The Montoya Saga: Believe: Book 1

By Cecilia Spiros

Elizabeth Montoya, better known to her friends as Lizzy, moves back to The States when her partner, Greg receives a well earned promotion. Unaware of the dramatically life changing events ahead, she strikes up a friendship with two charming girls and her life seems perfect for a while. However her world soon collapses around her as she is left to cope with the suspicion that her partner Greg is two timing her yet again and after he assaults her in a drunken rage she has no other option left, than to flee her home. Stranded and unsure where her destiny lies, she conversely finds love where she least expected. Yet destiny has other ideas Believe is a sexy romance that will leave you intrigued till the very end.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris AU
• Release date: Nov 13, 2012
• ISBN: 9781479735822

Cecilia Spiros

Cecilia Spiros grew up in Belgium where she studied and graduated with high honours from the Hotel Motel Management Academy in Brugge. However, when her parents decided to move the family to Australia, she realised her creative talents stretched across many different fields from cooking to painting and even to needlework. Yet it was not until much later that she tried her hand at poetry and finding that the flair for writing came from within she set out to write her debut novel, The Montoya Saga series, ”Believe”. She enjoyed the creative process so much that the sequel “Premonitions” soon followed with the third book “Salvation” currently in progress. “Believe” is a sexy romance, intriguingly addictive, leaving you spellbound till the end.

Book preview

The Montoya Saga…

Believe

Book 1

Cecilia Spiros

Copyright © 2012 by Cecilia Spiros.

Library of Congress Control Number:       2012919561

ISBN:         Hardcover                               978-1-4797-3581-5

                   Softcover                                 978-1-4797-3580-8

                   Ebook                                      978-1-4797-3582-2

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted

in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system,

without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the

product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance

to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

Xlibris Corporation

1-800-618-969

www.xlibris.com.au

[e-mail]

502386

Contents

Acknowledgments

1 New Life

2 Party Preparations

3 Surprising Encounters

4 Shocking Revelations

5 Road Trip

6 Santa Monica

7 Uncle Charlie

8 Lucky Escape

9 Birthday Surprise

10 No Way Back

11 Unfortunate Events

12 Saying Goodbyes

13 London

14 Movie Star

15 Engagement

16 Edward

17 Revelations

Acknowledgments

For My Family and Friends, with Love and Gratitude, especially to my dear sister Carla Ghysels for supplying all the beautiful photographs.

And with special thanks to my dear friend Annie for her enthusiasm and persistent encouragements.

Thank you for believing in me.

1 New Life

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Unable to block out the shrill tones resonating from Sandra’s cello any longer, I put my hand on her music instrument and readjusted her left hand on the cords.

Sandra darling, it’s all in the wrist movement! I explained to my first-year cello student, realising after a whole hour of musical punishment that this child had to be tone deaf.

Sandra smiled apprehensively, but I nodded to her proud and very patient mother waiting in the hallway that the lesson had concluded for tonight.

How is Sandra coming along, Miss Montoya? She asked as I met her at the classroom door.

She needs more practice at home, Mrs Williams, I smiled, heading to the office down the corridor as I absentmindedly stroked a few strands of long, dark hair back into place.

I will make sure she does, Mrs Williams smiled with determination, but I could tell from the look on her face that she was not all that impressed. Good evening, Miss Montoya, till next week then.

Good evening, I sighed, glad that this painful hour had finally come to an end.

Driving home that night, I turned the music up loud, to try and ease the pounding headache that last hour of teaching had so inexorably bestowed on me; however, I loved my job. It was why I got up in the morning; teaching music, playing my cello, and composing were what made me happy. It was food for my soul.

It was almost nine o’clock by the time I pulled up in my driveway that night to find Greg, my partner, waiting for me at the front door with an expression on his face that told me he had good news.

I got it! He grinned, embracing me eagerly. I finally got it!

Oh my God, I am so excited! I shrieked, planting a kiss on the resolute angle of his face. When are we leaving?

Two weeks! Greg replied excitedly, and he dragged me in the house by the hand, full of enthusiasm and ready to show me all the paperwork he had so carefully spread out on the kitchen table ready for my viewing.

Greg, my partner for almost four years now, an IT expert and a very clever one at that, had been impatiently waiting for this promotion to become a reality, and to my relief, he had finally received confirmation that it had been approved. His company needed his expertise to set up brand new offices in Santa Barbara in the States, a project he had been recommended for by the Brian Andriani, chief executive and founder of the world famous Andriani Industries. This meant we were moving, moving away from Australia, a place I had called home for many years after having moved here from California myself.

