Hot Chocolate

by Charlotte De Pace

  ‘Oh, bella, what’s in that chocolate?’ He groaned as he found her mouth again, welcoming her fully into his.

  Annabella melted into him, her femininity wantonly pushing against his aching erection. He cupped her luscious behind, two perfect handfuls, and lifted her onto the counter.

  Needing no direction, she wrapped her legs around his waist, intensifying their connection. She let out a soft, appreciative moan, fuelling his hunger for more. More of this exquisite agony; the promise of euphoric pleasure that he must resist.

  Alessandro hadn’t intended to go this far. He’d just needed to be certain that Annabella would be a convincing fiancée. She had to respond to him as a lover would. The paparazzi would be expecting some serious sexual chemistry. Tomorrow’s headlines depended on their debut as an engaged couple tonight.

  Alessandro was determined to bury his image as a womanising lothario. He had to be portrayed as a family-minded, dependable leader. After Annabella’s behaviour last night, he’d thought she might shy away at his slightest touch. Hardly a woman madly in love.

  Just one kiss, that’s all he’d planned. But now … His body ached for more of her and surprisingly, she seemed a most willing accomplice.

  Her passionate response had thrown him. He hadn’t planned for such undeniable physical attraction. But he wasn’t about to succumb to old habits now. He wouldn’t allow misguided desire jeopardise his father’s company. Not again. This was business; he’d made his expectations clear.

  But Dio, that kiss. Annabella was like a sorceress and he was under her spell. No woman had ever had that effect on him. Sure, he’d been seduced by plenty of women but he was always in control. He was the one who decided when, what and how.

  But from the moment he’d tasted that sublime ganache he was transported to another world. Annabella’s world. It was sweet, complex, mind-blowing.

  For a moment, that heavy burden of responsibility had lifted from his shoulders. At once he had known: with her, he could save the company. Save his father. As long as he stayed in control.

  Alessandro reluctantly pulled away from Annabella. As he stood back, he could see the confusion in her deep sapphire eyes. He silently cursed himself for letting the kiss get so out of hand.

  He cleared his throat. ‘I think we’ll be fine,’ he said. Annabella looked at him blankly. ‘For the gala tonight.’

  ‘Oh, right.’ She hopped down from the bench and straightened her chef’s jacket. ‘So, you’re convinced by my performance? I can play your fiancée?’ she asked coolly.

  ‘Please, forgive me, but I had to test our chemistry. There’ll be expectations, no? I won’t let it happen again.’

  ‘No, neither will I.’ A shadow cast across Annabella’s face. If he’d been privy to an intimate part of her, that door had now closed. ‘Do we have a deal?’ she asked disdainfully.

  Alessandro felt a pang of regret at her obvious disappointment, her disgust at him for living up to his reputation. Still, he was thankful to return to the task at hand.

  ‘Yes.’ He smiled, for what it was worth. ‘I have a few things to do at the office. I’ll meet you at the loft tonight at 6.30.’

  He turned and strode towards the exit, longing for escape. ‘You’ll be perfect, bella,’ he called out without looking back, unable to face her deflated expression. Or allow her to see the anxiety that was surely etched into his own.

  He closed the kitchen door firmly behind him and paced back and forth as he waited for the elevator doors to open and deliver him back to the real world.

  Had he made the right decision? He’d thought there would be no complications with Annabella. She wasn’t his type and she’d made it clear he wasn’t hers. Until now. Things had just got more than complicated.

  The sweet taste of her lingered on his lips. A shot of desire pulsed through his body at the memory of her legs wrapped around him. He’d delighted in her obvious pleasure and abandon. He’d longed to continue his intimate exploration of those heavenly curves that she kept well hidden.

  How could he have been so careless? He wished he could believe his own words; that he wouldn’t let it happen again.

  Chapter 3

  Annabella watched Alessandro raise the sabre in one hand above his head, and with a forceful strike decapitate the Dom Perignon bottle. A circle of female admirers, gathered around the podium, cheered loudly. They basked in his attention as he reached down to pour the overflowing champagne into their raised crystal flutes.

