The Billionaire Who Saw Her Beauty
Rebecca Winters
The beauty and the billionaireSocialite Alessandra Caracciolo has always lived in her glamorous twin’s shadow. When the love of her life chose her sister, the betrayal convinced shy Alessandra no man would truly fall for her…Yet from the moment she meets Italian billionaire Rinieri Montanari, Alessandra feels an instant connection. And as she works alongside him, she discovers that beneath his playboy charm lies a deeply honourable heart. Alessandra dares to hope Rinieri is the first man to have eyes only for her—but can she be brave enough to believe in their love?
The Montanari Marriages
Wedding bells ring for the Montanari family …
by Mills & Boon Romance bestselling author
Rebecca Winters!
Brother and sister Valentina and Rinieri Montanari have never had time for love—in the Montanari family, work comes before everything else.
Yet when romance blossoms unexpectedly, will they both find themselves saying “I do”?
A hospital mix-up brings single mom Valentina a whole new family in The Billionaire’s Baby Swap
Alessandra has always been overlooked in favor of her more glamorous twin. Dare she hope billionaire Rinieri is different? Find out in The Billionaire Who Saw Her Beauty
Let Rebecca Winters enchant you with this heartwarming and emotional duet!
The Billionaire Who Saw Her Beauty
Rebecca Winters
www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)
REBECCA WINTERS lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. With canyons and high alpine meadows full of wild-flowers, she never runs out of places to explore. They, plus her favourite holiday spots in Europe, often end up as backgrounds for her romance novels, because writing is her passion, along with her family and church. Rebecca loves to hear from readers. If you wish to email her, please visit her website at www.cleanromances.com (http://www.cleanromances.com).
This is for my super marvelous father, Dr John Z. Brown, Jr., who was adored by his many thousands of patients during his long career. I’ve praised him before in other books because he was the best!
Contents
Cover (#ua3e9fe64-7166-5fdd-af12-627a39f12e74)
Introduction (#u52370386-7675-5a0a-b159-d0cdb2d185d1)
Title Page (#u84ee6651-26d1-5d02-b371-40ba53d42d1e)
About the Author (#u3594e990-1308-5849-b52b-8f5e9a3951d6)
Dedication (#u1a264eea-b8d3-56fd-bd84-c846370e6084)
CHAPTER ONE (#u36a4fd96-3c61-59a0-b708-da912e0372e4)
CHAPTER TWO (#ue105670f-acd5-554b-a306-68c6193b4ca0)
CHAPTER THREE (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER FOUR (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER FIVE (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER SIX (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER SEVEN (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER EIGHT (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER NINE (#litres_trial_promo)
EPILOGUE (#litres_trial_promo)
Extract (#litres_trial_promo)
Copyright (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER ONE (#ulink_0887e0e0-5362-58da-b9a8-cdb31bb79b82)
“SIGNOR MONTANARI?”
Rini was just getting in the limo. He looked around in the direction of one of the reporters who’d followed him outside the doors of the fourteenth-century Palazzo Colonna in Rome. Dozens of them had assembled to cover the European Congress of Businessmen.
“A moment of your time, per favore—one piece of news I can use for my lead story in La Repubblica?”
Why not?
“Since Italy imports almost all of its hydrocarbon demand, a doubling of domestic production would help the country reduce its energy bill. I’m planning to find them in Italy.”
“Where?”
“That’s my secret for now.”
The reporter beamed for having been given a partial scoop. “Mille grazie, signor.”
He nodded and closed the door before his driver took him to the heliport for the flight to his mountaintop villa in Positano, on the Amalfi Coast. Now that the two-day September conference covering the economic problems facing Europe was over, Rini was eager to explore his latest project. On Monday he’d be leaving for the coast of Southern Italy, but tonight he had other plans.
Once the helicopter landed on the pad behind his villa, he jumped down and found his housekeeper, Bianca, out by the pool watering the tubs of flowers. She looked up when she saw him.
“Welcome back.”
“It’s good to be home.”
“How’s your father?”
“Well as can be expected.” Rini had flown to Naples after yesterday’s session and spent the night with his papà, who seemed to be handling the loss of Rini’s mother a little better these days. She’d been the heart of their home and Rini would always miss her happy, optimistic spirit.
“Was the conference beneficial?”
“I’m not sure beneficial is the right word. Chilling would be more accurate. Europe is in trouble economically, but I’d rather not think about that tonight.”
“Do you want dinner?”
“I’d love one of your meals, but I’m meeting Guido tonight. It’s his birthday.” His best friend from childhood, the son of Leonides Rossano, who owned Rossano shipping lines, had texted him earlier in the day:
The parents are throwing a party for me on the yacht. Please say you can make it. I know you’re at a conference, but I need your advice about something serious. By the time you arrive it will be breaking up so we can talk in private.
The message sounded serious, even for Guido, who clearly wasn’t in a celebratory mood. He obviously had no plans for the weekend with a woman. His friend was as bad as Rini, who had no plans in that department, either. The two of them made quite a pair, but for entirely different reasons.
Guido was still looking for the right woman who hadn’t come along yet. Rini didn’t have the same problem. The right woman wasn’t out there for him because she wouldn’t want him when he had to tell her he was infertile. An old soccer injury he’d suffered in his youth had made it impossible for him to give any woman a child.
The pain of that realization had grown worse with every passing year, increasing his dissatisfaction with his own personal life. Whenever he did meet a woman he cared about, he held back, not allowing the relationship to develop into something deeper. It always came down to his fear she would reject him if she knew the truth.
He’d been denying his deep-seated needs for such a long time, he’d forgotten what real fulfillment was like. Since his sister Valentina—the mother of two children and now ecstatically married—had recently moved out of his villa, his unhappiness had deepened.
She’d lived with him through her whole pregnancy. He’d helped her with the baby when she’d first come home from the hospital. He’d loved every minute of it, but he’d carried a secret pain in his heart because he knew he’d never be able to be a birth father. When she’d married Giovanni and moved out, Rini felt the emptiness of the villa. It echoed the emptiness in his soul for what could never be.
Valentina’s happiness, not to mention that of his younger brother, Carlo, who enjoyed a wonderful marriage and had a little girl, heightened his awareness that the key element in his life was missing. He envied his brother for being able to give his wife a child. Rini’s doctor had told him he was a fool to let that prevent him from falling in love. “The right woman will be able to handle it,” he’d reminded him.
