Breakup

By Grace Kagni

Alessia Ferrara has left His Excellency Alessandro Medici-Visconti. Back home, she decides that she wants to completely disavow herself of the past and start again.

Yet the past has a way of catching up. For Alessia, this comes in the form of Lucio Gentili, one of Alessandro’s colleagues. He is charming and gorgeous, and there is no denying the intense heat between them. Meanwhile, Alessandro is battling his own blast from the past: ex-partner Emilia, who has drawn him back into the seedy underbelly of the high life once more.

Now both are falling: Alessia for Lucio, and Alessandro into a spiral of darkness. But separate as they now are, their lives are still intertwined—and they are not done just yet.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Grace Kagni
• Release date: Feb 12, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311274212

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

Alessandro got out of the car on his fifth day back to work and walked into his office building with his guards. He’d been away for three weeks and that little time had given him the space needed to clear his mind. There was one thing he was sure about and it was that he couldn’t live without Alessia, so as soon as he cleared his desk of urgent matters, he decided to pay her a visit.

He’d hoped to visit her the first day back, but once he was in the office, he received many calls and visits, including colleagues wishing him well.

It wasn’t until the end of the week he was able to take a walk to Alessia’s new office. When he walked into her cubicle, Alessandro was surprised to find another woman sitting at her desk.

Good morning, Minister, the woman said as she saw him standing in the doorway.

Good morning. Has Miss Ferrara called in sick today?

No, she resigned on Monday, she said, standing.

Resigned?

Yes, this is what I was told.

Alessandro walked out of the cubicle and went straight to the personnel office to find out why Alessia had resigned. He was furious when the personnel officer couldn’t give him information on where to find Alessia. All Alessandro was told was that Miss Ferrara had resigned for personal reasons.

Why would she resign for personal reasons? Alessandro knew it would be uncomfortable for her when he returned to work, but he’d decided to give Alessia space so there was no need for her to resign.

Alessandro walked back to his office in a state of shock. How was it possible Alessia got away without his knowing? He was sure she’d still be there, and now that she was gone, where was she? He needed to find out quickly where she was.

He was on the phone for the next hour, trying to find out anything he could about Alessia’s whereabouts, but nobody seemed to know. Alessia seemed to have resigned from her job and moved out of her apartment. She had simply disappeared, and yet it just couldn’t be. Why would she do that? Alessandro hired a private investigator to find out where Alessia had gone.

Just after he gave the investigator the information he had on Alessia, he realized he really didn’t know much about her. He’d never found out where her father was or if Alessia had any other family in Rome—or in Italy for that matter. Alessandro only knew Alessia had been adopted. How could he have been such a fool not to pay attention to the important things?

His phone beeped with a text message.

Amore, I’ve confirmed dinner tonight with Pietro and Francesca. The dinner reservation is at Mamaflo Restaurant at 9 p.m.—so don’t be late.

Emilia

Dinner with Emilia’s friends from the social club. Alessandro growled at the thought and then texted her back.

Fine.

Alessandro wasn’t fine with it, but he didn’t have a choice and he’d tried to be friendly with Emilia, but lately she’d really stepped up her game. He could feel Emilia’s claws digging deep into his skin and it was one of the reasons why Alessandro returned to the office earlier than his doctor suggested. He couldn’t take Emilia’s constant hovering and needed to get away. Alessandro found an escape in his work and now that he was back in the office, it gave him time to reflect and plan his next steps.

Alessandro pulled out his monogrammed paper and wrote a letter to his sister Valentina.

Dearest Valentina,

If I haven’t told you how much I appreciate the support you’ve given me these past few weeks, then I need to be a better brother. Your daily calls have encouraged me not to give up and I really don’t know what I would have done without your loving words. You dropped everything to be by my side when I had a heart attach. Thank you for your constant support and please remember that I am here for you if you should need me.

Your loving brother,

Alessandro

Alessandro gave the envelope to his new assistant, Matilde, asking if she would post it for him the following day.

Alessandro called his guards to inform them he’d be leaving to go home. When he looked at his watch, he realized he had just enough time to have a shower before going out to dinner. He really didn’t feel up to going out, but Alessandro couldn’t tolerate Emilia’s whining, so he got into the back of his car and leaned his head back, wondering where Alessia had gone. Alessia couldn’t have gone far, but Alessandro was sure the investigator would find out more in a few days. In the meantime, he needed to be patient.

~ ~ ~

Emilia was waiting for Alessandro when he arrived home, and as soon as he closed the door, he saw her checking her makeup in the mirror. She was dressed in an elegant dark blue cocktail dress.

