Bella Italia: Heavenly, #1

By Camille Taylor

Small-town wallflower, Adelaide Montgomery has lived an uneventful life—until she witnesses the murder of her best friend…

Adelaide clings to the simple security of a home and a wish for family—desires that sent her former fiancé into another woman’s arms. 

Happy to remain in Heavenly, Australia for the rest of her life, she reluctantly gives in to her best friend, Rachel’s pleading to join her on a trip to Italy. A decision which will alter her life forever.

Gorgeous men can be deadly killers in disguise…

When her best friend returns to their hotel suite with two male companions the night doesn’t go as planned and Rachel is murdered in cold blood.

Able to identify the killer, Adelaide finds herself a target, barely escaping with her life.

In order to protect his witness, Rome Inspector Antonio Cardellini hides Adelaide at his family’s winery. Though Antonio is a professional and Adelaide is under his charge, his feelings quickly surpass the limits of his job. Knowing one day she will return home, he struggles to distance himself, but the trial and his family continue to throw him and Adelaide back together.

Will Antonio put his badge above his heart? Or will he risk it all—his career, Adelaide’s life, and the possibility of a future together—all for a chance at love?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Camille Taylor
• Release date: May 30, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386919643

Book preview

Chapter 1

Congratulate me, I’m once again a free woman.

Adelaide Montgomery jerked back from peering through the viewfinder on her Nikon camera at her best friend, Rachel Warner’s celebratory tone. The cool autumn breeze followed Rachel into Adelaide’s studio and a chill raced down her spine.

Oh, I didn’t realise you were mid session. Hello, Denise. Rachel’s voice purred; she liked being the centre of attention—especially if the attention was negative.

Adelaide’s client, Denise Kittridge stiffened. The smile slipped from her face as she stared at the newcomer. Adelaide switched off her camera. The moment was lost. Not that she minded. The day’s efforts would not be worth the time she’d spent shooting. Denise’s ten year old son had refused to smile, grimacing instead and Denise wouldn’t allow anything but the best to hang on her wall.

I’ll come back another time, Adelaide. Denise informed her as she glared, lips pinched at Rachel who leaned one hip against the wall in an exaggerated stance. Her tight, black skirt showed off long, supple legs. Her breasts—which husband number two had purchased—were outlined by her skin-tight T-shirt. Adelaide shivered in sympathy; Rachel had to be cold in that skimpy outfit.

Oh, don’t stop on my account. Rachel flipped her perfectly-coiffed dark red curls over her shoulder with a flick of her fine-boned wrist. She looked down at the boy whose curious prepubescent gaze had locked on her. My, what a handsome boy you have there. All the girls will be chasing him in a couple of years.

Denise gasped and clutched her son to her breasts.

You have my number, Mrs Kittredge. I’ll be happy to slot you in any time. Adelaide hid the irritation in her voice as Denise hustled her son through the door.

You do love to make a scene, don’t you? Adelaide rubbed the back of her neck. Thankfully, Denise had been her last appointment for the day. She didn’t think she had any energy left to do another session. Carefully lifting her Nikon from the tripod, she removed the additional lens and placed it gently in its protective box.

Rachel shrugged. Please, Heavenly is a biased little town full of hypocrites and Denise Kittredge is the worst. She probably thought I planned to corrupt her son. Rachel’s lips curved as though amused. She’s always been a jealous bitch.

Well, you did steal her boyfriend, Adelaide reminded her.

Rachel slid onto Adelaide’s desk and crossed one leg over the other in a move that was inherently sexy. But that was Rachel all over, her behaviour was as far removed from Adelaide’s as night was from day. That was why they were such good friends; the competition simply wasn’t there. No one looked at her with Rachel beside her.

I can’t help that her ex liked me better.

Rachel had practically been beating boys off with a stick since her twelfth birthday. Of course, those boys back then had been their foster brothers and they hadn’t had dating in mind. Ice crystallised her blood at the memory. Adelaide had been cautious of men since then, latching on what she’d deemed ‘safe’ even then she had been disappointed.

Adelaide packed away the rest of her equipment, locking the pieces away in their allotted sections of her desk. Their small inland town of Heavenly in southern New South Wales wasn’t a hub of criminal activity but her photography equipment was worth upwards of thirty thousand dollars and she didn’t want to tempt anyone by leaving it out.

She rolled up the back drop that Denise had picked. The specially designed pulley could change out five screens, each depicting a different scene. It had taken Adelaide ages to save up to buy the contraption but it saved so much time and frustration at setting up manually. Of all the careers she could’ve chosen, of course she’d picked the one that cost a fortune.

