Unexpected Desire: Loved By You, #4

By Eva Winslow

Fate brought Anna Watts and Alessio Conti together under dire circumstances. The attraction that grew between them was something neither of them expected, yet there it was.

 

When Anna left San Francisco behind and moved to Hong Kong, she vowed to leave her past behind her and get her life back on track. She had given ten years of her life to Jack, the man who had betrayed her and left her scarred. The ghosts of that failed relationship left her uncertain about love. Until Alessio.

 

Alessio lived a care-free life, never settling down in one place for long. He worked hard, and played hard, and the thought of a long-term relationship with one woman had never entered his mind. Until Anna.

 

Alessio and Anna are successful business partners, but in love, they both have past issues that could push them apart.

 

Alessio put his past lifestyle behind him, yet being in love and in a relationship with one woman is still new to him, and he wrestles with doubt. Is this something that will last?

 

Anna must finally relinquish the hold her past relationship with Jack has on her. When he decides he wants her back, will she give in or will she resist?

 

Fate brought them together, but can they hold on to what they have?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Eva Winslow
• Release date: Nov 17, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201094393

Book preview

UNEXPECTED DESIRE

Loved By You: Book 4

By

Eva Winslow

Table of Contents

Title Page

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

EPILOGUE

COPYRIGHT

CHAPTER ONE

Anna loved the Furama and lingered a bit longer, wanting to soak it all in before going to her room to pack.

Anna? a familiar voice asked softly.

Anna smiled. Hey.

Alessio stepped out of the light flooding from inside, into the shadowy corner Anna had settled herself in. Had a feeling you’d be out here.

You’re psychic now, Anna quipped. As well as a knight in shining armor.

Alessio smiled sheepishly, biting his lip. I didn’t mean to intrude, but that guy does not seem safe.

I appreciated the back-up.

You hardly needed it. Alessio grinned. That was amazing.

She laughed. Felt good.

I’ll bet. His face shifted, concerned. How are you?

I’m fine, she told him.

Alessio cocked his head, raised an eyebrow. Really?

Alessio, Anna breathed. I know I’ve lost my job. And… I know you’d be more comfortable if I left. It’s okay.

Alessio shook his head. Once I explained what happened to Jonny, he was pissed at Wallace, not you. Your job is safe.

Anna shivered at the cold brick at her back, the night air on her face, the soft sensation of Alessio’s jacket brushing her bare arm.

And you? she asked,

He stayed silent for a long time. The piano music changed, became a sweet and sensual melody that seemed to curl around them. Alessio smelled clean and spicy, a little like champagne, and Anna wanted to lean into his body, take comfort in him. She wanted to fill the quiet with all the ways he’d changed her life.

I don’t want you to leave, Alessio said slowly. But I don’t want you to feel like you have to stay, either.

She turned her head. What do you mean?

Alessio turned his head, too. You’re loyal, and committed, and kind of self-sacrificing. I don’t want you to stay because you feel obligated, or grateful, or… because I want you to.

You want me to stay? Anna asked, aching hope coloring her voice. She didn’t even care that Alessio could hear it.

I already feel like I’ve lost you, he said, "and I really don’t like it. Like… really. Like… it’s just awful. Just really awful."

Anna held her breath while Alessio continued.

I love… Alessio swallowed hard, and Anna’s skin started to tingle, started to shiver up into gooseflesh. I love you.

She stared up at him, blinking rapidly. "You what now?"

It wasn’t quite how she’d expected to react hearing those words, but she needed to be really sure.

Alessio pushed himself off the wall and turned to face her, his expression bright but anxious. I honestly think meeting you is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.

Anna’s bottom lip trembled and very lamely, she told him, Ditto.

And I’ve never been in love before, Alessio went on in a rush of breath. I’m scared that I don’t even know what that means. But I know I don’t want to live my life without you. I know I want to make you laugh, and share your worries, and comfort you, and work with you for as long as you’ll put up with me, and bicker over stupid things, and—and—

She was… dizzy. Couldn’t quite work out up from down. The ground seemed to tremble beneath her feet, the sky above her a spinning blur. Awe mixed with elation mixed with uncertainty mixed with disbelief.

Alessio stepped closer, hands sort of moving like he wanted to touch her but wanted to assure her at the same time. I understand if you’re wary after what you went through, and after how I’ve acted in the past.

I’m not, she blurted. I mean—I was, for a long time, but not anymore. Not with you.

Really? he breathed, full of fragile hope.

She nodded, smile splitting her face. Yeah.

