Hot Chocolate

by Charlotte De Pace

  ‘My lucky Annabella.’ He smiled at her, her sapphire eyes shining in the glow of the Martini sign above them.

  She was his lucky charm. He would redeem himself tonight. He wouldn’t let his father down again. Not with Annabella by his side. He would prove to the shareholders that they were right to have appointed him as CEO. And he was right to choose Annabella as master chocolatier, and as his wife. Fiancée, he corrected himself.

  Wife? For the first time in his life the idea of marriage didn’t repel him. He’d known taking Annabella to bed would be a promise for something more, she was the type who wouldn’t settle for anything less than happily ever after. Once that thought would have scared the hell out of him. But now, with Annabella, it was rather appealing.

  ‘Let’s go in,’ Annabella said, suddenly breaking eye contact.

  Why was she holding back? He supposed he couldn’t blame her, given the way their relationship had started. But surely she must feel that there was something more between them than a contract now? Especially after the intimacy they’d shared only a couple of hours ago.

  ‘Bella.’ He pulled her back gently. ‘Whatever happens tonight, I just want to say—’

  Annabella’s mouth formed a smile but her eyes were wary. What was she so afraid of? Had he gone too far earlier? The thought that he’d pressured her into something she now regretted cut him to the core.

  He urged himself to say the words, but for some reason it was much harder than he imagined. A declaration he couldn’t take back.

  ‘I just wanted to thank you, bella. For everything. And know I’ll be right by your side tonight.’

  Annabella smiled briefly before turning towards the café’s entrance. Following her with his hand in the small of her back, Alessandro got the feeling that maybe his words were of no comfort to her at all.

  ***

  Annabella dug her fingers into her palms as they walked through the glass doors of the grand Caffé Torino. A subtle pain to distract her from all the other sensations that pulsed wildly through her body. Being so close to Alessandro was proving almost unbearable. My lucky Annabella. His words haunted her thoughts.

  They’d arrived at the red carpet as the newly engaged couple. They’d put on a show for the cameras. But that quiet moment out the front, as Ale spoke wistfully of his father and luck, was all too real. His expression had been raw and honest. She could have melted into his embrace then and there.

  ‘So, what do you think? Beautiful, no?’ Alessandro said softly, drawing her attention to the sumptuous decor of the café as they worked their way through the crowd.

  For a moment Annabella’s frenzied thoughts subsided as she absorbed the grandeur of the room. ‘Ale, it’s absolutely stunning.’

  In the golden glow of the extravagant chandeliers that hung from the panelled ceilings, it was like they’d stepped back in time into a 1930s Italian salon.

  Tuxedoed waiters glided about the opulent space, offering cocktails to the fashionable guests. Gilded mirrors adorned the walls, perfectly complementing the rich red and gold brocade wallpaper. Huge silver champagne buckets and tiered dessert stands sat atop the long expanse of the dark timber and marble counter that ran along one wall.

  ‘I feel like I’m in a Fellini movie,’ Annabella whispered in wonder. ‘But maybe I’m missing something. A cigarette holder? Or a fur stole, perhaps?’

  Alessandro laughed. ‘Believe me, bella, you’re perfect.’

  He wrapped his arm around her waist as he guided her through the crowd. It was impossible to maintain any physical distance; with all eyes on them, Annabella could only nestle into his firm torso like the devoted fiancée.

  Alessandro’s secure grip sent her heart racing once more, if it had ever stopped. His intoxicating scent of sandalwood and crisp linen transported her mind back to his loft. His knowing caresses all over her naked body, her heart raced at the thought of his touch. He’d been so attentive, gentle but incredibly masculine. Thrilling ecstasy tempered with … what? Fledgling love?

  With concern in those soulful eyes, he’d told her it wasn’t a charade. Not to him.

  ‘And now, the pièce de résistance.’ Alessandro interrupted her thoughts as he drew them to a standstill. He moved to stand behind Annabella with his arms around her waist.

  The small tables and chairs that usually filled the space had been moved to accommodate five large glass cabinets. The finalists. And in the centre, like a prized work of art, was their showpiece.

