‘For sure, tomorrow it’s all business.’ Alessandro kissed her cheek softly before taking her mug and placing it beside her on the bench. ‘Why not pleasure tonight?’
He kissed her softly on the mouth, and after a moment’s hesitation Annabella parted her lips and weaved her fingers through the back of his hair, drawing him closer to her. Blood surged through Alessandro’s body at her welcoming embrace; their tongues intertwined with mutual haste.
He impatiently worked one hand under her T-shirt, his fingers skimming across her silken torso to caress her bare breast so soft and pert. Annabella shivered to his touch, arching back as he brushed his thumb lightly over her hardened nipple. His own arousal yearned for escape as he imagined her heat, ripe and ready for him to explore intimately.
No longer able to resist, Alessandro shifted his hands down to cup that perfect behind that had taunted him only moments before and lifted Annabella onto her tiptoes to meet his aching erection. Her sudden intake of breath as she pushed against him almost drove him to the limit. It had been far too long.
But his attention was on her pleasure; turning her on was as gratifying as satisfying his own need. He was going to send her beyond her wildest fantasy. He gently slipped his fingers under the edge of her lace underwear and groaned as he found the glorious warmth of her femininity. He caressed her softly, his fingers sliding with ease at her growing pleasure. Annabella rocked against his hand and whimpered softly as he increased the intensity of his strokes.
Relishing the pleasure he was giving her, he slowly trailed his kisses down Annabella’s neck, just the beginning of his sensual journey towards the hotspot that was so thrillingly welcoming to his touch.
Annabella breathlessly arched back, but as she stretched her arms out to balance herself she knocked the jug of chocolate milk off the bench. The shattering sound of the porcelain on the hard terrazzo tiled floor seemed to break some kind of spell. She jolted upright and stepped away from Alessandro as she pulled her T-shirt down.
‘It’s okay, bella, it’s just a jug.’ Alessandro reached towards her.
‘No, Ale.’ She turned away from him distracting herself with finding a dustpan in a cupboard to clean up the mess. ‘We shouldn’t. We can’t. I can’t.’
‘But it doesn’t have to mean anything.’
‘Exactly. I can’t do that.’ She stopped sweeping up the broken jug and looked up at him.
Alessandro saw the same despair in her eyes he’d seen on the rooftop at the gala. A plea to leave her alone. He sensed not to push it. ‘I just thought—’ He stepped back. ‘I’m sorry.’
‘You don’t have to apologise. Let’s stick with the plan. Okay?’
‘Of course.’ He watched her reach for a cloth and slowly mop up the spilt milk, seemingly consumed in the activity. ‘Please, bella, leave it. Go get some rest, I’ll clean up.’
‘Okay, thanks.’ She stood up and handed him the cloth. ‘I’ll see you in the morning.’ She barely looked at him before she turned and hurried out of the kitchen.
Alessandro threw the sodden cloth in the sink. He exhaled deeply as he leant against the cold stainless steel. What was he doing? He knew Annabella would be incapable of the emotional detachment that had earned him his reputation. That’s one of reasons he’d chosen her; he didn’t want a relationship and she wouldn’t be interested in meaningless sex. Simple. No distractions. No complications.
But around Annabella, he was finding it increasingly difficult to deal with his self-imposed celibacy. Their mutual attraction was so palpable he couldn’t stop thinking about her. In and out of his bed.
Had they been so convincing in their performance as the perfect couple that he’d even started to fool himself? The idea of Annabella as his real fiancée, his partner in business and life, excited him.
But in reality, if he was foolish enough to attempt a real relationship, he would inevitably fail. He was incapable of the closeness required. And without Annabella by his side or in the kitchen the board would lose confidence in him as CEO. They’d have no choice but to accept Conti’s offer to merge. And his father wouldn’t survive the prospect of Conti Creations taking over his beloved company.