As Adelaide packed up, Rachel wandered around. The entire space had been carefully decorated. The desk was by the door where she could greet potential clients. A large bookcase against the north-facing wall was filled with samples of her work—from weddings and landscapes to babies and animals. At the far end of the room was a door that led to the combined office and stockroom that she’d converted to a dark room and also doubled as her digital editing room. It had taken months to teach herself out all the features of Photoshop. Most everything was digital these days but Adelaide loved going old school for certain pictures; they looked so much better than a digitally enhanced photo.

But in the end it was always the client’s choice.

On the other side of the room, directly opposite the desk the studio held a multitude of props: chairs, rugs, beanbags and toys, and a make-up desk for the glamour shots.

To stay at the top of her chosen field, she had to spend money and often travelled to neighbouring areas like Harbour Bay—a small city by the coast—where there was more business.

Adelaide turned back to Rachel, another shiver zipping down her spine. Aren’t you cold?

I don’t spend hours at the gym getting a body like this to hide it away under a mountain of clothes.

Adelaide looked down at her own rounded tummy hidden beneath jeans and a loose grey shirt.

Maybe I need to start going to the gym. Only the fact she couldn’t afford it and didn’t have the time stopped her.

Don’t even think it, Adelaide Montgomery. You are not fat.

Adelaide smiled. She had never been thin and her body was currently two sizes larger than it had been designed for. She wasn’t overly tall, standing at just five foot six and that only seemed to highlight her middle.

You’re just blind. Warmth spread throughout her body as Rachel defended her yet again. But thank you. The lie is appreciated.

She yanked the clip from her hair and allowed the waterfall of brunette hair to fall down her back, stopping just above her waist. She massaged her head where the clip had been, a headache threatening from the weight of her hair.

You really should do something with your hair.

Adelaide clutched her hair protectively. Being an overweight brunette with hazel eyes, she had never stood out from the crowd and her hair was the only thing she took pride in, and her only vanity. It was as Amy March had told her sister Jo in Little Women, ‘your one beauty’ and thus Adelaide treated it so.

I’m not suggesting cutting it off, Rachel added when she saw her reaction. I just think a bit of layering especially around your face would do wonders.

I’ll think about it. They both knew she was lying.

Rachel let out a long suffering sigh. One day you’ll realise I’m right.

Maybe.

So, back to me. The ink is dry. I’m no longer tied to that insufferable man, Rachel declared lightly, changing the subject.

I’m sorry. Adelaide’s response was automatic. Not that Rachel was hurting. She went through men like Adelaide went through photo paper.

Don’t be. Chad was a prick. You knew it, I knew it. Hell, even Chad knew it. But that’s all in the past. The settlement is being put into my account tonight so you and I are going to celebrate.

Insatiable? Adelaide asked. The restaurant was just a few stores away. Heavenly’s business centre was built around a pedestrian-only paved square and the shopfronts lined each side.

Rachel shook her head. It’s not every day a woman gets divorced for the third time. I’m thinking something much more spectacular. Like Rome.

Rome? Haven’t heard of it. Is it new? I could go Italian. Even if she had to travel to the neighbouring town. Italian food was often worth it.

"No, Adelaide. Rome." Rachel’s voice was patient, yet full of amusement.

Adelaide frowned. As in Rome, Italy?

Rachel nodded. Yes. Please say you’ll come with me, darling. I need my best friend.

Adelaide’s heartbeat kicked up a notch as fear of the unknown washed over her. Since she’d been ten she hadn’t lived anywhere but Heavenly and yearned for the security she found within it’s borders. Travelling didn’t interest her and other than for work, Rachel or her ex practically had to drag her out of town. She wasn’t looking for an adventure and she didn’t crave excitement.

And that was why her ex was now an ex. He’d found someone he could take bungee jumping and mountain climbing. Leaving Adelaide in Heavenly nursing a broken heart, her dreams of a home and family crumbling into dust. Slowly she had gotten over the fact that the man she’d been planning on marrying and spending the rest of her life with had cheated on her. Even the tan line where her engagement ring had sat had faded as had the love she’d had for him.

I don’t know.

Rachel snagged her arm as she moved past and held her still. Yes, you do. Come to Italy. Please, Addie, I beg of you. Don’t make me go alone. Not when I’m so fragile.