However, I was very much looking forward to seeing my Uncle Charlie and his wife Heather again because I considered them as the only parents I ever knew. They lived in a beautiful mansion, which my parental father, Mondeo, and Uncle Charlie had built together, fairly close to Santa Barbara in a municipality called Santa Monica. Situated just off the coast, the ranch stretched for miles along the coastline, a place I had called home until I was way in my teens.

My Uncle Charlie was famous for raising thoroughbreds, and his ‘CharMond’ stables were well known for producing exceptional racing and showjumping stock. Being an accomplished rider, I had my own horse Ginger, and I loved riding her up and down the beach, a little corner of the world I had claimed as my own. But then I met Greg. I was barely nineteen, very young and so naïve, and he had promised me a wonderful life in Australia. However, things never turned out the way I had imagined. We met while he was on holiday in Los Angeles, and I had fallen head over heels for him, with the result that I followed him across the world convinced that he was my one and only Prince Charming.

I made us a cup of tea, and Greg excitedly began explaining all the plans and schedules. I sat down at the table, and while slowly sipping my cup, I gave him my full attention at first. However, after a while my mind wandered, and I zoned out. Being a romantic at heart, I started daydreaming about romantic beaches, sunshine, and all those beautiful places I used to frequent. I was hoping for just a little romance to come my way because our relationship had lost the spark it once had. A feeling of distance had crept into our relationship of late after I found out he had cheated on me with his secretary. We almost split up over his deplorable digression. However, after begging me to give him a second chance, I had reluctantly decided to try and salvage what was left of our recoiling relationship.

Grateful for the chance to make it up to me, Greg had made a habit of telling me that he loved me every day, but to me, those words no longer meant what they used to. I was hoping to rekindle that fleeting feeling, desperately wishing my disconnected emotions would reignite with passion. So when this move presented itself, I truly believed in my heart we could make a new start, and I was resolute to put the past behind us. Although he never asked me to marry him, even after four years of being together, moving back ‘home’ meant I would at least be close to my real family again, a place on this earth I had missed so dreadfully.

Greg explained we would be staying close to his executive boss, Brian Andriani, a man with many connections and affiliations. Brian, whom I met quite a few times while attending company functions in Sydney, was an amazing man with a heart of gold. He had as much as taken Greg under his wing, for which I was very grateful. I secretly wished that spending time with a gentle soul like Brian would rub off a little on my always very cool and reserved two-timing partner.

My only regret was the fact that I had to say goodbye to my best friend Alice. We were amazingly close, and we clicked in a sister kind of way from the moment we first met. Working at the same office, we had become inseparable, and Alice was devastated when I told her Greg was up for a promotion.

What am I going to do without you? She told me close to tears one evening over coffee. It’s like I’m losing my sister!

You must come and visit me as soon as I am settled, I told her, trying to console her; however, I was dreading leaving her, unsure how I would cope without any friends myself.

The next couple of weeks passed in a blur. I had so many things to do and organise, but the worst of all tasks was letting the music school know I would no longer be available to teach the cello. I knew my students would be sad to lose me, and I, in turn, would miss them dearly. Playing the cello was a passion of mine. I loved teaching at night after my office job, and I was hoping I would be able to find a music school close to Santa Barbara so I could continue to pursue my ultimate dream of directing my own orchestra.

I said goodbye to all my dear friends and to Alice with a heavy heart. Unable to control my tears, I clung to her at the airport. We promised we would call and write, while Gregory stood by a little too calm for my liking. With no family of his own, I always felt a reserve in him I found difficult to get used to, and sometimes I wondered how he would react to starting a family of his own—something I wanted to do rather sooner than later. We hugged and kissed each other so many times in the departure lounge, but when I walked down to the plane in the gloomiest frame of mind, glancing back, her teary eyes burned a hole in my aching heart. Realising, this move was affecting me more than I was willing to admit but as stubborn as I was, I believed deep in my heart that this shift in my life was probably the best thing for me right now. Greg gave me a comforting hug, but it did not help my sombre mood one little bit, and I felt as if that gaping hole in my heart was growing bigger by the minute…

The plane ride was terribly long and boring. Unable to shut my eyes, the vision of Alice’s teary face was all that occupied my mind, and a feeling of despair settled in my mind over losing the only close friend I ever had. Although Greg did his best to keep our apparently very uninteresting conversation going, I had the feeling of being alone in this world and a need of belonging awakened deep inside of me. Incapable of focussing on anything for long, even to watch a few movies, it seemed that this was the longest plane ride I had ever been on.

