He’d been able to tell that she was nervous and he’d tried to reassure her on the dance floor. It hadn’t taken long for her to loosen up and soon they’d been moving together like the perfect match. A little too perfect.
Alessandro’s body awakened at the memory of Annabella in his arms as they’d danced. He’d imagined slowly pulling aside the thin shoulder straps of her dress to reveal her full bust that had teased him from just above the low-cut neckline. He’d longed to run his hand up those glorious thighs that briefly made an appearance each time he’d spun her out.
Intense desire had pulsed through him as Annabella had pressed against him, moving provocatively in time with the music. In that moment, he’d sensed that she’d wanted him too. Oh Dio, if not for the crowd he knew he wouldn’t have had the strength not to take her right there and then.
But now he was alarmed to see the panic in her eyes. He had to get her out of here before their onlookers became suspicious of his flighty fiancée.
‘Come, this way.’ Alessandro led her towards the glass panoramic elevator in the centre of the room. ‘It’ll be quiet on the roof.’
‘I’ll be fine,’ Annabella said as she started to pull away.
Alessandro tightened his grip and he drew her closer to his side. ‘Not without me, bella,’ he whispered through tight lips. ‘We’re meant to be inseparable, remember?’
Thankfully she relented, and arm in arm they smiled for the cameras as they entered the glass enclosure. The elevator doors closed and for the first time that evening they were alone.
‘What an earth was that?’ Annabella glared at him.
‘Careful bella. Everyone can see us.’ The elevator slowly began its ascent through the centre of the building, its glass sides exposing them to their audience below.
She offered a forced smile. ‘The contract didn’t say anything about being presented on a podium in front of a thousand people. Or public groping, for that matter.’
‘But of course I need everyone to see you and know who you are, that’s the whole point of this arrangement. And as my fiancée, there’s an expectation that I touch you in public. We’re not so conservative in Italy, you know.’
‘No kidding.’
‘Besides, at the time you didn’t seem to mind our kiss on the podium. Or on the dance floor. Or in the kitchen yesterday, come to think of it.’ He grinned at her.
‘Don’t flatter yourself, Alessandro. I was just following your lead and playing my part in this ridiculous facade.’ Annabella pushed the elevator button impatiently. ‘Could this lift go any slower?’
‘Enjoy the ride, bella,’ he said. ‘And remember everyone is looking, so I suggest you look like you’re madly in love with me rather than wanting to kill me.’ He smiled at her. ‘After all this is a fantastic photo opportunity, no?’ Alessandro took her by the waist and pulled her in against him.
She scowled up at him, but after a brief hesitation she succumbed and wrapped her arms around his neck.
‘Like this? Is this what’s expected?’ She smiled but her voice was anything but friendly.
‘It’s a start.’ Alessandro said. ‘But this is better.’ He softly kissed her cheek and slowly made his way to the base of her neck. Up close he could see the goosebumps form on her skin. Electricity surged through his body; she liked it when he kissed her there.
‘Please, just let me go,’ Annabella said breathlessly.
The despair in her voice shocked Alessandro. He released her at once. The elevator doors opened and Annabella rushed out onto the deserted rooftop.
***
Annabella paced briskly back and forth inhaling the crisp night air.
‘Annabella? Are you okay?’ She could hear the concern in Alessandro’s voice behind her.
‘I’m sorry.’ She turned around to face him. ‘I just felt so claustrophobic. I’m not used to such big crowds. And I guess I just wasn’t quite ready to be the main attraction.’
‘Fair enough. But you know you’re going to get a lot more attention now that everyone thinks we’re engaged.’
‘I know. And it’ll be fine. I just need a moment.’ Or a hundred. She looked towards the elevator doors.
‘You don’t have to worry, no one’s going to disturb us up here. You know what they think we’re doing.’
‘What?’ Alessandro looked at her suggestively. ‘Really? Does everyone in this city have a one-track mind?’
‘Sure. A young newly engaged couple in love. What else would we be doing?’
