Dangerous Kiss (20 page)

'I should tell him I'm married, put the poor bloke out of his misery,' Kyra said, fluffing out her hair.

'Why don't you do that?' Brigette said.

'I will when he comes over.'

'What makes you think he's coming over?'

' 'Cause he's getting up now. He's on his way. And, baby, he's major cute!'

Brigette picked up her glass of Evian water and took a sip. Kyra was in for a surprise when she saw whom he was really coming over to see.

A moment later, tall and handsome Carlo stood in front of their table. 'Brigette!'

he exclaimed. 'How nice to see you. What are you doing in London?'

She glanced up as if she was utterly surprised. 'Excuse me?' she said politely.

'Do I know you?'

'Do you know me?' he said with a laugh. 'I am Carlo.'

'Carlo?' she said vaguely. 'Oh… Fredo's Carlo. How are you?'

His expression told her he couldn't believe she didn't recognize him.

Kyra, meanwhile, was trying to get introduced. 'Friend of yours?' she asked, giving Brigette a sharp nudge.

'Oh, yes, uh… Carlo… sorry…'

'Count Carlo Vittorio Vitti,' he said, kissing Kyra's hand. 'And you are?'

'Oh, come on,' Kyra said, bursting with laughter. 'You don't know who I am?'

'No, I'm sorry - should I?'

'The rest of the world certainly does,' Kyra said, slightly put out. 'I'm Kyra Kattleman.'

'Kyra Kattleman.' He repeated her name, rolling it over his tongue. 'Are you an actress?'

'Oh, Lordy, where do you live?' Kyra said, unamused by his total lack of recognition.

Brigette was quite enjoying the exchange.

'So, Brigette,' Carlo said, 'what are you doing here in London?'

'Visiting friends,' she answered casually.

'And Fredo didn't ask you to call me?'

'No. Actually, I haven't worked with Fredo lately. It's nice to bump into you though.'

He stared at her, noting that she was even more lovely during the day. Skin like peaches and cream, soft honey-blonde curls, and an exquisite mouth, pouty and inviting. He remembered making love to her, he remembered it well. Only she probably didn't recall the details. One of the disadvantages of the little white pills.

'Where are you staying?' he asked.

'The Dorchester.'

'So am I,' Kyra said, joining in. 'Leaving tomorrow for Milan. It's fashion week.

Valentino can't do his show without me.'

'Ah,' Carlo said. 'So you are a model?'

'Not a model,' Kyra said, fluttering her long lashes. 'A supermodel. You've heard that word, I'm sure.'

'Ah, yes… Naomi Campbell.'

Kyra frowned. 'Why does everyone say Naomi Campbell. There are other supermodels, you know. Cindy, me, Kate Moss…'

'Brigette,' he said, turning his attention back to the woman who was one day to be his wife, 'are you free for dinner tonight?' She smiled sweetly.

'As a matter of fact,' a pause, 'I'm not.'

'That is a shame.'

'Yes, isn't it?'

'How long will you be staying in London?'

'A few days. Depending on what my friends want to do.' He wondered if they were male or female friends. It would not do to have a rival enter the picture; he hadn't counted on that. According to Fredo, Brigette was a loner who did not go out a lot. Now all of a sudden she was here in London with a group of friends.

This wasn't the way he'd planned it.

'How about dinner tomorrow night?' he suggested.

'Mmm…' she said. 'I think I'm busy.'

This was ridiculous. Women never turned him down. 'Perhaps you can change your plans?'

'I could try. Why don't you give me a call.'

'I will,' he said, lifting her hand to his lips. 'You look as beautiful as ever.' He lowered his voice. 'You do remember our night in New York?'

'Of course,' she said cheerfully. 'You, me, Lina and Fredo. We went dancing, didn't we? Had a great time.'

Now he was in a quandary. Was it possible that she did not remember anything at all about him making love to her? Damn! He'd only given her half a pill, she was supposed to be wondering why he hadn't called her. And here she was sitting in London without a care in the world.

'I will call you later, Brigette,' he said. 'We will talk.' He nodded briefly in Kyra's direction. 'A pleasure.'

'The pleasure was all mine,' Kyra said, adding a succinct, 'By the way, I'm married, so I can't have dinner with you either.'

'I'm glad you told me that.'

'Well!' Kyra said, as he walked away from the table. 'Told you he was staring at me. Good job he knew you, so he had a legitimate excuse to come over.'

