The Marriage Trap

Chapter Three

Maggie glanced at her fake husband and tried hard not to panic.

The familiar shortening of breath and hammering heart alerted her to trouble. She swallowed, hid her face behind Italian Vogue, and prayed she’d keep it together. She hated the idea of anyone knowing about such a weakness, especially Michael. The whole crazy plan hit her full force as soon as his private plane shot into the air. Her finger itched with the snug band of platinum gold, and the two-carat round diamond sparkled like icicles catching the glint of the sun. The ruse seemed doable in Alexa’s house. A day later, though, with a ring, fake husband, and family to con, she realized she was a complete idiot.

What the hell had she agreed to?

And what was it about the Ryan family that necessitated fake marriages? She’d laughed her ass off when Nick told her he needed to marry in order to inherit their uncle’s company, Dreamscape Enterprises. Thank God, setting him up with Alexa proved to be the best decision, especially when they fell in love and made it real.

Of course, the only reason Alexa agreed to a marriage of convenience with her brother was to save her family. Maggie had no lofty reason to save a business or childhood home. But you have the opportunity to protect family, her inner voice whispered. Alexa and Nick had something real. Michael remained a constant threat: his sensual smile, lilting voice, and come-hither bedroom eyes wrapped her best friend in a false state of protection. Finally, her suspicions confirmed truth.

He admitted he loved her best friend.

When the words fell from his lips, a strange flare of grief pierced her heart. Ridiculous, of course, and she quickly buried the embarrassing emotion. Of course, he wrapped it up in the term friendship, but it was only his way to throw her off base. A powerful man like the count would not be content to wait on the sidelines for long—not if he believed he’d have a shot with the woman he loved. Maggie couldn’t live with herself if she didn’t use the available weapon to keep Michael away from her family.

But at what price? Meeting his sisters and mother. Sleeping in his bedroom. Pretending to be someone she wasn’t?

Her fingers tightened around the glossy pages, and she breathed in through her nose, and out through her mouth. The shrink she’d forced herself to visit prescribed yoga and stress-reducing exercises. She absolutely refused to be medicated and controlled by anxiety. Starting from one hundred and going backward, she forced away the crazed need to gulp for air and reigned herself in. Visualizing her heartbeat slowing, she breathed.

Ninety-eight.

Ninety-seven.

Ninety-six.

Ninety-five.

“Studying for your shoot?”

She waited a few beats until she was under control, then looked up. He leaned back in the seat, one ankle crossed over his knee, a relaxed smile on his face. Funny, she’d always had a thing for long hair on a man, enjoying the modern-day pirate image. His powerful frame was wrapped in a black sports jacket, jeans, and low black boots. His eyes filled with humor as he motioned to her fashion magazine.

A quick lash of irritation caused her to cock her head and adopt a southern drawl. “Sorry, darlin’, pictures are all I can handle. Too many words on a page makes me all aflutter.”

She’d always hated the easy assumption she couldn’t handle literature more challenging than a fashion magazine. Of course, she did nothing to convince anyone otherwise. She boasted no college education and made her own way in the photography world. She liked the control it gave her in a relationship to keep things hidden. Especially her addiction to crossword puzzles and Civil War literature. If only her dates knew she DVR’d the History Channel more than Project Runway.

He reached over to the minibar and poured himself a Scotch with ice. “Nothing wrong with Vogue. It was my sister’s bible.”

“I read, too. The articles in Playgirl are entertaining.”

He laughed, the sound coating her skin like the slow slide of creamy caramel. “Why don’t you tell me a little about your work? How did you end up being a photographer?”

The true answer skittered across her mind but she refused to say it aloud. Because the world was better viewed through a lens? Because photography gave her control to watch others—almost like legal voyeurism? She sipped at her glass of Chianti. “One Christmas I got a Nikon with all the trappings and was told to show up at photography camp for a week. The nanny had a vacation coming and they had no one to watch me, so off I went. The instructor was top rate and taught me a lot. I got hooked.”

His probing stare burned through barriers and demanded the truth. Fortunately, the mess of emotions had been steeped in deep freeze for so many years there was nothing left to show. “Sounds like you received money but no emotional support. The fashion industry is quite competitive, especially in Milan. You must be extremely talented and dedicated to be so much in demand.”

She shrugged. “I’ve always had an eye for fashion.” She gave a fake leer. “Especially ones including muscled, half-naked men.”

Maggie expected a laugh, but he kept quiet and studied her. “Have you ever tried to expand your focus?”

She stretched her legs out and settled back in the comfy seat. “Sure. I’ve done shoots for the Gap and Victoria’s Secret during a dry spell.”

“You don’t like to talk about yourself much, do you, cara?”

