smiling as she stretched her arms and legs out.

"Come on, Sleeping Beauty. Go put on some clothes before our dinner cools off."

She sat up a moment and rubbed her eyes. "Oh, I needed that nap."

Alessandro took Alessia's hands and helped her up, pulling her into an embrace while he leaned down and kissed her softly on the lips. When he let her go, he slapped her on her bare backside while she walked away to get her clothing.

They had a relaxing dinner and Alessia drank more wine than she'd normally have, making her feel tipsy. She giggled constantly, and when it was time to wash up, Alessandro told her to sit down because he'd place everything in the dishwasher. Alessia sat and watched him while he got to it, and in her blurry state she noticed how familiar he was with his kitchen. Alessandro knew exactly where everything was and where everything went, which was exceptional in her mind.

"Do you still do the cooking when you're at home?"

"I do when I don't have an event to attend."

"Who does your grocery shopping?"

"My wonderful housekeeper, Rosalia. I don't know what I'd do without her now as I've become more dependent upon her since my wife passed away. She treats me like a son, and when I get home late, I find dinner already prepared. She really is a godsend." He closed the dishwasher and turned it on. "Now, what would you like to do? Watch a movie? Go for a walk? Sit by the fireplace?"

"Oh, sitting by the fireplace sounds nice, but I think I need to walk off all the wine I had," Alessia said, touching her head, which suddenly throbbed.

"Are you getting a headache?" He'd watched her carefully all evening, wondering when she was going to break.

"I'm not sure, but my head is pounding. So, if we can we go for a short walk, I might feel better."

"Of course. A little fresh air will do us both good."

They went to get their coats and walked out the front door for a stroll down the street in the cold and dark evening. The streetlights were on, and as they walked, she noticed the guards followed a few steps behind them.

"They never leave you a single moment of the day or night, do they?"

"Nope. It's for my protection so I really can't complain about it. I am grateful they are dedicated men, and I won't deny my life before you was filled with many women, and my guards stood by me every moment of the day and night, never wavering and always discreet."

"It sounds like they care about you, which is something to appreciate. I can't imagine what it must be like to be in your shoes, but I'm grateful you've stepped into my life. I can't deny it and yet sometimes I wonder how long our relationship will last."

Alessandro stopped walking and lifted Alessia's chin to look into her eyes. "You are not like the other women who've passed through my life and I plan for our relationship to last—that is, if you want it to continue. I've never asked you how you feel and I don't know how or when it happened, but all I know is that I need you beside me and I suddenly want to protect you. It probably sounds crazy but it's the truth." He placed his arm around Alessia's shoulders and they started to walk again.

Alessia put her head on his shoulder as they walked and thought about what he'd just said. Alessandro confessed he cared about her. So what exactly did it mean? That he wanted a future with her? That they would move in together? That they would marry? Suddenly Alessia's mind was swirling with too many thoughts and her stomach knotted, realizing she didn't know who she was anymore. What if she really had been adopted? Who were her biological parents? Her father's mind was gone, no matter if he conceived her or not. The bottom line was that she was alone in life.

"You're really quiet."

"I'm really confused and feel alone, more than I normally do."

"Amore, I've already told you I'm not going anywhere."

"I don't know who I am anymore. What if I'd been adopted? It would mean I've been living a lie all my life," Alessia exhaled.

"No, it means that you brought joy to two people who loved you very much."

"I wonder who my biological parents are. If they're still alive, I'd have parents to turn to now and not feel so alone."

"The people that brought you up are your parents and you should know that they took you in because they loved you and wanted to care for you."

"I know—it's just that if I knew who my real parents were, maybe I wouldn't feel like this."

Alessandro studied her sad expression a moment, understanding the need to belong to a family. "Do you want me to look into your adoption?"

Alessia turned confused eyes toward Alessandro and wondered if it would make a difference. She shrugged, not knowing what to do.

"Well, think about it and let me know, but in the meantime, remember that you're not alone because you now have me."

She knew Alessandro meant well, but their relationship as it was couldn't continue. "I'm your secretary and as much as it pains me to say it, we can't be lovers while I work for you. It's unethical what we're doing," Alessia said, letting out a long sigh.

"Well, we don't need to decide anything tonight, but I have been thinking about it lately and I'd like to spend more time with you. Since my house is big enough for the both of us, you could spend some time here with me and see how it goes," Alessandro said, desperately trying to keep Alessia close.

"And what, go to work together in the morning and come back home together in the evening? I don't think it would be a good idea," she said, demoralized by the fact it would only create gossip in the office. Alessia already heard Cristina talking to another colleague about the Minister's attention toward his new secretary.

"Do you drive?" Alessandro asked.

"I don't have a car."

"I know you don't have a car and it's not what I asked. Do you have a license to drive?"

"Yes, but as I said, I don't have a car," Alessia said, not understanding where the conversation was leading.

"I have the perfect solution. I'll buy you a small car so you can drive yourself to work and back. You'll be free to move around without having to wait for me at the end of the day."

"I can't accept something like that from you."

"Why not?"

They were passing through the gate of his house when Alessia turned toward Alessandro. "Why do you want me to move in with you?" Her tone was serious. Alessia needed to know because she couldn't take another blow to her heart.

The moment they walked into Alessandro's house, he put his keys on the table in the foyer and then turned to Alessia. Taking her face in his hands, he looked at her worried expression. "I want you to move in with me because I'm falling in love with you and I can't bear seeing you hurt like this. I want you next to me when I go to sleep at night and I want your face to be the first thing I see when I wake up in the morning."

"We just met—we hardly know each other." Alessia could see tension in Alessandro's face.

"Think of it as a chance to get to know each other better," Alessandro said, hoping his words would be enough to convince Alessia. He could see how lonely she was, especially now that she believed she'd been given away as a child. He wanted to protect her from being hurt more and he knew very well he couldn't do that, but he could comfort her loneliness if Alessia moved in.

Alessia bit her lip, thinking about what Alessandro had said, and she knew if she returned home she would wallow in her own thoughts, so if she moved in, she wouldn't always feel lonely. "If—and it's a big if—I move in with you for a little while, I'll need a little space to do my own things. Don't think I'll be at your beck and call every time you want my body," Alessia said, grinning while knowing Alessandro would find it difficult to resist her body if she was there all the time.

"Okay, agreed. Anything else?" Alessandro nibbled on her earlobe.

"Yes, one more thing. I need a couple of free days a month to visit my father. Even if he doesn't remember me, I can't turn my back on him simply because he says he's not my biological father."

"Of course, I understand how important it is for you. Whenever you feel the need, just get in your car and drive over—you don't need to ask me or tell me. So does this mean you'll move in with me?"

Alessia put her finger to her lips as she was thinking about it.

Alessandro raised his eyebrows, surprised Alessia still needed to reflect.

"All right."

"Yes?"

"Yes," she said, smiling.

Alessandro picked Alessia up and whirled her around, laughing out loud, feeling like he'd just climbed the tallest mountain. Then he put her down and showered her face with soft kisses until she giggled.

"Okay, that's enough now. So what are we going to do?" Alessia asked.

"I'd say we light the fireplace, and while we warm our bodies by the fire, we can decide on what to do tomorrow."

Alessia nodded and followed him to the cozy library where they sat on the Persian rug and cuddled while they made plans for the next few days.

They planned to go for a drive in the countryside the following day, stopping for a leisurely picnic lunch, relaxing during the afternoon in the sun and then returning to Rome for dinner. Sunday, they would go to Alessia's apartment to pack a few things for the week. It was all set, and after the planning, Alessia still didn't feel at ease moving in with Alessandro, but she believed if she didn't try, she would never know if she could shake the emptiness inside.

# Chapter Five

The weekend passed quickly and it was soon Monday morning. They got up, had breakfast, went to wash and dress for work just like normal couples. After changing her mind three times on what to wear that day, Alessandro pulled Alessia into his arms and grinned. "Do you do this every morning?"

"Do what every morning?" Alessia asked.

"Do you constantly change your mind on what to wear every morning or are you particularly nervous because you're in a new environment?"

"Oh, I do this every morning."

He kissed her on the lips and then walked to his wardrobe to pull out a tie. After a few minutes, Alessandro was dressed and ready to go to work, whereas Alessia was still putting on makeup. She was sitting at the counter in the bathroom, applying her makeup when he came up from behind and kissed the top of her head. "I'm going to the office now. Take your time and meet me when you're ready. I have a surprise waiting for you downstairs so look on the table in the foyer before leaving."

Alessia felt like she was invading Alessandro's space every minute of the day and night, but she was sure he'd say something if he felt she was overstepping. She learned the hard way that Alessandro did exactly what he wanted and obtained exactly what he wanted, so there was no denying his need for her to be constantly in his life.

When Alessia was finally ready, she grabbed her coat and handbag before walking down the stairs to the table in the foyer. On the table was a shiny black box with a red ribbon on it. Alessia smiled as she pulled off the ribbon. A handwritten note and a key were inside the box, so she picked up the note first.

Tesoro, when you step outside the door, you will find your surprise in the garden.

Love, Alessandro

Alessia read the message more than once and all her eyes saw was the word Love. He signed the note Love, Alessandro. He'd never done that before so it caught her off guard, and when she walked out the front door, she stood on the doorstep, gazing at the new car with a huge red ribbon wrapped around it. Alessia grinned at the beautiful new black car waiting for her and immediately took out her phone to send Alessandro a quick message to thank him, to which he wrote back, telling her to drive safely.

Alessia opened the car door and sat in the driver's seat. Taking a moment to look around at the car, she noticed it was fully equipped with a voice-activated navigator, a radio and plug for her phone. It had a tan leather interior, and while Alessia sat on the luxurious seat, she grinned when she saw Alessandro had left another note for her in the car, telling her he'd left a remote in the glove box to open the gate.

Alessia turned on the engine and pulled out of the garden slowly, making her way down the long path to the front gate. Pulling out the remote, she pressed it while aiming at the gate and felt a thrilling sensation when it opened. Alessia moved the car forward, past the gate, and realized she didn't know how to get to work. She wasn't familiar with the area, so she turned on the navigator and voice commanded it to take her to work. It took a few seconds to elaborate and instructed her to turn right onto the street. She smiled and followed the instructions, feeling more relaxed, knowing the navigator would take her where she needed to go. Roads were congested with traffic and as she made a mental note to leave earlier in the morning, she slowly made her way to the office. When Alessia parked the car in the allocated spot Alessandro had assigned for her car, her phone rang.

"Hello?" Alessia responded.

"Amore, where are you?" Alessandro asked, worried something had happened.

"It took me ninety minutes to get to work this morning. I really need to leave the house earlier," she said. "I'm getting into the elevator now so I'll see you in five minutes."

When she walked into her office, she hung her coat in the wardrobe and placed her handbag in her desk drawer before going to Alessandro's office. Alessia knocked and walked in, but he wasn't there so she went back to her desk and turned on her computer to look at his calendar. Alessandro had back-to-back meetings the entire day, barely giving him twenty minutes to have lunch, so she decided she would arrange for lunch to be delivered. She answered some emails and greeted guests who came into the office asking for the Minister. Alessia politely told them that Alessandro was busy all day, but would leave a message, letting him know they'd passed by to see him. The names didn't appear on his list so there was no urgency to let him know they'd asked for him.

When Alessia's lunch order arrived and Alessandro wasn't back from his last meeting, she feared he wouldn't have time to eat, but she was still hopeful. She went into Alessandro's office to put the food on his desk so all he had to do was eat when he arrived.

She went back to her desk and waited, but when she didn't see him arrive, she sent him a message, telling him she'd ordered some pasta for lunch if he had a few minutes before his next meeting. Alessandro responded that he'd be back in his office in ten minutes and that he had only five minutes to eat.

When Alessandro finally walked into Alessia's office, he looked tired and worried. Alessia got up and walked with him into his office, shutting the door for a little privacy. "Sit down and have a bite to eat before you faint."

Alessandro smiled at Alessia and sat down at the table next to her to have some of the delicious smelling pasta with a zucchini and sausage sauce before going to his next meeting. After eating half of the food, Alessandro got up to go to the bathroom and then came back to kiss Alessia on the top of her head. He thanked her for the food before rushing off to the next meeting. Alessia sat at the table alone and finished her food before returning to her desk.

Alessia didn't see Alessandro the entire afternoon and was about to send him a message when her phone chimed. Alessandro wrote, telling Alessia his last meeting was taking much longer than planned and that she should go home and he would be home as soon as possible. So, Alessia put on her coat, grabbed her handbag and decided to stop off at the grocery store on her way to buy something to make for dinner. She noticed a store not far from Alessandro's house where she planned to stop to get what she needed.

When Alessia finally drove through the gate, she parked the car in the front near the house and pulled out the grocery bag. Alessia opened the front door and walked in feeling exhausted, but was happy to be home after a tiring day. She left the grocery bag in the kitchen and went upstairs to have a quick shower and change into a pair of jeans and an old comfy sweater before going back down to start on dinner.

Alessia was not like other twenty-five year olds. She had learned to cook the hard way when her mother died and her father became ill with Alzheimer's disease. She borrowed cookbooks from the public library and learned by practice makes perfect. Recently she'd been making simple but healthy meals that kept her going, so it was a treat to cook for someone else. Alessia got straight to work, chopping and dicing vegetables to make a pasta sauce and then veal rolls filled with vegetables and herbs. She also made roasted potatoes and had time to make a simple chocolate dessert. Everything was ready; the table was set; all Alessia needed to do was boil the water for the pasta. It was 8.30 p.m. and Alessandro still wasn't home, so she went to lie down on the sofa and close her eyes two minutes. Moments later, she drifted off to sleep.

When Alessandro came home it was 9.30 p.m. and he immediately sensed the aroma coming from the kitchen, so he went straight where his nose led him. He saw the pots and pans on the cooker and the table set out beautifully, but no sign of Alessia near the stove. When Alessandro lifted a lid to smell what was inside, the scent made his mouth water, and as he placed the lid back down, he looked around the kitchen and found Alessia, sleeping on the sofa.

Smiling, Alessandro walked over to her, and as he bent down, he gently stroked Alessia's cheek to wake her up. She opened her eyes and looked into his smiling face.

"I'm sorry I'm so late and you've made us dinner. Give me ten minutes to have a quick shower and we'll eat."

"Okay. I'll turn on the water for the pasta in the meantime."

Alessandro kissed Alessia on the nose and walked off just as she got up to heat the food and boil the water. The pasta with the Amatriciana sauce was ready when he came back downstairs with his hair wet from the shower, wearing jeans and a sweater.

"I'm starving and it smells delicious." Alessandro pulled out a bottle of red wine while Alessia served the pasta.

"I don't doubt it—all you had were a few bites at lunch. Will you be having more days like this?"

"I seem to be having more days like today. Actually, my entire week will be similar, but I've made some plans for us on Friday night, so bear with me this week and I promise as the weekend nears, we'll spend more time together."

They had a relaxing dinner, unwinding from Alessandro's busy day, and after having the delicious chocolate dessert Alessia prepared, they loaded up the dishwasher and went to sit in the library by the fireplace. Alessia liked the library and it had become an evening ritual for them, giving them a chance to unwind and cuddle while they chatted.

"I have a few more trips coming up and the next one will be in a couple of weeks to Milan. You don't need to come, but I'll leave it up to you," Alessandro said, twisting one of Alessia's stands of hair in his finger.

"Will your meeting be long?"

"Our political party is meeting with the Secretary to decide on a way forward. We've noticed our party is losing membership and if we hold elections next year, we want to make sure we're focusing on the right issues for the public. We've strayed from the important issues, and during our sessions in Parliament, we're at each other's throats for power. It can't go on like this much longer, so the Secretary has decided to hold a meeting to discuss a strategy," Alessandro said, running his fingers through Alessia's hair as he watched the flame bounce off her dark chestnut hair, ginger highlights gleaming in the firelight.

"It sounds important but it also sounds boring. How long are you supposed to be in Milan?"

"I don't know just yet. We may not reach an agreement the first day and need to meet again."

"Well then, I think I'll stay in Rome, unless you need me to come," Alessia said, running her fingers through his dark hair.

"No, I don't need you to come with me," Alessandro said, kissing her until it took her breath away. His tongue greedily pushed into her mouth, wanting more until he helped her lie back onto the carpet and started to undress her. Slowly Alessandro caressed Alessia's skin while his hands moved slowly, taking off each layer of clothing until she was completely naked. Her skin gleamed in the firelight and she could see lust in Alessandro's eyes as he tore off his sweater, sending it to the floor.

"Show me more about hard sex," she asked, wanting to learn all she could of his dark side.

Alessandro stopped a moment to decide whether he should teach her more, and when he couldn't wait any longer, his hands and lips moved over Alessia's body feverishly until he pulled away and commanded her to get on her knees. She took a moment to catch her breath and then she got up on her knees.

"You're wet," Alessandro said, using his dominant voice.

"Yes, Minister."

"Did I tell you to do that?"

"No, Minister."

"What happens when you disobey me?"

"I'm punished," she whispered.

"That's right, and now you will kneel by the armchair."

"Yes, Minister," Alessia said, moving toward the armchair. She kneeled beside it, waiting for instructions.

Alessandro walked out and then came back a few minutes later. "Lean over and receive your punishment."

"Yes, Minister." Alessia leaned over the armchair and placed her head on the cushion while her backside was up in the air. She could feel her wetness as her legs dangled to the floor.

"Are you ready for your punishment?" Alessandro asked.

"Yes, Minister."

"Do you remember your safe words?"

"Yes, Minister," Alessia said, waiting for the slapping to start, but when it didn't, she wondered what was happening. Instead, Alessandro placed a cool gel over her anal cavity, and then placed a short and thin plug inside. It quickly worked its magic, but Alessia knew she needed to control it or Alessandro would punish her, so she bit her bottom lip and waited for his next move.

Alessandro lifted his hand and the first slap came down hard, sending the butt plug deeper into her cavity. She bit her lip and tried to focus on her breathing as the second slap came down. Alessia's backside was tingling and the plug made the sensation more intense. Then the third and fourth slaps came down, making her reach her limit. She had tears in her eyes as she was about to come but held on a little longer.

"What is your color?"

"Green, Minister."

The fifth slap made her sink her teeth deep into her bottom lip, cutting into the skin. Alessia was nearly delirious with pain at this point and she knew she couldn't hold on much longer.

"Please stop," Alessia whispered, but her whisper was so low and spoken when Alessandro's sixth slap came down so he didn't hear. Her entire body started to shake and she became delirious from the energy that was flowing through her. Alessia was coming and couldn't control it any longer. She was gasping for air when Alessandro realized what was happening. He took out the plug and pulled her up. Alessia was like a ragdoll, so Alessandro picked her up in his arms and sat by the fire, warming her body while she came back to reality.

"Why didn't you tell me you'd had enough before it was too late?" Alessandro asked, stroking her body while her head was nestled against his neck.

"Because I thought I could bear it, and when I tried to tell you, you didn't hear me," Alessia said. Her throat was suddenly dry and soar.

"Darling, I'm sorry. I need to remember your body's not made for this."

