Honeymoon With a Prince (Royal Scandals) (45 page)

Slowly, Massimo moved around the table.
 
He approached from behind Kelly just as Robards asked her to dance.

“Excuse me.
 
Sorry to interrupt, but I believe Kelly’s first dance is mine.”
 

Recognition and a hint of respect lit Robards’ expression.
 
He graciously extended his hand.
 
“Your Highness.
 
Edward Robards.
 
It’s a pleasure to meet you and to be invited into your home.
 
Your family is very generous to offer it for this event.”

“We’re happy to do so.”
 
Despite Massimo’s predisposition to disliking the man, he returned the Texan’s handshake and smile.
 
“I’d love to chat with you further—I’ve wanted to make your acquaintance for some time—but I should escort Kelly to the dance floor before the song is over.”

Robards looked from Massimo to Kelly, then back to Massimo.
 
“Of course.
 
I hope to see you later this evening.”

“That was easy enough,” Massimo said to Kelly once Robards turned away and was out of earshot.

“It’s over, and that’s what matters,” she replied.
 

He located an open spot amongst the swirling couples and wound an arm around her waist to guide her there.
 
The contact with Robards had shaken her, he could tell, but she seemed resolved to have a good time.

“Then I’m glad I encouraged you to stay.
 
Besides,” —he spread his fingers across her back and captured her hand in his free one, pulling her into his embrace— “I don’t care to dance with anyone else tonight.”

No matter what she might’ve had with Robards, or with any other man, having her in his arms felt right.
 

“That might cause a scandal,” she noted, though the soft pressure of her hand against his shoulder made it clear she didn’t care, that she wanted this moment as much as he did.
 
Very quietly, she added, “Remember, when you hired me, it was to throw reporters off the idea that we might’ve spent the night together in the villa.”

“Funny you should mention that.
 
I spoke with my brother Vittorio about it.
 
Turns out that those paparazzi weren’t at the jail because of me.
 
They were pursuing leads on a different scandal.”

Her head jerked back in surprise.
 
“Really?”

“Apparently they bought the story that I lost my dog and bailed you out as a way of thanking you.
 
There was a short mention of it in the Cateri paper, but that’s it.
 
End of story.”

She considered his words.
 
“So…you’re saying that I did all that work for you for nothing?”

“Nothing?”
 
He feigned shock.
 
“I seem to recall paying you quite generously.”

“That you did.”
 
Her fingertip grazed his bare neck, just above the top of his collar.
 
“And I had the best time designing it.
 
April couldn’t have been more fun to work with, and Robert was incredibly patient.
 
I think it nearly killed him waiting to see all those clothes put in their proper place.”

“He likes you,” Massimo said.
 
“In fact, I believe I heard you make him snort.”

Lines of confusion formed between her eyes.
 
“Wait…you were there?”

“I walked in just in time to hear it.
 
And I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t heard it myself.”
 
On a serious note, he added, “Everyone enjoyed working with you.
 
They’ve loved having you here.”

I’ve loved having you here.
 
Her warm spirit seemed to brighten everyone with whom she came in contact, making his dark apartment feel lively.
 
A place he wanted to be.

But only with her in it.

Suddenly, the idea of a life without Kelly horrified him more than the deepest, darkest hole.
 

“Kelly, I—”

Applause cut him off as the orchestra finished their song.
 
Kelly released his hand and faced the orchestra, politely clapping with the rest of the dancers.
 
Nearby, his parents surprised him by sharing a second kiss.
 
Whatever had gotten into them tonight, they’d engaged in more public displays of affection than he could remember in years.
 

“They seem very happy,” Kelly said, following his gaze.
 

“They do.”
 
Whatever strife they might’ve had in the marriage appeared resolved.
 
For both their sakes, he was glad.

As if knowing they were being discussed, King Carlo and Queen Fabrizia moved toward their son.
 
His mother’s expression was one of surprise at seeing him on the dance floor with Kelly.
 
His father, on the other hand, paled as his attention went from Kelly’s face to her necklace.

“You looked as if you were having a good time,” Massimo said to his parents as he moved to the edge of the floor to allow other dancers to take their place now that the orchestra began a new song.
 

“It’s nice not to be responsible for the planning,” his mother said.
 
“And when Alberto does it, I know the night will be perfect.
 
I can relax.”
 
She turned to Kelly.
 
“I take it you’re Kelly Chase.
 
It’s a pleasure to meet you.
 
Thank you for helping my son get back on his feet now that he’s home.”

Massimo’s father wasn’t so mannerly.
 
His tone blunt, he said, “Your necklace is stunning.
 
May I ask where you acquired it?”

“I offered it to her for the night,” Massimo replied, saving Kelly the explanation.

Queen Fabrizia put a hand on her husband’s arm.
 
Her voice was soft, comforting, and so low Massimo knew she didn’t want it to be heard beyond their small circle.
 
“Ms. Chase found the necklace in a hidden compartment in the mahogany bureau in Massimo’s apartment.
 
The large one that used to be in your study.”

“Why didn’t you inform me?”
 
This he directed to Massimo.
 

“He informed
me
.
 
I told him to keep it for the time being,” his wife said.
 
A kind, almost motherly smile lit her face, which she aimed at Kelly.
 