Rini didn’t believe it as he walked through the villa to his suite and stripped for a shower to get ready. After slipping into his black tuxedo, he reached for the wrapped gift he’d bought for the occasion. Once he’d said goodbye to Bianca, he left for the helicopter. The new hand-tied fishing fly he’d purchased for Guido was reputed to bring results. They often fished the mountain streams for trout. He thought his friend would be pleased.
Twenty minutes later he landed on board the Rossano luxury superyacht moored in the Bay of Naples, reminding him that not everyone was feeling the economic crunch. The yacht boasted seventeen staterooms and all the amenities of a five-star hotel, including a swimming pool and dance floor.
Twilight had descended, lending magic to the spectacular surroundings of one of the most beautiful and photographed bays in the world, with Mount Vesuvius in the background. He told his pilot to come back later and jumped down as Guido strode over to him.
“I’ve been waiting for you. Saw you on the evening news. Impressive stuff. I was afraid you wouldn’t be able to make it. Thanks for coming.”
“As if I’d miss your birthday.” He pulled the small package out of his jacket and handed it to him. “Buon compleanno.”
They gave each other a hug, then walked into the salon-cum-bar for a drink. He opened his present and held up the lure. “Just what I need.”
“Good. Let’s go fishing next weekend. I’ll clear my schedule for next Saturday.” Rini had been working himself into the ground and needed a break.
“Perfect.” With a smile of satisfaction he put the present in his pocket. With dark blond hair, good-looking Guido could have his pick of any woman. The money behind his family name made him sought after and somewhat cynical, as he feared no woman saw him for himself. Guido was the best friend Rini could ever have had. He hoped the only son of Leonides Rossano would end up one day with a woman worthy enough to win his heart.
Rini’s name and wealth made him a target, too. Women came on to him, causing him to question if any of them loved him for himself. Coupled with his problem of infertility, Rini imagined it was possible he’d end up a bachelor for good.
“Was it a nice party?”
“Different. One of the big fashion houses asked Father for permission to film a show on the yacht. You missed the whole thing.”
“Sorry about that. The meeting in Rome went longer than anticipated.”
Rini followed him down the steps to the deck, where he greeted his friend’s parents and family, who made up some of Naples’s most elite socialites and were beautifully dressed. Rini was well acquainted with many of them. An orchestra played music and the drinks were flowing.
They moved over to the area where a smorgasbord had been set up. By now he was hungry. After filling his plate, he joined his friend at one of the tables away from the others, where they could eat and talk alone.
“Your text said you wanted advice. What’s going on with you?”
Guido started to say something when his father broke in on them. Two attractive women with long hair he hadn’t seen before were with him. Rini exchanged a glance with his friend, who looked annoyed at the interruption. They both got to their feet.
“Dea Loti and Daphne Butelli, may I present my son Guido and his best friend, Rinieri Montanari.”
“How do you do,” Rini said, eyeing both of them.
“You missed their show, Rini,” the older man interjected.
“As I indicated earlier, I was unavoidably detained on business.”
“Well, you’re here now. They have to leave on the tender in a few minutes. Maybe you could give them a dance before they go?”
Guido’s father never stopped hoping his son would meet the woman he couldn’t live without. Rini knew his friend was upset at being railroaded, but agreed to the request. “It would be our pleasure.”
He gravitated toward the woman closest to him, who was dressed in purple. After walking her over to the dance floor, he drew her in his arms. “I’ve never been to a fashion show before. I’m sorry I missed it.”
“I doubt it’s the kind of thing the CEO of Montanari’s generally does on the weekend.” By now Guido was dancing with the other model.
“I understand it’s hard work. Did you have a chance to eat yet? We don’t have to dance if you’re hungry.”
“Thank you, but no. I don’t want anything. I have to watch my figure.”
“Well, your discipline definitely shows.”
She flashed him a beguiling smile. “Do you live in Naples?”
“No, but I work here.”
It surprised him when her hands slid up his chest and around his neck. “Daphne and I are going to be in Naples one more night because of an afternoon show at the Grand Hotel Parker’s, then we have another show in Rome. Perhaps we could get together tomorrow evening for dinner after the show?”
Her eyes stared up at him in unmistakable invitation.
“I’m afraid my plans are indefinite at the moment, but I’ve certainly enjoyed this dance with you.”
She held her smile. “Well, if you straighten them out, call me around seven at the Grand Hotel Vesuvio, where I’m staying, and ask for Signorina Loti.” In the next breath she planted a hungry kiss on his lips he hadn’t been prepared for. Then she darted away.
Rini went back to the table to wait for Guido. In a few minutes his friend joined him. “Sorry my father did that to us.” One eyebrow lifted. “After the kiss she gave you just now, are you going to see her again?”
“No.” Her pushy style had put him off. “What about you?”
“Not interested. You know damn well Papà told her you’re the most eligible bachelor in Italy, next to me, of course.” He said it without mirth.
Rini shook his head.
Guido studied him. “Maybe she decided to try the direct approach to get beneath your armor.”
“I’m afraid it didn’t work.”
An exasperated sigh escaped. “Papà doesn’t know when to give up. In fact it’s because of him I need to talk to you. I’ve made a decision to take a year off from the family business to invest in something I really want to do. He won’t like it, but I want your opinion. Come on. Let’s get a drink in the bar.”
Rini followed him, wondering what was on his friend’s mind.
* * *
After a dive with colleagues that produced no new finds, twenty-eight-year-old Alessandra Caracciolo returned home late Monday afternoon. Bruno Tozzi had left his scuba gear in the cruiser with hers and would come by for it in a day or two. Instinct told her he’d done it on purpose so he’d have an excuse to see her again.
Since their last dive, when Bruno had buddied her, he’d made it no secret that he wanted to be with her all the time, but she didn’t have romantic feelings for him. Though she dove with him and their friends for their work, that had to be the extent of their relationship. The next time they were together, she would make it clear she wasn’t interested and never could be.
She tied the boat to the dock of her family’s private pier. Garbed in flip-flops and a man’s long-sleeved shirt that she’d thrown over her blue-and-white polka-dotted bikini, she headed for the Land Rover with her duffel bag.
Once in the car, she drove on sand past the helipad and around to the front of the castle. When she reached it, she would take a shower and wash her hair. Alessandra wore it neck-length because she spent so much time in the water. It dried fast and the natural curl made it easy to take care of.