Alessandro pulled the blanket off the back of the sofa and wrapped Alessia in it before carrying her upstairs to their bed. Then he tucked her in and undressed before getting in beside her. Alessandro pulled Alessia close from behind and cuddled while stroking her arms until she fell asleep. His heart ached, knowing he couldn't control himself with her, but swore he would be gentle with Alessia in the future. He'd had enough of domination and submission. It was clearly pushing Alessia past her limits and it hurt Alessandro to see her in pain as he'd done that evening.

~~~

The next morning, Alessandro didn't have the heart to wake Alessia, so he left a note on her bedside table and went to work.

She slept to late morning, and when Alessia realized the time, she jumped out of bed only to feel her entire body aching, pain running down her right leg. Alessia had to sit back down on the bed from it, realizing it must have been from the previous evening's activities. She must have strained a nerve while she was on the armchair. Trying to get up again, she slowly managed to get to the bathroom, but then needed to get back into bed from the discomfort. When Alessia lay back down, she saw Alessandro's note and looked at it. He told her to stay home to rest and he apologized for the night before.

Just as she was putting the note back on the night table, her phone rang. It was Alessandro.

"Amore, how are you feeling?"

"My body aches and my right leg is painful. I'm not sure why but I can't stand up so I'm in bed right now."

"Tesoro, I'm really sorry for what I did to you last night. I promise I'll be gentler with you in the future."

"It's all right. It'll pass in a day or so with a little rest."

"Yes, but I should have known not to push you."

"Listen, I asked you to teach me more and I'll get better, so don't worry about it, all right?" Alessia said.

They talked a little longer until Alessandro said he had to take a call.

Alessia spent the rest of the day in bed, sleeping on and off, trying to shake off the ache she felt in her body. By the end of the day, her body felt worse than it did that morning, and when Alessandro came home to find the house quiet and dark, he became worried and ran up the stairs to the bedroom where he found Alessia sleeping. The room was dark, and when Alessandro turned on the bedside lamp, he noticed Alessia looked really pale, so he touched her forehead and noticed her skin was clammy. Alessandro tried to wake her, but when she didn't move, he pulled back the covers, thinking she was warm. Alessandro's heart pulsed at his throat when he saw a pool of blood on the bed. Alessia was hemorrhaging, but Alessandro didn't know how long she'd been in that state.

Quickly picking up his phone, Alessandro called an ambulance and then tried to wake Alessia as he waited for the ambulance to arrive, but her body was limp. He was barely able to feel a pulse, but it was there. So Alessandro talked to Alessia softly, telling her an ambulance would be there soon to bring her to the hospital. Twenty minutes later, the ambulance arrived, and he watched as they tried to stop the bleeding. After fifteen minutes she regained consciousness, her pulse stabilizing.

"Amore, I'm here with you. The medics are treating you and will take you to the hospital now. Do you remember what happened?" Alessandro asked, softly brushing Alessia's wet hair away from her face while he kissed her forehead.

"I went to the bathroom and saw blood, thinking it was my menstrual cycle, but when I got back into bed, it wouldn't stop and I suddenly felt dizzy. I guess I passed out," Alessia whispered, trying to lift her head to see what was going on, but as soon as she did, she saw the blood on the bed and panicked.

"Oh my God! I'm soaking in my own blood," Alessia said, crying. "Why am I bleeding?" Alessia looked at the ambulance medic.

"You'll have a complete medical examination and tests when the doctor sees you in the hospital. The doctor will let you know the reason you lost so much blood today, Miss," the ambulance medic said while they lifted Alessia onto the gurney, covered her with a blanket and strapped her so she wouldn't slide off. Then the two attendants carried her down the stairs and out the door to the waiting ambulance.

"Can I ride with her in the ambulance?" Alessandro asked.

"Yes, so you can fill us in with information for the doctor," the ambulance medic said.

Alessandro called his guards to tell them he was riding with Alessia in the ambulance, and then he watched as they placed her inside. He climbed in and sat holding her hand, feeling the coldness of her skin in his big warm hand. Alessandro looked at Alessia with a heavy heart, believing he'd been the cause of it. Knowing he wouldn't be able to live with himself if anything happened to Alessia, images of how he found her were vivid in Alessandro's mind.

When they arrived at the hospital, Alessandro's guards were waiting in the emergency bay area, and as soon as he stepped out, the nurses and a doctor came out from the hospital to take Alessia inside the emergency ward where family couldn't enter, so he sat down with his two guards and waited in the busy waiting area for some news.

Not used to waiting, he walked up to the nurses' desk and asked if he could see someone to know how Alessia Ferrara was doing. Alessandro was told he needed to wait like everyone else, that medical attention didn't work faster if the person was rich or important. The nurse said he would have to wait for the doctor to give a diagnosis after tests were done.

Alessandro ran his hand through his hair and let out a deep breath, remembering the terrible feeling of waiting in the emergency for news, any news, but he knew from past experience that money couldn't buy you time, nor could it buy you a cure for a terminal illness. What it could buy was better medical attention, so he started by requesting a private room for Alessia and finding out the name of the Director of the hospital. The name was provided along with a telephone number, which he dialed right away. The Director responded, and when Alessandro gave him his full title, he could almost hear the Director standing at attention on the other side of the line. After receiving a brief description of what had happened, the Director said he would ensure that Alessia was placed in a private room and that full attention would be given to treat her condition.

Alessandro thanked the Director and went to sit, trying to stay calm, but the smell of the hospital brought back memories he'd wished never to think about again—and yet here Alessandro was, in the same position he'd been with his wife. The only difference was he'd been married to his wife whereas Alessandro had offered nothing more than a trial period to live with Alessia. Alessandro sat with his elbows on his knees as he lowered his head, feeling the full force of shame, knowing he'd put Alessia through so much. He'd never been like that with his wife, and yet if he cared about Alessia as much as his wife, Isabella, then why did he push Alessia past her limit, torturing her body like she deserved to be treated in that way? Shame washed over Alessandro, leaving him completely lost and vulnerable.

"Your Excellency?" asked a young doctor wearing a white doctor's coat over green surgical garments.

"Yes," Alessandro said.

"We had to operate urgently to stop the bleeding, and when we realized Miss Ferrara had been suffering from a serious infection which completely damaged her ovaries and uterus, we were forced to remove a large portion of her reproductive organs. Miss Ferrara underwent a complete hysterectomy. I'm very sorry," the young doctor said.

Alessandro stood still a moment, taking in what the doctor had just told him, and he suddenly realized that the doctor was standing with his hand out to shake his. Alessandro shook his hand and asked when he could see Alessia.

"Miss Ferrara is being brought to the private room as we speak, so I'll have one of the nurses take you to her immediately," the doctor said.

"Thank you for your help, Doctor."

Alessandro sat back down and felt sick to his stomach. His mind went back to when he found out his wife was sick and then the growing fear when the treatment didn't work. Alessandro didn't want to go through that again, and he was going to give Alessia the best medical attention possible for now; then he was going to pamper her like he'd never done before. Alessandro's stomach knotted thinking what he'd done to Alessia while she was suffering from an infection. It must have been terrible for her, but why hadn't she said anything to him if she'd been in pain? Then Alessandro realized Alessia was scared to lose him.

A nurse brought Alessandro to Alessia's room and he was thankful the room was at the end of the corridor where it was quiet.

Then the nurse opened the door and walked in to see if Alessia was awake, touching her arm to let Alessia know she had a visitor. Alessia opened her eyes slightly and the nurse looked up at Alessandro, telling him he could stay for ten minutes.

Alessandro nodded and waited until the nurse left before he approached Alessia. Her arms were full of tubes and her face was deathly pale, but her eyes expressed happiness to see him.

Alessandro walked to Alessia's side and took her hand in his, stroking the back while he looked at her. His eyes suddenly became moist and a tear ran down his face as he looked into her eyes. "How do you feel?"

"I feel groggy, but okay for the moment. The doctor said I lost a lot of blood and have to stay here for a few days."

"Yes, I know," Alessandro said, pulling the chair close. "I won't be able to stay very long tonight, but I'll come back early tomorrow morning with some of your things. Is there anything I need to bring to you?"

Her expression suddenly turned to sorrow. "The doctor had to remove my ovaries and uterus from an infection," Alessia whispered.

"I know. I've spoken to the surgeon," Alessandro said, kissing her forehead.

Alessia looked the other way as she started to cry silently.

Alessandro turned Alessia's face to look into her eyes, knowing she would try to hide her sadness. "You'll be okay once you've had some rest."

"You don't get it, do you?"

"Get what?"

"I won't be able to have children—ever."

"Amore, I'm sorry you won't be able to have children, but there is always adoption."

"That's easy for you to say."

"I know it's a shock to you right now, but once you've had time to rest, you'll see there are other possibilities."

"There's no reason for you to stay. No commitment and no ties. I'll move my things out of your house as soon as I'm released from the hospital," Alessia said, looking into his blue eyes.

"Move? What are you talking about?"

"We won't be able to have sex for a while, so there's no reason for me to stay at your place."

"Is that what you believe? Do you think I asked you to move in for the sex?" Alessandro said with steely eyes.

"Isn't that the main reason? I know you care about me, but this changes everything," Alessia said, watching as Alessandro stood and paced the room.

"I've opened my heart to you and yet you think I asked you to move in to have sex on demand?"

She watched as he paced nervously throughout the room until he came back to her. "There's no way I'm going to let you move out. Obviously I've led you to believe that I don't care because if you don't see how much I love you and that I never want to be separated from you, then I have a lot to make up for the pain I've caused you."

Alessia remained silent, registering the pain visibly in Alessandro's eyes. Just when she was about to say something, the nurse came in to tell Alessandro it was time for him to leave. Alessandro pleaded another five minutes, which the nurse granted, and after she left, he turned to Alessia and took her hand again.

"Darling, I'm sorry if I've led you to believe I don't care about you or that I only wanted you for sex. The truth is far from that. I nearly had a heart attack when I saw you in a pool of blood tonight and it made me more aware of how much I love you. You matter more to me than anything else in this world, and if you give me a chance, when you feel better, I will shower you with my love. I want to take care of you, protect you and worship you. I don't care about sex. It's your heart I want—nothing else," Alessandro whispered.

There was hope in Alessia's eyes as she looked at him, and when the nurse came back to tell Alessandro he needed to leave, he bent down and whispered, "I love you," before kissing her gently on the forehead. "Try to get some sleep and I'll be back in the morning with some of your things." Then Alessandro followed the nurse out and took the elevator down with his two guards to his car. When he walked out into the night air, Alessandro felt the coldness hit him across the face like a revelation. He needed to change the way he treated Alessia and he was committed to earn her trust, something which Alessandro realized he'd never had.

His life was changing again, but this time Alessandro felt he could make things better. Many things ran through his mind on the drive back to his house and he started to make a list for the next day.

After Alessandro left her room, Alessia continued to feel a deep sadness inside knowing she couldn't have any children. Since she was young, she'd dreamt of having a loving husband, living in a large house with the two children—a boy and a girl to be precise—and a dog. That had been Alessia's dream since she was a child and now it was gone. Being an only child, she'd never had siblings to argue with and love, so Alessia had always desired having her own family. Now her life had been turned upside down and Alessia needed to think about what she would do when Alessandro became tired of her, because she was sure he would sooner or later. Then she'd have to go back to her old life with nobody but an adoptive father who didn't remember her.

Alessia needed to find out about her biological parents, to know who they were and if they wanted to meet her. She desperately needed the comfort of a family.

The nurse came in and gave Alessia a sedative to help her sleep; within minutes she drifted off to sleep.

# Chapter Six

Alessandro woke up bright and early the next day and managed to get most of his tasks accomplished before leaving the house. He called the office and informed them that he'd be working from home the rest of the week, not mentioning anything about Alessia's hospitalization. That was a personal matter, which needed to be guarded from gossip. Nobody needed to know about it unless Alessia decided to tell people herself.

He got into his car with his guards and asked them to stop at the florist before going to the hospital. The traffic was hectic early in the morning so it took them a while to get to the florist, but he was served immediately. Alessandro placed his order of a small bouquet of red roses to be delivered each day to Alessia with a note that he would deliver to the florist each morning on his way to the hospital. He paid and was back in the car in very little time.

His next stop was at the jeweler's, where he commissioned a ring he hoped to give Alessia in the near future. Alessandro's mind was set that he would propose when he'd gained her trust. Once he'd gone over the design he wished to have, Alessandro selected a pair of earrings from their showcase that would go nicely with the ring. After paying for the earrings, he took the gift bag and got back into the car to go to the last stop on the way to the hospital. Alessandro stopped at a gelateria to get Alessia a container of dark chocolate and coconut gelato he knew she liked and would brighten her spirit.

Alessandro arrived at the hospital just as breakfast was being served, so when he walked into Alessia's room, he saw her sitting up eating her pudding that looked tasteless and watery.

Alessia smiled when she saw Alessandro holding more than his hands could carry.

"Tesoro, how are you feeling this morning?"

"I'm feeling a little better. I'm trying to eat this pudding but it's so bland and lumpy, it doesn't want to go down."

Alessandro looked at the contents of the breakfast tray and lifted his eyebrows before saying, "The pudding doesn't look appetizing and probably tastes as it looks." On the tray was a piece of burnt toast, the pudding and a glass of milk.

He leaned over to kiss Alessia on the forehead before pulling out the ice cream. "I think you will like this instead." Alessandro pulled off the lid and placed it on the table.

Alessia's eyes lit up and she grabbed the spoon to taste the ice cream. Closing her eyes and smiling, she moaned with delight as the taste exploded in her mouth. "Thank you—it's really made my day." Alessia ate the entire portion, relishing every spoonful as she brought it to her lips. When she'd finished the last spoonful and pushed the tray away, she leaned back against the pillow. "Now I'm full."

"Amore, your stomach has closed up because you haven't eaten anything in two days. I'll bring you some proper food for lunch and dinner so you'll feel better soon."

Alessia's eyes sparkled with promise, regardless of the dark circles and the pain she must be in, but they showed hope, making Alessandro's heart swell.

He pushed away the table and pulled up the chair to sit beside Alessia's bed. While they were chatting, the florist delivered the first bouquet of red roses.

She looked at Alessandro as he pretended not to know anything about it, and after the bouquet was placed on her lap, she recognized the seal on the envelope. It was Alessandro's personal writing paper, so she smiled and thanked him before opening the envelope to read the handwritten note.

Tesoro, these past two days have been like torture, seeing you in pain. You have given in to my every whim while I sat back and watched you with great courage adapt to what I asked of you.

Today, I want you to know how much I admire your corraggio (courage) and thank you for having walked into my life.

With love, Alessandro

A tear ran down Alessia's cheek as she read the note. Alessandro held her hand and caressed the back while she smelled the wonderful scent of the roses. She looked again at the note and asked, "Why is the letter c of courage in red?"

"You will find out in a few days."

She nodded and then put the note in the night table before lifting the bouquet toward him. "Will you ask a nurse to put these in water please?"

"Yes, of course."

Alessia watched as Alessandro walked out of the room and wondered why he hadn't walked out of her life yet. Sure, words like I love you, Darling, Amore and Tesoro were always nice to hear, but sometimes they were easily spoken. Alessia saw how much effort Alessandro put into making things right and yet she didn't understand why. Alessandro could have any woman, so why did he want her, knowing very well she couldn't give him a future—a child.

Just then Alessandro walked back into the room and she pushed her thoughts to the back of her mind, understanding she needed time to decide what to do.

When the nurse came in to say visiting hours were over, Alessandro bent down to kiss Alessia softly on the lips and said he'd be back in the afternoon. Then he walked out and was more determined than ever to gain her trust. Alessandro occasionally saw confusion in her eyes, but knew he would win Alessia over, so he went back home to plan his next step.

Alessia slept on and off the rest of the morning, and when she woke up, she had a knot in her stomach that wouldn't go away. What if I lose my job now that I'm out sick? The doctor said she'd need to rest at home for at least three weeks. How am I going to pay the hospital bills and the bills from the seniors' home if I lose my job? Her stomach was in such turmoil that she couldn't eat anything when lunch was served, so Alessia pushed the table away and rested on her side, facing the window. She was lost in her thoughts when the door opened and didn't notice Alessandro walk in. He walked around the bed to see if Alessia was asleep and found her staring at the window, almost in a trance. Alessandro put down the bags and went to touch her hand.

"Amore, are you all right?" Alessandro asked, worried something was wrong.

Alessia snapped out of it and looked up into his blue eyes. "Oh, yes, I'm fine. I was daydreaming."

"You didn't look like you were daydreaming. Normally people daydream about nice things—you looked worried. Is everything all right?"

"Yes, of course. Why shouldn't it be?"

"Because you looked worried about something a moment ago. Is there something I can help you with? Is it your father?"

"No, there's nothing you can help me with," Alessia said, trying to sit up, but felt the pain from the stitches. It took her breath away a moment and she had to hold the cut.

"Let me help you," Alessandro said, wanting to assist. While he helped her turn over, he sensed she was holding something back. "Alessia, please tell me what's wrong. I want to help you, but if you don't talk to me, I can't do anything."

Alessia was sitting up now, and after adjusting the sheets, she looked at him. "My life has drastically changed from one moment to the next and I need time to adjust. It's not easy to accept what has happened so it's not something you can help me with. Do you understand? I need to work things out on my own."

Alessandro pulled the chair. "It's normal to be confused and feel like your world has been turned upside down. You've had an operation that will undoubtedly change your future, but that doesn't mean your future will not include children. There are many other ways to have children from surrogacy to adoption. When the time is right, we can look into these options."

"How can you be so calm about something like this? We don't even know if our relationship will last. You barely know me and you're talking about fixing things. You can't always make things better and you can't control our destiny," Alessia said, feeling defeated.

"Listen, I can see it's upsetting you, so why don't we put the future aside for now and concentrate on the present, that being your recovery so you can come home. We can take one day at a time and see how things go, all right?"

She was silent a few minutes while she smoothed the bedcover with her hands. Alessia looked into Alessandro's eyes, almost trying to read inside his soul, and then smiled. "Okay, I can concentrate on the present and take one day at a time."

"That's my girl," Alessandro said, standing up to get one of the bags he'd put down on the table. Pulling out a container, Alessandro placed it on the small table. "I've brought you some fresh lasagna, so why don't you have a little before it turns cold. You need to eat."

She gazed into the container to take in the aroma just as her stomach growled. Alessia smiled at Alessandro and then picked up her fork, lifting a piece of lasagna to her mouth. She ate little pieces at a time until she finished the entire portion. Alessia rested back against the pillows, feeling full. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." Alessandro grinned, knowing Alessia had enjoyed it more than she wanted to admit. He threw away the container and then gave her some water from the bottle he'd brought; then Alessandro went back to the bags and pulled out a gift for her. It was wrapped in red paper with a white ribbon.

"What's this?"

"Open it and you'll see."

She looked down at the gift in her lap and pulled off the ribbon. When she unwrapped it, she saw it was a 1932 edition of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Alessia looked up at him, wondering how Alessandro knew it was her favorite book. The 1932 edition was the first edition published in Italian. She looked down at the book and ran her fingers over the front cover before looking up again into his eyes.

"Do you like it?" Alessandro asked, worried he'd gotten the title wrong.

"Yes, but how did you know?"

"I saw a copy of it on your beside table and it looked really old and used, indicating you'd read the novel many times."

"But you've only been to my apartment once and we were in my bed having hot sex, so when did you notice the book?" Alessia asked, surprised Alessandro even noticed what was in her apartment.

"When you fell asleep, I casually looked around at the room and saw the book," Alessandro said, shrugging his shoulders.

"I love this book and you couldn't have given me a better gift, but where did you find it?" Alessia asked.

"I bought it from a book collector."

"Just like that?"

"Yes, just like that." He smiled.

Alessia grinned while she looked at the book again and then held it up for him to take it. "Take it home with you. I don't want to lose it while I'm in the hospital."

"Of course. So you really like the story?" Alessandro wondered what was so special about it.

"Yes, it's such a romantic story and it's about how the main characters go through so much disappointment and despair before they find love. The story was written two hundred years ago, but the feeling of heartache is the same today as it was back then," Alessia said in a dreamy state.

"Well then, maybe I should read it." He grinned.

"Oh, I don't think you'd like it—it talks a lot about women's expectation in life; nothing a man would be interested in reading."

"Well if more men read it, maybe we would understand what women want in life."

"Yes, that's true, but it's a little more complicated than that."

"Then you're going to have to explain it to me—one day at a time."

Alessia smiled at him, noticing Alessandro was trying hard to get to know her better. Maybe, if she gave him a chance, he could be the one that she was meant to spend her life with, but only time would tell.

They chatted a little while longer and then the nurse came in to tell Alessandro visiting hours had passed, so Alessandro kissed Alessia on the lips and told her he'd be back later. Alessandro walked out and went home to deal with some work, and then made arrangements for the next day before heading back to the hospital after dinner.

~~~

When Alessandro arrived in Alessia's room, he found her sitting up and in a better mood than earlier. Smiling, he walked to Alessia, covering his face with a big stuffed lion cub.

"Oh, who are you?" Alessia asked.

"Hi, my name is Lyla and I'm looking for someone to take me home," Alessandro said.

"Well, my friend behind you has a really big house, and I'm sure if you don't pee or poop in his house, he'll let you stay with him."

"I was hoping to stay here with you."

"You can stay with me as long as you don't bite me."

"I promise I won't bite," the cub said.

"Okay, you can sit on the bed with me."

Alessandro moved the lion cub to the bed and stood back, grinning.

