‘You don’t like?’ Andrea framed in a dark, deep voice redolent of thunder in a confined space. ‘Dannazione! Who is this guy?’Elena tilted her chin. ‘You don’t have the right to ask me that question.’Andrea’s lean, shapely hands clenched into potent fists. He did not lose his temper. He never, ever lost it and prided himself on his rock-solid self-control. But a rage like a burning blinding surge of darkness was rising up inside him. Barely able to credit her answer, he strode into the bedroom and swung forcefully back to face her. ‘On the contrary, I have every right. I set no boundaries on our arrangement.’‘You wanted my body and you’ve got it. You didn’t ask for and you’re certainly not getting anything else!’ Elena muttered bitterly.‘His name,’ Andrea framed in a tone of ice.‘None of your business.’‘I expect compliance.’ Andrea fixed his tie and reached for his jacket. She was hyper-aware of his every move.‘What I think and what I feel is my business,’ Elena told him shakil
‘I’ve been doing some research on your boyfriend,’ Michael confided with a disapproving shake of his head over drinks in a fashionable bar. ‘You’re seriously out of your league.’Elena wrinkled her nose in reproof. ‘What happened to tact?’‘Your friends are supposed to be honest. From what I can understand, Andrea Santino makes it a mission to live up to his bad reputation.’ Michael pushed his tobacco-brown hair off his brow in a rueful gesture.An unexpected current of irritation darting through her in response to that criticism of Andrea, Elena folded her lips. ‘In what way?’‘In every way. He’s a shark in business and he runs through women like a knife through butter. I mean, what are you playing at? You’re a softy—’‘Perhaps Andrea brings out the concrete in me. I don’t know why we’re talking about him—’‘How about he’s a billionaire? You only met him a few weeks back? He’s an urban predator and you’re a country mouse? You have nothing in common with him. Of course I’m concerned a
A savage wave of anger gripped Andrea. That she should oppose him and put herself at risk in a ridiculous effort to protect another man only heightened his antagonism. But a glimpse of the apprehension in her expressive eyes snapped him straight back into control. ‘Come home with me, then,’ he breathed tautly. ‘I’m not going any place with you.’ Yet, Elena still couldn’t take her eyes off Andrea. There was a light in his brilliant, brooding dark eyes that held her tighter than any chain. Slowly her attention stretched to encompass the impressive whole. In tailored black chinos worn with a striped designer shirt open at the neck, he looked absolutely gorgeous. As usual she was full of wildly conflicting responses. When she had believed he was about to thump Michael she had been terrified and then madly relieved by his withdrawal. Now her anger escalated in direct response to the fierce emotions she had been suppressing all evening. ‘I’m Michael … just by the way, in case anyone’s i
Andrea swore in vicious frustrated Italian.‘You virtually kidnapped me. I didn’t agree to come here,’ she reminded him steadfastly, only the nervous clenching and unclenching of her slim hands by her sides betraying the level of her agitation. ‘Keeping me here against my will is just not on, Andrea.’Lean, powerful face rigid, Andrea studied her with seething intensity. The silence pounded and stretched. And then he dragged in a slow deep breath and said grittily, ‘Nothing happened last night.’Elena studied him fixedly. A flood of relief washed over her and left her dizzy and more hopelessly confused than ever. It was not only her pride and sense of decency that had been offended by his apparent faithlessness, she registered in dismay. She had been downright tormented by the idea that he might have been with someone else. She had been jealous, hurt and furious.Lean, angular features taut, Andrea set his perfect white teeth together. ‘I didn’t touch them … the models … they were com
Like a sleepwalker, Elena scrambled up on unsteady legs, wrenching at her vest with one hand and going for her discarded jeans with the other. They hadn’t even got undressed, never mind made it as far as a bedroom. She was embarrassed, hopelessly unsure of how to behave. Her mind was in total turmoil. Everything she had believed she knew about herself was being turned upside down. But she fought off her misgivings and reminded herself that Andrea seemed to be making a genuine effort.After all, hadn’t he come looking for her this evening? He had been annoyed to find her with Michael. Had he been jealous? Perhaps Andrea was not quite as cold and unfeeling as his womanising reputation. Hadn’t he told her that she should be proud of the fact that he wanted her so much? Worrying at her full lower lip, she studied the sofa and reflected that he had not been exaggerating on that score. Maybe she was ridiculously old-fashioned. Maybe she needed to loosen up a little and stop fretting abo
Andrea tensed. ‘When was that?’‘I was ten when Dad first set up home with Kelsey and her daughters. Unfortunately, Rose and Silvia didn’t take to me and, for the sake of peace, I was sent off to school. I hated it.’‘Why … were you bullied?’‘For waking the other girls up with my nightmares and being a terrible cry-baby.’ Elena winced in remembered shame over her past weakness. ‘I was horribly homesick—’Andrea reached behind him with a long arm and tipped her round and deftly forward into his lap. ‘I was too, but I didn’t have a home to go to any more.’‘You boarded too?’‘My mother was dead and her generous employer paid for my education at an exclusive school. I didn’t fit in. Sardinian mothers spoil their sons. I spoke lousy English, and I was a science geek and very small—’Elena squinted up at his shadowy profile. ‘Small?’ she interrupted in disbelief.Andrea nodded. ‘Tiny … I didn’t shoot up until I was well into my teens.’‘Were you bullied too?’‘Of course not.’But Elena cau
Andrea surveyed the huge crowded room with concealed dissatisfaction. He wondered why it was that when fate gave him what he believed he had always wanted he should find it so irritating. Clingy women who remained welded to him like superglue in company had always exasperated him.In the course of a month, he had learned that Elena did not cling, shadow him round the room or continually seek ways to attract his attention. In fact, he sometimes felt like handcuffing her to his wrist or tagging her with a satellite-navigation system he could use to locate her when he wanted her back by his side. When she got talking to his guests, she lost track of time. She was wildly popular with the garden enthusiasts and had to be regularly rescued from those who took advantage of her horticultural knowledge to request free advice and even personal visits.‘Where is she?’ Andrea was finally forced to ask Francis. A few minutes later, his chief of security at his heels, he strode out to the rear
Madly conscious of the warmth of his skin against hers and of the electric sparks of awareness in the atmosphere, Elena glanced up at him. The dark pupils of her blue eyes were dilated. Sensual tension sizzled through her, holding her still. She was on a high and although she tried she could not pull back from that intoxicating sense of energy and power while his smouldering tawny eyes burned over her with masculine appreciation.Andrea bent his arrogant dark head to murmur thickly, ‘How do you do this to me?’Taunting heat pulsed at the heart of her. She felt so wicked she closed her eyes tight, fighting his electrifyingly sexual magnetism. ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about—’‘Di niente. Let me show you.’ Snapping both hands over her wrists, Andrea backed into the room behind him and drew her with him.The instant she registered his intention, Elena went rigid. She knew that hot, intent look on his lean, darkly handsome face. It filled her with an excitement she loathed. All
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