Exclusive!: Hollywood Life or Royal Wife? / Marriage Scandal, Showbiz Baby! / Sex, Lies and a Security Tape

‘That is true. I’m sorry.’

‘Plus, you don’t know how difficult it was, there on my own. I knew nobody. Everyone expected me to fit in as if I’d been there all my life. When I met that girl and she gave me the doctor’s name I felt better, realising I wasn’t the only one who found it difficult to keep up the pace and—’

‘You don’t need to explain,’ he interrupted, placing his hands firmly on her shoulders. ‘I understand. I just hope that from now on you won’t feel the need to ruin your health, your youth and your beauty, that’s all.’ She looked up at him, read the sincerity in his gaze and swallowed. ‘If you hate Hollywood so much, why go back?’

‘I have a contract with Ed.’

‘But what about the actual work? I thought you enjoyed acting,’ he said, signalling to a servant to lay the coffee tray on a low Ottoman by the parapet.

‘I do. That’s why I have to overcome this stupid fear, these silly inhibitions I have. It’s absurd when I’ve been offered the chance of a lifetime. I’ve always wanted to act. Being taken to Hollywood and given this opportunity was all I’d ever dreamed of. It’s just that now I—’ She shrugged, looked out over the sea. ‘It’s all so superficial, so fake. Not at all as I imagined it. Again, just a sort of fantasy.’

‘That’s just how you described this place.’

‘Well, I didn’t mean it quite like that. It’s a different kind of fantasy.’

‘I’m glad you think so. I would hate to think that I live in a Hollywood dream world. I happen to have very real projects for this island.’

‘I’m sure you do,’ she said, seeing a gleam in his eye. ‘Very different to where I come from. That’s just pretty and old fashioned and comfortable.’

‘But you love it?’

‘Yes, I do. It’s home.’

‘And you regret the necessity of having to leave it?’

‘I—’ All of a sudden Victoria remembered Anne’s comments, her financial advisors’ insistence that she change her domicile, and all the reasons she hadn’t wanted to come to Malvarina surfaced. Was this man just trying to seduce her into investing in his island?

‘I’m sorry. That was a personal question and none of my business,’ he murmured. ‘But if, while you’re here, you would like to visit some property I can arrange it.’

‘Thanks,’ she answered, a cold chill rushing through her. ‘Would you mind awfully if I went to bed now? I’m really rather tired after everything that’s happened.’

‘Of course. You must be. I will accompany you upstairs and see that all is in order.’

‘Oh, please—don’t bother,’ she said hastily, getting up and taking a step back. ‘I’m sure I’ll find my way. Goodnight.’ She waved her hand abstractedly, then turned, quickly entered the large living room and headed towards the hall and the stairs.

WHAT HAD HE SAID to upset her? Rodolfo asked himself as he watched Victoria disappear into the shadows like a white and silver ghost. Had it been the mention of visiting property on the island? He had merely wanted to be of help. But he was fast realising that there was much more to this sensitive young woman than met the eye. Their kiss remained imprinted on his lips and the desire to possess her made him take a deep breath.

He stood pensive for a moment, then decided that he too would turn in early. He would have to take it slowly with Victoria. But he knew now that he definitely wanted to take her to his bed. But she was still fragile, and she was also his guest, and therefore he owed her every courtesy.

After a quick snifter of brandy he walked up the castello’s wide, ancient staircase, glanced at Victoria’s door, then with a veiled smile headed on towards his own suite of apartments and his lonely bed.

CHAPTER FOUR

A SHAFT OF BRIGHT SUNLIGHT piercing the heavy blue brocade curtains woke her.

At first she had no idea where she was, wondered for a moment if she was on a film set. Then she saw her luggage in the far corner of the room. Little by little the events of the previous day played out and she remembered everything—from the terrible morning to the flight to the airport and, later, the kiss on the terrace yesterday evening.

At the thought of the latter, a delicious shiver coursed through her. She had never been kissed like that before. The thought that it could reoccur left her anxious, yet filled with a new and exciting anticipation. Of course Rodolfo wanted nothing but a fleeting sexual affair, an amusing interlude to pass the time. Maybe that was why he’d asked her here? But, whatever the reason, she surely could handle it? Surely she was mature enough to indulge in an affair without getting hurt? It was time she got some experience of life and love. Perhaps he was exactly the kind of man to gain that experience with. After all, there were no strings attached, plus he was a gentleman, and she’d never found any man so devastatingly attractive.

