The Persuasion

by Iris Johansen

  “Because you stole it? I didn’t recognize it. Where did you get it? From a private collector?”

  “Yes. Who stole it from another collector. Who stole it from a Nazi general who stole it from a Jewish banker. And so forth. But I’m the one who has it in the end. I’ll always be the one who wins in the end.” He gestured to the three waiters who were parading toward them carrying silver trays. “Now be quiet and eat the dinner I’ve provided you. You might need your strength later.”

  “Is that supposed to intimidate me?”

  “Just a warning. You’ll know it when I want to intimidate you.” He smiled. “Now I only want to keep you fit and healthy so that you’ll maintain those stunning good looks that I require of you.”

  “Screw you.”

  “Oh, that will come also. But not quite yet. That also has to be just right, and will happen after we’ve settled at our final palace. I’ve been planning for years exactly how we’ll come together.” He motioned to the first waiter to remove the lid from his tray. “Now, try this artichoke salad and we’ll proceed from there…”

  * * *

  Fiero Castle

  The castle was still deserted.

  Caleb was swearing beneath his breath as he moved out of the woods toward the gardens. He’d thought Fiero might be one of the places Luca would choose as a base. He’d seen no guards on the way here, but he’d hoped that he’d see some sign of occupancy at the castle itself.

  Nothing.

  Son of a bitch!

  Check it out. Make sure.

  He moved quickly through the rose gardens toward the front entrance, his gaze narrowed on the windows and balconies of the upper floors. Shuttered. The entire property appeared neglected and totally without life. It wasn’t quite as bad as it looked, Caleb knew. He’d arranged minimum maintenance for the castle and gardens after his parents had died. As far as he was concerned, the place could have been burned to the ground, but his sisters Maria and Lisa had been left as much of the property as his parents could arrange and Caleb had to protect their inheritance. It was a bittersweet duty when he knew that if his mother and father had been able to fight the complicated clauses of the Ridondo trusts, he would have received nothing at all from the estate. Which would have been fine with him—all he’d ever wanted was to be free of the place.

  He stopped at the front door. Should he go inside? Was it worthwhile? He’d hoped Luca wouldn’t be able to resist the castle: This was Caleb’s family home, and its macabre history should have appealed to Luca and the cult he’d acquired. Why hadn’t he done it?

  And why the hell was Caleb hesitating? There might be nothing in that damn house except memories—but maybe Luca had left something behind when he’d chosen this place. Some random clue that might lead him to Jane. Doubtful, but Caleb was here and he wouldn’t lose any opportunity.

  He turned off the security alarm, unlocked the door. He threw it open and entered the grand foyer. Grand in every sense, he thought cynically. His parents might have tried to abandon the memory of their notorious ancestors as they’d abandoned Caleb, but they’d kept all the treasures their black sheep forbears had gathered over the centuries. The crystal chandelier from Venice, the finest crafted woodwork in the cabinets and the curving staircase. The magnificent onyx-and-malachite-trimmed full-length mirror facing Caleb had been created by the Russian artist who had designed the Malachite Room at the Hermitage. The foyer was only dimly lit by the fading light streaming through the windows, and his reflection appeared dark and menacing as he moved from the door toward the mirror. Very fitting, he thought sardonically. Hadn’t he always been the shadow-figure that haunted these hallowed halls?

  But this wasn’t about him or the past. This was about Luca and Jane. Which room to start the search for—

  And then his phone rang.

  Chapter

  12

  What are you doing?” Jane was frowning as she watched Luca punch in a number on his phone. It was the second time he’d placed a call since they’d finished dinner and she could see he was annoyed. “Who are you calling?” Her gaze flew to his face. “Alberto?”

  “Would I spoil a fine dinner by bringing him into the picture?” He leaned back in his chair and motioned for Davron—who’d just come into the dining room—to set the computer he was carrying in front of her. “No, as you can see, I had our friend Davron bring dessert.” He added, “For both of us. If I can get the bastard to answer. I can’t believe he ignored that first call. I’ve had that tablet set up for Skype so that he can get a clear picture of you. I’ll do the talking, but I guarantee he won’t want to look at me.”

