Rush to the Altar

by Rebecca Winters

  “No. I rode it in, but it has problems. Carlo’s looking it over. My purpose in coming in here was to settle the bill with you.” He pulled his credit card out of his wallet.

  “Put it away. I told you Callie and I gave it to her. As it turns out, it was the wrong thing to do. If it can be salvaged, we’ll use it as a demonst— Enzo?” he greeted his brother.

  “I’m glad I caught you. I’ve got Riley here. It seems they’re not leaving on their honeymoon yet, so he’s available.” After a moment his gaze flicked to Riley. “Can you meet at the palace at eleven-thirty for lunch?”

  “Of course.”

  “He’ll be there. I’ll drive him over. Ciao, fratello.”

  One of the drawing rooms of the palace had been converted into an office for Callie to run the business of the preserve. While her sister was needed in the surgery, Ann sat down at the computer. Since Riley felt it was important to see about her bike, today was the perfect time to look for a job on-line. She was too sore to do anything more than sit or lie down.

  Since her accident he’d treated her like a princess. There didn’t seem to be enough he could do for her. She had no idea he was such a wonderful cook and nurse. Out of consideration for her injuries, he’d been careful how he’d held her both nights. There’d been no question of his trying to make love to her.

  Being the contrary soul she was, she found herself wanting much more than the affectionate kisses he gave her when he brought her something to eat or read.

  On Sunday he kept busy cleaning the barge. Toward evening he fished off the bow while she lay in a lounger to watch.

  Earlier this morning after breakfast, he’d announced he was leaving for the plant with her bike. That is if he could get it running. She’d held her breath waiting to hear if the engine would start. When it did, she sighed with relief. For such a beautiful piece of engineering to be drowned within ten minutes of leaving the shop wasn’t to be tolerated.

  Once he was out of sight, she’d called Callie to ask if she could come over. After hearing the details of the accident, her sister had been uncharacteristically silent. Then she’d changed the subject and said she would drive to the marina to pick her up.

  “You’ve been at this for hours!” Callie exclaimed. She swept into the office with two tall glasses of iced tea for them. “Found anything interesting yet?” She sat down next to her and handed her one.

  “Thanks for the drink. Well, there are a few colleges around Italy that hire American teachers with English degrees, but none of them are in Turin.”

  “What about drama schools?”

  “They want native Italians. Maybe if I advertised in the paper, I could be an English tutor for some Italian aristocrat’s children.”

  “It wouldn’t work. They’d want you to live in. I can just imagine how your husband would react to that.”

  So could Ann.

  “He wants me to give up acting.” Which was a mild way of putting it.

  Callie eyed her in surprise. “I thought you’d decided not to do any more films.”

  “I may have to do one more if it’s written in my contract. D.L. will let me know,” her voice trailed. She wasn’t looking forward to his phone call if he had bad news for her. “I need to find an exciting new career where I can use my English degree.”

  “I thought being Riley’s wife filled those requirements,” she teased gently.

  “Not when he’s off racing.”

  After a long pause, “Why don’t we work out a deal? You could help me stay on top of preservation business. Anna keeps me so busy, I can’t get to all of it as it is.”

  “Thanks, Callie, but that’s your area of expertise.”

  Riley’s question about her being in competition with Callie still bothered her. Even though he’d apologized for flinging that at her out of sheer frustration, she could understand why he might have thought it.

  Though she’d never been jealous of Callie in any way, since meeting Riley, Ann did envy the closeness her sister and Nicco shared through their love of cycling.

  In that regard Ann was determined that one day she’d be as good a rider as Callie. It might be the only way to hold on to Riley so he wouldn’t get bored of her and ask for a divorce.

  Thinking of her husband, she checked her watch. “It’s after four. I’d better get back to the barge.”

  “I’ll drive you. Let me ask Bianca if she’ll keep an eye on Anna.”

  “Can I borrow your newspaper? I’m going to check the work ads.”

