Alessandro's Prize (13 page)

Tears?

She was
crying
?

She so rarely cried.

Not even in anger when she'd discovered James's infidelity.

An exception was the loss of her parents.

Yet Alessandro del Marco had tapped into her emotions and laid them bare.

It had to cease.
Here. Now
.

Lily opened her mouth to utter the words, except they were stalled as he pressed a finger to her lips.

‘There is nothing you can say that will change what we just shared.'

She wanted to rail against him…and almost did.

Instead she moved away from him, gathered up her nightwear and retreated into the en suite, where she took her time with her nightly routine in the hope that when she emerged, he would be asleep in the bed…
his
bed.

Some hope.

Alessandro had retired to bed. Except he was awake, arms crossed above his head, and after an initial glance Lily ignored him completely as she crossed to
her
bed, slid between the covers, and settled down with her back to him.

Seconds later she heard the faint click of the lamp and the room was plunged into darkness.

‘
Buona notte
, Liliana. Sleep well.'

Sure, and she could do that?

Except tiredness won out, and when she woke it was morning.

Coffee, she could smell coffee, and she lifted her head, saw the carafe together with cup and saucer on the bedside table, together with a note, which she read.

Lily checked the time and immediately slid out from the bed, unable to believe she'd slept in so late.

Time to shower, dress in casual attire and head downstairs.

The cruiser proved to be in the luxury category, and twenty guests in all shared a catered brunch on board as Massimo took the wheel.

It was cool, with a brisk breeze, and Lily was glad she
wore jeans and a woollen jumper, for there was a mist with the threat of rain.

Such a shame, although the guests made light of the weather, and the array of food provided for every preference. There was a never-ending supply of coffee, and Lily determined to enjoy herself, grateful as Alessandro pointed out points of interest, named each village and some of the history of the area.

He rarely moved from her side, and occasionally moved to stand behind her to direct her attention towards the Bocca di Angera as they passed by, the fishing village of Stresa, and Santa Caterina del Sasso Ballaro, which was built on rock and served as a monastery.

For some of the guests this was familiar territory, but Lily was fascinated by everything she saw, for it provided a different view from that gained by road.

It was easy to relax, to enjoy…and if there was conjecture about her relationship with Alessandro, she convinced herself she didn't care.

Massimo brought the cruiser in to berth mid-afternoon, and the remaining guests who had stayed over for the weekend began to slowly depart.

It had been delightful, and Lily said so as she thanked Giarda and Massimo for their hospitality.

The return trip to the city didn't seem to take as long, and it was pleasant to lean back against the headrest and let music from the disc-player take up the silence.

There was the temptation to close her eyes…and perhaps she did for a short while.

It was early evening when Alessandro brought the car to a halt outside her apartment, and she thanked him as he accompanied her into the lobby, then rode the lift with her to the third floor.

Outside the door of her apartment he drew her close and
covered her mouth with his own, then he released her, took the keys from her hand, unlocked the door, deposited her bag, and trailed gentle fingers down her cheek.

‘I'll call you.' Then he retraced his steps and re-entered the lift.

Tomorrow she was rostered on for the early shift, which meant an early start to the day.

L
ILY
slid into her car, fired the engine, and eased into traffic. The morning shift had involved few dramas, with the kitchen staff working in unison with efficient speed. Even Cristo displayed a remarkable lack of temperament, and the remainder of the afternoon stretched ahead offering a variety of options in which to occupy her time.

There was little urgency to make like a tourist, and browsing boutiques or department stores held little appeal. Food, on the other hand, held her interest, and she smiled at the thought of inspecting one of the city's better known delicatessens. Indulge in a specialty
latte
, select a few purchases, and when she was done she'd stop by a
gelato
bar and choose something delicious from the selection offered.

It was pleasant to examine the delicatessen wares, the large shaped jars with their preserved red, yellow and green capsicums; the bottled olives, sliced and roasted eggplant, the various salami, prosciutto, parma ham to mention a few. And the cheeses—so many to choose from. The display was akin to an Aladdin's cave of delicacies.

It was enough to make a seasoned gourmand salivate.

Lily made a small selection, paid, and collected a crisp crunchy bread roll. Dinner for one taken care of.

The gelato bar was next, where she chose a favourite, mango, and enjoyed every morsel.

It was almost dark when she reached her car, and after depositing her purchases onto the passenger seat she slid in behind the wheel.

Alessandro's image filled her mind as she engaged the engine. Admit it, he had become a constant, even when he wasn't physically present.

Examining
why
he affected her to such an emotional degree didn't supply any answers she was prepared to contemplate.

They didn't share a relationship per se. Yet it had become more than
friendship.
As to where it might lead…who knew?

Where do you want it to go?
a silent voice taunted.

At that point her mind skittered away from the obvious. She could handle friendship, a few kisses, but taking the next step?

That was an entirely different ball game.