‘They can’t see us up here, Alessandro. So I think we can drop the act for a little while.’
‘That’s too bad.’ He smiled.
Annabella looked at him exasperatedly.
‘It’s a joke, bella. Relax, have some more chocolate.’
‘Very funny.’ She screwed up her face at him. ‘But actually not such a bad idea.’
She sat down on a bench seat that overlooked the glittering city skyline and took a small chocolate bon bon from her clutch. She unwrapped it and popped it in her mouth, closing her eyes briefly as she absorbed its calming effects.
She rubbed her arms as her skin bristled in the cool evening breeze. She regretted leaving her wrap in the cloakroom now the adrenaline of her escape to the rooftop had subsided.
‘Does that really work? The chocolate?’ Alessandro said, taking off his jacket and draping it around her shoulders before sitting down beside her.
‘Oh, thanks.’ Annabella snuggled into his jacket, his spicy scent comforting her as much as its warmth. ‘It works for me, usually,’ she said. ‘Maybe it’s just a placebo effect. Either way, it tastes delicious.’ They both laughed. ‘Would you like one?’
‘Sure, why not.’ Alessandro unwrapped the chocolate, closed his eyes and tilted his head back, indulging in its flavour.
‘Good, right?’
‘Molto buono.’ He said appreciatively. ‘I feel completely relaxed.’ He dramatically stretched both arms over his head before gently dropping one around Annabella’s shoulder.
‘Very smooth.’ She couldn’t help laughing.
‘Grazie. I try.’ He grinned. ‘Just trying to warm up a little, no?’
‘Sure you are.’ Annabella didn’t really mind. Away from the crowd she was already feeling more relaxed. She looked out across the shining city lights. ‘It looks so pretty up here at night. So quiet and beautiful.’
‘It’s one of my favourite places in the city. My father used to bring me here when I was a boy.’ Alessandro smiled wistfully, pausing for a moment. ‘But it’s best when it’s closed to the public and we can have it to ourselves like this.’
‘It’s like another world, compared with what’s going on downstairs. Thank you for bringing me up here. I know we’re meant to be on show. Our debut and all.’
‘It’s fine, bella. The main part’s over and there’ll be plenty more opportunities to show you off.’ He rubbed her shoulder reassuringly. ‘Now, how about we try one of these.’ Alessandro reached across her into his jacket pocket and took out two small foil-covered balls.
‘And what are these?’
‘Dark hazelnut chocolate with an amaretto-infused gianduja centre.’
‘You too, hey?’ Annabella smiled as she removed the gold wrapping.
‘I’m CEO of De Costa Cioccolato remember? A devotion to chocolate is mandatory. Though I’m a most willing devotee.’
‘Mmmmm, it’s heavenly.’ Annabella rolled the rich chocolate around her tongue, the thin coating giving way to the creamy, liquor-infused filling. ‘The sweetness of the amaretto perfectly balances the bitterness of the cacao.’
‘And are you feeling calmer?’
‘I’m starting to.’ She sighed heavily, sinking a little further into Alessandro’s side as she began to relax. ‘So you’re a believer? In the power of chocolate?’
‘Absolutely. It’s the food of the gods, no?’ He smiled. ‘But it’s more than that. I taste certain flavours and I’m ten years old again watching m
y father at work. Chocolate really defined the first half of my life.’
‘I guess that’s not surprising with your family. You would’ve had a constant supply.’
‘For sure. But it’s more than that. I virtually lived in my father’s kitchen while he created the latest De Costa range.’
‘Really? I didn’t know you were involved in the creative side of the business.’
‘Sure, I was chief taste tester for years.’ They laughed. ‘And by my father’s side every day, I helped out with making the chocolate, learning about ingredients and techniques.’
‘Why didn’t you keep going, didn’t you like it?’
‘You kidding? I loved it; it was like heaven for a child. Particularly with my, how do you say? Sweet tooth?’
‘I hear you. So why didn’t you stay? Were you more of a mummy’s boy?’ Annabella meant it as a joke. But she felt Alessandro stiffen slightly at her remark.
