CHAPTER 13

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'Alina, you look breath-taking,' Caroline gushed proudly.

'You think so?' Alina looked in the mirror as she enacted a gradual rotary motion before Caroline and Emily.

'I love your dress Aunt Alina,' Emily admired the Princess Sweetheart V neck organza wedding gown.

The sheer intricate fabric and lace sashes hung on her hour glass figure as if it was meticulously designed on her. It was actually on Patty's recommendation that Alina had walked into the boutique, browsed the ready-made bridal gowns on display and selected this particular gown. Ivory did something wonderfully amazing to her auburn hair colour.

Breathe in breathe out; breathe in breathe out.

'Thank you puppet.'

Alina could not believe that in an hour's time she will become Mrs. Case of Rags. She giggled hysterically. It was nerves or she had to be mad. There is no other reason a woman married a man she did not love. How about extortion or ...physical attraction?
What the hell did I get myself into?

It was too late now to cop out. Her husband to be was waiting at his hotel. The private ceremony was taking place in one of the hotel's ballrooms. Some very curious and a few other guests were waiting to witness the much anticipated wedding of Italy's most eligible billionaire to the lesser known restaurateur.

Tomas had encouraged Alina to invite as many guests as she desired, but she only extended invitations to all her restaurant staff, her dependable neighbour Patty and off course Caroline and Emily. Alina wondered if a legion of Tomas' family were flying in from Italy. Would she finally get to see his father? Was the conniving Gabriella Ancelotti going to be at the wedding?

'I think we should let the driver know we're ready,' Caroline laughed softly. The limo had been parked there for the last thirty minutes. Tomas had made certain she would get to the wedding and on time. The driver had knocked on the door and informed Alina, he would transport her to the hotel when she was ready to leave.

'Yes, I think so,' Alina inhaled apprehensively. 'Caroline thank you so much for being here for me,' tears welled in Alina's eyes.

'No tears Alina! You're going to ruin your mascara.'

Alina bit on her lower lip. 'I know, but I'm so nervous.'

'We will be there for you every step of the way. Everything is going to be perfect,' Caroline prophesied.

I hope so Caroline.

Alina, together with Caroline and Emily were ushered through a private elevator to a waiting room adjacent to the ballroom. It was beautiful, with a full length mirror. The refreshing floral scent of the bouquet of white roses on a pedestal tinged Alina's nose. She only waited less than sixty seconds, when the signature, "Here comes the bride," reached her ears.

'It's time,' Caroline smiled as she reached out her hand to Alina.

There was a discreet knock and a gentleman in a dark business suit, introducing himself as the banqueting manager, indicated he was there to assist Caroline.

'Thank you,' Alina smiled politely.

'You ready puppet?'

'Yes Aunt Alina,' Emily squared her little shoulders. As miniature bride she was in an exact replica of Alina's gown. She stepped out confidently and walked to the front of the ballroom, where Tomas and the priest were waiting, followed by Alina and Caroline.

As Alina walked out of the waiting room, she could not resist. Her eyes searched for Tomas. It was not difficult at all to identify him. His familiar tall, dark haired frame was head and shoulders above every other person in the room. She would not admit to this, but her gaze reflected open admiration. He looked absolutely gorgeous in a handmade, dark, figure hugging suit, complemented by a white shirt and trendy narrow white tie.

Alina could swear as her eyes locked with Tomas' that the same admiration was reflected in his eyes. Could he really think she was attractive? Alina could not believe that even though Tomas, at the click of his fingers, could have any woman in the world, she was the one marrying him.

Tomas fixed his eyes admiringly at his bride as she approached. In a word, she was striking. According to Tomas' expert eye and many would concur, Alina was without a doubt the most attractive woman in the room.
Finally she is mine.

Uneasily, Alina allowed her eyes to travel around the room. There were not a lot of people, not more than twenty. Most of the men there were tall and dark haired, just like Tomas. Italian definitely.

She recognized a few of her own countrymen, their stocky builds and pudgy faces a dead giveaway. Alina recognized the trio whose engagement dinner was celebrated at her restaurant; Kelly Roberts, her fiancé Fernando de Vita and the other gentleman, Aden Rossi.

Alina blinked and almost tripped over her dress when her eyes met that of Gabriella Ancelotti. That woman was not smiling. Her eyes were cold and filled with hatred. Her face looked so taut it looked like rigor mortis was setting in on Gabriella Ancelotti's face.

