The Billionaire's Prize

When Guido climbed in the Jeep, his first sight of his dark-haired friend said it all. “Fatherhood agrees with you. How is piccolo Brazzo?”

“He’s going to be a soccer player for sure.”

“I can’t wait to see him.”

“I’m sorry. Not this visit. He’s staying with my family at the villa in Positano so Alessandra and I can have our first weekend alone.”

“Lucky you.”

Rini had found great happiness in his marriage. Guido would give anything to feel that fulfilled. As he sat there, it came to him that he was envious of the happy-ever-after his friend Rini had achieved, a happy-ever-after Guido hadn’t thought he’d wanted himself all these years.

He stared at his friend. A spirit of contentment radiated off Rini as they drove across the causeway to the Caracciolo castello on Posso Island that jutted into the Ionian Sea.

Only sand surrounded the ancient structure, no grass or trees. In Guido’s mind, it was Italy’s answer to Mont-Saint-Michel of French fame, with a benign appeal in good weather like this. But he imagined it could look quite daunting during a storm.

Guido found it fascinating to think the beautiful twin princesses of Count Onorato di Caracciolo were born and raised here, away from civilization. From this convent-like place had emerged Italy’s most beautiful supermodel. One fashion cover had called Dea Loti “Italy’s own Helen of Troy.”

The face that launched a thousand ships had done something to Guido...

He’d been so stunned after meeting her in person that he hadn’t been able to get her out of his mind. It probably wasn’t a good idea to meet Rini here after all because it brought back the memory from the wedding when he’d been watching Dea, who’d been watching Rini. Was she still hungering for him? But it was too late to think about that now or wish he hadn’t come. Get a grip, Rossano.

“You’re being unusually quiet,” Rini murmured as he pulled the Jeep up to the front of the castle. “I expected to see you overjoyed with your success so far.”

“I am pleased,” Guido muttered, “but the season isn’t over yet. We’ve had one loss and still have some tough games to face.”

Rini shut off the engine. “You’ve already brought your team to new heights. I’m proud of what you’ve done so far.”

“Spoken like my best friend,” Guido murmured.

He could feel Rini’s eyes on him. “How is it going with your parents?”

Guido sighed. “The same. Papà is praying I’ll give up this madness and come back to the company.”

“Surely not right now.”

“Of course not, but he fears I’ll stay away from the business for good.”

Rini’s brow lifted. “Do you think you’ve left the shipping business for good?”

“I don’t have an answer to that yet.”

“Well, I’m glad you were able to break away and come. Tomorrow we’ll go out on the cruiser and do some fishing. I’ve got some business ideas I want your opinion on. But tonight Alessandra has arranged dinner for us with one of your favorite fish dishes.”

To his chagrin, Guido had a problem he couldn’t talk over with Rini. How could he tell him that Rini himself was the problem? “I’m already salivating.”

Filled with shame over his own flawed character, he jumped out of the Jeep and grabbed his gym bag that contained all he needed for this weekend visit. They walked to the front entry. When Rini opened the door, they were greeted by a marmalade cat Guido had played with at the wedding.

“Well, hello, Alfredo.”

The housekeeper’s pet rubbed against Guido’s jean-clad leg. He put the bag down and picked him up, remembering that the cat was getting old and needed to be carried up and down stairs. “Did you know I was coming?”

Rini grinned. “He remembers you—otherwise he wouldn’t let you hold him.”

“I’m honored.”

“Let’s go up to your old room.” Rini grabbed Guido’s bag and they climbed the grand staircase two steps at a time past the enormous painting of Queen Joanna to the third floor. The windows in the bedroom looked out on the sea. He’d stayed in here before the wedding. “Go ahead and freshen up, then come down to the dining room.”

“I’ll be right there.” Still holding Alfredo, he said, “Thanks for inviting me.”

Rini headed for the entry. “I’ve missed our talks,” he said over his shoulder.

Guido watched him disappear out the door. What in the hell is wrong with you, Rossano? No bear hug for your best friend? What has Rini ever done to you?

He put the cat on the bed and slipped into the bathroom. When he came out, he opened his gym bag and pulled out two presents. One was a small gift he’d bought for Alessandra in Florence after a match. The other was a baby toy he’d seen in a store near his apartment. A little purple octopus with bells on the tentacles.

“We’d better not keep everyone waiting, Alfredo.” He gathered the cat in his arms along with the gifts and went down the staircase to the dining room. The second he walked in, the cat took one look at Alessandra and wanted to get down. Guido lowered him to the parquet floor.

Her gaze darted to Guido and she beamed. “So that’s where the cat has been! You’re one of his favorite people.” She rushed over to hug Guido. He hugged her back and gave her his gifts.

“You want me to open them now?”

“I think I do.”

She removed the paper from the smaller box and lifted the lid. Inside was a small enamel painting of Queen Joanna framed in gold filigree, probably three by four inches. He heard her gasp. “Oh, Guido—”

“I saw it in Florence at the House of Gold and couldn’t resist. Consider it a gift to celebrate the publication of your book.”

Just then Rini came in the room. “Caro—” she cried and rushed over to show her husband.

His friend flashed him a warm glance. “You knew exactly what she’d love.”

“I read the book and was so impressed by your knowledge I had to do something to honor you.”

“I’m glad you liked it. This is exquisite. I’ll treasure it forever.” She laid it on the hunt board and undid the large gift. “Oh, how adorable! A purple octopus! Brazzo will love it!” She gave Guido a kiss on the cheek. “Come and sit down. We want to hear all about the team and how things are going.”

“First I want to hear about Brazzo.”

“He’s gorgeous! We’ll show you videos later.”

No sooner did they get settled and start to eat than Guido heard the helicopter overhead.

“That’ll be my parents,” Alessandra murmured as they enjoyed their meal. “They’ve been in Milan.”

“For another of Dea’s fashion shows?” Damn if the question wasn’t out before he could recall it.

“Oh—I guess you didn’t know that she has given up her modeling career.”

Guido’s fork dropped on his plate. No more modeling? He couldn’t comprehend it. “Since when?”