Alessandro—please hurry or we’ll be late for dinner.

I won’t be long. Just give me a few minutes to have a quick shower and change. Where is Isabella?

She’s at a friend’s house tonight so we’ll be free to stay out as long as we like.

Alessandro looked at Emilia a minute, wondering how long she’d continue to play the game, and then went upstairs to change. Emilia was certainly determined to make it work, and yet it wasn’t enough for Alessandro.

As he stepped into the shower, Alessandro let the water massage his tense shoulders while his mind went to Alessia. It’d been a while since she’d left his house and he hadn’t heard from Alessia since that day. Alessandro’s nerves were wearing him out and he wasn’t sure how long he could go on with Emilia at his heels.

After getting out of the shower, he walked to the minibar to pour himself a drop of Grappa, feeling the need for a strong drink before going out for dinner. It would be a long night and he knew Emilia would be all over him, clawing her way further into his life.

He put on a dark Armani suit, white Dior shirt with Dior cufflinks, and a silk Dolce and Gabbana mustard tone tie. Alessandro had another drop of Grappa and then put on his shoes before meeting Emilia downstairs.

If I haven’t told you yet, you look stunning, Emilia, Alessandro said.

She was a beautiful woman, but she wasn’t the one for him. Alessia was the one and yet she wasn’t here for him, so he needed to keep Emilia at bay by being nice. It wasn’t easy, but Alessandro was trying for Isabella’s sake.

Thank you. I was wondering when you’d notice my new dress.

They put on their coats and left the house as the clock in the foyer chimed 9 p.m. Getting into the car, they drove off with Alessandro’s guards toward the restaurant where they planned on meeting Emilia’s friends.

The drive didn’t take long, and as soon as they reached the restaurant, Alessandro saw a crowd of people standing outside the restaurant, waiting to get in.

Alessandro’s name guaranteed a table in any restaurant and Emilia fit the lifestyle like a glove as she looked out the window while she fixed her hair. Suddenly photographers seemed to pop out from nowhere and took pictures of Alessandro and Emilia as they got out of the car. As soon as they stepped out, Emilia grabbed his arm and grinned at the photographers while they flashed their cameras.

Alessandro kept his head down as he walked toward the entrance and then held the door for Emilia. She walked into the restaurant and saw her friends waiting by the corner.

Darlings—here we are!

Emilia, you look fabulous tonight, Pietro said, extending his arm to pull her into a hug, brushing a fake kiss near her ear.

I know. Let’s find our table, Emilia instructed Alessandro.

Alessandro moved forward to shake Pietro’s hand and gave Francesca a similar fake kiss before going to ask about their reservation. They were shown immediately to their table and asked if they wanted anything to drink. After ordering drinks, Emilia turned to Pietro and fired away a multitude of comments about what she had recently read in the gossip magazines.

Alessandro sat back, listening to their dull conversation until the waiter brought their drinks, which made the dinner a little more bearable. They were given menus, and as the three continued to talk about what was news in the celebrity business, Alessandro studied the menu. He looked at his watch and noticed it was only 9.45 p.m., realizing it was going to be an extremely long evening.

A half hour later, the waiter took their orders and refilled their drinks, giving Alessandro something else to do. He downed his second drink and then pulled out his phone.

Amore, please don’t be on your telephone all night. We’re here to chat with our friends and not be on social media.

Emilia, I can assure you I wouldn’t be so rude, and I apologize because I need to make a phone call, he said as he got up and walked away.

Emilia looked at her friends and waved her hands up in the air. Well, what do you expect? He’s a busy man, she said, laughing.

Alessandro walked out of the dining room, looking for a little fresh air, so he went outside to have a little privacy while he made a phone call. The photographers seemed to have disappeared, which made him think Emilia was behind their arrival. Alessandro wouldn’t put it past her—Emilia would do anything to appear in the gossip magazines on Alessandro’s arm.

He called the investigator to ask if he’d found anything about Alessia and Alessandro was surprised when he was told she’d made a clean break—no news yet. Alessandro worried about Alessia, but he knew she’d had a good reason to disappear, or at least she believed it was a good reason. Alessandro understood it now, not that he agreed, but he understood her need to do the right thing. It was something he loved about her—her passion to do the right thing against all odds and regardless of the consequences. Alessandro had to admit Alessia was a stronger person than he’d believed her to be. It took courage to quit her job and move away. Now Alessandro only needed to find out where Alessia was so he could go to her.

