Serena's Cellars

By Grace Kagni

Serena Conti’s life takes an unexpected turn one day as she is giving a tour of the Conti wine cellars. The tour is for James Miller, of Miller Hotels and Resorts, a chain of luxury vacation destinations throughout the US and the rest of the world—and soon Italy, as he is overseeing the construction of a new location in Rome.

There’s an undeniable attraction between the two. When the Conti family gather for their family’s annual summer party and Serena meets James again, the sparks turn into fire, and they have hot, passionate sex. Their lust for one another only grows from there, threading its way through their lives.

Then it all comes crashing to the ground. Serena is the victim of a violent attack—and now James, her friend with very sexy benefits, steps up to protect and care for her in its aftermath.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Grace Kagni
• Release date: Mar 16, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311900890

Grace Kagni

Grace Kagni writes Italian romance novels. She is inspired by events reported on the Italian news such as avalanches, earthquakes, floods, femicide, political scandals, and organized crime which she adds as scenes, creating conflict in her romance novels.

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Serena's Cellars

Book 3

Famiglia Conti Series

Published by Grace Kagni at Smashwords

Copyright © 2014 Grace Kagni

Revision 3 - Copyright © 2019 Grace Kagni

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return it to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Dedication

This book is dedicated to all the women out there who've been abused physically and/or mentally. Abuse doesn't have to be seen to know that it exists and for all the women out there who have been through any form of abuse, this book is dedicated to you hoping that you find a way to take control and move on in life.

From the Author

I've moved around in my life many times and I've observed people as my life changed. No matter where I've been or where I'm going, I realize that everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and the strengths are what give us the courage to go on. Life is always brighter when good things happen in life and it is important to remember these strengths when we find ourselves in a weak moment.

The grass will always be greener on the other side and a friend in need is a friend indeed. These are proverbs that don't always show their true meaning but I guess what I'm trying to say is remember that one good turn deserves another -)

I've been working hard preparing some free stuff for you all. When you sign up to my newsletter, you'll receive a #FREE hot and spicy Italian novella by Rita Gracie the moment you submit your email address. You'll be able to start reading it within minutes. Click on the below link to sign up.

#FREE hot and spicy Italian novella

A warm thank you to Ada Frost for the wonderful book cover.

Other books by Grace Kagni

Famiglia Conti Series

Marco's Vines Book 1 -

Giacomo's Patience - Book 2

Serena's Cellars - Book 3

Matteo's Challenge - Book 4

Italian Politics (The Billionaire's Affair) Series

Scandal - Book 1

Breakup - Book 2

Promise - Book 3

Miller Family Series

Liam's Best – Book 1

Dalton's Embrace – Book 2

Tessa's Flame – Book 3

Stand alone novels

Dreaming Victoria

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Prologue

As Serena walked into Leena's store, she could smell the wonderful aromas of the products and noticed the delightful pastries in the window—the hot table with the homemade food and the side area with the Conti wines and oils. Waving at her sisters-in-law, Leena and Simona, she went instantly to pick up Leena’s baby.

You're going to spoil Salvatore if you pick him up every time you see him, Leena said, smiling.

Well, I don’t see my nephew every day, Serena said, cuddling him close to her chest.

As customers walked into the store, Leena went to greet them, leaving her son with Serena.

Serena turned to look at Simona. You're looking good and your hair is growing back quickly.

Yes, I can't believe it's growing back so soon. I was afraid it would take months, but now I need to go to the salon to have it cut, Simona said.

I think we should celebrate. How about we go for a day at the spa to treat ourselves to some well-deserved pampering? Serena said.

I'd love it. I haven't had a chance to really relax since the chemotherapy treatment and I haven't treated myself to anything other than a hot water bottle or a camomile.

Leena returned, and as soon as she heard the topic of a spa day, she said, Oh, yes! Please tell me when and I'll call to book. I've been longing for a little relaxation. Don't get me wrong, Marco and the kids are wonderful, but occasionally it's nice to be pampered.