Alessandro looked over at the drawn curtain at the far end of the loft. Such a thin shield between him and his potential downfall. Thankfully Annabella had the sense to push him away. Alessandro had only just started to make amends with his father after twelve years apart. He couldn’t jeopardise that fractured relationship for one night of hot passion. No matter how tempting.
***
Annabella smiled as her sister’s beaming face popped up on her laptop screen.
‘Ann, tell me! How did it go?’ Sofia asked, obviously keen to skip any formalities.
‘Really well I think.’ Annabella was pleased Alessandro had left for an early meeting so she could finally connect with Sofia online. ‘The menu was well received so we’re on track for the festival next week.’
‘That’s great. But how about you and sexy Alessandro? Or should I say your future husband?’
‘Very funny. This isn’t a joke you know. I hope you realise what I’m sacrificing for you here.’
‘Sure. You’re living in the middle of the city in some lush pad with a designer wardrobe, personal stylist and Italy’s hottest bachelor at your beck and call. You’re really roughing it, Ann.’
Annabella didn’t mind the gentle teasing, just to see the smile on Sofia’s face made the whole trip worthwhile.
‘Well, when you put it like that.’ She smiled and they both laughed.
‘Seriously though,’ Sofia said. ‘I’ve checked out some of the photos online and you look amazing, Ann. And the two of you make the perfect couple. Very convincing.’
‘I’m glad it looks that way. But it’s just an act you know, so don’t get too excited.’
Annabella wasn’t about to tell her sister that it hadn’t felt like an act in the kitchen last night. Half naked with Alessandro’s touch branded all over her body. Sofia would think she’d undergone a personality change.
‘That’s probably for the best, given the situation. You know, the big secret and all,’ her sister said.
‘Exactly. You know, I didn’t realise how hard it would be to keep it from him.’
‘That’s because you’re such a goodie-goodie, Ann. If it was me I would have tapped that the first night together without a second thought.’
‘You’re terrible.’ Annabella laughed.
Annabella wished she was more like her sister. To be able to enjoy a man purely for sexual pleasure, no strings attached. She knew Alessandro would more than deliver on the ecstasy scale. But she’d never had a one-night stand, she always wanted more than that. And the last time she let herself fall for someone she wasn’t the only one who got hurt. Her sister ended up in hospital.
‘Look, Alessandro’s very attractive but you don’t have to worry, I’m not going to lose focus,’ Annabella said.
‘I think I’d be worried if you didn’t lose focus around Alessandro. You are human after all.’
‘There’s no time for that. He’s not interested anyway, he just needs me to appease the board and his father.’
‘I don’t know, he looked pretty loved-up to me in those photos.’
‘It’s all pretend, Sof, trust me.’
Sure, Alessandro probably would welcome some meaningless sex from her but that’s all it would be for him. Certainly not love. A night with Alessandro would undoubtedly be so intensely passionate that she couldn’t even imagine the pleasure. But she knew too well the heartache of abandonment that would inevitably follow. And where would that leave her and her sister?
‘How about you? Is everything okay?’ Sofia’s emotional state had been so erratic the last few months Annabella had been worried to leave her.
‘Subtle change of subject, Ann.’ Sofia smiled. ‘Same old, nothing exciting going on here.’
‘That’s all about to change. You’re already booked into the trial
. All we have to do is pay the deposit, which we should have once I win the competition at the festival. And with Mum’s journal, it’s like she’s here with me. I know we’ll win. I promise.’
‘I know, my amazing little sister. Star chocolatier. But who knew you were such a vixen too?’
‘Sure that’s me, watch out, men.’
Sofia laughed. ‘Talk soon. Love you, Ann.’
‘You too.’
Annabella waved goodbye to her sister’s smiling face. She was so relieved to find Sofia in such good spirits. She was like her old self, funny and mischievous. Annabella knew it was because of everything she was doing in Turin. Even the antidepressants hadn’t been able to lift Sofia’s mood so greatly.
