Promise

By Grace Kagni

Prime Minister Alessandro Medici-Visconti has his work cut out for him. Italy is under threat of terrorist attacks—attacks like the one which injured his love, Alessia Ferrara, and caused the loss of her memory.

That attack brought the two lovers back together—but the danger of more threatens to break them apart all over again. Alessandro is barely willing to let Alessia out into daylight. He just wants to protect her; yet Alessia only feels suffocated.

As Italy faces its darkest hour, can Alessia and Alessandro finally overcome the turmoil that has overshadowed their relationship since the very beginning? Or are they doomed to shatter once again—and this time forever?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Grace Kagni
• Release date: Jun 11, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310759734

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

Promise

BOOK 3

Italian Politics Series

Copyright © 2015 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 all my readers who have a passion for Italy. The Italians have an exciting life full of good food, great music and amazing art just to name a few important things that complete the Italian lifestyle.

From the Author

Life in Italy has always intrigued me and when I had the opportunity to move to Rome to experience life as an Italian, I took it and now I understood the passion and the nostalgia that my parents’ generation felt when they left their homeland for a new life after the destruction their country from the Second World War.

What is not commonly known, is the hardship that many Italian families face on a day-to-day basis in Italy. Italy’s beautiful picturesque views, gastronomic dishes and cultural heritage create an illusion of a lifestyle that doesn’t exist. Italy has been torn in two with the working class on one side and the extremely rich, politicians and public figures on the other.

Italy being the first port of entry for economic migrants and war refugees, it has made Italy extremely overpopulated over the last years and not able to cope with the surge of migrants arriving, looking for a better life than the one they left behind. The fortunate ones reach Lampedusa after crossing the short body of water in overpopulated boats, many losing their loved ones in the process.

Our hearts go out to the many migrants that risk their lives for a better life for themselves and their families but at the same time, this surge of people has given terrorists the possibility to effectively arrive without being detected. This is a huge concern for the Italians because now the enemy could be living next door, could be the man washing car windows at the traffic light, or could be the guy selling socks on the street corner to buy food.

The Italian Politics series was written taking into account the hardship and fears of normal Italian families on a daily basis. Please note that the outline of the story is based on what has been reported in the news but has been turned into a work of fiction – this is a work of fiction.

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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 (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

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

Chapter Seventeen

Prologue

Alessandro Medici-Visconti received a call from one of his guards, informing him that Alessia Ferrara had packed a bag and gone. That moment, his heart ached as the fear of losing her went through Alessandro’s mind. The first time Alessandro had seen Alessia, she had been so sad that he had wanted to wrap his arms around her, and yet he’d had to wait. Alessandro remembered he had been so happy to know she worked for the government that he’d had her reassigned to work as his assistant the moment he found out.

It had been the moment his life had changed. Alessandro still remembered how he’d felt three years ago when his beautiful wife, Isabella, had died of cancer. He had turned his back on love and chose a life of domination with many women—women much like Emilia Rialti, who had walked into his life and tried to grab hold of him. It was true that Emilia had conceived with Alessandro a daughter, but his daughter Isabella was the only good thing that had come out that relationship.

Now here he was again running after Alessia and trying to convince her that he loved her and needed her in his life. He realized he was empty inside without Alessia. Alessandro’s life had no meaning without the one person who made his heart beat.

~ ~ ~

Alessia shut the door, walked out of the building and got on the local bus to go to the train station. Everything was happening so quickly that she hadn’t had a chance to think where she could go, but she figured she’d show up at the train station and buy a ticket on the next train leaving Rome. Alessia would go wherever it would take her.

Several weeks had passed since the explosion and still her memory hadn’t come back. As she sat on the bus, Alessia’s head pounded as she thought about her life—or what she knew about it.

First, she’d fallen for Alessandro Medici-Visconti, the Prime Minister of Italy, who she thought was an honest and decent man, only to find out that he was now expecting another child with a woman by the name of Emilia Rialti. What did that mean? It meant that Alessandro was sleeping with Emilia while he was professing his love to Alessia. She was heartbroken and to make matters worse, Alessandro tormented her nights while she slept. Alessia’s dreams were filled with sensual and erotic sensations done to her by Alessandro.

Then Alessia had been told that before the memory loss, she’d fallen for an Italian politician by the name of Lucio Gentili. A charming and very seductive Roman bachelor who she believed wanted to help the poor—something that was dear to her heart—and yet he turned out to be a scheming and deceitful man.

She wondered how she’d been attracted to two deceitful men in a span of very little time. Alessia must have been really desperate to fall twice into the same trap.

How could Alessia have been so naive? How could she have fallen into their trap? There were so many questions and no answers at the moment, and yet Alessia was sure about one thing—she wouldn’t fall for it again.

The bus finally arrived at the train station, and after getting off, she walked to the ticket office to purchase a bus ticket for the next train leaving Rome. As Alessia stood in the line, waiting patiently for her turn, a hand grabbed her, and when she turned, she saw Alessandro standing beside her.

Alessia tried to pull her arm away from Alessandro’s grip, but he held on tight, glaring with dark eyes.

