The Cost of Her Innocence

CHAPTER EIGHT



BETH STEPPED OUT of the car and glanced around. It was dark, but she had a brief glimpse of the façade of the house, and large double doors standing open, sending a broad beam of light into the night as Dante took her arm and led her inside.

Dante introduced her to Sophie, his housekeeper, and her husband, Carlo, and three more staff whose names she didn’t register as he walked her across the marble floor to a grand staircase.

‘I’ll show you to your room.’ He glanced at his wristwatch. ‘You have forty-five minutes to settle in. Sophie insists on serving dinner no later than nine, and as she has worked here since before I was born I don’t dare argue with her.’

‘That’s good of you,’ Beth said with a surprised smile, and her smile broadened when Dante ushered her into her room. It was unmistakably feminine, all white and pastel pink, with painted antique furniture, and definitely not the master bedroom—which was a huge relief to her.

‘Thank you. This is a lovely room.’

‘Don’t thank me, thank Sophie. It was her choice. I told her a female friend was staying for a couple of weeks and obviously she is trying to impress you.’

‘I will,’ Beth murmured as he left.

Carlo arrived with her luggage and a maid, who showed her the dressing room and bathroom.

Fifteen minutes later, feeling refreshed and slightly more relaxed, Beth stepped out of the shower and wrapped a soft white towel around her before walking into the dressing room. The staff were gone and her luggage was unpacked, and she quickly found the drawer that contained her lingerie, withdrawing matching white lace briefs and bra and slipping them on.

Sitting at the dressing table, she brushed her hair and applied moisturiser to her face. With a flick of mascara to her long lashes and a touch of tinted gloss to her lips she was ready.

After exactly forty-five minutes Beth descended the staircase to the hall, wearing a knee-length wraparound green jersey silk dress that tied in a bow at the side, and black kitten-heeled shoes.

Reaching the bottom of the stairs, she looked around the huge reception hall. She tried the first of two doors on the left and was relieved to see it was the dining room. She walked in and paused.

Standing by a marble fireplace, a glass in his hand, was Dante.

‘Drinking already!’ she blurted, insanely disturbed by the sight of Dante in a black lounge suit. His stunning physical presence was almost overwhelming, and suddenly she was no longer relaxed but tense.

‘I could say you are enough to drive any man to drink in that dress,’ he responded, his dark eyes roaming appreciatively over her as he crossed to where she stood and took her arm. ‘You look beautiful.’

‘Thank you,’ she murmured. The warmth of his strong hand on her arm was sending her pulse haywire. She was just about holding herself together, but if he didn’t let go of her soon she was liable to melt in a puddle at his feet—or strangle him. Dante infuriated her and fascinated her in equal measure. He was like a force of nature—magnificent but sometimes deadly....

Minutes later, with Dante seated at the top of a long dining table and Beth to his right, Sophie appeared with the first course. Carlo followed with the wine and offered to fill her glass.

Beth said water would be fine for her.

Dante’s dark brows rose, but as realisation hit him an approving smile curved his firm lips. ‘Which would you prefer, Beth? Sparkling or still?’

‘Still water, please.’ Shaking out her napkin, she put it on her lap.

Sophie served the meal—a plate of delicious antipasta, followed by a tasty mushroom risotto and then perfectly seasoned sea bass.

Dante drank wine and kept her glass topped up with water, and made easy, informative conversation. Beth learned his was a working estate, which included a vineyard, and he regaled her with stories of his childhood—how as a six-year-old he had tried to tread grapes in a bucket to make his own wine, much to his father’s amusement, and other episodes that despite herself made her chuckle.

She mentioned the painting hanging above the fireplace and he told her it was of his father, who had died at the age of fifty-two in a car accident. The paintings in the hall and on the stairway were of his ancestors. Somehow the family portraits brought home to Beth just what she had let herself in for over the next three years....