‘Something like that,’ Alessandro said, seemingly closing the subject. ‘How about you, bella? What does chocolate mean for you?’
‘Like you, home. Family. It’s comforting.’
‘You’re missing home, yes? Is there someone waiting for you there?’
‘No, not like that. I could never have agreed to this, our arrangement, if I was involved with someone. But yeah, I miss home. My sister’s there.’
‘Why didn’t she come with you?’
‘She’s unwell. She was in a really bad car accident a couple of years ago. Physically, she’s doing much better. But since the accident she lost her sense of smell and taste. Not great for a chocolatier.’
‘I can’t even imagine what that’d be like.’
‘It’s devastating.’ Annabella paused; the pain of the situation was impossible to put into words. Her half-sister was more than a sibling; Sofia was her whole family and her soulmate. Annabella closed her eyes and willed herself to suppress the swell of emotion that threatened to overwhelm her. Sofia’s slow recovery and growing depression had consumed them both for the last two years.
‘She’s why you’re here, yes?’ Alessandro asked gently.
Annabella nodded. ‘There’s a trial in Paris that starts next month. She’s on the waiting list so that might help if I can secure her a place. There’s hope.’
‘How’s she coping in the meantime?’
‘Not well. Like you, chocolate was such a large part of our childhood, memories of being with our mother. Before, at least Sofia could recreate and taste one of Mum’s recipes and be reminded of her. But now that’s gone. Not to mention her career.’
‘I’m so sorry, bella. When did your mother pass away?’
‘A long time ago. I was—’ Annabella stopped herself. How did she get here? The last thing she wanted to talk to Alessandro about was her mother. She didn’t want to lie to him but there was no way she could tell him the truth. ‘Sorry. I just, I can’t.’
‘It’s okay. I understand.’ He pulled Annabella closer into his side and rested his head on hers. He lightly stroked her hair and she relaxed into the warmth of his body. It was so comforting that she might tell him everything right there and then if she wasn’t careful.
‘Why are you doing this, Alessandro? The fiancée act? You have beautiful women literally lining up to be with you. Why not find a real partner?’
‘Trust me, it’s far less complicated this way. I need to concentrate solely on the business. The last thing I need is an emotional woman trying to control me.’
‘Not all women are emotional and controlling, you know.’
‘Really? Not in my experience.’
‘Why have a fiancée at all? You’ve proven yourself to be a very capable businessman. What difference does it make if you’re planning to get married?’
‘The board isn’t exactly thrilled about me being CEO. De Costa Cioccolato is based on strong family values, always has been. At least, it must appear that way even if that’s far from the actual truth. And you know my reputation, they think I give the wrong impression.’
‘So with a fake fiancée you get to avoid any sort of emotional attachment and satisfy the board’s expectations at the same time.’
‘Exactly. And my father’s,’ Alessandro said.
‘Your father? Doesn’t he know the truth?’
‘No. This whole charade’s for him really. You’ve no doubt heard he recently suffered a heart attack. He’s still in hospital and the last thing he needs is more stress.’
‘I’m so sorry, I didn’t realise he was still so unwell.’
‘We’re downplaying it for the media. Until everything in the business is stable.’
‘But how are you going? You must be so worried about him.’
‘He’s a strong man. And the most important thing to him is his business. So if he thinks it’s in safe hands and the board’s happy with me as CEO, he has nothing to worry about.’
Alessandro’s phone buzzed, alerting him to a text message. He stood up, his furrowed brow indicating it wasn’t good news.
‘Everything alright?’
‘It’s the hospital again. My father wants to see me urgently.’
‘I can come with you if like.’ Annabella looked up at him.
‘Of course you’re coming, bella, this whole farce is for him.’
Alessandro’s curt reply stung. She’d meant to accompany him to the hospital as a support, a friend even. Not as his accomplice in his deceit.
‘Right, time for our grand exit.’ Alessandro said, taking her hand and leading them back to the elevator.
