The Sicilian's Defiant Virgin

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‘His business has been on the downslide for some time now,’ the chairman agreed, ‘though these things can be reversed, and there’s no reason to suppose the Tebaldis won’t remain good clients of ours...’

Was that all he cared about? Jen thought as the chairman’s stare rested on her face.

‘For some unaccountable reason,’ the chairman continued, ‘Don Tebaldi has asked for you by name, Jennifer. You are to courier the stone to Sicily, and you are to display it along with the rest of his gems.’

‘Me?’ she said faintly.

‘I explained that you were still a student,’ the chairman told her to murmurs of surprise around the table, ‘but Don Tebaldi has insisted. It appears that he has researched every member of staff, and, having read your college report and discovered that you are this year’s top student, he has asked—insisted, actually, on hiring your new, fresh approach.’

‘But I can’t—’

‘Yes, you can,’ the chairman argued sharply. ‘Don Tebaldi has amassed a priceless collection over the years, and it’s a great honour for you to be selected for this task. You must think how it will look on your CV.’

And on the auction house register. The chairman did nothing that wouldn’t benefit the house. But why choose a student when the world was full of experts? What was going on?

‘It’s all settled,’ the chairman informed her briskly. ‘Don Tebaldi will accept no one else but you, so you will be travelling to Sicily at the same time as the Emperor’s Diamond, and when you get there you will catalogue his collection, and arrange an exhibition for him.’

This did not go down well around the boardroom table, Jen noticed. And who could be surprised when some of the leading experts in the world were seated next to her?

‘Yes, I found it surprising too,’ the chairman admitted, removing his spectacles to pinch the bridge of his nose. ‘But then I remembered that Jennifer has a second job at the casino, and I wondered if she might have met one of the members of the Tebaldi family there...?’

Jen’s cheeks reddened as everyone turned to look at her. ‘I might have done,’ she admitted.

‘Well, I can’t complain about your work here, so I can only hope you won’t let Smithers & Worseley down.’

She was certainly a dab hand at making sure the lid was on the biscuit tin. Now she had to hope that the ideas that had won her the top prize at college would translate into something to please a client.

‘This shouldn’t be a problem for you, should it?’ the chairman pressed, raising a bristly silver brow.

He didn’t really care who went, Jen deduced. The chairman was only interested in the kudos of a member of his staff entering the secret world of Don Tebaldi. The chance to hear a first-hand account of treasures that had been locked away for years had blinded him to everything else. Whether he was suspicious or not over this unlikely train of events, he had decided that Jen would be the sacrificial lamb.

As for her own suspicions? Keep thinking about that glowing entry on your CV, Jen instructed herself firmly.

‘I’d be happy to catalogue Don Tebaldi’s collection, and organise an exhibition for him.’ She had plenty of experience of organising things and people since her parents’ death. Too much experience, probably, and even she couldn’t deny that she was the top student in her year.

‘Good. Well, that’s settled, then,’ the chairman said with satisfaction. ‘You’re fast becoming indispensable to us, Jennifer,’ he added with a self-satisfied smile at a job well done. ‘Think of it as a free holiday,’ he added magnanimously. ‘It can be your bonus for the year.’

That didn’t mean she’d get a pay rise. She’d still be catching a bus to work twenty years from now, while the members of the board would still be chauffeured to work in their Bentleys.

‘You will meet with Signor Luca Tebaldi at three, here in this office,’ the chairman added.

So soon?

Jen didn’t hear much else for the rest of the meeting. She would have liked more time to prepare. Raoul disappearing, and now the sale of a valuable and notorious stone to the man who turned out to be his father—and Raoul’s brother buying time with Jen at the club? Was she supposed to believe it was all coincidence?

‘Jennifer?’ the chairman said sharply. ‘Are you listening to me? I was just saying that Signor Tebaldi expects to view his father’s latest purchase, following which he will arrange transport details for both the Emperor’s Diamond, and for you. This is a great opportunity for you, Jennifer,’ he finished, shaking his head at her apparent lack of interest as he settled back.

‘Absolutely,’ she said, sitting up. ‘And thank you so much for the opportunity.’ At least she’d have chance to get to the bottom of this mystery.