  “You can have it. Nicco read it before he left for the office. I’ll bring it out to the car on my way.”

  After her sister left the room Ann drained the rest of her iced tea, then turned off the computer.

  Today was only the first day of her job hunt. It might take several weeks, but before long she intended to be employed doing something that occupied her thoughts so completely, she wouldn’t be able to dwell on her sham of a marriage.

  To her surprise they passed Nicco on the way to the marina. “Darling,” she heard her sister whisper under her breath.

  Callie was as bad as Ann in the husband worship department. He was driving a Danelli company vehicle. Riley sat in the front passenger seat. His masculine appeal was so potent, Ann could hardly breathe.

  Through the rearview mirror she watched her good-looking brother-in-law make a U-turn and follow them. Even if Nicco was driving, it was like déjà vu being chased by Ann’s husband. Of course this time it was Callie at the wheel. Her car wouldn’t go flying into the water.

  Who knew what conclusions the two brothers-in-law had come to in private? She started getting nervous about the prospect of being alone with Riley. When her sister brought the car to a stop, Ann grasped her arm. “Stay for dinner. Please? We’ve got chicken and rice left over from the wedding.”

  “We wouldn’t dream of it. Technically speaking you’re still on your honeymoon. Don’t look now but your husband is making a beeline for you. The man wants you all to himself.”

  Ann shook her head. “You wouldn’t be interrupting anything. Believe me.”

  Her sister shot her a horrified glance, but before Ann could explain, the door flew open. Riley lowered his head and pressed a hard, swift kiss to her lips. “How are you feeling?”

  “Fine,” came her breathless answer.

  Callie flashed her a secret smile as he helped her out of the car.

  “Nicco says he’ll meet you home, Callie. Thanks for looking after my wife.”

  “You’re welcome. Ann? Don’t forget your newspaper.”

  “Oh—”

  Riley grabbed it and shut the door. “Why didn’t you phone me?” he murmured against her hot cheek. “I would have brought you one home.”

  “I didn’t think of it until the last second.”

  “What’s so important?” He started to help her across the plank to the barge.

  “I’m looking for a job and hoped to find one in the want ads.”

  An awkward silence followed. By the time they’d entered the cabin, both cars were out of sight. He trailed her into the lounge and tossed the paper on the coffee table.

  The mention of the job had made him angry. She decided to change the subject. “What’s the verdict on my bike?”

  “You were born under a lucky star. Carlo said he’ll have it running like new by tomorrow.”

  “That’s a huge relief.” She took a fortifying breath. “Was Nicco furious?”

  “With himself maybe.”

  “What do you mean?”

  His lips thinned. “I think you’d better sit down.”

  “Why?” she cried out in alarm.

  “Because we have a lot to talk about and you’re still recovering from a nasty accident.”

  “I’m doing much better.”

  He grasped her hands. When he kissed the tips, darts of awareness arced through her body. “I noticed you seemed steadier when you walked, thank God.”

  One minute he ran cold, then hot.
She couldn’t take his fire and ice treatment much longer. It was sending her over the edge.

  His luminescent gray eyes studied her between heavy black lashes. “You need to know I leveled with Nicco today.”

  When the words sank in, her world tilted. She got this terrible pain in her chest. “H-how much did you tell him?”

  He traced the line of her lips with an index finger. “Everything.”

  Liquid filled her eyes. “Why?”

  Riley slid his hands to her neck. “He blamed himself for your accident. I couldn’t let him do that.”

  She jerked away from him, white-faced. “Did you tell him you’ve decided not to race for his company after all?”

  “Let’s just say that certain unexpected factors have caused us to leave the matter open for further discussion.”

  “I can’t believe you betrayed me like this.” Tears started to trickle down her cheeks. “You knew how much I didn’t want to hurt Nicco, but that didn’t matter to you. He treated you like a brother. Look how you’ve returned his goodness. Nicco’s worth a million of you!”

