Diamonds are Forever

CHAPTER TEN




“WHEN I do, there might not be a wedding.”

Alex clutched the rim of the pool. She had never fought so hard to remain in control. “From your demeanor I assumed as much.” She swallowed hard. “Under normal circumstances engagements are made to be broken. That’s what they’re for, to see if both parties are ready for the big commitment. But there’s nothing normal about your life, which has been in crisis for a very long time.”

His rigid body seemed to tauten more, if that was possible.

“The ring I gave you didn’t help. It reminded you of your duty and made everything all too real. Don’t you know I understand?” she cried softly.

He breathed heavily. “That’s the point. You don’t.” His voice was gruff.

She edged away from him a few inches. “Maybe not completely, but give me credit for realizing what this news will do to your father and mother. I’d do anything for you, Lucca, but I’m afraid in this case I don’t know how to help you. This is a situation that needs the wisdom of Solomon to sort out.”

“His wisdom would tell us a marriage based on a lie is no marriage.”

Alex treaded water for a moment while she gathered her thoughts. “I agree, but I don’t know what you’re talking about. We were totally honest with each other. Regina knows everything. You said your parents are aware of the relationship with your lover, so what you just said doesn’t make sense.”

“Take my word for it, it does.” His eyes closed tightly. “There’s something I didn’t tell you when I asked you to marry me.”

“Lucca—if you’re afraid to admit you have a child with this woman, don’t be. The possibility did cross my mind. Is she afraid I’ll keep you from recognizing it or some such crazy thing? I’d never do that to anyone. After growing up without my parents, I’d do everything in my power to help you make sure your son or daughter was welcomed and loved.”

She heard a strange sound come from his throat before he smoothed his black hair off his forehead. “What if I told you there isn’t another woman?”

Alex was pretty sure her face had gone a paste color, but she refused to fall apart now. “Do you mean you and Carlo? Sometimes I’ve felt he didn’t like me, and I wondered if it was jealousy on his part.”

“Santa Vergine! I’m almost afraid to hear what’s going to come out of your mouth next. Obviously, that database in your mind has run through every possible conclusion except for the one answer not programmed. There were two reasons I lied to you.

“The first was because I owed my loyalty to Princess Sofia.”

“Of San Marino?”

“So you know of her.”

“Yes.” Alex’s love for Lucca had caused her to learn everything she could from Regina about the women in his life. She wasn’t proud of her jealousy, which had driven her to look up their pictures on the Internet.

“We’ve been friends for many years and our parents wanted us to marry, but neither of us were inclined. Recently she confided that as soon as I got married she would forsake her title and live her life in Africa doing missionary work, but we’ve had to keep everything a secret for obvious reasons. Until she told me it was all right, I couldn’t tell you.”

Alexandra’s chin lifted. “Instead you let me think she was a love interest. Why bother?”

She heard him draw in a labored breath as if this was the last thing he wanted to confess. “I didn’t want you to think there was anything more to my proposal than a business transaction that would be beneficial to both of us.”

Everything went dead inside Alex. “And that’s what has caused all this needless suffering?” She laughed at him before getting out of the pool. Within seconds she’d slipped into her wrap and sandals.

“Don’t you realize I know I’m the last woman any man would want unless he needs a consort within six hours? I thought you understood that, when we made our pact on the way to the airport. You didn’t need to pretend Princess Sofia was your lover on my account.

“When I think of all the needless hours I’ve spent trying to figure out ways to help you …” Her eyes glittered like silver shards. “Well, now that you’ve gotten that off your chest, relax! Enjoy your swim! As for me, I’m going to bed and spend tomorrow with my family. If you’re smart, you’ll enjoy the bachelor party Regina told me your friends have planned for you.”

She gave him the benefit of her full-bodied smile. “The next time we see each other will be in church. Hopefully we’ll both stay upright throughout the ordeal. You’re going to make a splendid king. Ciao, Lucca.”

As soon as she reached her suite, she turned white-faced to her bodyguards trailing after her. “Would you two mind staying in here tonight as a special favor to me? One of you can lie on the lounger on the terrace, and the other on the couch in the sitting room. If anyone tries to come in either way, and I mean anyone, don’t let them. Especially Lucca. It’s bad luck for him to see me before the wedding.”

