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Her Sister's Wedding

By: deepemerald



Eloise Goddard plugged her earphones into her iPod and picked up her book. The plastic sandwich that she'd been served didn't appeal to her and she could smell the food being served in front of the curtain. She giggled at her envy. She could've been up there if only she'd agreed to her boss's request.

At 22 years old she was, in her boss Peter's words, the world's best PA. Obviously not good enough to put on a permanent contract, as she'd temped as his PA for the last two years. But she was good enough for him to keep for two years, something that his last half dozen PA's before Eloise hadn't achieved. In fact, none of them had lasted even a year. He wasn't an easy man to work for. He was incredibly demanding, but Eloise loved her work. He was the editor of one of the most successful tabloids and she felt like she was right in the middle of all the news stories as they happened.

When Eloise had told him about the invitation to her sister's wedding Peter had been completely fired up. Lenore Goddard was considered one of the most beautiful women in the world and was the most famous supermodel of her generation. Her engagement and impending wedding to a famous Italian football star was considered the celebrity wedding of the year, if not the decade. The wedding photos had of course been sold to one of the glossy weekly magazines for an undisclosed, yet known to be considerable, amount of money.

No journalists were going to be allowed anywhere near the star studded events, and there was his PA with a front row ticket. He'd begged her to take one of his journalists along as her date and he'd bought her one of the most expensive mobile phones on the market with a top notch built in digital camera. He'd tried to bribe her with first class travel, limousines and luxury hotels, but Eloise wouldn't give in.

She didn't know where her loyalty to her sister came from. Lenore hadn't shown much loyalty to her. Eloise knew that she wasn't anywhere near as pretty as her sister. Lenore was tall and slim, with their mother's jet black hair. The only part of their looks that they shared were their silver blue eyes. Eloise was only 5'2", with an hourglass figure and a wild mane of unruly strawberry blonde curls. But despite this, and the fact that the sisters hadn't seen much of each other for the last 10 years since Lenore was spotted by a modelling agency at the age of 17, they were all each other had. Their parents had died in a car crash when Eloise was a toddler and they'd shared an unhappy childhood with an aunt and uncle who'd made it clear that they didn't want the girls. So it had come as a bitter blow when Lenore had called Eloise and broken the news that her services as a bridesmaid wouldn't be required.

"I know how uptight you get about people taking photos," Lenore had said. She'd obviously convinced herself that she was doing this for Eloise. "And this new and exciting designer who's making my dress has offered me a lot of money if I'll let him dress my bridesmaids as well so they'll have to be used to having their photos taken and not shy away from the cameras."

Eloise knew fine well that Lenore was a perfectionist and that appearance was all that mattered to her. It wouldn't be aesthetically pleasing to have Eloise in the photos, a foot shorter (and probably a foot wider as well) than everybody else in the wedding party, which was bound to be made up of Lenore and Marco's model and football friends. She would stick out like a sore thumb, and the designer probably didn't make short size 12 dresses anyway. At that point she'd been very tempted to say yes to Peter's proposal. But even though Lenore didn't seem to care all that much for her little sister, Eloise's loyalty still lay with Lenore.

When Eloise had cleared immigration and customs in Milan she found the bus that would take her to Bergamo. She'd read about Lenore's wedding plans in the gossip magazines (her sister had been too busy to tell Eloise about them) and knew that the rich and famous friends of the bride and groom were to be picked up in limousines. That courtesy obviously wasn't extended to fat and frumpy nobody sisters. Lenore hadn't even asked, just assumed that Eloise would be happy to use public transport. When she reached the station in Bergamo she caught a taxi and gave him the address of the stately home where the wedding was being held. There were security men stationed at the gate and she had to show her invitation, which was carefully scrutinised, on her way in. When the taxi turned around the corner she was flabbergasted. She'd never seen anything as impressive as this. She immediately realised why Lenore had chosen to get married here. It looked like a fairytale castle.

"Si, signorina," said the receptionist and smiled a smile that made Eloise weak at the knees. She'd never been to Italy before, but if all men were like this, she understood why Lenore had fallen for an Italian. "How can I help you?"

"I'm here for my sister's wedding. There should be a room booked for me. Eloise Goddard."

"YOU're Eloise Goddard?" he said with a look of confusion. Eloise was used to this. People expected Lenore's sister to be as beautiful as she was, not a fat and frumpy PA from London.

"Yes," she said with barely hidden impatience. "I know I don't look like her, but we're definitely sisters."

"Forgive me for sounding so rude," his smile made her weak at the knees. "I knew you didn't look like your sister, but you're nothing like the girl who was described to me. Now let me take you to your room."

He walked around the reception desk and picked up her bag. He then walked her through a maze of stairs and corridors until they reached her room. It was the most beautiful hotel room Eloise had ever seen, and she was convinced that she could fit her entire apartment inside it.

"Thank you very much," she said to the receptionist. "You wouldn't have a map of this place, would you? I don't think I'll ever manage to find this room on my own."