"Thank you." Alessia caressed the velvet fur of the lion cub.

"So, what did you have for dinner?" Alessandro asked.

"They served a tiny piece of veal with watery and bland mashed potatoes. Not the best meal I've had."

"Well, it sounds like you're ready for dessert." Alessandro pulled out a container with homemade chocolate and banana ice cream and placed it before her with a spoon. Then he watched as Alessia dug into the medium-sized container and ate with desire.

"Do you want some?" Alessia suddenly asked when she'd gone through half of the container.

"No, I bought it for you and I'm happy to watch you enjoy it." Alessandro replied.

"I seem to have a craving for ice cream tonight." Alessia looked down into the container and noticed she had finished it.

They talked a little about what was going on in the office and Alessandro told Alessia he'd arranged for a temporary assistant to fill in while she was on sick leave.

Visiting hours passed quickly, so Alessandro kissed Alessia goodnight and told her to get some rest. He went home to deal with some phone calls and emails for work, and before going to bed, Alessandro wrote his special note to Alessia for the next day.

# Chapter Seven

The following day, Alessia woke up feeling better and she was able to get out of bed. She was free from most of the tubes except one in her hand, so the nurse helped her walk a few steps and then sit.

Alessandro found her sitting in the chair and was pleased to see her face had more color than the day before. Alessia was improving, which encouraged him immensely.

Alessia smiled when she saw Alessandro walk in and saw he had a gift bag in his hand.

"You don't need to bring me gifts. I'm happy just to be with you when you come to visit."

"Open it and tell me if you like it," Alessandro said.

Alessia looked inside the bag before pulling the gift out. There was a small velvet box, surprising Alessia and confusing her emotions more than before. Inside were the most beautiful earrings Alessia had ever seen, and as she lifted them out of the box, she smiled when they sparkled.

"Do you like them?" Alessandro asked.

"Yes, thank you. I adore them, but there was no need to buy me a gift."

Alessandro looked at Alessia's eyes and saw joy in them, thinking his plan was working. He was slowly earning her trust and she was slowly warming up to him again.

Then the bouquet of red roses arrived with his second note. This time the bouquet came with a crystal vase, so he placed the vase on the dresser next to the other bouquet of red roses and pulled off the note for Alessia to read.

Alessia took the envelope and opened it up.

My Darling, you continue to brighten my days and nights, making my life worth living. Today I cherish your Umore (mood) because it has taught me that life is full of changes and those surprises are what make life interesting and worth living.

With all my love, Alessandro

Alessia looked up and smiled at Alessandro, feeling a warm sensation inside when she realized he was sending her love notes. She reached out for Alessandro's hand. "Thank you. The note, the flowers and the earrings are lovely."

They chatted a little until the nurse came by to tell Alessandro visiting hours were over for the morning. He asked for five more minutes, to which the nurse agreed.

"Amore, I won't be able to come back today because I need to go to a meeting this afternoon that will most probably continue until evening, but I promise to text you when I get home and call you if you're still awake," he said, caressing her hand.

"That's okay—I'll watch television today."

Alessandro grinned, kissing Alessia softly on the lips and then left.

Alessia looked around the room as soon as Alessandro left and suddenly felt lonely. She realized how much she looked forward to Alessandro's visits, and it dawned on Alessia that his presence was important to her no matter how confused she was.

She spent the rest of the day anxiously waiting for the hours to pass and the little bit of excitement she received during the day was the homemade ice cream sent by Alessandro after dinner.

She was watching the little television when she received a message.

Is it too late to call you? I'd really like to hear your voice.

Love, Alessandro

She called him immediately, wanting to hear his voice too.

"I just couldn't bear going to bed without speaking to you. How was your day?" Alessandro asked.

"It was good. I watched a lot of television and rested."

"How do you feel?" Alessandro wanted to make sure she rested as much as possible so she could recover from the surgery.

"Much better. I walked a bit more today and hardly felt any pain, so I hope to be able to go home in a couple of days."

"Amore, I want you to come home too, but if the doctor says you need to stay in the hospital, don't be in a rush to come home."

"I know, but I'm bored on my own so I'd really like to be released as soon as possible," Alessia said, frustrated.

"Amore, I'm sorry I wasn't able to be with you more today, and unfortunately, I won't be able to come tomorrow until after dinner."

"Oh, you won't be here tomorrow either?" Alessia said, letting out a sigh.

"I'll be there after dinner—I promise."

Alessia was silent.

Alessandro sensed Alessia's loneliness, so he told her he'd bring her another surprise tomorrow evening and she had to guess what it would be. Alessia guessed a book, a game and a belt, but when she ran out of ideas, she asked for a hint. He told her it wasn't something to eat or to wear.

"Well, that doesn't tell me very much."

"It will keep your mind occupied until I see you tomorrow night, so think about the possibilities and the time will pass quickly."

Alessandro said goodnight when he heard Alessia yawn into the phone and wished her sweet dreams.

~~~

Alessandro had a terrible night, not sleeping well, and woke up with a headache, but he pulled himself out of bed and went to have a shower. Then he sent Alessia a message to say good morning and asked how she was.

Alessia responded right away that she'd slept well and was feeling better.

Alessandro reminded Alessia that he wouldn't be able to visit during the day, but he would be there in the evening.

She sent a text back, wishing him a good day at work and telling him not to overwork himself.

He texted back, I love you.

Then he went about his day as planned.

Alessia received the third bouquet of roses with a handwritten note from Alessandro.

My Darling, today my thoughts are on the importance of one's actions; the choices we make in life that reflect upon us at the end of our lives. For this I cherish the Onore (honour) I feel when I'm with you.

With all my love, Alessandro

Alessia felt a lump in her throat knowing Alessandro was courting her the old-fashioned way by sending her love notes and showering her with gifts. Her day was spent mostly thinking about what Alessandro meant to her.

Alessandro's day was completely different. He went from one meeting to the next until his head was about to explode, so Alessandro cancelled the last one, needing to lie down to rest his eyes. Alessandro was in his office resting on his sofa when he sent Alessia a message, telling her how his day had been and that he was on the sofa, not feeling well. About thirty seconds after he hit send, his phone rang—it was Alessia.

"Hey, how are you feeling?" Alessia asked, her tone worried.

"Not too great at the moment. I had to cancel my last meeting so I could rest a little, but I'll be in to see you after dinner," Alessandro said, rubbing his forehead, feeling the pain.

"No, just go home and lie down. I don't want you to be running around if you're not feeling well. You need to rest just as much as I do, so please go home."

Alessandro smiled and was touched by her interest in his health. It made his heart ache for her more than ever.

"Well, I'll take your advice and go home to rest, but I'll pass by after dinner just the same to see you. I can't go another night without seeing you. Did you get my flowers this morning?" Alessandro asked, resting his arm over his eyes.

"Yes, I did, and your lovely note, although I don't know what the red letters mean."

"You'll understand soon enough. I'll see you tonight," Alessandro said, getting off the sofa.

"Okay, but promise me you'll stay home if you're not better."

"Yes, Mother."

"I mean it! You don't need to be running around at night if you're not feeling well," she insisted.

"All right, I promise I'll come to see you if I'm feeling better."

They hung up and then Alessandro called his guards to tell them he was ready to go home. The cars were waiting for him downstairs, and as soon as he got into the backseat, he put his head back on the headrest and closed his eyes. It made him feel better, so he decided to take a short nap when he got home, hoping it would make his headache disappear.

When Alessandro walked into his house and shut the door, he suddenly felt relief and his body started to relax. His home had always been a haven, his own space that he didn't have to share with anyone—until now. The house seemed really quiet without Alessia's presence and he was going to make sure she never left the house or his life again. Alessandro went upstairs to lie down, and within a few minutes, he fell asleep from pure exhaustion.

~~~

Alessia's afternoon passed slowly after she'd spoken to Alessandro. She was worried he pushed himself too hard. Alessandro was an important public figure, but he was also human and needed to listen to his body's warning signs that he needed to slow down. Alessia had a nap during the afternoon, and when she woke up she felt refreshed, feeling good enough to go for a short walk. So she got up and went for a stroll down the corridor unattended. The nurse saw her and smiled as she saw Alessia's progress.

Alessia walked to the end of the corridor and back three times before returning to her room in time for dinner.

When dinner came, she was disappointed when she saw it was the usual mashed and solid food—nothing tempting enough to make her finish it—so she had a few bites of each and then pushed it aside. Alessia pulled from the night table one of the magazines Alessandro had brought her and was reading when he walked into the room.

"Hey, you've come? How do you feel?" Alessia asked as she looked Alessandro over. He looked relaxed in jeans, a shirt and jacket and was absolutely gorgeous.

"I feel better now that I've had a nap. How are you?" Alessandro went close to kiss her softly on the lips.

"I'm doing great. The pain has nearly disappeared so I walked a little more this afternoon."

"Wonderful. I've brought you some proper dinner knowing you wouldn't eat much of the hospital food. Fresh cannelloni tonight," Alessandro said, smiling as he saw Alessia's eyes light up.

Alessia leaned her head down toward the open container and took in the aroma of the hot cannelloni; then, taking the fork, she dug right in and brought the first bite to her mouth.

"Mmm," she said, closing her eyes.

Alessandro grinned as he watched her devour the whole container and then sat back after putting down her fork.

"I really needed that."

"How about dessert? Do you still have room or do you want to wait a little?"

"I'm ready now if you brought something," Alessia said, sitting up straight again, wondering what Alessandro had brought.

He pulled out from another bag a container, and after placing it on the table, he pulled off the lid and watched as her eyes danced.

"Tiramisu?"

"Yes. Did I choose well?"

"Yes, but will you share it with me?"

"Well, if you insist." Alessandro grinned.

"By the way, did you have any dinner?" Alessia asked. "I'm sure you skipped lunch from all the meetings."

"I had a bite at the restaurant where I picked up the cannelloni and tiramisu for you."

They chatted about his meetings until Alessandro changed the subject. "So, have you come up with ideas about the surprise I mentioned yesterday?"

"No—please tell me before I go crazy." Alessia had thought about it many times, but she was out of ideas.

"I want to take you away on a trip when I come back from Milan."

"I would like to go on a vacation with you when you come back. Where do you have in mind?" Alessia asked, wondering if he'd already made plans. Knowing Alessandro worked quickly, she was sure he'd already made the arrangements.

"Actually, I wanted to know where you'd like to go."

"Me? Oh, I don't really know. I haven't travelled much so I don't know where, but I wouldn't mind going somewhere warm, relaxing on the beach. I haven't done that in years."

"All right then, I'll pass by the travel agency tomorrow and get some brochures to warm locations so you can look through them and pick a destination."

"I'd really like that."

"Okay, once you've decided where you'd like to go, I'll book the trip," Alessandro said just as the nurse walked in to say visiting hours were over.

Alessandro said goodnight to Alessia and left the room. His guards, waiting outside by Alessia's door, accompanied him to his car and drove home. He went straight to bed, not feeling one hundred percent, and had another sleepless night. He tossed and turned all night, feeling agitated, and tried all remedies from hot chamomile tea to a hot shower, but the night passed slowly as he watched the hours on the clock change each hour.

# Chapter Eight

The next morning Alessandro couldn't get out of bed. He felt a jabbing pain in his chest, so he called his doctor who told him he'd pushed himself too much; he needed to slow down and get some rest. Alessandro's body was warning him he'd been pushing his stress level beyond what was considered healthy, so after taking the doctor's advice, he called his office to ask his temporary assistant to cancel all his meetings for the remainder of the week. He didn't go into detail and said he had a personal matter to deal with.

Then he got up and wrote his daily note to Alessia, and asked one of his guards to take it to the florist.

~~~

Alessia awoke feeling really good. After breakfast, she had a shower and washed her hair; she finally felt normal again. She received a message from Alessandro asking how she was and she wrote him back, telling him she was feeling much better.

Alessandro wrote back that he would be too busy to visit today, but he'd call her in the afternoon, which disappointed Alessia, but she would be happy to hear his voice.

Alessia had just walked a few times down the corridor when the florist delivered the bouquet of red roses with Alessandro's note. She felt warmth rising when she saw the bouquet, knowing no matter how busy Alessandro was, he'd written the love note and ensured it was delivered with the flowers.

Alessia took the vase and placed it on the dresser next to the other arrangements and took the envelope. Leaning toward the flowers, she took in the scent of the roses, and when Alessia closed her eyes a moment, Alessandro's blue eyes appeared in her mind, making her smile.

She went to sit on the bed to read his note, and turning it over, she saw it too had his wax seal.

My Darling, today all I can think of is how you've brought joy back into my life and how your smile brightens my day. Since you walked into my life, you've turned it upside down, and now I'm lost without you. These last few days while you've been in the hospital, I felt like there was a part of me missing, and that would be you! You've opened my life to love and romance again, so today I cherish the Romance I feel when I'm with you.

With all my love, Alessandro

Alessia read the note again and then put it down on her bed to take in the scent of the roses flowing in her room. Alessandro was romancing her, courting her with love letters. She held the note over her heart for a little while as she lay with her eyes closed. When the nurse stepped into the room to check Alessia's blood pressure, she stopped as soon as she smelled the scent of the roses.

"You're a lucky girl to have someone sending you all these roses," the nurse said, smiling.

"Yes, I know." Alessia's cheeks flushed at the thought of Alessandro's romantic gestures.

The nurse told Alessia that her blood pressure was fine and if the doctor agreed, she'd probably be released from the hospital the next day. Her wound was healing well and there was no reason she needed to stay an extra day. Alessia was really happy and sent a message to Alessandro after the nurse left the room. Alessandro wrote back telling her he was really pleased and he'd take the day off so he could pick her up and stay with her when she got home, giving them a long weekend together before he had to leave for Milan.

The rest of the day passed slowly for both. Alessia rested in the hospital while Alessandro rested at home. They sent messages back and forth, but never once did Alessandro tell Alessia he was at home sick; Alessandro didn't want Alessia to worry, so he decided not to mention it.

As the day passed, Alessandro had one of his guards run an errand for him. He asked him to pick up a container of tiramisu gelato and bring it to Alessia in the hospital.

Alessia grinned when she saw the guard walk in holding a bag and knew it would be dessert.

"You didn't need to come all this way for me."

"Yes, I did. It was the Minister's wish for you to have this, so here I am to deliver it as he requested."

Alessia thanked him and told him to go home, feeling bad he'd had to run a personal favor for Alessandro. He must have been really busy with his meetings if he couldn't get away to bring her dessert. Alessia sat up in bed and slowly went through the entire carton of ice cream before she sent Alessandro a message.

Alessandro wrote back telling her to get some rest because she needed to be well to go home the next day.

She wrote back that she was happy to be going home—to his home—and he responded with three simple words: Buona Notte, Tesoro. Then he took the sedative the doctor prescribed and fell asleep from exhaustion.

~~~

Alessandro slept all night and into the morning until he heard a faint sound that woke him up. As Alessandro opened his eyes, he realized it was his phone and turned over to take it from his night table.

"Hello?" he said before seeing who it was.

"Alessandro? Were you still sleeping?" Alessia asked, surprised he was still in bed at this time.

"Oh, I didn't hear the alarm; what time is it?" Alessandro asked, yawning as he turned over to take his watch from the night table.

"It's 10.30 a.m. and I've been released. Shall I take a taxi?"

"No, just give me ten minutes to have a quick shower and I'll be on my way," Alessandro said, getting out of bed. Just as he hung up and placed the phone back on the night table, he felt a slight pain again in his chest and took a few long breaths until it passed. Then he called his guards to ask them to be ready in ten minutes to take him to the hospital. Alessandro got up and went to have a quick shower.

On the way to the hospital, he picked up a large bouquet of red roses. Inside the bouquet he placed his note to Alessia, the last note he would give to her.

Alessia was dressed and waiting for Alessandro when he walked into the room. Alessia smiled when she saw the large bouquet of red roses and waited for Alessandro to walk to her. As he sat on the bed next to her, Alessia noticed the dark circles under his eyes, but nevertheless he smiled back at her.

Alessandro kissed her on the cheek and gave her the bouquet where Alessia saw the note safely tucked in the center, so she pulled it out and broke the wax seal.

Tesoro, today I cannot tell you how happy I am that you are coming home. It has been difficult being away from you and today I cherish the hope of having an Eternal life with you.

With all my heart, Alessandro

Alessia lifted her hand and caressed Alessandro's face while she looked into his blue eyes. "Thank you. I'm ready to go home, so shall we go?"

He smiled back and took her hand while grabbing her bag with his other hand. As they walked out of the hospital room, one of his guards by the doorway took Alessia's bag from Alessandro and accompanied them out to the car.

When they got into the back of the sedan, Alessia put her head down on Alessandro's shoulder and sighed.

"We'll be home soon, little one."

"Yes, it's been a long week, and I'm looking forward to going home. It seems like I've been away for ages."

"It seemed an eternity to me too, and your illness has made me realize how much you mean to me—more than I could ever express—so I'm happy to have you next to me again. I don't ever want to be separated from you again—well, not for health reasons. I still need to go away next week to Milan and I'd be more comfortable if you'd come with me. You can stay home, recovering while I'm at the meetings. What do you think?"

"I'd like that very much. I've had an extremely long and painful week, and my life has been like a roller coaster. I've been to hell and back, but I think I'm ready now to move forward, and I too don't want to be away from you unless absolutely necessary," Alessia said, looking into his blue eyes. She lifted her hand to caress Alessandro's face and felt his stubble. She'd never seen him unshaven and the dark circles worried her, but not wanting to give him more distress, she let her worry pass for the time being.

When the cars finally drove through his gate, Alessandro felt relief knowing soon he'd have her all to himself. They stepped out of the car and went in the house while the guards got Alessia's bag. Alessandro accompanied her upstairs, where she changed into something more comfortable, and then they went back down to have a meal prepared by his housekeeper, Rosalia. Alessandro didn't want to tell Alessia he'd been unwell, so he simply told her he'd been too busy with work and asked Rosalia to prepare their meals.

Rosalia had prepared a light but nutritious meal since Alessandro had asked her for homemade broth with filet mignon and cooked vegetables afterward.

"Aren't you going to have any wine?" Alessia asked, wondering why he was drinking water.

"No, I need to drink more water, so I thought it would be a good time to start since you're on medication and shouldn't drink any alcohol," he said, smiling, hoping that Alessia wouldn't insist on his drinking a glass. The doctor told him to stay away from wine, but he was also on heart medication that shouldn't be mixed with alcohol.

"I'll understand if you want to have a glass. You don't need to follow the same diet I'm forced to observe," Alessia said, reaching over to grab his hand as it rested on the table.

Alessandro turned it over and looked at her palm; then he caressed it with his thumb and smiled at her. "I don't mind drinking water for a little while."

They had a quiet meal and then went to sit in the library by the fireplace, cuddling on the sofa where they could feel the warmth of the fire. Alessia felt sleepy, so she rested her head on his lap and was asleep within minutes.

Alessandro gazed at her face as the flame of the fire glowed on her hair and cheek. He saw the dark circles under her eyes and the paleness of her skin. They really needed to go somewhere warm to rest, recuperate and get a bit of sun. Alessandro put his head back on the sofa and fell asleep.

Alessia awoke a little while later and saw Alessandro sleeping softly, but didn't want to wake him, so she lay still, not moving, watching him as he slept. She noticed there was something different about Alessandro; his skin was not that usual healthy tanned glow and the dark circles under his eyes were new. What was he not telling her? Alessia cuddled closer to him, smelling his scent, and just as she was about to close her eyes, Alessandro opened his and looked down at her. His smile warmed her heart and all her worries disappeared.

"Did you sleep?"

"Yes, I did, and so did you," Alessia said, holding her cut as she sat up.

"Does it still hurt?" Alessandro asked, noticing her grimace.

"A little when I move, but I'm fine most of the time. Can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"Will you be honest with me?"

"Of course," Alessandro said, tilting his head, wondering why Alessia would think he'd lie to her.

"Have you been unwell?" Alessia asked.

Alessandro didn't say anything for a moment, but then when he opened his mouth, he couldn't find the words.

"I'd like to know if you're sick. I see dark circles under your eyes and you're not moving with your usual ease. Please be honest with me," Alessia said, taking his hand in hers.

"I had chest pains a couple of days ago and couldn't get out of bed, so I've been at home resting, but I promise you I'm fine now," Alessandro said, hoping she believed him.

