Page 9

Chapter Eight

Sunday morning came way too soon. Despite my unsettled emotions, I must have fallen asleep fast, because I couldn't even remember hearing Andrew come to bed. Now the sun was blazing through the parted curtains in the bedroom, and the clock on the nightstand said it was half-past nine. Andrew wasn't in bed with me, but I could hear his voice in the living room. He must be on the phone.

I got up, used the bathroom, put some water on my face and ran a brush through my tangled hair, then headed into the living room. Andrew was standing out on the balcony now, his back to me, his voice muffled. His bags were by the front door, one suitcase opened on the couch. And I could see that he'd changed into a pair of gray slacks and a blue polo shirt.

As I moved toward the patio, I saw him wave an angry hand in the air as he said, "I can't keep having this conversation with you. I told you what's happening. Deal with it." He paused, turning his head, his smile coming a second too late to cover up the anger in his eyes. Then he said, "We'll talk later." As he ended the call, he said, "Good morning, beautiful."

Despite his words, I could see the tension in his face. "Who were you talking to? You seem angry."

He hesitated, then said, "That was someone from security who works with Martin. They haven't found any camera footage that might be helpful to us."

"That's too bad but also not surprising."

He walked over and gave me a hug. "Well, as I said last night, it doesn't matter, and I'm not going to let it ruin our honeymoon. I also spoke to Victor this morning. He wanted to make sure we were all right and that we would still be coming to brunch. He thinks it's important that we meet his media guests, although he would prefer that we didn't discuss what happened to the bridal suite last night."

"He wouldn't want that to get any press coverage days before the grand opening." I paused. "I see you changed your clothes. Did you have to go down to the villa to get your bags?"

"No. Colin packed them up and brought them over earlier so I could change."

"I must have been in a deep sleep. I didn't hear you come to bed or get up this morning."

"You were definitely out," he said, giving me a kiss. "I was tempted to wake you, but I thought you needed the rest."

"I did. I feel better now."

"Good." He glanced at his watch. "You need to get ready for brunch."

"I will. Did you tell Colin what happened last night?"

"Yes. He was upset that our night was ruined."

"Did he say anything about Allison as a possible suspect?"

Andrew frowned. "No. Why would he? She's his friend, too. We both know her, Lauren. We know she wouldn't do something like that."

"He might be her friend, but Colin was upset with Allison last night. I heard them arguing outside the reception. He asked her why she'd come to the wedding. She didn't seem to care that he was bothered by her attendance."

Andrew's gaze narrowed. "You didn't mention that last night."

"There was a lot going on."

"Colin didn't think it was a great idea for her to come, but he understood why I invited her. She's a valuable business associate, and she wanted to have an opportunity to pitch to Victor."

"Now you're saying you invited her so she could pitch to Victor? And not because she was a friend?"

His lips tightened. "I really don't understand why you're jealous, Lauren. But I won't keep defending myself, because there's nothing to defend. Are we going to spend our day fighting about someone who doesn't matter?"

His anger was suddenly very real, and I couldn't remember him ever being mad at me. Maybe I was pushing too hard. He'd told me why he'd invited Allison. He obviously didn't think I had a reason to be bothered by her presence, and I was either going to spend my honeymoon fighting about her, or I was going to have to drop it and move on. Since we had a busy schedule ahead of us, I opted for the latter. And I decided to start with an apology.

"I'm sorry, Andrew. And, no, I don't want to spend the day fighting with you."

"Then trust me, Lauren. I'm being one hundred percent honest with you when I tell you that I don't care about Allison. She is not a threat to you or to our marriage. If I made a mistake by inviting her, then I apologize, too."

"Okay. Thank you for saying that. I'll go get changed for brunch."

"Good. And, Lauren, I know you're still shaken by what happened in the suite. But I don't want you to be scared. I'm going to protect you. I'm going to protect us. You don't have to worry. I love you."

