Page 31 of Ardent Desires

Once we land, the plane taxis smoothly to a stop, and a sleek black car is waiting for us at the bottom of the steps. Alexander helps me out of the plane, his hand warm on the small of my back as I step onto the tarmac. The air is cool, but I barely notice because I’m too busy soaking in my surroundings.

A concierge greets us as we exit, offering a warm smile as he opens the door to the car. “Welcome to Milan, Mr. Blackwood, Ms. Sanders. We’ll be taking you directly to the hotel.”

I slide into the car, my heart racing with excitement. The drive through Milan is mesmerizing. The architecture, the people, the cobblestone streets—it’s all so beautiful, so different fromanything I’ve ever seen. My eyes are glued to the window as we pass historic buildings and modern storefronts, the city alive with energy.

Every now and then, I glance at Alexander, who’s watching me with a soft smile, clearly amused by my fascination. I catch his eye, and for a moment, we just look at each other, the tension from the plane still simmering between us.

“This feels unreal,” I murmur, more to myself than to him.

He chuckles, leaning back in his seat. “It’s only the beginning, Ellie.”

And somehow, I know he’s right.

As we step out of the car, I’m hit by the sheer majesty of the hotel. The facade is a stunning blend of old-world elegance and modern luxury, with intricate carvings and towering windows that gleam in the evening sun. The entrance is grand, with marble steps leading up to double doors flanked by elegant columns, and I can’t help but stare, my mouth slightly agape.

“Wow,” I breathe, turning to Alexander, who’s watching me with an amused smile.

Inside, the reception area is breathtaking. A chandelier hangs from the ceiling, glittering like a thousand diamonds, casting soft light over the lavish decor. The walls are adorned with rich tapestries and ornate paintings, and the floor is polished marble, reflecting everything around it.

Camilla Rochefort is there, air-kissing us both as she greets us. “Darling! I hope your trip went well!” she says, her French accent adding a certain charm to her words. She’s dressed in a chic outfit, exuding sophistication and warmth all at once.

“It was incredible,” Alexander replies, and I nod in agreement, still trying to take in the opulence surrounding us.

Camilla claps her hands together, her eyes sparkling. “Perfect! You must be exhausted after your journey. We should at leastlet you rest. Perhaps I can take you on a tour of the grounds tomorrow morning?”

Alexander glances at me, and I can see the excitement in his eyes. “I love that idea.”

“Wonderful!” she beams, turning to one of the hostesses nearby. “Please give them the cards for their rooms.”

The hostess nods, handing us two elegant cards. “You are set up in the presidential suites on the twenty-fifth floor,” she announces with a smile.

“Thank you,” I say, barely able to contain my enthusiasm.

Camilla adds, “Room service is available at all times, and our chef can prepare anything you need. Just let us know.”

She walks away, and I can’t help but take a deep breath, absorbing everything. This is unreal.

Alexander’s hand is resting on the lower part of my back as the hostess introduces herself. “Benvenuti! I’m Sofia,” she says in cheerful Italian. “This way, please. The elevators are just ahead.”

I follow her, my heart racing with anticipation. Alexander leans in closer to me, and I can feel his warmth radiating against my skin. He asks Sofia something in Italian, and I’m shocked when she replies, looking equally surprised.

“When did you start speaking Italian?” I ask, my voice tinged with awe.

He smirks, that devil-may-care grin I’m starting to adore. “I speak several languages, actually.”

“Fascinating,” I reply, completely impressed.

Sofia leads us to the elevators, and Alexander continues chatting with her in Italian, throwing in a few phrases I can’t quite catch. I watch him, admiring the way he effortlessly navigates the conversation.

She presses the button for the elevator when he stops her. “Actually Sofia, I think I have got it from here,” he tells her.

The hostess is as confused as I am. Alexander continues by explaining. “I can get both of them settled. That’s alright.”

Sofia nods once, wishes us a great night and then walks away.

The doors slide open, and we step inside, and I can’t help but feel a rush of excitement.

Once we’re in the elevator, Alexander pulls me closer to him. I wrap my arms around his torso, and it feels so natural, so right. The doors close, sealing us inside, and the tension between us thickens.

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