Where are you going? Alessandro whispered.

It’s none of your business, Alessia said, trying not to be affected, but his hand was causing a current of electricity through her body.

Your safety is my business, so are you going to tell me where you’re going? Alessandro asked again.

Away.

We need to talk, he said, pulling her out of the line.

I don’t want to talk to you, so go away.

Too bad. I need to talk and all you have to do is listen.

Alessia looked down at the floor, not wanting to give Alessandro the benefit of knowing he was affecting her in any way. She sensed his guards surrounding them, and since she didn’t want to make a scene, Alessia let him lead her to his car.

They got in and she sat looking out the window.

Alessia, please look at me.

She continued to look out the window.

Please? Alessandro whispered.

Why should I? You’re only going to lie to me, Alessia said, turning to look into his eyes—his blue eyes, mesmerizing her no matter how angry she was.

Because I want to apologize. I’ve been an idiot and I want to apologize to your face.

So now that you’ve done that, can I leave? Alessia asked, reaching to open the door.

No. Wait, Alessandro said, reaching forward to pull her hand away from the door.

She felt a spark when his fingers touched her hand, confusing her and lowering her guard.

Why didn’t you tell me about the pregnancy? she whispered, looking down at her lap.

I didn’t have the heart to tell you because it was a mistake—a huge mistake—but it doesn’t lessen my belief that I can’t trust Emilia. When and if she gets further along the pregnancy, I will ask for a DNA test to ensure the fetus is mine. He waited for Alessia to say something, and when she didn’t, he continued. I’m sorry—I don’t know how I fell into Emilia’s trap—twice for that matter, Alessandro said, letting out a frustrated sigh.

I feel the same way.

Alessandro smiled knowing Alessia was warming to him now.

Can I go now? Alessia asked, turning to look at him. Alessandro’s gaze was intense, taking her breath away.

I can’t let you leave.

You can’t keep me from leaving, Alessia said calmly.

It’s not safe out there and I won’t let you go where I can’t protect you, Alessandro said, reaching over to take her hand, and yet she pulled it away.

I don’t need protection—I need space, Alessia said, narrowing her eyes while she stared back at him.

Amore, please listen to me.

"Don’t call me ‘Amore’. I’m not yours. And like I said, I don’t need your protection."

Alessandro let out a long breath and leaned back in his seat. Alessia, we’re receiving continuous terrorist threats and I can’t let you walk away with what’s going on out there, he said, pointing toward the window.

Alessandro, you’re exaggerating, and why would they want me? I’m not a threat.

Everyone is a threat and anyone can be a target or taken hostage by terrorists. There’s no way of knowing who they are or where they’ll hit next.

I can’t live like a shadow. I need to find work and live my own life, Alessia said, looking out the window again. I need my own space.

You have your own space and I’ll make sure you’ll find work. I promise you that much.

No, I don’t want you to help me find work. I need to find it on my own.

Why won’t you let me help you? Alessandro asked, frustration building inside him.

I want to live my own life, make my own decisions and make my own mistakes—without your help.

He lifted his hands in the air, surrendering, but he said he had one condition. I don’t want you going anywhere without guards.

I won’t have guards following me around. I’m not you and I won’t waste their time when they have more important people to protect.

You are important—to me, Alessandro said, trying to reach out to grab her hand again, but she moved it away.

You know what I mean.

Yes, I know what you mean.

Promise?

Promise what?

That I won’t have guards following me everywhere?

I promise. You won’t see any guards following you, Alessandro said.

Thank you.

I’ll have my guards drive you home. My trip to Pisa was cancelled and now I need to get back to the office for an urgent meeting, he said, exiting the car.

Alessia rested her head back as she saw two guards get in the front, and then the car moved away from the curb, driving through the Rome traffic to her home.

Chapter One

Alessia awoke the next day full of energy and she was eager to find a job, so the first thing she did was search the ads on the Internet. She wrote down a few job opportunities at call centers and phoned to try to schedule an interview. One agency agreed to interview her just after lunch, so when she hung up, she went to make herself something to eat.

While Alessia was preparing a prosciutto sandwich, she turned on the television and saw there was a breaking news report. Suddenly Alessandro was on the television, so Alessia turned up the volume. The news ribbon at the bottom mentioned a terrorist shooting in Rome, so Alessia held her breath and waited for Alessandro to talk.

Thirty minutes ago, six terrorists attacked a busy street in the centre of Rome. There were ten victims, two of which were terrorists. The remaining terrorist group members fled the scene, but I want to assure the public that the Special Forces are hard at work locating them. In the meantime, I ask each and every one of you to pay particular attention while outdoors until the terrorists are caught and to come forward if you have any information that may help locating these terrorists. Thank you.