His words touched me deeply. It had been a long time since anyone had stated so firmly and so directly that they would protect me. I blinked the moisture out of my eyes as I gave him an emotion-filled smile. "I love you, too." It felt good to be back on the same page. I just hoped we could stay there.

Victor and Paula’s villa was as magnificent as I’d expected, yet it still overwhelmed me. The entryway alone was a statement of wealth: towering twenty-foot ceilings, marble floors that gleamed so brightly I could see the reflection of the massive crystal chandelier hanging above, and walls lined with intricate molding and adorned with original oil paintings. The air smelled faintly of lemon polish and something floral, like lilies or roses, as if even the scent of the house had been curated.

The middle-aged woman who greeted us was dressed in black, her sharp heels clicking as she led us past arched doorways into a grand living room. The space was as polished as the entryway, with silk-upholstered furniture in soft creams and golds, and an ornate stone fireplace that stretched almost to the ceiling. Above the mantel hung a painting I didn’t recognize, but it radiated the kind of importance that made me nervous. I didn't belong in a house like this, but here I was.

Victor and Paula stood in front of the fireplace, chatting with a small group. Victor’s dark suit was perfectly tailored, and Paula’s light-blue, form-fitting sheath dress shimmered under the light. They were magnetic, a study in power and elegance. Around them were Mitchum Conroy, a silver-haired editor with an air of self-importance; Olivia Maxwell, a glamorous travel reporter whose sharp eyes missed nothing; and Leah Bradford, a striking blonde who looked more like a model than a wedding planner.

"There they are—the couple of the hour," Victor said as we entered, spreading his arms in welcome. "Andrew, Lauren, you’ve met Mitchum and Olivia, I believe?"

"Yes, " Andrew said smoothly, exchanging handshakes. “It’s a pleasure to see you both again.”

"And this is Leah Bradford, " Victor continued. “She’s one of the best wedding planners in the business. Works with all the stars.”

"Nice to meet you, " I said, trying not to sound intimidated.

"That must be a fun job," Andrew added.

"Stressful more than fun, but I enjoy the challenge. Yesterday’s wedding was stunning, by the way. Truly flawless. You have found yourself a prime wedding venue, Victor. "

Victor inclined his head, pleased. "We aim to impress. "

"Shall we sit? " Paula interrupted. "Brunch is ready."

As the group moved toward the dining room, I fell into step with Paula. "I have your necklace in my bag," I said. "Shall I give it to you now?"

"After brunch will be fine," Paula returned.

"All right. This villa is beautiful."

"Yes, well, it's very grand, as my husband wanted it to be."

Paula didn't sound as enamored with her island home as I was, which seemed surprising, because it really was amazing.

I was about to head into the dining room when Paula put a hand on my arm, holding me back. "Maybe I'll have you give me the necklace now," she said.

"Whatever you like." I reached for my bag.

"Not here. One second." Paula moved into the dining room and said, "Lauren and I have to run upstairs for a moment. We'll be right back."

"Can it wait?" Victor asked as he took his seat at the head of the table.

"We won't be long." Paula led me up the stairs to the third floor and through a pair of floor-to-ceiling double doors.

Paula's suite was a world apart from the rest of the villa. It was softer, warmer, with creamy walls and gold accents. Everything—from the delicate curtains framing the balcony doors to the lace pillows on the bed and the chaise lounge by the window—seemed chosen with care. Unlike the imposing style of the rest of the villa, this room felt personal, like it belonged to Paula and no one else. It certainly didn't feel like Victor stayed in here. He must have his own room.

Paula closed the door behind us and held out her hand.

I retrieved the velvet box from my bag and passed it to her. She opened it, lifting the necklace with an odd expression on her face. Clearly, the piece of jewelry meant something to her, but I couldn't tell if it brought her joy or some other emotion. She was a difficult woman to read.

"It suited you," she said quietly, running her fingers along the stone. "But it’s back where it belongs now."

Her words carried a weight I didn’t understand, but I nodded anyway. "I appreciate you lending it to me."