  “Ann—”

  “We got married for nothing!” Her hands had formed fists. “What kind of selfish game have you been playing? You may be one of the best looking men in existence, but you don’t have the faintest clue what it takes to be a husband.

  “I told you I didn’t want to marry you, but you made certain it happened in the palace chapel itself with the royal family there to support you.

  “One heart, one mind, one belly. What kind of a sick joke was that?”

  His eyes had grown bleak. “You haven’t given me a chance to finish telling you everything.”

  “You’ve said enough to convince me you’re an amoral man. Knowing you broke my trust, how can you even stand here on this barge? Nicco gave it to you out of the generosity of his soul!

  “You know what? Despite the fact that I’m divorcing you, I’m going to keep this ring in honor of Mitra who warned me about you.”

  His beautiful olive skin turned ashen.

  “Every time I look at it, I’ll be reminded that Riley Garrow, the prince of hearts, has no heart.”

  CHAPTER NINE

  “HI, D.L.”

  He looked up from his desk. His thick red brows lifted in shock. “Good grief? Where did you come from? I just saw your picture in the newspaper. You and Garrow pulled the stunt of the year!”

  “That’s what it was.”

  “What do you mean?”

  Ann plunked herself down on the chair opposite his desk. “It was a publicity stunt. You told me I needed to keep my face before the public.”

  He let out his loud laugh. “Are you fooling me?”

  “Would I do that?”

  “You mean you didn’t get married and honeymoon on the royal yacht?”

  “It was a barge, and there was no honeymoon. I’m here to find out if that sequel is going through.” And to pay a visit to my attorney.

  “I haven’t heard yet. That’s why I didn’t call you.”

  “Tell me the truth. Am I tied to the fine print in the contract about a second film?”

  He eyed her for a moment. “No.”

  “Okay. Now I know where I stand. Just so you’re aware, I’m back at my condo.”

  She’d been lucky to have one to come home to. When she’d flown to Italy, she hadn’t known she was going to be married, so she hadn’t made any arrangements about her place or her furniture.

  “D.L.? Do you think you could send me on some auditions that won’t compromise my principles?”

  He squinted at her. “Are you willing to do a voice for an animated classic feature film of The Princess and the Pea? The pay’s not that bad.”

  The idea had never occurred to her, but it appealed more than anything else she could think of right now.

  “Yes! I’d love it!”

  “All right. I’ll make the arrangements. You show up at the Briarwood studio tomorrow morning at 8:00 a.m. sharp.”

  Good. She needed work.

  “Why don’t you tell me about my part over dinner. I owe you.”

  “You’re on, honey.”

  Relieved she was off the hook contract wise, she enjoyed her meal with him. He caught her up on all the latest gossip which prevented her from thinking. After they parted company, she went back to her condo.

  The red light on the phone base was blinking. She could have checked the caller ID, yet it was the last thing she wanted to do.

  The only person who knew she was back in Hollywood was D.L. But she had a feeling it was Callie. No doubt when she’d tried to reach Ann on the barge, Riley had been forced to tell her Ann had packed her bags and left the marina in a taxi.

  That had been eighteen hours ago. Ann wasn’t up to a talk with her sister yet.

  She’d never cried so much in her life. Exhausted physically and emotionally, she got into bed and pulled the pillow over her head. When the alarm on her watch went off at six the next morning, she was thankful she’d been able to sleep that long without dreaming.

  A half hour later she was showered and dressed in her red blazer style suit and white blouse. When she tied her hair back with a white scarf, it gave her a professional look with a flare. She needed that job!

  But when she opened the door of her condo, her conscience wouldn’t allow her to leave until she’d at least checked the Caller ID.

  There were out of area calls plus others.

  It would be three-thirty in the afternoon in Turin. This was the time Anna took her nap. Most likely Callie was at her desk in the office.