Ha! Rachel hadn’t been fragile for years. That’ll be the day. Did you even love number three? What about ‘two’ who bought you those flotation devices? Or ‘one’ who was almost twice your age and balding.

Having been so many husbands, Adelaide had started calling them by their number.

Rachel shrugged. It’s my curse, darling. To be beautiful but never to find love. If any one of us has a chance to find true love, Addie, it’ll be you. She lifted her fingers to put imaginary quotation marks around true love. You’re so kind and generous. You don’t realise what a catch you are.

Adelaide’s face burned at the unexpected compliment. You’ll find it too, Rachel. Never give up.

Rachel smiled self-deprecatingly. I’m too cold to love. Anything soft about me was taken a long time ago. But I don’t care. Really I don’t. I’m happy. That’s what matters. So how about it? Two young, fabulous women out and about in Italy.

Adelaide hesitated. I don’t even have a passport.

Well, get one, darling. Oh, Addie, think of the shopping. Rachel’s gaze had a vacant quality about them, as though she’d turned inward.

Adelaide looked at her friend, dressed in clothes she was sure cost more than her weeks rent. Rachel was Dolce & Gabbana. Adelaide was more Target.

She raised one eyebrow as Rachel rolled her blue eyes. Okay, think of the photos you could take, Addie, she said, using the one thing she knew Adelaide couldn’t resist—a great shot.

I hate how you manipulate me so easily.

I know you.

Adelaide yearned a little, but as usual fear made her step back. She liked routine. She didn’t do well with the unknown. I can’t. I’m sorry. I can’t afford it.

I’ll pay for everything. I certainly have enough money to go around.

Thank you but that’s your money. You earned it.

Rachel harrumphed. Yeah, on my back.

Adelaide gasped. Don’t put yourself down, Rach.

I love you. Rachel took Adelaide’s hands in her own. My sister. My dearest friend. You’re the only one who hasn’t tried to change me. I know you must catch crap being my friend.

You know I don’t care about that.

She owed her life to Rachel. She wouldn’t be where she was today without her support and friendship and if anyone dared make a disparaging remark about her friend she gave them an earful. She’d rather lose clientele then listen to them badmouth a truly wonderful woman.

I do. But you should. That’s why I’m insisting you come. I won’t let your business suffer any more than it does because of me. Whatever appointments you have for the next month, cancel them and I’ll pay whatever you would’ve gotten from them.

She shook her head. No, Rachel, it’s too much.

It’s never too much when it comes to family.

Chapter 2

Beautiful Italian sunshine warmed Adelaide’s skin as she snapped another shot to add to her rapidly growing collection. They had been in Italy for just over a week, starting in Venice where they had spent their days wandering the streets and getting lost in the beauty of the city. From there they’d moved onto Florence before heading south to Rome where Adelaide had dragged her friend across the city, strolling through the gardens of Villa Borghese, lining up perfect shots and zooming in to capture a delicate bloom of a flower. They’d visited the Pantheon and Piazza Navona, stopping for a gelato as Adelaide marvelled at the sheer beauty of the architecture and history, the time and effort that went into the sculpturing, knowing she could never find anything so old back home.

After leaving the Trevi Fountain they had continued on to the Piazza Venezia that reminded her of a beautiful white wedding cake before making their way towards the Colosseum. For days, Adelaide spent her time peering into the viewfinder, their exploration taking longer than other tourists as she was constantly stopping to take another photo, looking for unique angles to capture the awe inspiring beauty of Italy.

Rachel peered over her shoulder, as Adelaide captured another shot, the sun glinting off her friend’s ruby red hair. She wore her hair loose as she stood amongst the old Roman forums in her grey tights, knee-length black boots, and a white top with her faded denim jacket left open to reveal the silver cross that hung between her breasts.

Adelaide wished she looked like Rachel: always as though she was ready to walk down a Milan catwalk. Adelaide envied that. Not only did Rachel have the body and the money for her designer clothes but knew what to wear, and how to wear them. Adelaide’s clothes were more about durability and comfort than anything else and if she was to spend a hundred dollars on clothes she expected at least two, if not three, new garments. Today, she wore jeans and a navy cotton shirt with white sneakers.

Exhausted from a day of exploring, they sat at a coffee shop, sipping on their cappuccinos. Rachel rapidly typed on her mobile and Adelaide shuddered at the massive international phone bill she would come home to. She hadn’t even bothered to pack her phone. All she needed was her Nikon. She could live without her mobile but not her camera. She flicked through her collection of photographs, pleased at the result. Already, she’d picked out a few she would enlarge and frame for her home and office. Her thoughts were never far from her love of photography and for the first time in years she was taking the photos she wanted.

