"Why would almighty Andrea Santino be bothered over a phone call? Are you jealous by any chance?"Andrea scoffed. "I've never been jealous of anyone and that will certainly not change now.""Then, why do you ask about Michael?" She asked, strolling next to him but keeping a good distance. "Because once you're mine, I would hate to share you with anyone." He said, eyeing the distance between them. It irritated him that she didn't take delight in his presence. She was simply trying to keep her distance. Was he losing his touch or was she just different? It would be erotic to bend her to his will. To make her crave his existence and desire him greatly. "You say that like you don't see me as anything more than a plaything," Elena voiced. No man had ever expressed their desire for her like Andrea. But he only wanted her for selfish reasons. "You are a honorable woman, Elena." Andrea responded, and her eyes widened with shock. "You hardly know how much influence you can have over any ma
She was seriously ashamed of her own behaviour and the fact that she couldn't resist a man she met few hours ago. Violet had saved her from losing her virginity because she was sure she wouldn't have been able to push Andrea away. And she did not believe that Andrea Santino would have called a decent halt. He did what he liked when he liked. He had hauled her into his arms like a Viking on the rampage. He was violently oversexed. Those daunting truths had sunk in on her. Her mouth felt hot and swollen and she was afraid to look at him. "The gardens are a wasteland beyond the wall. There’s really not anything more to show you." She said, trying to steady her breath. "The ancestral mansion?" He asked. "Are you kicking me away so soon?"A few minutes later she came to a halt a hundred yards from the large shell of the Regency house where her mother had been born. Andrea kept stealing a glance at her and even as he stared at the house, she could feel his disapproval. "What’s the ins
Andrea settled his black gaze on the ugly little dog messily digging up the border behind her back. The dog with a foolish owner twisted round its short but crooked tail. No way was he prepared to share house-room even briefly with her pet. ‘He goes to the hotel. My staff will choose the very best available.’‘But if I’m not there he won’t eat—’‘Nonsense.’‘It’s not nonsense—’‘I’m not into animals indoors,’ Andrea pronounced with finality.Elena breathed in very deep and reminded herself that it was two years since Violet had starved himself to skin and bone while she was on holiday. The following year, Toby had helped her to get the little dog a pet passport so that he could travel with his mistress. But now it was very much to be hoped that he had got over such excessive reliance on her for his sense of security. She could feel her eyes prickling at the prospect of life without Violet and would have died sooner than betray her weakness. Andrea Santino would be fed up with her with
Four days later, Elena was in London. The morning after her arrival, she was met at her hotel by an elegant brunette in her thirties. A senior coordinator in Andrea Santino’s employ, it had been Josephine Carper who liaised with Elena on the phone and orchestrated all the arrangements to be made on her behalf.‘It’s my job to ensure that you enjoy a smooth transition to city life. You have a full programme of appointments today,’ Josephine trilled with a polished smile that displayed her perfect white teeth to advantage. ‘First on the agenda, I’ve organised a viewing of the property Mr Santino has selected for you.’A smooth transition? Elena could have wept at that useful little cover-all phrase that took no account of the drastic upheaval in her once tranquil daily existence. Only now that her contentment had been wrenched from her did she appreciate just how happy she had been pottering about with plants. The same day that Andrea had visited, her father had signed over all the prop
Elena bit down on her ready tongue. She was shocked to realise that she was trembling. Honesty obviously didn’t pay with him, she reflected uneasily. She had made him angry and she knew that wasn’t a good idea. She dared not say what she had almost said for fear of provoking him even more. But, in her opinion, the fancy trappings of a house in Chelsea would not alter the nature of the sexual transaction he had offered her and if a cheap hotel got the wretched business over with quickly she would have been the last to complain. False pride was not one of her problems.‘If it is my wish, you will live in a stonking great mansion even if it is only for five minutes. Is that understood?’ Andrea enquired in a chilling tone of finality.‘Yes,’ she conceded in a voice wiped clean of any expression or life.‘I have work to do. I’ll see you when I get back to London.’ Andrea set down the phone. He was furious with her. He had expected her to be overjoyed with the house. It had an award-winning
Elena beamed. ‘I’d love that too. Will you be staying long?’‘No. I have to go back to Germany to tie up loose ends on the park project.’Comforted by the prospect of seeing Michael again, Elena went into the pet hotel with a spring in her step. Even though they had only been parted the night before, Violet was as ecstatic to see his mistress as she was to see him. Having persuaded him into eating, she played with him and took him out for a walk. She was grateful to have a task to devote her energies to, for her recent period of idleness had made time hang heavy on her hands. Her plan to take the little dog home with her again was disrupted when the chauffeur came inside to pass on a message he had received on the car phone: Andrea would meet her at the same exclusive restaurant for an early dinner instead. Quite unprepared for the news that Andrea had successfully evaded being delayed abroad for the rest of the day, Elena was cast into renewed panic.Having moved metaphoric mountains