  Even without the performance, Alessandro stood out amongst the crowded foyer of the grand Mole Antonelliana, Turin’s famous cinema museum. Annabella had spotted him immediately even though her eyes were still adjusting after the blinding flashes of the paparazzi on her way into the gala event.

  Dressed immaculately in a classic black tuxedo, Alessandro would give Don Draper a run for his money. In the middle of his admiring coterie he exuded confidence and charm; everyone else faded into the background. He was like a shining beacon in a pool of grey.

  Annabella pulled self-consciously at the bustline of her low-cut dress. As demanded by Alessandro, Mariela had chosen the slinky red silk gown for her; it fitted like a glove, leaving nothing to the imagination. She was thankful for the control underwear she’d insisted on wearing despite Mariela’s assurances that she didn’t need it. She was so far out of her comfort zone and a Spanx corset offered this devoted chocolate lover some security.

  She looked down at the diamanté-encrusted stilettos that were apparently the only choice for such an outfit. She felt so foolish, like a child let loose in her mother’s wardrobe. How was she going to convince anyone that she had captured the heart of Alessandro De Costa, Turin’s most eligible bachelor?

  Annabella longed to be in her chef whites, back in the kitchen where she knew what she was doing and how to behave. Though even that haven was no longer safe since Alessandro had floored her with that kiss.

  Their hot embrace seared her memory; the soft burn of his stubble still lingered on her lips. Overwhelmed with desire, she’d stupidly succumbed to his advances, without even questioning why this gorgeous man would want her.

  And of course, he didn’t. He’d just wanted to test her ‘credentials’ to see that she was capable of this ridiculous charade. What sort of fiancée would she be if she recoiled at his touch in public?

  But how could he have used her so shamelessly? Surely one brief kiss would have sufficed for his purposes. Instead he’d chosen to humiliate her with his power play.

  It could have been much worse. Disturbingly, Annabella didn’t know how far she would have gone under Alessandro’s influence. Despite her embarrassment, she was grateful that he at least had the sense to pull away from her.

  ‘Annabella,’ Alessandro called out, having spotted her across the room.

  He stood still for a long moment, his gaze taking her in from head to toe. Despite the distance between them, Annabella felt totally exposed by his blatant appraisal. Infuriatingly, she found herself wishing for his approval. Not just to prove that she was the right choice for the job but because, despite his chauvinistic behaviour, his opinion mattered to her.

  He was the most attractive, powerful man she’d ever met. And though she hated to admit it, his interest in her excited her, regardless of his motivation. His lips on her neck, caressing her breasts, his undeniable hardness teasingly pulsing between her legs. Yes, it had been a test, but in the heat of the kitchen, she had turned him on. Was he as surprised as she was?

  Alessandro excused himself from his admirers as he stepped down from the podium and made a beeline through the dense crowd towards her.

  Annabella shifted nervously, subconsciously raising a hand to adjust her glasses before remembering she was wearing contact lenses. She used to wear them all the time, but since the accident she’d preferred her glasses. Like a little protective shield against the world. But as Alessandro had said, when it comes to his women, never glasses.

  Her hair was different too.
She never wore it out anymore, certainly not blow-dried into long voluminous waves. Though she had to admit it felt good, sexy even.

  ‘Buonasera, bella,’ Alessandro said, kissing her once on each cheek. The fresh, spicy scent of his cologne at once triggered Annabella’s memory of the last time he’d touched her. She exhaled heavily, banishing the distracting thought from her mind.

  ‘Wow.’ His eyes sparkled at her and then, standing back, he scanned her up and down appreciatively once more.

  ‘That’s a pretty amazing trick,’ Annabella said hoping to divert his attention from her body. She felt self-conscious enough without his knowing eyes critiquing every inch of her. ‘I’ve never seen champagne opened like that before.’

  ‘If I’d seen you beforehand it could have ended badly. I wouldn’t have been able to concentrate. You’re breathtaking, bella.’

  ‘Yeah right,’ Annabella scoffed.

  ‘What’s that?’ Alessandro motioned to the corner of her mouth. ‘Chocolate?’ He smiled curiously as his thumb gently brushed her cheek.