As she pulled up near the main entrance, she saw a limo parked in the courtyard, making her curious. All vehicles came across the causeway from the mainland at Metaponto, a port town of Basilicata, Italy. But after five o’clock, any visitors were escorted out by staff.
Their family’s castle on the tiny island of Posso off the Ionian coast dated back to Queen Joanna of Naples, who ruled in l343. Besides tourists from Bari and Taranto, who were allowed visits to the castle four hours a day on Tuesdays and Wednesdays with a guide, dignitaries from the world over called on her father, Count Onorato Caracciolo, asking favors because of his influence in the region.
Alessandra got out of the car and hurried inside past the tapestry of the queen hanging on the wall in the huge front foyer. She headed for the grand staircase, eager to make herself scarce until she’d cleaned up.
The moment she reached the first step, a deep male voice called to her. “Signorina?”
She whirled around to see a tall, incredibly gorgeous dark-haired man in a charcoal-colored business suit walking toward her, his dark brows furrowed. Still holding the duffel bag in one hand, Alessandra clutched the railing with the other.
He stared at her so strangely. “I thought I was hallucinating, but it is you. Since Saturday night you’ve cut your hair. I don’t understand. How did you know I was coming here today? On the yacht you told me you had another show to do in Rome,” he murmured.
The way his piercing black-brown eyes played over her face and figure, she knew he had a history with her identical twin, Dea. He was the most striking male Alessandra had ever seen in her life. She found herself envying her beautiful sister for having met him first and couldn’t fault her taste. Men had never been able to resist her.
Alessandra cleared her throat. “I’m sorry, signor, but I’m not Dea.”
Embarrassed to be caught looking so messy and disheveled after her diving trip, she ran up the steps without looking back. Her sister would never allow herself to be seen like this. All the way to the next floor she felt the man’s penetrating eyes on her retreating back and bare legs, causing her to tremble.
Had her sister finally met the one she’d been looking for? Dea had always kept their family identity private. Because she was a model, she called herself Dea Loti so no one would know she was the daughter of Count Caracciolo. For her to divulge her secret to this man meant their relationship must have turned serious, otherwise he wouldn’t have known where she lived.
No doubt she’d invited him to come. Did she want the family to meet him? But his scrutiny of Alessandra led her to believe he hadn’t looked pleased to see her here. Maybe Dea hadn’t told him she had a twin. Alessandra didn’t know what to think.
If only she hadn’t arrived back from her dive trip until tomorrow, this wouldn’t have happened and she wouldn’t be haunted by that man’s image engraved on her mind. It shocked her to realize that at long last there might be an important man in her sister’s life. Alessandra knew her sister’s quest had been to find the perfect man while she made the most of her modeling career. Their parents would be overjoyed.
Six years ago she and Dea had gone through a terrible experience involving a man, one Alessandra had hoped to marry. But when he met Dea, he fell for her and followed her to Rome. Their relationship didn’t last, but the pain of betrayal had cut Alessandra like a knife and it had taken a long time to recover. Since the falling out with her sister, no man of importance had come into either of their lives.
In the last two years she’d tried to put the past behind her and get back the friendship they’d once shared. Dea came and went from home according to her hectic schedule and their family had enjoyed some good times. Evidently this past summer Dea had found romance after she’d gone back to Rome. Love on a yacht, no less... If that gorgeous man owned it, then he could keep her in the lifestyle she desired.
But for some reason Alessandra had been oddly upset by the encounter in the foyer, unable to understand why. Except that she really could... These days her own love life was nonexistent.
Once inside the bedroom, Alessandra plopped the duffel bag on the floor and got out of her clothes. Her mind was still on Dea, whom she hadn’t seen for six weeks. Her sister had developed an interest in fashion and modeling at an early age and that hadn’t changed.
Alessandra led a different life altogether. She couldn’t remember when she didn’t have an interest in the archaeology of this region of Italy. The island castle itself was built on an ancient archaeological site. Since college she’d been involved in several multidisciplinary studies in the field of archaeology within a Mediterranean perspective, with particular emphasis on Southern Italy.
Without being able to scuba dive, she could never have achieved her dream to do the necessary underwater work with friends she’d made among the archaeological staff at the University of Catania. Scuba diving wasn’t for everyone. Dea couldn’t understand her passion for it, but it didn’t matter because their parents approved and supported both her and Dea in their individual endeavors.
After a shower and shampoo, she blow-dried her hair, then dressed in pleated tan pants and an ivory-colored linen blouse. With an application of coral frost lipstick, she left the room on khaki wedgies and went in search of her parents. They’d married for love and were very close. Unlike many couples, they did everything together whether it was for business or pleasure. Though Alessandra had never discussed it with Dea, their parents’ happy marriage had been the ultimate role model for both sisters.
On the way to their apartment she saw Liona, the wiry housekeeper who’d come to work for them at eighteen and had been with them ever since. She was like another member of the family and ran the large staff with precision.
“If you’re looking for your mamma, she left for Taranto two days ago to help your aunt, who fell and broke her hip.”
“Oh, no! Poor Fulvia.”
“She’ll be all right, but your mother will probably be gone for a few more days.”
“I need to call them.”
They started down the staircase together. “I’m glad you’re back. You know how your father worries.”
Liona was the one who worried about Alessandra. She thought scuba diving was dangerous. Alessandra gave her a hug. “It’s good to see you. How’s Alfredo?” Liona’s cat had been sick.
“The vet says he’s getting old and shouldn’t go up and down stairs.”
“I’ll help carry him for you.”
“Bless you. Did you have any luck on this last diving trip?”
“I wish.”
“Oh, well. Another time. Are you hungry? I’ll tell the cook.”
“Please don’t bother her. I’ll find something to eat later. Thanks, Liona.”
She hurried toward her father’s office, wondering if the male visitor was still with him, then scoffed with impatience because the man was on her mind at all.
“Ciao, Papà.”
“Alessandra!” Her grayish blond father stood up from his desk and hugged her. “You were gone too long this time.”
“It was only a week.”
“We always miss you. Did you have a good time?”
“Yes, even if we didn’t find anything of significance.” She walked around to sit in one of the leather chairs facing his desk. “I’d much rather know about you and mom. Liona told me Zia Fulvia broke her hip and Mom went to Taranto to help her.”