It sounds like a date. Simona, when would be good for you? Next weekend would be good for me, if it's okay for the both of you, Serena said, looking at her two sisters-in-law.

Yes, I agree—the sooner the better. Leena? Simona asked.

I'll call the spa to book next Saturday and then I'll tell Marco he has to watch the kids that day. Simona, you'd better warn Giacomo because I'm sure Marco will show up at your doorstep with the kids, Leena said, laughing knowing her husband would ask his brother for help watching the kids. Not that he needed help because he was a brilliant father, but he always thought it was a good time to see his family.

Sure thing. You know Giacomo loves to have the kids over. He'll probably call Matteo and tell him to join them. So it's set—I can't wait, Simona said as she rubbed her hands together, thinking about the wonderful time they'd have together. She had really bonded with her sisters-in-law since she married Giacomo, and these were the moments she enjoyed having sisters.

Another customer walked into the store, so Leena left them to greet her.

I have to go now, but I'll call you later, Serena said to Simona, passing her the baby.

Bye, Leena. Let me know when you've booked the spa, Serena said, waving at Leena, who was still with the customer as she walked out of the store.

Serena walked out to her silver Porsche Panamera and got inside. Turning on the engine, she drove the car out of the parking lot and headed for home.

She was ready for a glass of wine, so as soon as she parked her car in her reserved spot, she took the elevator to the third floor and flung off her shoes the moment she walked into her apartment.

Serena walked directly to the kitchen, poured herself a glass of wine and took a sip before calling her friend Milania.

Hi, Milania. How have you been? Will you come to Rome for Ferragosto? Serena asked her best friend.

Hey, Serena. I’m doing great, and yes, I'll drive down the day before Ferragosto. What have you planned for the evening? Milania asked.

If you arrive in time for dinner, we'll go to a new place by the Coliseum. If you can't make it for dinner, we'll go there later. It has a spectacular terrace that overlooks the Coliseum and I've heard they serve incredible drinks, Serena said, already imagining herself sitting on the terrace with a drink in her hand.

Sounds great to me.

Great, then I'll see you next week.

After they said goodbye, Serena put her phone down and went to have a shower. It'd been a really long and hot day, so she stayed under the shower a little longer than usual, letting it massage her body.

After her shower, she went to the kitchen to prepare some dinner and decided to make spaghetti with tomato and basil sauce. While she waited for the pasta to cook, she sat on her sofa and called Simona.

Hello? her brother, Giacomo, answered.

Hi, Giacomo. When did you get back from your trip? Serena asked.

I got back this afternoon. How are you? Giacomo asked.

Good. I'm looking forward to the weekend. Did Simona tell you we've planned a spa day?

Yes, she mentioned it to me earlier. I know how you women enjoy a day at the spa, he laughed.

Hey—it’s not just about being at the spa. It's also about spending the day together.

Yes, I know. I'm only joking. I know you work hard all week and have every right to a day of relaxation and pampering. Listen, I'll pass you Simona. Don't keep her on the phone too long. I'm taking her out to dinner shortly, Giacomo said as he said goodbye.

Hello, Serena? Simona said.

I know he means well but sometimes my brother can be really annoying.

Simona laughed. He's harmless.

Yes, I know, but I think he does it only to irritate me—he knows how much it bugs me.

That's probably why he likes to push your buttons. Next time, don't let him know you're annoyed and he'll lose interest. It must be brotherly love.

Brotherly love my ass.

Serena! Simona laughed, enjoying the way the siblings interacted with each other.

Well, it’s true. I used to wish I were an only child so not to be smothered by my brothers—believe me, it was hard growing up with three brothers.

I'm sure it was, but they mean well—regardless of their obsession to protect.

You can say that again.

Well, Giacomo is telling me we need to leave soon or we'll be late for our dinner reservation—I’ll call you tomorrow.