"Why didn't you tell me this before? I could see something wasn't right," Alessia said, caressing his face.

"I didn't want you to worry," Alessandro said, seeing apprehension in her eyes.

"It hurts me knowing you don't trust me enough to tell me something this important." She couldn't be with someone who didn't trust her enough to tell her the truth, and it was something Alessandro needed to know.

"It has nothing to do with trust, Alessia—I wanted to protect you from more worry. I'm fine and I don't want you to worry about something that has passed," he said, pulling her close.

She rested her head on his chest and let out a long sigh. "Next time, please tell me if something is wrong or if you're not feeling well. I want to know about it."

"I promise I won't keep it from you next time."

They stayed in the library the rest of the afternoon until it was time for dinner, so when Rosalia came to call them, they went to the dining room and had a long meal full of healthy foods that would help them both get better. They chatted a little about where they could go after Milan, and Alessandro said he hadn't had a chance to go by the travel agency but would have an agent come to the house in Milan while they were there.

Alessia liked the idea and agreed they could choose a destination last minute.

After they finished their dinner, they went back to the library. Alessia was surprised to find it was filled with roses. She noticed there were large red letters handwritten on his monogrammed paper in the middle of each of the five bouquets, so she went to take each paper and waited for Alessandro to say something.

"They're single letters handwritten on each paper." She looked at each piece of paper, trying to figure out what the letters meant.

"Yes. Do you recognize them?"

"The letters?" Alessia asked, confused.

"Yes, the letters. You've seen them before," Alessandro said.

She looked at the letters and then it clicked in her mind. "These were the same letters written in red and underlined in the love notes you gave me."

"Yes, that's right, and what do they spell?" Alessandro asked.

Alessia looked down at them and then back at him, confused.

"You need to mix them around until they form a word."

She walked to the table and put each one down, then moved them around until she found the word C U O R E (heart). "Heart?" Alessia asked.

"That's right. Since you've stepped into my life, you've stolen my heart, and now I can't live without one, so I need to offer it to you as a sign of my love." Then Alessandro got down on one knee and pulled out a little box. "Alessia Ferrara, will you marry me? Not because you've stolen my heart, not because I love you more than anything in the world, but because I'm hoping you feel the same way about me."

Alessia looked at the beautiful solitaire ring and then Alessandro's blue eyes, pleading her to say yes. She'd never seen Alessandro's eyes so vulnerable. They expressed a deepness that she'd seen only once before, when he'd spoken of his late wife, and now his eyes were looking at her with the same longing. "We hardly know each other and you want to marry me? Why?"

"I love you and don't want to be separated from you from this day forward. Do you need time to think about it?" His tone was soft, nearly heartbroken from her hesitation.

She took his hands and pulled him up to stand. "You don't need to kneel for me. I want to look into your eyes when I tell you that you are the kindest, gentlest and most caring man I've ever met. The future scares me and I know that you would do everything possible to keep me safe and happy, but we come from completely different worlds and I'm not sure if I would be able to give you what you need."

Alessandro took Alessia's hands and looked down at them while they were silent. "I need you and nothing else matters because I feel paralyzed when you are not around. It pains me to see you hurting and all I want to do is protect you. If you stand beside me, I promise to give you a new beginning and to guide you whenever you need."

Alessia thought about what Alessandro said and then cradled his face in her hands before kissing him softly.

"Does this mean it's yes?" Alessandro asked, holding his breath.

Alessia smiled and nodded.

He lifted her feet off the floor and whirled Alessia around, laughing. "This is fantastic. You've made me the happiest man on earth," Alessandro said, lowering his lips to hers. "We'll need to contact a wedding planner to help with all the arrangements."

"We need to set a date," she said, feeling excited.

"I don't want to wait too long. How about next month?"

"Wow, you really don't waste any time." Alessia grinned. "Yes, that would be fine if the wedding planner can arrange it all in thirty days."

"We'll have to find the right one then. While we're in Milan, you can meet with my sister, Valentina, and I'm sure she can help you choose the right wedding planner and design the dress of your dreams."

"I'd like that. I like your sister—she's very nice," Alessia said.

"Wait until she finds out we'll be married," Alessandro said. "Oh, and we'll need to work on a guest list as soon as possible."

Alessia suddenly went quiet, not having the heart to tell him she didn't really have anyone to invite.

Noticing her mood had changed, Alessandro lifted her chin to look into her eyes. "What's the matter?" he whispered.

"I don't have anyone to invite and my father is in no condition to walk me down the aisle," Alessia said, sadness creeping in.

"We'll find a way to have your father walk you down the aisle," Alessandro said, kissing her on the nose. "Even if someone has to push him in a wheelchair."

Alessia smiled at Alessandro's willingness to find a solution to everything. He knew her father was the only person she had left in her life and Alessandro would move heaven and earth to make her happy on their wedding day, and if it meant finding a way to have her father walk her down the aisle, then he'd find a way to make it happen.

Alessandro had started looking into her biological parents, but it was still too soon to know anything, so he kept it a secret.

They sat by the fire the rest of the evening, talking about possible honeymoon destinations until Alessia yawned and Alessandro suggested they go up to bed.

When they got into bed, he pulled her close, cuddling her warm body against his and taking in her fragrance. "I've been longing to do this."

"To do what?"

"To hold you in my arms like this."

"You don't mind that we can't have sex for a while?"

"Amore, I don't care about sex; all I want is to have you in my life. And by the way, we don't have sex; we make love when we're together—don't forget that."

"How do you feel—really feel?"

"I feel fine."

Alessia raised an eyebrow, questioning Alessandro's remark, and she knew that he would hold it back to protect her.

"Really, I feel fine so don't worry, and I will tell you the next time I'm not well."

# Chapter Nine

The weekend passed quickly and it was suddenly Monday morning. They'd packed the night before, and were ready bright and early when the guards brought the cars around the front of the house to take them to the train station.

Alessia thought about the first time she'd left for Milan with Alessandro. It seemed so long ago, but it had been merely a few weeks, and yet they'd been through so much since that time. She thought about how her life had changed and how fortunate she was to have Alessandro in it.

When they arrived at the train station, the guards escorted them to their first-class cabin on the train. After three hours they were in Milan, and just as they pulled into the central station, the guards reappeared to escort them out to their waiting cars.

They went directly to Alessandro's house, where Alessia found more red roses scattered throughout the house. Alessia turned as she saw the flowers and smiled at Alessandro.

"I know I don't need to do this, but please let me—it's been a long time since I felt alive again and I want you to know it," Alessandro said, pulling Alessia into an embrace.

"I already know, and you don't need to shower me with flowers or gifts."

"Yes, but I like to see you smile—it makes me happy."

After having a relaxing lunch, Alessandro got ready to go to the Conference, but before leaving, he called his sister Valentina to tell her the good news about their wedding plans. Alessandro arranged for Valentina to pass by to help Alessia decide on a wedding planner.

After Alessandro left, Alessia sat in his large study, looking around at the antique furniture and books that lined the walls of the study. She was about to become part of this world that was so distant from hers. Alessia felt overwhelmed for a moment and wondered if she might have been too quick in accepting Alessandro's proposal. Panic filled her lungs as she suddenly thought about all the functions she would have to attend with him as his wife and protocol etiquette that she'd have to learn—things that never crossed her mind before. She was deep in doubt when Valentina stepped into the study and found her miles away in spirit.

Valentina walked up to Alessia, pulling her away from her daydream, and instantly saw the fear in her eyes.

"It's not as bad as you think," Valentina said, putting her arms around Alessia to calm her nerves.

"Is it that obvious?"

"Yes, it's written all over your face, but trust me, you'll get used to it, and Alessandro will make sure you're not thrown into the public eye. He doesn't like his personal life to be made public—he had great care for his first wife, Isabella, and she dealt with it quite well."

"Yes, but you come from a noble family and Alessandro is in politics—you can't be more public than that. I don't know if I can deal with it—I mean, I said I'd marry Alessandro, but I didn't think of the consequences when I said yes." Alessia looked at Valentina and then asked, "How do you cope with it? You must have the media on your doorstep everyday."

"You learn to deal with it, and I go around with guards as Alessandro does. The guards are there to protect us, not only from harm but also to keep the media away—or should I say paparazzi, who want to get that picture of you when you're not feeling one hundred percent," Valentina said, walking to the sofa to sit down.

"I've only been Alessandro's assistant so nobody has paid any attention to me, but when our engagement becomes public, everything will change," Alessia said, feeling apprehension growing quickly in her stomach.

"What needs to change? Alessandro will still love you and you'll still love him. That's what you need to focus on—not what goes on around you. Sure, there will always be the person wanting to take a picture or wanting to get close to say hello, but you need to learn not to let it bother you and after a while you'll get used to it. Besides, the guards will be with you every step of the way," Valentina said.

"No, they follow Alessandro, so when I go my own way, I'll have to disguise myself so nobody will recognize me," Alessia said, looking down at her hands.

"No, Alessia. When Alessandro announces your engagement to the public, he will arrange for you to have your own bodyguards who go with you when you are not with him. Don't be stressed about it because he will take care of you—you'll need to trust him," Valentina said.

Alessia let out a long sigh, realizing Valentina was right. Alessandro wouldn't have proposed to her if he didn't love her and she was sure he'd do what was in his power to protect her. The protocol and etiquette part of his life, she'd just have to learn. She could do that. She suddenly felt better after talking with Valentina.

Valentina brought her sketchbook and asked Alessia how she would like her wedding dress. After giving a brief description of what she'd always dreamed her wedding gown would be like, Valentina started to put the ideas on paper and sketched right away the dress Alessia had always envisioned herself wearing on her wedding day.

"How did you know this was what I wanted? I didn't know it myself, but only had ideas of how I'd always dreamed it would be," Alessia asked.

"It's why I'm a dress designer—I have a gift of putting down on paper what the client would like, based on what I believe would look good according to size and shape. Now, let's look at some fabrics. I've brought a few samples and we can discuss accents that you may want on the bodice or the skirt," Valentina said, pulling out a book with fabric samples.

Alessia looked at the beautiful fabrics and realized it would be costly. "Valentina, I don't have the money for an expensive dress so I'm going to have to look at something less costly."

Valentina squeezed her hand. "Choose whatever fabric you like; the gown will be my gift to you—that is, if my brother doesn't fight me over it. You won't need to worry about any costs for the wedding. Alessandro will take care of it all, so sit back and choose what you like."

Alessia looked at the fabrics and smiled, knowing she would have a fairytale wedding gown. Valentina pulled out the fabrics and explained how the gown would flow and which would be best. Taking Valentina's advice, Alessia chose a white silk organza with multiple layers that gave the gown a light sway while creating volume on the skirt.

After two hours designing Alessia's dream wedding gown, Valentina gave her the name and telephone number of a wedding planner who she was sure could accomplish a high-profile wedding in thirty days.

Alessia thanked Valentina for her precious time, and after she walked her to the door, Alessia contacted the wedding planner. The office assistant answered the phone, telling her that Mrs. Forlani didn't have an available spot within the next six months, but after Alessia mentioned His Excellency Alessandro Medici-Visconti, she was transferred to Mrs. Forlani, who immediately picked up the call.

"Miss Ferrara?"

"Yes, good afternoon. I was calling to know if you'd be available to help me plan our wedding, which will be in thirty days. Valentina Medici-Visconti gave me your name and number, assuring me you'd be the right person for the job, but if you are fully booked, I can find someone else to plan it," Alessia said.

"I apologize for my assistant's oversight. I am available to plan your wedding, so if you let me know when you would be free to meet, we could start to make the arrangements," Mrs. Forlani said.

"I would like to start immediately, so would you be free to pass by the Minister's house later this afternoon?"

"Yes, of course. Do you have any ideas to tell me over the phone so that I can prepare something that we can go over when we meet?"

"Actually, no. I don't. It all happened very quickly and we haven't really had a chance to talk about what we'd like, but I may be able to get some information before you arrive so we could have something to work with."

"Yes, that would be excellent. I'll see you soon."

Alessia gave Mrs. Forlani the address, and as soon as she hung up.

She sent a message to Alessandro to get more information.

Amore, I'll be meeting with the wedding planner shortly and I need to know what your preferences are.

Love, Alessia

Alessandro sent a message back.

Tesoro, choose whatever you like. I'll be happy with whatever you choose.

Love, Alessandro.

Well, that didn't really help much, so she called Valentina to know what she should tell the wedding planner. Valentina gave her some ideas, but she also told Alessia to let the wedding planner do what she does best—arrange the perfect wedding for the occasion.

"Alessandro will probably invite about two hundred guests," Valentina said. "Another thing you'll want to tell the wedding planner is that Alessandro married his first wife, Isabella, in the Basilica Santa Maria della Passione, so would want to choose another church for your wedding ceremony."

"Thank you, Valentina. This is a great place to start."

After writing this information in a small agenda, Alessia sat in Alessandro's study, waiting for the wedding planner to arrive. The room was now familiar to her and as she observed the furnishings, she noticed something she hadn't seen before. On the windowsill, overlooking the back garden, there was a small wooden box with the initials I.M.V. on the side. It had a very plain design with a rose carved on the lid. The box somehow drew her toward it. Alessia felt the smoothness of the wood and the rose carving. There was a latch on the side that was unlocked, so Alessia lifted the lid to look inside. There was a mirror attached to the lid with the same initials inscribed on the bottom right corner. Alessia looked inside the box and saw it contained bits of folded paper, so she took one out and unfolded it carefully to see what it was. Alessia immediately realized they were love notes from Alessandro to his late wife. She wanted to put them down, but was drawn to Alessandro's handwriting on the paper and started to read.

Amore mio, I often think back to the first day we met. I can still remember the dress you wore when I first saw you. You had on a cream colored dress with a pink floral print that made me think of a bouquet of flowers. You were so beautiful, you took my breath away—you still do. It was your determination that made me pursue you after that first day and you've blessed me with many happy days together. You are the light of my life and I want you to know that you have made my life complete.

With all my love, Alessandro

There were ten love notes in the box. Alessandro talked of their wedding day, their honeymoon and the first time they met.

Tesoro, you have filled my days and nights with joy and happiness. You have captured my soul and made my heart complete. You are my better half—in every sense of the word. Your guiding light has brought me through difficult times and I wish with all my heart and soul that we could have more time. I will love you for eternity.

Your loving husband, Alessandro

The letters were beautiful, and the more Alessia read, the more she couldn't stop until she read all ten.

They were love notes Alessandro had written to his wife, Isabella, when she had been at the end of her battle with cancer and at the end of their time together. Alessia felt an ache in her heart, realizing she'd trespassed on the most private part of Alessandro's life with his late wife.

Tears flowed openly as she carefully put them back into the box with as much care as they'd been written. Alessia's heart went out to Alessandro, understanding what he'd been through and how much effort it took Alessandro to open his heart and let someone in once more.

She'd just finished rinsing her face in the bathroom when the doorbell rang, announcing the wedding planner had arrived, so she quickly adjusted her makeup while Rosalia let Mrs. Forlani into the formal sitting room.

Alessia made her way down the large staircase to the sitting room and found Mrs. Forlani standing by the window, looking out at the garden.

"Good afternoon," Alessia said. "Thank you for coming on such short notice."

"It's my pleasure. This is such a lovely place with a beautiful garden," Mrs. Forlani said, pointing toward the window.

"Yes, it is. Please sit down," Alessia said, showing her to a round table with chairs. "I have some information that could be helpful to decide on a location for the ceremony."

"Oh, great. What do you have in mind?" Mrs. Forlani asked.

"No, actually it's where we shouldn't have it. The Minister was previously married at the Basilica Santa Maria della Passione, so we need to choose an alternative place to hold the ceremony," Alessia said.

"Yes, I remember the Minister's late wife. She was such a beautiful lady; they had a fairytale life together and it broke everyone's heart when she passed away. I still remember it like it was yesterday—it was such a sad story," Mrs. Forlani said, smiling at Alessia when she realized she'd spoken out of haste.

"It's fine—I don't expect their life together to be ignored, but I'd like a wedding different to theirs."

"I think that sounds like a great plan so why don't we start with the basics and work from there," Mrs. Forlani said. So, they spent the next three hours talking about everything that Alessia liked and what she didn't. At the end of the three hours, the wedding planner had enough information to prepare a couple of proposals for Alessia to review the next day. They agreed to meet the following morning to decide on which proposal and begin the arrangements. Mrs. Forlani told Alessia she had two places in mind for the religious ceremony and two private palaces, which hosted wedding receptions, that could be the perfect location. She would make some phone calls and get back to Alessia the next day.

Alessia walked Mrs. Forlani to the door and suddenly felt the exhaustion of the day when she left. Her cut started to pinch and decided to lie down before dinner, so Alessia went upstairs, hoping to take a short nap, but found her mind going back to the love notes Alessandro wrote to his late wife. Alessia felt she'd intruded on a part of Alessandro's past that he may not be ready to let her know about and yet she didn't know if she should tell him she'd come across the love notes while she was sitting in his study.

After resting long enough, Alessia decided to get up and send a message to Alessandro to know how his day was going. He wrote back that there was much opposition and debating on a strategy, which they hadn't agreed upon yet, pushing the meeting later into the evening. Alessandro apologized and told Alessia not to wait up for him, but he'd be home as soon as possible. Alessia went downstairs to have dinner and then decided to get a book to read in bed.