He nodded. “Your aunt will make a full recovery. Your mother could be back tomorrow.”
“Oh, good. So tell me what else has been happening while I’ve been away.”
His brows lifted. “Something unexpected. I’m glad you’re back so we can talk. More than anyone else I want your input because you have a fine mind.”
“I got it from you and Mamma.” Her comment produced a chuckle. So maybe her assumption had been right. “It wouldn’t have anything to do with the man I saw in the foyer earlier this evening, would it?”
He cocked his head. “Actually it would. When did you see him?”
“I’d just come in the castle when he spoke to me.”
“Did he introduce himself to you?”
“No. It wasn’t like that. On my way up the staircase he mistook me for Dea before he headed for your office, that’s all.”
Her father nodded. “I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. Her face is everywhere.”
“Papà—” She smiled at him. “Are you pretending with me?”
“About what?”
“Was he here because of her?”
The count blinked. “Not that I know of.”
“Oh.” She needed to keep her thoughts to herself. “Who is he?”
He smiled. “If you didn’t live in your world of books and ancient underwater artifacts, you would have recognized him as the CEO of Italy’s most powerful engineering dynasty, Rinieri Montanari.”
She stirred in the chair. “Of course I recognize the Montanari name. Who wouldn’t?” It explained the man’s aura of authority.
Her father sat back and touched the tips of his fingers together. “His family has accumulated great wealth. He’s the brilliant one driving the company to new heights. A week ago he made an appointment to come and see me about a business proposition.”
“That sounds interesting.”
“I’ll give you a little background. Night before last he was on the news following the European Congress of Businessmen held in Rome. I saw the gleam in his eyes. He said he had secret plans to grow the economy. Today we talked and arranged for him to come back tomorrow to get into the details.”
He’d aroused her curiosity. “What is he after?”
“He’d like to drill for oil on our property.”
Alessandra shifted in the chair. “He and dozens of others who’ve wanted the same thing for the last half century,” she muttered. “Since he knows it’s not for sale, why is he coming back?”
“This man is different from all the others. He wants to lease the land.”
Lease? “Are you considering letting him?”
“I’m thinking about it.”
“Wow.”
Her father eyed her curiously. “Why do you say that?”
“I thought our property was inviolate.”
“Leasing isn’t the same thing as selling.”
“You’re right.”
“Alessandra, something’s on your mind. Why did you ask if he was here because of Dea? Has your sister confided in you about him?”
“No, Papà. In fact I haven’t spoken to her for almost two months.”
“Hmm. If he’d met her before, he didn’t mention anything about meeting her to me.”
“Why would he if he didn’t know anything about our family?”
“But what if he does know? It makes me wonder what came first, the chicken or the egg?”
“What do you mean?”
“He might have met Dea before he ever called me.”
Alessandra was trying to understand what her father was getting at. “Why is this troubling you so much?”
“I’m your loving papà. My daughters were born princesses of the Houses of Taranto and Caracciolo. Because of our family history, you know I’ve always wanted to protect you from unscrupulous men.”
His explanation surprised her. “That sounds like medieval thinking. Papà, you don’t honestly think the CEO of Montanari Engineering fits in that category?” That gorgeous man? The one she’d envied Dea for meeting first? Alessandra didn’t want to believe it. Something about him had impressed her deeply.
“Though we don’t use the titles anymore, there are some men who try to calculate the monetary worth of our family. There’s nothing they would like more than to acquire your bank accounts and assets more than your love.”
Alessandra frowned. “The man comes from his own family dynasty and doesn’t need more.”
“One would assume as much, but for some men one dynasty isn’t enough.” His gaze swerved to hers. “I don’t want to think it. But if he has targeted Dea to marry her and eventually gain possession of our property, I don’t like the thought of it.”
She didn’t like it, either. Not at all. “Personally I don’t believe it.” Alessandra didn’t want to believe it. Not about that man. Whatever history her sister and Signor Montanari might have together, she didn’t want to think about it. To be with a man like him...
Alessandra got to her feet. “Don’t let it bother you, Papà. Have you had dinner yet?”
“No.”
“I’ll bring you something.”
“Grazie, but I’m not hungry.”
“I’m afraid I am. I haven’t eaten since I got back. Excuse me while I grab a sandwich. If you want me, I’ll be in the library.”
Alessandra left the office and headed for the kitchen to find something to eat. Afterward she walked to the castle library on the main floor, the repository of their family history where she could be alone. Years earlier she’d turned one corner of it into her own office, complete with file cabinets and a state-of-the-art computer and printer, plus a large-screen television for viewing the many videos she’d compiled. This had been her inner sanctum for years.
She sat down at the desk and got back to work on the book she was writing about Queen Joanna. Just as she’d settled down to get busy, the phone rang. It was her father.
“Papà?”
“I just wanted to let you know I’ve got business in Metaponto. The pilot is flying me in a few minutes.”
“Do you want company? I’ll go with you.”
“Not tonight, piccola.” Her father’s endearment for her. When Alessandra was born, she was the younger twin by three minutes and the name little one stuck. “I’m sure you’re tired after your scuba-diving trip, so you get some sleep and we’ll talk in the morning. I could be gone a couple of hours and will probably get back late tonight.”
“All right.”
While she got back to work she heard her father’s helicopter fly away. She kept busy for another hour, then went upstairs to get ready for bed. But when she slid under the covers, she didn’t fall asleep right away. Memories of the past with her sister filtered through her mind.
Though their personalities were entirely different, she and Dea had been as close as any two sisters until college, when Francesco had come into Alessandra’s life. She’d fallen in love and they talked about getting married. But before they got engaged he met Dea, who was more confident than Alessandra and had already started her modeling career.
Her sister had a beauty and lovability that had drawn guys to her from her teens. By contrast, Alessandra felt rather dull and unexciting. Certainly she wasn’t as attractive. But she’d always accepted those truths and never let them affect their friendship. Not until Francesco had laid eyes on Dea. From that moment everything changed. Alessandra felt herself lose him and there wasn’t anything she could do about it.
He followed her sister to Rome and she never saw him again. Francesco sent Alessandra a letter explaining he couldn’t help falling in love with Dea and hoped she wouldn’t hate him too badly. As for Dea, Alessandra didn’t see her for two months. When her sister came home, she told Alessandra she was sorry for what had happened. She explained that Francesco had done all the running, and she’d soon found out he was a loser. Alessandra was lucky to be out of the relationship.
