at the final prize, eh?’ She crossed her arms defensively around herself.
‘What you achieved tonight is unheard of. I wasn’t lying when I said you have great talent. You achieved more in seven hours than my team could pull off in three months.’
‘That means nothing to me. The only reason I did any of it was to get my contract.’
‘My relationship with Gianni is complex. He does not understand some of the choices that I have made. I said what I had to in order to avoid a scene. The truth is I have been considering your proposal.’
Dara watched him silently. This change in tactics was making her head spin.
He sat back in his seat, stretching long muscular legs in front of him with casual ease. ‘I’m offering you a chance to convince me. It won’t be offered again.’
Dara deliberated for a moment. He had made a fool of her, but he still held the upper hand here. If there was a chance to salvage this wedding contract she had to take it. Much as it irked her to be played with in his little game...much as it wounded her pride.
‘The wedding is for a high-profile actress—moderate numbers. Media would be limited to one magazine team. It would be maybe three days from set-up to clean-up, with accommodation required for guests.’
She outlined the finer details of her pitch as clearly and effectively as she could, considering her lack of sleep and the intimate environment. Not to mention the large relaxed male sitting beside her, watching her every movement with interest.
‘Sounds like you’ve thought of everything.’ He ran a hand across the stubble on his jaw. ‘And it sounds like a mutually beneficial arrangement.’
Dara felt unease prickle at the back of her mind. He had been deathly against any conversation about the castle last night—why the sudden easy consideration of her plans? She had done a fantastic job today—that much she could admit. But she wasn’t naive enough to overlook the fact that something had to have sparked this sudden change of heart.
‘What exactly has changed to make you think twice about rejecting my event?’ she asked, watching as he raised his brows a fraction of an inch, narrowing his gaze.
‘Maybe I’m hoping to leave you with a better impression of me than the one you have got so far.’
‘Somehow I don’t think that you care very much about anyone’s impression of you.’
He shrugged. ‘Depends on the person in question. But nonetheless you are correct that I have an ulterior motive. I was merely giving you a chance to lay out your proposal beforehand.’
Leo sat forward in his seat, green eyes intently holding her gaze.
‘You need my help, Dara. And you have proved just how far you are willing to go in order to get it. I am asking you to go just a little further.’
He laid a hand on the dark leather between them, still holding her gaze. It was a gesture of domination, designed to make her feel trapped, surely? She fought the urge to move back further in her seat.
‘How much further are we talking, here?’ Dara shook off the mildly indecent thoughts her mind conjured.
Leo seemed to deliberate for a moment, looking out at the passing streets before speaking.
‘Do you know much about the newest Lucchesi development?’
Dara thought for a moment, the change in pace addling her already tired mind. ‘The island he owns near Lampedone? He’s turning it into some sort of self-contained luxury resort, I’ve heard.’
Leo nodded. ‘Despite what you’ve heard or read, thus far I have made no attempt to expand my empire to Sicily. There is virtually no market for an exclusive brand like mine in any of the larger cities. That was until this Isola project came to light.’ He sat forward, gesturing with his hands as he spoke. ‘The island will be a hub of exclusive hotels, boutique restaurants. Every inch of real estate will be dedicated to five-star luxury. It’s one of a kind.’
‘I don’t see what your interest in a new real estate development has to do with my wedding contract.’ Dara spoke quietly, trying to make sense of his words.
‘Umberto Lucchesi is head of the board of directors. He has the final word on all potential investment opportunities. I have made no secret of the fact that I want in on the project, and frankly they need my expertise and influence. That was made clear when the entire board approved my investment. All except Lucchesi.’
She shook her head. ‘I’m sorry, but I don’t think my small connection with him would help you to secure a major business deal.’
‘All I would need is your presence, Dara. He is notoriously private and only holds meetings in his home or with the board of directors. There is an opera fundraiser at the Teatro Massimo in Palermo tomorrow night. Lucchesi and his wife will be hosting.’
Palermo? Tomorrow night? Dara fought the urge to laugh in disbelief. This was ridiculous. She had flown to Milan for a simple task and now here she was being asked to accompany a notorious playboy to the opera.
‘Why exactly would my presence benefit the situation?’ she asked rather breathlessly.
‘I understand that this is rather unconventional. But I believe meeting with him in a cordial setting, with a familiar face by my side, might make him look upon me more favourably. He sees me as my father’s son—a frivolous playboy with no morals. He clearly approves of you if he has worked with you on more than one occasion. Having you on my arm would be greatly beneficial.’
‘Are you asking me to pose as your date?’
‘What other reason would we have for being in Palermo together? It’s the most believable scenario.’
Maybe it was tiredness after the past twenty-four hours catching up with her, but Dara felt a wave of hysterical laughter threatening to bubble up to the surface. The thought that anyone would believe a man like Leo Valente was dating a plain Irish nobody like her was absolutely ludicrous.
He continued, oblivious to her stunned reaction. ‘You would leave the business talk to me. All I’d need is for you to act as a buffer of sorts. To play on your history with his family. Someone with a personal connection to smooth the way.’
‘A buffer? Well that just sounds so flattering...’ she muttered.
‘You would get all the benefits of being my companion, being a guest at such an exclusive event. It would be an enjoyable evening.’
‘Umberto Lucchesi is a powerful man. He must have good reason not to trust you,’ she mused. ‘I’m not quite sure I can risk my reputation.’
‘I’m a powerful man, Dara. You climbed up a building to get a meeting with me. I’m offering you an opportunity to get exactly what you want. It’s up to you if you take it or not.’
The limo came to a stop. Dara looked out at the hotel’s dull grey exterior, trying desperately to get a handle on the situation. He was essentially offering her the castello on a silver platter. All she had to do was play a part until he got his meeting and she would be done.
‘What happens if you’re