Alessio shifted closer. And I want to travel with you, and have adventures with you— Closer again. —and snuggle in bed and eat lobster and watch movies with you— His hands settled at her waist, slowly sliding around to the bottom her back. —and hold you. He leaned in. Kiss you. Wake up next to you.

Anna dropped her glass and sank her hands into her perfect hair. Sounds good to me.

She arched up, and he leaned down, and they met somewhere in the middle, mouths coming together in a clash of sensation and heat and need. Alessio kissed like he did everything, with passion, flair, and a little playfulness, better than any of Anna’s fantasies because this was so real it almost hurt.

Anna pulled back, tipping their foreheads together and trying to catch her breath. Monday morning is going to be real weird.

I’m making it a paid vacation day, he said hoarsely, stroking Anna’s jaw with his fingertips. Long weekend.

Anna grinned. That’s very unprofessional.

Alessio nipped at her bottom lip with his teeth. We’re also going to the Maldives next week. Also a paid vacation, courtesy of Jonny.

Oh, really?

Oh, yes, he said delightedly. I’m the boss, so I get to do whatever I want.

Including your assistant? she quipped, a shiver ripping through her.

Alessio chuckled, sliding his hands down her body and underneath her thighs. He pulled her off her feet, into his arms with her legs wrapped around his waist. That would be very unprofessional.

She sank her hands back into his hair and kissed him again. I’m sure we’ll get used to it.

They laughed together, just one of the many things Alessio had promised Anna tonight, as he carried her inside and towards the elevator—hopefully to fulfill another one of his promises.

CHAPTER TWO

Anna raised her cocktail glass in a toast. To meeting great friends under crazy circumstances.

Alessio raised his, too. To a really great boat.

Charlie glared at him, but Laura found it funny, chuckling and agreeing, She really is a great boat.

How’re you adapting to life on the high seas, hon? Anna asked her.

Anna knew how she would adapt: really well. Charlie had anchored the Morgan Out Island off some quaint little cove, and he and Laura had set out a dinner of grilled fish and fresh produce and cocktails mixed to order. Miles of crystal clear ocean stretched out beyond the bow, shimmering with the blazing sun and then turning pink and indigo as the day came to an end, as the stars began to sparkle in the velvet sky.

It was picture perfect, and that was an understatement. Alessio and Anna had only landed in the Virgin Islands this morning, but Anna was already mourning their flight back to Hong Kong in a week.

It’s been an adjustment, Laura said. Charlie slid his arm around her and gave her a comforting squeeze. But I wouldn’t change it for the world.

Anna nodded and leaned against Alessio, felt him bury his lips in her hairline and kiss her forehead.

Yes, she knew exactly what Laura meant.

It’s never easy to build a new life, Alessio said softly, brushing his fingertips against Anna’s shoulder. But it’s certainly rewarding.

Does that mean you guys are staying out in Hong Kong, then? Charlie asked. Sticking with the investment game?

My visa is up soon, Anna explained, but Alessio is going to extend my contract, so yeah. For now, we’re staying at the Furama.

I’ve never lived out of a hotel this long, Alessio mused.

Anna laughed. The room service makes it so worth it.

Do you know much lobster with butter this one can eat? Alessio asked. Frankly, it’s startling.

Just because you hate it—

It’s a sea bug, Alessio insisted. Literally a cockroach that crawls around at the bottom of the sea.

Anna tipped her head back and kissed his chin. It’s a good thing you’re pretty.

I’ve eaten cockroaches before, you know, Charlie piped up. They’re not bad if they’re prepared properly.

"Of course you’ve eaten cockroaches," Laura said dryly.

Alessio rippled with a shiver. Oh my God.

Crispy on the outside, like cottage cheese on the inside.

I’m going to throw myself overboard, Alessio blurted, sounding a bit like a plea.

Alessio hated bugs, and that apparently extended to any kind of edible arthropod. It was one of the many things Anna was learning about him. Like the fact he didn’t like to sleep in total darkness, loved The Brady Bunch, and spoke on the phone to his nonna every Sunday and his mother every Tuesday.

Learning things about Alessio was becoming one of Anna’s favorite pastimes. Now she understood why Alessio was so darn nosy.

Don’t drink and swim, Charlie joked in a stern voice.

Speaking of drinking, Laura said. I think we should make margaritas next.

Anna grinned. Please do.

Laura and Charlie headed to the amazing bar setup they had going on, liquors and mixers, a fridge full of local beers and imported wines. The Morgan was well-stocked for a party, which was good since Laura’s sister Clare and Clare’s husband Roger were flying in tomorrow morning—and Anna knew exactly how fun Clare could be.