The trauma of being betrayed by Francesco and her sister had completely floored her. It had taken a long time to work past the pain. Though they’d shared sisterly love in the past, from that time on they’d had a troubled relationship and two truths emerged. Alessandra didn’t know if she could trust a man again and Dea would always be the beautiful one who usually got the best of Alessandra. People seemed to love her the most.
Alessandra had to live with the knowledge that she was known as the clever one, a scholar with a sense of adventure. She’d thought that by the age of twenty-eight she would have finally gotten past her jealousy of Dea’s ability to attract men. But it wasn’t true. Otherwise meeting Signor Montanari, who’d met Dea first, wouldn’t have disturbed Alessandra so much.
If her father was right, what a sad irony that this man might be using Dea to get what he really wanted, making both sisters appear as poor judges of character. First the chef Alessandra had fallen for who couldn’t remain faithful once he’d laid eyes on Dea. Now Signor Montanari, who looked like the embodiment of a woman’s dreams. But what if her father learned this man had a secret agenda? The troubling thought kept her tossing and turning all night.
CHAPTER TWO (#ulink_47f1230c-60c9-58e1-a8f9-eb3d2fba15ca)
ON TUESDAY MORNING Alessandra awakened and headed to the bathroom for a quick shower. She dressed in jeans and a blouse. After brushing her hair and applying lipstick, she walked down the hall past the stairs to her parents’ apartment wearing her sandals.
She knocked on the door with no result, so she opened it and called out, “Papà?” He was probably in the sitting room drinking coffee while he read his newspapers, but the room was empty. Frowning, she retraced her steps to the staircase and hurried downstairs to the small dining room where the family ate breakfast. Maybe she’d find her father there.
The second she opened the doors, she received a shock. Her sister stood at the antique huntboard pouring herself a cup of coffee.
“Dea! What a surprise! It’s good to see you!” She looked beautiful as usual in a stunning blue dress and high heels. Alessandra rushed over to hug her. “Where’s Papà?”
“In the office.”
“I didn’t know you were coming home.” She reached for a glass of juice and a roll.
“Neither did I until I got a phone call from him last night.”
“You did?” That was news to Alessandra. He must have called her on his way to Metaponto.
Dea’s eyes darted to her without warmth. “He told me Rinieri Montanari had come to the castle to do business with him and wanted to know if I had been dating him. He seemed concerned enough that I decided to make a quick trip home to talk to him about it.”
“He’s always trying to protect us, you know that.”
They both sat down at the banquet-size table. “What I’m curious about is how you know Rinieri Montanari.” The tone of her sister’s point-blank question had an edge. There had to be another reason her sister had made a sudden flight home. Alessandra didn’t begin to understand what was going on.
“I don’t! Didn’t Papà tell you? Signor Montanari was in the foyer when I came in from my scuba-diving trip yesterday. As I started up the staircase he called out to me. I had no idea who he was. He thought I was you.”
“Did he say anything else?”
“Only that he acted surprised you were here at the castle and commented that you’d cut your hair since he’d been with you on the yacht. He said you’d told him you had another show to do in Rome. I took it that’s why he seemed shocked to find you here. I told him I wasn’t you, then I went up the staircase. That’s it.”
Dea sipped her coffee slowly. “So he mentioned the yacht.”
“Yes.”
She could hear her sister’s mind working. “Is that all he told you?”
Dea sounded so worried, Alessandra was perplexed. “I swear it.”
Her sister’s mouth tightened.
“Have you worked this out with Papà?”
She put down her empty cup. “Not yet, but I will when we fly back to Metaponto in a few minutes.”
“But you just got here last night!”
“I have to return to Rome for another show. As soon as Papà finishes up business with Signor Montanari, he’s flying me to the airport.” She checked her watch. “They’ve been together for the last half hour.”
With nothing more forthcoming, Alessandra knew she’d been dismissed and rose to her feet, feeling chilled. “Then I’ll say goodbye to you now.” She leaned over to kiss her cheek.
Until Alessandra could talk to her father alone, she would have to wait to know what had gone on. Dea was going back to Rome without clarifying anything about her relationship with Rinieri Montanari. In fact she hadn’t been this cold to Alessandra in a long time.
She left the dining room without saying anything and rushed down the hallway to the library, where she could get to work.
When her phone rang two hours later, she saw that it was her father and clicked on. “Papà? Where are you?”
“At the airport in Metaponto, waiting for your mother. She’s flying in from Taranto.”
Thank goodness. Alessandra needed to talk to her. “Has Dea gone back to Rome?”
“After our talk this morning I put her on the plane.”
“You sound more calmed down. Is everything okay?”
“There was a misunderstanding that was all my fault, but I’ve spoken with Signor Montanari and it’s been cleared up.”
Except that Alessandra still knew next to nothing. She gripped her phone tighter. “I’m relieved for that. How did Dea seem? She was chilly with me.”
“That’s because I upset her. After I apologized for minding her business, I explained it was my way of being protective to prevent her from being hurt in case Signor Montanari wasn’t being sincere. You did absolutely nothing wrong, so don’t worry about it. Now the main reason for my call. Do you have plans for the rest of the day?”
“I’m working on my book.”
“Would you have time to do me a favor?”
“Of course.”
“Signor Montanari is going to be our guest for the next few days.”
What? Alessandra almost fell out of her chair. The change in his attitude toward the other man was astounding.
“He needs someone knowledgeable to show him around today. Since I don’t know how long I’m going to be gone, you’re the only one I trust to drive him and answer his questions. Your work with the institute has given you vital insight into the importance of any changes or disturbances to the environment here in the south. Will you do it?”
His compliment warmed her heart, but it was already getting a workout because it meant she would be spending time with a man whose name was renowned throughout Italy. Her father had yet to explain what he’d found out about Dea’s relationship with Signor Montanari.
“Yes.” But Alessandra was so attracted to him, she would have to be careful it didn’t show. No way would she give her sister a reason to suspect her of coming on to him when she’d met him first.
“Get him back in time, piccola. I’ve asked him to join us for dinner. Liona has put him in the guest apartment on the third floor. He’s probably eating lunch right now. Your mother’s plane is arriving so I have to get off the phone. A piu tarde, figlia mia.”