It was business as usual. Had she imagined the closeness she’d felt between them? She’d thought Alessandro had started to open up a little; she’d certainly said more than she’d intended.
Once again, a little attention from a gorgeous man and she’d lost all sense of perspective. But he was just placating her to make sure she wasn’t a flight risk. After all, tonight she’d been presented to Turin’s A-list crowd as the future Mrs De Costa. She had to play her part and there was no turning back now. For either of them.
***
Alessandro was surprised and a little alarmed at how easily he could talk to Annabella. Confiding in each other on the rooftop of the Mole Antonelliana, they’d been in their own little world. Free from public expectations and pretence.
She had intrigued him. Her vulnerability was tempered by an undeniable strength, fuelled by her love for those closest to her. He’d chosen well. Despite her mild panic attack at the gala, he knew Annabella wouldn’t let him down. She had to succeed for her sister. He understood her motivation.
But he would have to be careful. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d confided in a woman. In anyone. And sitting beside Annabella, for a moment, he’d remembered his childhood with joy rather than the usual pain. But the pain always won in the end. His father’s message had snapped him back to reality and he’d realised that such conversations were better left unspoken.
Alessandro knocked softly on the door as he quietly stepped into his father’s ward. Valentino looked shrunken and helpless in the hospital bed. Hardly the powerhouse the world knew. Nor the strong invincible man Alessandro had idolised growing up. He knew his father felt powerless here and he didn’t relinquish control easily, not even to his only son.
Alessandro had wanted to delay introducing Annabella to Valentino. It was one thing to talk about his ‘fiancée’, but another to actually present her in person. It made the deceit more real and he hated lying to his father. Which was crazy, given all the years Valentino had lied to him.
‘I’m awake, Ale, come in.’ Valentino pulled himself up slowly into a sitting position using the overhead handle. ‘So, how was the gala?’
‘Still going actually, Papa.’ Alessandro smiled at his father as he dragged a chair over to sit beside him. ‘I came as soon as I got your message. You said it was urgent, are you okay?’
‘Where is she? Where’s your fiancée?’
‘So you’re alright?’
>
‘Other than the heart attack you mean?’ Valentino smiled sardonically at his son. ‘I heard from the nurses that you introduced your fiancée to the world tonight, but your own father is yet to meet her.’
‘Okay, okay. As a matter of fact she’s here now. I just wanted to make sure you were okay before I brought her in. Annabella?’ Alessandro called out. ‘Come in, amore mia.’
‘Buonasera Signor De Costa.’ Annabella said as she quietly entered the room. She walked over to Valentino and extended her hand.
He kissed it lightly. ‘Buonasera. Please sit down.’ He raised his eyebrows appreciatively at Alessandro in approval. ‘Well done my son, she’s exquisite.’
‘Grazie Padre.’ Alessandro sat back satisfied, placing his hand on Annabella’s knee. He’d forgotten how much he longed for his father’s approval and the pride he felt when he received it. His father’s praise had as much power now as it’d had when he was a boy.
‘And you, beautiful girl, want to marry my son?’
‘Yes,’ Annabella said shifting her gaze from Valentino to Alessandro. ‘Very much.’ She looked at him directly as she intertwined her fingers with his. She smiled at him like a besotted lover. She was very convincing; Alessandro was surprised by how easily she played the role.
‘Brava. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you,’ his father said.
‘The pleasure’s mine, Signor De Costa—’
‘Valentino please.’
‘I’m a huge admirer of your work, Valentino. You’re such an inspiration. I’m honoured to become part of your family and work for your company.’
‘Ah yes, I hear you’re a star in the kitchen as well as the home. I trust my son has as good judgement in chocolatiers as he does fiancées?’
‘I told you, Papa, there’s no need to worry. The business is in safe hands.’
‘Bravo.’ Valentino said to his son before turning his attention to Annabella. ‘I’m sorry bella, but I fear I may have another heart attack if you stay for much longer. You are far too beautiful for a man with such a weak heart.’
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