Alessandro went back to the table and was happy to see his spaghetti with fresh clams had arrived, so he sat down and started to eat, hoping the evening would pass quickly. He did his best to be polite and seem interested in what they were saying, and yet the conversation was less than interesting—in fact, it was boring, so after dessert arrived, he asked for the bill.

When they paid for dinner, Pietro and Francesca asked if they’d be interested in going to a new nightclub, and before Alessandro could say anything, Emilia agreed for the both of them. Alessandro wasn’t pleased Emilia took the initiative for him, but he was raised to be a gentleman and didn’t comment in public.

When Alessandro escorted Emilia back to his car, he told her what he thought. Please don’t make any decisions for me in the future. I’m really not in the mood to spend more time with them, but since you’ve already accepted, I’ll make an exception this time.

Darling, it’s still early. Anybody who’s anybody will be there tonight and it’ll be good for you to get out and mingle. You’ve been in a terrible mood since that Alessia girl left and it’s time you live it up a little.

Alessandro growled at the sound of Alessia’s name spoken by Emilia.

They were silent the rest of the ride to the nightclub, and as the car pulled up to the curb, Alessandro looked out at the crowd of people lined up to get inside.

Are you sure we’ll get into the club?

Darling, you can get us into anywhere, so don’t be so stressed about it, Emilia said, checking her makeup and hair on the tiny mirror she’d pulled out from her evening bag. Then she turned to Alessandro and smiled before she stepped out of the car.

The guards opened their doors and then one followed Alessandro around the car to the entrance of the nightclub. Emilia took Alessandro’s arm as they walked past the line outside toward the door, and as soon as the bouncer saw the Minister, he opened the door to let them in.

Good evening, Your Excellency.

Alessandro nodded as he waited for Emilia to enter first and then followed her in. Her friends were already inside, and as soon as they spotted Alessandro and Emilia, they waved them over to a table.

Alessandro looked around the club and noticed it was crowded with people of different ages, although it was primarily a young crowd. He was pleased to spot a colleague, giving him the opportunity to step away for a while, so after excusing himself from their group, he walked toward his colleague and his wife. As soon as Alessandro started to walk that way, Emilia grabbed onto his arm to follow him.

Introduce me to your friends, she said, throwing her long dark hair over her shoulder.

Alessandro turned to look at Emilia, and before he could protest, his colleague noticed he was approaching.

Alessandro, what a pleasure to see you here tonight—and who is this goddess standing next to you? the man in the dark designer suit asked Alessandro.

Massimo, this is Emilia, Alessandro said to his colleague.

It’s a great pleasure to meet you, Massimo said, taking Emilia’s hand to gently brush a soft kiss on the back. Massimo stared at Emilia intently while his wife gazed at Alessandro.

Good evening, Alessandro. How are you this evening? Loredana asked, looking him over with hungry eyes.

Well, thank you.

Emilia was caught by Massimo’s charm and shifted her arm from Alessandro’s to Massimo’s without batting an eyelash.

Alessandro, why don’t we move to a quieter room to have a little privacy while we talk, Massimo asked.

Of course, Alessandro said, waiting for Massimo to lead the way.

Massimo accompanied Emilia toward a private room and Alessandro followed with Loredana on his arm.

As soon as they walked into the private room, Massimo leaned into Emilia and caressed her face. Has anyone told you how beautiful you look tonight?

I don’t remember, but you can tell me just the same, Emilia said, leaning into Massimo’s palm as she felt his fingers caressing her skin.

Loredana led Alessandro to a bench in the corner and sat down beside him, resting her hand on his thigh.

I have a surprise for everyone, Massimo said.

Oh, I love surprises, Emilia purred.

Massimo pulled from his jacket a little bag and lifted it into the air, showing a white powder. He shook the bag in the air, winking at Alessandro and Emilia.

Emilia rubbed her hands together and watched as Massimo pulled the small table to the center of the room before putting the bag on it. Then Massimo emptied the white powder onto the table in a little pile before pulling out a gold credit card from his wallet. He used the card to move the powder around, dividing it into four straight rows, and after he put the card back in his wallet, he pulled out a crisp one-hundred-euro bank note.

Massimo rolled the bank note on the long end, forming a small tube; then, grinning at his companions, he lowered his head to the table to snort one of the lines of powder through the tube. Straightening, Massimo handed the rolled bank note to his wife Loredana. Amore, it’s your turn.