Beth’s appetite had disappeared by dessert—mainly because she was beginning to warm to this relaxed, witty Dante in his home environment and could not relax herself. She found her eyes straying to his mouth, found herself swallowing hard as he unselfconsciously licked his lips.

When he suggested they have coffee in the main salon she pushed back her seat and stood up. ‘If you don’t mind I’ll give the coffee a miss.’ She deliberately patted her stomach. ‘I’m tired after all the travelling, the doctor and everything. I’d like to go to bed.’

His dark eyes narrowed on her. ‘Okay, I’ll see you to your room.’

Ascending the stairs with Dante’s oddly protective hand on her back, she asked herself how the cool, successful Beth of three months ago could have been dumb enough to get herself in this position. She turned at the door to her room and glanced at Dante, to say goodnight. But the hand at her back slid around her waist, and with his free hand he opened the bedroom door and backed her inside.

‘Goodnight, Dante,’ she said firmly, and put her hands on his chest to ward him off.

He caught her hands on his shirtfront in one of his much larger ones. ‘Surely our relationship warrants a goodnight kiss—?’

‘That’s not necessary,’ she cut in. His dark eyes met hers and she saw the gleam of desire in their black depths. She could not move.

‘It is necessary for me,’ he said huskily before his mouth captured hers.

It all happened so fast. One minute she was outside her room, saying goodnight, and the next she was inside, held against Dante’s long body, her hands flailing ineffectually at him. But with humiliating speed her resistance faded under the seductive persuasion of his lips. Her hands were no longer hitting him but clasping his broad shoulders, and a soft moan escaped her as his mouth drew her deeper into the kiss.

Dante raised his head, his glittering gaze skimming over her. His eyes lingered on the curve of her breasts revealed by the wrap-over neckline of her dress, and he slipped light fingers beneath the white lace bra to stroke and shape a burgeoning peak. ‘I like your lingerie, Beth, but I prefer you naked,’ he said throatily, and took her lush mouth with his again.

She linked her hands behind his neck as his tongue twined with hers, stoking the heat of arousal simmering inside her. Beth was aware only of Dante, of the heady taste of him, the pleasure of his touch driving every conscious thought from her mind.

So it was all the more shocking when suddenly his hands gripped her waist and he physically lifted her to hold her at arm’s length.

Limbs weak, she swayed towards him—but his grip tightened and her eyes widened, finally focusing on his harshly handsome face. She saw leashed passion in the dark eyes, but she also saw a determination in the hard line of his mouth that told her the ardent lover was gone and in his place was the autocratic Dante.

‘I want you, Beth, and I could have you now. Your body tells me that every time I touch you.... If it is any consolation it is exactly the same for me. The physical chemistry between us is dynamite,’ he said bluntly. ‘But we need to get a few things straight.’

Battling to control her wayward senses, Beth was mortified—and suddenly becoming aware the bodice of her dress was gaping wider to reveal her bra simply made it worse. Though knowing this fire in the blood, this instant attraction, was the same for him was some consolation. Speechless, she stared at him.

‘To make this marriage work we need some ground rules. The first one being obvious. We will have a normal relationship; I am not cut out to be celibate and neither are you.’

Beth tried to adjust the top of her dress.

‘No, not tonight,’ he said with a hint of self-mockery. ‘I can wait until we are married. The doctor told me you are a healthy woman, and that sex won’t harm you or the baby.’

‘You actually asked the doctor?’ Beth finally found her voice.

‘Of course. I intend to take good care of you and the child. Which brings me to my second point.’ Surprisingly, he let go of her waist and adjusted her dress by tightening the bow at her waist. ‘You are far too distracting,’ he said with a wry twist of his lips. ‘We have to put on a united front in front of friends and family, with all that entails. No flinching away from me would be a good start—especially in public, as I expect you to play the part of my wife to the full. I have also arranged a personal account for you at my bank.’

‘That is not necessary.’

