Honeymoon With a Prince (Royal Scandals)

by Burnham, Nicole

  “Come in,” Massimo’s rich voice came from the other side. He turned as she entered and promptly dropped the cufflink he’d been in the midst of attaching to his sleeve.

  “Kelly.”

  The sound of her name on his lips was all it took to bring her nerve endings sizzling to life. And if his voice hadn’t done it, his appearance would have. He wore a crisp white dress shirt, open at the neck, over a pair of jet black bespoke tuxedo pants. A black bow tie hung loose about his neck. Beside him, over the back of the sofa, lay the matching black tuxedo jacket.

  A billboard model hawking the latest designer men’s cologne couldn’t hold a candle to a tuxedoed Prince Massimo Barrali. He was all tight lines, firm jaw, and charisma.

  She swallowed back the lump that had formed in her throat. “I wasn’t clear on whether I should find you here or meet you at the ball.”

  “I was about to come to your suite. I believe it’s traditional for the man to fetch the woman before a fancy soiree, though I admit I’m sorely out of practice.” He gave her a slow, deliberate perusal from head to toe. “On the other hand, I’m perfectly capable of recognizing perfection when I see it. I suspect every man at the ball will have his eyes on you tonight.”

  “Thank you.” When she’d put on the gown and stood before the mirror in her suite, she’d been astounded. Never in her life had she felt more beautiful. “And thank you for the gown and shoes. Robert told me they’re from you.”

  “Don’t thank me. It’s entirely to my benefit.” His devilish grin said everything she’d wanted to hear from his lips when he’d asked her to the ball.

  He viewed this as a date. He wanted it to be a date.

  Or…perhaps…he wanted it to be like their first date. A romantic evening followed by a no-commitment night of spectacular sex. And who could blame him for wanting that?

  I want a future with this man.

  The thought popped into her head unbidden. There was no possibility of a future beyond tonight and she knew it. They had vastly different lives on different continents. But for tonight, she could dream. And enjoy. As long as she didn’t allow her heart to be broken.

  When he bent to retrieve the cufflink, she stepped forward and said, “Here. Let me.”

  He extended his wrist and allowed her to attach the cufflink for him. Having him so close constituted an all-out assault on her senses. Mingled with the scent of his soap was a faint hint of masculine aftershave and a smell she’d come to identify as unique to him. The combination made her want to press her mouth to his throat, to taste and lick and savor, but instead she straightened his collar, buttoned the top button without allowing her fingers to linger against his skin, then reached for his bow tie.

  “So you know how to tie a tie, too?”

  “My mother used to do it for my father. When I got older, she showed me how. I admit I’m not as good with bow ties as the regular type, though.”

  Her focus was on the fabric as she made the appropriate folds and loops, but she could feel his heated gaze on her. Once she’d finished, she stepped back to check her work.

  “You might want to look in the mirror and see if it’s okay. There’s a full-length mirror in the closet. I assume you’ve seen the new design?” She’d hoped to show him herself so she could gauge his reaction to her work, but given that Massimo wore one of the tuxedos Robert had placed on the appropriate hang rod yesterday, the prince had apparently taken his first look in private.

  “I was waiting for the big reveal from you personally. After all your hard work, I want you to see me wowed with your own two eyes.”

  Her gaze went to his clothing. “But—”

  “I asked Robert to select my outfit for the night and leave it in my bedroom, then shut the door to the closet so I wouldn’t be tempted.”

  His thoughtfulness warmed her. Gesturing toward his room, she said, “Well then, shall we?”

  Instead of walking that direction, he caught her hand and tucked it in his arm. “I’m expected in the ballroom, so let’s save it for later tonight. After the ball. I prefer not to be rushed.”

  His sensuous tone left no doubt in her mind that he hoped to have her in his bedroom tonight, and not simply as they passed through en route to the closet.

  I want him, I want him, I want him.

  Side by side, they walked through the long gallery, with Massimo keeping Kelly’s hand firmly on his forearm. Security guards near the ballroom nodded as the pair approached, and greeted them with a brief, “Your Highness, Ms. Chase,” and a smile.