"Then just come to reception and ask for me and I'll be happy to show you back." He smiled that smile again. "My name is Vincenzo."

Eloise closed the door behind him and giggled with butterflies in her stomach. Vincenzo had done something to her that no other man had ever managed before. He wasn't overly macho, the way she'd expected most Italian men to be. Nor was he pushy and flirty. There was just something so incredibly masculine about him, and an air of understated confidence that made her feel that she was the only woman in the world every time he looked at her. She'd only just managed to unpack when there was a knock on her door and Lenore stormed in.

"What are you doing in this suite?" she demanded to know. "Since you were on your own I've only booked you a single room. If you were offered an upgrade I hope you've got money to pay for it yourself."

"Good to see you too, sis," Eloise said through gritted teeth. Her sister was worth millions and could easily afford to splash out a few extra pounds on making sure that Eloise had a comfortable stay at the wedding, especially since Eloise had used her meagre savings to buy a plane ticket to come to the wedding. "I didn't say anything when I checked in. This was the room that was given to me."

"Oh, they must have upgraded you for free seeing how you're my sister. Excellent! I knew it was a good idea to tell them that you're my sister. Now, what are you wearing to the wedding?"

Eloise pulled out the beautiful blue satin gown that brought the colour of her eyes to life. The woman in the charity shop had assured her that it had only been used once and the name on the label was one that even Eloise, who couldn't care less about fashion, recognised. Lenore stuck her fingers in her mouth to fake vomit when she saw it.

"Seriously Eloise," she said in her big sisterly tone. "Are you TRYING to embarrass me? This dress is from last year. We'll be a laughing stock if you wear it. Oh God! I don't have time for this!"

Lenore picked up her mobile phone and dialled a number. When the person on the other end answered she started rattling something off in Italian. Soon a tall and thin woman appeared and cast a critical eye on Eloise. Lenore and the woman had a heated discussion and then the woman got on the phone.

"Grazia is my dresser. She doesn't have anything your size but she's calling her assistant to get him to bring something for you to wear. Now I need to go and have a word with Marco before he leaves on his stag do. My bridesmaids and I are going out on my hen night so you'll be able to have an early night and be all refreshed for the rehearsal tomorrow. You look like you need a good night's sleep. And don't charge anything to the room unless you know you can afford to pay for it, this is a very expensive hotel."

Eloise watched her sister and the Italian woman leave and shook her head. How was it possible that they shared the same genes? Not only was she cut out of the wedding party, she was obviously not invited to the hen night either. Part of her started to wish that she'd taken Peter up on his offer. She knew fine well that Lenore and her husband-to-be were making more on their wedding photos than they had to pay to arrange it, so why shouldn't Eloise cash in on the fame of a sister who cared so little for her? Because she had morals, that was why...

She spent the afternoon reading on the balcony. It was still cold back in London, but here spring was in full bloom and Eloise made the most of it. She didn't fancy eating on her own in the restaurant so she ordered a bowl of pasta to her room. Lenore had been right. The prices were extortionate. No doubt their normal clientele could afford to pay. She received a complimentary bottle of wine with her meal and enjoyed it immensely. She drank two thirds of it and felt all warm and relaxed inside.

It was a beautiful evening so she decided to go for a walk in the grounds. She put on her jeans, a long sleeved t-shirt and her old running shoes and went outside. The air was full of beautiful fragrances and exotic sounds of the night. There was no traffic to be heard. It was all so different to what Eloise was used to. She walked up and down paths, always making sure that she knew where the big house was. She came to a pond with a bench under a pergola. She decided to sit down for a while and simply enjoy the night. This was the kind of place she would love to choose for her own wedding, not that she'd ever be able to afford anything more flash than the Wandsworth registry office.

"I thought you'd be out with your sister and her friends tonight," said a masculine voice that woke her up from her thoughts. She soon saw Vincenzo step into the moonlight. "May I?" She nodded and he sat down next to her.

"I don't exactly move in the same circles as my sister," Eloise smiled. "I'd only be cramping her style."

Vincenzo shook his head. "Cramping her style? Bella, you're 10 times as beautiful as she is. None of the men would look twice at her after seeing you."

Eloise laughed at his Latin charm. "Vincenzo, I'm afraid that you might need new glasses. I'm the fat and frumpy sister. Lenore is the beautiful one. That's why she's the model and I'm just a PA."

He placed a hand on her thigh and sent a shockwave of electricity through her body. "I've known many women like Lenore. They play on their looks and don't care who they hurt along the way. They may have a beautiful exterior, but behind their eyes there's nothing. They don't care if they hurt everybody along the way as long as they can keep feeling superior to everybody. You on the other hand have a natural beauty. And your beauty isn't just skin deep. I saw it in your eyes this afternoon. Not only are you a very desirable woman, you also have a beautiful soul."