‘Yes, it is, Beth. No argument. Tomorrow we are going to Milan to purchase a ring and a suitable wardrobe for you. I attend quite a few social functions, and once we are married naturally you will accompany me. I have to return to Rome tomorrow, but I will try to get back next weekend. If not I will be back to collect you the following Friday for your hospital appointment. The civil ceremony will be on Saturday. In the meantime you can rest and relax as you originally suggested. Is everything clear?’

‘Yes.’ Beth agreed. She was slowly becoming resigned to the fact that her life was going to be inextricably linked to Dante’s for years to come. ‘Now may I go to bed? I really am tired.’

‘Of course. Anything else can wait until tomorrow.’ Dante’s lips brushed hers. ‘Sleep well.’ And with a sardonic arch of a black brow he added, ‘If you can,’ and left.

Beth stood where he had left her and to her shame realised Dante was right. She was too weak to resist her sexy soon-to-be husband. Maybe she shouldn’t even try, a little devil on her shoulder whispered. One of her mother’s favourite sayings had been, ‘You’ve made your bed and you have to lie in it.’ Well, Dante had certainly made hers by getting her pregnant, so why not enjoy the experience while it lasted? How difficult could it be to play the part of Signora Cannavaro as he’d suggested—or more precisely ordered?

Her parents had brought her up well. As an accountant she had wined and dined wealthy clients, mixed with the best and the worst. Sophisticated society didn’t faze her at all. And with Dante’s track record where women were concerned she had no illusions. He would probably tire of her within months, if not weeks....

But she would still have her child to love and care for, and that was all that mattered to her. She doubted she would look at another man even when the three years were up.

* * *

The sunlight streaming through the window made Beth blink sleepily, and the strong smell of fresh coffee made her eyes fly open and her face pale. She sat up to see Sophie by the bed, a tray in her hands.

‘Just leave it on the bedside table, Sophie,’ she said weakly. ‘I need the bathroom and a shower first.’

‘Ah, I understand,’ Sophie said, a broad smile lighting her plump face. ‘What would you like for breakfast?’ she asked.

‘Tea and toast will be fine,’ Beth said.

She waited till Sophie had left and then slid out of bed, picked up the coffee and headed for the bathroom to tip it down the toilet. Fifteen minutes later, showered and dried, she opened a wardrobe and eyed the contents. What did one wear to shop in Milan, Italy’s capital of fashion? she wondered. Her choice of clothes was limited. She had packed a few casual clothes and not much else except for the dress she had worn last night, plus another dress, and one smart suit. After perspiring in the cashmere yesterday, and with the blazing sun this morning in mind, she opted for the linen dress.

* * *

Dante was waiting impatiently at the foot of the stairs when Beth came down. He took one look and knew he was in big trouble. She was beautiful and elegant and she took his breath away. He recognised the pale grey dress she wore immediately, and it had the same effect on him now as it had the first time he had seen her wearing it in that London street. But now it was worse. Now he knew what he was missing....

Her glorious red hair fell in natural waves to brush her shoulders. Her make-up was restrained—a touch of eyeshadow, long thick lashes accentuated by mascara, lips glistening with a rose gloss—and her flawless skin positively glowed.

Why the hell hadn’t he taken her to bed last night when he’d had the chance? Instead he had set out the rules for their marriage and said no sex until after the wedding. He must have been out of his mind.

Reaching up, he took her arm before she got to the last step.

‘Good, you are ready. But what did you do to Sophie? She is dancing around the kitchen with a broad grin on her face, making tea and toast.’

‘Good morning to you, too,’ Beth said dryly. ‘And I didn’t do anything to Sophie. She asked me what I wanted for breakfast and I told her. So if you don’t mind I’d like to go and eat it before we leave.’

Dante saw Carlo approaching and pressed a swift kiss on her open mouth. ‘Fine, cara, but make it quick. I’ll go and check the helicopter.’

* * *

Of course Dante would pilot his own helicopter. He always had to be in control, she thought as he strapped her into the seat beside him.

‘I though cars were your secret addiction, not helicopters?’