* * *
Rini had just finished a second cup of coffee when the beautiful woman he’d seen yesterday on the stairs walked in the dining room. He should have realized right away that she wasn’t quite as slender as Dea, but he preferred her curves. “Signor Montanari? I’m sorry if I’ve kept you waiting. I’m Alessandra.” She sounded slightly out of breath and looked flushed.
Earlier in the morning, after the count had asked him about his relationship with Dea, he’d left the castle for the airport. Rini thought it odd to be questioned about her, but he let it go.
At that point the count said that while he was gone, his daughter Alessandra would give him a tour of the property. According to him, she understood the impact of drilling on the environment better than anyone else and he would be in the best of hands. If she was an engineer, Rini had yet to find out.
He got up from the table. “We meet again. I’ve never met identical twins before.”
“Dea’s the older sister by three minutes.”
“Which accounts for the difference,” he teased. “I can see that.” He smiled and walked toward her. “Call me Rini.”
After a slight hesitation she shook the hand he extended. “Benvenuto a Posso, Rini. Papà told me you’d be our guest for a few days and asked me to show you around today.”
“That’s very kind of you, but I don’t want to inconvenience you.” He couldn’t read her thoughts.
“It’s all right. Papà said this was important.”
She’d dressed in a simple short-sleeved peach top and jeans. Her tanned olive skin indicated she spent a lot of time in the sun. His gaze traveled from her cognac-brown eyes to her neck-length slightly tousled brown hair rippled through with golden highlights.
As she pulled her hand away, he noticed she didn’t wear nail polish. The reason she looked so natural was her lack of makeup. Except that she did wear lipstick, a coral color that blended with the golden tone of her skin and drew his attention to her voluptuous mouth.
He remembered Dea’s mouth being sculpted the same way before she’d kissed him. How remarkable that identical twins could look so much alike, yet on closer inspection were so different.
“Your father said you’re the one who knows everything.”
“Oh, dear. I hope he really didn’t say it like that.”
Rini got the idea he’d embarrassed her. “He meant it as a compliment.”
“I’m his daughter so he has to say it,” she commented in a self-deprecating manner. “If you’re ready, we can go now.”
“Please lead the way.”
He followed her ultrafeminine figure out of the castle to a Land Rover parked near the main doors. Rini had done his homework. Her island home was renowned as an Italian treasure. What a coincidence the castle was home to both women!
Before Rini could credit it, she climbed in the driver’s seat. “You’ll need to move the seat back all the way to accommodate your legs,” she said after he opened the passenger door.
One corner of his mouth lifted as he did her bidding and climbed in. They attached their seat belts and she took off across the causeway to the mainland. She drove with expertise, as if she could do it blindfolded. After leaving the small town of Metaponto, they headed for verdant hills that were covered in ancient olive groves.
“My father explained why you’re here. Now that we’re on Caracciolo property, tell me why the CEO of Montanari Engineering wants to lease this particular piece of property in order to drill. A lease means taking on a lot of controls.” She didn’t mince words and was all business.
“Your land may not be for sale, but a lease means compromise that benefits both parties and could be lucrative.” Rini looked out over the mountainous, sparsely populated province of Basilicata. “Hidden in the arch of Italy’s agricultural boot is the home to Europe’s biggest on-shore oil field.”
“That’s what I’ve heard.”
“Italy produces one hundred and twelve thousand barrels a day, one tenth the North Sea’s level. My goal is to double Italian oil production within the next five years. If not on your land, then I’ll find others because as you know, the south is underdeveloped.”
“Your goals are very ambitious.”
“Agreed, but the potential of this particular untapped oil field is huge. We’re hoping to drill for the billion-plus barrels of crude oil that lie beneath it. Your father and I are hammering out ideas to preserve the existing environment while drilling for oil to boost the suffering Italian economy.”
“You sound like a politician.”
“Everyone should be concerned over our country’s unemployment problems. I’m particularly anxious for us to bring down the country’s twelve-percent jobless rate through new employment. The goal will be to obtain oil, yet maintain sustainable development of agriculture that will offer real career paths for the future.”
“I have to admit you make a good case.” She kept driving to the top of a ridge that overlooked the huge valley. Onorato Caracciolo was a clever man to send Rini out with his daughter first. Rini had a hunch it would be a smart idea to win her over to his idea since her father appeared to place great trust in her knowledge and intelligence. But after the misunderstanding involving his other daughter, he needed to walk carefully.
“If you wouldn’t mind stopping, I’d like to get out and look around.”
She pulled off the road and turned off the engine. While he walked a ways, she climbed down and rested one curving hip against the front fender to wait for him. When he returned she said, “I know you see oil beneath the property. But what I see is a fertile field that has been here for centuries. Your plan would create giant, unsightly scabs.”
His eyes narrowed on the features of her beautiful oval bone structure. “If you’re imagining dozens of derricks, you’d be wrong. My gut instinct is to build several right here in the shadow of the mountain out of sight. The existing road to the south travels straight to the sea, where the oil would be transported to tankers. One would barely be aware of the activity.”
“And if you find it, does that mean more derricks?”
“We’ll make that decision later.”
Her softly rounded chin lifted. “What if you don’t discover any?”
“Preliminary reports from this part of Italy indicate vast reserves. We’ll find it, but we’ll proceed slowly with your father having the final say in how long we are allowed to drill. Let me ask you a question.”
“Go ahead.”
“If I were to appeal to Queen Joanna herself and explain the benefits, what do you propose she would say? Forget how long ago she ruled. Your father tells me you’re a historian writing a biography on her. Your research means you know her better than any other living person today. Was she a risk taker?”
He could hear her mind working.
“She backed Antipope Clement VII against the unpopular Urban VI. For that she was given this papally owned land eventually bequeathed to our family. So yes, I’d say she was a risk taker.”
Rini’s lips twitched—he was fascinated by the knowledge inside her brain. “You think she would have granted me an audience?”
She stared at him. “I have no idea.”
“Humor me and put yourself in Joanna’s place.”
A smile broke the corners of her mouth he found more and more enticing. “It was a man’s world. I wouldn’t have trusted any of them. You, particularly, wouldn’t have been given a second audience.”
“Why single me out?”
“Because you’re handsome as the devil, increasing the odds of Joanna being tricked. Give me a little more time to think about your ideas that have persuaded my father to give you a hearing.”
“You mean you’re not tossing me out on my ear just yet?”
