Limits of Destiny (Volume 1) (21 page)

I thought about how nice and cheerful Alexander had been this morning. Was it because he was about to meet my father or was there something else? He told me he would have his secretary, Nicole, book a table for three for seven p.m. at one of the best restaurants in Zurich—Pavillon. I was very happy and touched by his nice gesture.

I spotted my father as he was coming through the sliding doors with a small suitcase, dressed in black jeans and a pale-blue shirt. I felt warmth in my heart and tears started to well up in my eyes. We hadn’t seen each other for months.

I raised a hand and waved at him. He noticed me and headed my way in long strides, smiling. His hazel eyes gleamed and, as always, his brown hair, peppered with gray here and there, was neatly combed to one side.

“Alexia.” He grabbed me by the waist and spun me round with ease, as if I were a small child.

For his fifty years, Colin Welson looked great—enviably so for people his age. He was burly, almost as tall as Alexander, with wide shoulders, and quite muscular. Like my boyfriend, my father was the sort of man that made women on the street turn around after him and sigh, even those who were much younger. It was no accident his wife, Melanie, was very pretty and a whole ten years his junior.

“Dad, I’m so glad to see you.” A tear had escaped from my eye and was slowly sliding down my face.

“Me too, my girl.” He gently kissed me on the cheeks.

“How was your flight?”

“There was some turbulence, but it was a good journey on the whole. How are you, honey? You look dazzling, like a true lady.” He smiled warmly at me.

I had put on a glossy satin Gucci skirt in orange and a sleeveless ivory-colored blouse. “Thanks.” I smiled at him. “Are you hungry?”

“Not particularly. Let’s go to your apartment to drop off my suitcase. We’ll get a bite to eat after. What do you say?” he asked as we walked toward the parking lot.

“I agree. Dad, I’m leaving the car to you. I just want you to give me a lift to the bank. I’ll be staying late today—I have to catch up on some work,” I informed him. “My boyfriend, Alexander, really wants to meet you. He’s invited us for dinner at seven p.m. at a very classy restaurant. You’ll like it.”

“The restaurant or the boyfriend?” A huge grin appeared on his face and he winked at me.

“Both, I hope.”

*     *     *

After we left
his luggage at my apartment, we decided to have a quick lunch in one of the Chinese restaurants near the Sihlcity shopping mall. We both ordered rice noodles with chicken and vegetables and Coca-Cola Light to drink.

When we’d settled on the high wooden chairs, my father started with his questions.

“Are you happy with your boyfriend, Alexia?”

He was concerned, as any loving parent would be for their child, about my personal life—and no less than I was. He was worried I was too far away from him—thousands of miles from home. Despite this, my father never tried to interfere in my decision to stay in Zurich after I’d graduated from college. On the contrary, he supported me and said when a person really wants something, they must go ahead and do it. Otherwise, they would later regret the missed opportunity. I would never forget his words. “
You know whatever happens, if you no longer like living in Europe, the doors to your home in the States will always be open for you.”

I smiled at the memory and replied sincerely, “Yes, most of the time.” I thirstily drank the Coke. I hadn’t had much to drink that day and my lips were dry.

“What do you mean by
most of the time
?” He regarded me apprehensively.

“The problem is Alexander has never been in a serious relationship before. He told me he wants to make a go of it. I can tell he has feelings for me, but I don’t know… I don’t know what will happen, and that scares me. I love him, Dad. I never imagined I could fall so deeply in love with someone in such a short time.” I played with my straw and stared thoughtfully into the distance.

“It’s strange he hasn’t had a girlfriend yet. How old is he?”

“Twenty-nine.”

“Twenty-nine!” he exclaimed, stunned. “And you’re telling me for years he’s constantly been with different women?”

Certainly, my father wouldn’t approve of his playboy exploits—I naturally didn’t approve either, but I couldn’t hide this, not this. I wouldn’t talk about the sex club, but this… This entire conversation was making me feel uncomfortable. I was not used to discussing such topics with my dad. We were very close—we could talk about all sorts of things—but talking about my sex life was hard. Even so, I decided to share some of my concerns with him.

I sighed deeply and said, “I don’t know whether he’ll get bored of me. He’s not used to leading a monogamous life.” I focused on the strap of my watch.