When we landed in Los Angeles, the sky was still dark; misty fog patches drifted along the landing strip, and as we walked across the tarmac to the terminal, the crisp and fresh air slowly aroused my senses. I took a deep breath and inhaled the morning breeze; feeling invigorated my attitude changed, and I felt as if I was ready to tackle the world.

"No more gloomy thoughts, I reminded myself. You are home, Lizzy!"

Greg was all attentive, took my hand luggage, and gave me an affectionate hug. Clearing customs, I finally felt ready for this move, and I mentally closed the door on my old life, leaving my mistakes and unfortunate circumstances behind with plans to never look back.

A company chauffeur waited for us in the arrival area holding a sign displaying Greg’s name, and after the customary greetings, he led us to a waiting, stretch limousine. I was almost embarrassed to climb into such a luxurious mode of transport, and my anxious heart pounded wildly in my chest. I was so nervous, not knowing what to expect, but Greg seemed to take it all in stride. He squeezed my hand and smiled reassuringly. Babbling on about all the exciting projects he would be working on, I zoned out yet again, and I absentmindedly nodded my head in agreement. Instead, I preferred to watch the tropical but arid scenery roll by as it gave me a comforting sense of peace and solitude. I knew I would be terribly lonely at first, but I planned to go and visit my uncle as soon as I was settled in. Leaning back in my luxury leather seat, I took a deep breath and rested my weary head on the headrest, thanking my lucky stars to be back home after so many years.

We drove for a few hours until we arrived in the outskirts of Santa Barbara. Feather Hill Estate looked very exclusive and brand new. The houses and gardens in this new development looked amazingly clean, fresh, and very well maintained. The limo twisted its way through several windy bends and roundabouts until we turned into a street with the name I recognised from the paperwork: Elrose Avenue. Our vehicle slowed down and came to a full stop outside an imposing villa displaying the number 5327. I stared at the house number in disbelief, wondering how anybody could find his or her house on such a long street… Clutching at the armrests, I peered outside and noticed that the neighbouring houses looked just as remarkable as our home. Realising our limousine to be an unusual sight, I detected some curious glances from across the road as the chauffeur opened the back limo door for us, and I gave a friendly smile in their direction, hoping I would get a chance to meet and maybe befriend one or more of my inquisitive neighbours.

Things had definitely changed since I was last in the neighbourhood. Suddenly, as I was standing there on the footpath taking in the surroundings, and for no apparent reason, an uneasy feeling washed over me and my heart gripped with panic. I took a deep breath to gather my wits, and I quickly dismissed those unsettling feelings, thinking it was just nerves. However, I should have recognised them as the first sign of trouble on the horizon, a gut feeling I had relied on many times before.

The chauffeur started unloading our luggage while I diffidently walked up to the covered porch. The entrance set with beautiful white marble columns and was surrounded by a meticulously maintained garden, and I was hoping we would have a resident gardener as I did not have much of a green thumb. The door opened and before me stood an attractive young girl dressed in uniform. She welcomed us into our new home, introducing herself as Belana.

I will be looking after you, she said in broken English as she swung the front door wide open, motioning us to follow her inside.

I could see Greg looking her up and down. Wide-eyed, his gaze firmly fixed on her shapely hips, and I was certainly not very happy with his first reaction. She was a curvy, rather chesty Mexican girl with deep brown eyes and long, black shiny hair, which was tied up in a neat ponytail. She graciously invited us in and walked us through this unbelievable villa that would be our residence, while the chauffeur quickly unloaded all our luggage in the front foyer. Upstairs, four magnificent bedrooms, all elaborately decorated in different colour schemes, each room boasting king-size beds and individual en suites. I followed her as if I was dreaming, feeling like a princess discovering her new castle for the first time. Downstairs swanked a huge dining room, amazing kitchen with all the appliances anyone could ever want or need, state-of-the-art entertainment room, and a splendid rumpus room opening up on to a perfectly maintained backyard. The swimming pool and spa completed this marvellous home, I had until now, only dreamt about. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined living in such an amazing home, and I made a mental note to ring my dear friend Alice to tell her all about it, desperately wishing she was here with me to share in my good fortune.

Belana startled me out of my daydream, asking me if I wanted something to drink. I made it very clear to her that I could manage just fine on my own; however, Greg sat down at the kitchen counter and waited to be served. He could not keep his eyes off her, and she, in turn, thought his full attention was amusing. She started giggling, and I cringed. It felt so awkward watching them, though I pretended not to notice his fascinating attraction towards her. I was afraid that all Greg’s good intentions were flying straight out the window. I sighed and shook my head in disbelief. Looking through the kitchen cupboards, I finally located what I needed to make a cup of tea. I was not used to being served, and I realised it would take some time to become accustomed to this new way of life. Slumping down on a chair next to him, I sipped my tea slowly. Sighing deeply yet again, Greg finally noticed my gloomy frame of mind.