Her lashes dropped to shadow her shaken gaze. In a matter of moments he had rewritten her knowledge of herself. Her body was crying out for him and she was shocked. Chafed by the lace cups of her bra, her tender nipples were tingling. The prickling throb between her slender thighs painted her face pink. She wanted him. He had made her want him. Of course, a few glasses of champagne had loosened her inhibitions, she told herself defensively. But wasn’t that a good thing? Andrea Santino had offered her the devil’s bargain, and she had surrendered choice when she agreed to share his bed in return for the charges against her father being dropped. Wasn’t it wiser to make the best of a bad situation rather than try to resist the inevitable? And wouldn’t asking if she was currently the only woman in his life demean her? Give him the impression that she cared?Andrea could feel her trembling and his very sensitivity to that fact annoyed him in the same way that so many things had in recent we
"On the cabinet, beside you."Elena, who had hoped he would have to go off and get her a drink from somewhere, looked in dismay at the bottle of champagne and the glasses sitting in readiness. Andrea strolled round the bed and uncorked the bottle. Golden liquid foamed down into a delicate flute. He extended it with reluctance. "You really don’t need liquid anesthesia."Refusing to look at him and edging away, Elena hugged her knees with one arm while taking a very hearty gulp of champagne."I understand that you’re nervous—"‘Don’t be ridiculous,’ Elena gritted over the edge of the flute."I’ll make it good, bellezza mia,’ Andrea swore softly. ‘In fact I’ll make the experience addictive.""You couldn’t possibly."Andrea sank down on the bed with all the panache of a tiger stretching out in the sunshine. "I think that someone’s been telling you old wives’ tales. It won’t hurt."Elena flushed to the roots of her hair. "What would you know about it?""You may be my first virgin but I ha
It was a beautiful afternoon, and Elena and Syria were sitting in their favorite corner of the local coffee shop, sipping on their lattes. The atmosphere was cozy, with soft music playing in the background and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling the air. As they chatted about life, love, and dreams, Elena hesitated for a moment before gathering her courage to share her big news."Syria," Elena began with a smile, her eyes shining with excitement, "I have something important to ask you." She paused, taking a deep breath, and then continued, "Will you be my maid of honor at my wedding?"Syria's eyes widened in surprise, and then a wide grin spread across her face. "Oh my goodness, Elena! Are you serious? Of course, I will!" she exclaimed, unable to contain her joy. She leaned forward and hugged her best friend tightly. "I'm so honored and thrilled to be a part of your special day!"Elena felt a wave of relief and happiness wash over her as Syria's response was exactly what she ha
On a sunny afternoon, Elena picked up her phone with excitement bubbling in her heart. She dialed Syria's number, eager to share the incredible news. As the phone rang, Elena's nerves mixed with happiness, and she couldn't wait to hear her friend's voice on the other end."Hello?" Syria's voice came through the line, filled with warmth and familiarity."Hey, girl, it's me, Elena!" she said, trying to contain her enthusiasm."Elena! Oh my goodness, it's been too long since we last spoke. How have you been?" Syria replied, equally delighted to hear from her.With the announcement of her babies, Elena had been too busy and she hadn't called Syria in a long time."I've been doing great, but I have some amazing news to share with you!" Elena said, her voice trembling with joy. "I'm expecting a set of twins!"There was a moment of silence on the other end, and then Syria's voice erupted with excitement. "Oh my goodness, Elena, that's incredible! I'm so happy for you! Twins, wow! You're goin
Finally, Elena and Andrea, arrived at the prestigious medical center for the eagerly awaited scan to determine the sex of their baby. The anticipation had been building for weeks, and they couldn't contain their excitement."What do you think it's going to be?" Elena asked as Andrea helped her out of the car."Hmm… I don't really care about the sex of the child because no matter the outcome, I'll love the child with all my heart." he smiled.Elena gave his hands a gentle squeeze, silently telling him that she loved what he said. He had always been a mature person and she loved that he saw things that even her couldn't see."But in your deepest hearts… what do you want?" she asked."Baby, I see what you are doing and it's not going to work," he laughed."But I'm not doing anything," Elena said pretentiously."You know what… let's just wait for the doctor," Andrea laughed.As they sat together in the beautifully decorated waiting room, Elena couldn't help but feel a mixture of nerves an
