Free Dante's Wedding Deception by Day Leclaire Page B

him uneasily, seeing her husband in an entirely different light. She’d sensed his power, seen his affluence. But it had never occurred to her that he moved in such elite circles…or that she did. How could she possibly live up to what would be expected of a Dante wife?
    “I wouldn’t say I remember, exactly,” she finally responded. “I know about Dantes the same way I know who the current president is. I retain general knowledge, just not specific memories about my past. I’ve heard of Dantes. I mean…who hasn’t?”
    He appeared to accept her comment at face value, though it troubled her that he continued to question her amnesia. She kept feeling as though he was concealing something from her. Was it something he hoped she’d remember…or something he preferred remain forgotten?
    “Dantes Exclusive is the part of our retail operation for our high-end clients. It’s by appointment only. I thought you might enjoy seeing some of our more select designs.”
    She managed a smile. Had he sprung this on her last time? Is that why he’d brought her here, today? “I’d enjoy that. Thank you.”
    He led her through the sitting area, past an impressive glass-and-mirror wet bar offering every possible libation, to a barely visible door set into the wall and protected by an elaborate security system. Nicolò removed a card from his wallet and swiped it across the device, before unlocking the mechanism with a combination of voice and thumbprint. The door clicked open and he escorted Kiley into a glittering fantasyland.
    She stared around, wide-eyed. “Oh,” she managed to murmur.
    “Feel free to look around while I see if any of the family’s here.”
    She looked at him in alarm. “Your family?”
    “Don’t panic. They won’t hurt you. I promise.” He started to leave, then hesitated. “Unless you want to be hermetically sealed in here, I’d look but not touch.”
    Kiley whipped her hands behind her back and interlaced her fingers. “I wouldn’t dream of touching.”
    The minute he disappeared, she made a slow circuit of the room, feeling more overwhelmed with each step she took. Case after case displayed jewelry sets of stunning beauty. Not to mention astronomical expense. Is this the world to which she belonged? She shook her head. No, it didn’t feel right. Surely she didn’t live a life of such wealth and opulence.
    She paused in front of a particularly gorgeous display. Voices drifted to her from the doorway through which her husband had vanished. Nicolò’s low murmur sent awareness rippling down her spine. Then came the higher-pitched reply of a woman. At first Kiley couldn’t hear the actual words, but the contentious intonation came through loud and clear. Then the woman raised her voice.
    “Forget it, Nicolò,” she said. “I won’t be party to—”
    Nicolò interrupted, speaking at length in a soft, hard voice.
    Then, “Okay, fine. But this is the one and only time.”
    Kiley hastened away from the doorway, worry balling in the pit of her stomach. What in the world did Nicolò want, and why wouldn’t the woman he spoke to be party to whatever he’d suggested? Of even more concern, did their conversation involve her?
    She paused by another display case, focusing all her attention on the glorious necklace, earrings, and bracelet. She was enthralled by their stunning appeal, despite her apprehension. A moment later, Nicolò entered the room, followed by a tall, elegant blonde with dark eyes. She offered a forced smile that left Kiley feeling intensely uncomfortable.
    “This is my sister-in-law, Francesca,” Nicolò said. “She’s Sev’s wife and Dantes’ top designer. You’re looking at one of her designs.”
    “It’s incredible,” Kiley said as they shook hands. “Simple, yet elegant. And—and warm.”
    Her utter sincerity must have come through because Francesca’s smile softened and the cool wariness eased from her gaze. “Thank you. It’s part of a collection I created