He shot her a slanting smile. ‘They are. But anything with an engine floats my boat. Actually, I have a speedboat and a yacht down at my villa in Portofino.’

Beth grinned and shook her head. ‘Why doesn’t that surprise me?’

The helicopter landed on the top of a tall building, and Beth looked around at the sprawling city below with a growing sense of panic.

Dante urged her into the building. Beth tensed when she saw the elevator. The next minute she was inside, with him standing next to her like a jailer as he pressed the button for the ground floor and the metal doors slid shut. The elevator began to descend, and so did Beth’s stomach. She clenched her teeth, every muscle in her body locking in panic, and stared straight ahead.

Dante glanced down at Beth and saw the frozen expression on her face, the tension in her body. ‘Are you all right?’ he asked, curving an arm around her rigid shoulders.

‘Fine. I’m just a bit claustrophobic in elevators—have been ever since I got out of prison. I think it’s a light thing. I have no problem with glass ones on the outside of buildings.’

‘Why didn’t you say so? Most women I know would be shouting it from the treetops, but you barely tell me anything.’ It was true, Dante thought, frustrated by her reticence, not only today but since the moment he had met her again.

‘What would be the point? You rarely believe anything I say.’

Her eyes were fixed on the control panel and Beth didn’t see Dante wince. When the light flashed for the ground floor she was out of his protective arm and through the doors before they were fully open, and she didn’t stop until she was on the street.

She took a few deep, steadying breaths. At least she had not been sick this time, she thought with some relief as Dante once again looped an arm around her waist.

‘How are you feeling?’ he asked, and tilted her chin up with the tip of his fingers, his dark eyes studying her face.

‘Fine. I told you—it’s not a problem,’ she said, shaking her head to dislodge his fingers from her chin. ‘Now, let’s go shopping. That’s why we’re here, isn’t it? I need the distraction of some retail therapy.’

‘Okay. First the jewellers and the ring,’ Dante said as they started walking. ‘As it will be a civil ceremony a wedding gown is not necessary, but if you want one...’

‘No way,’ Beth cut in, shooting him a sidelong glance. ‘Sackcloth would do me, but I’ll settle for anything you like,’ she said dryly.

If only that were true, Dante thought, and a fantasy of Beth naked and bound to his bed flitted through his mind.

Five minutes later they were seated in an exclusive jewellers with an assortment of platinum wedding rings on display in front of them. ‘Choose which one you like,’ Dante commanded.

‘No, you choose,’ Beth shot back. ‘After all, this is your idea.’

And in two minutes Dante had done just that. To her amazement he’d picked a pair of matching wedding rings and the jeweller had sized them. Dante paid, left his Rome address for them to be delivered to and they left.

‘I don’t know who was more surprised, the jeweller or me, when you picked those rings,’ Beth said as Dante took her hand and they continued walking. ‘I didn’t see you as the sort of man to wear a wedding ring.’

‘Somehow I don’t think you see me at all,’ Dante said enigmatically, and ushered her into a designer boutique.

While Beth stared around in awe at the elegant interior Dante had a long conversation with two very attentive female assistants.

‘Beth?’ He came back to where she stood, like patience on a monument. ‘These two ladies will take care of you, and you can show me the results.’ He lowered his lean, long-limbed body down on a plush sofa and smiled up at her. ‘Go on, Beth—we don’t have all day.’

‘Yes, oh, master,’ she mocked. She saw another assistant appear and offer Dante coffee. By the way she fussed over him a lot more was on offer, Beth thought snidely, and turned away. She wondered how many other women he had brought here. He seemed to be well known.

What followed was a revelation to Beth. She paraded before Dante in casual outfits and then suits, day dresses and finally evening dresses. All the time Dante lounged on the sofa, with a smile on his handsome face and a wicked gleam in his dark eyes, making personal comments on the fit and style, thoroughly enjoying himself at her expense. Beth was getting more incensed by the minute.

Finally, wearing a slim-fitting silver evening dress the assistant had virtually poured her into, which clung to her hips and bottom like a second skin, she’d had enough.