For Lyddie, Jen thought, shooting her professional smile around the table.

Lyddie had only recently started her career as a model when she was killed two years ago. She had insisted on cycling everywhere in London, saying it was the easiest way to get around. At least Lyddie had got the chance to wear the jewels she had loved so much, having landed an endorsement for an exclusive jewellery house. She’d been on her way to model the next season’s collection of diamonds when she was knocked off her bike. Jen would do this work in memory of those she’d lost, and make it a fitting tribute to the sister and the parents she had adored. She smiled, remembering Lyddie had never been able to pass a jeweller’s window without squeaking with excitement when she spotted some rare stone their mother had described to them. The sparkling gems had become a bond between them when their mother died, reminding them of story time, and the three of them safe, and sitting close together.

‘I will inform your college and ask for leave of absence, so you’ve nothing to worry about—especially not with the summer holidays fast approaching,’ the chairman told her. ‘Just one more thing,’ he added, avoiding Jen’s gaze. ‘We must be sure to welcome Signor Luca Tebaldi with the utmost hospitality.’

Jen frowned at this comment. The utmost hospitality seemed to imply more than simply hand-carrying a precious stone to Sicily. She would be professional and polite, and that was all. If the chairman expected anything more of her, perhaps to drum up future business, he was destined to be disappointed.

‘Signor Luca Tebaldi’s father has been an outstanding contributor to our profits,’ the chairman continued, confirming Jen’s fears with a meaningful look. ‘We can only hope his son will become an equally valuable client in the future.’

Jen stared around the boardroom table as talk turned to what could possibly tempt the Tebaldi family to spend even more in future sales. Rare stones were just that, the board members lamented: rare.

A prescient shiver ran across Jen’s shoulders as she tried to persuade herself that exchanging a draughty bedsit for a trip to sunny Sicily was a great option, and that it would honour Lyddie’s memory in the best way possible. But nothing was ever that simple, and this trip was full of uncertainty.

‘Do you know the history of the Emperor’s Diamond?’ the chairman probed, tapping his pen on the desk as he looked at her.

At last, something she could be sure about. ‘As it happens, I do,’ she confirmed. She always took an interest in the rare stones that came through the auction house, and her studies had allowed her to spend time researching them thoroughly. ‘It was once posted in a plain brown paper envelope, and yet it still reached its destination safely. I’m sure my trip to Sicily will be equally uneventful,’ she said, reassuring everyone around the table, but herself.

I am that plain brown envelope, Jen thought as the chairman acknowledged her remarks with a thin smile.

* * *

Melvyn Worseley Esquire, aka the Chairman, took Jen aside later that day. With the Emperor’s Diamond valued at a conservative thirty-five million, he said it was important to get everything just right. Jen couldn’t have agreed more, and was glad she had confidence in her own abilities. If there was one thing she was good at, it was lighting and setting. Creating the elusive wow factor was what had won her the prize at college, the Vice Chancellor had told her when he’d handed her the prize.

‘Perhaps you might want to freshen up and put on some make-up before Luca Tebaldi arrives?’

She looked sideways at the chairman. There was that subtle, or not so subtle, hint again. She would freshen up, but sluicing her face with cold water would be enough. This wasn’t a beauty pageant. It was a client coming to inspect a precious stone.

There was no chance of the elusive wow factor where Jen was concerned, Jen conceded with amusement as she smoothed her long red hair and checked her ponytail was in place. Pulling away from the sink in the ladies’ room, she returned to the boardroom where the chairman was waiting for her.

‘If you’re short of cash,’ he observed, viewing her thrift-shop outfit with dismay, ‘I’m sure we can allow you a small amount of expenses. Creating a good first impression is paramount, don’t you think?’ he pressed, staring keenly at Jen over his gold-rimmed glasses.

She was suitably dressed for work, Jen thought, in a mouse-grey knee-length suit and white blouse. Admittedly, the blouse had been washed so many times the fabric was practically threadbare, but if she fastened the jacket...