  Realizing that if she were in her sister’s shoes she’d be frantic by now, Ann phoned their private number at the palace. It rang twice before Callie answered in Italian. When she said hello, Ann cried, “Callie?”

  “Hi! After the way Riley hustled you onto the barge Monday afternoon, I’m surprised he let you come up for air this soon,” she teased.

  Her eyes closed tightly. Riley hadn’t said a word to them. That meant either he was still living on the barge, or he’d left Turin expecting Ann to inform the family of their breakup.

  It shouldn’t have surprised her but it did.

  Once we’re married the fire will burn itself out. It always does. Ask my father whose passion drove him to marry on three separate occasions. One by one they disappeared when the excitement was over.

  “H-how’s everything?” she stammered.

  “The way it was two days ago. Ann—you sound funny.”

  “So do you. Maybe it’s our connection.”

  “The connection has nothing to do with it. I’m getting strong vibes something’s wrong.”

  Ann had made the mistake of calling. Now she had no choice but to tell her sister the truth.

  “I’m in L.A.”

  Callie let out a surprised cry. “I can’t believe it! You mean you really do have to make that film right now?”

  “No.”

  “Oh, I get it. You and Riley decided to enjoy a honeymoon over there and see about your condo at the same time.”

  “He’s not with me.”

  Silence ensued. Then, “Why not?”

  “I—I’m getting an annulment.”

  “Annulment— You and Riley? That’s impossible!”

  “I’m surprised Nicco hasn’t said anything to you yet.”

  “You mean you told my husband instead of me?” The mixture of incredulity and pain in her sister’s voice started the tears all over again.

  “No. I’m afraid Riley was the one to do that.” She dashed the moisture from her cheeks. “I can’t talk anymore or I’ll be late for an audition. I promise I’ll get in touch with you later.”

  “Ann—”

  With her sister’s cry still ringing in her ear, she hung up the phone and hurried out of her condo to hail a taxi.

  After informing the receptionist at the studio that D.L. had sent her, she was told to go through the doors to her left, then down the hall and around to the first
room on her right.

  Ann thanked her, then proceeded to her destination, but she never reached the turn because a tall, powerful looking man in a brown polo shirt and tan chinos came out of another room and blocked her path. He lifted his head in her direction.

  Riley—

  Her legs started to buckle. She fell against the wall for support so she wouldn’t fall.

  “It’s nice to see you, too,” he murmured silkily. “I’m surprised you didn’t notice me on the plane seated a few rows behind you.”

  What?

  “Uh-uh.” He cupped her jaw with his hand. “Don’t make a scene.” He brushed his lips against hers in a feathery-light touch. “You’re going to go outside with me and get in my rental car. If you scream, all you’ll manage to do is bring a lot of embarrassing attention to yourself.

  “The woman in reception knows you’re my wife and will realize we’re having one of those celebrity domestic squabbles. Since our marriage is big news around Hollywood at the moment, the media will eat it up.

  “So what’s it going to be, Mrs. Garrow? Do you come quietly, or will I have to put you in a fireman’s lift? I’ve done it before and won’t hesitate to do it again.”

  Her heart skidded out of control. Damn damn damn him for his tenacious hold on her. “You’re a devil!” she muttered under her breath.

  His dazzling smile made a mockery of her anger. “A lot of women have told me that before. I had hoped my wife would have come up with something a little more original, but I must admit I’ve never been called a prince with no heart before. The prince part gives it a certain ring I find to my liking.”

  Two people came through the double doors and walked between them. She noticed they turned around twice to stare before they disappeared around the corner.

  “What do you want?” she asked in a dull voice. For the moment all the fight seemed to have gone out of her.

  “To have a sensible conversation with you.”

  “That isn’t possible.”

  “When one person does all the talking, then I agree.”

  “If you’re trying to make me feel guilty, it won’t work, Riley. The loss of trust can’t be regained. There are some things you can’t forgive,” she whispered.