The intimate rumble ruffled her nerve endings and made her want things. Bad things. Like his tongue deep inside her mouth and those hands all over her naked body. Oh, this man was good. All charm and humor and sensuality wrapped up in a power package deadly to women. His sinful eyes practically forced confessions from a woman’s lips. “On the contrary. Ask me anything you want. Boxers or briefs? Mets or Yankees? Disco or hip-hop? Hit me with your best shot.”

“Tell me about your parents.”

She refused to hesitate. “My father is on his fourth wife. He loves money, hates work, and only sees me to rack up brownie points with his new wife. Seems she likes family closeness, and he’s trying to make her happy. For now. He’s handsome, charming, and completely empty. My mother envisions herself a celebrity and despises the fact she’s aging and has two grown children. She’s currently shacked up with an actor and begging for two-bit parts as an extra on various sets.”

“And your relationships?” His aura burned with a curiosity that made her uneasy. “What about them, la mia tigrotta? Have you given up on commitment because of your parents?”

Her breath caught at his directness, but she forged on. “I have many healthy relationships on my own terms.” She uttered the lie without a shred of guilt. “Do I believe finding real love in this lifetime is almost impossible? Hell, yes. It’s proven over and over again. Why bother? Why dive into obvious pain and heartache unless you find someone you’d die for? And personally, I don’t think he’s out there. But I have a damn good time finding Mr. Right Now.”

The low hum of the plane’s engine was the only sound between them. “I’m sorry.”

His softly spoken words made her lips tighten. “Why?” she challenged. “I wasn’t beaten, starved, or abused. I grew up in a mansion with nannies, cooks, and any toy I asked for. I do what I want, when I want, and don’t answer to anyone. Why on earth would you be sorry for me? I got more than most.” He nodded, but she sensed he didn’t believe her. “I feel sorrier for you.”

Michael jerked back. “Me?”

“Sure. After all, I already know your secrets.”

The taunt hit the bull’s-eye. He stiffened and deliberately took a sip of his Scotch. “Ah, but I feel the same way. I am what you Americans call an open book.” The matching wedding band flashed as he waved his hand in the air.

She practically purred with the delight of taking the focus off her. “You had a close family with plenty of support. Money and success on your own terms. And you couldn’t find one woman to pretend she loves you for a lousy week. No wonder your mother is insistent on keeping to tradition. Has there been even one serious relationship in your past?”

Anger flashed in his coal-black eyes.

“I date,” he responded coldly. “Just because I haven’t found The One yet doesn’t mean I’m closed off.”

“Nice recovery. So what are you looking for, Count? What type of woman gets you all hot and bothered to settle down?”

He muttered something under his breath, and she settled back to enjoy the show. “I’d love to settle down and give my mother what she wants,” he finally stated. “But not at my expense. You see, cara, I believe in the love you say is impossible. I just believe it’s hard to find, and I refuse to compromise.”

“So all these women you take to your bed, do you seduce them for the challenge, the pleasure, or because you hope she’s The One?”

His eyes glittered as she threw down the gauntlet. Again, he impressed her with his dual ability to switch from smooth charmer to a man who refused to play games. “I hope. I take them to bed, concentrate on their pleasure, and hope in the morning I want more.”

Her breath strangled in her throat. Her surroundings tilted as his words echoed her own empty search for someone to slay the demons in the evening and be enough under the harsh morning light. Her heart galloped but this time it wasn’t panic that caused the blood rush.

It was Michael Conte.

Her fingers clenched around the delicate stem of her glass. The leashed sensuality radiating around his figure pulled her in and kept her caught in his web as he stared at her in sudden realization. “You experience it, too, don’t you?”

His harsh question made her flinch.

“Do you take them to bed to escape the loneliness, hoping it will end up to be more? Do you wake up in the morning with a sick feeling in your stomach, knowing you lied to yourself again? Do you wonder if you’re meant to be alone? Wonder if something deep down is holding you back?”

God, yes.

Sudden tears threatened. The horror of such messy emotion made her fight back for her control. She’d never admit such weakness and want to this man. He’d use it against her, to climb under her skin and probe for secrets. She knew what drove her, knew the empty hole inside of her started at sixteen when a boy she trusted took everything hopeful and good and bright and crushed it beneath his heel. But she’d gotten strong and chosen revenge in her own way. She’d never let anyone take away the choice of her sexuality or her control.

If Michael stripped her bare, she’d have nothing left.

So she smiled and lifted her glass in a salute. “Sorry, Count. I take them to bed because they look good. But thanks for sharing.”

The insult did what she hoped. The openness closed up as if a thundercloud passed over the sun and choked off the light. Her stomach flipped as the gleam of disappointment flashed in his eyes along with a tinge of regret. For one moment, she’d felt more connected with a man than ever before. Even in bed.

“I see. We shall play by the rules then, yes?”

