Captive in the Spotlight

Captive in the Spotlight
Annie West

Out of the limelight…Domenico Volpe has been a paparazzi target for years, with his rugged Roman looks, glamorous lifestyle and, most recently, a family tragedy. Now the woman at the centre of it all has been released from prison he’ll do whatever it takes to keep her quiet. And into the fire!Domenico ensures that Lucy Knight accepts his offer of refuge on his well-guarded offshore estate. While the media furore abates on the mainland things are heating up on the island! And Domenico is beginning to doubt Lucy’s guilt as he uncovers the innocent, sensual woman behind the tough façade…‘I’m a first time reader to Annie West’s work and have to say, she did not disappoint. Beautifully written and filled with real passion…big thumbs up!’ – Jess, Retired, Lincoln

Come with me. The words were in slashing black ink on a page from a notebook. I can get you away from this. You’ll be safe.

Lucy’s head jerked up.

‘Safe?’ With him?

Domenico nodded. ‘Yes.’

Around them journalists craned to hear. One tried to snatch the note from Lucy’s hand. She crumpled it in her fist. He couldn’t want to help her. Yet she wasn’t fool enough to think she could stay here. Trouble was brewing and she’d be at the centre of it.

Still she hesitated. This close, Lucy was aware of the strength in those broad shoulders, in that tall frame and his square olive-skinned hands. Once that blatant male power had left her breathless. Now it threatened.

He leaned forward. She stiffened as his whispered words caressed her cheek.

‘Word of a Volpe.’

She knew he was proud. Haughty. Loyal. A powerful man. A dangerously clever one. But everything she’d read—and she’d read plenty—indicated he was a man of his word. He wouldn’t sully his ancient family name or his pride by lying.

She hoped.

About the Author

ANNIE WEST has devoted her life to an intensive study of tall, dark, charismatic heroes who cause the best kind of trouble in the lives of their heroines. As a sideline she’s also researched dream-worthy locations for romance—from bustling, vibrant cities to desert encampments and fairytale castles. It’s hard work, but she loves a challenge. Annie lives with her family at beautiful Lake Macquarie, on Australia’s east coast. She loves to hear from readers and you can contact her at www.annie-west.com or at PO Box 1041, Warners Bay, NSW 2282, Australia.

Recent titles by the same author:

DEFYING HER DESERT DUTY

UNDONE BY HIS TOUCH

GIRL IN THE BEDOUIN TENT

PRINCE OF SCANDAL

Did you know these are also available as eBooks? Visit www.millsandboon.co.uk

Captive

in the Spotlight

Annie West

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

In memory of our special Daisy, canine member of the family for almost sixteen years and ever-supportive writer’s companion.

And with heartfelt thanks to Josie, Serena and Antony for your advice on Italian language, law and locations.

CHAPTER ONE

FOR FIVE GRIM years Lucy had imagined her first day of freedom. A sky the pure blue of Italian summer. The scent of citrus in the warm air and the sound of birds.

Instead she inhaled a familiar aroma. Bricks, concrete and cold steel should have no scent. Yet mixed with despair and commercial strength detergent, they created a perfume called ‘Institution’. It had filled her nostrils for years.

Lucy repressed a shudder of fear, her stomach cramping.

What if there had been a mistake? What if the huge metal door before her remained firmly shut?

Panic welled at the thought of returning to her cell. To come so close then have freedom denied would finally destroy her.

The guard punched in the release code. Lucy moved close, her bag in one clammy hand, her heart in her mouth. Finally the door opened and she stepped through.

Exhaust fumes instead of citrus. Lowering grey skies instead of blue. The roar of cars rather than birdsong.

She didn’t care. She was free!

She closed her eyes, savouring this moment she’d dreamed of since the terror engulfed her.

She was free to do as she chose. Free to try taking up the threads of her life. She’d take a cheap flight to London and a night to regroup before finishing the trip to Devon. A night somewhere quiet, with a comfortable bed and unlimited hot water.

The door clanged shut and her eyes snapped open.

A noise made her turn. Further along, by the main entrance, a crowd stirred. A crowd with cameras and microphones that blared ‘Press’.

Ice scudded down Lucy’s spine as she stepped briskly in the opposite direction.

She’d barely begun walking when the hubbub erupted: running feet, shouts, the roar of a motorbike.

‘Lucy! Lucy Knight!’ Even through the blood pounding in her ears and the confusion of so many people yelling at once, there was no mistaking the hunger in those voices. It was as if the horde had been starved and the scent of fresh blood sent them into a frenzy.

Lucy quickened her pace but a motorbike cut off her escape. The passenger snapped off shot after shot of her stunned face before she could gather herself.

By that time the leaders of the pack had surrounded her, clamouring close and thrusting microphones in her face. It was all she could do not to give in to panic and run. After the isolation she’d known the eager crush was terrifying.

‘How does it feel, Lucy?’

‘What are your plans?’

‘Have you anything to say to our viewers, Lucy? Or to the Volpe family?’

The bedlam of shouted questions eased a fraction at mention of the Volpe family. Lucy sucked in a shocked breath as cameras clicked and whirred in her face, disorienting her.

She should have expected this. Why hadn’t she?

Because it was five years ago. Old news.