Eloise listened breathlessly. She'd never been told that she was beautiful. All her life she'd been compared with Lenore and been told that it was a shame that she wasn't as attractive as her sister, but she had a great personality. But she didn't quite believe him. Vincenzo was Italian. Seducing women was in his blood, right?

Vincenzo could see the doubt in Eloise's eyes. "I've wanted to do this since I first laid eyes on you."

He leaned forward and caressed her lips with his. It felt like magic. She responded to his kisses and started kissing him back. Soon he'd wrapped his arms around her and held her head as his tongue invaded her mouth. She felt his heartbeat through his shirt as she caressed his chest and then his hand cupped her breast through her t-shirt and caressed the hardening nipple. Somewhere in the back of her head a little voice started making itself heard. Don't do this, it said. He probably charms a new guest every weekend. You haven't hung on to your virginity for this long only to lose it to some sweet talking Italian receptionist guy.

"No," she pulled herself away from Vincenzo's kisses. "This isn't right. I can't do this."

"What's wrong, bella?" he asked, taking her hands in his.

"I know I'm not as beautiful or sophisticated as my sister and her friends, but I do have feelings. I'm not into one-night stands."

Vincenzo smiled and caressed a loose strand of hair away from her face. "Was I coming on too strong?" She nodded. "I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me. It's just that... Never mind. Shall I walk you back to your room now? I promise you that I'll be a perfect gentleman."

Eloise agreed to let him accompany her back. She suspected that he was leading her back the long way, but she didn't mind. He proved to be utterly charming company and kept her entertained with his conversation. As they neared the house she suggested that she could find her own way as she didn't want him to get into trouble with the hotel management if they were seen together. He brushed off her concerns and walked her to her door where he kissed her hand and left.

She brushed her teeth and changed into her night clothes. Then she opened the balcony doors before going to bed. It was such a mild night and it would be a delight to fall asleep with the fresh air in her room. Not that she found falling asleep very easy. All she could see was Vincenzo's face and she kept playing back his words in her mind. Could he really have meant them? No, she wasn't beautiful. She was kind to people, but he couldn't see that. He'd looked and sounded sincere, but her last thought before she fell asleep was that she'd probably be best off staying away from him and then returning to London with her virginity intact. A young man at her church had been paying her a lot of attention lately. He didn't make her feel the way Vincenzo did, but he was probably a lot more suitable for her. He would make a reliable husband and that was what Eloise wanted. A husband and a family of her own.

The next morning she was rudely awakened by a loud knock on her door. It was Lenore and Grazia with a dozen gowns. If she hadn't already felt like the ugly sister, she sure felt like it now. All the gowns were made for women like Lenore and Grazia who were tall and shapeless. There was nothing there that suited a woman like Eloise who had hips and shapely breasts. Finally they settled on a green gown that was so low cut that Eloise was convinced that people would be able to see her nipples. The colour did nothing for her eyes, in fact, it left them looking dull and grey. Grazia took it away to have it slightly altered and Lenore smiled at her sister.

"That was lucky. You don't have to pay for the dress since it was a freebie that Grazia had left from a big and beautiful photo shoot."

"Gee. Thanks."

"Now, do you have anything suitable to wear this afternoon? Marco's family is arriving and I want to introduce my sister to them. They're all very stylish, but I've warned them that you're a PA and a bit on the heavy side so they know what to expect. "

Eloise resisted the urge to punch her sister and pulled a pink dress out of the wardrobe. She'd bought it for a company picnic shortly after she started working for Peter and she'd been complimented numerous times on how it flattered her figure.

"Not bad, sis," Lenore said with surprise. "But then you always did like vintage clothes and you were always good at picking out the good pieces. Everybody will think that you have a quirky fashion sense. That's good."

Eloise snorted at her sister's comments and watched her leave. Shortly afterwards there was a knock on the door. She opened it to find a room service waiter outside. 

"Complimentary breakfast, signorina," he smiled at her and proceeded to serve it on the balcony.

Eloise sat down and started sipping the caffé latte when she noticed a note with her name on it. It read "Please forgive me for being so eager last night. I very much enjoyed spending time with you and will meet you at the same place after your rehearsal dinner tonight. I hope you'll be there. Vincenzo." A tingle spread inside her body. She knew that he wasn't the kind of man who was looking for 22-year old virgins to marry. But he made her feel good, and she needed that to get through this wedding. Besides, she enjoyed their conversations last night. It couldn't hurt to spend a little bit of time with him, could it?

Eloise shivered as she headed down to the rehearsal reception. She hardly ever wore any makeup, but she was determined not to make herself stand out more than she had to at this shindig. She'd tamed her unruly hair with a clip and added a thick belt around her waist to accentuate her hourglass figure. She didn't normally wear heels, but in this company she'd felt that she'd disappear in flat shoes so she was balancing on 3-inch heels. It felt OK, as long as they'd sit down to eat quickly. As she passed reception she looked over at Vincenzo who was busy with some paperwork. He looked up at her, winked and then did a very Latin hand gesture to tell her that she was looking gorgeous. It boosted her confidence as she walked into the restaurant that Lenore and Marco had booked for their rehearsal dinner.