“I hadn’t thought he’d give it to you to wear, but it looks absolutely perfect with your gown.
 
I’m delighted it occurred to him.
 
I can’t imagine a better pairing.”
 

Without missing a beat, she looked up at her husband.
 
Her fingers flexed slightly on his forearm.
 
“I can only guess what might’ve happened if someone less honest found the necklace.
 
It was so good of her to notify Massimo of its discovery.
 
Such a piece should be worn, rather than stuffed to the back of a drawer as if it doesn’t exist, don’t you think?
 
And by the woman who was meant to find it?”

A cryptic look passed between his parents.
 
After the barest of nods to his wife, King Carlo bestowed a brilliant, genuine smile on Kelly.
 
“My wife is quite correct.
 
A necklace like that should be worn.
 
I’m pleased it found such a beautiful neck upon which to rest.”

After the pair returned to their table, Kelly said, “I still get the impression your father wasn’t so happy to see me wearing this.”

“I think he was just surprised.
 
My mother clearly liked seeing you wear it.
 
And so do I.”
 
He eased her a few steps further from the dance floor so they could speak privately.
 
“If I haven’t told you yet tonight, you look absolutely phenomenal.
 
You’re what makes that necklace look good.
 
Although” —he touched a dark spot just below her eye with his index finger— “you must’ve overexerted yourself dancing, because your mascara seems to have drifted.”

Her hand flew to her face.

“It’s not obvious,” he said on a laugh, then moved his finger against her skin.
 
“I think I can wipe it away.”

“Thank you, but it’s supposedly waterproof.
 
It’s not supposed to wipe away.
 
Or end up under my eyes, for that matter.
 
I was about to run to the restroom anyway, so I’ll clean it myself.”

“Dance with me when you return?”

“If you’re not already dancing.”

“I won’t be,” he promised.

She snaked her way through the crowd, finally disappearing behind a knot of his brother Alessandro’s friends.
 

Massimo turned the opposite direction, threading his way back to the dinner table so Kelly would be able to find him.
 
He’d nearly reached his seat when a man stepped in front of him.

“Prince Massimo,” Edward Robards said.
 
“Do you have a moment?”

“Of course.”

“In private.
 
I need to speak with you about Kelly Chase.”

Chapter Twenty-Six

If there was one thing Massimo didn’t like, it was following another man.
 
Particularly a man who hadn’t earned his respect.
 
While the Edward Robards he knew by reputation deserved respect, the Edward Robards who’d treated Kelly so poorly didn’t.
 
So when Robards spun on his heel and strode through the crowd toward the reception hall, Massimo fell in behind him only for as long as it took to grab the man’s elbow and stop him.

If a heart-to-heart with the ex would help Kelly close the book on the guy, fine.
 
But Massimo would do it on his own terms.

“We can speak through here,” Massimo said, indicating a door just behind the dining tables.

Robards expression made no secret of his desire to leave the room entirely, but was left with no choice but to follow Massimo.
 
Once he’d pushed through the door, Robards paused at the top of the stairs.

“It’s the passage to the kitchens,” Massimo explained.
 
“We’ll have privacy here on the landing.
 
The waitstaff don’t need to bring up dessert for another ten minutes.”
 
There.
 
He’d put a ticking clock on the conversation.
 
“Now, what is it you wish to tell me?”

The American hesitated.
 
When he spoke, his voice was cautious, as if imparting a secret.
 
“I’m afraid I find myself in an awkward situation, Your Highness.”

Facing a woman from whom you stole, Massimo thought with an inner snarl, and referring to it as “awkward” seemed a bit of an understatement.
 
“How so?”

“I was recently engaged to Ms. Chase.
 
We had planned to attend this event together.”

“So she told me.”

Robards didn’t bother to hide his surprise at the statement.
 
“Well, then perhaps you already know what else I plan to say.
 
When I sent back my RSVP last week, I did not include Ms. Chase.
 
I didn’t know she planned to attend despite our falling out.
 
I hope it doesn’t cause an inconvenience for Alberto.
 
I know he runs these affairs with the precision of a Swiss timepiece.”

The man was smooth.
 
Massimo would give him that.
 
“It’s entirely all right, Edward.
 
I brought Kelly as my guest.”

“I see.”
 
The Texan leaned against the wall.
 
If anyone opened the door, it’d smack him in the face.
 
“I know this isn’t the most opportune time or place, Your Highness, but…may I speak freely?”

This would be interesting.
 
Massimo crossed his arms over his chest.
 
“Be my guest.”

“I realize that you don’t know me personally, but I hope you know something about me.
 
I’ve worked very hard to build my business and my reputation.
 
I like to think I’ve surrounded myself with people of integrity.
 
It’s absolutely crucial to the success of my business, and I demand honesty in my personal dealings, as well.”

“Go on,” Massimo urged, wondering how the man planned to disparage Kelly.
 
Despite the CEO’s reputation for fairness and generosity, Massimo suspected that was Robards’ ultimate goal.

“I must warn you about Ms. Chase.
 
You can take what I say with a grain of salt—after all, she is my ex—but I have no reason to badmouth her.
 
It would only reflect on me and my choices.”
 
Robards sucked in a deep breath, as if daring himself to utter his next sentence.
 
“She cannot be trusted.”