Okay. Enjoy your dinner, Serena said. She suddenly had a strong sensation of loneliness. These were the moments she wished she had someone in her life but knew it was better to be alone than with the wrong person.

She turned on her large flat screen television and lay down on the sofa.

~ ~ ~

Serena worked until late the next few days and she was ready for the weekend when Saturday finally arrived. Serena drove her car to Simona's house to pick up both Simona and Leena. Driving through Giacomo and Simona's private gate, Serena parked her car beside the others in the driveway and then walked toward the house.

She found them all out back on the patio as the men were splashing in the pool with her niece Camilla.

Are you girls ready to go? Serena asked, walking out onto the patio.

Sure are, Leena said, smiling as she bent down to kiss her baby Salvatore, who was sleeping in the shade. Guys, make sure you put more sun cream on Camilla in a little while and keep your eye on Salvatore. We're off, Leena said with a wave.

Amore, have fun and don't worry about us, Marco said to Leena as he waved from the pool.

Giacomo jumped out of the pool and ran to Simona before she turned to leave.

Amore, wait. I want a kiss before you leave, Giacomo said, kissing her on the lips. Enjoy the spa.

I will, and don't worry—I’m in good hands, Simona said to Giacomo before turning to leave with Leena and Serena.

We're free, Serena said as they walked out the front door. Let's go be pampered.

They got into Serena's car and drove the distance to the spa, which was not far from Giacomo and Simona's house.

So how do you feel now you're in remission? Serena asked to Simona.

I feel great. I'm slowly getting my appetite back too, which is a good sign. I don't think I could have taken much more of Giacomo’s badgering me to eat. He can be really persistent, Simona responded, knowing she was really fortunate to have Giacomo in her life.

Yes, my brothers can be persistent when they put their minds to it, but I think in this case it was in your best interest—I agree with Giacomo, Serena said as she looked at Simona through her rear view mirror.

I agree the men can be overwhelming at times, but Serena is right. You do need to eat more to regain your strength, and as much as Giacomo may have been a pain in the neck about it, he was right to insist you eat more, Leena said.

Yes, I know, and I’m grateful that all of you were there for me during my treatment, Simona replied, smiling at the thought of what it meant to have a family who cared about her wellbeing.

Have you made the appointment to see the fertility doctor? Leena asked Simona.

Not yet. I already know he'll say I won't be able to have children after the treatment, Simona said sadly, knowing her chances to have children after chemotherapy were very slim.

How do you know if you don't do some tests? There is a slight chance that you could have children. You'll probably need to wait a few more months to make sure the drugs are out of your system, but then there may be a good chance you can have a baby, Serena said to Simona.

Why don't you start by making an appointment to see the fertility specialist? If you prefer, I can come with you the first time if you don't want Giacomo to worry, Leena said to Simona.

Thanks, but I think Giacomo would want to come with me if I do decide to make an appointment. I don't think I could keep something like this from him. You know very well I can't keep a secret from Giacomo—he’ll keep pestering me until I tell him—I may as well let him drive me to the doctor, Simona said.

Well then make sure you call this week to make an appointment, Serena said.

Yes, I'll call this week and let you know how it goes.

They arrived at the spa and walked into the place feeling like children on their birthday. A female attendant took them to be pampered and treated like queens for the day. They enjoyed a relaxing massage, a facial, a manicure and a pedicure. Then they were treated to a healthy lunch of fish, vegetables, and fruits to purify their bodies.

Chapter One

James Miller walked onto the worksite of the future Miller Hotel and Resorts feeling proud to add a location in Rome to his hotel chain. The restructuring plans had taken months to finalize, modifying the plans countless times to please the Italian planning authorities, and finally, after a lengthy battle, the works on the location finally started.

In the heat of the July temperature, James discussed with his project manager the progress of the work while the builders stopped for their lunch break. The work progressed at a slower speed than what James expected. Somehow, money couldn't make the work move any faster—this was something he was slowly learning. No matter how much money he had, he couldn't break the work ethics the builders had no matter how much he insisted. He had faith in his project manager and just hoped the work would be completed by Christmas. James planned a large inauguration event for the new year and pushed for the deadlines to be respected, no matter whose toes he had to step on.