Annabella had dared not mention anything that might rock the boat or change Sofia’s upbeat outlook. She deliberately hadn’t mentioned her growing attraction to Alessandro that now seemed mutual, at least on a physical level. Or about that disturbing photo in the newspaper that could potentially threaten her cover. Sofia had already suffered one nervous breakdown, Annabella wasn’t about to trigger another.
Now all she had to do was win the world’s premier chocolate artistry competition at the festival next week. A daunting but not impossible task. She just had to keep her eye on the prize. Getting distracted by Alessandro definitely wasn’t going to help her achieve that.
She was due to meet him in the kitchen soon. Thankfully they had a crazy deadline to meet, so there’d be no time for awkward admissions of regret about last night’s make-out session.
No doubt in the cold light of day Alessandro was glad their brief encounter hadn’t gone any further, even if he had only considered it a one-night stand. He’d been on a high after the success of the degustation and she was there to celebrate with, half undressed.
Though the memory of Alessandro’s passionate caress would taunt Annabella for a long while yet and she couldn’t ignore a twinge of regret. Regret not that she’d briefly succumbed to temptation, but that she hadn’t surrendered herself completely.
She always played by the rules and part of her longed to feel what it would be like to be free. But she had to focus on the competition showpiece today, they couldn’t afford any unnecessary distractions.
Annabella already had the concept for the sculpture outlined in her journal. Her mother had developed the most exquisite recipe and design for the same competition over twenty-five years ago. But she’d missed the opportunity to finish her creation after fleeing Turin before the event.
This time around, Annabella would realise her mother’s dream. This was just as much for her as it was for Sofia. Winning the competition meant vindication for her mother and a second chance for her sister. And herself.
Annabella picked up her tote and was immediately surprised by the weight of it. Her heart raced as she realised something was missing. She searched frantically through each section of the bag then scanned the loft. But she knew her search was in vain.
She always left it in the same place. Safely tucked away with her most personal belongings in the bag that she took everywhere. But it wasn’t there. Her mother’s journal was gone.
Chapter 5
Annabella stared at the ingredients she’d laid out on the kitchen counter. She was pretty sure she’d remembered the basis of her mother’s recipe and she had the design firmly etched in her mind’s eye.
But even so, that journal was like a security blanket, a conduit to her mother. She’d taken it with her into every kitchen she’d ever worked in. And she’d always had her sister with her too. But now, without the journal or Sofia, she’d never felt so insecure.
‘Are you planning on doing something with those?’
The sound of Alessandro’s voice snapped Annabella out of her trance. So much for making a head start.
‘Sorry, I was in a bit of a daze.’
‘I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so still in the kitchen, bella. Are you okay?’
‘Yes, fine. Just trying to get my head around our showstopper.’
‘I thought you already had it all mapped out. Are you thinking about last night, do you want to—’
‘No, I’m fine.’ Annabella wished that was the problem. ‘It’s just … Ale, I have to tell you something.’
‘I’m listening.’
‘I can’t find my journal. I always keep it in my bag when I’m not using it and it’s not there. I’ve looked everywhere.’
‘But it has all of your recipes and drawings in it, no? You can’t have lost it.’
‘I certainly didn’t mean to, but it’s definitely gone.’
‘You’re absolutely sure?’ Annabella nodded. ‘Then what? You think someone’s stolen it?’
‘I don’t know. But like I said, I never leave it lying around, it’s far too precious to me.’
‘Not to mention invaluable to me and the company, no? If it’s got into the wrong hands … it would be a disaster. How could you be so careless?’
Annabella fought back the sudden sting in her eyes. She’d felt bad enough without Alessandro blaming her. She’d been worried about how he’d react but this attack was unexpected.
‘I’m certain I left it in my bag, Alessandro, in your loft, while we were there during the degustation, a private function. How is that being careless?’ Now was not the time for arguing, but Annabella refused to be held responsible for Alessandro’s paranoia.
‘I’m sorry,’ Alessandro said. ‘I just can’t believe this is happening again. Once more someone I trust has betrayed me.’