She opened the driver’s door. “Of course not. That’s for Papà to do.” On that note she climbed in and started the engine.
He went around to the other side, glad to hear she wasn’t shutting him down yet. “In that case, let’s take the road that leads to the sea. En route you can tell me more about the subject of your future best seller.”
“I’d rather you gave me more reasons why you think this project of yours outweighs the many negatives. My father will want a report to run by my mother and her sister, Fulvia. The property comes through my father’s line, but he always leans heavily on the opinions of his wife and sister-in-law.”
“Who makes the ultimate decisions?”
“When it comes to business, the three of them go back and forth until there’s a consensus.”
“He’s a man surrounded by women.”
She smiled. “As my Aunt Fulvia says, behind every successful man is a more successful woman.”
Food for thought. “Do your parents love each other?”
“Very much.”
“That’s nice. Before my mother died, my parents had the same kind of relationship.”
“I’m sorry for your loss. It sounds like you’ve been lucky to have great parents too,” she murmured on a sincere note as they started down into the valley. “What does your father think of this latest idea of yours?”
“Though he and I are always in consultation over business, this is one time when he doesn’t know where I am, or why.” He angled his head toward her lovely profile. “I’ve taken this time to do reconnaissance work on my own. I told no one where I was going, not even my best friend. That’s why I was so surprised when I thought you were Dea. I couldn’t figure out how you could have known my destination.”
She darted him a questioning glance. “So it really was pure coincidence that you had business with our father?”
“I was introduced to her as Dea Loti. But the misunderstanding has been cleared up. The simple fact is, I thought you were she. But I shouldn’t have called out to you before I’d met with your father for an explanation, then none of this would have happened. To be honest, I wasn’t ready for you to disappear on me the way you did.”
Her pulse sped up. Did he just say what she thought he said?
“I was a mess and hoped no one would see me sneak in the castle.”
“Not from where I was standing.”
She swallowed hard and appeared to grip the wheel tighter. “When Dea and I were younger, we got taken for each other a lot. Not so much now that she’s become a top fashion model. She’s the true beauty. I’ve always believed I looked different even though we’re identical. But I’m aware other people can’t always tell the difference. Under the circumstances I understand why my shorter hair gave you a shock.”
Not just her hair. As he was coming to learn, many things about her were different from her sister and other women. She was so genuine and charming, it knocked him sideways. “Your hair is attractive and suits you.”
“Thank you.”
“I can see why your father wants to protect you.” Rini decided not to argue the point further when her physical beauty was self-evident. But Alessandra Caracciolo had been born a twin and he’d heard it could be a blessing and a curse, so he left it alone.
They’d reached a crossroads that would take them back to Metaponto and the causeway, but Rini wasn’t ready to go home yet. To his surprise he found he wanted to get to know her better. Much better. Besides her intelligence, she spoke her mind and was like a breath of fresh air. “Do you have time to drive us along the coast? I want to inspect the shipping access.”
“We could do that, but if you want to get a real feel, you should view everything by boat.”
That idea sounded much better. “When we reach Metaponto, let’s find a marina where I can charter one for tomorrow.”
“You don’t need to do that. I’m sure my father will want to take you out on our cruiser so you can talk business.”
“Then let me buy you dinner in town in order to repay you for driving me around today.”
“Thank you, but that’s not necessary. My parents are expecting you to eat with them and I have plans after we get back.”
He had no right to be disappointed that she’d just turned him down. She was probably involved in a relationship right now. Why not? She was a stunning woman. He imagined that men flocked to her.
After having shown him around the property for her father, she’d done her duty and had other things to do. Though it was none of his business, for some odd reason the possibility of her being interested in another man didn’t sit well with him.
* * *
Wednesday morning Alessandra was just getting out of the shower when her phone rang. She reached for her cell and checked the caller ID. “Mamma?”
“Buongiorno, darling.”
“I’m so glad you’re back home. How’s Zia Fulvia?”
“I thought she was better. That’s why I came home yesterday. But after your father and I finished having dinner with Signor Montanari last evening, we got a call from her. She’s having a bad reaction to her new pain medication and it has frightened her. I told her we’d fly to see her this morning. Your father and I are on our way to the airport and will stay with her for another night to watch over her.”
“I can’t believe you’ve already gone,” Alessandra said in surprise. “I haven’t even seen you yet.” She needed to talk to her.
“I know. Where did you disappear to last evening? I expected you to join us for dinner.”
“I’m behind on my book. After I brought Signor Montanari back to the castle, I went straight to the library to work.”
Before Signor Montanari’s explanation about Dea, Alessandra had tried hard to hide her attraction to him. But once she knew he and her sister were not involved and never had been, the news had thrilled her so much, she might have given herself away if she’d gone to dinner with him.
“I’m sorry we missed you, darling. I want to hear all about your scuba-diving trip, but it will have to wait another day.” Alessandra had already forgotten about that. “Your aunt is really distressed.”
“The poor thing. Give her my love and tell her I’ll visit her soon.”
“She’ll love that. By the way, your father wants to know if you would be willing to show Signor Montanari around again? Today he wants to explore the coast by boat. Would you take him out on the cruiser?”
She sucked in her breath. “First let me ask you a question, Mom. What do you think about his idea to lease the property for drilling?”
“To be honest, I don’t like the idea at all.”
“I didn’t think so.”
“It seems a travesty to change anything about the land or what lies beneath it. Your father knows how I feel. Though your father believes Signor Montanari’s ideas have merit, I’m not persuaded. There’s a great deal to discuss before anything is decided.”
“It sounds like Papà doesn’t feel as strongly as you.”
“Let’s put it this way. He likes Signor Montanari’s vision and is willing to hear more. What’s your opinion?”
“He talked a lot about bolstering the economy by providing more jobs. My suspicion is that he’s hoping to run for a high-level government position and this could be the feather in his cap.”
“He’s a brilliant man. That’s what brilliant men do.” But not with Caracciolo land. That’s what her mother was really saying. The time Alessandra had spent with him yesterday had persuaded her he was worth listening to, but these were early days. “Alessandra? What’s wrong? You don’t sound yourself.”
“I just wish I hadn’t brought Dea into the conversation when I was talking with Papà. He ended up phoning her.”
“Your father told me what happened. But when he learned that Signor Montanari had been a guest of Leonides Rossano on his yacht the other night and happened to get introduced to Dea, your father realized he’d made something out of nothing and overreacted. It certainly didn’t have anything to do with you.”
