No, nothing could. How he must hate her for forever dividing him from the woman he had chosen to marry. He’d as good as told her that he regretted everything about his brief relationship with her. He was marrying her for Danny, nothing more.
Lily turned her head, the landscape blurring as the Rolls glided toward the airport. This was not at all the way she’d imagined her life would turn out.
But for her son, she would endure. He deserved a father, and Nico seemed determined to be one. It was more than her own father had ever done for her. Jack Morgan had never fought to be in her life. He’d seen her more as an inconvenience when he’d been there. If she were truthful with herself, she’d often believed that each time he left it was because of her. Because she’d been bad or unlovable.
She dashed her tears away before Nico noticed. She was a woman now. She knew it was never the child’s fault when a parent left, and yet the memory still had the power to sadden her and make her feel inadequate. She would not ever allow Danny to suffer the same as she had.
The car snaked through heavy airport traffic, finally turning and making its way over the tarmac toward the Boeing 737 that sat with engines idling. The red carpet leading up to the stairs still had the power to surprise her. It was so opulent, so unlike her ordinary world. If not for the red path leading to the stairs pushed against the plane, she might think it simply another passenger jet. There were no markings to indicate who the owner was—deliberately, Nico had informed her—because it provided a certain anonymity.
They exited the Rolls and hurried up the carpet as a group of reporters clamored from behind a line a couple hundred feet away. Nico sent her before him, catching her around the waist when she stumbled on the stairs and righting her.
“Careful, cara,” he said in her ear as her heart thudded from his nearness and the sizzling touch of his fingers through her clothes. She made it the rest of the way without incident, greeting the flight attendant at the door with a quick smile.
Two men sat at one of the polished mahogany tables, rising when she and Nico entered the plush black and gold interior. They both bowed and one motioned to a folder on the table.
“The documents are ready, Your Highness,” he said. “We can perform the ceremony as soon as you wish.”
Lily whirled to Nico. “Ceremony?”
Nico took her hand in his and squeezed, his eyes flashing a warning. “Why wait, cara mia?”
“Wait?” she repeated, her brain having trouble catching up to what, in her heart, she knew he was telling her.
“We are ready,” he told the men, anchoring her to his side with an arm wrapped around her. He looked straight into her eyes as he said the next part. “You may marry us now.”
Chapter Six
Nico watched a range of emotions cross Lily’s face. Shock, anger, fear—and resignation, grazie a Dio. She would not fight him this time.
“Why does it have to be now? Like this?” she asked.
He touched her cheek, wasn’t surprised when she flinched, and dropped his hand away. He’d expected her to be transformed this afternoon, but not quite like she had been. She was more beautiful than he’d thought possible. He couldn’t put his finger on it. Was it the smooth silkiness of her hair? The creamy velvet of her skin? Her wide, green eyes that were filled with mistrust?
He didn’t know, but he was having trouble remembering that he was supposed to be angry with her. He couldn’t forget what she’d done to him, but now was not the time to dwell on it or to allow it to color his actions. There was plenty of time yet to deal with her treachery. And he would most certainly do so.
“A variety of reasons, Liliana,” he said. “You must trust me.”
She blinked. “Trust you? How do you expect me to do that?”
He grasped her arm gently and tugged her away from the magistrate and his assistant. Nico turned her so her view of the two men was blocked. He put his hands on her shoulders, slid them up to her face, cupped her cheeks and stroked her skin. Her breath caught, sending a warm current of need through him. Dio, if nothing else, he would enjoy taking her to his bed.
He might be marrying her out of honor and duty, but there were parts of it he could enjoy. Would enjoy. He’d certainly done so before.
“We must do this for Daniele,” he said softly, knowing those words above all others would soothe her. He could tell her they had to marry now, in France, before returning to Montebianco, but he didn’t think it would persuade her.
He could also tell her that his father was furious, that Antonella’s father and brother were demanding retribution, and that unless they married right now, she would very probably be arrested on her return to Montebianco and thrown back into the fortress on charges of receiving stolen property and trafficking in antiquities.
He had no idea whether it was true or not—he was beginning to suspect it wasn’t, though it was still quite odd that priceless art would find its way to a street vendor to be sold for a pittance. And yet nothing in her background indicated she knew the first thing about antiquities. But until they located the vendor, or caught the mastermind behind the theft, Lily was vulnerable to charges.
That was why it was now or never. If she went to prison, he would have Daniele—but his son would not have a mother. Nico would not marry Princess Antonella and raise his child with her. He had enough experience as the illegitimate child to know how his son would be treated by a woman who hadn’t given birth to him. He would not take the chance that another woman would view his child as a threat the way Queen Tiziana had always viewed him.
Lily was the boy’s mother. No matter how Nico felt about her, his son deserved a mother who cherished him.
“I want to see my son first,” she said. “I want to know he’s safe and well.”
“He will be arriving in Montebianco very soon, cara mia. The plane carrying him left American airspace over five hours ago. There is no reason to wait.”