In the dimly lit underground headquarters where they had camped, Andrea who was the mastermind of the operation, stood before his loyal team of highly skilled mercenaries. The room echoed with hushed murmurs and tense anticipation as he prepared to reveal the breakthrough they had all been waiting for."Listen up, everyone," Andrea 's voice boomed with authority, cutting through the silence. "After days of pursuit, I can finally say that we have discovered the location of those bastards we've been after. They're holed up in an abandoned industrial complex on the outskirts of the city."Excitement and determination filled the room as Andrea 's men exchanged glances, ready to embark on their final mission to bring their enemies down but little did they know that the forces they were up against had not given up the fight just yet.As Andrea continued to detail their plan of attack, a sudden loud crack echoed through the room. A gunshot! Time seemed to slow as everyone's eyes darted tow
In the dimly lit room, Andrea stood tall, his face grim and determined. He looked into the eyes of each of his men, a mix of trust and intensity reflected in his gaze. Elena stood at a distance, her hands trembling, and fear etched across her face as she stared at each of the die-hard men."My brothers," Andrea began, his voice low yet commanding. "Today, we stand united against those who have committed the gravest of sins. They thought they could take away the ones we love and go unpunished but we will show them the consequences of their actions."His words carried weight, and a solemn silence enveloped the room. The flickering candlelight danced upon the walls as Andrea continued, "We're going in with a total clampdown. Every move calculated, every step precise. Our enemies won't see us coming, and they won't know what hit them but know this, my brothers, we are not just seeking vengeance; we are seeking justice."Elena's heart pounded in her chest as she listened to Andrea's plan u
In the opulent penthouse office of Andrea's skyscraper, high above the bustling city, the billionaire sat at a grand mahogany desk, waiting with a mix of anticipation and nervousness. Today was the day he would finally have a meeting with Ethan, to settle their long-standing fight and mend the rift that had torn their family apart."I hope this turns out well." he murmured.As the clock struck the appointed hour, the door to the office swung open, and in walked Ethan, an air of intensity surrounding him. His stern expression softened a little as he took in the luxurious surroundings, but the tension between the two was still palpable."Andrea," Ethan began, his voice guarded, "I must admit I didn't expect this meeting to happen. After all the fights and disagreements, what's the real reason you called for this?"Andrea, looking peaceful, stood up and walked around the desk to face Ethan directly. "Ethan, you're right. We've had our differences, and I'll take my share of the blame for
In his lavish penthouse apartment overlooking the city, Andrea sat across from Elena, nervously fidgeting with his tie. He took a deep breath and looked into her eyes, finding comfort in her warm gaze."Elena," Andrea began, his voice tinged with a mix of excitement and apprehension, "I need to tell you something your mother shared with me earlier today."Elena reached out and gently held his hand, encouraging him to continue. "What is it, Andrea? You can tell me anything."Andrea smiled at her support and continued, "Well, your mother called me this morning, and she mentioned that she thinks we should organize a small wedding ceremony. Especially now that... now that a baby is on the way."Elena's eyes widened with surprise and delight. "A wedding Andrea? Are you serious, right now?" she exclaimed, feeling a rush of emotions at the unexpected news.He nodded, a grin spreading across his face. "Yes, I'm absolutely serious and honestly, I couldn't be happier about it but about the wedd
The following day, Elena woke up feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. The thought of being pregnant both thrilled and scared her. Wanting to confirm her suspicions, she secretly bought a pregnancy test and went to the privacy of her bathroom. Her heart pounded as she followed the instructions, and as she waited for the results to appear, her mind raced with thoughts about how this could change her life.When the results finally appeared, Elena stared at the small window with disbelief. Two lines confirmed what she suspected - she was pregnant. Emotions flooded through her - joy, fear, uncertainty, and love for the tiny life growing inside her. She wasn't sure how to process it all, but one thing was certain: she wanted to share this news with Andrea."I'm pregnant, i'm really pregnant." she mummured.As she thought about what had just happebed, she thought about Andrea too and she knew that he had been nothing but supportive and caring throughout their relationship. She knew he wo
Early one morning, Elena found Vanessa watching t.v from the large screen in the living room. It had been a while since she saw her and seeing her now just put a smile on her face. She couldn't believe that a girl as young as she was was very strong which was one of the things she loved about her.Her wide eyes were fixed on the television screen, captivated by a vibrant animated world. Elena couldn't help but smile at the sight of the adorable little girl, her heart warming at the innocence and happiness radiating from her.Vanessa turned her head and noticed Elena standing in the doorway. A bright smile spread across her face as she patted the empty spot beside her on the beanbag chair. "Come sit with me, Elena!" she exclaimed, her voice brimming with excitement.Elena's surprise melted away, replaced by a sense of warmth and affection for this precious child. She made her way towards where Vanessa was and settled down next to her on the beanbag chair. Together, they watched the col