  ‘Congratulations, bella, it’s truly bellissimo.’ Alessandro gently kissed the top of her head. ‘And look,’ he said, pointing to the smaller cabinet to their left. ‘Conti’s entry has clearly been deemed secondary. They’ve barely even changed the design they stole from my father and still they’re incapable of creating a masterpiece.’

  ‘Calm down, Ale.’ Annabella turned to look up at him. She could see the fire in his eyes. ‘We haven’t won yet.’

  ‘I know.’ He took a deep breath. ‘But really, look at the other entries, bella. It’s, how do you say? In the bag?’ Annabella shook her head in dismay but she couldn’t help but smile at his confidence. ‘Okay, okay. I’ll save the celebration for later,’ he whispered, leaning down and softly kissing her shoulder.

  How could he be so sure of himself? It was as though in his mind they’d already won. Yes, it looked great. Better than great. And, yes, it had been awarded prime position. But she wouldn’t relax until they had been declared the winner.

  It was almost time for the announcement. Looking around, Annabella suddenly became aware of the pulsing anticipation of the noisy crowd that seemed to be closing in on them. She thought of Sofia on the other side of the world, anxiously waiting to hear the result. She thought of Valentino lying in hospital, his hopes entirely vested in Alessandro’s success. Their success. She thought of Ale. It wasn’t a charade, he’d said.

  ‘I need a moment,’ she said breathlessly.

  ‘Shall we go outside?’ She could hear the concern rise up in his voice.

  ‘No,’ she said a little too abruptly. ‘I’m just going to freshen up. I’ll only be a minute.’

  ‘Okay. Whatever you need. But don’t be too long, no? It’s almost time.’

  ‘I know.’ Annabella smiled reassuringly. She turned to find a way through the dense crowd and suddenly stopped in her tracks. He was here. That haunting face from the newspaper was only metres away from her.

  ‘Bella, are you sure you’re okay?’ Alessandro asked, obviously noticing her hesitation. Thankfully he couldn’t see her face that had no doubt completely drained of colour.

  ‘Yes, fine.’ She tried for a casual tone despite the rising bile in her throat. ‘Go mingle,’ she called over her shoulder.

  Then without looking back at Ale, Annabella rushed in the opposite direction of Roberto Conti towards an exit sign, desperately seeking a way out.

  ***

  Alone in the powder room, this was the not quite so calm before the storm. Not even the finest single origin eighty-five per cent chocolate could calm Annabella’s nerves tonight. The idea of consuming anything made her stomach turn.

  Conti’s face flashed through her mind, fuelling her already racing nerves. Of course she’d known he’d be here tonight, hoping to claim victory for Conti Creations. A victory based on De Costa’s stolen recipes. But this time, Annabella wouldn’t let Conti win. Not for her mother’s sake. Or Sofia’s. No, she and Alessandro would claim the prize and then get the hell out of there.

  She stared at her reflection in the full-length gilt-framed mirror, willing herself the confidence she so desperately needed.

  Here she was again, in costume, an imposter. She’d longed to wear her chef’s whites tonight, as many of the other contestants had, and reserve some semblance of her true self. But as Ale’s fiancée, not just De Costa’s master chocolatier, that was out of the question. Of all nights, surrounded by board members, shareholders and other VIPs, this was the time to turn it on.

  S
he didn’t feel entirely out of place. Designer gowns and stilettos had become de rigueur the last couple of weeks, other than her time spent in the kitchen. Even so, she was fully aware of the suggestive cut of her corseted gown and the accentuated pout of her scarlet lips. She certainly wouldn’t fade into the background tonight.

  Maybe that wasn’t so bad. Looking in the mirror, she placed her hands on her hips and half-turned. She didn’t look so ridiculous, did she? Ale had certainly had been approving. He’d been so reassuring as they’d waited for the limo to pick them up this evening. By the time they’d arrived at Piazza San Carlo, she’d even started to relax a little and enjoy playing dress-up.

  Annabella looked in the mirror and tried to see herself through Ale’s eyes.

  Exquisite. He’d whispered it when she’d met him in the lobby. She looked at her reflection as she shifted her stance and ran her hands down her sides. Yes, the fitted structure gave her a pleasing silhouette. The tightly corseted bodice thankfully camouflaged any signs of overindulgence, an occupational hazard.

