Scandal

By Grace Kagni

When Alessia Ferrara walks into her government job one day, she is told that she has been reassigned. Where? To His Excellency Alessandro Medici-Visconti, a young politician from Italy’s leading political party, with whom Alessia will be working from now on. So Alessia goes, although she can’t help but wonder—why her?

It is only the first question of many. Alessia quickly finds that her personal life and Alessandro’s become increasingly intertwined—and she learns that the handsome young politician has many a dark secret.

Not only that, but someone from Alessandro’s past is lurking in the shadows too. Can Alessia face the reality behind His Excellency’s public image? Or will their love shatter under the weight of the darkness it must bear?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Grace Kagni
• Release date: Nov 9, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311955104

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.

Book preview

Scandal

BOOK 1

Italian Politics Series

Copyright © 2014 Grace Kagni

Version 3 - Copyright © 2018 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 women who are searching for love and who have the courage to look within themselves to understand the definition of the word.

From the Author

In my search for the perfect romantic story, I've found that in order to have love and happiness in life, one must face challenges that may not be apparent to others. I've had the privilege of meeting important and influential people in my life and what I've noticed is that they have the same need to be happy and feel loved, and carry the same demons as all of us. I've created this story to show that fame has a price and no matter how rich or famous a person may be, nothing comes easy or should be taken for granted.

The Italian Politics Series was influenced by what was reported on the news - the personal lives and scandals of Italian politicians. The constant scandals and deception that surround the Italian government inspired me to write a series about the lives of influential Italian politicians because in truth, they bleed and hurt just like anyone else. I’ve created these characters based on public figures, but the series is a work of fiction.

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

I'd like to thank E-Book Cover Designs By Carey for the fantastic 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 Series (The Billionaire's Affair)

Scandal - Book 1

Breakup - Book 2

Promise - Book 3

The Miller Family Series

Liam’s Best – Book 1

Dalton’s Embrace – Book 2

Tessa’s Flame – Book 3

Stand alone

Dreaming Victoria

Table of Contents

Prologue

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

Prologue

Alessia Ferrara was just arriving at work on Monday morning when her phone rang, so she started to take off her coat as she picked up her desk phone.

Hello? she said, shrugging off her coat.

Miss Ferrara?

Yes?

I'm calling from the Human Resources Office to tell you that you've been reassigned to another office.

Alessia slumped into her chair. I haven't received an email or memorandum informing me of any changes, Alessia said, hoping she didn't have to move. Alessia really liked where she worked and got along well with her colleagues.

Well, a special request arrived late last night.

Where am I being moved to? she asked, looking at all the pictures, plants and objects that filled her space. Alessia would have to pack it all up.

You've been reassigned to work in the main offices for the Minister of Labour, His Excellency Alessandro Medici-Visconti.

Alessia gasped—just the thought of working for that arrogant politician made her stomach clench. She sat in silence wondering what she should do. Should she refuse? Would they let her decline the reassignment? Her father's medical bills and the costs to keep him at the seniors’ home were increasing quickly, so how could she afford to refuse the transfer? It was too much to take on a Monday morning and she had a sinking feeling she didn’t have a choice.

Miss Ferrara?

Yes, I'm listening. Alessia knew very well she couldn't refuse a promotion of this sort because obviously the move also implied a pay rise. The extra money would be a godsend and she could always quit if it turned into a nightmare.

All right then. Please go directly to the main building, up to the top floor where the Minister's office is located. I will ensure the contents of your office will be moved to your new office.

When am I expected to start?

You're already late, so please hurry along.

Alessia grabbed her coat, placing it over her arm, and before leaving, she picked up the picture of her parents from her desk and placed it in her handbag; then she took the elevator down to the main floor. She walked out of the secondary building entrance to the main entrance where the guards thoroughly checked her with metal detectors before allowing her on the elevators to the top floor.

As she rode the elevator up, she knew it would be a long day. She hoped she could cope with His Excellency's arrogance and that he kept his hands to himself—it was another thing she’d heard about him. He was known to have a flow of gorgeous women fluttering around him, like he was a Greek god, but that didn’t scare her because she had no problem defending her virtue if the need arose.

The doors opened, and as she stepped out into the lavishly decorated hall, she let out a long sigh. Taking a few steps forward, she noticed the 17th century Chigiana furniture and the beautiful paintings on the walls. Heads of state walked through this same hall, making her shiver at the thought of how much power flowed through these offices.

Cristina, a messenger at the beginning of the hallway greeted Alessia and told her to go down the hall to the last office on the right, so Alessia walked slowly down the long corridor, admiring the fresco paintings on the high ceilings, completely mesmerized by their beauty when she bumped into someone tall and muscular. She lowered her eyes from the ceiling to gaze into the bluest eyes she'd ever seen—His Excellency Alessandro Medici-Visconti stood before her, grinning.

Minister Medici-Visconti, I'm terribly sorry. I was admiring the ceiling and didn't see you. Please accept my apologies.