Annabella looked at him in disbelief.
‘Not you, bella. One of the staff last night, the photographer or maybe even one of the board members. A couple of them would love to see me fail, that’s for sure.’
‘Really? Isn’t that a little paranoid? I guess it’s possible I left it in the kitchen when I was preparing for the degustation and it got gathered up by mistake. The staff have been with the company for years, surely they wouldn’t have taken it deliberately.’
‘Don’t be so naive. Our last head chocolatier betrayed us, remember. I should have been more careful with security.’
‘Look, the journal only contains the basis of our recipes; I’ve been updating them while I work without recording all of the changes. It’s the same with the designs. The drawings were only preliminary sketches. The rest is all up here.’ Annabella tapped her head. ‘The loss for me is wholly personal. It really shouldn’t affect you.’ Other than the fact she wondered how on earth she would be able to continue without her mother’s guiding presence or her sister by her side.
‘But it does, bella. How can I trust anyone to work in my kitchen now besides you? There could be a rat in the company and maybe he has friends, no? There’s no way you can do all the work alone. This is a disaster.’
Annabella had never seen Alessandro look so dejected. She knew he had trust issues but they seemed to run far deeper than she’d realised.
She didn’t know if was the daunting prospect of being alone in the kitchen after the loss of her journal or the pang of guilt she felt for Alessandro’s despair, but she had a crazy idea. An idea that would mean she would have him by her side for the next five days. The last thing she needed, considering her apparent inability to resist his advances.
‘It’s not a disaster, Alessandro. You can do it.’ The words were out before she had the chance to stop herself.
‘Excuse me?’
‘You told me you used to shadow your father in the kitchen. You have the technical skills. You definitely have the palate.’
‘Sure, but that was twelve years ago. It’s a ridiculous idea.’
‘Why? It’s like riding a bike, you don’t forget. And it’s in your blood. I know you can do it and so do you. You’ve been looking over my shoulder since I got here, just aching to take control. Am I right?’
‘Maybe, a little bit. But that’s only natural, I’m not used to watching the action, I always take control. Besides, I had to be here to sup
ervise you and make sure you were up to task. I have no desire to head this kitchen.’
‘That’s great, because that’s not what I’m proposing.’
‘Really? What exactly are you suggesting?’
‘If you think you’re capable of following a little instruction, I’m appointing you sous-chef of my kitchen.’
‘Your kitchen?’
‘That’s right.’
‘And you want me to take orders—’ Alessandro stepped towards her so they were nearly touching. ‘From you?’
‘Just call me chef.’ Annabella smiled up at him and handed him a spatula.
***
‘Voilà!’ Alessandro placed the piping bag on the bench and triumphantly and stood back to admire his work. A single, intricately decorated chocolate rosette filled with espresso cream. Not bad for an old dog, he thought.
‘Alright, let’s have a look.’ Annabella put down her sculpting tool and walked around to his side of the bench. She held up the small rosette to closely examine each detail.
Alessandro realised he was actually holding his breath waiting for her critique. This was new. He was so accustomed to being the boss; he wondered how he’d let the tables turn so easily.
He exhaled softly and was momentarily distracted by the delicate scent of coconut from Annabella’s hair piled loosely on top of her head. In that style her long neck was beautifully exposed, crooked slightly as she tilted her head to examine his work. From his position he need only bend down a few inches and he could kiss her in the spot that made her moan for him.
‘It’s really good, Ale.’ Annabella’s voice interrupted his own examination. ‘I’ve taught you well,’ she teased, grinning up at him.
‘Hey, I’m not a complete novice you know.’
‘I know. I’m only kidding. You proved yesterday you’re more than qualified for this position, sous-chef.’ She gave him a cheeky look before carefully placing the rosette back on the tray. ‘Now we just need another forty-nine to go with it.’ She smiled, patting him on the arm playfully before returning to her workstation.
‘No problemo.’ He smiled back at her and picked up his piping bag and the next rosette to be filled.
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