Diamonds are Forever: The Royal Marriage Arrangement / The Diamond Bride / The Diamond Dad

She rolled her eyes. “Something tells me they’re going to come in handy.”

He let out a bark of laughter before reaching for his coat and tie. “Have you ever ridden on the back of a motorcycle before?”

A thrill of excitement ran through her body. “No.”

“You said you liked speed. I’m going to take you at your word.”

Almost jumping out of her skin in anticipation, she hurried over to the door ahead of him. “I’ll need to change first.”

“Meet me in the north portico in ten minutes. Wear those blue jeans you bought yesterday. On our way out of town, we’ll pick up the rest of the items you’ll need.”

“All right.”

She reached her room breathless over their plans, but when she discovered all the phone messages waiting for her from the States, they brought her back to the grim reality that every gesture on Lucca’s part was meant for show.

Outwardly he was carrying on his role as the ardent fiancé but she’d be a much greater fool than her mother if she allowed herself to stay in denial about his deepest feelings. There was another woman. He’d told her in the car on the way to airport.

In order not to displease his parents, Alex was beginning to think he intended to stay away from his lover until the honeymoon was over. When Lucca had talked about his work schedule, he’d told Alex that after he performed his royal duties each day, he would indulge his other interests. She’d known what he’d meant, but it was getting harder and harder to accept.

Deflated by the unpalatable truth about her deepest feelings, she checked each message. All of them could wait except the one from Manny. SOS, Alex. Must talk to you immediately! Call me no matter what time it is! This could settle all your mother’s debts and then some!

Her heart thudded in her chest. How was that possible?

She quickly returned the call. He picked up on the second ring. “You’re a good girl for calling me back so fast, Alex. How would you like to be a very, very rich one in no time at all?”

“Were mother’s real diamonds found?” she cried.

“No, no, honey. Those are long gone.”

Her brief elation dissipated. She sank down on the side of the bed. “Then I don’t understand.”

“Listen to me and don’t interrupt. Can you do that?”

If she didn’t get downstairs soon, Lucca would come looking for her. “Yes—if you make it quick. I’m on my way out the door.”

“I’ve got the part of the century for you!”

She frowned. “What are you talking about, Manny?”

“Oh, honey, after seeing your beautiful face splashed all over the news and the Internet this morning, you’re the only one who can play it.”

“Play what?”

“Garbo! I’ve got the script in my hand. Every actress in Hollywood wants the part. None of them can do it. They don’t have what it takes. You do! Come home, Alex. I’ve already got the audition arranged for you.”

She shot to her feet. “Manny, I’m not an actress!”

“Ah, honey … you’ve been around it all your life.”

It was hard to breathe. “If you saw me on TV, then you’d know I’m getting married.”

“You can work around that. The point is, you can carry off the role so people will believe you’re Garbo. I just talked to Michelle. She agrees with that me you’ve got those great bones—everything it takes including her sad eyes.

“Between your portrayal, plus the fact that you’re Kathryn’s daughter and the consort of Prince Vittorio of Castelmare, the box-office take will be in the millions. One film of the definitive Garbo, honey. Just one and you’ll be on easy street for the rest of your life!”

And you’ll get paid what mother owed you within the year instead of ten or twelve years from now.

For the first time in all these years, she was beginning to realize the kind of pressure her mother had lived under. Manny said and did all the right things. He was a master manipulator.

Alex’s mind went back to the conversation with her Uncle Yuri:

“My mother was married six times,” she’d said.

“I can understand why you’re frightened. But think about this. Maybe part of it’s because she lost Oleg, and maybe the other part is because she didn’t have parents to teach her what a good marriage is all about. Hmm?” Yuri had told her.

There was a familiar rap on the door. “Alexandra?”

“I’ll be right there, Lucca,” she called out, then put the phone back to her ear. “Listen, Manny. I have to go.”

“No way. Whatever else you have to do can wait.”

She took a deep breath. “I’m afraid it can’t, Manny. I’ll have to call you later.”

“When? This thing is big, honey. An opportunity like this only comes knocking once in a lifetime.”

Manny never gave up!

Oh, Mother, he must have had you bound up so tightly, is it any wonder you tried to find escape with other men?

Her hand gripped the phone tighter. She could hardly concentrate for the knocking on the outer door, which was growing louder. “I realize that. Give me some time to think about it.” She didn’t want to hurt Manny, after all he was still waiting for his money. On the other hand she had to consider Lucca and the agreement she’d entered into with him. “I have to hang up now.”

She dropped the phone on the receiver and ran through the suite. “Lucca? I need two more minutes.”

“Are you all right?” he demanded.

“Y-yes.”

“You don’t sound it. Do you need help?”

“No … I’ll be right there.”

Alex half hopped out of her dress as she hurried to the dresser for the jeans and top she planned to wear. She’d barely slipped on her separates when Lucca entered her bedroom wearing jeans, a blue T-shirt beneath a black bomber-type leather jacket and riding boots. He looked fantastic.

“I’m not going to apologize for invading your privacy,” he said worriedly, breathing hard. “You’re as pale as parchment. After what you had to face this morning, it wouldn’t surprise me if you’re sick to your stomach. There’s no way I’m taking you out on my motorcycle when you’re ill.”

Brushing a lock of hair off her forehead, she brazened out his intimate scrutiny. “I … I had a personal phone call I couldn’t ignore,” her voice faltered.

He folded his strong arms. His eyes glittered ominously. “Personal? From whom?”