Although the thought of Alessandro in the role of
lover
held the power to liquefy her bones. Not to mention arouse every erogenous area in her body.

Don't go there.

She didn't need the heartache that would inevitably follow when the relationship came to an end.

Enough already.

Soon she'd be home, and there was the pleasure of a quiet evening alone. First she'd unpack her purchases, fix something light to eat, then she'd shower and relax.

With such thoughts in mind, she parked the car, gathered up her parcels, activated the remote locking mechanism, then she made her way to the apartment building.

The next instant a hard push from behind sent her sprawling to the ground, and for an instant shock robbed her of the ability to move, then she was scrambling to her feet.

Who…
why
? raced through her mind as she swung round
towards her aggressor, and for a horrified second she saw only a man.

‘Hello, Lily.'

Her vision sharpened at the sound of a familiar voice.
James
?

Lily's eyes widened in disbelief. ‘What in
hell
do you think you're doing?'

‘That should be
my
question, don't you think?'

He began moving towards her, and she stood her ground.

He cast the apartment building a sweeping glance. ‘Nice digs, Lily. Rent must cost a bundle.' His gaze returned to spear her own. ‘Is your new lover picking up the tab?'

None of this boded well, and she forced herself to remain calm. ‘I pay my own way.'

‘With your body?'

‘I don't have to listen to this.'

‘But I'm not done.'

‘James…'

He took a step closer. ‘Do you plead in his arms, Lily? Like it when he becomes…assertive, shall we say?' He jabbed a fist to her shoulder, and smiled as she steadied herself. ‘
Bitch.
You invite him in to your apartment. Go away with him for the weekend.'

He'd been
watching
her? The knowledge sent chills feathering her spine.

He slapped her face, and she reeled back in disbelief.

This was
James
? The seemingly placid man she'd almost married? Not once during their relationship had he been physically or verbally violent.

A little possessive on occasion, which at the time she'd considered protective. But
this
…this behaviour showed a side of him she could never have imagined he possessed.

Which only showed how well he'd played a part, and proved she really hadn't known him at all.

‘You won't walk away from me.' He stepped forward and caught her shoulders in a punishing grip. Then he ground his mouth against her own.

Get away from him.

The words were a silent scream inside her head, and she lashed out with her foot,
hard
, and had the momentary satisfaction of hearing him grunt in pain.

His mouth on her own was a violation, and she bit his tongue in a bid to wrench free. For a brief second she thought she succeeded, except he was taller, heavier, and he had the advantage of anger.

The next instant his arm swung in a vicious arc to connect with the side of her head and sent her toppling to the ground.

Shocked pain vied with stunned disbelief.

James…
James was attacking her
?

Something hard thudded painfully with her ribcage, and like a wounded animal she screamed for help.

There was vague recollection of someone shouting, the sound of running footsteps, then an anxious male voice queried, ‘Are you all right?'

Followed by a female voice… ‘Are you hurt? Can you stand?'

Yes. Not sure.

Had she uttered the words aloud? Who knew? Her head didn't seem to be her own, and coherent thought wasn't really happening.

She was vaguely aware of a male voice in the background, and she heard the words ‘police', ‘ambulance'…and began to protest.

‘You need to see a doctor,' a female voice said gently. ‘Is there anyone we can call for you?'

No
. She moved tentatively…arms, legs OK. Sore head, sore ribs.

‘My apartment building is just a few metres away.'

She caught sight of the bag containing her purchases lying in a mess of broken glass and seeping preservatives on the pavement.

‘Here's your shoulder bag.' There was genuine regret in his voice as he indicated the bag of soiled food. ‘Nothing to be saved there, I'm afraid.'

‘We'll get you into the lobby and wait with you until help arrives,' the feminine voice assured.

She hurt most everywhere, and she could taste blood as she ran her tongue over her lower lip.

Wonderful.
Just what she needed when she was rostered on to work the lunch and dinner shifts next day.

Maybe after a shower, some first aid, painkillers, she'd feel better in the morning.

‘Thank you.'

It hurt to move, and she felt immensely grateful for the support offered as together the three of them made it slowly to the entrance. Lily punched the security code into the panel, the doors slid open, and she was helped into a chair.

She became vaguely aware of voices, the ding as lift doors opened, expressed concern…and the peal of a cell-phone.

The last thing she wanted was any fuss. In fact, all she wanted was the sanctuary of her apartment, a long hot shower, and to slip into her comfortable bed.

‘I'll be fine to go to my apartment.'

‘You've had a nasty experience,' someone soothed. ‘It's probably best you rest quietly for a while.'

Five minutes, ten…then she'd
insist
.

Except she didn't get the opportunity as the entry doors
slid open and a familiar male figure loomed large in the aperture.

Lily closed her eyes, then slowly opened them again as

Alessandro reached her side. She could try for humour or opt for silence… It was easier to choose the latter.