Are you lost? he asked, tilting his head to the side as he looked into her dark brown eyes.

Actually, no. I was on my way to your office.

My office? Are you my new assistant? he smiled, his charming nature shining through.

Yes. I was told by Human Resources to come directly here.

He grinned and looked her over from head to toe. It will be a pleasure working with you. What is your name, mia Cara?

Alessia Ferrara. Can you please tell me which is my office?

He held out his arm and escorted her to an enormous room with fresco paintings on the ceiling. It had a beautiful 17th century desk in the middle of the room and antique sofas on the far wall. Alessia presumed it was the Minister's office from the opulence of the furnishings, so she waited for him to say something, and as she let go of his arm, she felt electricity pass through her body as his blue eyes looked down at her.

Don't you like your office, mia Cara? the Minister asked.

This is my office? Alessia asked, surprised. She’d never seen an office as beautiful as this, so her heart fluttered a tiny bit, knowing it would be a pleasure to work in such a beautiful place. Since she’d been a child, she was fascinated by art, and now that she would be working in a beautiful office, it would give her the opportunity to study some of the paintings surrounding her.

His eyes twinkled as he smiled. Yes, this is your office. My office is past those doors, which means you will be my protector to the outside world.

Alessia looked at him, wondering what he meant, but then realized her job was to screen everyone who walked through the door, insisting they needed to see the Minister. She suddenly felt the heavy burden on her shoulders, and yet she also felt excitement about the new job.

Don't worry, mia Cara. I'll tell you who to let through and who should never be allowed through those doors. Do you have a strong character?

Yes, I believe I do.

Then you will do well here. Now take a few minutes to put your things away and then come into my office so I can provide you with instructions. Fixing his tie, he walked past Alessia’s desk and through the doors to his office.

Alessia looked through the doors and noted it was bigger than her apartment, but then so was her office. Alessia hung her coat, placed her bag in the cabinet, found a pencil and notepad, and then took a breath before walking through the Minister’s office doors.

Alessia stopped to look in and noticed how attractive he was writing at his desk. His dark wavy hair gave him the appearance of the Prince Charming she read about in fairytales, but she knew he was far from it, so she rid those thoughts from her mind and knocked before going in.

Alessandro looked up and smiled. Come in. His office was impressively decorated to meet foreign diplomats. As she took a step forward, he told her to take a seat in front of him while he finished writing his note. When Alessandro finished, he looked up and grinned. So, have you settled into your new office?

Yes, thank you. Alessia looked directly into his beautiful blue eyes and watched as he got up and sat on the chair across from her. His nearness made a sensation flutter throughout her body, something that had never happened before.

So, tell me a little about yourself. If you're going to work for me, I'd like to know a little about you. Alessandro smiled, crossing his leg so his calf touched hers.

Certainly, Excellency. The feel of his leg touching hers was distracting, so Alessia moved her leg.

Please, call me Alessandro.

Well, I was born and grew up in Rome, graduated in art history from the Sapienza University and have been working here for two years, Alessia explained, trying not to feel awkward about being so close to him. Alessia could almost feel the heat from his body as his knee suddenly touched hers, sending a uncomfortable feeling throughout her veins.

Do you live at home with your parents? Do you have any brothers or sisters? Alessandro asked, placing an arm over the back of the 17th century Chigiana chair.

He looked at ease sitting there, unlike her, who felt like she was a bag of nerves. My mother passed away when I was very young, and my father, who has Alzheimer disease, has been moved to a seniors’ home, Alessia said, her heart still aching at the thought of her father in a home. Her job paid well, but most of her wage was spent paying their bills and not much was left after all the expenses were paid. It was the main reason she really needed to keep this job.

His Excellency leaned over to stroke Alessia’s cheek.

Alessia felt electricity pass through her body as Alessandro touched her, and yet her mind reminded her that he was an arrogant man who used women relentlessly. An over all feeling of disgust took over her body because she’d let herself be affected by a man like him. Thankfully, it had only lasted a brief moment.

I'm sorry to hear that. Then he got up and walked back to the other side of his desk where he’d left the pen and paper. He carefully picked up the paper and read it before passing it to Alessia. This is what you need to know about this job. Study the names carefully and the comments beside each name. If you have any questions, just ask me.

Alessia took the paper, and as she walked back into her office, she was mesmerized a moment by the blue eyes. She had to admit that he was an extremely good looking man and for a split second, Alessia wondered what it would be like to have his arms wrapped around her—but when she realized she was playing with fire and it was an inappropriate thought since he was her boss, she focused on what she needed to do. The movers had just dropped off boxes from her old office, so Alessia sat down and turned on her computer before putting her things away in her desk. She looked at the paper and recognized some of the names—important people, so why would he not want to talk to them? It was something she would need to clarify with Alessandro, so as not to make any mistakes.

The morning passed quickly as people came and went, asking to schedule appointments with the Minister. Alessia felt drained when it was lunchtime and really needed some fresh air, so she knocked on Alessandro’s door to let him know she was going to eat.