Paula walked to her dresser and placed the now-boxed necklace inside the top drawer. Then she turned back to me, her expression sharpening. "There’s something else I wanted to discuss with you, Lauren."

I stiffened, unsure of what was coming. "What’s that?"

"Your husband’s friend, Allison McGuire. Is she single?"

"I believe so." The question caught me off guard.

"What else do you know about her?"

"Not much," I admitted. "She’s an interior designer who’s worked with Andrew on a few projects. Why?"

"Victor wants to hire her for the hillside villas. But I’m concerned about her motives. My husband has a weakness for a certain type of woman. Allison wouldn't be the first one to take advantage of that. I won't let that happen."

I blinked. "I see."

"Do you?" Paula stepped closer. "I have to admit that I was a bit puzzled by Victor's interest in using you and Andrew for the marketing campaign. I've never seen him get so involved in that end of the business before. Now that I've met you both, I have fewer concerns, or I did until Allison McGuire showed up. You need to know that I will do anything to protect my family."

"I understand," I said quickly, feeling intimidated by her threatening words. "Andrew and I want what’s best for you and Victor, as well as the resort. If you have concerns about Allison, speak to Andrew. He can give you more information than I can."

Paula studied me for a moment. "You don't know her that well, do you?"

"I don't. She works with Andrew. And she's been traveling during the time we've been together, so we haven't talked much."

"Interesting," she murmured. "All right. I thought I'd mention it to you first—woman to woman. But I will speak to Andrew about my concerns when it's appropriate. Until then, why don't we keep this conversation to ourselves? There's a lot going on this week, and we're doing a great deal to give you and Andrew the best possible experience, so I'd appreciate your discretion."

"Okay." As I followed her downstairs, I realized I'd just agreed to lie to my husband. That damn Allison McGuire was causing me problems every time I turned around. I really hoped she'd be gone soon.

I could probably get Andrew to send her away if I told him Paula didn't like Allison, but then I'd be breaking my promise to Paula, who had recently reminded me of how much I owed them. I needed to stay out of it and let whatever was going to happen…happen.

When we returned to the dining room table, I noticed that Bennett had joined the group and was sitting directly across from me. While everyone was nibbling on their salads, Victor was telling a lively story about his most recent trip to Cairo.

Andrew gave me a side glance, a question in his eyes. I shrugged, happy I didn't actually have to answer that question yet.

Brunch was as delicious as I had known it would be. Everything with the Carringtons was first-class, and it was quite an experience to sit at their table, as if I were one of them, as if I were on the same level with these very influential people. Mitchum was a legend and wielded enormous power when it came to the hotel resort business. A few good words in his magazine or spoken to his counterparts could triple our business.

But as the conversation flowed around the table, I wondered how Mitchum really felt about the resort. He seemed a bit more reticent in his praise than the others, and I wondered why. It wasn't until we got to dessert that his attitude made more sense.

"What about the rumors, Victor?" Mitchum asked.

"I never discuss rumors," Victor said, a new edge to his voice.

"I heard you may be selling off some of your properties to offset the losses in Newport Beach and Florida," Mitchum said, ignoring Victor's comment. "Is that true?"

"Of course it's not true," Bennett interjected before his father could answer. "We would never sell our properties to anyone outside the family."

Mitchum's gaze stayed on Victor. "Is that correct, Victor? Is it a rumor?"

"Yes," Victor said. "Which is why I don't discuss rumors, Mitchum. Now, we've talked enough business. I thought you all might enjoy seeing some of my private collection. It hasn't all arrived yet, but I do have a few pieces I think you might enjoy."

"I would love to see your collection," Olivia said. "And while I know you don't like to discuss rumors…I heard you might have acquired the Heart of Eternity."

"What's that?" I asked.

"It's a legendary blue diamond in the shape of an unbreakable heart," Olivia said. "It went missing during the French Revolution and was lost for centuries. But rumors have been flying that it was discovered at a very old French estate, and it was sold to a private owner. I would very much like to see it."