'Who gives the bride away? The temperate voice of the priest brought Alina back to reality.

'I do,' Caroline's voice was filled with pride and sincere affection as she answered.

The priest spoke. Caroline was steered to an angle facing the bride and groom. Alina's hand was lifted and joined to Tomas'. She felt the electrical pull when they touched. Their hands laced, like a perfect fitting glove over a hand, or the exact key that slides with precision into a lock, only this key was not unlocking, but rather sealing her fate and future with no escape from this mysterious foreigner that she knew didly squat about. Just one more time, Alina had to steal another look at her groom. He smiled endearingly before he whispered for her ears only.

'You look beautiful my bride.'

Alina was unable to tear her eyes away from his. With the greatest difficulty, her eyes were dragged away to pay heed to what the priest was saying. The formalities continued. She was in a daze. She only just barely concentrated on the vows she was exchanging. Tomas' commanding presence next to her was distracting, arousing irresistible. She had lost count of the number of times her eyes strayed to him, only to discover his eyes trained on her face. She vaguely noted, Tomas looking over his shoulder, nodding and winking encouragingly to Emily.

'Congratulations, Mrs. Casiraghi,' Caroline laughed.

'Thank you...I think,' Alina replied croakily.

'Toe-muz, when can I sleep in my new room?

Tomas laughed, he scooped little Emily up into his arms. 'Your room has been waiting all week for you piccola. 'I have arranged for my new family to move in tomorrow,' he smiled, 'if it's okay with your mummy.'

So does my opinion not count!

'Yay,' Emily hugged Tomas appreciatively.

They were interrupted by guests who wished to congratulate them. Tomas introduced his wife to senior members of his company. Curiously she had met everybody and none were Senior Casiraghi.

Alina even managed rather proudly she considered, to accept the false well wishes from Keres and Gabriella. Alina was suddenly feeling overwhelmed by everything that had just happened. Tomas had handed her a glass of chilled champagne, but it seemed to provide no relief. The heavy weight of the precious and extravagant gemstone on her left ring finger was a sharp reminder of her marital status. Unconsciously her thumb twisted the wedding band about on her finger.

'So you think that ring has given you victory?'

Alina looked up sharply to find Gabriella piercing her with a glacial stare.

'You may have the ring,' Gabriella laughed, 'but I have his heart. Do you know I was Tomas' first lover,' she smiled wickedly.

Alina looked down. She tried to hide the pain in her eyes. She was not going to do battle with Tomas' lover, not today.

'He will never forget me, you know,' Gabriella smirked. 'What is it they say, "The first cut is the deepest?" I can't give him children that's the only reason he needs a wife, but he's pledged his love to me. It was just last night, he assured me he will never forget me,' she laughed again impiously.

Alina could not take another second of Gabriella's goading. She pushed passed Gabriella and dumped her glass on a waitress' tray. Her eyes blurred, she bumped people as she tried to escape.

'Cara,' Tomas caught her wrist. 'It is time for us to dance.'

Only then did it register, that the soft ballad was playing. Alina looked up into Tomas' smiling face. She had married him, yet she felt, hatred, anger, disgust...lust.

'I don't want to dance,' she looked away.

'Alina,' Tomas smiled, but his eyes, raged with anger. 'We will dance,' he instructed, still smiling. 'It is expected of us.'

Oh yes. It is also expected for you to marry a dumb bimbo only to mass produce children for you whilst you love another...you bastard!

'Don't embarrass me cara. People are watching,' his grip tightened painfully around her wrist.

Reluctantly, she placed her cold hand in his. Her whole body right down to her bones was cold as ice. She allowed him to guide her onto the dance floor. She followed his expert lead as he waltz her around the ballroom. At the corner of her eye, Alina caught the icy glare Keres was giving her. She angled her head and met Keres' glare squarely. The older woman had a glint of satisfaction on her face. Clearly something seemed to please her.

'I thought we should take two weeks for a honeymoon,' Tomas' voice intercepted Alina's thoughts.

Honeymoon! You're not touching me, even with a six foot bargepole.

'Two weeks? I cannot leave the restaurant for that long,' she vehemently rejected his proposition.

