Alessia Mancini
A soft knock at the door shattered our intimate moment. Chef Lorenzo moved to answer it, his footsteps quiet on the plush carpet. I reluctantly pulled away from Giovanni, my hand lingering in his for a heartbeat longer.
Nico's voice, low and urgent, drifted in from the hallway. "Is Signora Mancini here? It's important."
I rose, smoothing my skirt and composing myself. "I'll be right back," I murmured to Giovanni, bending to kiss his forehead. His skin was warm, a reminder of the fever that had thankfully broken hours ago.
Giovanni nodded, squeezing my hand one last time before releasing it. "Don't be long, mia leonessa," he said, his voice a mixture of command and plea that made my heart flutter.
I stepped into the hallway, closing the door softly behind me. Nico stood