The chairman lifted the velvet case containing the precious gemstone and, with maximum drama, he flipped the lid. Even Jen gasped. It was as if the diamond’s luminance, having been contained within a dark box for so long, leapt out at them in a stunning display of rainbow light. She knew the physics was the other way around, and that without the light the stone was nothing, but at that moment, far from being cursed, the Emperor’s Diamond seemed to contain some magical force. She had to remind herself that she didn’t believe in things like that.

‘I’m sure you will do a fine job displaying this,’ the chairman said as Jen came towards him, drawn closer by the magnificent gemstone.

As she studied it Jen thought the diamond so beautiful she couldn’t think of it bringing anything but good luck. It would never be locked away again, if she could help it. She remembered her mother saying that exceptional gems should be displayed to the public, and enjoyed by as many people as possible.

‘Isn’t it a remarkable gem?’ the chairman murmured, obviously equally awestruck as they stood side by side, briefly joined in admiration of one of nature’s wonders.

‘And the ceiling hasn’t fallen in yet,’ Jen murmured tongue in cheek.

‘Not yet,’ the chairman agreed as they shared a rare smile.

Somewhere in the Victorian building, a door must have opened. Jen shivered as if a breeze had blown in. ‘The wind of change,’ she joked, trying to hide her apprehension as she took a step back from the so-called cursed stone.

The chairman had barely had time to put the diamond away when the door swung open and his guest strode in. Luca Tebaldi somehow managed to look even more impressive in daylight than he had at the club. He was taller, darker, and far more dangerous-looking than Jen remembered. Her heart thumped wildly as his stare lingered on her face. Why this intense interest? She was hardly one of nature’s wonders. She was more run of the mill. And yes, they were having dinner tonight, but this appointment was for him to view the fabulously valuable stone his father had just purchased, so shouldn’t he be concentrating on that?

‘Signor Tebaldi,’ the chairman gushed, moving past Jen to greet his guest.

Wearing a dark, beautifully tailored lightweight wool suit and a crisp white shirt, garnished with a grey silk tie, and with sapphires glittering tastefully at his wrists, Luca Tebaldi looked every bit the billionaire connoisseur. She could see why the chairman hoped Luca Tebaldi would become as lucrative a source of income to the auction house as his father before him. She watched as the two men exchanged a firm handshake, but once that was done Luca’s stare switched to Jen.

‘Jennifer Sanderson—the courier you requested,’ the chairman said, introducing her.

Not wanting to seem overwhelmed by their guest, Jen seized the initiative. Stepping forward, she took a firm grip of Luca Tebaldi’s outstretched hand. It was like being plugged into a power socket. She snatched her hand away as the chairman started talking about an upcoming auction for rare stones, but not before sparks had shot up her arm, and far more sensitive parts of her body were responding with even more enthusiasm. This was crazy. She didn’t even know him. She didn’t have to know him to feel that primitive response to a man as blatantly sexual as Luca Tebaldi, Jen reasoned with concern.

He felt the girl’s reaction to him, and could see it in her darkening eyes. Last night she had been dressed in a skimpy and provocative costume, while today she was dressed as if butter wouldn’t melt. Would the real Jennifer Sanderson please stand up?

They stared at each other with naked interest. She was as curious about him as he was about her. What was the connection between the Emperor’s Diamond, Raoul Tebaldi, and Luca? she had to be thinking. She was smart. It wouldn’t take her long to come up with some answers, though they might be wrong. He would keep her guessing until they got to Sicily.

Nothing was simple. He admired her, and he hadn’t expected that. He had enjoyed her performance at the club. She’d given generously of her time and talent—such as it was. And she’d stood up to him afterwards. He was intrigued to find out how she’d react to the next part of her journey.

The chairman was saying something about another auction Luca might like to attend. He shut the man’s voice out, preferring to concentrate all his attention on the intriguing Ms Sanderson. Why did he find her so attractive? She wasn’t conventionally beautiful, and she certainly wasn’t as showy or as successful as many of the women he knew. And she definitely wasn’t biddable, as women of his acquaintance tended to be, for fear of losing his favour. She was challenging and spiky and unpredictable. And he found her utterly fascinating. Her strange mix of caution and boldness had him in its grip. To inflame him even more, just one of her glances was enough to tell him that it was immaterial to her whether he approved of her or not. She might be moneyless and powerless, but her spirit was strong. So what did she know about his brother’s will? And what would it take for her to relinquish her hold on Raoul’s estate?