Excuse me. I just wanted to let you know I’m going to lunch now.

Come in a minute, Alessandro said from his desk. How was your morning?

Busy. Alessia smiled, feeling like she’d been on the job a week.

Well, I hope it won’t wear you down too quickly. I have a busy schedule and the previous two assistants didn’t last a month, but I can sense you’ll do just fine. He stood to look out his window. As Alessia watched him, she noticed he had a spectacular view of the city. For a couple of seconds, her mind wandered as she admired his body from behind. Alessandro was tall, broad-shouldered, had a slim waist and a tight butt. She couldn’t keep her eyes off him as he stood with his dress shirt sleeves rolled up.

Alessia needed to focus on work and not her boss. You don’t need to worry because I can handle just about anything.

I’m happy to hear it. Do you have a passport? Alessandro asked, turning to look at her. He slipped his hands in his dress pants' pockets.

I don’t, Alessia responded, wondering why she’d need a passport.

You’ll need to get one urgently because I travel quite a bit and I need you to be with me when I go away. Alessandro walked back to his desk and wrote down something on a piece of paper. Call him as soon as possible to obtain a passport quickly.

Alessia looked at the piece of paper and recognized the name of the police commissioner. Alessia made a mental note to call him in the afternoon and then left the office to meet a colleague from her old office for lunch. On her way out, Alessia was stopped by Cristina, who asked if the movers had brought everything to her new office.

~~~

Alessia looked up from her computer and noticed it was already 8 p.m. It was getting late and time to go home, so Alessia shut down her computer and went to Alessandro’s office to tell him she was leaving.

How was your first day? he asked.

Tiring, but very satisfying. Alessia enjoyed the constant visitors, making the hours pass quickly.

Did you call for your passport?

Yes, I did. I filled out the paperwork and sent everything to the police commissioner. I’ve been told it will be delivered by the end of the week.

Very good. It’ll arrive in time for our trip.

What trip?

We’re leaving next week for Milan. The details should be in my calendar. Alessandro got up and walked over to Alessia. Then he took her hand and clasped it in between both his smooth long fingers. It’s late now, so go home and get a good night’s sleep. We have a busy week ahead.

I don’t understand. I don’t need a passport to go to Milan, so why the urgency? Alessia didn't know if she could trust Alessandro, and yet the idea of traveling with him excited her.

My plans can change at any moment of the day or night, so be ready and keep the passport in your bag at all times.

Alessia suddenly felt her heart skip a beat at the thought of traveling with the handsome man standing before her. He was certainly charming his way into her mind, which confused her tremendously. Alessia knew it would be an interesting job. Okay, have a good evening.

Have a good night, Alessia, and thank you for taking on this job with a positive attitude. Alessandro raised her hand to kiss the back before letting Alessia go for the night.

She nodded and left the office.

Chapter One

The week passed quickly and it was soon the weekend, for which Alessia was grateful to have a little time to relax after an extremely busy week. Sunday evening, Alessia prepared her bag, hoping to have packed the right clothing for the trip since Alessandro’s calendar didn’t say much about Milan except for a fundraiser he needed to attend on Monday evening.

Monday morning, Alessia was ready and packed for the trip, waiting to be picked up at home as Alessandro had been kind enough to arrange. Alessia was ready when the driver rang to tell her he had arrived and would be waiting for her downstairs.

There were two black cars waiting outside. The first one had a blue police light on it and the driver took her bag, placing it in the second car before opening the back door for her. As Alessia got in, she noticed Alessandro was waiting inside, dressed in a dark designer suit, white shirt with platinum cufflinks and a gray tie.

Good morning, Alessia. Alessandro was reading a document as she sat down.

Good morning, Alessia responded politely.

Alessandro handed Alessia an iPad mini and told her she should keep it with her at all times, explaining he'd be sending her notes and messages for the meetings.

Alessia placed it into her handbag and then looked out the window at the dark sky, wondering if it would rain in Milan.

They drove the short distance to the Tiburtina train station.

We'll be taking the high-speed train to Milan today, Alessandro said without looking at Alessia. You would have known if you'd read the email I sent you this morning on the iPad I just gave you.

Oh, I'm sorry. I'll read my messages as soon as I get on the train. Alessia grabbed her bag and stepped out of the car when they arrived at the train station. Who reads their emails at 6 a.m.? She realized she needed to pay more attention to those things if she wanted to keep her job.

The two men in suits from the first car followed them inside.

Do they always follow you around? Alessia asked, pointing behind them at the guards.

They're my bodyguards and they always need to go where I go, Alessandro smirked, when he saw her ponderous expression.

She nodded and made a mental note they'd always be two steps behind them. Alessia suddenly felt better knowing they were close when she looked around at the people at the train station. Some were homeless, some were drug addicts, some were migrants—none had pleasant faces, so she walked a little closer to Alessandro, suddenly feeling apprehensive. Alessandro caught Alessia’s insecurity and placed his hand on