She looked both elated and crushed at this news—glad she would be reunited with her baby and sad that her friend had betrayed her. Poor Lily, she’d had no idea that everyone had a price. Those closest to you could always be bought.
“It is time, Liliana.”
She still looked hesitant, as if she would argue, so he dipped his head and touched his lips to hers—light, brief, the barest caress. Shock coursed through him at so simple a touch. He wanted her instantly, wanted to carry her to the back of the plane and the private bedroom there. He wanted to make her his before another hour passed.
He would not, of course. When she didn’t resist, he ran his tongue over the seam of her lips, testing. She opened to him and he invaded, tangling his tongue with hers. Their strokes were light at first, teasing. And then, lightning quick, more desperate. He wasn’t sure who was driving the kiss any longer, but he dug down deep and found his control, pulled back.
She looked dazed. Nico kissed her again, pressing his advantage as she leaned into him and clutched his lapels, moaning so softly that only he could hear.
When he lifted his head this time, they were both breathing a little harder. “Marry me now.”
“Yes,” she whispered.
Nico pulled her back to the two men before the effect of his kisses wore off and she dug in her heels again. He held her hand firmly in his, tried not to dwell on how small and cold it was. She’d not been cold when he’d known her in New Orleans. She’d been warm and innocent and vibrant. To see that gone from her now was oddly disquieting.
The magistrate said a few words, they answered questions when prompted, then signed a couple of documents—and it was done.
“You will file these immediately, si?” Nico said as Lily drifted away from his side and plopped into a seat as if she were on autopilot.
The magistrate handed the folder to his assistant. “Of course, Your Highness. Congratulations.”
“Grazie.”
The plane was airborne within minutes after the two men left the jet. Lily hadn’t moved from the black
leather club chair. She absently held the stem of a champagne glass a flight attendant handed her. She hadn’t touched the alcohol. Nico waved off the attendant when she came to offer a refill. Lily turned, her expression troubled.
“How did you manage to do that? Aren’t there laws that must be followed when marrying? Didn’t we need blood tests or documents or something? We’re not even French.”
“Neither were they,” he said. At her quizzical look, he continued. “They were from the Montebiancan embassy, cara. This plane, while I am on it, is Montebiancan soil. Legally we were married in Montebianco, but a copy of our license will be filed in France.”
She shook her head. “I don’t understand.”
Nico sighed. “The marriage is recognized in France because of a reciprocity agreement we have with them. Even the king cannot dissolve our marriage now.”
He watched as understanding clicked. She was very fast, his wife.
“Your father disapproves, doesn’t he? And you believe he would have refused his permission?”
“Something like that, si. It no longer matters now. You, Principessa Liliana, are my wife.”
He thought she would say more, but she simply lifted the glass in a mock toast. “For better or for worse.” Then she plunked it down untouched and stood, lines of strain bracketing her mouth. “I’m tired. Is there somewhere on this flying palace where I can lie down?”
“But of course,” he murmured. “An attendant will show you.”
Far better to send someone else with her. His blood still hummed from the kisses they’d shared. If he took her to the bedroom, it would not be to rest.
Lily was numb. She’d gone to Paris for the first time in her life, but instead of it being a wonderful memory shared with someone she loved, it was a duty she’d been expected to fulfill. She’d been married in the most romantic city on earth. Yet her wedding could hardly be called romantic. She stared at the rock on her hand as they rode in silence from the airport to the Palazzo Cavelli. She, Lily Morgan from Port Pierre, Louisiana, was now a princess. She should be happy, shouldn’t she?
Principessa Liliana. Princess Lily. Neither of them sounded right to her ears.
She glanced at Nico from beneath her lashes. He was so handsome, so remote, and yet he could be tender. Like when he’d kissed her. Dear God, he’d taken her breath away. She hadn’t known who she was or where she was or what she was doing as his mouth slanted over hers. She’d only known hunger and a feeling of rightness that was shocking in its utter conviction. She’d been dazed and ready to do his bidding, which was certainly what he’d intended.
“Marry me now.”
“Yes.”
But how could he kiss her like that when only a day ago he’d been set to marry Princess Antonella and share his life with her?
Lily didn’t understand, and it frustrated her. She had very little experience with men. And all of it was with this particularly exasperating specimen beside her. She had to protect herself. Protect her child. She was smart enough to realize that if she didn’t watch out, Nico would thoroughly confuse her. And that was dangerous for Danny most of all. He was her first priority and she must keep a clear head for him.
When they finally reached the palace, the light was waning. The chauffeur opened the door and Nico exited, turning around to hold his hand out for her.
She reminded herself he was acting a role, just like when he’d caught her on the stairs to the plane. It was a public façade, a show for any observers. He appeared solicitous, loving—like when he’d kissed her in front of the magistrate and his assistant. He was a very practiced seducer of women, this playboy prince.
She put her hand in his, trying to ignore the sizzle of awareness that blasted through her. His skin was warm and smooth, his fingers long as they wrapped around hers. She tried not to think of those hands stroking her naked body, but it was impossible not to remember. He’d been tender and patient that night, the perfect lover to initiate her. Every moment with him had been a revelation.