An hour later she was downstairs, dressed in a short white flared cotton designer skirt, small pink T-shirt and matching flat fifties-style shoes.

‘I hope you slept well?’ the Prince said when she joined him at the breakfast table.

Victoria smiled, noted how attractive he looked, dressed in jeans and a white polo shirt.

‘Great, thanks.’

‘Please sit down.’ He’d risen to greet her and now they both sat at the glass table laid with attractive ceramic crockery. Not at all palatial, she thought with a tiny smile, feeling at ease as she sipped a delicious glass of chilled orange juice.

‘I have taken the liberty of asking my doctor to come after breakfast and check you over. Then, I thought I would take you around the island, and we can lunch on board my yacht, the Mona Lisa.’

‘Well, that’s very kind. But I feel fine, and am sure I don’t need medical assistance.’

‘Perhaps. But indulge me and see Dottore Manfreddo. He is the Royal Physician and a delightful character. That way we’ll both be assured that you are all right and we can forget that whole incident—okay?’

‘All right,’ she agreed with a reluctant smile.

‘As soon as you’re finished with him we’ll set sail.’

‘I’d love to. By the way, you suggested that I look at some property while I’m here. I think that’s a good idea. I might as well make good use of my time,’ she said, breathing in the gorgeous day, looking out over the cliff at the superb view, clearer now that the heat haze had subsided.

‘Perfect. I can arrange for someone to show us something tomorrow.’

‘Great.’ Victoria realised that she hadn’t felt so good in a long time. There was something so agreeable and easy about Rodolfo that she’d never encountered in any man before. Not that she knew that many men, she realised ruefully. But Rodolfo seemed interested in her, and her life, and she was able to forget that he was a prince, that his reality was so different from hers.

Together they enjoyed a pleasant and interesting conversation over the delicious array of fruit and pastries set before her. ‘Gosh, I’ll have to be careful not to get fat here,’ she remarked, laughing.

‘I don’t see any danger of that happening,’ he answered, his eyes fleeting over her in that same scrutinizing, yet admiring manner they had yesterday. ‘Now, come. The doctor will be here any moment.’

‘SO, SIGNORINA, how are you feeling?’

‘I’m fine. Better than I’ve felt in a while.’

‘Good.’ The elderly doctor smiled a wrinkled but reassuring smile and placed his index finger on her pulse. ‘Your heart-rate seems perfect. No palpitations or shakiness since you have stopped taking the medication?’

‘No. I don’t even feel that I need it.’

‘Excellent,’ he approved. ‘I think you have been lucky, young lady. In fact you haven’t taken enough for it to harm you in the long run. But what will you do when you have to face a similar situation again?’

‘I don’t know,’ she said with a sigh. ‘I’ll just have to cross that river when I come to it?’

‘If you permit, I have another suggestion. Here in Malvarina we are very knowledgeable regarding herbal remedies and teas. There is a special tea, made of a local herb, that soothes the nerves without causing any harm to your system. I would recommend you take some with you when you leave. Sometimes, if you are feeling tense, you can have a nice cup of this brew and you will feel more relaxed without doing yourself any harm whatsoever. It is well known on the island. I drink it myself sometimes.’

‘Thank you, Doctor. That would be wonderful.’

‘Now, I want you to relax and take it easy for a few days—forget all this nonsense and enjoy yourself. That is the best way to recover.’

They both rose and shook hands.

‘Thank you again, Doctor. It was very nice of you to come.’

‘Not at all. Any request of the Prince’s is a pleasure.’

They walked out into the drawing room, where Rodolfo was waiting. ‘Everything okay, Doctor?’ he said frowning slightly.

‘Absolutely fine. Victoria is a healthy young woman and has not suffered any side-effects from the pills. I believe she did not take them long enough for them to harm her.’

‘Good.’ He let out a sigh of relief and smiled. ‘Thanks, Dottore.’

‘I recommended some of our special island tea. I’ll have some sent over later.’

‘Good idea.’

They all shook hands, then the doctor departed, leaving them alone.

