Alessandro's Prize Read Online Free

‘Much like a woman,’ he said smoothly, and glimpsed the momentary uncertainty before she quickly covered it with a degree of humour.
    â€˜Achieve the necessary work to reach your goal.’ She paused imperceptibly. ‘Then move on to the next challenge.’
    â€˜Inevitably with bricks and mortar,’ he drawled, pinning her with his dark gaze. ‘But not always with a woman.’
    Why did she get the sudden impression she was verging into dangerous waters? ‘Yet you have not taken the plunge into marriage.’
    â€˜Are you concerned for my marital comfort?’
    Oh, my . Erotic images momentarily filled her mind before she successfully dismissed them. ‘Your progeny,’ she managed evenly. ‘And the future generation of Del Marco Industries.’
    For a moment she thought she caught a wicked gleam in those dark eyes, then it was gone, and she put it down to her vivid imagination.
    Sophia nodded. ‘It is something of which I remind him on occasion.’
    Why did the thought of Alessandro married cause her heart to plummet? And imagining him with another woman, a child or three… hurt ?
    It didn’t make sense.
    â€˜Shall we order coffee?’ Alessandro queried, and Sophia sent him a wry smile.
    â€˜Always you evade the issue.’
    â€˜And always I promise you will be the first to know when I find the right woman,’ he said gently.
    The sky was a dark indigo, and the air held an icy chill as they emerged from the restaurant a short while later.
    It was a relief to reach Alessandro’s car, the heating welcome as he took the north-west route to Magenta.
    His apartment was situated on the P.za Sant Ambrogio, comprising two levels, and the height of luxury with marble-tiled floors, elegant oriental rugs, beautiful rosewood furniture in the lounge and reception rooms. Four guest bedroom suites were situated upstairs, including the master suite.
    It wasn’t the image Lily held of a bachelor pad. Somehowshe’d expected something less… refined. Instead there was a quiet elegance apparent, simpatico with the building itself with its stucco exterior and ornate window framing illuminated by street lighting.
    Whoever had organized the restoration had ensured the renovations combined modern-day luxury while maintaining the feel of a former era.
    It was in a word…lovely. And Lily offered the compliment with sincerity.
    â€˜Grazie,’ Alessandro inclined. ‘It pleases me you approve. Will an hour be sufficient in which to shower and change?’
    â€˜With ease,’ Sophia assured. ‘Lily?’
    â€˜Of course.’
    It took only minutes to unpack her overnight bag, discard her clothes and slip into the decadent marble en suite. For a moment she took an envious glance at the bath with its marbled surrounds and elegant fittings, before moving to the shower. A luxurious soak in decadent scented water was out of the question, and she quickly quelled the image as she turned the water dial.
    There was no need to rush, and she took her time before drying off, then she wound a towel turban-style over her hair before slipping into fresh underwear, and tended to her make-up with a light hand, merely emphasizing her eyes, a touch of bronze blusher to each cheek, followed by a light gloss to her lips.
    The classic little black dress with black stilettos was a safe choice.
    She decided to sweep her hair into an elegant twist, which took several minutes to pin in place, and she added a subtle perfume to a few pulse points, attached diamond and ruby ear-studs and added a matching bracelet to her wrist.
    Then she placed a red coat over her shoulders, collected an evening purse and joined Sophia at the head of the stairs.
    â€˜You look lovely, cara ,’ Sophia complimented, and Lily smiled as she tucked a hand inside her aunt’s elbow.
    â€˜So do you.’ For Sophia bore a timeless elegance in whatever she chose to wear, she