What’s wrong, honey? He asked softly.

I am not looking forward to all the unpacking! I lied, giving Belana the stare down.

But before he could dignify me with an answer, our maid jumped in and insisted with eager enthusiasm, she would help me do just that. My little lie paid off, and I was actually glad I had succeeded to pull her away from Greg for just a while.

What room shall I take your luggage too, Miss Elizabeth? She giggled.

The white one please, I replied still a little on edge. And take Greg’s to the green room, I added quickly, in the spur of a moment decision.

She looked at me with a question on her face…

He will need a good night’s sleep, and I like to read, I smiled, but I regretted my words as soon as they rolled out of my mouth.

She gave me an understanding smile and disappeared quietly into the hallway. Returning my attention back to grandeur and elegance of this home, I could not resist twirling around with my arms spread wide, and I felt like a little kid who just discovered she had wings…

You look happy! Greg grinned at my change of attitude, kissing me on my cheek when I steadied myself.

Isn’t it magnificent? I sighed, heading upstairs and feeling a little more optimistic. Better start that dreaded unpacking!

OK, darling, he laughed. I will be in the study.

I headed for my room, and I found Belana ready to unload my suitcases.

It’s OK. I can do that, I smiled, preferring to unpack my own clothes. Please unpack Greg’s bags.

I was always very particular about the way my closet looked because everything had to have a place of its own. Greg used to call me pedantic, but I could not help it. That was just me.

She nodded with a quick jerk of the head and left my room quietly. I let myself fall across the bed and took a deep trembling breath. This room was just glorious. I loved the grandeur of it, and I knew I would enjoy spending many hours playing my cello, reading, and dreaming away in here. The four-poster dark mahogany bed with white organza drapes looked elegantly impressive as did the white satin sheets and velvety soft quilt. I lay there daydreaming for a while taking in this fabulous room until Greg’s voice brought me back to reality.

Lizzy! I heard him call from downstairs.

I quickly jumped up and walked into the hallway.

What’s up? I asked, wondering what he wanted.

We have been invited to Brian’s place for dinner, he called from the bottom of the wrought-iron staircase. But I am going to the office with him right now. Be ready by seven, OK?

Fine, I replied. See you then. I was happy to be left on my own for a while so I could do my own thing.

Belana! I called, walking into Greg’s room. What time is it here?

She was still unpacking and shelving his stuff and quickly glanced at her watch. Twelve-thirty, miss. Can I fix you some lunch?

OK, I smiled, not wanting to seem rude and refuse her suggestion again.

I was glad Greg went to the office, or I would have been forced to watch a repeat performance of what happened earlier. Yet I also realised I might have a problem on my hands. Greg’s attitude towards Belana was not a good start, and I hoped my dream world would not collapse around me on our very first day of our new life together!

I followed her downstairs, and sitting down at the kitchen counter, I wondered what I was going to do with all this free time on my hands. Watching her absentmindedly, while she prepared me a light salad, I tried to figure her out. I struggled to understand her lack of reserve towards my Greg. I pulled two plates from the cupboard and placed them on the table in front of us, but when I motioned for her to sit down, she shook her head and said, Only for you, miss. With a tone in her voice that told me she was not prepared to act on affable terms with me.

I was a little surprised at her reserve, but I guessed it was still early days, yet I was determined to make friends with her. Especially if we were going to spend so much time together, hoping it would make her think twice about steering Greg on the path of infidelity yet again.

I quickly finished my lunch and poured myself a glass of white wine I found in the well-stocked fridge, and I decided to go and sit outside by the pool. It was a glorious afternoon, and I felt totally relaxed. Sitting down on the edge of the pool and taking in this tranquil setting, I absentmindedly drew swirly patterns on the water when suddenly a young man appeared in the backyard seemingly out of nowhere.

Hello, I’m Elizabeth. I greeted him, a little startled at his sudden emergence.

Hello, came his friendly reply. My name is Pedro, and I look after your garden and the pool. He introduced himself, flashing his pearly whites at me.

I quickly rose to my feet and shook his hand without hesitation. I was somewhat relieved this tall, dark, intriguing hunk of a man was actually working here.

Nice to meet you, Pedro, I smiled. You are doing a wonderful job!