‘Let’s go and enjoy the day.’ Rodolfo took her hand and together they walked towards the courtyard, where they’d arrived. A silver Porsche convertible stood gleaming in the sun. ‘Jump in,’ he said, opening the door for her, ‘and let’s go for a spin.’

Victoria sat in the car, hair blowing in the breeze. She loved the island immediately, the scent of the orange and lemon trees, the lovely faded terracotta houses peering lazily from behind olive groves overlooking the sea. There was a gentle sense of peace in this place, and a pace of life that she identified with.

With time to explore Malvaritza, she could see that all its charm had been preserved: there was a small crooked church in the main square, which was bordered by little cafés where some old men played backgammon and others drank coffee and passed the time of day. As Rodolfo had promised, the town also housed some lovely shops, filled with exclusive designer brands and jewellery and also quaint boutiques. But all this was incorporated into the architecture and atmosphere with such extreme good taste and grace that it didn’t spoil the overall feel of the place.

The town, she realised as they drove on down towards the sea—in fact the whole island—was like Rodolfo: tranquil, elegant and charming.

Soon they were entering a little fishing port below, and she could see a large yacht at anchor and wondered if that was the Mona Lisa.

Just as she was about to ask, Rodolfo pointed out to sea. ‘There she is,’ he said, a touch of pride in his voice. ‘I had her built three years ago.’

‘She’s beautiful,’ Victoria exclaimed, shading her eyes to take a better look at the vessel. She could see a small motor boat steered by a uniformed sailor approaching the shoreline as they parked the Porsche.

Minutes later they were on board the yacht. Leaning against the deck rail, Victoria sighed as the craft raised anchor and the vessel glided out to sea. Rodolfo stood next to her in the stern and together they watched the island recede.

‘You’re right about Malvarina, and I take back all the nasty things I said the other night in Cannes. It truly is a beautiful spot.’ Victoria smiled, relaxed now, the soft wind mussing her hair as she gazed over the side at the white ripples of the wake.

‘But not as beautiful as you,’ Rodolfo said softly, slipping a hand over hers.

Victoria swallowed. There was a choice to be made: she could pull her fingers away and pretend that none of this was happening, then get in touch with Anne and tell her she was heading back to England. Or, she could court adventure, live an exciting experience and be none the worse for wear.

Part of her wanted to run; another part knew she was mesmerised and that her whole being wanted Rodolfo as she’d never wanted a man before. His fingers still covered hers. By not removing them she was tacitly sending him a signal. And all at once Victoria realised that she needed to know what it felt like to be held in a man’s arms—a man whom she found devastatingly attractive and who knew the rules of a game she was far from proficient in. When his arm slipped about her shoulders she didn’t flinch or move away but allowed him to pull her close.

‘Ah, Victoria, you are so young and so lovely, cara,’ he murmured above the purr of the yacht’s engine. He wanted her, wanted to ravish her, take her to his bed and love her. But instinct told him not to rush it. After all, she’d just lived through an extraordinarily painful set of circumstances that had not yet been fully resolved. He must take care not to make things worse. He smiled down at her. ‘We’ll drop anchor by the Malva Caves. Have you ever snorkelled?’

‘Actually, no, but I’d like to try.’

‘Then you shall. We shall discover the caves together. You will enjoy that.’

‘I would love it,’ she agreed.

‘Then come on, and let’s look at the gear. Gino,’ he called to one of the smiling bronzed crew, ‘we need some snorkelling gear for Miss Woodward. Can you see to it?’

‘Of course, Your Royal Highness. Immediately.’ The man disappeared and returned minutes later with a mask and flippers. ‘I think these should fit the signorina perfectly,’ he said.

And he was right. Soon Victoria was wearing only the tiny white bikini that she’d slipped on under her clothes. She pulled on the flippers as the yacht slowed and dropped anchor near the entrance of a large cave, excited at the thought of snorkelling. Rodolfo helped her to the side of the boat and, laughing at their comic appearance, they dropped into the water.

Victoria had no fear of the sea, as she was a good swimmer, so she followed Rodolfo towards the cave without hesitation. Through her mask she could see deep down onto the sea bed. Multicoloured fish glided below her, sea plants and shells shimmered as the sunlight illuminated the water. Then they arrived at the entrance of the cave and the sun gave way to dark shadows. Shortly afterwards Rodolfo stopped by a ledge and they rested, their arms reposing upon it.