Victor's smile was both smug and secretive. "That is quite a rumor, Olivia. I would very much like to see that, too. But today, I'll be showing you a very old manuscript, a painting by Ferdinand Bol, and other treasures that are quite impressive."

"Speaking of diamonds," Leah said. "I wanted to discuss an idea that I ran by Megan earlier. I was wondering if you might consider offering a signature diamond ring for couples who want to get married at a Carrington resort. Since you are a well-known collector of art and gems, it could be an interesting tie-in. We could partner with a jeweler of your choosing. It would add something extra special to potential brides. It doesn't have to be a ring. It could be a pendant or a bracelet with a special clasp, something to remember the day by. Of course, if this incredible blue diamond that Olivia just mentioned did come to be in your possession, we could do an offshoot of that."

"It's an interesting idea," Victor said. "What do you think, Paula?"

Paula gave her husband a sharp look, something passing between them. Then she said, "I like the idea of a signature piece. Since Lauren wore the teardrop diamond from your mother during her wedding and it was featured in all the photos and videos, we should tie into that. We can also tell your mother's story, which will give it even more of a Carrington feel."

"I like that, too," Megan said. "But I'm also intrigued by the Heart of Eternity. The Unbreakable Heart would make a hell of a slogan for the campaign. Or maybe we could do more than one piece. We could have a bridal jewelry collection, pieces offered exclusively to brides who hold their weddings at one of our resorts."

"That would sell like crazy," Leah agreed.

"All excellent ideas," Victor said. "Definitely something to consider."

"We should do more than consider it," Bennett interjected. "We should make it happen. Why don't I run with that idea?"

"We'll talk about it later," Victor told his son. "If we do it, I want to do it right."

"I wouldn't do it any other way," Bennett snapped.

"Why don't we go upstairs?" Paula suggested, cutting into the sudden tension in the room. "We may not have a famous diamond to show you, but Victor has some other beautiful pieces in the gallery."

As the group got up from the table, Andrew took my hand, holding me back as the others left the dining room. "What did Paula want to talk to you about?"

"We can talk about it later," I replied.

Andrew didn't look happy with my response, but I didn't want to talk about Allison again, especially not right now. We headed up the stairs to the second floor, where a man in a suit stood outside an open door. He looked like private security, reminding me that this collection was probably similar to something I might find in a museum, and it was strange to think it was in someone's vacation home.

But as soon as I stepped into the gallery, I left the vacation villa behind as I entered what felt like another world. The room was cool and pristine, the air carefully controlled to protect the treasures it housed. Glass display cases lined the walls…some empty, others filled with artifacts so exquisite they seemed almost unreal: A ceremonial mask carved from ivory. An illuminated manuscript that looked like it belonged in a cathedral. A jeweled box that could have been plucked from a queen’s boudoir.

Victor's voice was rich with enthusiasm as he described each piece. It was clear that Victor had an understanding and appreciation for art and history that had driven his desire to possess these incredible artifacts.

Andrew seemed captivated as well, asking detailed questions that surprised me a little. I hadn't seen this side of him before. I'd had no idea he also knew a lot about history and art. It was interesting but also unsettling—another reminder of how little I truly knew about my husband. But it was fine if we were still getting to know each other. Life was a series of discoveries, and we would grow together through our marriage.

As Victor talked about the manuscript on display in one of the cases, my glance moved across the room. Ethan Stark came through another door, a tablet in hand, speaking quietly with someone whose uniform implied he was a security tech. When their conversation was over, Ethan moved toward our group.

"Making progress, Ethan?" Victor asked.

"Yes. The atmospheric controls are stable now."

"Good." Victor turned to our group. "This is Ethan Stark. His firm insures the artwork and collections both here and within the entire resort. The premiums are astronomical, but then, so are the security requirements."

"Only the best for the best," Ethan said. "Excuse me."

