Chapter 3

Alessandra was nervous. Apart from the uncertainty about her new job, something else had her on edge. She didn't know exactly what it was, but she couldn't forget that intense and interesting blue gaze. She couldn't get it out of her head. Even though it was likely that she would never see the owner of those eyes again, she was sure it would be difficult to forget him. She had been so impacted that she couldn't even sleep peacefully; she felt disturbed. "Maybe, just maybe, I'll see him again someday. Or maybe not." After saying goodbye to Paulina and locking the door, Alessandra headed to her room and threw herself onto the bed. The last thing that came to her mind before falling back into the arms of Morpheus was that perfect face and those eyes...those eyes that wouldn't leave her alone even in her dreams. Startled, she woke up when the alarm clock rang on her nightstand. She showered leisurely, taking her time. She followed her personal care routine as she always did after bathing, applying body lotion all over, facial creams, and sunscreen, then proceeded to do a professional and natural makeup look, nothing too heavy. Finally, she sealed it with a very pretty pink gloss on her lips and waved her long chestnut hair falling magnificently over her back and shoulders. She chose a tight-fitting all-white dress that reached her knees and hugged her wonderful silhouette perfectly, paired with a short beige blazer and gold stiletto sandals. She sprayed on some perfume and before leaving the room, she took another quick look in the mirror. She couldn't deny it; she liked what she saw. She looked beautiful; she had put in the effort. It took her less than half an hour to reach the imposing dark glass skyscraper of no less than 40 floors, "Lombardo Enterprises Inc.," as the huge golden letters could be seen from afar. She wondered if they were made of gold; she wouldn't doubt it, with the money those people had. She already knew the place, of course, she had the opportunity to be there when they interviewed her, but she couldn't help feeling that nerves took over her again, and now even stronger. The elevator took her to the 42nd floor. A middle-aged lady accompanied her and directed her to her new boss's office, she noticed that besides the receptionist on that impeccable floor, there was only another girl sitting in front of a desk typing something on her state-of-the-art Mac computer, Clara Palmieri said the inscription on the plaque. She could read the words "president" and "Dominic Lombardo" in golden letters on the door next to her, she was surely the President's Assistant, she smiled timidly and the dark-haired girl returned a warm welcoming smile. A few meters away, there was another door with the same type of engraving, only this one said "vice president", "Vittorio Lombardo", outside there was a computer and an empty desk exactly like the other girl's, undoubtedly, that would be her position. Once the patient lady had settled her in, she wished her luck and walked away giving her a few instructions, with sweaty hands she dared to knock on the door and then a cordial "come in" was heard from inside. She entered and couldn't help but be impressed by the glamour and the particular aroma that the office exuded, it was simply spacious, neat, fascinating, and luxurious. Her eyes soon met a handsome and tall blond man with blue eyes who offered her a warm smile and she did not hesitate to return it. "Are you Alessandra D'Santi, right?" asked the handsome and distinguished blond man. Nervously she nodded. "Welcome to Lombardo Enterprises Inc.," he added warmly. "Thank you," she replied a bit more resolutely. "I suppose you are..." "Vittorio Lombardo, your new boss," he finished with a broad smile and offered his hand in greeting. "Pleased to meet you, Mr. Lombardo," she responded just as smiling, corresponding to the gesture of kindness. "Please, have a seat," he indicated, as he elegantly sat in his comfortable chair on the other side of the desk. Alessandra obeyed and took a seat immediately. "As it is your first day, I suppose you are nervous, but don't worry, we don't bite," he said jokingly. She smiled and began to feel more relieved by his good humor. "I imagine that in Human Resources, they indicated more or less the position you will hold and therefore the duties you must fulfill?" the blond man inquired, changing to a more serious posture. "Yes, sir, I am already aware of everything." "Perfect. You seem like a trustworthy and discreet person, so it is unnecessary to say, that the information handled here is strictly confidential, you must maintain secrecy inside and outside the premises, and you cannot comment on anything without my authorization." "I understand perfectly, you will have no problems with that, I assure you." He smiled gallantly, with no intention of flirting, he seemed like a very gentlemanly man, above all, professional. "In that case, Miss D'Santi, you and I are going to work very well together, we will make a great team." "I can guarantee you will have no complaints from me. I will fulfill my duties thoroughly and efficiently." "Great, I like your attitude. As a first task, you will have to accompany me to a meeting that takes place every Monday first thing in the morning. I suggest you go to your workstation, settle in, and take the iPad to the desk to take notes if needed. I will give you further instructions when we return." She nodded once more and, like a true professional, bid farewell before leaving. She was happy; she liked her boss, and besides being handsome, he was very kind. She enjoyed the atmosphere and, of course, her job. "Please, come in." Vittorio kindly indicated, opening the huge double doors of the room. With more confidence than at the beginning, she entered, looking around, soon her eyes landed on the tall man in a suit talking on the phone in perfect Italian, his back to them. In milliseconds, her heart raced and accelerated as she believed to recognize that imposing and sturdy silhouette, that elegance, that presence. It could only belong to one person. It couldn't be true, that man... that man in front of her was... She saw him turn around when he hung up the call, and immediately their gazes met. It was him, no doubt, it was him. She felt her body shiver, the whole world tremble, and the strong impact of seeing him there. The seconds their gazes locked felt eternal. She could see that he was as surprised as she was, God, that man was divine. She perceived that mysterious sparkle in his eyes that immediately made her blush. She swallowed hard. Dominic was so impressed that for a moment, he felt his mind go blank. She was there, how was that possible? Did she find out where to find him and come looking for him? No, no, thinking about it, that couldn't be. No one could easily enter the facilities, let alone the executive floor. The only possibility for her to be standing before him was that she was his brother's new assistant. Damn, he almost dropped his phone, he quickly scanned her from head to toe and almost dislocated his jaw. It was unbelievable, that woman was beautiful, he couldn't take his eyes off her, and he noticed the color beautifully adorning her cheeks. Perfect, his plans were going to come to fruition sooner than he thought. A clearing of the throat brought him back to reality, making his eyes shift to a certain blonde. He saw the disapproving look on his face; his brother knew him perfectly and knew that, by the way, he was looking at her, that woman who had just entered the room had captivated him, and he wasn't wrong. Dominic Vittorio called to get his full attention. "Let me introduce you to Miss D'Santi, my new assistant. Miss D'Santi, meet Dominic, president of Lombardo Enterprises Inc., and my older brother." Alessandra saw him walking towards where they were, he was so handsome, as elegant and sophisticated, by God, yes, he seemed carved by the same gods of Olympus. As she noticed him approaching, nerves betrayed her more and more, and he seemed taller and taller, soon he was in front of her, towering over her by far, his scent disoriented her even more than she already was and by sheer instinct, she managed to say the right words. "Pleased to meet you, Mr. Lombardo," she said, affected by his presence. "The pleasure is mine, Miss D'Santi, Alessandra D'Santi," emphasized the tycoon, caressing the words and staring at her intently, he offered his hand as a courtesy and as soon as their skins touched, they both felt an electricity that ran through their entire bodies. She saw his bluish-gray eyes and trembled at the sight of that shine, that strange malicious gleam that reflected in the depths of his gaze and disturbed her greatly. Wait a minute, how the hell did he know her first name?