She was thankful they’d be around till morning. Their presence would ensure she didn’t sob her heart out all night. It would take her until the day after tomorrow to recover enough to get through the ceremony. Once she and Lucca went off on their honeymoon, he would learn the true meaning of a business transaction.


“You look so beautiful I can’t believe it. That dress … The eggshell silk is perfect with your eyes, and the simplicity of it is pure genius on your figure.”

Lucca’s sister had come into her room at the last minute to walk downstairs with her. Alex had to admit the dressmaker had outdone herself. The cap sleeves and rounded neck were the right style for her.

“You’re tall enough to wear something that flows and flows. At times like this I wish I could grow about four more inches.”

“You’re ravishing the way you are, Regina.” Today she was in a filmy gown of the softest shade of lavender.

“I still don’t understand why the dressmaker didn’t fasten your diamond pin on it.”

Alex could have told her why. Lucca had taken it back. No more pretense. “I’m not worried. I’m sure there’s a perfectly logical explanation.”

Regina frowned. “I hope so. My brother was in such a bad way this morning, everyone ran clear of him.”

“It’s called the bachelor blues. After his party he’s feeling trapped.”

“No, Alexandra. Something terrible was bothering him. He wouldn’t talk to anybody.”

“Well, he has to give a speech today. I don’t suppose he’s looking forward to it.”

“He gives speeches all the time. That’s not what’s wrong. You really haven’t seen him since night before last?”

“No. We went swimming and then we said good-night.”

If Lucca had tried to come to her room in the last thirty-six hours, she didn’t know about it. She’d purposely turned off the phones so there’d be no chance for communication. Her bodyguards had done everything for her. They were great.

“You look a vision, Alexandra!” Lucca’s mother exclaimed. She swept into the room in a full-length gown of pale blue. In her arms she carried Alex’s alen?on lace veil. Behind her came the hairdresser holding a case.

“What’s inside?”

His mother smiled. “Your own tiara. Lucca had it specially made for you to wear when you entertain and go to official functions.”

He hadn’t said anything about entertaining when he’d asked her to marry him.

“It’s lightweight so your head won’t ache. I think what he’s had done with the diamond is stunning, don’t you?”

The diamond?

Alex watched as the hairdresser lifted it from the velvet lining. The entire piece was so delicate and lacy it looked like a fairy crown strung with golden spider webs. There was only one jewel. The green teardrop dominated the center. Alex gasped, because the tiara was the perfect setting for it.

Once it was placed on her head, everyone helped drape the veil while the hairdresser secured it.

Lucca’s mother kissed Alex’s forehead. “You’re a blessing to this family. We love you, my dear.”

“I love you, too,” Alex said with heartfelt emotion. Both of them wiped their tears away before Regina announced it was time.

“You’re right.” Her mother nodded. “My son went ahead half an hour ago. If I know him, and I do, he’s waiting most impatiently for the first sight of his bride.”

His very arranged bride.

The moment was bittersweet for so many reasons, not the least of them being the absence of both her parents. Yet no one could have been welcomed into a more wonderful family than the Vittorios.

Lucca’s father would attend the ceremony, but arrangements had been made for him to leave if he felt too weak. This was such a huge day for father and son, Alex hoped Rudy would be able to see all of it.

It took an army of people to help Alex down the palace steps to the limo where her uncle was waiting. There was a stream of limos lined up on the north drive to take everyone to the fifteenth-century cathedral in the upper part of the city.

“What a glorious sight you make, Alexandra. I’m proud to be your great-uncle.”

“Thank you, Uncle Yuri. You don’t know what it means to me to have my family here.”

“Lucca’s a lucky man, but he already knows that.”

Alex smiled but didn’t respond.

“Are you all right?”

“Yes.”

“Why do I get the feeling there’s something wrong? You can tell me.”

“I’m a little nervous.”

“Today you’re going to become Lucca’s wife. His queen. You look like one. When we reach the cathedral, act like one. Lift your head high so that when everyone goes to bed tonight, they’ll feel good knowing their new king is in the very best of hands.”