As Victor moved us toward a painting on the wall and began to talk about its history, I was distracted by Ethan's movements around the gallery. He seemed to be checking camera angles while appearing to only casually observe us, but I had a feeling that he wasn't missing anything, and that it wasn't an accident he was here while Andrew and I were here. He probably wondered how two people he thought were thieves had found their way into Victor's private art gallery months after being the last people to escape from a fire at Victor's hotel. If I didn't know us, I'd be suspicious, too.

As I grew bored with Victor's story, I wandered toward another glass case displaying a ceremonial mask. It was very ornate, making me wonder what it had been used for, but not enough that I wanted to ask about it.

"Not your thing?" Bennett asked as he joined me. "You look as bored as I feel."

"I'm just tired. I'm really impressed by all this. I've never seen these kinds of treasures in someone's home."

"Lucky you. All the houses I've lived in have felt more like museums than homes."

"I guess you didn't inherit your father's love of history."

"Not even a little. I don't care about the past; I'm interested in the future. I liked the idea of a signature diamond bracelet with an unbreakable heart. We could sell the hell out of that."

"I agree."

"Good. Tell my father that."

"I'm sure he would listen to you over me."

"I'm the last person he listens to," Bennett said, disgust lacing his voice. "Have you heard that rumor about him selling off some of our properties?"

I could see the anger in his eyes, and I didn't want to feed that fire. "Your father said it's not true, so I would believe him over anyone else."

"Maybe. But my father is good at keeping secrets. He doesn't show his cards unless he has to."

"That's probably why he's so successful."

"That's the problem; he isn't that successful anymore. That's why there are rumors. He's stuck in the past, entertaining traditional media instead of the people who are actually influencing customer behavior. But I'm going to show him that there is a new path forward, and I'm leading the way." He paused. "Which is why I'm going to need you and Andrew to sell your story this afternoon on the trail ride."

"Right. I'm not a big fan of horses."

"I don't care," he said. "We just threw you the wedding of the century. This is part of your job. I have three influencers who are avid horse riders and want to see more of the property. They also want to get to know you and Andrew better. They don't just care about the resort; they're buying into the love story because they know it will add to their content."

"We'll be there, and we'll do our best to entertain."

"Do better than that. We got a lot of great shots and video from the wedding, but there were also a ton of photos with you looking like you were about to go to the dentist and have a root canal. I don't want anyone to think there's trouble in paradise." He paused, his gaze narrowing. "There isn't any trouble, is there?"

"No. Why would you ask that? We just got married yesterday."

"I saw Andrew several times yesterday with a very attractive woman who was not you."

I let out a sigh. Would I never escape Allison?

"She's a friend of his and an interior designer, who wants to work on the hillside villas," I said.

"So I heard. My mother isn't happy about that. You might want to tell Andrew to stop pushing attractive women into my father's path. That doesn't usually end well for my mother." He blew out an irritated breath. "I need a drink."

As he left the room, I wandered around, pausing in front of an empty display case. I wondered what was going to go on the small shelf in the middle of the case.

Ethan suddenly appeared at my side. "You know you're looking at nothing, right?" he asked dryly.

"What's going in this case?"

"I can't say."

I looked at him in surprise. "Really? Why not?"

"Security."

"You still don't trust me," I said with a sigh.

"I don't trust anyone, which is why I'm good at my job. I never take anything at face value."

"Some people don't have secrets."

"Everyone has a secret," he contradicted.

"I don't."

"Then you'd be the first person I've ever met who doesn't."

"Then I'm the first person," I said defiantly. Pausing, I added, "You must have investigated me. Did you find any dirt?"

"No. I found very little of interest on you, Lauren. But sometimes that's a red flag. Can someone's life really be that normal, that boring…"

I bristled at his words. "My life has not been boring." Despite my quick defense, I couldn't really argue that it had been that exciting, either, at least not before Andrew had shown up. "My mom was sick for almost three years. The last six months I had to quit my job to look after her. I was happy to do that. I don't regret it for a second. But it was a dark period in my life, and that darkness disappeared when I met Andrew."

"Exactly. Everything changed when you met Andrew."