With pleasure, my love. Loredana got up and took the rolled up bank note from her husband, lowered her head to the table and snorted the second line of white powder. When Loredana was done, she lifted her head and grinned like a cat. Then she walked over to Alessandro to give him the rolled bank note. It’s your turn, Alessandro.

Alessandro looked at it before looking at Emilia and then he took it from Loredana and walked over to Emilia. After you, my dear.

Emilia grinned at Massimo and then looked at Alessandro before taking the rolled up bank note from Alessandro. This evening is just what I needed, Emilia said. Then, lowering her head, Emilia snorted the third row of powder and then stood straight, feeling the strength of the powder in her nose. She walked to Massimo and rubbed her body up and down his side, feeling excited. Grrr, are you ready for me? I can be like a cat in heat so be prepared.

Loredana pulled Alessandro down on the bench and moved her hands to his tie, undoing it slowly as she whispered in his ear. I’ve been waiting a long time to be with you. My hands are burning to feel your body. Alessandro sat back, feeling his heart racing from the need to get away, but as Loredana started to undress him, Alessandro’s body awakened and pulsed for more. He looked at Emilia and saw she was in a world of her own with Massimo, so he decided to let go too. Alessandro leaned his head back and enjoyed the feel of Loredana’s fingers as she caressed his body.

Massimo guided Emilia onto the other table, and as she lay back, he lifted her dress, exposing her black garter belt and stockings, making him growl at the sight of her. Oh, I’m going to enjoy removing these, Massimo said, slipping his hand underneath the garter straps as he untied one at a time. Then Massimo rolled one of the stockings down to the stiletto shoe before he did the same with the other stocking. As the straps released the garter belt, Massimo moved it up toward Emilia’s waist before lowering his head to her belly button to taste the soft skin tingling under his fingertips. Darling, you taste better than what I believed. I can’t wait to taste your pussy.

Emilia raised her back off the table, feeling his lips on her skin and giggled as she lifted her legs onto his back. The moment Massimo ripped Emilia’s panties off, exposing her wetness, she grabbed his head with her hands and guided him to her wetness, not wanting to be teased any longer. I told you I can be like a cat. I know what I want and right now, I need your mouth right here. Emilia pushed Massimo’s head down between her legs, wanting to feel his tongue where the heat was building.

Don’t make me wait any longer, Emilia growled, holding his head between her legs. Massimo’s tongue moved inside her wetness, lapping her sweetness as it dripped from excitement.

Emilia was on fire and as Massimo’s tongue moved in circles inside her folds, her hips moved rhythmically with his tongue.

As Emilia’s orgasm came quickly, her legs tightened around Massimo’s back from the pleasure racking her body. Emilia held onto Massimo’s shoulders as she yelled out his name in pleasure and told him not to stop.

Loredana pulled off her dress and stood before Alessandro wearing only her shoes. Hold that thought, sugar. I’ll be right back. Then she walked over to Massimo to pull out a condom from his pocket before returning to the bench to put it on Alessandro. Let me help you with this. She rolled it on and straddled him as Alessandro closed his eyes and put his head back against the wall. Loredana rode Alessandro hard and fast. Her movements were rapid, and as Loredana moved him in and out, she reached down for Alessandro’s hands and brought them to her breasts.

Alessandro grinned and lowered his mouth to taste one nipple; then, pulling it into his mouth, he gave it a little bite before turning to the other nipple.

That’s it—you can be rough. Don’t stop, Loredana said.

His hands roamed to Loredana’s sides and then to her backside as her hips moved taking in Alessandro’s length. He felt he was close and as Alessandro dropped his head on Loredana’s chest, his release came easy, and as his legs tightened, his orgasm washed over his body, leaving him breathless and dizzy. Aaah. Alessandro’s hands still held Loredana’s backside, and as he groaned, he slowed her movements, resting his head between her breasts.

Alessandro heard Massimo growl and looked up to see him pumping Emilia as she held onto his body like she was riding a wild boar. Massimo’s pants were down to his knees and his hips were grinding into Emilia quickly. Emilia’s head was tilted back so Alessandro could see her eyes were open wide while a cat-like grin showed from ear to ear. Massimo’s body tightened while he slowed his movements and he finally fell onto Emilia’s body as he released. Emilia’s legs were still clamped onto Massimo’s back, and as she leaned back, her arms fell off the table as she let out a long sigh.

That was fucking brilliant! Massimo said, muffled by Emilia’s body.

It certainly was, Loredana agreed.

Emilia started to giggle hysterically while Massimo got up and pulled up his boxers and pants. He readjusted