Page 77

‘No,’ Erik said. ‘It’s leaked, the press are going wild, and there’s no stopping it now.’

But that didn’t mean Domenico wouldn’t lash out in other ways. Maybe the encounter in the courtyard—with those witnesses—had been a good thing to stave off Domenico stirring trouble. But more evidence of their ‘happy’ marriage might be necessary to prevent anything more. ‘Confirm it, please. Full support.’

‘Always.’ Erik paused. ‘Can I talk to her? I tried phoning her earlier but she didn’t pick up.’

‘She’s just getting settled. I’m sure she’ll be in touch later. I’m encouraging her to stay offline…that video was upsetting.’ He huffed a breath. ‘Enjoy your time with Antonella, and don’t worry about either of us.’

‘I’m not worried, I’m fascinated. I just can’t imagine a world in which you two aren’t slicing bits off each other with rapier comments. I know you’re secretive but even so, this wasn’t on my bingo card today, brother.’ Erik laughed openly. ‘I’d better let you go enjoy your wedding night—’

Alex hung up on him and gripped the railing. Wedding night? He blinked at his body’s immediate and shocking reaction to that idea.

What the fuck?

Chapter Six

Tilly had glared as Alex walked off into that waiting—adoring—crowd. She’d almost not wanted him to leave her. Doubtless he had a billion things to do but she felt abandoned and she’d been abandoned too many times already.

Idiot. This isn’t even real. Yet she’d married him. Alex Montesi, the wild prince and irritatingly gorgeous jerk who hated her as much as she hated him. Turning, she encountered Bianca’s veiled scrutiny and remembered she was supposed to be deliriously happy. Delirious, sure. Definitely not happy.

‘The fortress is amazing.’ Tilly pulled herself together. Where dimoro miele was an opulent jewel of glittering gold and cream, the old fortress rose from the bare rock as if part of it—dark grey and rough-hewn.

Zaffira was one of three small islands just off the coast of Montaurella and had been through several incarnations over the centuries—from monastery, to garrison, to prison, to quarantine camp. Now it was the playground of the Crown Prince. In the seven years since he’d returned from university and made it his permanent home, Alex had restored the fortress and constructed several other buildings so it was now a luxurious compound for high-level achievement—and entertainment.

‘It’s much bigger than I realised.’ The man had effectively set up a rival court.

‘Several of the house staff live on the island because it’s easier than a daily commute. Some analysts spend two or three week nights here. There’s a crèche for staff children and we can use the tennis court and pool. Some areas are off-limits to all staff except for Carlos and me and Rafa, the head of security who was on board with you.’

Tilly nodded. This all sounded far more wholesome and progressive than Alex had implied. ‘Who’s Carlos?’

‘My husband, the head chef. We all have lunch together in the fortress’s banquet hall.’

‘Including Alex?’

‘Unless he’s at an engagement. I’m sure everyone would love to see you there too. Sometimes Alex has someone flown in to perform on a Friday afternoon.’

Ah, the parties. She couldn’t immediately spot a dance floor and DJ deck but just because they weren’t obvious didn’t mean they weren’t there.

‘Does Alex live in the fortress too?’

Bianca turned towards her, surprise in her eyes. ‘No.’

Mistake. Tilly’s cheeks heated. If they were truly intimate she should know where he lived. ‘It must seem strange that I’ve never visited Zaffira before.’

‘Keeping your relationship secret must have been difficult,’ Bianca politely offered. ‘Now you’re finally together, hopefully you can relax.’

‘Yes,’ Tilly answered faintly. So it was obvious she was completely on edge.

‘And I’m very sorry you’ve had to endure that other trouble online,’ Bianca added softly. ‘No one should have to deal with cruel rubbish like that.’

Tilly dropped her gaze. Bianca’s kindness exacerbated her guilt about lying, but she appreciated the sentiment because honestly that video was mortifying. She’d seen some commentary before closing out of it this morning—people knew it was obviously fake because they mocked her actual frigidity. She felt less than human—utterly unwanted—and there’d been many times when she’d genuinely been unwanted.

‘If you turn that way you’ll see Alex’s home,’ Bianca invited.

Tilly obeyed and drew in a shocked breath. The sleek modern building was built into the hillside, the concrete, steel and glass structure blending with the rock beautifully. Cantilevered balconies provided shade and shelter from the elements—it was stark and stunning.

‘Come on.’ Smiling, Bianca pointed out amenities as they passed them—pool, spa, gym, cinema. ‘There are private paths to the ferry, the helipad and the stables.’

Tilly’s breath caught. ‘There are stables?’