“Then he doesn’t deserve you,” he said and took hold of my hand. “You’re very beautiful, honey, also clever and intelligent. I’m not saying this just because you’re my daughter, but because it’s true. If he doesn’t appreciate you, then all the worse for him.”

“Oh, Dad. You just see my positive aspects. I’m your child after all…”

“What’s so bad about that?” He interrupted me. “You’re wonderful, my girl, and I don’t want you to sell yourself short. Alexia, I’m going to share something with you that I haven’t told you before. I fell in love for the first time at twenty-five—with your mother—and she was the same wonderful and pure creature you are now. I’ve said it many times. You’re very much like her.”

“So it’s a family trait to fall in love at this age.” I smiled. I wanted to lighten the mood. I knew my father always became sad when he talked about Mom. Despite all the years that had passed, it was difficult for both of us to get over losing her.

“Yes, that seems to be the case… Naturally,” he continued, “I’d gone out with other girls. Before I met her, I’d had girlfriends, but when I saw her, I instantly knew she was the woman with whom I wanted to spend the rest of my life. Unfortunately, fate took her away from me far too soon.” His eyes welled up. “But she remains the love of my life.” He looked me in the eyes. “Melanie must never find this out. I don’t want to disappoint her.”

“Dad, I won’t say anything to her. Everything you just told me will stay between us. You can trust me.”

“I know, kid. You’ve always had my back.” He squeezed my hand.

“And you’ve had mine.”

He smiled, leaned in, and kissed me on the temple. “Now that I’ve seen how much you love this Alexander of yours, I hope and wish he will love you just as much as I loved your mother.”

“That would be amazing.” I wrapped my arms around his neck and snuggled up to him like I did when I was little.

*     *     *

At quarter to
seven, I was on the way to the restaurant in Alexander’s Rolls Royce. As soon as I saw him sitting in the back, I threw myself into his arms. I needed to be close to him, feel his touch, be in his arms. I needed to inhale the intoxicating scent of his skin to which I had become addicted. I needed… him. He was the embodiment of everything I’d ever dreamt of seeing in a man—masculinity, strong spirit, and goodness. I couldn’t understand how he had managed to get so deep into my heart in such a short time. But he possessed it. He had managed to rouse every cell in my body, to reach the very depths of my soul, and make me feel like I belonged to him. I was his, in body and in spirit. I loved him like I’d never suspected I could love.

Alexander Kraftberg had become a source of life for me. Just one look or smile was enough to make me feel like I had wings and could fly, fly away… high, toward the heavens, free as a bird. I was bursting with happiness and felt like breaking into a song all the time. I had touched the most wonderful magic—
the magic of love
.

“I sense you’ve missed me, sunshine,” he said and kissed my hair.

“Terribly,” I whispered and dug my face into his neck.

“I’ve missed you too, baby. I’m sure you’ll want to sleep over at your apartment tonight.” He lifted my hand and placed it on his chest. “I can’t imagine how I’ll endure even one night without you.”

“Alexander, my father’s staying for only two nights.”

“Two nights… without you.” He didn’t hide his disappointment. He leaned his head against the back of the seat and sighed deeply. “Oh God.” He rubbed his face with his hand. “I’m in so deep.”

“Please, let’s not argue about this. I want to spend more time with my father.”

“I know.” He pulled me forcefully to him and looked into my eyes. “Alexia… what have you done to me?”

T
he restaurant Pavillon
was very classy. Everywhere one’s eyes could see, there were large windows on whose ledges were placed drop-shaped white pots with gorgeous white peonies. Ornate chandeliers hung from the ceiling. The white curtains, peppered with pale-beige figures, created a cozy atmosphere. The chairs were upholstered with soft purple and the tables, with their perfectly starched white cloths, were decorated with small night lamps and magenta orchids in black pots. Quiet, relaxing music drifted through the air.

I regretted not putting on one of the more elegant dresses Alexander had bought me. Lightly, I pulled his elbow. “I should have worn something more elegant. You always look stunning, but I—”

“Don’t worry, Alexia. You look great,” he said softly and led me to the table he’d booked for us.

My father hadn’t arrived yet.

When we sat down, I looked around and sighed. “It’s so beautiful and romantic here. We should come here another time—just the two of us.”

“We definitely will, my sweetheart. I was certain you’d like it.” He had a look at the menu and asked me, “What wine do you want?”

