The Gold Digger Gambit: A Honeytrap Inc. Romance

by Tabitha A Lane

  “You know what it says.”

  She snatches it from me. “We wanted a quiet wedding with no fuss, but Montgomery is adamant that Robert and I have a big, formal wedding,” she reads. “I don’t have much in the way of family, and I desperately need someone in my corner. Please say you’ll come.” She drops the letter onto the sofa. “How can you ignore a request like that?”

  “He might be there.” I sound lily-livered. Because I am. It’s been months since I left Casa Nostra and I’m determined to put the whole sorry affair behind me. Marco’s been trying to make contact for the past couple of weeks, but I’m not strong enough to take his call yet. God knows if I’ll ever be.

  “I doubt it.” Lou frowns, then reaches for my hand. “Listen to me. You can’t live your life avoiding anywhere you might bump into him. You can’t let one bad experience put you off love forever. Look at Robert and Isabel, you never dreamed they’d end up together, did you?”

  I’ve told Lou the whole damn thing in such detail she was as surprised as I was at the news that Robert had proposed to Isabel in the twilight of both of their lives. They plan to start a new life together in Florida.

  “All you have to do is organise a flight. They’ve booked you a room in a local hotel. Come on, live a little!”

  A little is how I’ve been living. Dragging myself through every new assignment, every new day, filled with regret for what could have been. They say time heals all wounds, but I still feel raw and achy from the break with Marco. Maybe it’s time I talk to him and find out why he’s so insistent to meet me.

  “Grow some balls, is what you’re saying.”

  Lou swallows a mouthful of icy gin. “Do it. You’ve nothing to lose.”

  Three weeks later, a cab deposits me at the front door of Casa Nostra. Isabel was so delighted to hear I’d attend, she’d organised flowers for my room and left me a note telling me to arrive early to help her get ready. Stephen meets me at the door with a smile and takes me upstairs to one of the spare bedrooms.

  “You’re here!” The bride-to-be enfolds me in a breath-seizing hug. “I’m so glad!” She eyes me up and down. “And your dress is perfect.” She pulls in a deep breath. “I know this is short notice, but I wondered if you’d be my bridesmaid.”

  Before I can get a word out, she thrusts a tiny bouquet of flowers into my hands. “I don’t have anyone else.” Her lips tremble. “Felicity and Amber have both offered, but I refused.”

  “You couldn’t have asked me sooner?” I soften my words with a smile.

  “I didn’t know if you’d come.” Isabel grasps her hands together. “I didn’t think you would. And when you agreed, I didn’t want to frighten you off by suggesting it.” Her mouth curves in a tremulous smile. “Montgomery’s micromanaged everything. He didn’t even want you to come, never mind being my bridesmaid, the optics of having his pretend wife in the wedding party.” She pulled a face. “Well, let’s just say, he considered it unseemly.” She rallies. “But it’s my wedding. To a man I love. And I’m through being told what to do by that old curmudgeon.”

  “I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. And of course I’d be happy to be your bridesmaid.” There’s a trace of moisture in her eyes. The last thing we need is a crying bride, so I switch into organisation mode. “So, let’s get you dressed.”

  She fills me in as I ready Isabel for her wedding. Tells me how Montgomery has named Robert as one of his heirs, and that the rest of the family have been forced to accept this new state of affairs.

  “But we can’t stay here after the wedding, it would be too awkward,” she confides. “They’d be expecting me to get up and serve them every meal.”

  I can just imagine it.

  “Tell me about you. Are you still doing the same job?”

  “More or less.” I pour both of us glasses of champagne and settle on the gilt sofa opposite her. We have time to kill, and talking to Isabel has always been easy. “I’ve taken on more responsibility. When I left here I completed an assignment for an insurance company, and they’ve become regular clients.” I’m in charge on my own specialised area within my father’s company, and I’m killing it. Maybe because work has become my entire focus, to distract me from thinking about Marco. Maybe because I needed to stop trying to impress my father, and build a career on my own terms, doing what I’m best at. Whatever the reason, at work at least, I’m content.

  “So, where are you going on honeymoon?”

  “We’re spending a couple of weeks at in the house in the Hamptons, then leaving for our new life together in Florida.” Isabel smiles. “Robert’s found a perfect place by the sea.”

  We drain our glasses, then I help her into her wedding shoes and place the bouquet in her hands.

  Here comes the bride.

  Chapter Forty-Eight

  Kristie

  The party looks like it’ll go on till the early hours, but I’ve done my part; I’ve seen Isabel married. And now all I want to do is escape the happy couple and wallow in my own unhappiness.

  It’s been more difficult than I’d expected—being here. There are memories of stolen moments I spent with Marco everywhere. And an ache deep inside that I can’t deny anymore. I was nervous about bumping into him, but Isabel’s assurance that he wasn’t on the guest list didn’t make me feel relieved, as I’d expected. Instead, I’m bereft. Full of regrets. Second-guessing all those times I’ve rejected his calls.

  I see Stephen crossing the lawn, and wave him over. “Could you call me a cab? I’m ready to go to the hotel.”

  “Sure. Head on to the front steps, I’ll send a car around for you.” He gives me a hug. “It’s been great seeing you again, honey. Give my love to your dad.”

  How long has it been since Marco called me?