‘It’s an amazing place,’ Victoria exclaimed, pulling up her mask and peering around at the beautiful glistening blues and greens shimmering on the walls.

‘It’s the phosphorescent stone that gives it this effect,’ he answered. ‘Are you feeling okay? Shall we continue?’

‘Great, thanks. Let’s explore further.’

They lowered their masks once more and headed into the winding passages of the cave, which Rodolfo obviously knew well.

It was as they were heading back to the entrance of the main cave that Victoria felt a sudden suction dragging her down. She swam harder, fighting against the spiralling current, her legs and arms beating frantically. But instead of abating the suction grew stronger, as though an underwater cyclone was drawing her down into the dark depths below. Rodolfo was up ahead. Soon he would be out of reach.

Victoria panicked. Naturally he thought she was following close behind—had no idea she was desperately struggling to keep her head above water. In a fraught movement Victoria struggled with her mask and air pipe and finally managed to remove them.

‘Rodolfo!’ she yelled between gulps of water, as loud as her breathless voice would carry. But he simply went on swimming. ‘Please, Rodolfo, help!’ she cried again, her strength giving out.

Just as she thought she could not go on, that the water would win this battle and suck her under, she saw him turn.

Horrified, Rodolfo swam back as fast as he could. Something was happening under the water! He’d heard of this once before, many years ago. But the phenomena had never been known to occur again, and he hadn’t thought of the caves as in any way dangerous. Diving under the gloomy water, he scooped Victoria in his arms and pulled her to the surface. She spluttered, could barely breathe, and clung to him for dear life.

‘Victoria, cara mia!’ he cried, securing her in a life-saving position and swimming with her back out into the open as fast as he could. The crew, who were watching attentively from the yacht, immediately realised that something was amiss. Within seconds Victoria was being lifted into a dinghy, where she lay in Rodolfo’s arms still fighting for breath.

‘What happened, cara? What did you feel?’ he asked anxiously, as little by little her breathing normalised and she was able to speak.

‘It was as if something was sucking me down below the surface. It was a pretty strong current that was impossible to resist…I thought I—’

‘Shush—just relax and don’t talk, cara. You’ll be all right. I feel terrible that I unwittingly subjected you to such an experience. I shall have the caves roped off against swimming. It is too dangerous. Dio, anything could have happened!’

‘Such a thing has not occurred for over fifty years, Your Royal Highness,’ one of the older crew members said as they reached the yacht.

‘I know. But I should have remembered,’ Rodolfo said, in self-reproach as he carried Victoria up the steps and on board. There he laid her carefully onto the cushions in the stateroom. At once one of the sailors brought water and cognac and Rodolfo made her drink.

‘Have some of this. It will make you feel much better,’ he said, tilting the glass towards her lips.

‘I’m fine, really,’ she whispered, trying to sit up on her elbows. ‘Just a little shocked, that’s all.’

‘I know. But now you’ll be okay.’ He brushed the hair from her face and looked into her eyes. ‘I would never have forgiven myself if something had happened to you.’

Their eyes held and Victoria felt her heart racing once more. Was he about to kiss her again? she wondered, a thrill jolting her. Even in her weakened state she longed for his touch. The answer came as his lips met hers. Not hard and hot, like the day before, but tenderly, languorously, as though seeking to know her every secret. His arms came about her and he held her close. It felt wonderful, warm and secure, and for a moment Victoria floated, forgot her troubles and luxuriated in the feel of his mouth, which moved more urgently now, plundering as she responded. Her arms slipped up around his neck and she held him, her body racked with delicious new sensations and a longing for all that she had yet to learn.

‘Victoria, I want you,’ he whispered, gazing into her eyes. ‘I want you as I have only wanted once before in my life,’ he murmured, his voice was low and husky, filled with patent desire.

The truth was she wanted him too. As she’d never wanted any man before. She had never known such want existed until now. But what would be the consequences of such an act? What would it lead to? And did she care?

As though realising that what he had just said was inappropriate in the present circumstances, Rodolfo rose and stepped away. ‘We are nearing the shore,’ he said, clearing his throat. ‘I will bring your clothes.’