Alessia had a shower and got into bed with a book, hoping to stay awake long enough to see Alessandro, but after reading the first chapter, she dozed off still clutching the book.

~~~

When Alessandro came home, he was exhausted from the long and difficult discussions of the day. They were on opposite sides of the table on immigration, national security and employment. Many things had been said and they still hadn't come to a conclusion. They decided to meet the following day to continue their talks.

When Alessandro walked into his bedroom, he found Alessia sleeping, sitting up in bed with the bed light on and holding a book. Alessandro went to her and slowly took the book, placing it on the night table, and then moved Alessia so she lay comfortably on the bed. Then, after switching off the light, Alessandro kissed Alessia softly on the head and went to his dressing room to change. Moments later, he climbed into bed.

# Chapter Ten

Alessandro awoke early the next day, washed and dressed before Alessia woke up. Alessandro left a short note on his desk, telling Alessia he was going to his meeting, which would most probably last all day, but promised to call her later in the morning to see how she was.

Alessia awoke late, feeling rested and ready to take on a new day of wedding preparations with the wedding planner.

She had a quick shower and got dressed before going downstairs to have a light breakfast. Rosalia had left fresh cornetti, homemade jam, homemade bread and a note on the coffee moka machine telling her all she needed to do was turn on the flame to make the coffee.

Alessia was familiar with the kitchen, so she made herself coffee before sitting down to have breakfast. She ate more than she wanted since the food was delicious, and when she finished, she loaded the dishwasher.

Alessia waited for the wedding planner in the sitting room, and while she was there, she wondered if there was anything she may have forgotten the day before. The only thing that came to mind was that she didn't have a maid of honor. Alessia needed someone to stand by her during the civil ceremony and then again in the church. She thought over who she could ask and realized she didn't have anyone close enough to stand by her. Then Alessia thought of Valentina. She liked Alessandro's sister, and after a little thought, Alessia decided to ask her.

A few minutes later, the wedding planner walked into the sitting room holding two bags full of samples.

"Good morning," Alessia said, standing to shake hands.

"Good morning. I've found the perfect spot for your wedding, and time is of the essence, so why don't we sit down and I'll tell you all about it?"

"Yes, I'd like to hear what you've been able to find," Alessia said, walking to the table to sit down.

Mrs. Furlani pulled out two folders from a bag; inside one folder were pictures of the church and the reception hall she'd been able to tentatively book for them if they were in agreement. Alessia didn't recognize either of the two places but was intrigued by the photos.

"The ceremony could be held at the Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie. The interior of the church is spectacular," she said, pulling out more pictures of weddings she'd arranged in the same church. It was beautiful inside, with white marble ceilings and archways leading to the altar. Alessia was mesmerized by its beauty and agreed this was the place where she wanted to get married.

"I really like it and I'm sure the Minister will agree. Is it available on the day we'll marry?" Alessia asked.

"Yes, and I've tentatively booked it for your date because I was sure it would be the place," Mrs. Forlani said with enthusiasm. Then she opened the other folder and pulled out pictures of the romantic Villa San Carlo Borromeo. "This is what I found for the wedding reception. It has spectacular grounds and the history of the Villa I believe are appropriate for nobility. I was able to tentatively book this too, so if you agree with the location, I can make a quick call to book both and we can proceed with the wedding details."

"Yes, I don't think the Minister would disagree, but let me speak to him quickly to ask if we can go ahead with the bookings," Alessia said, getting up to make a phone call. Alessia walked out of the sitting room and went into Alessandro's study to make the call.

"Alessia?" Alessandro answered on the second ring.

"I'm sorry to bother you. I just wanted to let you know the wedding planner has found the perfect church and location for our wedding reception, but before telling her to go ahead with the booking, I wanted to speak to you," Alessia said.

"Tesoro, whatever you've found and you're pleased with will be fine for me, so go ahead and book what the wedding planner suggests."

"Okay, I'll leave you to your meetings then. Are the discussions going well?" Alessia asked.

"Yes, actually; we may have found an agreement and hopefully will finish by late afternoon. The President of our party has arranged an informal party after the meeting to celebrate the end of the Conference. Would you like to come and join me?"

"I'm feeling a little tired so I think I'll have an early night and go to bed. You have fun at the party though," Alessia said.

"I won't stay long. I'll try to be home before you fall asleep tonight."

Alessia went back to the wedding planner to book the two sites.

Mrs. Forlani had prepared several menu ideas for Alessia, and after carefully choosing each dish, Alessia finally had a wedding menu. Next, they looked at the flower arrangements for the church and the reception. Alessia really liked roses, and since Alessandro had sent her red roses each time, she thought it symbolic to use the same flower and color. When the wedding planner showed her pictures of center tables with red and white roses, white lilies and white orchids, Alessia was sure it was the right combination. Mrs. Forlani told Alessia she would contact Valentina Medici-Visconti to arrange for a wedding bouquet to complement the wedding gown.

An antique white Rolls Royce had been found to take them to the ceremony and then to the reception. Mrs. Forlani also told Alessia the reception location had a honeymoon suite at their disposal for the night of the wedding.

Alessia couldn't believe how much progress they'd made in the few hours. They'd discussed everything, including the wedding invitations. Alessia chose a delicate cream-color paper with elegant handwritten invitations. She'd never seen handwritten invitations, but they were perfect. They seemed printed with a machine. Alessia ordered the quantity Valentina told her she would need and then finally said goodbye to the wedding planner. They'd planned to speak again the following days to go over minor arrangements that weren't necessary at this time.

When Alessia was finally on her own, she sat in Alessandro's study for a moment to collect her thoughts. Alessia went over all the things she'd selected, wanting to give Alessandro a detailed summary of what was planned. She had a late lunch and then went to lie down since her head was suddenly spinning from all the planning.

Alessia awoke hours later and the room was dark. She reached over to turn on the bedside lamp and saw it was 10 p.m. She'd slept straight through dinner. Sitting up, she looked around and realized Alessandro wasn't back yet, so she went downstairs to the kitchen to get something to eat. Rosalia had left something for them on the stovetop with a note telling them to turn on the heat when they were ready to eat. The table was set for two with a nice table cloth and good china, but Alessia didn't feel up to eating on her own so she took a small portion of the food and placed it in the microwave to warm up.

After eating at the breakfast bar, Alessia went back to Alessandro's study to wait for him, but the evening wore on and there was still no sign of him, so she picked up the book she started to read the night before and got comfortable in the armchair.

~~~

Alessandro was relieved when the round of meetings finally finished and the tension in the room suddenly lifted. It had been a long meeting, finally ending with a positive outcome. The party had decided to focus on improving the transition from immigration hot spots to the small towns adhering to the migrants' program, reinforcing security in large cities, and reducing taxes when companies hire young adults under the age of thirty. The coordinator announced they'd arranged an evening to celebrate their achievement and were invited to the second floor of the hotel for their celebration party.

Alessandro followed his colleagues as they walked up the elegant staircase to the second floor. The entire second floor was guarded by private surveillance as Alessandro walked past the first set of guards with his own following close behind. He was talking about the events of the day to one of his colleagues when they entered one of the private rooms.

Alessandro hadn't eaten very much that day, so he grabbed a glass of Prosecco and a few tasty snacks to settle his stomach. He continued to talk with his colleague until more people entered the room, pushing slowly through so they moved to a connecting room. There were young women in this second room with some of his colleagues who were partially undressed.

A young woman came up to Alessandro and moved her hands quickly to his tie, but as he looked around, he was disgusted when he saw men and women engaged in oral sex. When he walked out the door and entered another room, he found much of the same. In a corner, a woman was pleasuring one of his colleagues. Everywhere he looked, the men were in a state of frenzy as the young women pleasured them.

Another young woman walked up to Alessandro and grabbed his belt with one hand while she unzipped his pants with her other hand. She quickly put her hand in his pants and got down onto her knees, wrapping her mouth over his aroused manhood. Alessandro put his head back a moment, feeling the warmth of her lips on his pulsing arousal, swaying toward his desire growing inside. Her warm lips made him lose his train of thought for a few seconds and when he realized what was happening, he pushed away, disconnecting from the woman's lips, regret and disgust consuming him for what he was about to do. He zipped up his pants and left the room in a hurry.

Alessandro found his guards down the hall and told them they were leaving. When he got into his car, Alessandro asked the guards to drive for a while, needing time to think about what had just happened. His blood was steaming and he needed to calm down before going home to Alessia. Alessandro was so close to letting the young woman pleasure him that the thought made his blood rise. He needed to stay calm and remember that he hadn't done anything wrong. Alessandro was caught in a moment, but he was strong enough to walk away.

Finally, Alessandro told his guards to take him home, and when he arrived, it was past midnight and found Alessia asleep in his bed. He scrubbed in the shower to wash off the feeling of the other woman and then got into bed beside Alessia. Alessandro decided not to mention it to her because it would only cause her pain, and yet he knew it would constantly be in the back of his mind.

# Chapter Eleven

They drove back to Rome the following day, and during the drive, Alessia told Alessandro all about the wedding arrangements. Alessandro listened with interest, but Alessia could sense he was preoccupied about something.

"Alessandro, is everything okay?" she asked, putting her hand on Alessandro's knee.

"Yes, everything is fine. I'm just glad the meeting is over and I want to get back to Rome to our normal life. We have a wedding to plan," Alessandro said, smiling back at Alessia.

"Yes, and I hope you'll be pleased with what I've booked. I don't know how much it will cost—the wedding planner said she'd send you the bill, but I'll be more than happy to make changes if the bill is too high."

Alessandro's eyes looked tired and distressed, not the usual happy and sparkling blue eyes that looked back at her. "If you're happy with what you've selected, then I'm happy too," he said.

"I can see you're really stressed, so I'll leave you in peace the next couple of days and we can discuss the wedding plans another time."

Alessandro took Alessia's hand in his and brought it to his lips, kissing the back of it while he rested his head back on the headrest. Alessandro closed his eyes, thinking of the scene he left the night before, and he felt the burning sensation in the pit of his stomach starting again, knowing he'd nearly lost himself at the touch of another woman. Alessandro had been so angry when his first wife passed away that he had thrived on women, but since Alessia walked into his life, his need changed. Turning to look at Alessia, Alessandro's eyes were tender and affectionate while they took in her caring attention.

"I can't wait to get home and pull you close to me when we get into bed. That's what I've missed most the past few days," he said, leaning over to gently kiss Alessia on the lips.

They stopped for a quick lunch in Florence and then got back into the car to drive the rest of the way to Rome. It was late afternoon when they finally arrived home and were both happy to go upstairs to change into something comfortable for the rest of the day.

Rosalia prepared a delicious veal roast with vegetables for dinner, which they took their time eating; then they sat in the library by the fireplace to unwind. They were both exhausted, and after a little while, they decided to go up to bed. They washed and climbed into bed, feeling the fatigue of the past few days. Alessandro more than anything felt the weight of what transpired in Milan and he hoped the memory of it would eventually fade away. He pulled Alessia into his arms, feeling the warmth of her back while they cuddled.

~~~

Alessandro got up quietly the next day so not to wake Alessia, and got washed and dressed to go to work. He left a note on his desk before he departed, not wanting to wake her on his way out.

Alessia awoke as the sunlight streamed through the windows and onto the bed. She lifted her head to see if Alessandro was still there but knew before looking he'd be gone. As she ran her hand over his side of the bed, she sighed before getting up. Alessia would have wanted to wish Alessandro a good day before he left.

She sent him a message.

Good morning, Amore. How are your feeling?

Love, Alessia

He texted back.

Good morning, Tesoro. I'm feeling much better. How are you?

Love, Alessandro

She texted back too.

Slept really well—feeling great.

Love, Alessia

Then she went to put on her housecoat before going downstairs to have breakfast, enjoying a lazy morning. She was having coffee when Alessandro sent another message.

I should be home for dinner and I've made special plans for us.

Love, Alessandro

Alessia spent the day relaxing and reading a book she'd started. She went from the library to Alessandro's study after lunch until late afternoon when she thought she'd have a shower and get ready for Alessandro's arrival. She took her time getting ready and was putting on makeup when her phone chimed. She went to see and it was a message from Alessandro.

Amore, something has come up—nothing to worry about. I'll be a little late.

Love, Alessandro

As the evening drew on and there was still no sign of Alessandro, Alessia turned on the television to drown the silence in the large house while she sat at the table going over the wedding plans. The news broadcasted a story, and when Alessandro's name was mentioned, Alessia looked up to watch. The scene showed Alessandro with other parliamentary figures being led to the police station, and that was when Alessia turned up the volume. The reporter said the Ministers had been brought in for questioning regarding a celebratory party that included sex with minors. The reporter called it a bunga bunga party.

Alessia felt the blood drain from her head. It couldn't be true—Alessandro having sex with a minor? She watched the television while the reporter continued to comment, describing the scene that evolved in the hotel the last evening they were in Milan.

Two nights ago, a number of Ministers of the Italian government were treated to a private party that had occupied an entire section of a hotel in downtown Milan. Young seventeen-year-old girls had been hired to pleasure the men to reward them for their good work and collaboration during their political conference. The men who participated in the crime have been brought in by police for questioning.

When the reporter moved to the next news item, Alessia turned to other channels until she found another one, broadcasting the same story. This time, the reporter said that the men had had sex with seventeen-year-old girls.

Alessia suddenly felt her head swimming. She was dizzy from what she'd just heard and couldn't believe what she was hearing. Alessia took her phone and looked at Alessandro's last message.

Something has come up? This was not just something has come up—this was something incredibly important. Alessia was about to marry a man who'd had sex with a minor? There must be a mistake, but the more Alessia listened to the news, the more she realized it wasn't a mistake.

Tears started streaming down Alessia's face. How could she have been so wrong about Alessandro? How could she have believed all those loving words he'd spoken to her? How could he have been someone completely different from what Alessia had believed and not noticed it before? Suddenly, panic groped at her throat and she couldn't breathe. She needed to think. She needed to get away.

Alessia walked to the bedroom and pulled out her suitcase, filling it quickly without any care because she needed to get away from Alessandro—from his house—so she could think this over.

She sat at his desk in his bedroom and wrote on his monogrammed paper. Alessia wrote what she had the courage to say.

I'm sorry, but I need time to think.

Alessia

Then she called a taxi and was sitting in the back of it moments later, crying as it drove through the city, while she looked at the lights blurring through her tears.

Alessia reached her apartment and walked up the steps in a daze. Her legs seemed to move and yet she didn't seem to feel anything. As soon as Alessia put her key in the door and went inside, she leaned against the back and slumped down, feeling her world collapsing around her again.

She curled up on the floor and stayed there a long time until she got up to lock the door. Then Alessia walked like a zombie to her bedroom and threw herself onto her bed, crying face down. Alessia dozed off to sleep and woke up much later by pounding on the door.

"Alessia. Please open the door."

She knew it was Alessandro, but that moment, she couldn't face him. Alessia needed distance and time to understand what happened and what she should do. Alessia was so confused she didn't trust her feelings so she stayed on the bed while Alessandro continued to pound on the door.

"Please let me in—I need to explain to you what happened. Please don't listen to what they're saying on the television. It didn't happen the way the news is reporting it."

Alessandro stayed quite a long time, talking to her through the door. Alessia resisted the temptation to let him in, and after a while Alessandro said he was leaving, but he'd be back because they needed to talk. Alessandro said Alessia needed to trust him when he said he didn't do anything wrong. That was something Alessia couldn't do right now—trust him. Alessia realized she needed to get away before she went crazy, so as soon as Alessandro left, Alessia unpacked the bag she'd brought from his house and packed it with casual clothing. Alessia needed to go up into the mountains—somewhere quiet where she'd be left alone to think things over. She went on the Internet and booked an apartment for a week from the next day. If a week wasn't enough time, she'd extend the rental when the week was up.

Alessia called a taxi and got into the back seat a few minutes later as it took her to the Termini train station. She decided she would go up to the Italian Dolomites for as long as it took to clear her mind.

When Alessia reached the train station, she purchased a ticket to Bressanone, where she knew she'd be in peace. Since the train was already waiting on the track, she got on and went straight to her night cabin to lie down. Alessia had purchased a private cabin for the trip since she'd be traveling by night, giving her the privacy she needed. She really didn't feel like speaking to anybody at this time, so she pulled out the bed and turned off the light.

# Chapter Twelve

Alessandro arrived home feeling completely drained and lonely. He needed to sleep before returning to Alessia's apartment to talk, so he set his alarm bright and early the next morning, wanting to clear the misunderstanding as soon as possible. He was sure that Alessia was confused about what happened.

He had a sleepless night and got up before his alarm rang to have a shower. Alessandro dressed in jeans, a shirt and a sweater, and then left the house for Alessia's place. He asked his guards to stop at the florist on his way to buy a large bouquet of red roses for Alessia, knowing it wouldn't be enough, but it would be a start.

By the time Alessandro arrived at Alessia's place, he was confident he'd be able to talk her into letting him in and clearing up the issue. Alessia loved him and Alessandro was sure after a good night's sleep, she would see he had nothing to do with what the media was saying about him. Alessandro was innocent and the truth would come out in the end.

He walked up the steps to her apartment and knocked quietly on the door, not wanting to wake up the rest of the building. When there was no answer, he knocked again and waited, but he suddenly worried she wasn't going to open the door.

Alessandro took out his telephone and called Alessia's number which rang insistently, but when he realized he couldn't hear her phone ringing in a completely silent building, Alessandro thought she had put it on silent to sleep. Alessandro decided to leave and come back just after lunch to make peace with her.

~~~

Alessia awoke the next day to the sound of her alarm, and as she lifted the blinds, she saw the Dolomites in the background, giving her a sense of peace. She stretched and yawned while she stood up to close the bed and grabbed her beauty case to wash in the private bathroom.

Within little time Alessia was washed and dressed, walking down the long corridor to the restaurant carriage to have breakfast. Alessia sat at a table by the window while she looked at the menu, and after ordering an espresso and a cornetto, she gazed at the beauty that surrounded the train and was happy she'd made the decision to escape for a week. Alessia really needed to think things through, decide on her future with Alessandro. The distance would give her time to think about what was happening and what it all meant to her—to their relationship.

The waiter brought her breakfast and a couple of newspapers for her to read while she ate. The headlines on the newspapers caught her attention: ITALIAN MINISTERS ACCUSED OF HAVING SEX WITH UNDER-AGED GIRLS AT A "BUNGA-BUNGA" PARTY. Alessia couldn't keep her eyes away from the headline, and after a few minutes of trying to ignore it, she picked up one newspaper and started to read. It said a number of Italian Ministers were brought in for questioning after the authorities received an anonymous call.

Alessia felt her breakfast come up and threw the newspaper down on the table, not wanting to read any more. She was disgusted by what had happened and she didn't have the stomach to read it.

Alessia paid and went back to her cabin to wait for the train to pull into the Bolzano train station. Sitting as she gazed out the window, her phone chimed. Alessia knew it would be Alessandro, and after she tried to ignore it, temptation took over and she looked at his message.

Darling, I'm sorry I haven't been able to speak to you to explain, but I would like to do it in person. I've come twice to your apartment, but you didn't answer. I hope you were sleeping and didn't hear me at the door rather than not wanting to speak to me. I urgently need to clear this matter up with you, but in the meantime, please—please believe me when I tell you that I didn't do anything inappropriate. I'm sorry I've caused you so much pain, but I hope to make it up to you.

With all my love, Alessandro

She read the message twice before deciding to respond.

I've gone away because I need time to clear my head and think things through, so please respect my wishes and don't contact me.

Alessia

Her phone chimed again a minute later.

My heart is breaking not being able to see you and tell you that I didn't do what I've been accused of. Please believe me when I tell you I'd never do what they said, nor would I betray your trust. You mean the world to me.

She wrote back.

I need time.

Her phone chimed again.

I understand and will respect your wishes. I'll wait for you to contact me.

With my deepest and most sincere affection,

Alessandro

Alessia turned off her phone as the train pulled into the Bolzano train station, not wanting to have any contact with the rest of the world, and took her bag before stepping off the train. Then Alessia looked for the bus station to take her to Bressanone, which was just outside, so she walked the short distance, but the wind was howling as the cold weather hit her unexpectedly. Alessia knew it would be cold in the Dolomites but didn't expect it to be this cold, so she pulled out her scarf and wrapped it tightly around her neck to ward off the cold wind and walked the rest of the way to the bus station.

The bus for Bressanone was not there yet, and as Alessia sat on the bench by the stop, her toes started to become numb since she'd worn tennis shoes, but luckily the bus arrived not long after so Alessia got on and took a seat in the warmth of the heated bus. Alessia slowly regained feeling in her toes and decided the first thing she needed to do was buy a pair of boots and a warm coat. As she looked out the window, an elderly woman sat down beside her, smiling. The woman was dressed in woolen clothing, and turning to Alessia, she said something in German.

"I'm sorry but I don't understand German," Alessia said.

The woman smiled and then said in Italian with a German accent, "You're not from here, are you?"

"No, I'm from Rome."

"You should wear heavier clothing or you'll be sick in bed tomorrow," she said warmly.

"I didn't expect the weather to be so cold."

"It will get much colder during the week so remember to dress warm," she said to Alessia.

"Thank you," Alessia responded, grateful for the woman's suggestion.

"I have five grandchildren about your age and I know how much you kids like to wear fashionable clothing, but the weather can be really cold here," the woman said.

Alessia thanked her again.

The trip to Bressanone passed quickly while she talked with the elderly woman. When they arrived at Bressanone, the woman showed Alessia where she lived and invited her for coffee while she was in town.

Alessia thanked her and told the woman she would call on her one morning for coffee, then Alessia turned in the direction of the apartment she'd rented for the week. The rental agent was waiting for her when she arrived, and as Alessia pulled her suitcase up the narrow steps to the fourth floor of the 18th century building, she wondered why they hadn't put in an elevator over the years.

As soon as Alessia walked in, she felt at home. The apartment was small, but really comfortable, and as she walked through, she saw there was a bedroom with a double bed, a living room fully equipped with everything she'd need, a tiny kitchen in a corner of the living room equipped with a dishwasher, and a small bathroom with a shower. Alessia started to relax as she looked around and felt finally at ease. The apartment was decorated in a burgundy theme throughout which Alessia found to be elegant and yet cozy.

Finally, Alessia was on her own in the beautiful apartment in Bressanone, and as she sat down on the sofa, she looked around and realized how much her life had changed over the last few hours.

She brought her bag into the bedroom and started to unpack which took her only a few minutes and then realized she was hungry, so she took the house keys and went out to do a little shopping. The rental agent had mentioned there was a grocery store not far from the apartment, so as Alessia stepped out onto the street, she looked around and noticed the store at the end of the road.

Passing a newsstand, she glanced at the newspapers and noticed the headlines: LATEST SCANDAL BY POLITICIANS—SEX WITH MINORS. WHAT NEXT?

Alessia's heart ached thinking about what happened and she couldn't believe Alessandro could have been involved in such an act, but she needed time to think things through and clear her head.

The sky was cloudy and the wind picked up, making it colder than when she arrived, so she stopped at the sports store to get a winter jacket. Alessia bought a half-length black down-filled coat with a hood that would keep her warm, and a pair of winter hiking boots.