  ‘Oh goodness. Yes,’ Annabella said raising her hand to her mouth in embarrassment. Why hadn’t she checked in a mirror after she’d scoffed her emergency truffle following her escape from the paparazzi?

  ‘So you’re always on the job, no?’ Alessandro laughed.

  ‘I always keep a little chocolate on me just in case. Dark cacao was originally thought to have medicinal properties that calm nerves. And in this dress, I need all the help I can get.’ Though it hadn’t really helped her this time; she always rambled when she was nervous.

  Alessandro laughed again in disbelief. ‘What? Haven’t you looked in a mirror? Every man here is looking at you. And every woman, for that matter. Because you’re a vision, bella, I knew you would be.’

  ‘Thank you. But I think they’re probably looking at you.’ Why couldn’t she ever just accept a compliment? ‘And you look very handsome, Alessandro.’ Devastatingly so in fact.

  ‘What? This old thing?’ He smiled. Annabella laughed and the tension in her shoulders softened slightly.

  ‘Come on,’ he said taking her hand as he led her towards the dance floor. ‘Relax, you’ll be fine,’ he whispered in her ear, obviously sensing her hesitation.

  Relax? The thought of simply attending this exclusive event had daunted Annabella. Not to mention the extreme makeover that had turned her into this ridiculous glamourzon. Yes, she could feel everyone’s eyes on her; they must know that she was an imposter in poor disguise.

  ‘Wait. Alessandro, I can’t. Everyone’s looking.’ Annabella said softly through a forced smile.

  She could barely remember the last time she went dancing. And it would have been in the safety of darkness under the influence of alcohol. Not in the spotlight before Italy’s A-list with only the faintest trace of cacao to boost her confidence.

  ‘That’s the point. And they’re looking because you’re stunning. Enjoy it, bella. I am.’

  Alessandro pulled her close against his firm chest. With one arm wrapped around her waist, he lifted her slightly so she was on tiptoes. In his embrace she felt a little less exposed, protected from the onlookers. She happily let him take the lead.

  They swayed gently to the rhythm of the cool French New Wave music. He guided her effortlessly; she wasn’t surprised that he knew how to move on the dance floor. Just from their brief interlude yesterday she could tell he was very in touch with his body and how to use it.

  ‘I’m sorry I wasn’t able to meet you at the loft. I had an urgent matter to attend to,’ Alessandro said, drawing her back to the present. ‘Did you get here okay?’

  ‘Yes, fine. Your driver dropped me off. All the photographers out the front were a little unexpected but I got through quite quickly.’

  Annabella had been grateful when Alessandro had sent a message to meet at the museum. Had they arrived together, the media frenzy would no doubt have been unbearable. She’d attracted more than enough attention on her own. She’d struggled to understand what the photographers were shouting at her in Italian as she’d rushed up the red carpet into the building.

  ‘Sorry, I should have warned you,’ Alessandro said. ‘Usually they’re not so bad if you stop and pose for a couple of pictures. They must have been pretty shocked to see such a beautiful woman race past them and miss a photo opportunity.’ Alessandro laughed softly, drawing her even closer as he shifted their direction.

  ‘Sorry, I suppose I should have acted differently. After all, I’m meant to be one of those women who crave the attention, aren’t I?’ Annabella whispered, careful not to be overheard by their onlookers.

  ‘You needn’t be afraid of it, Annabella. You’re beautiful. My way and yours.’

  ‘Yeah a natural beauty, right? Just need to adjust the packaging to make me presentable.’

  ‘You’re impossible. What do I have to say?’ Alessandro looked exasperated.

  ‘I’m sorry. Thank you.’ There, compliment accepted.

  She closed her eyes and rested her head against Alessandro’s chest. She softly inhaled his alluring scent; the sensuous mix of cinnamon and musk again sparked her memory of their intimate embrace. But the spicy combination was also strangely comforting and invigorating, like the feeling she got when she created a new recipe.

  Alessandro slowly guided her around the dance floor, skilfully navigating between the other couples. They rocked back and forth in time with the mellow music and she even started to forget about everyone watching them.