“But I didn’t know the truth until Signor Montanari told me as much while I was driving him around.”
“I’m sorry. It’s understandable you thought he and your sister were involved.”
“I didn’t know. When I saw Dea at breakfast yesterday, she didn’t explain anything.”
“Well he made it clear to your father that meeting Dea was like ships passing in the night.”
“But maybe Dea had hopes it could be more.” Already Alessandra knew a man like Rinieri Montanari only came along once in a lifetime. She and Dea weren’t twins for nothing.
“Why do you say that?”
“If their chance meeting had been so insignificant, how come she flew home last night?”
“Because your father was worried.”
“He was,” she conceded. “But she didn’t even come in my room to talk to me.”
“Alessandra—during dinner I got the impression that the CEO of Montanari Engineering is a force to contend with. If he’d been interested in your sister, he would have made future plans to let her know how he felt.”
“You’re right, but what if she finds out I’m showing him around?”
“What if she does?” After a silence, she asked, “You’re attracted to him, aren’t you? Otherwise you wouldn’t think twice about this. There’s nothing wrong with that! I’ll admit my heart skipped several beats when I met him at dinner last night.”
Her mother’s instincts were never wrong.
“He said he truly enjoyed being shown around by you. I could tell he meant it. Don’t blow up a simple misunderstanding your father has apologized for into something major.”
“You’re right. I’m being foolish.”
“You are. Go ahead and show Signor Montanari around until we get back from Taranto. I’ll call you tonight.”
“Okay. Love you. Give Zia Fulvia a hug from me.”
Alessandra hung up, realizing she was transparent to her mother, who understood the situation completely. She felt better after their talk. The longing to be with Signor Montanari again was all she could think about.
She pulled on a pair of pleated khaki pants and a blouse with a small tan-on-white geometric print. Once dressed, she went downstairs to the kitchen for coffee and a roll. The cook made her some eggs. While she ate, Liona poked her head in the door. “Alessandra? Did you see Alfredo when you came down the stairs?”
“No.”
“He ate his food, but now I can’t find him. He usually stays on the main floor while I’m working around. Maybe he’s gone off sick somewhere.”
“I’ll look for him.” She ate a last bite, thanked the cook, then began a search, wondering if Signor Montanari was around. “Alfredo—” She called his name several times. When she reached the front foyer, she worried that he’d slipped past some visitor at the entrance.
She opened the door and almost ran into the gorgeous man who’d haunted her dreams. He was just coming in. The sight of him made her heart leap. He held the big marmalade cat in his arms.
“Buongiorno, Alessandra,” he said with a white smile. “I’ve been waiting for a limo and found him lying outside the door wanting to get back in.”
“Liona will be so relieved. Here. I’ll carry him to the kitchen.”
“I’ll be happy to do it.”
“I don’t mind.”
She could tell he didn’t want to give up the cat, who seemed perfectly happy to be held by him. It surprised her because Alfredo didn’t like many people. “Then follow me.” She opened the door and showed him the way.
Liona was thrilled to see them walk in the kitchen. The housekeeper reached for her cat.
“He found Alfredo outside the castle,” Alessandra explained.
“The poor thing is getting confused. I’ll take him back to my apartment. Grazie, signor.”
“Prego, signora.”
Alessandra trailed him out of the kitchen. “That was very nice of you. Her cat is getting old.” She followed him to the entrance, but there was no sign of a limo yet, only three tour buses bringing tourists to tour the part of the castle open to the public. “I hope the driver didn’t already come and leave.”
“I’ll call to find out.” He reached in his jeans pocket. Her eyes traveled over his rock-hard body. His blue crewneck shirt had the kind of short sleeves that only looked good on a man with a well-defined physique. In a minute he clicked off. “It’ll be a while due to an accident near the causeway.”
“What were your plans?”
His veiled gaze slid to hers. “To charter a boat.”
“There’s no need to do that,” she said on impulse. “Since my father isn’t here to take you, he suggested I drive you where you want to go in our cruiser.”
“But that means interrupting your work.”
“It’s all right. As Papà reminded me, you’re a busy man. Since you’re here, you need to make the most of the time. I’ll do my own work later.” The talk with Alessandra’s mother had taken away the guilt she’d been harboring over Dea. There was nothing she wanted more than to spend more time with him.
“Then I’ll call off the limo.”
“While you do that, I have to run in and get a few things. I’ll meet you at the Land Rover in five minutes.”
Alessandra hurried inside and up the staircase to her room. Her heart raced abnormally hard to think they were going out on the boat together. She filled her duffel bag with some necessary items, then rushed back down to the kitchen and stashed water and snacks in the top of it. She never knew how long she’d be gone, so she never left without being prepared.
When she walked out to the car beneath a semicloudy sky, she found him waiting for her with his own backpack. It had been years since she’d felt this alive around a man. This time when she unlocked the door with the remote, he opened her door and relieved her of her duffel bag so she could get in. He walked on around and put their things in the back before climbing inside.
“Our cruiser is docked on the other side of the island.” She started the engine and drove them the short distance.
“It’s right in your backyard!”
She smiled. “I know. Can you believe how convenient?”
Once she’d pulled up to the pier, they both got out. He obviously knew his way around a boat. After depositing their bags, he undid the ropes while she got on board and found them both life preservers. She put hers on first.
“Who’s the scuba enthusiast?”
“You’re looking at her.”
His piercing dark brown eyes scrutinized her. “How long have you been a diver?”
“Since I was nineteen. Have you ever done it?”
“I learned at fourteen. It’s probably my favorite activity.”
His admission excited her no end. To scuba dive with him would be like a dream come true. “Mine, too,” she admitted. “Excuse me for a minute.”
She disappeared below and pulled out a special oceanography chart of the area for him to look at. When she came up on deck she discovered he’d climbed on board and had put on his preserver. “Here.” She put the rolled-up chart on the banquette next to him. “You can look at this as we proceed.” Alessandra started the engine at a wakeless speed and drove them toward open water.
“This cruiser is state of the art.”
She nodded. “A huge change from our old boat I took everywhere until my father bought this for me so I could go on longer trips.”
“For pleasure?”
“It’s always a pleasure, but I’m part of a team working for the Institute of Archaeological and Monumental Heritage.”
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