Half an hour later they approached the castle. Even as Victoria tried to step shakily out of the Porsche, Rodolfo picked her up and, despite her protests, carried her into the castle and up the wide staircase to her room, where he laid her down on the lace coverlet covering the huge bed.

‘You must rest now,’ he said, pulling the sheet over her. ‘Later, when you are feeling better, we can talk.’

She smiled, feeling suddenly drowsy, the brandy and the shock of what had occurred taking effect. A few minutes later she was asleep.

DOWNSTAIRS ON THE TERRACE, Rodolfo gazed thoughtfully out to sea. Today something unexpected had occurred, something he would never have imagined. He had experienced the fear of losing not just a guest, or a woman he was attracted to, but something more—something that reminded him so poignantly of Giada. The more he thought about it, the more he wondered if his attraction for Victoria wasn’t just the usual passing shaft of desire that needed to be satisfied, but something deeper—something that spoke of emotion, of a need to share?

Ridiculous! he chided himself. He barely knew the girl, and what he did know wasn’t a particularly good recommendation. What if she began taking narcotics again? How would he feel about that? But deep down he’d already realised that the reason she’d fallen into that trap was because of her desperate need to overcome an inner shyness, a sort of claustrophobia that she couldn’t handle and a lack of experience. If the circumstances were removed, and now she was aware of the true dangers, the problem would probably be resolved. For she was a sensitive, vulnerable woman, not used to the hard, tough atmosphere of the movie business. It wasn’t surprising she’d resorted to alternative measures to help her through the ordeal.

But what about the future? Victoria was scheduled to star in Ed Banes’s next movie, which was due to begin filming in six weeks. If some measure was not taken she could just fall back into the old routine.

He clenched his fist. Not if he had anything to do with it! Whatever happened between him and Victoria had nothing to do with his determination to make certain that she be shielded from the more disagreeable aspects of the movie business. How, he didn’t know yet. But he’d find a way.

CHAPTER FIVE

VICTORIA SLEPT FOR SOME hours, but awoke feeling revived and ready to join Rodolfo for dinner.

To her surprise, nothing was ready when first she entered the huge drawing room, with its eighteenth-century Italian elegance, and glanced into the formal dining room. She walked out onto the terrace. Evening had fallen and she saw Rodolfo, tall and slim, etched in moonlight, one foot raised on the low stone parapet, looking out over the cliffs to the midnight sea beyond.

‘Good evening,’ she said, moving onto the terrace to join him, a rush of heat surging through her as she watched him—so dark, handsome, sexy and attractive.

‘Ah, Victoria, you are better, cara?’ He moved quickly to her side and took her arm solicitously. ‘Come and sit down over here,’ he said, indicating one of the wrought-iron chairs to his right.

‘I’m fine, really. I feel no after-effects whatsoever.’

‘Good. Then why don’t we go directly to my apartment? I have a surprise for you.’ Looping his arm through hers, he drew her inside. Together they walked through the Great Hall and on towards one of the wings of the castle where Rodolfo had an apartment of his own.

‘It’s lovely,’ Victoria exclaimed as they walked inside the high-ceilinged living room. She was amazed to see how modern the decoration was compared to the rest of the castello, which retained its classical style. In contrast this apartment was dotted with exquisitely designed Italian leather furniture and medieval antiques. Halogen lights played on brightly coloured abstract canvases hanging on the centuries-old walls. Opening straight onto the vast living space was an ultra-modern kitchen.

‘So this is where you make your culinary delights?’ Victoria teased, sitting down on one of the steel bar stools topped with velvet cushions and leaning on the granite counter as Rodolfo moved towards the stove.

‘Here it is,’ he said, raising his hands. ‘I hope you’ll like my pasta. That’s what’s on the menu tonight. We’ll have a drink on the balcony, and then you can lay the table while I prepare the food.’ He leaned over and pulled a bottle of virgin olive oil off the shelf in readiness.

‘What? No servants, no pomp and ceremony?’ she queried mischievously.

‘No. Tonight it’s just you and me, cara, and that full moon out there. A drink?’ Without waiting for her to answer he selected a glass for her and poured from a wine bottle already uncorked on the counter.

‘Thanks.’ Victoria glanced at the glass he handed her, eyeing the rich dark red liquid.

‘To your quick recovery,’ he said, raising his own glass.

‘To a successful dinner,’ she returned, raising her glass.