As soon as she walked in, Lenore squealed and ran up to her to hug her. Eloise wondered what had happened as she'd hardly had a kind word from her sister since she'd arrived. Then she looked over at the people Lenore had been talking with. She recognised one as Lenore's fiancé and the other two must be his parents. It all started to make sense now. Lenore grabbed Eloise's hand and led her to her fiancé's family.

"Marco, caro," she cooed. "This is my baby sister, Eloise."

"I'm so happy to finally meet you," he said in a heavily accented English and kissed her on the cheeks.

Then Lenore spoke Italian to Marco's parents, who in turn shook Eloise's hand and kissed her cheeks while saying something in Italian.

"They don't speak English," Lenore stated the obvious. "Ah, here's Marco's younger brother, Paolo. He's also a footballer."

Paolo was as tall and good looking as his brother and he immediately turned on his charm and whisked Eloise away to introduce her to more people. Marco had a big family and Eloise felt like a little bit of an impostor. There was only she and Lenore left of their family and Lenore fit in very well with Marco's family. She soon found out that Marco's dad had been a footballer in his day and his mum was an ex-model, so it explained why everybody were so tall, skinny and attractive. Unfortunately they were also terribly boring.

Paolo had obviously been made in charge of keeping Eloise company that evening, probably since he was one of the few guests who spoke any English. His poor command of the language aside, Eloise could forgive that since she didn't speak any Italian at all, he was one of the dullest people she'd ever met. He was obviously expecting her to be impressed by the enormous amounts of money he earned as he listed his various sponsorship deals and fan clubs and whatnot. Eloise couldn't care less. By the end of the evening Paolo still didn't know the first thing about her and she'd already forgotten most of what he'd told her.


Her Sister's Wedding



Lenore pulled her to the side with an angry look. "Paolo is considered a very eligible bachelor. You could try to smile a bit when he's talking to you."

"That's the problem. He just kept talking TO me. Not once did he actually talk WITH me. He must be the most boring man alive!"

"Boring! Are you insane? He earns millions every year on his football, not to mention his modelling contracts and other sponsorship deals. Europe is full of girls who'd kill for a date with him."

"They can have him! Now are we done here? I need a bit of fresh air before I go to bed."

Eloise walked out onto the terrace and then down the path towards the pond. An excited flutter in her stomach made itself known as she saw the silhouette under the pergola.

"Vincenzo?" she asked before she could see his face.

"Bella Eloise!" he replied and stood up, ready to kiss her cheek as she came over to him.

"I wasn't sure whether you'd already be here," she said.

"I noticed that your party was breaking up so I escaped from reception."

"Won't you get into trouble for leaving your post like that?" she asked with concern.

"Trouble for leaving my post?" Vincenzo looked puzzled. "Oh! No... My shift finished earlier. I was just hanging around until you were free.

That made Eloise feel better. She was still concerned that he'd get into trouble for flirting with her, but she didn't want to make a fool of herself by telling him that as she wasn't sure that he was actually flirting. He could just be trying to be nice to her.

"How was the rehearsal dinner?"

Eloise let out a heavy sigh. "Don't even go there! I've never been so bored in my life. I was stuck all night with this Paolo guy, right. All he could talk about was his money, his football and him, him, him! I swear he doesn't even remember my name."

Vincenzo laughed. "Paolo Bianchi? The footballer?"

"Yes, my future brother's brother."

"Well, the Bianchi brothers aren't exactly known for their intellect. And why should they be? They've made a success of themselves based on their looks and skills with a football. I hear he's very popular with the ladies."

"Et tu, Brute..."

"Pardon?"

"My sister told me off for not swooning over him. Why is it that I should find him fascinating just because he's got more money than sense? I would've been far more impressed if he'd told me that he was a penniless teacher working with disadvantaged children."

"But money is important, right?"

"Money doesn't buy you happiness. I'd much rather live the rest of my life in my dingy little flat in London, than have to spend it with someone as dull and self obsessed as that guy."

"Not a lot of people would agree with you."

"Well, I'm not most people."

"You certainly aren't. For one thing, you were the prettiest woman in that room tonight."

"Vincenzo... You don't have to keep saying that. We both know it's not true."

"I think it is. Being compared with your sister all these years has really damaged your self esteem, hasn't it? I wish you could see yourself with my eyes."

"It's kind of hard not to believe that when you've heard people say 'YOU're Lenore Goddard's sister?' all your life."

"Most people don't take time to look beyond the obvious."

"I don't know if that's a compliment..." Eloise laughed nervously.

"Oh, bella... That didn't sound right, did it? What I meant to say was that if you're into stick thin, empty headed bimbos, then maybe you'll find Lenore more attractive. But if you're interested in intelligent women with a sense of humour, women who look like real women, then you are a million times more attractive than her."

"Thank you."