It was worth the try. He had known she would shoot it down but he had a thick skin, if he allowed a fear of rejection to dictate to him, she would not have his ring on her finger. She was driving him crazy with desire. He needed her all to himself, with no distractions. Hell he needed a lifetime to work out his obsession for her, but he figured two weeks was a good start. Tomas pulled her closer, yearning for the moment when he could feel her supple naked flesh against his.

'Cara mia,' he groaned into her ear. 'Give me at least two days,' his hands settled lower moulding her body against his hips. 'You name the destination, he urged. 'Monte Carlo, Sydney, the Bahamas, Seychelles, Paris, Venice...anywhere.'

Venice? No I've heard Venice smells. It has hygiene issues.
What the hell! Is she actually contemplating giving into his desire to go on honeymoon?

As Tomas twirled her around, Alina caught Gabriella's dagger looks. She looked up into Tomas' face and smiled. Her arms circled his neck. Tomas' eyes narrowed guardedly. Alina's fingers trailed into his hair. Her thumb caressed the nape of his neck.

'Tesoro...,' he groaned huskily. He lowered his head, his lips pressed at her throat. Alina snuggled closer, her eyes met Gabriella's. She angled her head, pulling Tomas' head closer. Tomas resorted to his mother tongue. He was pleading with her to name a destination.

'Anywhere?' Alina shifted a step back to look into Tomas' eyes.

'Anywhere in the world,' he offered.

'Take me to your hometown. Show me where you grew up?' She requested.

Tomas looked into her eyes curiously. 'I offer you the whole world, you choose my backyard!'

She wanted to know more about her secretive husband. She figured if they were in his territory, she could gain some insight.

Tomas laughed. 'You will need much more than the two days I ask for.'

'I will give you three days Tomas,' they continued dancing around the ballroom. 'You have mastered the skill of organization. So you now have three days to organize a whirlwind honeymoon.'

'I will be your tour guide in the day cara mia. The nights will be mine to tour your body.'

Alina found herself blushing. Instantly desire flared within her. Heat scorched through her at the thought of their naked bodies igniting. She hated him, but she could not deny she lusted after him in equal measure.

'Hey Caroline, can I steal you for a minute?' Alina apologized to the gentleman, in whose conversation she seemed to be engrossed in.'

'We'll talk later,' the man nodded and walked away.

'Looks cozy,' Alina laughed, her eyes following the man who'd just walked away.

'Frank works in Tomas' company,' Caroline reddened slightly, her eyes glowed. Something Alina had not seen in her sister in two years.

'Not bad looking,' Alina teased.

'Perish that thought,' Caroline scolded. 'He's just being courteous, as I'm in a wheelchair.'

'Mmm,' Alina grinned.

'You mentioned something about stealing me?' Caroline reminded her sister.

'Oh yeah---um, Tomas and I are going to Italy.'

'I thought you said, you won't be able to go on a honeymoon.'

'We---just decided,' Alina's eyes focused everywhere else except on Caroline.

'I wouldn't be able to resist a hunk like him either,' Caroline winked.

Alina laughed, 'where's Emily?'

'Apparently,' Caroline rolled her eyes, 'Tomas set up a movie room. They're in there,' Caroline pointed, 'Emily and a few other children.'

'Let me go break the news to her,' Alina pursed her lips.

'She's going to give you hell,' Caroline warned laughingly.

'I know,' Alina replied over her shoulder.

When Alina returned to the ballroom, she immediately noticed Tomas and Gabriella waltzing around the dance floor. Watching them felt like a sword slicing through her heart.

My back is hardly turned!

Alina was fuming. Gabriella was seductively whispering to Tomas. He was looking into her eyes and smiling like an idiot in a toothpaste advert.

'Perhaps I am permitted to have one dance with the bride.'

Alina turned around and smiled at Rocco. 'Of course,' she smiled. She slipped her hand into Rocco's as he led her onto the dance floor.

'I'm---going to be away for three days,' Alina thought this was as good a time to inform Rocco.

Only three days! He thought Casiraghi would take at least a month. If it was him, he would want more than three days to discover and delight in every inch of her delectable body.

'We'll manage cara,' Rocco smiled as they danced around the other couples.

Alina raised her eyebrows in surprise. She shook her head and laughed. 'I was expecting resistance.'

'Normal relations resume, when you return,' he answered cheekily.

'I should have---.'

'May I cut in?' Tomas did not wait for a response. He drew Alina into his arms.