  Dazzling. He’d marvelled as his gaze had devoured her from head to toe. Annabella admired the glittering sequins that sparkled as they danced around her torso, before giving way to semi-transparent floor-length georgette chiffon. The majority of her thighs were virtually exposed but really, by Italian standards, it was quite demure. Mind you, a couple of weeks ago she couldn’t have imagined stepping out in this couture. Let alone pose for photographs.

  Breathtaking. Ale had murmured that as he’d taken a step closer, placing his hands on her hips. With her hair drawn back in a simple chignon, he’d softly kissed her bare neck, awakening her entire body. She closed her eyes now and touched the spot where his lips had been. As though branded there by him, his touch still lingered.

  It had taken all her strength to pull away from him, when all she’d wanted was to sink further into his embrace. Surprisingly, it was now easier being in public with him, in front of the crowds and cameras, than in private. Alone with Ale, she could easily lose her mind. She had, in fact. And devastatingly; that was a luxury she couldn’t afford. There were too many secrets.

  Not a charade. She couldn’t get those words out of her head. Dare she think that maybe Ale would understand?

  Annabella jumped at the sound of the powder room door swinging open. A couple of giggling young socialites stumbled in, probably high on champagne, or maybe just youth and innocence, interrupting Annabella’s silent pep talk.

  She envied their insouciance. She couldn’t remember a time when she wasn’t consumed with worry. Except for those stolen moments in Alessandro’s arms when she’d lost all sense of reason.

  The girls disappeared into the stalls. Annabella opened her clutch to get out her lipstick when she noticed a small wax paper package. It was labelled in neat handwriting: In case of emergency. She slowly unwrapped the parcel and caught her breath. Inside was a small dark chocolate rosette. One of the ones Ale had made for their showpiece.

  Annabella caught sight of herself in the mirror, she was grinning. She suddenly realised that that time in the kitchen with Ale was one of the happiest memories in her life. Together, creating their shared vision for tonight, she’d been able to share her worry, and for a short time she’d even been liberated from it.

  When she’d felt like she was in the grips of despair after losing her mother’s journal, Alessandro had eased her fear. He’d believed in her when, as usual, she had doubted herself. He’d agreed without question to follow her direction. They’d supported each other, confided in each other, inspired each other. And eventually, taken pleasure in each other.

  Closing her eyes Annabella popped the rosette in her mouth and absorbed its bitter-sweetness. She recalled Ale’s smiling face as he’d proudly presented her with his work. She remembered the comforting firmness of his embrace when she’d sobbed in his arms. Not a charade. Not to him.

  Annabella’s eyes flicked open. She looked at her reflection one last time, with Ale’s sweet assurances still whispering in her mind’s ear and his smooth chocolate tantalising her taste buds. Yes, win or lose tonight, she would tell him the truth. And maybe, if he really cared about her, he might even forgive her.

  ***

  The room swirled in a golden blur as Alessandro spun Annabella around in his arms. The enthusiastic applause of the crowd muted to a dull hum and all he could hear was the pounding of his heart. For a moment, there was no one in the room except the two of them, united in their elation.

  ‘You did it, bella,’ he whispered. ‘I knew you would.’

  Annabella raised her head from his shoulder to look at him directly as he gently placed her feet back on the floor. She cupped his face in her delicate hands.

  ‘We did it, Ale.’ She beamed, her face glowing with absolute joy.

  Without hesitation, he pulled her in tightly and devoured that gorgeous mouth as he’d been longing to all night. Thrillingly, Annabella kissed him back with equal enthusiasm, as though finally released from her inhibitions. Her fingers weaved through his hair as he tipped her back in his embrace. The increased volume of the crowd’s applause indicated they were putting on quite a show but neither of them cared.

  Ale relished Annabella’s sweet enticing taste that was becoming so familiar to him. He was addicted and there was no way he’d be able to kick this habit when their contract ended. And he didn’t want to get over her. The more he was with her the more he wanted. More of her. All of her.

  ‘I think they’re waiting,’ Annabella giggled as she slowly pulled away from him.

  As though released from an intoxicating trance, Ale suddenly became aware of the flock of photographers calling out for their attention at the bottom of the grand sweeping staircase at the end of the room. The event’s organisers were waiting at the podium to present them with their trophy.

