Read Online Alessandro's Prize by Helen Bianchin - Free Book Online Page A

so much. As to the nightscape of twinkling street lights vying with coloured neon, the tracery of headlights from moving traffic made for minor distraction.
    â€˜Unable to sleep?’
    Lily clutched her cup with both hands in an effort not to spill the remaining contents as she spared a startled glance at the man who moved to stand at her side.
    Every nerve-end in her body sprang into alert as she sought to gather a semblance of calm. ‘You’re supposed to be in London.’
    In the dim light Alessandro seemed taller, broader, somehow. He’d removed his jacket, his tie, and rolled back his shirt-sleeves. The casual look failed to detract from the masculine intensity he managed to exude without effort. ‘I chose to return home.’
    â€˜To an empty bed at this late hour?’ The words escaped before she gave them thought.
    â€˜Instead of a physically active night in a woman’s arms?’
    Lily’s cheeks filled with warm heat, hopefully not visible in the dim light. ‘If that’s your pleasure,’ she managed with a tinge of wry humour.
    â€˜You imagine I bed women indiscriminately, Liliana?’
    His teasing use of her full name ignited something deep inside, a sensual flare that threatened to destroy her peace of mind. Even thinking about his powerful male body engaged in intimacy was enough to liquefy her bones.
    â€˜No comment,’ she managed, as if it didn’t matter to herin the slightest, and refused to admit on some deep level that it did.
    His soft chuckle curled round her heart and squeezed a little. ‘Beautiful, is it not?’
    â€˜The view?’
    â€˜Of course.’
    So why did the unbidden thought occur that it hadn’t been the nightscape to which he’d referred?
    â€˜You are nervous of the day ahead?’
    Of course he knew. If Carlo hadn’t relayed the news, then Sophia undoubtedly had.
    â€˜A little,’ she said with innate honesty, and sensed him move to stand behind her.
    â€˜Maybe this will help.’
    His hands clasped her shoulders and began to knead the tense muscles, working them with an expertise that reefed a soft sigh from her throat.
    It felt good . Dear heaven…so good. She closed her eyes, let her head roll forward, and simply gave in to his ministrations.
    She shouldn’t let him do this…shouldn’t enjoy it so much.
    Another minute, and I’ll move away and bid him ‘goodnight’.
    She did…although it was three minutes, not one.
    And it was she who felt bereft as he trailed light fingers down her cheek as she stood momentarily transfixed before she sought to escape.
    Alessandro watched her with narrowed eyes and reflected what her reaction might have been if he’d pulled her close and taken her mouth on his own…as he’d been strongly tempted to do.
    Â 
    Lily’s initial reservations were soon dispelled as she was introduced to the kitchen staff, shown where the variouscooking implements were located, the contents of the pantry, the cold storeroom…and familiarized herself with the lunch menu.
    Beneath Giovanni’s initial supervision, she prepared, diced, sliced poultry, veal, vegetables and tended to the making of fresh pasta.
    Concentration and attention to detail kept her focused, and she worked with quick diligence, enjoying the adrenalin surge as the restaurant opened its doors for lunch, and the pace increased dramatically as kitchen staff plated up orders, checked, ready to be collected by the waiters and waitresses on duty and served.
    Teamwork at a premium, Lily accorded, discovering Giovanni to be a hard, but fair, taskmaster who didn’t hold back if he declared a dish didn’t reach his standard of perfection.
    Fortunately, to her immense relief, no harsh words were directed at her.
    Once the desserts were plated, the pressure began to ease.
    As the final few clientele departed and the restaurant doors closed, there was time for the