Every moment now was torture, and even more so when he touched her.
As she emerged from the limo, her attention snapped to a helicopter buzzing low overhead.
“It is the media,” he said as they started to walk, her hand still held firmly in his. “I had hoped to keep them away for a day or two longer, but it seems as if the story has broken.”
“You said someone would call them when you bought the ring. Why is it a surprise?”
Nico’s expression was stormy. “It is not the ring alone that will have brought them. Someone informed them about our trip today.”
She thought of Antonella and wondered if it could have been her. But Lily was reluctant to say the name to Nico, unwilling to see even a hint of regret or longing on his face. She felt brittle enough that it wouldn’t take much to shatter her steely façade.
“What do we do now?” The helicopter whirred closer as it made another pass.
He slipped his arm around her and guided her toward the doors that were being held open by two palace guards. They snapped a salute as Nico and Lily approached. “We carry on as planned.”
They passed between the doors and into the ornate gallery that was the main entrance. Nico stepped away from her, his arm dropping. She tried not to be disappointed. In fact, she was angry with herself for even considering it.
“What is the plan?” Lily said, her body still humming in response.
“We are married, Liliana. We will pretend to be deliriously happy with this state of affairs, si? You will be obedient. While we are in public, you will play the role of happy wife.”
Lily nearly swallowed her tongue. He’d taken everything from her in the space of hours and he wanted her to be happy? She still hadn’t come to grips with the fact she would no longer be able to pursue a career, let alone that she’d suddenly become a housewife for all intents and purposes. “Excuse me? I am to be obedient and happy? What’s your role in this farce?”
He looked every bit the arrogant prince in that moment. “I have had much practice at living in the public eye. I do not need instruction. You, however, do.”
“So I’m to do as you say, is that it?”
“Si, this would be best.”
“Did you ever consider that I might have had a life planned before you interfered?”
He didn’t look the least sympathetic. “And how could this life compare with what you have gained by marrying me? You will never have to work again, Lily. One day you will be a queen. Many women would kill to be in your situation.”
Lily’s laugh was bitter. “Oh yes, clearly they are banging down the doors. And I’d trade with any one of them in a heartbeat.”
His teeth ground together before he whirled from her and strode in the direction of his apartments. She was so busy trying to keep up that she couldn’t say anything else as she hurried after him, cursing the platform stilettos pinching her feet. He entered his private wing, then crashed to a stop.
Lily slammed into his broad back and cussed. “What the—?”
A child’s giggle registered in her brain.
“Danny!” she cried, darting around Nico’s immobile form and sweeping her little boy into her arms. “Oh, my baby, my little sweetie, Mommy missed you so much.”
She hugged him close, burying her nose in his fresh powdery scent. Until this moment, she’d feared she might never see him again. He started to squirm, and she lifted her head, smiling at him so broadly her cheeks hurt. He reared his dark head back, his pale blue eyes so much like his father’s as they opened wide to look at her. His little lip trembled as he looked uncertain.
“It’s Mommy,” Lily said. “Mommy’s here. Oh, how I missed you, my darling!”
Danny burst into tears.
Lily closed her eyes in relief when Danny finally drifted off to sleep. It’d scared her when he’d started crying, but she quickly realized she must look different to him. Plus, he’d just had a long trip with a strange lady. Not that this Gisela wom
an seemed to have any trouble relating to him. In fact, she’d come forward quickly when Danny started to cry, and he’d reached for her. It had made Lily’s heart hurt that her baby wanted someone else in that moment. The last thing she’d needed was to surrender her child to a stranger and watch her soothe him. Not after everything else that had happened that day.
It had taken her a moment to figure out what was wrong, but she’d realized that she must look wildly different to Danny after her day in Paris. Lily had ripped her hair from its confinement without a second thought for all the time the stylists had worked on her. She’d mussed it up good, smiling and talking to Danny the whole time. He’d calmed when she’d looked more normal to him, though he’d still been a bit fussy, and she’d carried him to her bedroom to put him down for a nap. It was only midday back home and he was accustomed to that schedule. It would take time to adjust to a new one. No one tried to stop her, and indeed she forgot all about Nico and Gisela as she carried Danny to the room she’d stayed in last night.
Lily’s heart was near to bursting with love, but her fingers shook as she smoothed a lock of dark hair from her sleeping baby’s face. She’d missed him, and she was frightened for him. For them both. Their lives would never be the same now.
She looked up as the door swung open. Nico stood there, his face clouded with a riot of emotions she didn’t pretend to understand. He’d removed the jacket he’d been wearing. The contrast of the white shirt with his olive skin was stark, delicious in a way she didn’t want to contemplate but couldn’t quite stop herself from doing. Her husband—husband—was a stranger to her, and yet he was connected to her in the most intimate way possible. This child she loved so much was half his.
Lily licked her lips nervously. It seemed incredible they’d come together long enough to make a baby. The man in the entry was so foreign, so unlike anyone she’d ever known. How had they gotten past those differences? How would they ever get past them again?
Filthy Rich Prince: A Filthy Rich Billionaires Book Page 6