  Rich, happy music and the pattering of hundreds of animated voices filled the hallway leading to the reception area outside the palace’s main ballroom. The open double doors gave her a glimpse of the crowd, where gowns of every color and description lent a celebratory air to the affair.

  Before they stepped through the doors to join those milling about the reception area, Massimo stopped short.

  “I almost forgot,” he said. “There was something I wanted to do, but didn’t want Robert to handle.”

  “Do we need to go back?”

  He shook his head and opened his tuxedo jacket, then reached to the slim inner pocket and withdrew the velvet bag she’d discovered in the bureau.

  “I want you to wear this.”

  “Oh, Massimo, I couldn’t.”

  But even as she uttered the protest, he took the necklace from the soft bag. It glittered even more brilliantly than before. “I had it cleaned at the jeweler’s. When I saw it under those lights, I thought it’d be a waste to let it sit in a drawer during an event like this. Besides” —he reached around her neck, his fingers grazing the sensitive spot just under her nape— “it looks as if it were designed to be worn with this gown.”

  His warm breath danced across her cheek as he leaned in to secure the necklace, and for a brief moment, she allowed her eyes to flutter closed at his touch.

  “There,” he said.

  Slowly, he moved his hands from the back of her neck to her bare shoulders, ran a finger over her collarbone to where the necklace now rested, heavy with stones, then stepped back. She opened her eyes to see him looking at her with the same lust-filled expression he’d had the night they sat in his Jeep in the driveway of her villa, when he’d asked to be invited inside.

  She reached up to touch the stones at her throat. “This is unbelievably generous, Massimo. I don’t know how to thank you.”

  “You’re accompanying me into a crowded room, where dozens of people are likely to be hugging me, grabbing me by the shoulder, or doing any number of things that might make me uncomfortable. Knowing you’re there is an invaluable gift.”

  Once more, he extended his arm for her. She felt like royalty herself as they entered the reception area. Within seconds, they were swallowed by the crowd, yet Massimo appeared as relaxed and confident as he had when he stood high above the parade, watching from the grandstand. With his good looks and charisma, no one could mistake him for anything other than what he was: A prince. A soldier. A hero.

  For her part, Kelly smiled through introductions to dozens of impeccably dressed dignitaries, including Alberto Zacchi, the man hosting the event.

  “My cousin, King Carlo, tells me that you have redesigned Prince Massimo’s closet,” he said in a booming voice that caught the attention of several other guests. “Tell me, do you have a business here in Sarcaccia? My wife has been begging me to convert our extra bedroom into a walk-in closet and dressing room. I’d like to consult with you on the project as an anniversary gift to her.”

  “I’m afraid I’m not established here in Sarcaccia,” she replied. “But Prince Massimo has my contact information. I’m sure we could arrange something.” What, she wasn’t sure, but knowing she’d have another source of income should her finances take longer to fix than she anticipated would be nice.

  And frankly, she’d had a blast working on Massimo’s closet. She’d discovered just how much her job meant to her. No matter what it took, when she returned
to Texas she’d find a way around her noncompete. It was what she was born to do.

  The rest of the cocktail hour passed in a blur. Kelly was complimented on her gown so many times she lost count and she caught more than one guest ogling her necklace. And no wonder…she felt like a walking museum display. Whenever she passed a reflective surface, such as a window or any of the small mirrors lining the edges of the reception area, the brilliance of the stones captured her attention. Through it all, Massimo remained within a few feet of her, giving her space to meet people, yet making it clear to everyone present that they were together.

  She was about to ask Massimo when they should enter the ballroom when she overheard a member of the palace waitstaff asking guests to sign the book near the door, then find their seats for dinner.

  “Why don’t you sign us in?” Massimo’s hand came to the back of her waist, guiding her through the eddies of the crowd as people moved toward the ballroom door. “We’re seated at the same table. It should be easy to find once we’re inside.”