The gall of the man. Nobody interrupted him and his lover.

'That was rude. You could have waited until the dance was over.'

'We leave in thirty minutes cara. Do you need to pack? On seconds thoughts, I will buy you a brand new wardrobe.'

'I don't need anything from you,' she hissed. Besides he'd already bought her more than two wardrobes of clothes just a few days ago. It was a good thing she'd had them all packed into a suitcase.

'I like your fiery spirit cara mia, but save it for when we are in bed, hmm.'

'I hate you,' she hissed.

'Not a confession a man wants to hear from his bride on his wedding day tesoro,' Tomas grinned, as he pressed his lips to hers. 'Shall we say goodbye to Emelia? I have already spoken to Caroline. A team of my staff will complete the move to our new home. A driver will also be at their disposal twenty four seven in our absence.' Alina just gaped at him wide-eyed. She had already acknowledged his excellent organizational skills and she could not fault him on any of the plans he'd made.

'My P.A. has temporarily acquired a cook and housekeeper for the weekend. Naturally,' he grinned, 'when we return, you may approve the hired help, or acquire alternate help to your liking.'

After an emotional goodbye to Caroline and Emily, Alina was on her way to her whirlwind honeymoon to Italy in Tomas' private jet. It seemed she was the only emotional one. Emily was impatient to get to the new house and her very own bedroom. Caroline it seemed, wanted Alina to indulge in a much deserved honeymoon with her brand new husband.

'We will land in Milan cara. I have a villa there.'

Why am I not surprised, Mr. Billionaire?

Milan is one of Europe's richest cities, boasting the most stylish shops, galleries and restaurants. Alina silently acknowledged the extremely fast paced life of Milan suited Tomas. He'd be bored in a country type environment. He was too energetic and restless.

'More champagne cara,' Tomas leaned over, his lips caressed the lobe of her ear.

'No thank you,' she murmured.

Tomas laughed. 'No thank you to another drink or my kisses?'

His mouth was so close to her lips. His warm breath fanned her cheeks. As he breathed, she caught a whiff of his champagne breath, fruity and ...sweet. Her eyes fell to his lips, itching to taste its deliciousness.

'Tesoro.'

'Yes?'

There was a litany of Italian before his mouth closed over hers. She reached for him, wanting the kiss. Their tongues locked hungrily, the kiss deepened. Alina turned, curving into his chest.

'Cara mia, let us stop,' Tomas heaved breathlessly. 'Not here,' he lifted her palm and kissed the inside of it affectionately. 'We land shortly,' he informed her, impatiently checking his wristwatch.

Alina was expecting a chauffeur driven vehicle when they landed, but a bright red Lamborghini, with personalized plates was parked in the hangar, close to where the jet was stationed. Tomas assisted Alina into the passenger seat and sped off. A second vehicle would bring their luggage to his villa.

It was still early afternoon. Alina lifted her head into the sun, enjoying the beautiful Mediterranean weather. A smile washed over her face. There was something about this romantic country that gave her goose bumps and an adrenalin rush. Could it be the attractive hunk next to her? Alina deferred from answering.

'We will stop for a meal cara and get some supplies,' he looked across at Alina. 'I am not expected, so there may not be any fresh supplies.'

'Okay.'

Tomas pulled up outside a small inexpensive traditional trattoria, owned by a husband and wife. They greeted Tomas by name. He smiled warmly as if he frequented the place. Surprisingly, he draped his arm around her and introduced her as his wife. The trattoria was not fancy, but the food was delicious. Alina sampled their parmigiana; shallow fried eggplant slices layered with cheese and tomato sauce then baked. She finished everything on her plate. Tomas ordered a beef risotto alla milanese, rice in creamy sauce, beef stock and bone marrow. It looked delicious. Alina just had to sample some. She closed her eyes and savoured the taste, licking her lips deliciously. When she opened her eyes, Tomas was smiling mischievously. Alina lifted her glass and sipped her red wine. An hour later after their delicious meal, Tomas stopped at the café and bought bread, milk, fruit, and some cold meats for a light dinner.

When he drove into the courtyard of his villa in Milan, Alina had no words to describe it. It resembled a magnificent historic work of architecture that should be covered in hardened glass to protect it from the elements. Its timeless attractiveness displayed a quaint effect, but with the most modern landscaping.

'It is very beautiful,' Alina complimented, appreciating the spectacular

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