Her uncle had a way of looking at life that was touching and oddly enough stiffened her backbone. She did have a role to play, albeit a much less important one. But she would do it and show Lucca she wasn’t a person to be pitied. She leaned forward and caught his hand to squeeze it.

The city, lined with the royal flags, swarmed with people craning their necks to get a look as the limousine climbed the winding streets. It looked like the whole world had turned out for the coronation. After they stopped in front of the cathedral, everything became a blur.

Once Alex was helped out of the backseat, someone handed her a bouquet of white roses. Her uncle lowered the front of the veil over her face. Then he held her arm and they ascended the steps while dozens of photographers recorded their progress. She could hear organ music. People called to her and shouted, “Alexandra!”

Until they entered the cathedral, Alex smiled and turned her head to oblige them. Down the long aisle they walked, flanked by hundreds of beautifully dressed guests who filled the nave. The archbishop manned the pulpit. On his right stood Lucca, as straight as a lance and heartbreakingly resplendent in his white coronation suit and crown. He wore the wide blue ribbon from shoulder to waist that proclaimed him the crown prince.

Alex could see him through her veil, but she kept her eyes on his chest. He stepped forward to take her hand from Yuri and seat her next to him. Next to them sat his mother and father in full ceremonial dress. Her uncle sat down by Regina.

The whole time the archbishop led them in prayer, Lucca kept hold of her right hand in a firm grip while she balanced the roses with her left. When it ended, Lucca had perforce to let go of her and take his place in the centuries-old chair reserved for former sovereigns.

Wasting no time, the archbishop performed the rites. First the blue band was replaced with a red one, then Lucca’s crown was exchanged for the larger crown that proclaimed him king. Following that process he gave his coronation speech in Italian. She only understood bits and pieces here and there. No matter how he’d hurt Alex, a feeling of such fierce pride and love for him swept over her she was afraid she couldn’t contain it.

When his crown was removed, that was the signal for Regina to take the roses so Alex could stand by Lucca. At this point the archbishop led them in the wedding ceremony. Lucca did his part in Italian. Alex had been coached by Rudy’s assistant so she knew when it came time to do her part in English. Despite Lucca’s lack of affection for her, the vow she was about to make poured straight from her heart.

“I, Alexandra Carlisle Grigory, promise before the Church and Heaven to give my love, loyalty and devotion to my sovereign majesty and husband, His Royal Highness Lucca Umberto Schiaparelli Vittorio the Fifth, King of Castelmare, so help me God.”

Lucca turned and lifted the veil with both hands. She kept her eyes level with his compelling mouth as he leaned closer. Inside the privacy of the lace hiding both their faces he whispered, “Why else would I have kidnapped you from the House of Savoy if I hadn’t been totally and irrevocably in love with you?”


Alex came close to fainting from shock.

“But you wouldn’t have believed love could happen that fast if I’d told you the truth. I used Sofia shamelessly to make you feel sorry for me because I wasn’t about to return to Castelmare without you. I’d have said or done anything to have you, so be kind to me, amore mio.”

The kiss he gave her was a husband’s kiss, hot with desire, bringing her to pulsating life so fast she started to weave and had to cling to the arms still holding up her veil. Outside the waves of ecstasy enveloping her body she heard the archbishop clear his throat.

“Lucca,” she gasped quietly.

“You’re my very heart. Tell me what I need to hear,” he begged, “or I swear, my life means nothing.”

“You know I love you. Now please—”

“Your word is my command, bellissima.”

He arranged the veil behind the tiara. She knew her face was scarlet, but as Lucca took hold of her hand, she remembered her uncle’s advice and held her head high. The organ began to play and everyone got to their feet.

Lucca’s thumb made provocative circles against her palm as they walked down the aisle. The moment they stepped outside the doors, she heard the cheers of the crowd.

“Viva il re! Viva Alexandra!”

The sound of church bells pealed sonorously over the city. But even louder were the fireworks shooting off inside her body as he kissed her again to the delight of their onlookers.

Together they descended the steps to the horse-drawn coach waiting at the bottom. As Lucca helped her inside, their eyes met. “We managed to stay upright, but don’t plan on being in that position any longer than it takes for us to reach the yacht.”