Alessio stretched out on the bench seat, and Anna sank further into his arms.

I’m glad we came, Alessio sighed.

Is it helping you de-stress about the Ping-Garrett merger? she asked him.

He felt warm and pliable against her, less tense than he had been in weeks. Definitely.

Things at work had been a little chaotic. Jonny was a demanding sort, another thing Anna was learning, and he ran Alessio ragged chasing information and clients. Anna helped wherever she could, but she was busier than ever at the office.

Nice and relaxed? she asked.

Alessio hummed. Uh-huh.

Feeling loose?

That’s a weirdly phrased question, he replied dryly.

Just… wondering… something…

Alessio craned his head to look at her, one eyebrow arched. Wondering what?

How nice it must be to work for yourself, like Charlie and Laura do, Anna said nonchalantly—way too nonchalantly.

Alessio huffed a laugh. This again.

Anna sat up, turning to face him. She kept forgetting and then having her breath stolen by how good he looked out here. His olive skin was bronzed, his dark hair wild and curling instead of perfectly styled. He was looser than he’d been back in Hong Kong; the stress of his job was getting to him, making him drained and weary. Healthy suited him. Sun and relaxation suited him.

And he looked incredible in tight trunks.

I wish you could wear these to the office, Anna murmured, plucking at his waistband.

Focus, he told her.

Oh, right. It would be nice, though, right?

To wear swimwear to the office? Alessio pretended to consider it. If you did, too, sure.

Anna patted his chest playfully. You know what I mean.

He did, and he got quiet and thoughtful. Look, you know I’d love to break away from Frontier Group and start my own service, but it’s not that easy.

But it is your dream, Anna reminded him softly.

My dream is being with you, he told her. Everything else is window dressing.

Anna’s hear fluttered madly. Sweet talker.

He leaned down and brushed his lips against hers. You love it when I sweet talk.

I love it when you do pretty much anything except try to make me try kite surfing.

It’s fun!

What’s fun? Laura asked, bringing back a very large pitcher of margaritas.

Kite surfing, Alessio insisted. Tell me someone agrees.

Oh, totally, Charlie said eagerly. It’s so much fun.

Laura looked at Anna across the table, a puzzled expression on her face. Anna shrugged and mouthed weirdos, and Laura nodded in agreement.

You’ll eat a thousand sea cockroaches, but you won’t try kite surfing, Alessio bemoaned. Who have I gotten into a relationship with?

Are you rethinking your entire life? Anna asked him dryly.

Yes, I am. It’s not pretty.

You’re pretty, though.

Alessio shook his head, the corner of his mouth tugging up. You’re pretty.

You’re prettier, she fired back giddily. She never got tired of looking at him, touching him, joking with him, making him happy. Three months on and it still felt like bliss.

Very loudly, Laura groaned. God, you two are ridiculous. I don’t want to have to say get a room every single day you’re visiting.

Remember back at the Furama, that night we all went out together? Charlie asked.

Oh. Laura nodded. When we thought they were a couple, because they were so gross in public, but it turned out they weren’t?

Anna rolled her eyes. That was just you two making assumptions.

We did nothing to encourage that, Alessio added.

Sure, Charlie drawled. All that close-talking, gazing into each other’s eyes, flirting, slow dancing. Not foreshadowing this sappy romance at all.

Anna caught Alessio’s eye, and they both chuckled. It was funny, really. Both of them falling in love, circling and repelling each other like magnets. Anna afraid of rejection, and Alessio in denial. Laura and Charlie—and Gene Dixon, and Li Jinhai, and Jonny Young—had seen what was so obvious, but it had taken Anna and Alessio working through their own baggage to get there.

Anna didn’t care, though. The destination was only part of their story, and Anna wouldn’t change the journey one bit.

I’d say that calls for another toast, Anna announced, picking up her margarita. I’ll try something different this time. How about… to new beginnings.

To big changes, Laura said.

Charlie raised his glass. To lasting relationships.

Alessio looked at Anna and very softly murmured, Essere libero.

Anna looked back and smiled. I’ll drink to that.

CHAPTER THREE

Three Siu Mai, please, Laura said to the street vendor, holding up three fingers for clarity. And three beers.

The vendor smiled and nodded, plating three huge portions of steamed dumplings into containers and topping them with a drizzle of dark sauce. The smell of savory pork and sweet, sticky toppings wafted out from the stall, and Anna’s mouth watered.

She was starving; she, Laura, and