A Royal Holiday (Royals of Valleria #5) by Marianne Knightly Page A

she doing here? Did the paparazzi see her?”
     
    Marcello held up his hands. “Calm down. No one saw her. I arranged to have her brought here.”
     
    Alex’s mouth fell open. “You what?”
     
    “I had someone contact her. No, they weren’t followed to the meet, nor were they recognized as one of my men.”
     
    “Unless she had a camera or microphone recording the whole damn conversation.”
     
    “I sent my man with a jammer that blocked any recording equipment, including cameras, nearby. He posed as a reporter from a local paper wanting to buy the pictures.”
     
    Alex crossed his arms over his chest. “What did she say?”
     
    “She said she wanted to meet with you as part of the deal.”
     
    “She actually believed a reporter could arrange something like that? And what possessed you to bring her here? Like hell I’m seeing her.”
     
    “Hear me out.”
     
    Alex shook his head. “She betrayed me and, worse than that, her actions hurt Rebecca.”
     
    “I know how you feel. Believe me, I do. I’d feel the same if this were happening to Grace.”
     
    “Then why is she here, in our home, no less?”
     
    Marcello sighed. “So we can search her hotel room while you keep her occupied. I’ve already uncovered two safety deposit boxes under her name, both of which were clean. However, there was a third one she opened years ago using her mother’s maiden name, and she emptied that one out before coming to Valentia.”
     
    “You think it held the video, and that she brought it with her?”
     
    “If there is a video, then, yes, I do.” Marcello handed him a small earpiece. “Put this in. My men are searching now. If we find it while you’re talking to her, I’ll let you know.”
     
    “That may not be her only copy.”
     
    “And that’s something you can find out during your conversation.”
     
    Alex nodded and slipped in the earpiece. “And you’re sure no one saw her come in? The last thing we need is more of this scandal.”
     
    “Especially since the whole country is now abuzz with potential baby news, right?”
     
    “Shut up.”
     
    Marcello chuckled. “Just stating the obvious. Look, she doesn’t know the reporter was one of ours. I made it look like he arranged the meet at the palace. We used one of our secure cars that’s disguised like a taxi to pick her up. If anyone saw her, they’d think she was a tourist wanting to see the palace lit up at night and catch a glimpse of the Royal Christmas Tree decorated outside.”
     
    “I want Rebecca with me.”
     
    “Are you sure about that?”
     
    “Yes,” Alex said easily. “Rebecca would kill me if I didn’t bring her.”
     
    “She told you that?”
     
    “She didn’t have to. I’m not an idiot. There’s no scenario that doesn’t include Rebecca at this meeting.”
     
    Marcello nodded, though his creased forehead clearly indicated his displeasure at the idea. “Then you’d better tell her quick. Portia’s already been waiting about an hour.”
     
    “And you think I care about that?”
     
    “No, but if she gets spiteful at Rebecca for having to wait, you will. You can’t exactly throw her out of the palace.”
     
    A bemused expression crossed Alex’s face. “Can’t I though?”
     
    Marcello shook his head. “Jesus. What idea do you have now?”
     
    A broad grin split Alex’s face before he outlined his plan.
     
    ***
     
    It was nearly half an hour later when Alex saw Rebecca walking down the hall, her security agents trailing her. She’d changed into a fitted dress in dark, bold Vallerian purple, and the pin she wore – the Vallerian coat of arms set in gold and jewels – shone bright against the bold garment. The other significant piece of jewelry she wore was her amethyst and diamond engagement ring, which she was currently twirling around her finger. Despite the confidence of her outfit, she was clearly nervous; he wished he could take her nerves away.
     
    He pulled her into his arms when