  ‘Ready?’ Alessandro whispered as a new track began with a faster tempo.

  ‘Why? What are you going to do?’ The mischievous glimmer in his eyes made Annabella a little wary.

  ‘Trust me.’ He took her hand and spun her out.

  The long splits in her slinky gown allowed the fabric to swirl around her as though it had been made for dancing in. She was aware of her bare legs exposed as he twirled her around. But surprisingly she didn’t mind. She felt secure following Alessandro’s lead. He drew her back into his arms.

  ‘Okay?’ he asked.

  ‘Yes,’ Annabella laughed freely.

  ‘Brava.’ Alessandro spun her out again, then twirled her around in quick succession before gathering her in his strong hold once more.

  He lifted her off her feet with ease and together they whirled around. Annabella released her arms from their tight grip around his shoulders and arched backwards, her hair flowing down to her waist.

  As they slowly came to a standstill, Alessandro dipped her back further and ran one hand down her throat and décolletage, between her breasts, across her silk-covered torso.

  Electricity surged through Annabella’s body as he drew her upright. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her in the hotspot at the bottom of her neck. His light stubble tickled her skin, her whole body tingled and she delighted in the sensuality of it all.

  They swayed against each other, Alessandro’s muscular leg between her thighs fired up the heat he’d ignited yesterday. As the music track came to a close, Alessandro dipped her back once more in a dramatic finale.

  The crowd broke into applause, jolting Annabella upright and back to reality. She realised at some point the dance floor had cleared and everyone was watching their ‘performance’.

  Alessandro kissed her cheek. ‘Well done, bella. Now, showtime,’ he whispered. Taking her hand, he strode over to a raised podium and she had no choice but to follow.

  Right, showtime. She was in costume, just playing a role, and Alessandro was her leading man. And what a support he’d been. He was good, she’d give him that. For a moment she had relaxed and started to feel more comfortable in his glamorous world.

  Being attracted to Alessandro didn’t require great acting skill; in fact, annoyingly, it came quite naturally to Annabella. So it was just as well he reminded her what tonight was all about before she forgot reason in his arms once again. This was business. That’s all it ever could be.

  ‘Buonasera tutti.’ A
lessandro addressed the large crowd that had assembled around the podium.

  As he launched into his welcome speech in Italian, Annabella stood slightly behind him, hoping to divert attention from herself.

  Her mouth was dry, unlike her clammy palms; any confidence she’d gained on the dance floor had abandoned her. She wondered if anyone would notice if she snuck a chocolate from her clutch. Probably.

  Suddenly everyone cheered and Alessandro pulled her forward by the hand, presenting her to the applauding crowd.

  ‘I just announced our engagement, amore mia.’ Alessandro grinned at her.

  Then everyone began tapping their glasses, the European custom requesting a kiss from the happy couple. Before she knew it Alessandro had one arm around her waist, the other caressing her head as he dipped her back, his mouth finding hers.

  His knowing tongue parted her lips and kissed her deeply. Instinctively Annabella closed her eyes and entwined her fingers around the nape of his neck. She told herself she was playing her part to perfection. But she was alarmed at the effect this man had on her, she was powerless when she needed to be stronger than ever. This was too much.

  ‘I need air.’ Annabella whispered in Alessandro’s ear as she pulled away from him.

  ‘Okay.’ Alessandro drew them upright and led them down the steps from the podium.

  Everyone was smiling, raising their glasses in congratulations as they passed through the crowd.

  ‘Wait a moment. There are a few people I’d like to introduce you to.’ Alessandro said, seemingly forgetting Annabella’s plea.

  ‘No. I need air. Now,’ she said through gritted teeth, trying to keep her composure while searching for an exit.

  ***

  Alessandro had thought everything was going so well. Annabella had completely surpassed his expectations. She was a perfect combination of classic beauty, sophistication and intoxicating sensuality. Even though she didn’t seem to know it.

  That stunning red dress hugged every luscious curve. He’d suspected she’d been hiding an amazing figure but he’d been blown away but just how amazing. She’d looked so vulnerable when he’d first seen her across the crowd. She had no idea how gorgeous she was and that made her all the more alluring.