Wearing her new coat and boots, she walked out of the shop and into the grocery store to purchase what she needed for the day. After paying for her groceries, she walked out and saw the elderly woman she'd travelled with on the bus. The woman greeted Alessia as she cleaned the sidewalk by her door.

Alessia waved as she passed and promised to stop for a coffee one day during the week. When Alessia finally made it up the flight of steps to the fourth floor, she was relieved to put the key in the door and step inside the warm apartment.

Taking off her new coat and boots, Alessia immediately went to put the groceries away and then pulled out a book, deciding to enjoy her time alone reading and sightseeing—something she normally didn't have much free time to do.

It was lunchtime when Alessia felt her stomach grumble, so she went to the kitchen to make herself pasta with tomato sauce when her phone chimed.

Alessia really didn't want to be disturbed by anyone, but since it could be the senior's home, she looked, and when she saw it was from Alessandro, she put the phone down on the table, not wanting to read his message, and went back to making the sauce. She boiled spaghetti, and when everything was ready, Alessia went to sit at the table with her plate of pasta and a glass of red wine. Seeing the phone next to her on the table, she picked it up again and read Alessandro's message.

I know I promised not to contact you, but I can't bear the thought of not knowing if you're all right. I'm not asking you to tell me where you are, but simply that you arrived safely. Please let me know if you're okay.

A.

Alessia smiled when she saw his message and thought to herself that the whole story didn't make any sense to her. How could Alessandro have had sex with under-aged girls—or any other woman for that matter? He was so attentive to her and loving that she was more confused than ever.

She texted Alessandro back she was fine and then she turned the phone off to eat in peace. Alessia ate her pasta, enjoying the wine, and after washing up the dishes, she went to lie on the bed to take a nap.

~~~

Alessandro read Alessia's message and was relieved to know she was okay and that she had arrived safely. The distance between them and not knowing where she was or what she was doing was stressing him beyond words and Alessandro knew he could obtain her location easily, but he wanted to respect her wishes to be left alone to think. Alessandro started to feel pain in his chest again, but it seemed to subside with the medication the doctor had prescribed.

He sat in his office in Rome and called HR to ask for another temporary assistant to be sent immediately. Alessandro didn't say Alessia had taken leave, but simply said she'd be away for a few days.

Within a few minutes, Vittoria, a middle-aged woman, appeared at Alessandro's door as his new temporary assistant, and after she greeted him, Vittoria said she would be at her desk if Alessandro needed anything.

Alessandro watched as she shut his door and thought about it. He needed Alessia to be with him, to help him get through the investigation that would reveal his innocence. Alessandro needed the warmth of Alessia's body, the compassion of her heart and the strength of her soul to help him through it, but she wasn't there. Alessia had somehow slipped through his fingers and said she needed time to think things through. Alessandro understood Alessia was confused and needed to get away, and yet he desperately needed her to come back.

Alessandro pulled out a folder from his drawer and started to read his statement to the police to see if he'd missed anything that could help prove his innocence. The entire affair revolted him, but there was nothing he could do about it because it happened and fate had dealt him the wrong hand. Alessandro should have gone home to Alessia as he'd wanted rather than be present while criminal actions took place that evening.

A chill ran down his spine realizing that if it had not been for his love for Alessia, he could have fallen in the same trap as many of his colleagues had that night. This proved to Alessandro that Alessia was his future—she had to be—and he hoped to regain her trust when his innocence was revealed.

He put the police report away and got back to work. Regardless of the investigation, he was still a Minister in the Italian Government and needed to concentrate on his work. Alessandro decided he would dedicate every free moment to work until Alessia walked back into his life.

Alessandro called Vittoria and instructed her to reschedule meetings he'd missed. His day went really quickly, making calls and sending messages. Alessandro had written a number of personal letters and gave them to Vittoria in sealed envelopes to be dispatched. Vittoria looked at the closed envelopes, but never said a word, doing as she was asked.

It was past 7 p.m. when he sent Vittoria home, telling her there was no need to stay later, and then Alessandro left with his guards.

When Alessandro arrived home, the silence in his house was deafening and he looked at his phone, wondering whether he should send Alessia a message. He'd promised to leave her in peace, but he realized he needed to know Alessia was okay, so Alessandro quickly wrote a short note asking how her day had been and pushed send.

~~~

Alessia walked back to the apartment after having spent the day sightseeing. She visited the nearby town of Vipiteno, enjoying the beauty of the Dolomites. The heat of the apartment warmed her cold cheeks as she pulled off her coat and untied her boots. Before returning to the apartment, she'd stopped at a nearby Chinese restaurant to get take away and was pulling out a plate when her phone chimed.

Hearing her stomach growling, she ignored the message for all of five minutes and then temptation won. The message was from Alessandro, and as Alessia stared at the small screen, rereading what he wrote, she decided to respond. She pushed send and shut off her phone, not wanting to be disturbed again. Alessia had told Alessandro she needed time and not to contact her and yet he obviously wasn't able to stay away. A message was harmless, although Alessia would have preferred to be left alone.

Alessia turned on the television and watched Without Love, an old romantic movie with Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy while she ate her food; then, throwing everything into the garbage, she sat back and watched the rest of the movie until it was late and went to bed.

Alessia had a sleepless night, tossing and turning while she contemplated a life without Alessandro. The more she thought about him, the more she became frustrated and couldn't sleep. At 4.30 a.m. she got up to make a chamomile tea and then sat on the sofa to watch another movie until she dozed off.

She awoke with the daylight streaming through the living room window, feeling the stiffness of her neck from sleeping on the sofa. Alessia knew it would get worse during the day and yet she got up to make some breakfast before going to wash and change.

Alessia was dressed in her coat and boots shortly after, walking down the stairs on her way to Bolzano for the day. She'd packed a sandwich, a bottle of water and a couple of snacks in her backpack, and as she walked to the town center to take the bus for Bolzano, Alessia looked at her phone and realized it was still turned off. Turning it back on, it chimed, so she looked at it and saw it was from Alessandro. She threw it back into her coat pocket, not wanting to read his message just yet, and looked around, wondering when the bus would arrive. Just at that time, the elderly woman from the bus came out and greeted her, telling her she was about to put on a coffee and had just baked an apple strudel, inviting Alessia in for a chat.

Alessia smiled and accepted, knowing she didn't really have any plans for the day and she could take a later bus to Bolzano, so she followed the woman into her warm home and took off her coat before sitting at the table.

They sat in the kitchen where there was an old wood burning stove and Alessia could smell the aroma of the apple strudel sitting on the windowsill to cool. Alessia smiled as she watched the woman prepare the coffee and realized she didn't know her name.

"I'm sorry, we never introduced ourselves. My name is Alessia."

"Yes, you told me on the bus when I first met you. Perhaps you don't remember?" the woman said as she cut two slices of strudel.

"Oh, I'm afraid I don't remember. I wasn't feeling very well and I'm very sorry, but I've forgotten your name," Alessia said, feeling really inconsiderate, knowing she should have paid more attention when they'd first met.

"My name is Ariella and I'm happy you're here for a chat. My kids are busy at work during the day and I don't have much company, so it's nice to have someone visit."

"Oh, yes. I can understand. I'm afraid I don't visit my father often either and yet I know I should."

Ariella put a piece of strudel in front of Alessia and the delicious smell made her eyes widen with anticipation. "It smells really good." Then Ariella poured them each a cup of coffee and joined Alessia at the table.

They spent the next hour chatting about Ariella's family and her grandchildren until Ariella asked Alessia to tell her a little about herself. Alessia told her she lived in Rome, and that her father lived in a seniors' home, and when Alessia didn't mention anything about a husband, Ariella asked if there was someone special in her life.

Alessia sat looking at her hands as they rested on the table before responding that she was in a relationship, but she wasn't sure if she should have mentioned it.

Ariella put her old wrinkly hand over Alessia's. "If he is the right one—you will know it."

Somehow, Ariella's knowledge reassured Alessia, and she looked up into the elderly woman's eyes, smiling in acknowledgement. Alessia thanked Ariella for the coffee and homemade strudel, put on her coat and then left after promising to be back another morning for another chat.

Alessia went back to the bus stop and was happy to see the bus for Bolzano already waiting, so she got on and took a window seat toward the front. The heating was turned on high, so she took off her coat and placed it on the seat beside her just before the bus driver shut the door and started to pull away. Nobody sat beside her so she put on her earbuds and listened to music as she watched the beautiful scenery outside. Alessia closed her eyes and thought about what Ariella had told her about love. She would know if he was the right one—Alessia thought she knew and yet she was so confused that she really didn't know if she could trust her own judgment.

The drive was lovely as the bus drove through small towns, typical South-Tirol style with hanging baskets of geranium flowers over wooden balconies. The flowers were reaching the end of the season, getting ready for winter, but the red, pink and coral colors were still beautiful in contrast to the dark wood of the balconies.

As the bus pulled into Bolzano, Alessia felt a rush of excitement while she looked at the beauty of nature that surrounded her. After putting on her coat, Alessia walked out into the cold weather, pulling up her hood to protect her head and throat from the chill of the cold wind, and as she put her hands in her pockets to keep them warm, she felt her phone buzz. She knew it would be Alessandro and she debated for a moment whether she should look at his message or not, but after a few minutes of hesitation, she pulled it out of her pocket.

Darling, I know I promised not to contact you and yet I just need to know that you are all right. Are you okay? I miss you very much, but I understand your need to have time to think things over.

With all my love, Alessandro

She hesitated and then wrote back, telling him she was fine, and pulled her hood tighter, blocking out the coldness of the wind.

Alessia spent the day visiting what the city had to offer and sat in the city's main square while she ate her lunch, enjoying the view of the tourists as they took pictures of the beautiful buildings. Looking around at the people, Alessia tried to guess where they were from, a game she'd played since she was small to pass time, but right now, noticing couples in love or families together, she felt sad and wondered if she'd have someone to spend the rest of her life with.

Luckily her melancholy passed and she got up, deciding to continue sightseeing. Alessia couldn't feel the tip of her fingers, so she put her hands in her pockets, reminding her that the only connection to her life was in her pocket.

She pulled out her phone and looked at Alessandro's messages again, reading every word and understanding she loved him no matter what he was accused of doing. Alessia realized she needed to believe he was innocent. She had always been a strong believer that the truth would come out, so she decided she would call Alessandro when she got back to the apartment to see how he was. Three days had passed since she'd left and the only connection she'd had were Alessandro's messages.

As Alessia walked by a newsstand, she saw many newspapers on display and noticed the headlines still captured the "scandal" that Alessandro was mixed up in. Alessia purchased one of the papers, wanting to read what journalists wrote on the matter. Alessia slipped it into her backpack and continued sightseeing until she decided it was time to leave, so she got on the bus to take her back to Bressanone.

Alessia's legs were heavy while she walked up to the fourth floor, and as soon as she entered the warmth of the rented apartment, she peeled off her coat and took off her boots.

She made herself a warm tea and sat at the dining table to read the newspaper. Alessia's heart ached after reading the reporters' account of what happened in the hotel. The paper talked about new witnesses that came forward to give new information, incriminating more people and proving the innocence of others, and yet it didn't mention the names of those who could be innocent. The truth was finally coming out.

Putting the paper aside, Alessia looked at the time and saw it was 8 p.m., and hoping Alessandro would be at home at this time, she picked up her phone and sent him a message.

Are you at home? Can I call you?

Alessia

A few seconds later, her phone rang and she knew instantly it was Alessandro.

"Alessia? Is everything okay?"

"Yes. I just wanted to call to say hi."

"Hi." Then there was a long moment of silence. "Alessia?

"Yes, I'm here."

"Are you all right?"

"Yes, I'm fine. I'm in Northern Italy where it's really cold and I just wanted to hear your voice."

Alessandro smiled, realizing he hadn't lost Alessia totally as he originally feared. "Are you keeping warm?"

Alessandro's voice was like a soft caress to Alessia's ear, and as she closed her eyes, she could almost feel him standing next to her.

"Yes."

"I miss you—I miss you more than you could ever imagine."

"I'll be home soon," Alessia said, opening her eyes and looking down at the paper still sitting on the dining table.

"When?"

"I don't know just yet, but I'll call you again in a couple of days."

"Okay. Take care of yourself."

"Goodnight," Alessia whispered into the phone.

"Goodnight," Alessandro whispered back.

She cut the connection and sat with the phone in her hand a while as she thought about what she really wanted. Alessia wanted to know that Alessandro was innocent and that they could go on with their lives as they'd planned, but even if he were innocent, how could they move forward after something like this tore them apart? Alessia sat feeling more confused than before, but with resolve, she put her phone down on the dining table and turned on the television, looking for a movie. Alessia was in the mood for a classic romantic movie, and after flipping channels a few times, Alessia stopped when she found just what she needed. One of her favorites—War and Peace with Audrey Hepburn.

Then she went to put on her pajama, and since she was still feeling the chill of the outdoors, she made herself a bowl of warm soup.

Alessia sat on the sofa watching the movie with the delicious-smelling soup. Her mind wandered a couple of times to Alessandro's voice when they'd talked earlier and she felt butterflies fluttering in her belly when she thought about him. She missed him too—missed him terribly—and being away wasn't giving her the clarity she needed. Alessia decided she would stay the week and then go back to Rome to hear Alessandro's side of the story. She owed him at least the possibility to tell her what happened.

Her heart seemed to find peace after she'd decided to return to Rome, and as she'd been lost in her thoughts, she noticed the movie finished, so she turned off the television and went to bed.

Alessia wasn't very sleepy, so she tried to think about the good things she'd shared with Alessandro, always bringing to mind his gentleness and attention from the moment he started falling in love with her.

She dozed off sometime during the night, but then awoke when it was early morning feeling cold and nauseated. Alessia wondered if she was coming down with the flu, and after turning over, she drifted off to sleep again.

# Chapter Thirteen

Alessia awoke feeling every bone in her body aching, and as she turned over, she realized she didn't have the energy to get up, and when she closed her eyes, she felt her head spin. Suddenly feeling sick, she crawled out of bed and ran to the bathroom.

After a long while, the waves of nausea subsided and then started again as soon as she tried to get up to go back to bed, so she spent most of the morning on the bathroom floor. When it started to subside and she had enough energy to go to the kitchen, she made a hot tea with lemon, hoping it would settle her stomach, and then crawled back into bed with it. Alessia was hit by bouts of nausea on and off as she sipped the tea until finally the nausea stopped and her stomach welcomed the lemon flavor. She was suddenly overcome by sleepiness, so a few minutes after closing her eyes, she fell asleep.

She slept most of the day and awoke in late afternoon feeling a little better. Alessia's legs were still weak, but she got up and went to make herself another hot tea with lemon since she didn't think she could eat anything solid.

When the tea was ready, Alessia went back to bed, and after propping up the pillows, she turned on the television. While she flipped through the channels, Alessia saw Alessandro's name pop up on a breaking news report, so she turned up the volume.

The reporters were in front of the Fatebenefratelli Hospital in Rome and the banner on the bottom said that Alessandro had been brought to the hospital earlier by ambulance. They didn't have other information but would be reporting back later when there was more news to give.

Alessia's heart was suddenly beating in her throat and the first thing she thought of was to call Valentina, so dialing Valentina's number, she hoped she'd pick up.

"Hello?"

"Valentina? This is Alessia. Is Alessandro okay?"

"We don't know just yet."

"What happened?" Alessia asked, breathless. She needed to know more.

"We think he had a heart attack and we won't know more until he is out of surgery." Valentina's voice was weak.

Tears started to fall down Alessia's face as she thought of losing Alessandro.

"Alessia? Are you there?"

"Yes, I'm here."

"I don't know if you've heard, but Alessandro's been proven innocent and all the charges are being dropped. It would be really nice to have you here with us."

"Of course—I'll be there as soon as I can."

"Thank you," Valentina whispered before hanging up.

Alessia sat on the bed, watching the images on the television as they showed the reporters outside the hospital. Alessia knew immediately she needed to go to Alessandro because he needed her and she couldn't let him down as a friend. She didn't know if they still had a future together, but right now, Alessia knew she had to go back to Rome.

# Chapter Fourteen

Alessia anxiously looked out the window as the train sped by the numerous towns. Her stomach was in knots. What if she didn't get there in time? What if she didn't have a chance to tell him how much she still cared? What if she was too late? Alessia cleared away those thoughts, hoping to make it in time to tell Alessandro how sorry she was for having doubted him.

The train finally pulled into the Rome Termini train station, and as soon as Alessia managed to pull her bag off the train, she went directly to the taxi area. Within minutes Alessia was sitting in the back of a taxi, driving through Rome center toward Isola Tiberina to the Fatebenefratelli Hospital.

The taxi wove through the busy streets, finally making its way to the Lungotevere until it stopped at Ponte Fabricio. Alessia paid the taxi driver and then walked over the bridge to the entrance of the hospital, but as she stepped inside, she realized she didn't know where to go, so she looked at the large chart indicating the different wards, and when she saw cardiology was on the second floor, she walked toward the elevator and stepped inside.

When the elevator doors opened on the second floor, she was surprised to see the area was swarming with reporters. Guards held back reporters, and as she stepped off the elevator, Alessia was pushed into the crowd of journalists.

"Hey, I'm not a reporter."

Alessia took out her phone and sent a quick message to Valentina to tell her she was there, but that the guards wouldn't let her pass. A few minutes later, one of Alessandro's guards recognized her and pulled Alessia out from the crowd before escorting her down the corridor to Alessandro's room.

Alessia was shown to a room where she needed to put on a surgical gown, cap, gloves, shoe covers and mask before she could go into Alessandro's room. He was in a sterile room and visitors were allowed in only if they put on sterile garments. While Alessia was putting on the sterile garments, the severity of it suddenly hit her. Alessandro must be really sick if he was in a room of this kind.

Moments later, as Alessia glanced at her reflection in the windowpane, a strong feeling of insecurity overwhelmed her. What was she going to say to Alessandro? What if he didn't want to speak to her? What if he wouldn't forgive her for leaving?

She took a deep breath and walked into his room, but as soon as she stepped in, she stopped as she saw his beautiful body full of tubes. Alessandro's eyes were closed and yet she could see deep dark circles under his eyes, making her anxiety and guilt come to the surface. Valentina sat beside him on the chair, and as soon as Alessia took another step, Valentina turned to look up. Valentina got up and went to pull her into a hug, an affectionate hug that Alessia didn't think she deserved.

"I'm relieved you're here. Alessandro will be so happy to see you when he wakes up."

"How is he?" Alessia asked, looking at all the machinery surrounding his bed.

"He'll be much better when he sees you. He's really missed you."

Alessia lowered her head, knowing she had contributed to the stress that led to his heart attack.

Valentina lifted Alessia's chin to look her in the eyes. "You had every right to go away to think things through. You were thrown into my brother's life without a chance to adjust to the lifestyle and I understand very well how you must have felt when Alessandro was brought in for questioning. What is important is that you're here now."

Tears fell down Alessia's face as she looked at Alessandro in the bed, broken and hurt. Just thinking about the pain she must have caused him was heart wrenching, but she'd come for a purpose and it was to comfort Alessandro any way she could. Alessia went close and sat down on the chair as Valentina went to get some fresh air, leaving Alessia alone with Alessandro.

Alessia took Alessandro's hand in hers and lowered her forehead onto his bed as he slept. Tears silently started to fall again as she felt the coldness of his hand and knew she'd never forgive herself for having been so selfish.

"Alessia?"

She suddenly heard Alessandro's voice, weak but calling out to her, and when she looked up, she saw his beautiful blue eyes staring back at her.

"Yes, I'm here," Alessia said, kissing the back of his hand.

Alessandro didn't say very much, but simply looked at her with tender eyes until a single tear ran down from his eye.

She wiped it away with her finger. "I'm sorry—I didn't mean to cause you any pain."

"Don't apologize," Alessandro said, squeezing her hand while it still held his.

She sat straighter, searching for the courage to say more, and yet words wouldn't come out. Alessia simply sat and held his hand, watching as he closed his eyes. Regret started to flow through Alessia's body knowing she was partially to blame for his being in the hospital, and at that moment, while she watched Alessandro sleep, she vowed she would stand by him until he recovered.

Moments later, Valentina came back and told her to go home to rest since visiting hours would be over soon and to come back in the evening when they'd be allowed in again.