He'd been in Rome a month and found it frustrating, having had several impromptu standstills, such as when the Italian football team played in the World Cup final in June. The workers suddenly disappeared for several hours that day because they had to watch their national team play in the final game. He had been furious when he found out the work had stopped because of a football game and was shocked when his offer of a substantial compensation to those who returned to work had been refused. He soon found out that Italians were very patriotic when it came to football. James also learned to deal with those sort of glitches. There was nothing that could be done but be patient and wait—so, that was what he did.

July turned into August and suddenly there was a complete shutdown. The work had progressed well until the beginning of August, but now it was at a complete standstill until the beginning of September.

James looked around at his deserted worksite and gave up the fight—temporarily, because he would resume his battle in September when the workers were back on the job. He decided it was time for a break. He'd been completely focused on the work plans that he hadn’t taken a single day off since he arrived in June. Now that he had time to relax, he didn't quite know what to do with his free time.

James thought about his good friend, Marco Conti, and decided to call him to see if he was free to meet, but as soon as James called Marco’s office, he was told that Marco was out of town for the entire week. Suddenly, he thought about Marco's sister, Serena, who he met at Marco and Leena's wedding. She had offered to give him a personal tour of the Conti cellars, so after finding her number on his phone, he gave her a call.

Hello? Serena said.

Hello? Is this Serena?

Yes, who’s this?

James Miller, he said, hoping she would remember who he was.

Oh yes. Marco's friend from Boston, Serena said confidently.

Yes! You remember, James said, grinning.

Of course I remember you. What can I do for you? she asked.

Well, I have some free time on my hands and thought I’d take you up on the offer of a tour of the Conti cellars. Are you free? James asked.

Sure. When do you plan on coming for a visit?

I was hoping now, if it's okay with you. I know this is a busy time of the year for you, so just tell me if you can't spare a little time now and I'll come by another day, he said.

I always have time for Marco's good-looking friends from Boston, Serena said, a little cheeky.

James laughed out loud before saying, Well thanks for the vote of confidence, but really, I'll understand if you're too busy.

Now would be a good time. How soon can you be here? she asked.

I could be there in about forty minutes, depending on Rome traffic, he said, a little unsure about the distance.

Where are you now? Serena asked.

I'm at my worksite in the center. It's on Via Vittorio Veneto, he said.

You're opening a hotel on Via Vittorio Veneto? she asked.

Yes. I'm hoping the renovation works will be finished by the end of the year but I'm not so confident about the schedule now that the workers have walked off the site until the beginning of September, he said as the sound of frustration resounded in his voice.

You're going to have to get used to the way we work in Italy. I can understand now why you have all this free time on your hands, Serena said. Listen, I'd love to have a tour of your new hotel when it's ready.

Okay, it's a deal. Can you give me a street address to put in the GPS so I don't end up in Naples? James asked.

She laughed from her belly, which made him laugh too, and then she gave him the address before hanging up. She hadn’t seen James Miller since her brother Marco’s wedding—if she remembered well, he had a gorgeous body.

James followed the directions until he turned his Mercedes SLS AMG GT Coupé onto the country road, and after driving through wrought iron gates, he parked the car in a spot reserved for visitors. The driver's door opened upward and he stepped out, closing it before leaving.

What a beauty! a man said, admiring the car.

Thanks! James replied just before walking away.

James walked to the entrance of the cellars and asked at the desk for Serena Conti.

Yes, and you are, Mr…?

My name is James Miller and Miss Conti is expecting me.

The receptionist picked up the phone and spoke to someone before saying, Miss Conti will be here shortly.

Thank you, James said before walking to the visitors’ lounge to sit down.

Hello, James, Serena said, walking up to him. She