"You still don't believe me."

"I don't know. You're very sweet for saying that. But I meant what I said last night. I'm not the kind of girl who does one-night stands."

"And you think that's all I'd be interested in when it comes to you?"

"I don't know. I'm a PA back in London. You're a hotel receptionist outside Bergamo. I don't think either of us earns enough to get into a long distance relationship, and I'm only here for one more day."

"I see your point."

Vincenzo changed subjects and they spend another hour talking in the moonlight before he walked her back to her room. He kissed her cheeks softly and lingered for a while before saying goodnight. He thanked her for an enchanted evening.

When Eloise closed her door behind her she sighed. Why couldn't she meet someone like Vincenzo back in London? Why hadn't she met him when he lived in London? Probably because she was still in school then. Tonight she'd learnt that Vincenzo was 8 years older than her and he'd travelled the world before settling here in beautiful Bergamo. It surprised her that someone as well travelled and obviously as well educated as Vincenzo worked as a mere receptionist. But who was she to judge? He was happy here and she'd just told him that happiness was her main motivation in life so why shouldn't it be his?

She'd opened up to him like no one else. She'd told him about the near rape during her first term at university and how various boyfriends had reacted to the lifestyle decision she made as a result. She'd told him about her desire for a big family and how, if she hadn't already scared them off, her strong desire to get married and have children tended to scare off the rest of the men she met. Vincenzo had told her that he shared her dreams of a big family and that she should never lower her standards. It was sweet of him. She remembered his lips and touch from the previous night. Oh, how easy it would be to fall in love with him. 

The next morning the family and wedding party had breakfast together in the dining room. Eloise was grateful that Paolo now had Lenore's model friends to keep him busy. She picked a few things from the buffet and sat down next to an English speaking couple.

"You must be the infamous sister," the woman said.

"Pardon?"

"Oh, excuse me. Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Alyson Nicholls and this is my photographer Dave Rammell. We're here from the magazine."

"I see. Eloise Goddard, sister of the bride."

"I figured as much, seeing how you're the only non-Italian here under 5'10". Although I would never have known you otherwise."

"Because I'm not as pretty as my sister... Right." Eloise was seriously regretting sitting down next to these people. It wasn't like her confidence needed any more knocks than those dealt to her by her sister. Where was Vincenzo when she needed him?

"No, because I was almost expecting a fat and disfigured old spinster with some kind of a learning disability based on what Lenore told us. Sure, I know that models have a slightly skewed view of reality when it comes to the looks of others. But the way she talked about her own sister. I'm amazed that you put up with it."

Eloise felt her cheeks go red. "What exactly did my sister tell you about me?"

Alyson Nicholls was starting to look a bit uncomfortable now. "I probably misinterpreted her. She talked about how you didn't care about your weight and looks and lacked ambition. That you were happy in a monotonous job in your secure London environment. Really, I'm sure I got the wrong end of the stick when she said that you didn't want to be in the wedding party since you didn't feel that you'd fit in."

"I didn't want to be in my sister's wedding?" Eloise shook her head. "Tell me, what happens to the exclusive deal if photos from the wedding are leaked to the rest of the press?"

"Then it's off. Or they won't get paid the full amount. It depends on the quality of the other photos and what they actually show."

"How do you mean?"

"Well, any leak of photos of your sister, her bridesmaids and the dresses would be devastating. As would photos of the kiss and first dance. Any other photos would still be a problem, but not quite as bad."

"Right."

Eloise stepped outside and pulled her mobile phone from her handbag and dialled Peter's number. He answered almost immediately.

"Peter? How much do you want photos from the wedding?"

"Eloise, darling, if you get me photos from your sister's wedding you can have whatever you want."

"How about a permanent job and a company car?"

"Deal."

"Then have someone text me instructions for how to work this damn thing!"

She hung up and turned around to walk back in and walked straight into Vincenzo's arms. 

"Careful, bella. Did I hear you correctly? You're seriously going to sell photos from your sister's wedding?"

"Why shouldn't I?" Tears started streaming down Eloise's cheeks. "I mean nothing to my sister. I mean, I can put up with her constant fussing about my weight, my hair and my clothes. I can even put up with being excluded from the wedding party. But to hear that she's been telling people that I refused to take part in the wedding because I'm too dumb and ugly, that's it. I can't take anymore. She's always been selfish and self obsessed and I never expected her to take care of me, but I refuse to be treated like crap any longer. If turning her wedding into a profit spinning media circus is more important to her than the feelings of her own sister, then why shouldn't I take my fair share?"

Vincenzo walked her into a small office and took her in his arms and let her cry. She cried for minutes, smearing her makeup all over his crisp white shirt. When she finally stopped crying and was only sobbing she finally looked up into his eyes and saw the warmth. He kissed her softly.

"You won't take your 'fair share' because it's not in your nature to use people."

"I know," she admitted. "I'm jolly well tempted to though."