  She tensed. “He?”

  But Luca was now speaking into the phone. “It’s about time you answered, Caleb. I’d almost think you didn’t want to talk to me. I was going to hang up, and I know that would have upset you. You’d have missed the chance to see how well I’m treating Jane. Just press ‘accept.’”

  She inhaled sharply as her gaze flew to the screen in front of her. “Caleb? More games, Luca?”

  Then she saw Caleb on the screen. He was standing in a dimly lit interior, and she was vaguely aware that there was some kind of reflective mirror behind him. “Hello, Jane. She looks well enough, Luca,” Caleb said noncommittally. “A little overdressed for her usual taste, but I’m sure she told you that. I’m surprised you called so soon. I expected you to let everyone stew for a while before you came forward with any ransom demands. That would be what I’d do. Well, let’s hear them.”

  “So cool,” Luca said. “But you’re always cool, aren’t you? Except about Jane. Then you’re white-hot. You can’t pretend with me. I’ve watched the two of you for too long.”

  “I don’t pretend. I’ve always found it a bore. Sex is sex and it’s always white-hot at the time. I found her exceptional. I’m sure you will, too. Now give me your demand so I’ll know if I want to comply.” He shook his head. “Incidentally, those ridiculous photos of all my houses won’t be included for consideration in any demands. She’s only a woman after all.”

  For an instant Jane could see a ripple of unease on Luca’s face. He said quickly, “A woman you’ve been obsessed with for a number of years. Don’t think I’ll be fooled by this charade.”

  “I don’t really care if you are or not.” Caleb’s tone was totally indifferent, and so was his expression. “It entirely depends if I believe she’s worth what you’re asking. As for me being obsessed with her for years, we’ve only been sexually involved for a relatively short time. Before that there were countless other women to amuse me. What makes you think she was different?”

  “I believe you’re protesting a little too much,” Luca said harshly. “I think she is different for you.”

  “Why? Because she’s different for you?” Caleb’s voice was silky smooth. “You’ve already said that she was the one you chose years ago as the woman you felt might be suitable to come with you when you flew off to set up your Medici-inspired kingdom. Perhaps you’re the one who became obsessed and thought that she was the key to everything you wanted. Then when I happened along into her life, you took it as a sign that you’d been right and she could bring my services to you, too.” He chuckled. “But you didn’t take into account that I already could take whatever I wanted. I have everything that you’ve been fighting to get all these years, and I stopped letting anyone else control me long ago. Did you think I’d let a woman have that power? Or you, Luca, just because you imagine you have something I want?”

  “Imagine?” Jane could see that Luca was trying to stifle his rage. “I know it.”

  “Do you?” Caleb shrugged. “I think you saw what you wanted to see. You might have had a better chance six months ago when I was still sleeping with her. Though our affair was dwindling anyway. I’m sure you know that she was becoming temperamental and broke with me months ago. I thought I’d give her a chance to change her mind, but I can only tolerate that for so long before I move on.”

  “Do you hear
that, Jane?” Luca turned on her. His cheeks were flushed with anger. “He was through with you. Of course I don’t believe a word of it. I’m sure you don’t, either.”

  “Why not?” She had no idea what Caleb was trying to do, but she had seen him manipulate situations before. She remembered he’d told her that he’d study and find the best way to change Luca’s perception of them. If there was a chance of throwing Luca off-guard and giving Caleb an edge, she had to play along. “You’re wrong, Luca. It makes sense. I never knew what he was thinking anyway. It seemed ridiculous that he didn’t accept our breakup right away when I’d realized from the beginning I was only a ship that passed in the night to him.” She shrugged. “I guess I damaged his ego. He can be very stubborn.”

  “No, I’m not wrong,” Luca said through set teeth. “I wouldn’t make a mistake like that. I’ve studied you both. I know you’re of value to him.”