It had been a while since she’d been able to take shots that she desired and not the ordinary—and much to her disappointment—generic photos she took in her studio, each turning out the same as the last. At last she was capturing awe-inspiring photographs with magnificent beauty and colour and unique from any other.

I’m so glad you insisted I come, she said. I’m having the best time and have taken such wonderful photos.

I would never have come without you, Addie.

Adelaide took a sip from her cappuccino and looked up from her beloved camera to her friend engrossed in her phone.

What are you doing?

"Reading about Rome nightlife. There’s this club, Bianco near the Spanish Steps that has outrageous reviews. We have to go."

Adelaide had been looking forward to soaking her aching feet in the claw-footed bath tub in their two-bedroom suite. But Rachel had been patient with her, forever her willing subject as she’d posed for countless photographs in the warm sun.

It’s not an upscale club is it? All I brought with me are clothes like these, she indicated her simple shirt and jeans.

Rachel’s eyes lit up, her blue eyes sparkling. Then we will have to take you shopping. My treat.

No, Rach, you’ve already done too much for me.

Who else do I have to spoil but my sister? Besides I’ve allowed you to mould me as you wish, titling my head this way and that for your photos. Now you can let me use you as my very own life size dress-up doll.

***

Adelaide had balked at the entrance to the Versace store on Via Bocca del Leone. but Rachel had pulled her through the open doorway into such elegance that it didn’t feel right standing there in jeans and sneakers. Rachel took charge, walking up to the counter and the coiffed young Italian lady who stood there.

At first the woman was unimpressed but as soon as Rachel placed her platinum credit card on the glass counter top and mentioned she was looking for something special to wear, the woman’s attitude immediately changed.

Come with me, the woman, who introduced herself as Nicola, directed.

Nervously, Adelaide followed slowly and gasped when Nicola placed a dress against her body to see it against her complexion. It was so soft and rich like silk. The thought of the price had her heart rate speeding up.

No, will not do. Nicola retrieved another beautifully crafted gown.

The architecture of the buildings had been breathtaking but Adelaide could now see there was more to Italian magnificence than the buildings.

"Try this on, Signorina. I believe you need not look further, Nicola said, her accent thick. Don’t be shy, it is nothing I have not seen before."

Adelaide took a deep breath and disrobed, keeping on her bra and underwear before she kicked off her shoes. Reluctantly, she took the magenta knee length strapless dress from Nicola’s hands. The silk fabric whispered through her fingers, and was more elegant than anything she’d ever touched before.

Much too rich for a simple night on the town.

Adelaide stepped into the dress and pulled it up her body. The soft fabric caressed her skin like a lover. She settled it over her breasts, the high empire cut hiding her wide hips and thick waist. Nicola zipped the dress up and then with deft fingers unhooked Adelaide’s bra so that the dress could be seen as it should, the bust cradling her C-cup breasts gently yet firmly. It was almost as if the dress itself had been made especially for her.

"Bellissimo," Nicola gushed before taking her arm and escorted her back into the main room where Rachel waited patiently on a cream leather couch, a half-empty champagne flute in her hand.

Another sales assistant was holding up dress after dress for Rachel’s inspection. Rachel’s gaze drifted over to Adelaide as she crossed the room.

Oh my, Addie, she whispered. You look so beautiful.

Adelaide stood uncomfortably as all three women stared at her with admiring eyes.

The other woman, nodded with a smile. "Molto bella."

Rachel stood. Let down your hair, Addie.

She yanked the clip holding her hair out. The brunette strands fell heavily against her back. She awkwardly finger combed her hair as she waited for their opinion.

What do you think, ladies? Hair up or down? Rachel asked.

With hair like that, most definitely down, Nicola said with barely concealed envy.

I agree. She’s also going to need some shoes.

I have just the ones. Nicola scurried off.

Rachel turned to Adriana, the second sales lady. I’ll take the second dress you showed. The baby pink one. I’d also like white pumps to go with it, preferably with a three-inch heel in a size seven.

"Sì, Signorina," Adriana replied and went to do Rachel’s bidding.

Oh, Addie, you really have no idea how gorgeous you are. I know you think yourself plain but you are anything but. Rachel pushed Adelaide’s hair aside to fall over her shoulder. Peter was a fool to let you go but he did you a favour. Somewhere out there is a man deserving of your trust and love and he will make you the happiest woman alive.

I’m a wallflower compared to you.