  ‘Let’s get this over with quickly, I want to get you home,’ Alessandro drawled into Annabella’s ear. There was only one place he wanted to be right now. Alone with Annabella. Naked.

  She smiled, and her eyes sparkled up at him as though she wanted exactly the same thing. Oh Dio, how he longed to take her here and now. He didn’t know how much longer he could wait.

  Chapter 7

  ‘I thought we’d never leave,’ Alessandro said, as he slid into the back seat of the limo next to Annabella.

  ‘That must’ve been the quickest acceptance speech in history,’ Annabella laughed. ‘Not to mention the mad dash to the door afterwards.’

  ‘Really? It felt like an eternity.’ Alessandro grinned at her, his fingertips lightly brushing against her thigh, sending a jolt of heat straight to his crotch.

  He couldn’t get out of there quick enough. After the obligatory photos, a phone call to his father and schmoozing with various VIPs, he’d made a beeline for the exit with only one thing on his mind. Their victory at the festival, combined with the memory of Annabella on his sofa yearning for his touch, made him harder than he’d ever been.

  ‘You must be happy now, right?’ Annabella said looking over at him innocently, unaware of his aching need. ‘The board members were thrilled. And your father.’

  ‘I could barely get him off the phone he was so happy. I think he’ll be celebrating with the nurses tonight,’ Alessandro laughed.

  ‘Good for him,’ Annabella giggled.

  ‘I am happy, bella,’ he said, his laugh stifled by a rush of desire as he draped one arm around her shoulder drawing her closer. ‘But not just because of my father.’ He leant down and kissed her bare shoulder. He noticed her skin shiver slightly at his touch. ‘Or the board.’

  ‘No?’ She said breathlessly.

  ‘No.’ He continued his trail of kisses along to the nape of her luscious neck. Annabella arched her head sideways slightly, allowing him full access, her compliance intensifying his insatiable need. ‘I’m happy because finally.’ He paused kissing her neck again. ‘I have you all.’ Kiss. ‘To.’ Kiss. ‘Myself.’

  Annabella
whimpered softly as Alessandro found her velvety lips, devouring her mouth, uniting them in mutual urgent need. She laced her fingers through his hair as he pulled her close against his chest. She melted into him as he drew her in deeper with each kiss. The hardness of her erect nipples penetrated his shirt. He couldn’t get close enough.

  ‘Oh Dio, I need you,’ he moaned, trailing kisses back down her neck across her décolletage.

  ‘Uh-huh.’ Annabella arched her head backwards encouragingly.

  ‘Now, bella, I need you now,’ he groaned as he gently pulled down the delicate lace at the top of her bodice to expose one bare, perfect breast. His throbbing erection strained against his fly at the sight of Annabella’s pert nipple. He circled his tongue around its pink softness before savouring its sweetness fully.

  ‘Wait, Ale.’ Annabella slowly drew back from his embrace.

  ‘What is it? I thought you—’

  ‘I do, I do, just not yet … not here,’ she smiled at him as she rearranged the line of her dress.

  At that moment the limo pulled up in front of the De Costa building. ‘Perfect timing.’ Alessandro grinned.

  ***

  Annabella had been barely able to keep Alessandro at arm’s length in the lift on the way up to his loft. Never mind controlling her own desire to succumb to his advances and revel in the ecstasy she knew he’d deliver.

  She could have easily lost control in the limo it was so deliciously hot. God she’d wanted to. The heat of Alessandro’s mouth on her breast had been so intense he needn’t have done anything else to send her soaring.

  She didn’t know how she’d found the strength to pull away from him. She’d planned to talk to him before anything went further, but the temptation of his touch was so overwhelming she couldn’t think straight.

  ‘You’re right, bella. We shouldn’t rush this,’ Alessandro said as he closed the front door behind them. ‘I want to savour every moment.’

  Before Annabella had a chance to respond, Alessandro was kissing her softly, his tongue expertly entwined with hers. He gently pressed her against the wall as his muscular thigh pushed between her parted legs. He cupped her behind with his broad hands, lifting her slightly off her feet, intensifying the hot sensation that already had her on the edge of bliss.