Alessia sat, listening in shock. She couldn’t believe what was going on in the world, and now it was suddenly happening in her city. The thought of terrorists walking freely in the city suddenly made her nervous and afraid to go outside. Should she cancel the interview? Did she have enough food in the house until the terrorists were caught? What was she going to do if she ran out of food? Alessia suddenly wished she hadn’t been so quick to refuse the guards when Alessandro offered to protect her. Should she call him? Aside from the fact that she was angry with him, Alessandro was obviously extremely busy with what was going on, but if she didn’t call, she wouldn’t be able to go out until the terrorists were caught. Alessia bit her nails until she decided to send him a short message. She hadn’t contacted him since he stopped her from leaving and she didn’t know if he was still angry with her.

Then Alessia suddenly had a thought. How had Alessandro known where to find her when she tried to leave? Was she being followed without knowing? Alessia got up and walked to her front door. Then she went out and knocked on the vacant apartment door next to hers, hoping to be wrong—but when she saw one of the guards open it, she suddenly knew that he’d lied—again! Anger flamed inside at a speed that her emotions couldn’t hold back as she stormed into her house and picked up her phone.

Alessia? Are you okay? Alessandro asked.

How dare you?

Alessandro was silent a moment. Are you all right? he asked again.

Yes, but I’m angry!

I can tell. What are you angry about now?

You have to ask?

Alessia, I don’t have time to play games, so spit it out.

You lied to me about the guards. They’re next door regardless of the fact that I specifically told you I didn’t want them to follow me around. You promised me that you’d call them off.

No, I promised you wouldn’t see any guards following you. I’m aware you’re angry right now, but I will not release them after what happened today. Do you understand?

You still lied.

I’m sorry, but you left me no choice.

You still lied, no matter the reason for doing it.

Yes. Have you calmed down now?

Yes, she said as she exhaled, feeling the tension starting to evaporate.

I need you to do me a favor, Alessandro said. Please stay at home until the terrorists are caught. I’ll have the guards bring you some groceries so you don’t need to go out.

I hate asking them to do things like that, Alessia said as she sat down on the sofa.

They’re there to serve and protect.

Yes, for you—not for me. I’m not comfortable asking them to bring me groceries, she said.

Send me an email with a list of things you need and I’ll ask one of them to go for you.

Since I don’t have a choice—thank you, but I want you to know that I’m still angry with you.

I’m aware of it and I don’t expect you to forgive me that easily, he said before disconnecting the line.

She cancelled the job interview and said she would call back in a few days to reschedule when the city was safe to go out again.

~ ~ ~

Alessia’s memory loss continued, but she seemed to remember that when she was stressed with her university exams, she relieved it by cooking and baking—and since today she was forced to stay at home, she decided to bake a Sacher cake.

While she was putting on the kettle to make a cup of tea, she noticed she received a message from Alessandro.

Alessia,

Can pass by for a chat later tonight? We still need to talk.

Alessandro

Alessia forgot Alessandro had wanted to talk to her, but then she realized after all that happened, he couldn’t still have her on his mind. Or could he? What if he still tried to seduce her like he had in the past? Well, if he tried anything, he’d get a knee in the groin as a response? She responded.

Fine

Alessia heard the teakettle whistling, so she got up to turn off the water. While she made her tea, she went over a few possibilities that could happen and decided to tell him where he could stick it if he tried anything.

~ ~ ~

Alessia spent the afternoon reading, and when she went to make herself another tea, she turned on the television to watch the afternoon news. It reported there were other terrorist threats in Rome and that the authorities were working hard to locate the terrorists.

When she returned to the living room with her tea, Alessia noticed she’d received a message from Alessandro.

Sorry—I’ve called an urgent meeting on the terrorist situation and I don’t know when I’ll finish. If it’s not too late, I’ll pass by for our chat.

Alessandro

Alessandro seemed adamant on a chat. Alessia realized he may have wanted to talk to her about his daughter. He said Alessia used to babysit before she was injured so it was possible he needed her to babysit again. She had nothing against his daughter, but the least interaction with him the better.

Why don’t you come by another time?

Alessia

He wrote back a couple of seconds afterward.

No—I really need to see you tonight.

Alessandro

Alessia read until early evening when she started to feel hunger pains grumbling in her stomach, so she got up and went to the kitchen to make a plate of pasta with mushroom sauce.

She sat down at the living room table to eat and turned on the television to watch the news. Alessia was curious to know if the police had caught the terrorists. As she watched, they were reporting a bombing in Florence. She turned up the volume and listened. A bomb had gone off in the Florence train station, injuring hundreds of people. Alessia sat silent, watching as a knot started to form in her gut. What was happening? She listened intently to what the news reported, and a few minutes after that there was a breaking news report, live in Rome. The cameras were at Palazzo Chigi, and a few moments later, Alessia saw Alessandro exit the building and get into his car. The breaking news report said he was on his way to Florence to speak to the Mayor about the damages and view the site first-hand.

It was getting serious and Alessia suddenly realized what responsibility Alessandro had. He certainly didn’t have the time or the energy to pursue her and she suddenly felt really silly knowing how much she’d pondered over the subject. She watched as his motorcade left Piazza Colonna. The reporting returned to Florence and she saw the destruction around the train station. Alessia continued to watch the television until she simply couldn’t bear to see the destruction anymore and shut it