Alessia let out a long sigh and agreed to leave only with the promise to be back later. She wondered if she could bring anything to Alessandro, but looking around the room, Alessia realized that not even flowers were allowed, so she knew her presence would be enough at the moment.

She hugged Valentina before leaving the room, and while she took off all the surgical garments, she felt exhaustion creep up and was glad to be going home. Pulling her trolley bag along, Alessia walked out into the sunshine and felt the warmth of the sun which was welcoming compared to the coldness of Bressanone. She was happy to be back in Rome where the weather was milder.

Alessia hopped on a bus and slumped down on the seat as exhaustion set in. Her body had been on alert from the moment she knew Alessandro had had a heart attack, and now that Alessia had seen him with her own eyes, she started to relax, knowing he'd get better soon.

The bus trip seemed to last forever, and finally, when Alessia got off not far from her building, her legs felt like cement as she walked the last few steps toward her apartment block. Alessia pushed open the building door and walked up the stairs to her apartment. As she walked in to her living room, a sudden feeling of sadness overcame her, and as tears started to stream down Alessia's face, she went straight to her room to throw herself face down onto her bed. Tears kept coming until there was nothing left.

~~~

Alessandro turned as Alessia left the room and was sad to see her leave, but Valentina assured him Alessia would be back later. He lay in the bed for a long time, feeling a mixture of happiness and fear knowing she was back. What did it mean? Had Alessia decided to come back to him or was she there only because he'd had a heart attack?

Valentina stayed a few more minutes and then said goodbye to her brother, telling him she'd be back later too.

Once Alessandro was alone in the room, it felt cold and lonely. His weakened heart suddenly wanted Alessia near him, knowing she was the best medicine for his recovery.

# Chapter Fifteen

Alessia awoke sometime during the night, realizing she'd slept through visiting hours. Jumping out of bed, she went to get her phone and found a message from Alessandro.

I waited for you, hoping you'd come, but I guess something came up. Goodnight and I'll dream of your sweet face until I see you next.

Love A.

She felt terrible knowing he would have been waiting for her, and after a moment of reviewing her options, she sent him a quick text.

Sorry, I fell asleep. I'm going to come now and see if I can sneak in.

She waited a moment and heard her phone chime. He wrote back.

I'll be waiting with open arms.

Alessia threw the phone on the bed with a huge grin and went into the bathroom to have a quick shower. She felt much better after the nap, and when she was ready, Alessia took the night bus to the hospital. Stepping off, she felt the coolness of the night, so she pulled her scarf tighter around her neck and walked over the bridge to the hospital. When Alessia was at the entrance, she noticed there were a few people outside, probably family or friends waiting for news about a loved one. She walked past them and pushed through the heavy metallic door before going to the elevator.

When she stepped off the elevator, she saw Alessandro's guards there, and with a wink they let her past. Alessia walked the short distance to the sterile area where Alessandro rested and quickly put on the sterile garments just before popping her head into his room.

Alessandro lay with his eyes closed, but Alessia was sure he was waiting for her, so she went closer and sat down on the chair, quietly taking his hand in hers.

He turned to look at her with a tender smile that filled Alessia's heart with much joy. "You came."

"Of course I did. I said I would try to get in and here I am," Alessia said, caressing the back of his hand.

"I'm feeling better already."

"Well then, maybe I should sneak in every night?" she said playfully, seeing her presence was definitely good for him.

"I wouldn't mind. So, are you going to tell me where you've been these past few days?" Alessandro asked, trying to sit up.

Alessia got up to prop some pillows behind his back so he could sit.

"I went to Bressanone and got chilled to the bone while I was there," she said, chuckling. "It was quiet and relaxing, giving me plenty of time to think things over."

"And have you?"

"Thought things over?"

Alessandro nodded while he held his breath for Alessia's answer.

"I did, and yet the more I thought, the more I was confused. I'm just happy to be home."

"And did you think about us while you were in Bressanone?"

"I did."

He looked at her with wide eyes, hoping Alessia would tell him she was back in his life, but she simply looked down at her hands and let out a long sigh.

"Do you still need time to think about us?"

Alessia nodded without looking up.

"It's okay. I understand, and I'm happy to see you even if you haven't made up your mind just yet. It means I can hope."

She met his blue eyes with a smile and nodded.

Just then a nurse walked in to give Alessandro his medicine and was furious to find Alessia in the room.

"Young lady, you must leave at once. The Minister needs to rest and it is way past visiting hours."

"I'm sorry—I'll leave now," Alessia said, trying not to laugh as Alessandro winked while the nurse pushed her out.

As soon as Alessia pulled off the garments and threw them in the basket, she sent Alessandro a message.

That was fun and I'll try it again another night, but in the meantime, I'll be back tomorrow during visiting hours.

Goodnight.

Alessia's phone chimed almost immediately with a message from Alessandro.

Goodnight, Darling. I'll be dreaming about you tonight, my Angel.

xxx

She replied instantly with another message.

Get some sleep.

xxx

Alessia walked out into the cool air and wrapped her scarf tight around her neck as she made her way toward the bus stop. The bus arrived as soon as she reached the stop, and while it wove its way through the city center, she was relieved when it finally arrived at her stop. Alessia yawned, stepping off, and laughed as she thought about how happy she'd made Alessandro by sneaking into the hospital at night. She would certainly do it again.

Walking into her apartment, she went to her room and dropped down on her bed fully clothed, not having the energy to change. Alessia looked up at the ceiling while she thought of Alessandro. He seemed happy to see her and it felt good to be with him, so she knew in her heart it would be right to go back to him and move forward in their relationship. Alessia smiled at how it made her feel and decided to tell Alessandro she wanted him back in her life.

~~~

When Alessia walked down the corridor to Alessandro's room, she could hear Valentina shouting.

"Get out! You've no business here," Valentina shouted.

"Like hell I don't! Alessandro's the father of my daughter and there's no way I'm leaving until I've seen him," shouted the other woman.

"I'm going to call the guards if you don't leave," Valentina said with authority.

"Fine, I'll leave, but I'll be back when Alessandro's feeling better. In the meantime, tell him I've passed by to see him. I think Alessandro will want to know about his daughter."

Valentina growled, "We'll see about that! We'll want a DNA test to prove that the child is Alessandro's, but in the meantime, stay away or you'll be sorry."

"Are you threatening me?" the woman asked.

"Emilia, you better leave or I will call the guards."

Alessia was speechless as the woman stormed past and she wondered who Emilia was and why she was hearing about her only now. Alessia waited a moment, letting out a long breath, and then stepped into the garment room where Valentina stood with her hands clenched.

Valentina turned the moment Alessia walked in and her face softened when she saw Alessia.

"Alessia, I'm so glad to see you."

"Who was that?" Alessia asked softly.

"Someone from Alessandro's past he'd thought was out of his life, but obviously the clingy woman is back."

"She talked about a daughter. Do you think it's true?"

"I don't know, but she's capable of faking it to get Alessandro back along with child support, so before we say anything to Alessandro, we need to find out more about this child. Please don't mention it to him. I don't want Alessandro to be stressed about something that may not be true."

"Of course," Alessia said, putting on the sterile garments.

"Alessia, please don't think Emilia meant anything to Alessandro. He was sad and lonely, and turned to women to comfort his lonely nights. You have to understand," Valentina pleaded with Alessia.

"I know there've been other women before me, but if this child is really Alessandro's, I will not stand in the way. I can't have any children."

"It's meaningless without love. Alessandro loves you, and if this child is his, he'll work out a way for the child to be part of his life—part of your lives."

Alessia let out a long sigh and followed Valentina into the room where Alessandro slept. He was under sedation to help him sleep, and the effects of the drugs made him sleep for long periods.

They chatted softly as Alessandro continued to sleep throughout visiting hours, and when it was time for them to leave, he opened his eyelids to look at them and extended his hand to feel Alessia before she left.

Valentina was out the door when Alessia turned and saw Alessandro extend his hand, so she walked back to him to tell him visiting hours were over, but they'd be back later.

"I'm sorry I drifted off to sleep."

"Don't worry. You need to sleep so rest up and we'll be back later," Alessia said, kissing Alessandro on his hand before turning to leave.

"Alessia?"

She turned to look at his sad eyes.

"She didn't mean anything to me," Alessandro said.

"Who?" Alessia asked, confused.

"Emilia. She didn't mean anything to me. I want you to know that."

Alessia smiled and then went back to his bedside. She stroked his cheek with the back of her hand. "Don't worry. I know she didn't mean anything to you."

Alessandro let out a long sigh and watched as Alessia walked out the door to join Valentina.

"Alessandro heard Emilia," Alessia said softly to Valentina as she pulled off her mask.

"How do you know that?"

"He just told me that Emilia didn't mean anything to him, so Alessandro obviously heard you two arguing."

Valentina closed her eyes. "I thought the sedation made Alessandro oblivious to what happened, but I guess I was wrong. I'm going to have to talk to him when I come back. Alessandro shouldn't be worrying about Emilia now; he doesn't need that kind of stress."

"I agree, and I'll help you however I can."

They parted and agreed to meet back in the afternoon during the next visiting hours. Alessia went home and decided to do a little research on this woman with whom Alessandro had had a relationship and now claimed to have had his child.

Alessia started with a search on Alessandro and saw pictures of him with many women. She went through each picture to see if she recognized Emilia and she finally spotted one that dated back three years. The caption below gave her full name, Emilia Rialti, and when Alessia started a fresh search linking both their names, a series of photos and articles appeared. The more Alessia read, the more she felt her heart sink. They appeared as a couple for about six months, and during that time, Emilia had declared to be madly in love with Alessandro. The photos showed Alessandro content and attentive to Emilia, which meant that Emilia must have meant more to Alessandro than he was telling Alessia.

Emilia seemed to like the paparazzi's attention and posed for every shot given the opportunity. Magazines talked how their relationship ended and yet didn't mention why, but there were plenty of assumptions—Alessandro had found another woman; Emilia had found another man; they had grown apart—it went on and on, but no proof to indicate why they broke up.

Alessia needed to know what happened, so she decided to call Valentina to have answers to her questions.

"Alessia? Is something wrong?"

"No. I'm sorry to bother you but I need to know more about Alessandro and Emilia. I read about their relationship on the Internet and it appeared to be more than what Alessandro has told me. Why did they break up? What happened?" Alessia asked.

"The reason Alessandro broke it off with Emilia was because he found her with another man. I'd only seen Emilia once and Alessandro wasn't in love with her as he is with you—you'll have to trust me on this."

"Yes, I understand, but what if the child really is Alessandro's? He'd have a chance to have a real family and more children with Emilia. It's something I could never give him," Alessia said sadly.

"Alessia, you need to understand that Alessandro doesn't want anyone else in his life other than you, so it doesn't matter if someone else has given him a child. If the child is confirmed to be his, then Alessandro will ensure that the child will be part of his life—not the child's mother. Alessandro's through with Emilia and she won't be back if she knows what's good for her."

"That won't stop her from trying to get him back. I can see by the pictures that Alessandro cared about her more than he wants to admit and now there may be a child to bring them together. I hope you see my side too. I won't stand in the way of a child having the possibility of a mother and father in her life if that is possible."

"Alessia, I can assure you Alessandro has no interest in being with Emilia, and I'm sure all Emilia wants is child support for her daughter."

"We'll see."

"Listen, we can talk more later, but in the meantime, please don't think Emilia will replace you in Alessandro's life because that will never happen."

"Thanks for your confidence," Alessia said, knowing sometimes things just happened and she wouldn't stand in the way. Only time would tell if she was really meant to be with Alessandro.

They hung up and Alessia went to have a warm bath to relax her tense muscles. The idea of another woman stressed her and Alessia felt relief when she sunk into the hot scented water. She'd lit candles to give the bathroom a relaxing atmosphere and as Alessia closed her eyes, her muscles relaxed.

~~~

Alessia awoke with a start when she realized her body had gone cold from the water. She fell asleep in the coldness of the water and it chilled her to the bone, so she drained the tub and turned on the hot water to warm up again.

After climbing out, she wrapped herself in her bathrobe and went to the kitchen to make a hot tea. Moments later Alessia was sitting on her sofa, sipping her tea while she watched the news.

The reporters were in front of the hospital and they announced there would be an interview with an intimate friend of the Minister. Alessia waited to see who would be interviewed and once the headlines were read, the television went back to the reporter at the hospital for the live broadcast. After a short summary of Alessandro's condition, the reporter walked to the side to interview one of the Minister's closest friends. Alessia couldn't believe her eyes—it was Emilia.

Emilia told the public she was back in the Minister's life and they'd had a daughter. She also said the Minister was thrilled to be a father and that he loved his daughter very much, showing a picture of the most adorable little girl Alessia had ever seen. As Alessia watched, a tear ran down her cheek knowing she couldn't stand in the way of that child. The little girl looked exactly like Alessandro and the more she looked at the face on the screen, the more Alessia realized she could never give him his own child. It was something no amount of money could fix and she needed to come to terms with the situation.

With a heavy heart, Alessia got up and went to get dressed. No matter what happened, she would stay by Alessandro's side to help him recover enough to go home and deal with a family that was being forced upon him. Alessia was sure Alessandro would understand it was for the best. So, slipping on a pair of jeans, running shoes and a sweater, she took her bag and headed out the door to confront whatever scene she would find at the hospital.

The bus ride took longer than expected due to an accident, but Alessia made it on time before visiting hours started, and as she walked down the corridor to Alessandro's room, she could already hear Valentina and Emilia arguing.

"Shh, hey everyone can hear you—especially Alessandro," Alessia said, walking in as the women were at each other's throats. Alessia stepped between the two to try to break up the catfight and was caught off guard as Emilia clawed her with nails, scratching her cheek.

"You bitch. Get out of my way," Emilia shouted.

"I will not—now stop it. You're not going anywhere if you continue like this, so back off or I will call the guards," Alessia shouted back. Alessia held out her fists to hit Emilia if she tried to attack again, but as Emilia put down her hands, Alessia did too.

Alessia finally got a good look at the woman and realized she was a real beauty. Emilia was tall and slender in her tight jeans and short gray designer top with a shear shirt over it, giving her the elegance of a top model. The high stiletto heels made her tower over Alessia, but it didn't intimidate her since the anger Alessia felt inside gave her courage to stand up to the woman.

Valentina's eyes glared at Alessia as she pulled her back into the corridor to have a word.

"Are you mad? There's no way that woman is going in to see Alessandro. Are you going to help me to keep her away or am I on my own?" Valentina hissed.

"Calm down. Emilia won't go away until she sees Alessandro, and if we let her have five minutes with him it may be enough to send her off. Alessandro knows she's here and he knows what it's about—he heard everything yesterday so let's not pretend he doesn't know. We'll be there with her to make sure Emilia doesn't do or say anything to upset Alessandro."

"I don't like this at all and I'm telling you we should kick her out before she gets her claws on Alessandro. Emilia is a liar and will do or say anything to crawl back into Alessandro's life."

"Well then, let's stay by Alessandro's side and make sure Emilia doesn't hurt him," Alessia said, looking into Valentina's cold eyes.

"Why are you doing this? Don't you care about Alessandro enough to fight for him?"

"I love Alessandro more than you can imagine, but it wouldn't be fair to tie him to a promise he made to me before Alessandro knew he had a daughter. That little girl deserves to have her father come home in the evening to read her a bedtime story. I'm not going to take that away from either of them." Alessia felt her heart breaking for Alessandro and yet she knew it was the right thing to do.

Alessia walked back into the room to put on the sterile garments with Valentina at her heels. Emilia had already dressed and was inside with Alessandro, so they quickly put on the necessary garments and walked into Alessandro's room.

They found Emilia kissing Alessandro's face insistently, whispering she was back and she'd take care of him. Alessandro's eyes were closed, but Alessia didn't think he was asleep; most probably he didn't want to speak to Emilia and chose not to open his eyes. Alessia hoped it didn't upset him more than she believed, and while she waited in the corner of the room, Valentina watched Emilia like a hawk. When Emilia's five minutes were up, Valentina told her to leave, and strangely enough, Emilia kissed Alessandro softly on the lips, told him she'd be back at the next visiting hours and left the room.

Valentina followed Emilia out the room to make sure she left while Alessia stayed, and as she heard them arguing, Alessandro opened his eyes and looked at Alessia with sorrow.

"How many times do I need to tell you Emilia meant nothing to me and I don't want her in my life?" Alessandro said softly.

Alessia sat down in the chair and took his hand as she looked into his blue eyes. "You have a daughter with this woman, and before you spoil your chance to give that child a healthy relationship with her father, you need to be nice to her mother—whether you like Emilia or not. You have a daughter," Alessia said as a tear escaped.

"Amore, I may have a daughter, but I found the love of my life, and if you agree to it, we'll get to know my daughter together."

"I saw a picture of the child and she has your eyes—your beautiful blue eyes. There is no question she is your daughter."

Alessandro stroked Alessia's hand, trying to piece the events together, and suddenly realized he may really have a daughter.

"Would it be so terrible for us to take care of my child, if she turns out to be mine?" Alessandro whispered.

"Alessandro, the child needs a mother and father, a chance at a normal family, and I think when you've recovered enough to go home, you should dedicate some time to your child and her mother to think about your future. Emilia can give you what I can't."

"Other children?"

"Yes, other children. You know I will never be able to give you a child and we only met a few months ago. You still have time to get to know Emilia better—you may find you like her enough to give the relationship another try."

"I'd rather have a childless marriage than be in a marriage without love," Alessandro whispered.

Alessia lowered her gaze to her lap, not knowing what to say.

"Look at me," he said.

She lifted her eyes and saw the pain seeping through the blueness of his beautiful eyes. They'd lost their sparkle and it was then Alessia realized Alessandro would never give her up, so it would be up to her to make the decision.

"I love you, and no child will change that. Please give me time to get better so I can make things right. Will you give me time?" he pleaded.

Alessia sighed. "Yes, of course I'll give you time to get better."

Valentina walked in and their conversation suddenly stopped.

"I saw the doctor just now and he said you're getting better. He thinks you'll be able to go home by the end of the week. Isn't that great news?" Valentina said enthusiastically.

"Yes, that's wonderful news," Alessia commented.

"It sure is," Alessandro said, looking at Alessia.

"So, we'll need to arrange for someone to assist you at home for the first few days until you recover enough to get around on your own," Valentina said, looking from Alessandro to Alessia and back to Alessandro.

"Alessia, will you stay with me for a few days when I'm released from the hospital? As a friend?" Alessandro pleaded.

"Of course, I can stay with you until you feel better, but under one condition."

"What's that?"

"That you give some serious thought to what we just talked about," Alessia said, raising her eyebrows.

"Okay."

"What would that be?" Valentina asked.

"It's personal," Alessandro said to his sister while he kept his eyes on Alessia.

Valentina raised her eyebrows, looking from Alessandro to Alessia and then back at Alessandro.

~~~

The next few days passed quickly with Emilia visiting every time, trying to get more time with Alessandro during each visit. By the end of the week, Emilia stayed the entire time and took charge of the arrangements for Alessandro's release as if she were Alessandro's wife.

The morning of his release, Valentina couldn't take it anymore and told Alessandro to do something about it or she would go back home if she wasn't needed. Alessandro looked at his sister with sorrowful eyes, not wanting to rock the boat for anyone, and thanked her for being there for him. He told Valentina there was no need for her to stay longer since she had put her business on hold to be with him. Alessandro knew Alessia and Emilia would help him with whatever he needed, so he kissed her gently on the cheek to assure her he'd be fine.

They left the hospital together, and after Alessandro said goodbye to his sister, he got into the car. Valentina could see Emilia getting into the car from the other side, so she turned to Alessia.

"Stay close to him and call me if it becomes too much for you—I'm only a phone call away," Valentina said, hugging Alessia goodbye.

"I will, and don't worry. I'll watch her like a hawk," Alessia whispered into her ear. "I won't let her hurt him—I love him too much to allow it."

Alessia got into the back of the car, next to Alessandro, and looked out the window as the car pulled away from the hospital.

Emilia chatted the entire ride home. "I'm so happy we've reconnected. Wait until our friends see us at functions and parties together. I've really missed that with you—motherhood is a real ball and chain, and I'm ready to get back into the social scene."

By the time the car drove through the gates of Alessandro's house, Alessia had a splitting headache. Alessandro stared out the window, not paying much attention to what Emilia was saying, but Alessia could see his patience was wearing thin. Alessandro didn't need the additional stress. When the car stopped by the front door, Alessia felt Alessandro take her hand before he leaned toward Alessia's ear and whispered, "I'm glad to be home."

