Chapter ONE

 
“Good morning Anella would you like to have breakfast with me?”
“Mr. Marcello?” She was looking into her mirror and he was at the door way behind her.
Fernando looked around.
“Do you see anyone else here?”
Anella laughed softly. She had seen Fernando around the photoshoots often and it never occurred to her that he would find her the least bit interesting.
She was sitting in her private cubicle when she heard his voice.
“Is breakfast all you are asking for? You reputation precedes you.”
“I always ask for what I want caro, it is up to the female to give it willingly. Now… breakfast?”
“Okay, give me a few minutes, I have to change.”
She saw him turn and leave without a sound. She sighed and quickly changed into a yellow sun dress.
 
Fernando was captivated by the young model, she had this innocence about her not ever associated with that profession. He listened to the photographers, designers, the crew and everyone said the same thing ….. she was the sweetest thing to hit the runway. She never pretended to be who she wasn’t and when she said no, it was no.
She was tall and slim, her hair looked like silky black rope and her skin was as dark as the darkest chocolate.
Anella appeared at the front desk of M-Studios and as she was about to ask if anyone had seen a sexy young gentleman wearing a white shirt, a voice whispering in her ear made her spin around.
“I want more than breakfast.”
“No. You get what you asked for. Let’s go.”
Fernando smiled and followed Anella out of the studio.
“Is this your car?” She pointed to the blue Maserati convertible, Parked neatly in a reserved spot outside the studio.
“Yes it is.”
“I’m driving, keys please.”
Fernando fished out his keys and handed them to her. She unlocked and opened his door. He got in, she closed it and made her way to the driver seat.
 
“I wonder Anella, how is it that people fall all over you and yet you don’t have a boyfriend or husband?”
“I am in love with a man who does not exist. I am not ready for relationship. I want to build my career and nothing will side track me from that. I don’t want to be a notch on anyone’s belt. I want the man I marry to be someone who loves me and not my money or my fame. He will understand that I have value and if he treats me with respect I will do the same for him.”
“I see. You ask the impossible sweetheart, no man is able to live up to that.”
“Then I guess I shall remain single for all eternity. Here we are.”
“You brought me to a sandwich bar?”
“Don’t knock it, get out, I have to park.”
Fernando did as he was told and he watched as Anella parked his car like she was born inside it.
 
When she got out every single man within eyesight turned his head.
“Morning Nella!”
“Hi sweetie, have a great day!”
“Nella baby!”
“Nella Caro!”
“Darling!”
This went on for about fifteen minutes as Anella hugged and cheek kissed the people who greeted her and Fernando marveled at the way she handled the greetings. He also realised that no one was lewd or disrespectful and they also spoke to her in pure English. The women blew kisses at her, children ran to hug her. Fernando was blown away.
They walked into the bar and before they got to the counter a man in a chef hat shouted out to them.
“Nella Caro, you bring boyfriend to eat yes?”
“Adriano! Cattivo!! This is my boss Fernando Marcello, he owns M-Studios so be nice or I will get fired!”
“Ah you wound me Anella, am I not boyfriend material?” Fernando put his hand over his heart.
“I don’t know you Fernando and I am not looking for a boyfriend so cut it out!”
Anella left Fernando standing with his mouth open as she went to make her order. She looked back at him.
“What would you like?”
“Surprise me.”
Anella ordered Colazione breakfast, she paid for it and looked around to find Fernando talking to a nice man dressed in a pair of shorts, polo shirt and Crocs. She made her way over and when the man saw her his face lit up. Fernando stuck his hand out to her and pulled her to him.
“Anatolio this is Anella, the best model I have at M-Studios.”
“Oh I know who she is, my son has all her posters in his room, my wife buys everything she wears and the endless perfumes. It is nice to meet you, the others will hate me when I tell them.”
“Nice to meet you as well, would you like to join us for breakfast? There’s more than enough.”
“Just a few minutes, I have to go pick up my wife, she is pregnant with our third child, just at the doctor’s for a checkup.”
“Congratulations.” Anella replied with a huge smile on her face.
The conversation went from modelling, to construction, to real estate, to golf then swimming. Half way through the food, Anatolio thanked them for the company and the food and said he would stay in touch.
“He is nice, thank you for introducing me.”
“I’m sorry Anella but all I can think about is you in my bed.”
“If I said yes what does it mean to you?”
“Everything. I have never been with a woman like you, you don’t have any of the qualities I am usually bombarded with by most models. What gives?”
“Modelling is what I do Fernando, it is no way near who I am. I love life in its entirety, I want to be happy in whatever capacity I choose. If I gave up my work tomorrow, it would have to be a very good reason and I would know that I made my choice of my own volition.”
“How old are you?”
“Twenty-Five in three months.”
“I shall make a deal with you. I have stated what I want, you have three months to decide. If you say yes I will have you on your birthday, your terms not mine. I promise to give you everything you need all you have to do is ask.”
“I won’t be a fling Fernando, that’s not what I want for my life. If you know you will cast me aside after you have gotten what you want, don’t touch me.”
“You drive a hard bargain woman for someone so young. Come, finish breakfast, I have something to show you.”
They finished breakfast and while chatting for a bit another model walked up to the table and threw a glass of juice on Fernando.
“Thanks for nothing!”
“What in the hell is wrong with you Calandra?”
“You said I would get the Barbados contract and you gave it to someone else!”
“This is NOT the time or place to discuss business but if you insist, you were found with drugs in your car while driving drunk. How do you expect to win a contract for a Family product with that kind of behaviour?
“You promised!”
“I promised that if you were qualified I would insist that you be the spokesperson but you aren’t so get over it. Now if there isn’t anything else, I have to leave.”
It was only when Calandra glanced down at Anella she realised who she was.
“He will get what he wants and then forget you exist.” With that she stormed off.
Anella looked at Fernando and let out a laugh.
“What’s so funny?”
“You’ve got juice all over you.”
“So I do.” Then he started laughing as well.
“Come on, I live nearby, I can wash that out for you.”
“Honey, if I go to your apartment, we will make love, so I think I will just go home and change or go buy something new.”
Anella paused. She loved his honesty and forwardness but was she willing to risk her heart for this man? Maybe but he will have to work for it.
“Okay let’s go shopping for new clothes.”
Five hours later Anella made her decision. They had spent the day in and out of stores buying all sort of things. Anella felt comfortable, she didn’t have to worry about Fernando forcing himself on her because he said what he wanted and he was willing to wait until she was ready. All her senses were on alert. She felt every touch, no matter how soft or simple. When he complimented her she didn’t feel as if he was saying it just to get her into bed.
“The contract Calandra spoke about, is it up for grabs or do you have someone already?”
“Do you want it Anella?”
“Yes, I have never been there before.”
“It is yours and if you ever get it in your head that it is pre-payment, don’t, I would feel disrespected of our new friendship.
“Thank you Fernando, I will do my best.”