  “Am I? It doesn’t seem as if I am.” She stared him in the eye. “Why don’t you tell him what you want and we’ll see? You told me earlier that this might be the night when everything finally comes together for you. I think you’re wrong and your wonderful plan might be coming apart at the seams.”

  “Are you mocking me?” he asked. “I warned you, Jane.”

  “Tell him what you want,” she repeated.

  “Do you hear her, Caleb,” Luca said. “She wants to know her worth to you.”

  “So do I. Or what you perceive to be her worth. You’re taking long enough,” Caleb said. “What’s the price?”

  He was silent. “Cira’s treasure.”

  Caleb threw back his head and laughed. “No. Hell, no. I admit I wondered if you’d be fool enough to ask for that. That photo of the Bank of Scotland where the treasure is kept stood out among all your other dream fantasies.”

  “They weren’t fantasies. I’ll have them all.” His cheeks flushed. “It will just take time. But I need Cira’s treasure first. That would give me the same kind of start the Medicis had when they were able to rule popes and kings of their era. That will be the linchpin.”

  “A treasure estimated at over a billion dollars would be quite a linchpin,” Caleb said dryly. “And the odds against the ability to acquire it would be astronomical. Why would I even try?”

  “Because you might be the only one who could do it. You’re known to be very arrogant, Caleb. But you have certain unique talents that might make it possible, and the challenge would excite you. That’s why I chose you.” He moved behind Jane and put his hand on her throat. “Together with the lure that Jane brings to the table. I would hate to kill her, but if she isn’t as valuable to my plans as I thought, I would do it.” He stroked her throat. “You’ve half convinced me that she didn’t please you as much as I thought she had. Which means that she might not be the woman I believed her to be. I find that troubling.”

  “That’s your problem.” Caleb’s voice was totally indifferent as he shrugged. “But I’ve no desire to see you kill her. She did please me for a while. Choose something else and we might come to terms.”

  “But that would ruin my plans.” Luca’s other hand rose to completely encircle Jane’s throat. “I don’t think I could permit that to happen. No, I believe it has to be the treasure or nothing. Though I can see it’s a high price to pay if you found her as irritating as I have since I took possession of her.” His hands tightened on her throat. “Do you know she told me that she wouldn’t mind at all if I raped her? She said it wouldn’t matter as long as it saved a life. I believe she actually meant it. Of course, I regard that as my own personal challenge. But I have plenty of time. We’ll work it out.” His hands opened and he slid them down beneath her gown to cup her breasts. She inhaled sharply and forced herself not to move. Anything she did would aggravate the situation. She was almost sure now that Caleb’s tactic was to take away her value as a weapon for Luca. It just might work if he could pull it off. “See how meek she’s becoming?” Luca was rubbing her breasts slowly, sensuously. “How content she seems to be here with me?” He bent down to lick the lobe of her ear. “You wouldn’t go even if I said you could leave, would you, Jane?”

  Tomas. The threat was velvet-soft but she knew it was there. “You know I wouldn’t,” she said, through set teeth.

  “See, I told you,” Luca said as he released her breasts and slid his hands out of her gown. “So it’s over to you, Caleb. Your decision.”

  “The decision is made. You’re asking too much,” Caleb said flatly. “For too little. She wasn’t worth it toward the end.” He shrugged and then was silent a moment, thinking. “But the idea of the treasure is rather intriguing,” he murmured. “You’re right, I’m probably the only one who would be able to do it. That kind of payday is almost irresistible even for me. I’ll consider it and let you know. However, if I decide to go along with it, it will be my rules, my conditions.”

  “Of course.” Luca’s hand moved to the switch on the Skype. “Now one more thing…”

  Caleb’s face was suddenly filling the screen in a close-up that revealed every nuance of expression, even down to the pulse beat in his temple. His expression was completely without any emotion except perhaps annoyance and impatience. Even that pulse beat was absolutely steady. “What?” Then he understood and smiled mockingly into the camera. “Oh, you were trying to catch me in a moment of weakness? How absurd of you, Luca. It wouldn’t be for Jane MacGuire.” He looked directly into the camera. “She’s nothing to me. Satisfied?”