"I know you are. Now dry your tears and go get ready for the wedding. Your sister's brought in her own hair dresser. Do you want me to see if I can pull some strings with the hotel hair dresser? She's great with hair and makeup."

"You don't have to do that for me."

"I know I don't. But I think you deserve it. Not that you need that kind of thing to look gorgeous, but I think your self esteem could do with a bit of a boost right now. Let me see what I can do."

Eloise went back up to her room and called Peter again. She explained to him that she'd been hurt by her sister, but she couldn't do that to her own flesh and blood, no matter how despicable they were in turn. He was disappointed, but understanding.

She had a long shower and was relaxing on the balcony when there was a knock on the door.

"I'm Elena, the hotel hair dresser," said a very short woman with stylish short hair. "Compliments of the hotel."

Eloise couldn't believe that Vincenzo had managed to pull that one off. She guessed that he was just the kind of lovable guy that nobody could say no to. Elena marvelled over her strawberry blonde curls and started working. When she was done Eloise looked at her own reflection and admitted to herself that she'd never looked as pretty in her life. Elena asked to see her dress so that she could do her makeup. She pulled the dress that Lenore and Grazia had picked for her.

"Signorina Goddard," said Elena. "That colour is all wrong for you. It'll make your skin look pasty and your eyes dull. What was that blue dress that I saw in the wardrobe?"

"Apparently it's last season," Eloise said. "My sister told me that it wasn't good enough."

Elena opened the door and pulled the dress out. "Your sister doesn't know what she's talking about. So what if it's last season. Anyone can see that it's a colour that suits you and a design to hug your curves. The one she wants you to wear has been designed for someone with neither breasts nor hips. You can't wear that. It'll look much more stupid than wearing last season's dress. You'll be drop dead gorgeous in the blue dress."

Eloise considered the Italian woman's words. "Let's try them both on and see?" She wasn't quite ready to veto Lenore yet.

Elena nodded and helped Eloise into the new dress. It was ill fitting and the colour did indeed make her look lifeless. "I look like a prostitute in this thing, don't I?"

Elena agreed and helped her out of it. Then she put on the blue dress and Elena's smile spread across her face. "You know that this is the one you have to wear," she said confidently. Eloise couldn't help but agree. It looked like it had been made especially for her. Elena did her makeup and she'd only just left when the phone rang. It was Vincenzo telling her that the car to take her to the chapel was waiting. Eloise was sure that Lenore had said that she'd be walking to the chapel, but they'd obviously changed their minds. They were probably afraid of the paparazzi in the helicopters she could hear hovering above.

When she walked through reception she saw Vincenzo's eyes widen and then a smile spread across his face as he watched her. She wished that she could've brought him as her date. He would have kept her nerves in check. The car dropped her off at the chapel entrance and she was ushered to her seat. As Lenore's only family she was placed in the fourth pew on the bride's side. She recognised some of Lenore's model friends and her agent in front of her. 

The wedding was beautiful. Lenore had cast an angry eye on Eloise when she'd spotted which dress she was wearing, but not even a wilful younger sister had been able to spoil her day. The wedding ceremony had been choreographed in minute detail and Eloise could see that the bride and her bridesmaids had been expertly stylised by experts from Milan. 

The reception was an exercise in opulence. The Michelin star chef had created a gourmet dinner and Eloise and the few unattractive and non-famous people there had been tucked away at a table that would never make it into the magazine. After the cake had been eaten, Eloise saw Alyson Nicholls interviewing Lenore and Marco. She pointed over Eloise's way and then Eloise saw her sister's face contorting in anger. She marched over to Eloise and grabbed her arm.

"Come with me, you little bitch."

She pulled Eloise out of the room and into a small conference room that was open between the dining hall and reception. She slammed the door shut behind them. "How could you? My own sister! After all I've done for you!"

"How could I what?"

"Alyson Nicholls told me. Her photographer overheard you on the phone. You'd asked about our magazine deal and she was curious. A couple of phone calls later and she knew who you worked for. How much are they paying you for the photos?"

"She only overheard part of a conversation. I was hurt. She'd only just told me that you'd lied about me not wanting to be in your wedding and I was letting off steam."

"Oh, so this is your revenge for me not wanting my wedding photos to be a laughing stock?"

"I said, I'm not doing it. I was hurt. I let off steam. Then I called my editor back and told him that I wouldn't do it."

"You're damn right you're not doing it. I'm not letting you leave with your mobile phone. You've always been so jealous of me. I told Marco that you'd try something stupid, but oh no. We had to invite your because you're my sister."

"Me? Jealous of you?"

"Don't deny it. You're a short and fat secretary, and from what I hear a pretty frigid one too. You've never let me enjoy my success."

"The only time I complained about your success was when I was a lonely 13-year old whose only living family had just moved to another country. I've always been proud of you, but hurt that you never did anything but criticise me. Now let me go. I don't want anything more to do with you."

"Not so fast, miss. Your phone. You're not leaving with it."