She didn’t answer. With deliberate motions she picked up her magazine and tuned him out. Michael took the hint and they passed the next few hours in silence. Finally, the intercom lit up and the pilot’s voice came over the speaker.

“Sir, we are due to touch down at Orio al Serio within fifteen minutes. Please fasten your seat belts.”

Michael pressed the button. “Thank you, Richard.”

They clipped their buckles. Maggie drained her wine and ignored the empty ache in her gut.

Michael glanced at the poised woman by his side as he wound his way through the curvy hills toward his home. The top was down, and her gold-red hair blew in the wind in a tangled mass, but she didn’t seem concerned. Her pursed lips told him she was thinking hard, probably getting into character to meet his family. During the last twenty-four hours, he’d learned a lot about Maggie Ryan.

Unfortunately, the tiny glimpse only made him crave more.

The vivid green of trees and brown earth flashed by and welcomed him in a way that soothed his soul. His family owned land from generations back, which had all been passed to him. But he’d always known from his first visit to New York City that he longed to make his mark there. Papa took him to visit his uncle, and the bustle of Manhattan fascinated his sense of challenge. Unfortunately, the crowds and chaos did not call to his need for privacy and land. When he decided to expand La Dolce Famiglia in the States, he sought the excitement of Manhattan in a location that offered a more laid-back atmosphere. As he traveled upstate, a hidden jewel revealed herself in the majestic mountains of the Hudson Valley, and he knew he’d found the place he could finally call home.

Though he was happy in New York, his birthplace always gave him a certain strength. A reminder of the man he was and where he came from. On his own land, there was no bullshit or pretending. In the spinning world of technology and money and competitive business, he needed to remind himself of the things that were important.

The walled city of Bergamo reminded him of a treasure surrounded by a fortress. Snugly situated at the foothills of the Alps and separated into upper and lower towns, the combination of Old and New World mingled into sheer perfection. He enjoyed the sleek feel of the sports car as he moved from the Città Bassa to the Città Alta and the bustling city fell away to a quiet, country hush. A sense of peace and satisfaction coursed through him as he neared home.

He caught the musky scent of sandalwood in the air and shifted in his seat. Everything about Maggie was a sexual contrast. The hunter in him longed to dive underneath her surface and find what made her tick.

Her stunned look when he confessed his secret punched through his chest. He’d never told of his empty search for a woman to complete him. After all, most men would laugh, and women may take up the challenge to storm the barriers of his heart. She’d gotten him so pissed, the words burst out of his mouth. But her obvious recognition revealed her own deepest longing.

He reached the top of the hill, pulled up to the sprawling terra-cotta villa, and cut the engine. “We shall have a minute before they come running out.”

“It’s beautiful, but not the billionaire mansion I expected.”

He took in the simple lines of his family home through her eyes and sighed. “Mama refuses to leave. I planned to build her a castle worthy of what she accomplished, but she laughed at me. Said she refused to leave her family land and the home where Papa lived.”

“I like her already.”

“She even refused help. No maids or cooks for Mama. I have a woman who sneaks in to do deep cleaning when she’s in church.” He shook his head. “Ah, well. Are you ready?”

Her face was impassive and cool. Yet those jade-green eyes mirrored a tiny flare of uncertainty. He caught her hand within his and entwined their fingers. Her small gasp sang in his ears and stretched his pants more than a notch. God, she was so responsive to his touch. The low hum between them beckoned, promising a deep physical satisfaction he ached to experience but never would. Her hot-pink nails dug into his palm, and his thumb pressed the sensitive pulse point at her wrist to confirm her response. Yes. He turned her on. She refused to buckle, though, and tossed her head with a devil-may-care attitude.

“Let’s rock and roll,” she said.

She climbed out of the car the same moment the door flung open and his sisters came running down the stone pathway.

In perfect unison, they flung themselves into his arms. Joy exploded through him as he hugged them back, their excited chatter a familiar noise to his ears. He pressed kisses to the tops of their heads and studied their appearances.

“You are all more beautiful than I remembered.” A dual vision of thick black hair, strong features, and dark eyes stood before him. Venezia’s generous curves had caused him to interrogate many of her dates regarding their intentions, and Julietta’s independent streak gave him sleepless nights. These two sisters were bullheaded and full of sass, but they always bowed to his final orders as the family rules dictated. Carina at twenty-three was a late bloomer. He recognized instantly the awkward stooped posture as she tried to hide her height and curves under baggy clothes. Regret coursed through him at not being able to keep an eye on her at this tender age.

She giggled at his statement, but the older two only rolled their eyes.

“Is this how you wooed your bride?” Venezia demanded. “Corny compliments and sweet smiles in an effort to placate us? Though you don’t come to visit for months, and then spring a new wife on Mama without any buildup.”

Carina glanced back and forth between her sisters and Maggie, chewing on her lip with sudden unease.