  I gather my things and say goodbye to the bride and groom. Montgomery and his children have been less than welcoming, so no need to say goodbye to them. It’s a beautiful, cloudless night. The sky is filled with stars. Is he somewhere looking up at the stars too? Thinking of me?

  Waiting on the front steps, I take my cell from the jewelled clutch I’m carrying, and check. One week. Maybe it’s not too late...

  “Car’s here.” Stephen joins me, and I look up to see the Rolls.

  There’s an ache in my heart at the sight of the beautiful car where we spent so much time.

  “I just need a cab.” I don’t think I can stand to be sitting in the back being driven by someone who isn’t Marco. I don’t think I can bear it.

  “Nonsense. Isabel and Robert insist. Who am I to deny the bride and groom?” He ushers me to the car, and opens the door. “The driver has his instructions. He’ll take you to the hotel.”

  Thankfully, the driver doesn’t try to engage me in conversation. He sets off down the drive at a measured pace and stops for the gates to open. Out of the window, there’s the tree Marco pushed me up against. A dull ache burns in my chest so I look away. Focus on the phone in my hands. Stare at Marco’s number. And finally, call it.

  There’s a ringing noise from the front of the car. I glance up, and focus on the back of the head of the cap-wearing chauffeur.

  He’s looking down. There’s the glow of a cell-phone in the darkness.

  Then the engine’s off, and he’s out of the car.

  My door jerks open.

  “You called me.”

  “Marco?” I can’t believe what I’m seeing. Marco Vitale, snatching the cap from his head and tossing it on the ground. Climbing into the back of the car beside me, staring into my eyes.

  “What are you doing here?” My brain is stumbling over explanations, but none of them compute.

  “You called me.” He holds up the cellphone.

  “That’s crazy.” I rub a hand over my eyes, wondering if my drink was spiked. “I just called you. You can’t be here...”

  “I can. I am. I’ve been here all friggin’ day, waiting for this moment.” He pulls me into his arms, and lowers his mouth to mine.

&nbs
p; His hands, holding the sides of my face, tremble. His lips tease mine in a featherlight caress that isn’t enough. Isn’t half enough. Then he pulls away.

  “I’m sorry. I’m sorry for everything.” Dark eyes search mine. “The photos of you and that guy made me crazy. Blinded me to the truth.”

  “I didn’t know about his wife—about his kids.”

  Marco grasps my hands and holds them tight. “I know that now. But even back then I was stupid to let any past relationships get in the way of what’s between us.” He drags in a ragged breath. “I love you. I don’t want to ever be without you again.”

  Is one sorry enough? I’ve dreamed of this moment. And in my dreams I’ve been angry at his words. Have ranted and raved. Made him grovel. None of that seems relevant now. Still, I can’t say the words. Not yet.

  “I don’t understand how you’re here.”

  “I begged Isabel to help me set this up.”

  At my expression, which no doubt is somewhere between confused and what-the-fuck, he explains further, “When I heard she was getting married, I called to ask if you were attending the wedding. She said you were, so I outlined my plan to see you. She agreed, with the proviso that I wait until the ceremony was over. That I didn’t wreck her wedding.” His mouth twists. “She wasn’t sure if you’d give me another chance, but I hoped you would.”

  I turn and glance out the back window, to the house lit up like a Christmas tree behind us. “Stephen’s in on this?”

  “Yes. Robert too. They both gave me hell for being such an idiot.”

  “So your plan. What was it?”

  “To drive you to the hotel. Open your door, and reveal my identity. Beg for another chance.”

  Even now, he’s not sure what way this is going to go. It’s time to put the poor guy out of his misery. “Did you have a back-up plan in case I said no?”

  He stares at me. Silent. Shakes his head.

  “You don’t need one.”

  There’s a horn blast behind us; we’re blocking the exit. I kiss him quickly. “I was calling you to tell you I miss you. That life is shit without you, and I want us to try again. Let’s go.”

  Chapter Forty-Nine

  Kristie

  I’m sitting on the balcony, looking out at a Balinese sunset. Two champagne flutes rest on a silver tray on the table before me, and I pick up mine and take a sip.

  It’s been six months since Isabel and Robert’s wedding, six glorious months of days and nights filled with Marco. When we drove to the hotel, he brought me to his hotel room. A room lit by candles, and a bed strewn with red rose petals. I never thought he was such a romantic, but when he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him, I didn’t have to consider it. Just said yes.

  The sound of soft waves kissing the shore fills the air. A breeze lifts the hem of my negligee, brushing it against my calves. The door behind me swishes open and Marco appears, wearing just a pair of black silk pajama bottoms.

  “Are you ready for bed?” he murmurs, pushing my hair to the side, and kissing my neck.

  “I’m ready.” I stand and my new husband slides his hands around my waist, pulling me up against his impressive erection.

  It’s a beautiful night. It’s a beautiful life when you have someone you love to share it with. And I intend to enjoy every single minute.

  Author’s Note

  Thank you for reading The Gold Digger Gambit, I hope you enjoyed it. If you did, please consider leaving a review, even if it’s only a line or two; it would make all the difference and I’d be really grateful! This is the second Honeytrap Inc book, and I plan to write one more book set in this world. All of them are standalone stories with no cliffhangers, and each story will feature Honeytrap Inc employees.

  To be the first to know about new releases and sales of any of my books, please sign up for my newsletter here: https://eepurl.com/9vNlD.

  Here are some places to find me:

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  My website: https://tabithaalane.com

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