Brigette nodded. Things were working out just fine. Soon she would get her revenge on Carlo for taking advantage of her. It was a good feeling.

Lina considered Max Steele a babe, which meant that more than likely she'd fuck him later. That's if Charlie Dollar didn't materialize. If she had a choice between an agent and a star, she'd take the star every time. Law of the jungle.

Max was a partner in IAA, International Artists Agency, a very hot place to be. He was partners with Freddie Leon, the super-agent. She was a bit miffed that Freddie himself hadn't chosen to handle her but, from what she'd heard, Max was almost as good.

He met her at the bar in the Peninsula, and they got along straight away.

'Is Charlie coming?' she asked, crossing her long legs and lighting a cigarette.

Max's eyes were popping. 'Baby, one look at you and he'll be coming all the way to Africa!'

'You're a cute one, huh?' she said, blowing smoke in his direction.

'There's only one cute one here,' Max said with a sly smile. 'And it certainly ain't me.'

She continued checking him out. Max Steele was not movie-star handsome, but he had an abundance of boyish charm, a full head of curly brown hair, an in-shape body, and plenty of charisma.

'So who's the director?' she asked, sipping a rum and Coke through a straw.

'A friend of mine,' Max said, with a wink. 'But you don't have to worry about the director. If Charlie likes you, we're in.'

'Who does the studio want for the part?' she asked, anxious to find out who she was up against.

'They're after a name,' Max said. 'They're pushing for Angela or Lela, even Whitney.'

'Don't be daft,' Lina said, snorting with laughter. 'It's not a big enough part for Whitney. And she certainly wouldn't take her clothes off. Bobby would never put up with it.'

'You'd be surprised,' Max said. 'Roles for black actresses are not that easy to find.'

'Oh, it's a racist thing in Hollywood, is it?' she said, cocking her head to one side.

'It's always been a racist thing in Hollywood,' Max replied, thinking that this girl was a total knock-out.

'Really?'

'You're far more stunning than your photographs.'

She giggled. 'Yeah, like I haven't heard that line before.'

'It's not a line,' he said indignantly. 'I'm an agent, I have to be truthful with my clients. If you looked like shit I'd tell you.'

'Sure you would,' she said sanguinely. 'An' the Pope goes rollerskatin' up my arse.'

'Oh,' Max said. 'Charlie's going to love you.'

Brigette accompanied Kyra on her shopping trip to Harvey Nichols. She even bought a few things herself - some cool Police shades, a soft pink cashmere sweater and a long silk scarf.

'Told you this was a great store,' Kyra boasted, as if she was personally responsible for the array of tempting goods. Brigette nodded.

'Y' know,' Kyra announced, completely oblivious to the fact that Carlo had only had eyes for Brigette, 'if I wasn't married, I would've gone out with that bloke at lunch.'

'Why?' Brigette questioned.

'Why? Kyra answered, surprised that Brigette would even ask. '

'Cause he's a babe. And he's got that count thingy going for him.'

He's a bastard, Brigette wanted to say. He drugged and raped me, and he's going to pay for it. But she didn't say a word. This was her game now, and she would play it her way.

Thirty-seven

Two things struck Lennie when he awoke. One, he wasn't in his own bed; and two, several numbers were jumping around in his head.

Was it possible that he was finally remembering the licence plate?

He groped for a notepad and quickly jotted down the numbers - three of them.

Not enough, but better than nothing. Then he called his wife.

Lucky answered, sounding sleepy.

'It's me,' he said, very upbeat as if nothing was going on. 'We should talk.'

'That's what I've been trying to do for the last six weeks,' she said, waking up with a start.

'Okay, okay,' he said. 'I admit it's my fault. No need to get belligerent, I'm trying to be nice here.'

'You're trying to be nice?' she responded hotly, struggling to sit up. 'Wasn't it you who walked out last night?'

'I know, honey,' he said soothingly, 'and I got a feeling it was a good thing 'cause it gave us space. And guess what?'

'What?' She sighed, thrown by his sudden change of mood.

'I came up with a couple of numbers that I'm sure were part of the licence plate.'

'Have you called Detective Johnson?'

'Not yet.'

'What're you waiting for?'

'To speak to you first. Can we meet for breakfast, or shall I come home right now?'

'No, Lennie,' she said sternly, not about to forgive him so fast. 'You walked out last night. You're right, we both need space.'