  “I had to see that for myself. I admit I hoped to catch you off-guard.” Luca forced a smile. “Of course, there might be more weakness than you permit to show. I do know that even if you’re getting bored with her, you’d still be tempted with the chance to prove you can do the impossible. I believe that might prove irresistible to you, even if she’s not. I’ll expect to hear from you.”

  He pressed DISCONNECT.

  All trace of smoothness instantly vanished from Luca’s contorted face. “Son of a bitch! I think he meant it.”

  Jane’s shocked gaze was on his face. It was livid with rage. Caleb had managed to push some major buttons. It was clear he’d done exactly what he’d intended to do: change the perception and deprive Luca of a weapon. Luca’s ego hadn’t permitted him to believe he was wrong at first, but now he was doubting and it was making him furious. “It’s your own fault,” she said. “If you’d told me you were depending on Caleb to give you something that outrageous, I could have told you that your chances were going to be zilch. I’m not anything to him.”

  “Then why aren’t you?” He grabbed her arm and jerked her from her chair. “You could have been, if you’d put out a little effort instead of tossing everything I’ve worked for away. I wasn’t wrong. I know he enjoyed you once. I watched the two of you.” He was pulling her out of the dining room and up the staircase. “Now you might have spoiled everything.”

  “What a pity. Did you ever consider blaming yourself for completely misreading our relationship? And probably every one of those items on your wonderful list. You should go back and start over and—”

  He slapped her and she fell to the steps.

  Pain.

  Dizziness.

  “Shut up!” His eyes were glittering with rage as he stared down at her. He pulled her to her feet again and pushed her the rest of the way up the stairs and down the hall. He opened the door and shoved her inside. “Get out of my sight. I can’t stand to look at you right now. I had it all planned and you’ve made everything difficult. It’s not my fault. It would have worked if you’d been everything I thought you were.” His lips curled. “Maybe I can still make it work. But now I have to wait for him to make the next move.” He took a step closer, and she instinctively braced to defend herself. She wouldn’t let him hit her again. His eyes were blazing into her own. “I’m tempted to send you to Alberto and his friends to teach you a lesson tonight, but I can’t do that, either. Because there’s a possibility Caleb might still want you and they would definitely d
amage you.”

  Alberto. Fear iced through her. What had she been thinking? She wouldn’t be the only one “damaged” if she fought Luca while he was in this mood. “You won’t send Alberto to hurt Tomas? I did everything you wanted tonight. Tomas shouldn’t be—”

  His fist lashed out, punching her in the stomach.

  She lost her breath and bent double as the pain washed over her. She fell to her knees, clutching her stomach, struggling to get her breath.

  Don’t fight him. Don’t fight him.

  “That’s how I like you,” he said viciously. “On your knees.” He kicked her in the ribs. “I told you that the punishment would always come.” He kicked her again. “No, Tomas won’t be punished tonight. He might die and then I’d lose a weapon against you.” He kicked her viciously one more time. “Though you may already have lost me Seth Caleb.”

  He turned and slammed the door behind him.

  She couldn’t move for a moment. The brutality had come so swiftly and painfully that she was still in shock. All that civilized smoothness had been transformed into ugly savagery in the space of seconds. Then she slowly forced herself up from her knees and toward the bathroom. She washed her face in cold water and stood before the vanity mirror assessing the damage. Her taffeta gown was ripped, and she had a bruise on her cheek. Besides that blow to the stomach, he’d kicked her three times, but she didn’t think she had more than bruises. It could have been worse.

  She left the bathroom and dropped down to sit on the silk padded bench at the foot of the bed. It took her a moment to let her head stop whirling as she went over what had just happened. Only one sentence stood out clearly.

  You might already have lost me Seth Caleb.

  Yes, it could have been much worse. Caleb had been very clever to gain instant dominance over Luca by making him believe he no longer wanted her. It robbed Luca of any power if he couldn’t offer Caleb anything that would tempt him to go for the theft of the treasure. He had no weapon to wield, and that was enormously important. Caleb had put himself in a position of strength.