He barely glanced at the precious stone when the chairman held it up for his approval. He was far more interested in Jennifer Sanderson’s face and trying to fathom what was behind that steady green gaze. Was it duplicity, innocence, professional interest, or something more?

‘If you’ll excuse me,’ the chairman said, distracting him, ‘I’m afraid I must leave you now. Another appointment,’ he explained with a brief professional smile. ‘I’ll leave you in Ms Sanderson’s capable hands.’

He raised a brow and the girl did too, he noticed. She had no interest in being a bonus to the deal, and her employer should have more sense than to suggest it.

‘Jennifer has my blessing to offer you any assistance you might need,’ the chairman added with an oily smile, adding to his damnation in Luca’s eyes. Luca’s only response was a brief nod of his head.

Jen tensed as the door closed behind the chairman, leaving her alone with Luca Tebaldi. ‘So you’re Raoul’s brother,’ she said. ‘I thought so last night. I haven’t seen Raoul for ages. I hope he’s well?’

‘My brother’s dead.’

‘Oh—’ Jen’s hand shot to her mouth. She was beyond shocked. She couldn’t believe he’d just blurted it out. Was Luca Tebaldi’s emotionless statement to hide his grief, or to test her?

‘He was killed a short time ago,’ Raoul’s brother revealed.

‘Killed?’ Jen repeated numbly. A chill gripped her. She couldn’t take it in. She gripped the back of a chair. There were no words. She was devastated. ‘Did he...?’

‘Did he suffer? Not as far as I’m aware. He was killed instantly in a head-on crash in Rome.’

‘I’m so sorry.’

Poor, vulnerable Raoul was dead. It didn’t seem possible. Her memories of Luca’s brother were so clear. She knew Raoul had led a complicated life, but she had never imagined it would come to this.

‘I should have known. I used to see him every night. I knew he was fragile, but—we used to talk,’ she explained as Luca stared at her.

‘Shall I get you a glass of water?’ he enquired.

She couldn’t speak, she could only gesture with her hands. She was still reeling at the thought that she would never see Raoul again.

‘You met my brother in the casino?’ Luca said as he poured her a glass of water.

‘Yes. I never saw him anywhere else. We were acquaintances who become friends, I suppose, but Raoul had his own life, and I had mine.’

‘What did you find to talk about?’

He handed her the glass. ‘Anything and everything,’ Jen said honestly, sipping the water. Another young life needlessly lost. Memories of the terrible day when Lyddie had been killed came flooding back. The police had been so kind to Jen, rushing her to the high-dependency unit of the local hospital with their sirens wailing where she’d found Lyddie still breathing. Still alive! Jen had thought, wanting to believe in miracles. Yes, the doctor had confirmed, her sister was still living, but her brain dead, he’d explained gently. Head injuries, he’d said when Jen had stared at him blankly. Irrecoverable brain damage, he’d said, before asking if she would consider donating Lyddie’s organs. Up to then she had fooled herself that Lyddie was asleep and would soon wake up. There hadn’t been a mark on her sister, just a small white bandage taped to her forehead. Jen could spend as long as she liked with Lyddie, the doctor had told her—but not too long, was the unspoken text, because decisions would have to be made—

‘Ms Sanderson?’

‘Sorry—’ She turned to focus on Luca. He was so like Raoul, though a bigger, stronger version, as if he was the positive imagine and Raoul was the negative. ‘I’m sorry. I keep wandering off in my mind. I’m just so shocked to hear about your brother.’

‘Raoul confided in you?’ Luca pressed.

‘We used to talk,’ Jen confirmed. Raoul had opened up about a lot of things, but she prided herself on her discretion.

‘Did you talk every night?’

‘What is this?’ she challenged lightly. ‘I knew your brother, and I liked him very much. We discussed a lot of things.’ She stopped and pressed her lips together, hoping Raoul’s brother would take the hint.

‘I apologise if I seem intrusive,’ he said. ‘I’m just trying to fill in the gaps.’

‘I understand your sense of loss. I’ve been through something similar.’