"It's my phone. I'm taking it wherever I want to take it. You just have to trust your sister to have enough integrity not to do that to you."

"I'll do no such thing. Now give me the damn phone before I hurt you."

"She said that she wouldn't do it," Vincenzo's voice interrupted the sisters. "Now your guests are starting to wonder what's happened with you and the band is ready to play. I suggest you return to your party and leave Eloise alone."

"Who the hell asked you, arsehole?" Lenore spat at Vincenzo. "This isn't over. We've got this place locked down until tomorrow. Nobody's coming or going. You're not leaving until you've given me your phone. And don't even think about sending anything now. If any photos of us show up in your stupid paper I'm going to sue you and your editor personally for so much money you'll have to work the rest of your lives to pay it off."

Lenore stormed out of the room and Eloise walked into Vincenzo's arms in tears. He stroked her hair and let her cry. When she was finally done she looked into his eyes and smiled. "I seem to be doing that a lot today."

"I don't mind," he smiled at her. "Well, I'm angry with your sister for upsetting you, but secretly happy for any excuse to be holding you in my arms."

Eloise sighed and his lips descended on hers. He kissed her softly for a minute and then raised his head.

"Thank you," Eloise said breathlessly. "For everything. For Elena. For comforting me today."

"It's my pleasure."

"I guess I should go back to my room."

"But you haven't danced in your beautiful gown."

"I suspect I won't be welcome back to the reception."

"Then we'll just have to dance somewhere else."

Vincenzo took her hand and led her through a narrow corridor. They reached a closed door and he got a key ring out of his pocket and unlocked it. Eloise couldn't believe her eyes when she took in the room. It must have been the ballroom in the past.

"What is this room?"

"It's the grand hall. It's in a wing that's still being renovated. What do you think?"

"I love it."

Vincenzo walked over to the workmen's radio and switched it on. He soon found a station that played a song to his liking and he turned up the volume. He turned around and took Eloise into his arms. They started moving to the music. Eloise felt like Cinderella. They swayed to the next song and then the world around them seemed to disappear. All that was left were Eloise and Vincenzo. He took her face in his hands and kissed her softly. She soon parted her lips and he was quick to follow, tasting her mouth as his hands started exploring her body. She caressed his chest and his arms and the feeling of his erection against her belly excited her. She felt the dampness spread in her underwear and for the first time in her life she wanted a man to take her to bed. Then he stopped kissing her.

"What's wrong?" she asked insecurely.

"I don't want you to feel that I'm taking advantage of you. You do know that I'm falling in love with you, don't you?"

"I'm falling in love with you too, Vincenzo."

"Then I'm asking you to be my wife. I know that you have your life in London and I have mine here, but we'll work around that."

"There are plenty of hotels in London," Eloise said hopefully. "I'm sure you could find a good job there, albeit in less attractive surroundings."

"Let's not worry about that until tomorrow, my love," he kissed her softly. "Tonight's about you and me and our love for each other."

They walked in silence to Eloise's hotel room. Vincenzo offered to leave her there. He said that he was happy to wait until their wedding night. Eloise knew that she wasn't. She walked backwards into her room, reached behind and unzipped her dress. It fell to the floor and she stood before him in her bra and undies. He closed the door behind him and walked up to her.

"No man has ever seen me in less than this," she said with a quiver on her voice.

"And no other man ever will," he said with conviction. "You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen and you belong to me for the rest of your life."

He took her into his arms and kissed her tenderly as he unhooked her bra and stuck his thumbs under the waistband of her underwear. He slid them off and then she stepped out of her shoes. She was completely naked in his arms. He took her in his arms, not difficult for a muscular man of 6'1", and put her softly on the bed. He didn't let go of eyes as he quickly undressed. The size of him scared her, but then she was in his arms again and he kissed her worries away. His mouth loved her face and her breasts and then it made its way down between her thighs and kissed her intimately. She cried out with surprise as she experienced her first orgasm. He smiled and kissed his way back up, stopping at her breasts and spending a good deal of time getting acquainted with them. So much so that by the time his lips returned to hers she was on fire again.




Her Sister's Wedding



"Vincenzo," she moaned. "I need you."

"Eloise," he panted. "Darling."

He entered her slowly, giving her time to get used to his girth as he broke through her pain barrier. When he rested deep inside her he stopped and kissed her deeply.

"I love you now and forever," he whispered against her lips.

Then he slowly started rocking his hips against hers. She instinctively wrapped her legs around his hips, urging him deeper inside her. Her hips started meeting his thrusts. He was gentle at first, but then the urgency of his actions increased and his thrusts got faster and harder. She panted along with him. She was consumed with pleasure as he possessed her body. Then her body exploded in a symphony of pleasure. She shivered all over and gripped his manhood tight inside her and cried out in ecstasy. Her orgasm was all he needed to let go. He arched his back and made a final thrust deep inside her when he finally released his own pleasure. They collapsed into each other's arms and it took them several minutes to catch their breath.