I frowned at the implication in his words. "Because he's a wonderful guy, and he treats me better than anyone I've ever gone out with." I could see the cynicism in his eyes. "I don't know why I keep talking to you."

For the first time, he smiled. "Sometimes, I don't know why you do, either." He paused as Andrew walked over to us.

"What are you two discussing?" he asked.

"I was asking Mr. Stark what's going in this display case," I replied. "But he said he can't tell me."

"I'm sure it will be something amazing, like the rest of Victor's collection," Andrew said.

"Excuse me," Ethan said, tipping his head to me before he left.

"Was that really all you were talking about?" Andrew asked, giving me a speculative look.

"Mostly. I asked him if he'd been investigating me, and he said that he had, but my life was very boring."

Andrew smiled. "I don't find you at all boring, Lauren."

"Because everything changed when we met. I was a shadow of myself the year after my mom died. But that fire woke me up. Coming that close to death, then meeting you, finding a love I never expected, it was like my life turned upside down, but in a really good way."

"My life changed that night, too."

"Did it?" I questioned. "I mean, I know we fell in love, but you couldn't possibly have been as boring as I was."

"You were a workaholic back then, and I was, too. It was always about business for me. No real time or interest in love relationships. But then I met you, and, well, let's just say you knocked me off my feet."

It wasn't the first time he'd said that or the first time I'd felt dazzled by his complimentary words and his brilliant smile. A tiny voice inside wondered if maybe Andrew did sometimes lay it on a bit too thick. But I had no reason to believe he was being anything but sincere.

"I love you, Lauren," he said as if he knew I needed to hear that. "I feel like it's been too long since I said that."

"It's probably only been a couple of hours," I said with a laugh. "But it's our honeymoon, so I'm going to keep saying it, too." I paused at the sound of someone clearing their throat and realized Victor was right next to me.

He gave us a somewhat awkward smile. "I don't mean to interrupt, but we're going downstairs now. And I need everyone to leave at the same time. I hope you enjoyed seeing some of my collections."

"We did," Andrew said. "I hope you'll invite us back when the rest of these display cases are filled."

"Definitely. By the way…" Victor paused, looking toward the door as his wife ushered the others out of the room, and it was just the three of us. Ethan had disappeared and the other security guard had stepped into the hall. "I wanted to let you know that our security systems are back online in the main building, and our team will be on higher alert as we move forward. I'm sorry we weren't able to find the person who vandalized your suite, but Martin will continue investigating and interviewing our hotel staff. We pride ourselves on providing a safe as well as luxurious five-star experience, so any news to the contrary would be damaging to our reputation."

"We understand," Andrew said. "We won't say a word."

"I'm glad to hear I can count on you both." Victor hesitated, as if he wanted to say something else.

"Do you have a question?" I asked as the silence between us went on a little long.

"My investigator, Mr. Stark, has always had questions about your story the night of the fire," Victor said.

My gut tightened. We were suddenly going to talk about the elephant in the room.

"We're aware of that," Andrew said. "We've given him our answers, but he seems determined to find something that isn't there. And it was my understanding that the investigation ended months ago."

"It did, and I told Ethan to back off, but as he reminded me, he doesn't work for me. One of the few people around here that doesn't," Victor added, an edge to his voice. "At any rate, I have to work with him to ensure the safety and insurability of my collection, so he'll be here, and he'll be assessing security on every level. I understand that his questions might make you uncomfortable, but it is what it is. He's part of the security team, and he's looking out for my best interests."

"We have nothing to hide," Andrew said with such clarity of purpose in his voice that I was reassured as much as Victor was. "In fact, if there's anything we can do to help, we will. Both Lauren and I are extremely grateful for everything you've done for us, Victor."

"Well, you're doing a lot for me, too. I know you have a busy afternoon ahead, so we should go downstairs. I hope you'll enjoy your trail ride. There are some spectacular views from the hills above the resort."

"I know we will," Andrew assured him, squeezing my hand.

I put on my fake happy smile and followed them both out of the room.