Alex wondered if her cheeks would ever go back to their normal color. “Have you no shame, Your Majesty?”

His white smile dazzled her. “None at all, Your Majesty.” He climbed in next to her. A footman closed the door. “As breathtaking as you look,” he murmured against her mouth, “there’s one sight I haven’t seen yet. I’ve been living for it.

“Now wave to the crowd. They came to look at you. Today you’re making history, mia moglie.”

His wife. The most beautiful word in the world.

“Darling? Don’t you think we should get up, if only to let your crew know we’re alive?”

Lucca pulled her higher across his chest, trapping her with his powerful legs. “Every time the steward takes back another empty tray to the kitchen, he knows there are two people creating their own paradise.”

She covered his impossibly handsome face with kisses, unable to get enough of him. “But it’s been three days.”

“Is my wife embarrassed because we haven’t left the bedchamber in all that time?”

“No.” She slid her arms around his neck. Looking into his slumberous black eyes she said, “I don’t care if the whole world knows we’ve been this happy. Do you suppose Carlo has told your father?”

The smile she loved broke out on his face. “You mean, that we’ve been working on his grandchild day and night? There’s no doubt about it. Did I tell you I’ve been having the time of my life in the process? Come closer, you gorgeous thing.”

Alex needed no urging. Their mouths fused in passion. Once more the joy of making love with her husband surpassed all other experiences. There was no end to his giving or hers. At times the beauty of it brought her to tears.

“I don’t ever want to do anything else,” she admitted an hour later, temporarily sated by rapture. He looked down at her and his hands stilled in her hair. A look of profound seriousness had entered his eyes. “What is it?” she asked, so attuned to him already it was as if they were one.

“I never wanted to be king, but I’ve changed my mind.”

Her breath caught. “Why is that?”

“These past three days have shown me a whole new life. I’ve discovered I want to spend as much of it as possible with you. We’ll do everything together. Unlike most men who don’t take their wives to work, it’s expected that I involve you in the country’s affairs.

“What’s wonderful about the palace is that my home and my work place are under the same roof. We’ll always be together, always travel together.”

Alex couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “My secret dream growing up was to find one man who would love only me and want to be with me all the time, but I didn’t think it was possible.”

“It’s more than possible,” he said before plundering her mouth once more. Time passed before she became cognizant of it again. They ended up lying on their sides holding each other.

“I want to make up for all your years of loneliness.”

She cupped his handsome face in her hands. “You already have. I’m so happy it hurts, Lucca.”

“Then you have some idea of how I feel. To think I found you on the very day I’d given up hope of ever knowing true fulfillment.”

Alex ran a hand through his hair. “No one but a person like the Princess Sofia knows the kind of burden you’ve had to bear. Do you think Regina feels it the same way?”

“Yes,” he whispered against her lips. “Papa ingrained it into her that she’s second in line to the throne. No matter what, she’ll always do her duty.”

“Just like you. But what if she never meets a royal she loves the way we love each other?”

Lucca sighed into her neck. “I lie awake nights worrying about that. I’d give anything for my sister to know the kind of ecstasy you and I have found, but I refuse to worry about it right now. This time is for us, squisita.”

“Oh, darling.” She half sobbed with joy, unable to stop covering his face with kisses. “Ti amo,” she said against his eyes. “Sono innamorata di te,” she whispered against his jaw. “Ti adoro,” she mouthed the words against his lips.

“Someone’s been teaching you besides me,” he growled into her neck.

“I asked Professor Emilio to help me with some phrases for the honeymoon.”

Lucca let go with full-bodied laughter. The happy sound reached right down inside her soul.

“Did I say them right?” Her beautiful gray eyes beseeched him.

He sobered. “Perfetto. I’m the luckiest man alive, Alexandra. We were meant to be together.”

“I wanted to belong to you the moment you commanded me in your monarch voice, ‘Come back and sit down, Signorina Grigory. I’m not through with you.’”

Lucca crushed her in his arms. “I was a monster. I don’t know how you put up with me. Love me again so I know I’m not dreaming,” he whispered urgently. “I’ve only begun to live.”