“Watch your temper, Venezia,” he commanded. “Perhaps my wife understands better than you that I do what is best for the family.”

Maggie stalked away from the car, her hips swinging in the ancient rhythm of Eve. Her sleek hair swung past her shoulders, and she stopped beside him as if in full support. “I’m Maggie, by the way, your brother’s new wife. And no, he didn’t woo me with compliments. He did it the old-fashioned way.” She paused for dramatic effect and twisted those full lips in a mocking smile. “With great sex.”

The chirp of birds was the only sound that broke the deafening silence. Michael half closed his eyes in sheer horror. He was going to kill her. His older sisters stared at her with open mouths. Carina gasped.

Why did he think he’d be able to control her?

Venezia choked on a laugh. Julietta looked at her with a touch of admiration, and now Carina seemed as if she had met her new heroine.

Well versed in damage control, his mind spun with an appropriate response to make it all go away.

“Nothing wrong with sex to enslave a man.” A familiar voice echoed from the doorway, and a slight figure made her way down the path. “It’s what you do with him afterward that counts. At least you married him and made him honest.”

“Mama?”

Everyone swung around to watch the progression of the short woman with the carved wooden cane. With each step, the cane banged with an authoritative air that sent shivers down his spine. Her long, gray hair was held back in its usual bun, and her olive skin was heavily wrinkled from the sun and old-fashioned laugh lines. She bore four children who all towered over her and boasted their father’s genes, but the whiplash of her voice terrified anyone who got in her way or disappointed her. She wore comfortable slacks, sandals, and a simple white blouse with a cardigan wrapped around her shoulders.

She stopped in front of them. Her lips quirked, but her face showed no humor as she studied Maggie with sharp eyes. Long moments passed as they waited for her response.

Finally, Maggie broke the silence. “Signora Conte, I am honored to finally meet you.” Her tone held the highest respect as she met his mother’s gaze head-on. “Your son is an idiot for not telling you about our engagement sooner. I apologize for him.”

His mother nodded. “I accept your apology. Welcome to my family.” His mother kissed Maggie on each cheek, then frowned. “You are too thin. Always too thin these young girls. We shall fix that immediately.” Her head came around sharply. “Girls? Did you not greet your new sister?”

The tension dissolved as his sisters hugged and kissed Maggie. The breath he’d held whooshed out of his mouth and he hugged his mother. The delicacy of her frame contradicted her steely stare. “Hello, Mama.”

“Michael. I am angry with you but will make you pay later.”

He chuckled and ran a finger down her wrinkled cheek. “Mi dispiace. I promise to make it up to you.”

“Si. Come inside and get settled.”

His senses swam with the familiar sights and scents of his home. He took in the sloping terra-cotta roof, wrought-iron balconies, and the elaborate stone pillars flanking the front door. Bright yellow and red surfaces competed with masses of wildflowers in vivid colors. Set atop the peak of a hill, the three-tier home sprawled like a queen over her subjects, boasting more than five acres of grassy fields. The carved-stone pathways led to a private terrace and pool area surrounded by lush gardens and walkways. The Alps shimmered in the distance, their massive white-peaked tips visible from the balcony.

While his sisters buzzed over Maggie’s ring, he made his way through the doors and was assaulted with the smell of garlic, lemon, and basil. Ceramic tile gleamed clean and bright and set off the pine cabinets and heavy table. Massive counters surrounded the space that was covered with fresh herbs, tomatoes, and an array of pots and pans. This was his mother’s domain and heaven on earth when they were first introduced to the sweet lure of pastries and luscious fillings. She’d passed her talent down to each of her children, but none had her expert skill, and they relied mostly on the famous chefs chosen to run their bakery empire. Funny, they all seemed to favor their father’s genes for business, but Mama had never forced them to be someone they weren’t.

The memory of his own dreams teased the fringes of his memory, but he refused to linger on regrets. Not then. Not now.

Not ever.

He glanced over at Maggie. She chatted with his sisters and seemed smugly at ease after her shocking entrance. Obviously, she assumed he’d meekly accept her outrageous actions in gratitude for her agreement to the whole farce.

“Maggie, I need to speak with you for a moment.”

As if she sensed his irritation, she shot him a look and hiked up her brow. He smothered a chuckle.

“Bring your luggage up to your room,” his mama ordered. “I’ve gotten it ready for you. After you settle, we shall meet in the garden for some coffee and snacks.”

“Si.”

He retrieved the luggage from the car, walked back in the house, and motioned for Maggie to follow. She broke away from his sisters and they ascended the stairs toward their bedroom. He dropped the luggage, kicked the door closed with his heel, and faced her.

“A very amusing opening to our week, la mia tigrotta. But I think it’s time you realize who makes the rules here.” He took a step closer and towered over her. “Now.”