  A podium near the ballroom entry held the guestbook. She picked up the fancy pen resting beside it and began to write…then froze.

  “What’s wrong?” Massimo asked quietly, near her ear.

  She finished signing the page and set down the pen, trying to hide the fact her hand shook as she did so.

  “Five names above mine,” she whispered.

  There, in bold black ink, a familiar, swooping signature stood out from the rest.

  Edward A. Robards.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Kelly’s world spun off its axis. Numbly, she put one foot in front of the other as she and Massimo left the podium so others could sign the register.

  “Edward Robards is the CEO of a large telecommunications conglomerate,” Massimo explained as he led her into the ballroom. “His company has offered telecommunications equipment at cost to the charity, and he’s personally contributed a great deal of money to ensure it’s distributed to those rural areas that need it most. He’s quite generous and very well-respected. I’m sure we’ll have the chance to meet him at some point. I’ve wanted to make his acquaintance for some time.”

  “I’m aware of the man’s reputation,” Kelly ground out. The ballroom music came to her ears as clatter. Somewhere under the brilliant chandeliers and Renaissance-painted ceiling of the palace’s ballroom, disaster waited to crush her under its wingtip-encased foot, ending her fairy tale night as surely as the clanging of a clock ended Cinderella’s fantasy.

  “Oh, I forgot. He’s from Texas. Of course you’ve heard of—” Massimo stopped walking as realization dawned. He turned to face her, a mix of doubt and incredulousness etched in his features. In a voice barely above a whisper, he said, “Wait a minute. Edward Robards—”

  “Is Ted,” she finished. The jerk who’d taken everything from her, including her friends. The man responsible for her stint in a foreign jail. The man with the sterling reputation.

  The two words silenced Massimo.

  “I’m terribly sorry,” she said, corralling all her energy and directing it toward appearing collected. “I had no idea he’d be here. He didn’t use his airline ticket and as far as I knew he hadn’t RSVP’ed for the ball.”

  She stole a backward glance at the reception hall, which was rapidly emptying as guests entered the ballroom and searched the silver-and-crystal-topped tables scattered around the periphery of the dance floor for those bearing their names on place cards. There was no sign of her ex, which meant he had to have entered the ballroom after signing the book.

  “You were engaged to Edward Robards?”

  “Yes.”

  “I imagine he can afford the change ticket fee and fly whenever he wants.”

  “Yes.” Though she never thought he would. She took a step back and offered Massimo a polite, encouraging smile. “Why don’t you find the dinner table and chat with the other guests? I think it’s best for everyone if I head back to my suite.”

  “No.”

  Massimo’s face was inscrutable as he slid an arm around her lower back and turned her to face the ballroom. As he did whenever he was in public, Massimo commanded attention, but now she felt the eyes of the crowd on her as he guided her through the tables to one near the dance floor. There was no way Ted wouldn’t see her here. And then what?

  “Massimo,” she hissed. “I never would’ve come if I’d known. I don’t want to embarrass you.”

  “I’m standing up to my fears by attending this ball. You should do the same.” He stopped beside a table topped with crystal glasses and a lush yellow and green floral centerpiece. Silver polished to a high shine was laid out at each place, the pieces bordering an ivory cloth napkin folded into a perfect upright twist. As he pulled out her seat, he moved behind her and breathed into her ear, “Like broccoli.”

  A moment later, he took his place on the opposite side of the large, round table, introduced himself to those he didn’t already know, and warmly greeted those he did. Kelly managed a smile as he introduced her around the table. Relaxed as Massimo seemed on the surface, Kelly wondered what thoughts must be going through his head, both about navigating a tightly packed room and about the fact she’d been engaged to one of the most powerful men in Texas, if not the entire United States.

  Dinner went smoothly, filled with laughter and small talk, though she felt ill at ease throughout. Nothing tasted right; her stomach felt encased in lead. It wasn’t until Alberto Zacchi took a microphone to the middle of the ballroom floor and everyone turned in their seats to listen to him speak about his cause that she faced her deepest fear: Ted sat two tables away. Before now, she hadn’t been at an angle to see him, though she should’ve felt his presence. He looked impeccable. In fact, more than one set of female eyes rested on him, assessing his short, thick blonde hair, the width and solidity of his shoulders, the distinct angles of his cheekbones and jaw, and his bright, intelligent blue eyes.

