Lonzo: Book 1 (Tycoon Series Book 1) by Kat Madrid Read Free Book Online Page A

always work, work, work.
    She was grateful for Mel’s help in securing an upgrade for her seat despite the short notice. There was only one stop-over, which lasted for an hour, so there was no run-ins with the press.
    She did get recognized before her plane departed at the airport. She gamely signed about ten autographs, most of them Alaskan locals who were very sweet in asking her.
    She tried calling Leandro before she boarded but he wasn’t picking up. He was probably a bit ticked that she went against his advice to stay put and ditch Mel’s wedding. He insisted Mel would understand, given the situation.
    “I don’t see why you’re so against this. Mel’s our friend. Remember her Dad? He was the reason why we’re both here,” she reminded him as they were eating lunch at The Plaza’s renowned The Rose Club last week. “Besides, I’m off for Europe in a few weeks anyway. Going there a few weeks earlier than planned will not be a big difference.”
    “Yes it will. If you leave as scheduled by the agency, you’ll be with the other models. There’s safety in numbers, that’s how animal packs survived in the wild for millions of years. You’re vulnerable alone, Dana. European paparazzi are a lot more vicious than their American counterparts. You going there by yourself is like asking for them to descend on you. Call Mel and beg off,” he persuaded.
    “I can’t. Lee, this is Mel. I couldn’t…wouldn’t do that to her. And besides, since you’re not coming, someone has to represent one of us,” she protested while savoring the exceptionally sumptuous crème fraiche prepared by none other than the executive chef, whose niece was a fan of hers.
    “Dana, don’t guilt-trip me. You know I can’t back out of the trip to Australia,” he protested. Lately he had been extremely busy. She hadn’t seen him for almost a month.
    Leandro owned ImageHouse, a management firm that represented celebrities—sportsmen, models, musicians and actors. On the side, he dabbled in hedge fund management and real estate, particularly mid-income construction projects.
    “I was held hostage by the paparazzi in a hotel for more than a month! I won’t let them get in the way of attending Mel’s wedding.”
    “I am just worried. I have a bad feeling about the entire thing.”
    “Don’t be so pessimistic, Lee. Besides, what could possibly happen in a wedding? Get attacked by the mafiosi ? Give me a break!
    In the end she did as she wanted. Leandro was peeved or so she believed. She couldn’t even get a hold of him even if she left dozens of messages in his voice mail or through his PA, Penny. He didn’t return her calls.
    After trying to dial him for the tenth time, she gave up. The plane was taxiing along the runway, ready to take off.
    Oh, well…
    She switched off her mobile phone and spent the rest of the flight trying to squeeze in some quality, well-earned sleep.
     
     
    PERUGIA
    UMBRIA, ITALY
     
    Lonzo drove all the way to the Castello Firenze a day before the wedding. The castello was located in a remote part of Umbria, surrounded by rolling hills. The castle, made of brick and stone had been the seat of the Romolini family for centuries. At one time it was even converted into a church. In present times, the castle was beautifully restored to its full glory—a classic example of early medieval architecture.
    But he didn’t go there to see the majestic sights. His purpose was to change Rocco’s mind before he committed the biggest mistake of his life. Binding himself to a woman was madness. He felt it was his duty to wake his bestfriend from his stupor.
    As he drove inside the long, paved driveway leading to the castle, he immediately noted the wedding preparations. The event management was in high gear—a huge tent was erected in the huge castle gardens and people were busily arranging things for the festivities—florists, caterers, event helpers went about like clockwork. They took directions from the wedding