Cherished: Love in London Series 2 Read Online Free Page B

married for the longest time – my mamma, Annalisa, got married when she was seventeen. My papà, Gianmarco, is self-made.” Nico took another sip of water before continuing. “He owns Morretti Investment Banking in Milan, which is where I work, overseeing new business. Started it from the ground up and now it is one of the most respected banking organisations in the industry.” He spoke proudly of his father. “Because he spent most of his time at work, growing up, my mamma played a big role in our lives. She’s pretty amazing.”
    Amber impulsively squeezed his hand and then realising what she did, she tried to pull away, but Nico held on and her heart-rate picked up as she watched him entwine their fingers. Heat spread across her face as she looked at him, chewing her lip in uncertainty of the situation. She felt his thumb gently circle her hand, sending tingles to the pit of her stomach. What was he doing to her? Distracted, she didn’t know what to say. She was lost in the sensation.
    “Tell me about you. Who is Amber Preston?” His smooth deep voice cut through her thoughts.
    She laughed nervously. “There really isn’t much to tell, Nico.” She looked away. God, she wished she didn’t have to reveal things about her messed up childhood.
    “Amber,” his voice was soft, almost tender as he brought her attention back to him. “It’s okay, you really don’t have to tell me anything if you prefer not to.”
    “No, it’s not that. It’s just that I come from a really different background to you, Nico. I’m not sure where to start.”
    “Try me. Tell me about your parents.”
    Amber shrugged. It was now or never. “There’s not much to tell, unfortunately.” This time she felt him lightly squeeze her hand. Looking at their joint hands, she felt the courage to carry on. She took a deep breath.
    “My dad had a string of affairs whilst I was growing up and each time, my mother forgave him, always welcoming him back.” Her voice hardened as she recalled her mother’s tears. “Unfortunately, one day, when I was fifteen, he just left with one of his women and never looked back. My mother turned to drinking heavily. It got out of control – nothing I could say or do could bring her back.”
    Her eyes filled with tears and she took a calming breath. “I don’t have any brothers or sisters, although Beth is just like the sister I never had and her family pretty much took me in and looked after me.” A few tears spilled over onto her cheeks. “One day, I came home from school and found her unconscious on the sofa. I panicked when I couldn’t wake her and called for an ambulance…”
    Her voice broke as she recalled that devastating day. “It was too late, Nico. She had taken an overdose with a cocktail of painkillers and alcohol.” A sob escaped from her throat and tears openly spilled over, but she quickly tried to brush them away. “I was sixteen years old.” Before she knew it, Nico moved across the seat and wrapped her up in his strong arms as she broke down crying.
    Part of her was mortified as she had never talked about her past, but in some way, she felt a huge burden being lifted off her shoulders by confiding in him. She tried to move away, embarrassed by her outburst, but Nico kept her in his strong arms. He gently stroked her hair as she cried, his voice soothing when he spoke. “Mio Dio. I’m so, so sorry, carino.”
    She sniffed as she felt her tears drying up. “It’s okay, Nico. I’m okay now.” She smiled, sadly. “I wasn’t for a long time, not until I was persuaded to have counselling. It really helped. You know, I couldn’t touch alcohol until last year?”
    “You are stronger than you know, carino. I hope you know that.”
    “I hope so. That’s why I made peace with alcohol. I know the root of her demise was her depression – it was so severe.”
    He leaned forward and kissed her forehead, continuing to stroke her hair. “Thank you for sharing something so