"My darling," Vincenzo said as he pulled the blanket up to cover them from the cool night air. "I didn't wear any protection. We should probably get married quickly just in case you're pregnant."

"I don't think I'll get pregnant tonight," Eloise did the quick mental arithmetic. 

"But just in case," Vincenzo smiled at her. "That is if you still want to marry me."

"Of course I do."

He kissed her deeply. "Then let's not waste any time. Tomorrow we look into how quickly we can get married and start practising making our big family." He grinned at her blush. "No more modesty now. You're going to be my wife and I want my wife to know that I desire her body."

"But there's so much we have to sort out before we marry. We both know that I can't get a PA job in Italy, and there's no way we can live on one income. Do you mind moving back to London?"

"We'll talk about that tomorrow. Right now I want to get to know your body better."

His lips silenced her and he made love to her again, taking his time to bring pleasure to every inch of her body. When they'd finally reached their joint orgasm they fell asleep in each other's arms.

The next morning Eloise woke up to the feeling of Vincenzo's lips caressing her arms and her face. She opened her eyes and smiled at him.

"Good morning."

"Good morning, bella," he smiled back and kissed her deeply. "I hope you don't mind, I've ordered breakfast."

Eloise sat up straight. "You've ordered room service? Vincenzo, they'll find out that you've spent the night here. You'll be fired."

"So what! I thought you wanted me to take a job in London anyway."

"But not like this! You'll need references."

"Sweetheart," he took her into his arms and caressed her. "Don't be angry with me, but I have a confession to make."

"What's that?" Eloise got suspicious. Please don't let him be married, she begged inside her. I can deal with anything except that.

"It has nothing to do with my love for you. I fell in love with you the minute you walked through the hotel door three days ago. But I haven't been entirely truthful. Well, I haven't actually lied to you, but I didn't correct you when you assumed something that wasn't the truth."

"Tell me," she begged him, just wanting to get it over with.

"I'm not actually a receptionist," he said with a wry smile. "I was just covering while one of the receptionists was running around tending to your sister's whims."

Eloise laughed and shook her head in understanding. "So what are you? The hotel manager?"

"Not exactly. The hotel manager was off on another errand for your sister. She's a demanding customer, but we've pulled out all the stops to make sure she's happy since the publicity from this wedding is priceless. What would you say if I told you that I'm the chef?"

"I probably wouldn't believe you since you've hovered around reception the whole time I've been here, but that's OK. I'm not a very good cook so it would help if you had some talent in that department. Now, tell me the truth Mr Not-Receptionist. Are you the chef?"

He shook his head. "No. Listen... I don't know why I'm so nervous about this. I don't want you to think less of me for what I'm about to tell you."

"Tell me..." She was looking really worried now. This couldn't be good.

"I'm not the receptionist, and I'm not the chef either. Nor am I employed by this hotel."

Eloise looked completely baffled.

"I'm not employed by the hotel, because I own it."

"You own this beautiful place?" Eloise couldn't believe her ears.

"I inherited it. As the firstborn son, the title and the family home were passed on to me when my father died three years ago. It was in a state of disrepair and I've invested my entire inheritance in it to turn it into a first class hotel."

"You inherited this?"

"Yes, but I don't want you to think that I was born into a world of privilege. I may have been the son of a Count, but Italy is littered with nobility and our family's fortune had been mismanaged for years. I travelled the world to learn the hotel business and I'd started building a chain of exclusive luxury resorts when this fell into my hands."

"Count? Chain of resorts?" Eloise couldn't believe her ears.

"Yes, so I'm afraid that I can't go and work as a receptionist in London," he smiled wryly at her.

"I feel so stupid now."

"Don't, my love, I don't think you are. The fact of the matter is that I can support you in anything you want to do. If you want to stay in your job I'll run my business from London and fly over here regularly. If you're willing to move here I'll get you any job you'd like and pay for you to get the best tuition to learn the language."

"Maybe it's better that I move over here," she mused and kissed him softly.

"Are you sure?" he asked tenderly.

"Yeah, because someone's got to look after all the children we're planning to have."

"Oh yes... The children... We better start practising how to make them."

They made love with a hunger that surpassed the previous night's. When they'd reached orgasm there was a knock on the door and Vincenzo wrapped himself in a sheet to take delivery of their breakfast. Eloise was pleased that he didn't let the waiter inside but pushed the trolley up to the bed and served her coffee and fresh fruit. He then joined her in bed and they playfully fed each other fruit.

"Vincenzo," Eloise said when she'd caught her breath after more love making.

"Yes, cara mia?"

"Did you say you're a Count?"

"Yes..."

"So when we get married..."

"You'll be a Countess," he finished her sentence. "I hope you don't mind. Titles are part of a stuffy old world."

"I don't mind. It's kind of cool. I feel like the ugly duckling who just found out she's not a duck..."

"Bella, you were never an ugly duckling. To me you were always the beautiful swan."