'But I miss you, baby.'

She felt herself beginning to weaken, Lennie had that effect on her. 'I miss you, too,' she said quietly.

'I'll be there in twenty minutes.'

'No,' she said quickly. 'I'll meet you for breakfast.'

'If that's what you want.'

'Yes. Where are you?'

'At the Sunset Marquis. Hurry.'

'As soon as I'm dressed. In the meantime call Detective Johnson.'

Thoughtfully she put down the phone. Maybe Lennie was right, one night apart and he realized how wrong he was. Thank God! Because she couldn't stand fighting with him, it drove her crazy.

Before she could get out of bed the phone rang again. She grabbed it. 'Okay, okay - I'm on my way,' she said.

'You are?' Alex said.

'Oh - it's you.'

'Oh, it's me. Does that indicate that you've heard from your husband.'

'What're you? A psychic?'

'Kind of.'

'Okay, you're right. He called, wants to meet. And I must say he sounds a whole lot better.'

'I couldn't be happier,' Alex drawled sarcastically.

'Don't be a prick. Be happy for me.'

'I prefer it when you're separated.'

'It didn't even last twenty-four hours.'

'Shame.'

'Quit being such a smartass.'

'And she continues to entice me with her masterful use of the English language.'

'Anyway, Alex, thanks for last night, you helped as usual. Talking to you is the best.'

'You know I'm always here for you, Lucky.'

'And it's much appreciated. Oh, yes, and the good news is that I won't be bothering you again. You're free. You can call up Mia or Pia, or whatever her name is, and get into that tantric-sex thing you mentioned.' A meaningful pause.

'By the way, is it worth it?'

He gave a dry laugh. 'When you're ready to find out, let me know.'

'Oh, and, Alex,' she added casually, 'not that it's a big secret or anything, but I'd sooner not piss Lennie off, so let's keep last night's dinner between us.'

'Damn! And I was gonna call the Enquirer.'

She hung up smiling, and dressed quickly. She was excited at the thought of seeing Lennie, it was almost as if she was embarking on a date with him.

Before leaving the house she called Steven. 'How's my favourite brother today?'

she asked cheerfully.

'Still here,' Steven said. 'I was thinking of driving down to Palm Springs to visit the kids.'

'Sounds like a great idea to me.'

'Want to come?'

'I would, but it seems like I only just got rid of them. And actually… I was planning a romantic weekend alone with Lennie.'

'Think I'll call Gino, tell him I'm on my way.'

'By the way, before I forget, Venus and Cooper are having an anniversary party on Monday. They wanted me to ask if you'd drop by.'

'Thanks anyway, but I'll pass.'

She had hoped he'd say yes. As far as she knew he'd gone nowhere since Mary Lou's death. 'Isn't it time you got out?'

'Lucky,' he answered slowly, 'it hasn't been long enough.'

'I know you need time, Steven, but eventually you'll have to meet other women.'

'No,' he said fiercely, 'I had enough women before Mary Lou. She was my life, my prize. I'll never be able to replace her. And I have no desire to do so.'

'That's how you feel now, but don't forget that old cliche, time heals everything.'

'It doesn't heal, it covers up.'

'Whatever you say,' she said, backing off, because the worst thing she could do was push him. 'Have a good drive to Palm Springs. Kiss my babies for me, and hug Carioca.'

'I will.'

'Uh… Steven, maybe when you leave Palm Springs you should take her home with you, spend time together. Y' know, daddy and daughter, that kind of deal.'

'She likes staying with you, Lucky.'

'And we love having her, but she can't stay here for ever, because that's not good for either of you.'

'Okay,' he said impatiently. 'I get it.'

He knew she was right, his daughter should be with him. But he didn't need it shoved in his face. It was difficult enough getting through each day. And the sad thing was that every time he looked at Carioca she reminded him of Mary Lou.

'By the way, I have excellent news,' Lucky added.

'What?'

'Lennie came up with a couple of numbers from the licence-plate.'

'That is good news.'

'I kind of threw him out last night, and I guess sitting alone in a hotel room gave him time to think.'

'You threw Lennie out?'

'It was a mutual deal. I told you before, he's having a lot of trouble with this.'

'We both are, Lucky,' Steven said grimly. 'We both are.'

When Lucky walked in Lennie was sitting at a table near the hotel pool. He jumped up and waved. She waved back, dodging her way around palm trees to reach him.