  She couldn’t blame them. Wealth was the last reason she’d been attracted to him. He’d introduced himself to her at a Dallas restaurant one afternoon as she was finishing up a business lunch and she’d been riveted by his easy demeanor, his self-assured laugh, and those captivating eyes.

  He caught her staring at him across the ballroom. One of his dark blonde brows arched in greeting before he slid an appreciative gaze over her—taking in her carefully arranged hairstyle, the designer gown and heels, the stunning necklace—nodded his approval, then turned his attention to Alberto.

  Kelly’s insides went ice cold.

  For the rest of Alberto’s speech, Kelly could hardly breathe. She didn’t dare look in Ted’s direction. From that one quick look, he’d told her all she needed to know. He wasn’t going to leave her alone tonight. He was going to ruin her evening, just as he’d ruined her business, her friendships, and her solo honeymoon.

  Applause thundered throughout the room as Alberto finished his description of SunTalk’s successes and the charity’s future plans. The older man swooped one arm toward the orchestra, which began to play as Alberto asked King Carlo and Queen Fabrizia to take the floor for the first dance. The royal couple sashayed onto the floor, bringing cheers from all in the room. The monarch smiled down at his wife as they danced, their steps in perfect sync. Then, as the familiar tune reached its crescendo, he surprised everyone by dipping her, planting a rather un-royal kiss on her mouth, then twirling her back across the floor in time with the music. The unabashed look of love between the two warmed Kelly’s heart.

  A wolf-whistle from a table at the opposite side of the dance floor surprised everyone. Kelly looked in time to see Princess Sophia elbow a man next to her. The room erupted in laughter at the sight.

  “Is that Prince Vittorio?” the man beside Kelly whispered to his wife.

  “I can’t tell the difference between Vittorio and Alessandro,” she replied. “I suspect it’s Alessandro.”

  The prince stood and clapped for his parents. Sophia joined him. Within secon
ds, the rest of the room stood to cheer on the popular couple.

  It was the most romantic scene Kelly ever witnessed when King Carlo smiled down at his wife as if they were the only two people in the room.

  When the song neared its end, Alberto urged the rest of the guests to take to the floor. He didn’t need to ask a second time. Dozens of couples followed the lead of the monarch, turning the room into a feast for the eyes as women in gowns of every color and description spun beneath the ballroom’s glowing crystal chandeliers.

  A large hand cupped her elbow, startling her. Rather than Prince Massimo, it was Ted who looked down at her with an appreciative smile on his face.

  “You look astonishing, Kelly. I’m surprised to see you here, though I can’t say I’m disappointed.”

  “Ted.” It was all she could manage. The flirtatious look on the man’s face belied everything he’d done behind the scenes since she’d ended their relationship. She shifted her focus from him to the dancers, not deigning to respond to his compliment.

  “You heard Alberto Zacchi. It’d be rude to disappoint our host, wouldn’t it? Dance with me. It’ll give us time to make amends.”

  “I don’t need to make any amends.” She needed her money, and nothing else, from this man.

  “Ah, but I do.” A warm possessiveness edged his words, but she refused to tear her gaze from the couples dancing in front of her. “I received your letter.”

  “My attorney’s letter,” she corrected.

  “Yes. I’m so sorry about the misunderstanding.”

  Now she spun on him. “That’s what you call it? I call it theft.”

  “Oh, Kelly. What use would I have for your money? It was all yours. Always was. My name was only on the account at your insistence. Remember, after the honeymoon you wanted to use those funds for our condo down payment as a gift to me. I was willing to let you, just so you’d feel independent.”

  “I see. That explains why you closed the account and took every last dime.” How could he look at her so innocently, yet at the same time insult her to her face? It was a wonder she kept her cool.