A muscle tensed at the edge of his jaw as he raked her pale features.
‘Per meraviglia.'
The words were dangerously quiet as he crouched down in front of her.

‘What are you doing here?'

Alessandro lifted a hand and gently tucked a lock of hair that had fallen onto her cheek behind her ear. ‘The apartment manager rang me.'

‘Why would he do that?'

‘I own the building.'

Well, then. ‘Why am I not surprised?'

He rose to his feet. ‘Let's go.'

Hopefully up to her apartment, but caution had her querying, ‘Go
where
?'

‘A private medical centre.'

‘I don't need—'

‘Yes, you do.' He picked up her shoulder bag and carefully scooped her into his arms.

She cast him a cross look. ‘I can walk.'

Not that he took any notice, and much to her chagrin he repeated the action when they reached the medical centre.

‘There is no need for this.'

He didn't answer, merely settled her into a chair in the waiting room and proceeded to take control.

A doctor examined her, organized blood tests, X-rays, scans, an injection…or was it two?

Lily lost count as an hour dragged by, then another before she was cleared to leave.

It didn't help her sense of modesty that Alessandro remained present during it all. Or that he took care of medical
expenses, ignoring her protest without offering so much as a word.

Worse, it wasn't her apartment he returned her to, but his own.

‘Why have you brought me here?' Lily demanded with exasperation as he cut the engine.

‘I want to sleep nights,' Alessandro declared.

‘So this…suggestion is entirely so you can rest easy?'

‘Primarily your safety.'

‘No.'

He, who ruled boardrooms with an iron fist, and never lost for a response, was somehow finding he was treading dangerous waters.

‘You don't have the right to dictate to me,' Lily said, ignoring Alessandro's dark look.

‘Caring for you gives me the right.'

‘I didn't ask you to care.'

‘Tough.'

This was fast approaching dangerous territory, a place she wasn't ready to visit just yet. For what seemed an age she simply looked at him, searching his features in an attempt to make sense of what remained unsaid.

‘Choose, Lily,' Alessandro said quietly. ‘My place or yours, but we share the same roof for as long as it takes.'

‘Mine. Alone.'

‘
Madre di Dio
. Must you be so stubborn?'

Stubborn
didn't come close. Yet she was damned if she'd admit she was afraid…not of him,
herself.

It was too much… He was too much.

‘Take me home, Alessandro,' she said at last. ‘Please,' she added. It was late, she was tired, wanting nothing more than a leisurely shower and to crawl into bed.

Lily almost expected him to refuse, or attempt to change
her mind, and it came as a complete surprise when he ignited the engine and returned to her apartment.

She told herself she couldn't care less whether he followed her indoors or not, nor would she admit to feeling immeasurably relieved when he did.

Without a further word she crossed to her bedroom, closed the door, then she shed her clothes and entered the en suite.

The hot pulsing water helped soothe tense muscles, and the combination of scented soap and steam felt good, so good, she stayed longer than necessary, emerging to towel off the moisture, brush out her hair and loosely plait it, before pulling on cotton sleep trousers, a sleep vest and emerging into the bedroom.

The apartment was quiet. She knew the front door was locked, yet a sense of self-preservation had her doing a final check.

It was then she caught a glimpse of a large male frame stretched out on a leather recliner chair in the lounge.

Alessandro. Minus shoes, jacket, tie. Asleep, if his steady breathing was any indication.

For a moment she wanted to shake him awake, then she heaved a deep sigh and retreated to the bedroom.

Surprisingly to sleep, and wake to the enticing smell of freshly brewed coffee, toast, and, if she wasn't mistaken, bacon crisping in a pan.

Lily entered the kitchen to find Alessandro transferring bacon onto two plates, deftly following it with creamy scrambled eggs.

‘Buon giorno.'

‘I won't ask the obvious question.'

‘Sit,' he commanded quietly. ‘Eat.'

There was only one word she could summon. ‘Bossy.'

‘Grazie.'

‘You can't stay here,' Lily voiced a trifle desperately.

He met her troubled gaze, and saw the doubt, the anguish and a trace of fear in her eyes.

Alessandro opted for a faintly wry smile. ‘This chair isn't exactly comfortable.'

‘Please, Alessandro.'

‘Pack a bag while I call Giovanni.' He stood to his feet and stretched his arms high in an effort to ease the kinks in stiff muscles. ‘Then you're coming with me.'

A frown creased her brow. ‘I'm not going anywhere with you.'

‘Yes, you are.' His voice held a hint of steel.

Lily huffed out an angry breath and spared him a dark look. ‘You can't…'

‘Easily,' he assured silkily. ‘Whether you comply, or we do it the hard way.'

‘I'm rostered on to work.' It was a desperate measure which had no effect whatsoever.

‘As of now you're off the roster until such time as you're fit to return.'

‘Says
who
?'

He took a step towards her, but refrained from touching her. ‘I do.'