“You’re the expert. I’ll leave it up to you.”

A waiter arrived to take our order. Alexander requested, “Bring us a bottle of
Riesling Smaragd Loibner Berg
. We’ll order food later.”

“Of course, sir, as you wish,” he replied and walked away.

I saw my father walk in and waved at him. He also noticed us and hurried over.

“Hi, Dad.” I got up from my chair and we exchanged kisses on the cheeks. “Meet my boyfriend, Alexander Kraftberg.”

Alexander had also stood. He shook my father’s hand and said, “Mr. Welson, it’s very nice to meet you.”

“It’s nice to meet you too, Mr. Kraftberg.”

We sat and my dad continued. “I apologize for being late. The meeting went on longer than I expected.”

“We’ve only just arrived, Dad.” I tried to reassure him. “I hope your meeting went well.”

“It did, but even if it hadn’t, the trip would’ve been worth it just to see my girl,” said my father, gently squeezing my hand. Then he turned to Alexander. “If you don’t mind, I’d prefer to dispense with the formalities. Let’s address each other by our given names. I’m Colin.”

“As you wish,” said Alexander with a slight nod.

I watched the most important men in my life and was surprised by the similarity between them. They were both tall, wide-shouldered, and muscular. Real macho men, I thought and barely managed to hide my smile. Naturally, to my eyes, Alexander was absolutely perfect, the embodiment of what I’d always wanted and liked in a man.

The waiter came over with our bottle of wine and poured some in Alexander’s glass. He took a sip and said, “It’s very good.”

I reached over for the menu. I had noticed the various waiters were carrying on their trays true works of culinary art.

“I can’t decide what to order.” I was finding it hard making a choice.

“This restaurant is famous for its excellent cuisine, Alexia, so anything you choose will be delicious. I’ve been here many times and I’ve tried everything,” said Alexander, trying to make it easier for me.

I carefully studied the menu and stopped at a crabmeat starter with mayonnaise, lemon juice, and black pepper. For my main, I chose grilled beef with oriental spices, seasonal vegetables, black olives, and gnocchi.

Excusing myself, I went to the ladies’ room to check the state of my makeup and hair. When I came back, I found the men speaking intensely about hedge funds. After that, the conversation moved onto the latest construction technologies and methods and then again onto the best insulation materials. My father listened with great fascination, and I was glad to see he was interested in Alexander’s opinion.

I ate everything I ordered. The portions weren’t large, but the food was extremely tasty, so I decided I just had to have dessert too. Opening the menu, my eyes immediately locked on
MOKA ET CHOCOLAT 1844
—chocolate gateau consisting of biscuits with mocha and chocolate cream poured over them and covered in crushed caramelized hazelnuts, as well as a bowl of Mokka-Sternanis ice cream.

I had one spoon and literally moaned in pleasure. “My God, this dessert is out of this world.”

Alexander smiled and gently held my hand. “Alexia and her massive love of chocolate.” He was gazing at me warmly with his beautiful sapphire eyes. He tenderly caressed my shoulder and his touch enhanced my enjoyment of the dessert by triggering memories of our wild sex at Lake Como.

“So you’ve noticed it too,” my father mentioned. “I don’t have a sweet tooth, but Alexia is just like Claudia—her mother.”

We heard a buzzing. My father took out his phone from his jacket, excused himself, and put some distance between us. I used the opportunity of being alone with Alexander and stroked his hard-as-stone thigh. I needed to touch him. It was hard to restrain myself while I was next to him.

“Hmm… baby. You’ve become very naughty.” He put his palm over my hand, leaned in, and pressed his soft lips against mine. “You and chocolate—a very delicious combination,” he said and licked his lips.

I smiled and my eyes gleamed. “Why do I get the feeling I’ve heard this before?”

“At Como… We must do that again.” He gently ran his index finger from the bottom of my ear down my neck.

“Mmm…” I made a quiet sound of pleasure. I was becoming breathless from the strong sex appeal he exuded. “Do you mean the game with the chocolate spread?”

“Yes… And thinking about that, I get the feeling the seams at the front of my pants will burst. Definitely I can say you have a massive effect on me. I only have to see you and I immediately want you,” he said, and a sexy smile brightened his face. Looking down, I saw his erection, which he was hiding skillfully beneath his linen napkin.