Thank you, he replied giving me another friendly smile.

Looking in his mid-twenties, with brown hair and puppy brown eyes, he was wearing the shortest shorts I had ever seen in my life.

"If I were his partner, I would never let him leave the house like that!" I thought, unable to stop my gaze from drifting over his well-shaped muscled body. His bronzed skin glistening in the sun, showing off beautiful tattooed artwork on his back, and on the front of his chest, he had the picture of an angel with some names written under her wings. I pointed to the tattoo, and he smiled disarmingly.

My family is close to my heart! He whispered.

"What a big softie!" I thought to myself, but when I turned around to sit back down, I heard him clear his throat.

So you believe. He grinned.

Our eyes met again, and I saw him indicate to the word "Believe" tattooed on the back of my neck.

I do, I giggled. Destiny, love, and angels, I believe in all that stuff, but I can see so do you.

His only reply was to nod softly, and I was happy I found something of common interest to break the ice between us.

He smiled without saying another word and started vacuuming the pool. I leaned back on my elbows and turned my face to the sun, drinking in the glow and warmth she so graciously bestowed on me. It was a magnificent afternoon. I felt relaxed, closed my eyes, and started daydreaming…

2 Party Preparations

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I was ready by 6.30 p.m. when Greg arrived home from the office. I had spent the majority of the afternoon unpacking, meticulously organising my wardrobe, and I was looking forward to our first night out together. Greg watched me in awe as I slowly but elegantly made my way down the staircase. I had chosen to wear my favourite colour lavender dress with a pair of black high heels because I wanted to make a good impression at our first official dinner party. My tight fitting dress hugged my slender figure to perfection, and Greg whistled at me when I reached the bottom step. I excessively wiggled my ass walking past him, and he grabbed me by the waist and planted a passionate kiss on my lips. His unexpected move took me a little by surprise since there had been no spontaneity between us lately, but I was very pleased he obviously approved.

Honey, what’s up? I teased, as I peered in his dark brown eyes.

You look amazing! He grinned pulling me closer, and he kissed me again.

I twirled out of his grasp, happy with his zealous reaction. ‘Your clothes are ready in the green room,’ I told him, carefully testing his mood.

‘‘The green room?" He asked surprised.

Yes. I grinned. That’s your room!

OK, he replied without hesitation, running up the staircase two runs at the time, and I was relieved he never gave my decision to sleep in separate rooms a second thought.

He was ready in a flash, and I had to admit, he looked quite handsome in his white summer shirt and tight black jeans. His hair was slicked back, and he had a cheeky grin on that resolute almond-shaped face of his as he came downstairs. My heart fluttered, recognising some of the old Greg, the one I fell in love with so many years ago.

Looking good, Greg, I commented as I quickly straightened his shirt collar. Cupping my face in his hands, he gently kissed me on the cheek. I swung my arms around his neck and hugged him tight. Happy that everything was finally going to plan, I sighed in relief and I chose to forget his earlier seemingly attraction to Belana. He helped me gallantly with my coat, and we walked hand in hand to the waiting limousine. The chauffeur opened the door for us, and I was almost giddy with excitement as the limousine eased its way off the curb.

Are you excited? Greg asked gently squeezing my leg in anticipation.

What do you think? I laughed as I nudged him playfully. Who will be there tonight?

Just David and Vicki, he smiled. But I don’t think you have ever met them.

Who is David?

David is our project manager, he replied. I will be working closely with him and Brian.

Have you met his wife before? What is she like? I asked wanting to know a little more information as to what company I would be keeping tonight.

Vicki is a lot like you, he replied, sensing my uncertainty. You two will get on like a house on fire, don’t worry!

After a relatively short drive, the limo drove up a large U-shaped driveway outside a beautiful mansion, set back from the road. It had all the elegance of days gone past, and I stepped out of the vehicle in total awe. Boasting at least three stories, the façade of the house was lit up giving it an old-fashioned grace I had not often encountered before, and the front door opened within minutes of our arrival. Irene and Brian appeared at the front entrance and those ever-looming butterflies almost immediately started dancing in my stomach. Irene welcomed us and gave me a friendly hug while Brian shook my hand.

So good to see you again, Irene smiled. How was your flight?

Pretty boring and uneventful, I replied. Slept most of the time…

But at least you are here now! We are going to do so much stuff together, you won’t have time to be bored, and that’s a fact! She laughed, leading me down a very impressive hallway. Come and I will introduce you to David and Vicki.

"What a magnificent home!" I thought to myself as I followed her through intricate carved sliding doors that opened up into an impressive dining