Emilia glared at Alessia, not happy with Alessandro's gesture, but she couldn't say anything, so Emilia watched as Alessia helped Alessandro out of the car and up the steps.

Alessandro was still weak, and as soon as they walked through the front door, Alessia turned to Emilia to tell her she was going to help Alessandro up the stairs to his bedroom.

"Oh, I can do that. You help the guards get the bags," Emilia said, pulling Alessandro from the other side. Emilia was at the foot of the stairs before Alessia had a chance to object.

Alessia gave Alessandro a sympathetic look, telling him it was okay, so Alessandro let Emilia lead him up to his bedroom as Alessia turned to help the guards with the bags, but they'd already taken care of them. They brought the bags up to the second floor, so Alessia followed them until she took her bag and went toward one of the guest rooms. Alessia shut the door, feeling her nerves about to explode, and walked over to the bed to sit down.

Alessia told herself she needed to calm down and give Emilia and Alessandro time alone to work things out. So, after letting out a few long breaths, she decided to go downstairs to see if Rosalia was home to arrange for lunch. The hospital had left a strict diet for Alessandro and Alessia could at least make sure he stuck it.

As Alessia walked out of her room and down the hall to the stairs, she could hear Emilia and Alessandro talking. Alessia stopped on the landing to listen.

"Amore, I'm here and I'll take care of you. There's no need for anyone else to be here," Emilia said, trying to help him.

"Alessia is staying and I can get into bed without your help," he growled.

"Honey, you need to stay calm. I'm only here to help you get better."

"Yeah, sure," Alessandro said sarcastically.

"Listen, I'm sorry about what happened in the past, but the truth is that we have a beautiful daughter and all I want is for you to get better so we can be a family. Do you remember how we used to talk about the future?"

Alessia noticed the bedroom door was left ajar, and as she tilted her head to look inside, she could see while Emilia unbuttoned Alessandro's shirt, she ran her fingers over his chest. Alessandro moved her hands away, but she brought them back to his pants to help him unzip and pull them off. That was when Alessandro growled at her. "Get out!"

Alessia turned to go down the stairs before she was caught spying on them. She found the housekeeper, Rosalia, in the kitchen preparing a vegetable soup for lunch, and after discussing a few things with her, giving her the foods Alessandro could eat as instructed by the doctor, Alessia decided to go out to get some fresh air.

As soon as she stepped outside, her phone chimed.

Where are you? I need you. Emilia is going to drive me mad!

Alessia read the message and smiled thinking of Alessandro, but decided to go inside to rescue him from Emilia's claws.

As she walked up the stairs, she bumped into Emilia, who told her not to disturb Alessandro because he was resting and informed Alessia she would speak to Rosalia for lunch and future meals.

"I've already spoken to her," Alessia said.

Emilia's eyes went dark a moment. "You need to get one thing straight. I'm here to take care of Alessandro and I will make all the decisions about his care. Is that clear?"

Alessia stood her ground and turned to face Emilia. "Maybe you're the one who doesn't understand. I'm here to make sure you don't hurt Alessandro, so be very careful, because I'm watching you." Then Alessia turned to walk up the rest of the stairs to her room.

Frustration burned through Alessia's veins, and as she shut the door, she didn't know if she wanted to scream or cry. What had she gotten herself into?

Alessia's phone chimed again.

Where are you? Please come—I need you!

Alessia ran out the door, thinking Alessandro wasn't feeling well. She rushed into his bedroom and saw him sitting up on his bed with his legs hanging off the side.

"Are you feeling sick?" Alessia asked.

"I can't take her. Please tell her to leave."

Alessia took his hand and stroked his arm. "I'm here with you and I won't let Emilia do anything to you, but you need to give it time. You need to give her a chance because she's fighting for her daughter's chance to have a normal family."

"I don't trust Emilia and I don't want her. She's not what she seems and I will not forget what she did to me," Alessandro said in a low voice.

"What did she do to you?" Alessia asked. It was an honest question, which Alessia believed she had a right to know if Alessandro insisted on not giving Emilia another chance.

"It's in the past and I really don't want to talk about it right now. I will tell you when I feel better, but right now, all I want is for you to be near me," Alessandro said, eyes pleading.

"Alessandro. I agreed to be here as a friend. I'm still confused about us, and now that there is a child involved, I don't want to be the reason you don't see your child," Alessia said.

"Please don't do this," he whispered. "I can't face life without you."

"There is a child involved and this child must come first in your life because it's the right thing to do," Alessia said as her heart beat quickly, wanting to reach out to Alessandro and tell him she wouldn't leave, but she knew if she did, she wouldn't have the courage to leave him when the time was right.

Alessia kissed Alessandro tenderly on the cheek and told him to rest before leaving the bedroom. She went back to her room to lie down, suddenly feeling a headache pinching the back of her head.

Alessia slept for a while and was suddenly woken up by the sound of yelling. As she turned over, the shouting from down the hall became louder, so she got up to see what was happening. Nausea ran through her as she walked down the hall listening to the yelling, but she realized it was coming from downstairs, so she walked halfway down when she recognized Emilia's voice shouting. Emilia was shouting at Rosalia about food—something about taking orders only from her, and Rosalia would be fired if she didn't follow her orders.

Alessia walked the rest of the way to the kitchen to put a stop to the arguing.

"Hey, keep your voice down. It can be heard all the way upstairs and I don't think Alessandro would be pleased to hear you shouting at his staff the way you are doing now," Alessia said to Emilia.

"Stay out of this. It doesn't concern you," Emilia spat.

"It most certainly does concern me. As long as we are both in this house, I will not tolerate your attitude toward the people that are here to help. Either you stop it or leave." Alessia stared at Emilia.

"How dare you. You have no right to talk to me like that, and soon you'll be sent home along with this woman who is incapable of following my orders." Emilia was pointing toward Rosalia.

"Listen up, lady. If you don't stop this, I will put an end to it and make sure that you don't step into this house again. Got it?" Alessia said as she turned to go back upstairs to her bedroom, feeling the nausea climbing quickly. Leaving the kitchen, Alessia heard Emilia's fists bang on the counter as she let out a loud scream. Moments later, Emilia stormed past her on the stairs and went up to Alessandro's room, shutting the door behind her.

Alessia barely made it into her bathroom as she felt breakfast come up. Her head pounded like a jackhammer as she emptied her stomach. Alessia had to calm down because the stress was making her headache worse and she needed to be strong for Alessandro, so after she flushed the toilet, Alessia washed her face and brushed her teeth. She felt better and realized her nerves must have triggered the headache, which in turn triggered the nausea.

Alessia went back downstairs quietly to speak to Rosalia, who was in the kitchen, preparing lunch.

"I'm sorry for earlier. There was no reason for Emilia to treat you that way, and I apologize for Alessandro, because I know how much he cares how you are treated in his house."

Rosalia nodded, not saying more, and went about her business, preparing lunch. Alessia saw she'd prepared the soup as she'd instructed and found a slight grin forming on the side of her mouth when she left the kitchen. Alessia walked into the library, wanting to have a moment of peace and knowing that Emilia would most probably not put her nose in that room. She shut the door quietly and sat in a large leather chair to think about what her next steps would be. Alessia realized Emilia was a handful and she understood why Valentina was opposed to letting Emilia back into Alessandro's life, and yet Alessia knew she needed to give the little girl and her father a chance at a normal life together.

Alessia sat back thinking about what she could do to help Emilia gain Alessandro's trust. The more Alessia thought about it, the more she realized it was a difficult task, and after Alessia decided she needed more time to think about it, she was about to leave the library when her phone chimed.

Please come rescue me!

Alessia smiled thinking of Alessandro needing to be rescued and decided to go see what was going on, so she left the library and went up the stairs to Alessandro's bedroom. When Alessia walked into his room, she found Alessandro in bed holding a pillow to his chest while Emilia sat on the other side of the bed, trying to undress him.

"What's going on?" Alessia asked.

"I'm trying to change his pajamas because he's all wet from perspiration and yet he won't let me," Emilia said, moving her hands closer to him, but he moved away from her, gripping the pillow closely as he growled.

Emilia threw her hands up in the air and then got up, storming out of the room.

"Well, you seem to have ruffled her feathers," Alessia said as she went closer to Alessandro. Alessia took the pillow away and placed it on the other side of the bed before unbuttoning his pajama top. "You should have let Emilia help you change into dry pajamas. It wouldn't have killed you."

"That's what you think. I don't want that woman anywhere near me," Alessandro said, letting Alessia slip his pajama top off, and wipe his chest and back with a wet cloth before helping him change his pajama bottoms.

"You sound like a child, so stop whining," Alessia said, grinning as she watched Alessandro frown.

"I'm not whining. I just don't want her touching me."

"Well, you should have thought of that before having a child with her," Alessia said, regretting the words as soon as she had said them. It wasn't fair to blame him for this situation because he didn't know he had a child.

"Valentina is arranging for a DNA test to make sure she really is my child because I don't trust that woman."

"Fair enough, but believe me, there's no doubt she's your daughter. She's exactly like you."

"I still want proof before I accept or make any arrangements for the child," Alessandro said, still grumpy.

Alessia looked at him a moment, holding his wet pajamas. "You'll make a wonderful father." Then she turned and walked toward his bathroom to put the pajamas in the washing basket. When she came back out, he was standing by the bathroom door.

"Should you be out of bed?" Alessia asked.

"Alessia, I want you to understand that I need you with me if I'm to take care of a child. I don't know anything about children," Alessandro said, staring into her eyes.

"I don't know anything about children either, but I'm sure you'll do just fine," she said, walking him back to bed to make sure he got in. "I'll be back soon with some lunch for you so rest in the meantime."

He put his head back on the pillows and closed his eyes. Alessandro suddenly felt faint, probably from getting up from the bed quickly, and as he heard the door close softly, he opened his eyes to look at the door. How was he going to cope if Alessia left? He didn't know the first thing about children and the thought of Emilia made his stomach knot. Alessandro needed to convince Alessia to stay—at least until Emilia left, and then he'd concentrate on earning Alessia's trust back. He could sense awkwardness when Alessia was with him and Alessandro truly wished he knew how to make things right, but right now, he needed to focus on getting rid of Emilia.

# Chapter Sixteen

The next few days passed quickly as Alessandro slowly regained his energy, allowing him to wander downstairs when he wasn't resting.

Alessia had gone to the store to buy a few things Alessandro needed, and when she came back, she heard voices in the sitting room. As she approached, Alessia heard a child's voice and stopped in her tracks. The voice belonged to a little girl and she sounded sweet, so as Alessia walked the last few steps toward the sitting room, she noticed the door was left ajar. Alessia peeped in and saw Emilia holding the little girl, smiling and hugging her while Alessandro sat across from them. The little girl chatted non-stop, and a moment later, she got up and went to get her Cicciobello doll resting on the coffee table.

Just then, Alessandro spoke to her. "Who's this?" he asked, pointing toward the doll.

"He's Cicciobello, silly!" she said, smiling as she put the toy pacifier into the doll's mouth.

"Oh, of course, and is he a good baby?" Alessandro asked as his eyes sparkled while he looked at his daughter.

"He cries when I don't hold him, but he's good most of the time. Do you want to hold him?" the little girl asked, holding out Cicciobello toward Alessandro.

"Oh, I don't know how to hold a baby," Alessandro said, pulling away.

The child stood up and went to Alessandro, putting Cicciobello in his lap. Then she took his hand and placed it behind the doll's neck. "You have to hold the baby's neck because it's important."

He smiled down at his daughter, and as the child turned to climb back up onto her mother's lap, Alessia saw the little girl smile that warmed her own heart. It was a family—a real family—and as Alessia put her hand over her mouth to steady her lips, she turned to leave. Alessia didn't want to interrupt them, so she walked up the stairs quietly to her bedroom and cried herself to sleep.

~~~

Alessia slept soundly until she felt something brush her cheek. Turning over, she was startled to see Alessandro by her bed.

"Hey, I haven't seen you all morning. Are you feeling well?" Alessandro asked. His eyes, tired and strained, reflected how the situation was taking its toll on him.

"Oh, what time is it?"

"It's time for lunch."

Alessia sat up in bed and rubbed her hands over one of her arms because it'd fallen asleep. "I went out to the store this morning and when I came back, I saw you were with Emilia and your daughter, so I came up to my bedroom to lie down. I must have fallen asleep."

"I wish you'd have joined us."

"She's really lovely." Alessia smiled genuinely.

"Yes, she is. I still can't believe she's my daughter. The DNA test came back positive and now that I've met her, reality is finally hitting me," Alessandro said, gently taking her hand in his. "I want you to meet her too."

"I will—give her time to get to know you before you introduce her to me," Alessia said, getting up to wash her face. "I'll be right down for lunch."

"Okay, don't be long."

Alessia watched as he walked slowly, almost dragging his feet before leaving the room.

She went into the bathroom to use the facility and wash her face before going down to lunch. A few minutes later, Alessia entered the formal dining room where lunch was being served. Emilia stood by Alessandro chatting, and as Alessia walked in, Alessandro stepped away from Emilia to approach her, but Emilia caught his arm. He looked down at her hand as it held his arm and growled, "Let go of me, Emilia."

"Why don't you sit down? Lunch will be served as soon as we take our seats," Emilia said, looking into Alessandro's steely blue eyes. Emilia removed her hand and raised her eyebrows.

Alessandro growled again and took his seat at the head of the table. Emilia sat to his right, leaving the seat to his left empty, so Alessia stepped forward and pulled the chair out to sit down. "Will your daughter be joining us for lunch?" Alessia asked politely as she looked at Emilia.

"Good heavens, no. She had lunch earlier so we can sit and enjoy our lunch in peace," Emilia said, stroking Alessandro's right arm. He removed it from the table and put it on his lap while he stared straight ahead, avoiding eye contact.

Lunch was served and they ate most of the time in silence, aside from a few comments made by Emilia about the food and some questions Alessia asked about Emilia's daughter.

"So how old is your daughter?"

"She's two years old. She's a bright girl for her age," Emilia said, smiling as any proud mother would when talking about her own daughter.

"She's a beautiful child," Alessia said.

"Have you seen her?" Emilia asked, raising her eyebrows.

"I saw a picture on the television and then I saw a glimpse of her when she was here before."

Emilia didn't comment and looked down at her plate to continue eating.

"What is her name?" Alessia asked.

"Isabella."

"It's a beautiful name," Alessia said, lowering her eyes to her own plate, feeling like she was suddenly intruding. Then Alessia suddenly felt Alessandro's hand squeeze her knee, and as she looked up, Alessandro winked at her. Emilia saw his glance and took her glass of wine, brought it to her lips and drank the contents quickly, clearly not happy with what little progress she'd made.

They finished their meal, and as the room was filled with tension, Emilia turned to Alessandro. "Let me help you upstairs so you can lie down a little. You've had a busy morning and I'm sure you're tired."

Alessandro looked at Alessia and then at Emilia before saying, "I can go upstairs on my own, thank you." Then Alessandro got up and walked out of the room.

Emilia glanced at Alessia before getting up and walking out too. Alessia was left on her own at the table, and as Rosalia came in to get the dishes, Alessia helped remove the food and dishes from the table before going outside for a walk.

~~~

Alessia stepped out and walked toward the back where she knew there was a path leading away from the estate, so she started to walk, and after a short distance, Alessia turned to look back at the house. Alessia saw a figure at a window on the second floor, which she was almost sure was Emilia watching her, and in that precise moment, she felt like an intruder. She turned back to the path and continued to walk until she reached a huge boulder where she stopped to sit. The weather grew colder, and as she looked up at the sky, dark clouds had formed, so Alessia turned back before a storm hit. She reached the house just in time as the rain started to come down hard, but as Alessia approached the door to go inside, it was locked, so she ran to the back to try the other door, but strangely enough, it was locked too. Alessia banged on the door, hoping someone would hear, but after a few minutes, she ran back to the front to ring the doorbell.

She rang the bell more than once, wondering why nobody was responding until finally the door flung open. Standing before her was Alessandro, bewildered by Alessia's appearance.

"Where've you been?" Alessandro asked, pulling her inside.

"I went out for a walk, but by the time I got back to the house, the rain came down, and for some reason, the doors were all locked."

Alessia stood in the entranceway shivering from the cold rain.

"Stay where you are," Alessandro told her before going to his library, and when he came back seconds later, he had a blanket. "Now strip."

"What?"

"Take off your wet clothing before you get sick."

"I'll change upstairs."

"You'll take your clothes off now," Alessandro growled.

"Fine!" Alessia shouted, unbuttoning her jeans and taking them off before pulling her sweater off. "Happy now?"

Alessandro wrapped the warm blanket around her and kissed her softly on the head. "Go have a warm bath now."

Alessia took her wet clothes and went up the stairs to her bedroom where she shut the door and leaned against it, closing her eyes. Then Alessia let out a deep breath and went into the bathroom to have a bath.

Alessia threw scented oils into the water and lit a few candles that she found on the counter, which she didn't remember seeing before. Slipping into the hot water, she closed her eyes and let her body relax as the warmth soothed her chilled bones. She stayed in the water long enough for her fingers to look like dried prunes, so, wrapping herself in a plush bathrobe, she went to lie down on the bed for a few minutes and the warmth of the bath relaxed her body, making her drift off to sleep.

~~~

As Alessia awoke, she felt all the muscles in her body aching, probably from the cold rain, but Alessia was sure that she would feel better once she got up and started to move around.

Alessia got dressed in jeans and a warm sweater, and then went downstairs to see what the rest of the house was doing. She heard voices in Alessandro's study and as she passed the closed door on her way to the kitchen, she heard Alessandro talking. Stopping a moment by the door, she heard part of his conversation and realized he must have been on the telephone with someone because she heard only his voice. Not wanting to eavesdrop, Alessia continued on to the kitchen where she found Emilia and her daughter, Isabella, sitting at the table.

Alessia stopped by the door a moment, not knowing if she was intruding, and as soon as she was about to turn back, Emilia saw her.

"Alessia, this would be a good time for you to meet Alessandro's daughter, Isabella." She said it in a way that meant she was marking her territory like an animal—or at least it was how Alessia saw it.

"It's nice to meet you, Isabella," Alessia said, walking into the kitchen.

The little girl looked at Alessia and smiled before turning back to what she was doing. Isabella had paper and coloring pencils on the table, and as Alessia walked closer to the table, she could see the little girl's drawing and smiled. "It's a beautiful drawing."

"Thanks," Isabella said.

Isabella had drawn a picture of a family with a mother, a father and a little girl that looked exactly like her. It was amazing how well the two-year-old could draw, and yet, it was clearly her family. The more Alessia looked at the drawing, the more she was determined she was right in backing away. Alessia owed the little girl her dream and there was no reason for her to stand in the way of it.

Alessia noticed how Emilia's eyes bore into her, almost like she could see Alessia's soul, so she quickly got a glass of water and left the two to go back upstairs to her room.

As she climbed the stairs, she realized it was time to leave, so Alessia walked into her room, pulled out her bag and started to pack. She hadn't brought very much, so it didn't take her long to be ready, and as soon as her bag was done, she grabbed her handbag, her phone and walked out. Alessia shut the front door quietly and walked through the gate before calling a taxi.

The taxi arrived in minutes, and while Alessia sat in the back on her way home, she sent a message to Alessandro.

Sorry, something has come up and I have to leave. You can call me anytime if you need to talk.

Love, Alessia

A few seconds later, her phone rang. Alessia took a deep breath and answered.

"Alessia, where are you going?"

"I need to take care of some things for my father. You're in good hands now and you can call me anytime."

"Please don't do this. I need you," Alessandro barely whispered.

She closed her eyes, feeling a single tear run down her face and as Alessia opened her eyes to look out the window, she wiped the tear away. "You'll be just fine. I have to go now." And, feeling a wave of regret washing over her—she disconnected the call.
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The next book in the series, as well as other Italian stories—some hotter than others—can be found on my website. Be sure to look at the different Italian romance series already available.

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The Italian Writer is a blog that features some homemade Italian food recipes that are lactose and gluten free. Also on the blog you'll find information on hiking trails in Italy that I've already taken and suggest based on the scenery and natural beauty.

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Ciao

Grace
