The Sexy Enemy: A Fake Relationship Romance (Italian Nights Series Book 3)

6. Natalia

“Alessandro Conti is the biggest asshole on the planet,” I complain to Savannah on the phone.

“I’m assuming that means he hasn’t changed his mind?” she asks.

“No. I even insulted his ego, and he basically told me his ego isn’t that fragile to offend.”

Savannah chuckles. “Dick. What are you going to do?”

I let out a frustrated sigh. “Don’t know. I’m having lunch with my friend Domingo, he is always good fun. He’ll help me relax enough for me to come up with a plan.”

“I think you need to talk to your brothers,” Savannah suggests.

“I can’t. Not yet.”

“They can help you,” she argues.

“I can fix this.”

I can hear Savannah’s frustrated sigh down the line. “I know you can, but men like him don’t fight fair, and I’m worried that you’re too nice to fight with him.”

“He thinks I’m some vapid socialite who is so worried about her carefully curated image that I wouldn’t do anything to destroy that,” I tell her.

“You’ve worked so hard, Nat, to become who you are in your world, don’t let this asshole destroy it all,” Savannah warns.

I understand she’s worried about me, but she doesn’t need to be. “Babe, I’m Principessa Natalia Fiorenzo. My family has ruled these parts of Italy for centuries. A Conti will not destroy me.”

“Love that confidence, babe. So, what’s next?” she asks.

“I’ve sent off a meeting request to Francesca. I need to meet with her and see what my options are. If I can get ahead of the story, then I can control it. Alessandro thinks he’s in control of what is happening and that I’m going to roll over and take what he’s giving me,” I tell her.

“That’s my girl,” Savannah cheers enthusiastically down the phone. “You know what you should do if he calls you on your bluff? You should then rock on up to his home with your bags and move in. Technically, he’s your husband. And if he isn’t going to annul the marriage then he’s going to have to put up with you,” she says, laughing.

“That’s brilliant.”

“I was joking, babe. No. You can’t stand the guy, why would you want to move in with him?”

“To make his life a living hell. Two can play this game, Sav. If he wants to be stubborn, then so can I,” I tell her.

“This is a terrible idea. You don’t know if he’s crazy or not. He might do something to hurt you,” Savannah warns.

“Doubt it, not if the entire world thinks we are married for real.” I chuckle.

“No.”

“Yep. You’ve given me the best idea. Alessandro Conti is going to rue the day he never gave me that annulment.”

“You sound scary,” Savannah adds.

“I can be when I want to be. Thanks so much, babe. I’ve got to go. Talk soon,” I tell her.

“Bye, stay safe. Call me if you need me,” she says before hanging up.

“My beautiful friend, how are you?”Domingo greets me warmly, kissing both of my cheeks.

“Good. Exhausted after Vegas,” I tell him as we take a seat. I’ve known Domingo most of my adult life. He works in fashion, is handsome, an ex-male model, and gay. Alessandro doesn’t need to know that.

“A bottle of champagne, please,” he says to the waiter before turning his attention back to me. “I can’t believe Gio went to Vegas. That man is as straight-laced as they come.”

“He did it for Paige. The man is in love.”

“Ah, yes, the American. It’s nice seeing him happy, he deserves it.” He grins.

“He does and they are happy, it makes me gag,” I say, pretending to choke, which makes him laugh.

“Stop it. As if you don’t have admirers lining up for you,” he says, looking me up and down.

“Actually, I do need your help on something.”

He leans forward. “Do tell, you need me to make a man jealous for you?” he asks.

It’s not the first time I’ve asked him for help like this. “Not jealous just … annoy him more like it. He likes watching my socials and I may have told him I was on a date today, so I need your help to make it look like we are on one,” I explain to him.

“Say no more, my sweetheart, I will pretend to be your lover for the afternoon,” he jokes.

“Ew, how about sexy, flirty, man friend?” I add as the waiter brings out the bottle of champagne and pours us both a glass.

“Whatever you need, girl. Can I ask who this man is?” He grins, raising the champagne glass to his lips and taking a sip.

“Soon, I promise.”

Dom’s eyes narrow on me. “You’re never secretive, Natalia.”

“I know, but I promise all will be revealed soon. It’s complicated,” I try to explain to him.

“Fine. I trust you. You’re not in trouble, are you? Blink twice if you need help,” he asks.

I burst out laughing. “No, I’m fine. I got myself into this stupid mess and I’m trying to get out of it.”

He doesn’t look like he believes me, but he lets it go and we spend the afternoon filling up my socials with content to drive Alessandro crazy.

I’ma bit tipsy by the time I meet up with Francesca. She messaged me while at lunch and said she was free for a meeting in the afternoon. After saying my goodbyes to Domingo, I head to her office.

“Natalia, such a pleasant surprise,” she says, greeting me warmly.

“Thanks for taking the time to meet with me. I need a favor,” I cut right to the chase.

Her brows rise high. It’s not normal for the subject to ask the magazine for the favor when it comes to paparazzi pictures.

“I’m listening,” she says.

And I explain to her exactly what I need from her.