‘Now, that I like. We’ll take it,’ Dante said, sitting up straighter as she walked towards him.

She slowly turned around and heard his intake of breath at the rear view. Glancing back at him over her shoulder, she saw the stunned look on his face, and a provocative smile curved her lips.

‘Are you sure?’ she said, and, turning, she sashayed over to him and sat down on his lap. She curled an arm around his broad shoulders and lifted a finger to trace the outline of his firm lips. ‘Do you really think this is me?’ she asked throatily.

Dante was speechless. Beth approaching him with a smile and touching him was a first. Forgetting where he was, he wrapped his arms around her as she nuzzled his ear, the soft warmth of her breath making him hot.

‘Enough is enough,’ she hissed vehemently. ‘Remember the reason I am here. This dress is a waste of money—I will never get it on in a couple of weeks.’

He turned her head and covered her mouth with his in a fierce kiss.

The kiss caught Beth by surprise. All she could feel was the heat of desire, the pressure of his hand on her bare back and the hardening of his body against her buttocks. When he broke the kiss she was breathless.

‘You’re right, of course, Beth,’ Dante said and, grasping her by the waist, took her with him as he stood up, lowering her down his long body. ‘And I was also right. You are a natural-born tease.’

Beth’s provocative action was a salutary reminder to him of what she was really like. He had been in danger of forgetting in the shock of her pregnancy. ‘Go and get dressed. I’ll settle things here. Shopping is over. We are leaving.’

He let her go and walked across to the desk to settle the bill. After a few words with the assistant, he made a phone call to his driver. A few minutes later Beth reappeared. There was no denying she was incredibly lovely, with a perfect figure, he thought clinically, but so were plenty of other women who were not ex-cons. He was only marrying her because she was pregnant.

He took her arm and led her outside—and stopped.

Glancing up, Beth tracked where he was looking—at his watch—and when he lifted his eyes to hers they were hard.

‘It is only twelve-thirty. We could be home in an hour,’ he opined, ‘or if you prefer we can lunch here. I do have to be in Rome by this evening, so we will have to be quick.’

‘Your home is fine by me,’ Beth said, because deep inside she knew it was never going to be her home.

‘Good. I have had the helicopter moved to a ground- level helipad and a car is picking us up in a minute.’

In other words he had already arranged to leave, making his offer of lunch about as genuine as their marriage was going to be.

It was the longest conversation they were to have on the journey back. The car ride was short, the helicopter was standing in a field, and once on board no conversation was necessary anyway.

It did not get much better when they got back to the house.

Belatedly Beth remembered to thank him for the clothes. Dante simply shrugged and led her into his study, where he presented her with a prenuptial agreement.

‘Sit here and read it. I have had it translated from Italian to English. Make a note of anything you want to query. I’ll go and tell Sophie to prepare your lunch.’

Beth sat at the desk and started to read. The document was only four pages and quite succinct. Yes, it was there in black-and-white. After three years she could have a divorce and joint custody of their child, and the amount of money he was prepared to give her was enormous. Her first thought was to refuse the money, but common sense prevailed. She might not want his money, but she could think of a lot of people who needed it. She could give it to charity. Dante could certainly afford it.

When Dante came back she told him it was fine, and he took the document and left.

* * *

Beth replaced the phone on the bedside table and sighed.

It was odd that she had no trouble talking to Dante on the phone. Since their trip to Milan and his swift return to Rome he had called her most mornings. At first the conversations had been brief, with him just asking how she was, but gradually they had lengthened. He had not come back last weekend, citing pressure of work—much to Sophie’s disgust and Beth’s relief.

Sophie had shown her around the house and gardens, Carlo the rest of the estate, and Beth had done a lot of exploring on her own. Dante had asked her what she thought of the place, and she’d told him the house and grounds were beautiful. They had discussed all sorts of things, and Beth had found herself enjoying his calls. But now Dante was coming back and she was a bundle of nerves.