“I’ll take a cup of coffee and some answers.”
Proffering his arm, Franco escorted her down an unfamiliar hallway. Descending a wrought iron staircase landed them on a black-and-white granite floor in a foyer with an oversized, ornate front door. Franco casually escorted her into a grandiose room of overdone opulence, including two life-sized marble statues and a rather strange white sofa. But what shocked Jade was the painting. It was of her. In the nude. Jade came to an abrupt stop and stared at her framed likeness above the fireplace. Anger built inside her from her scalp to her toes. How dare he? Jade wanted to slap Franco across his smirking, arrogant face.
But other than pulling her arm from him, she maintained her composure. Jade remembered posing in her white bikini, as displayed in the photograph on the mantel, but never had she agreed to this naked rendition. Where had she seen a photograph setting on a mantel whichaccuratelydepicted the person in a painting? Was that recently?
“You were painted by a new Italian master, and it cost a fortune,” Franco said as he ogled the painting. “Since you refused to pose exactly like Venus, with one hand touching your breast and one hand covering your womanhood, I had you painted the way you preferred.” He tittered, placing his fingers on his thin lips. “With all of your assets on full display.”
The tips of her breasts had been painted tan, notcotton-candy-pink. Where had that description come from? Jade took a calming breath and decided on a tactic she knew would distress Franco far worse than a slap.
“You wasted your money. The coloring is wrong, and my birthmark is missing.”
Franco’s mouth fell open, and he blinked several times. As he gaped at her, his face turned ashen, and his hands shook. She left him standing as she walked to an alcove where a table was set for two. Franco stood in silent shock as Jade took a seat in front of a sliding glass door. She was searching her purse for her cell phone by the time Franco sat down across from her.
“You’re lying because you’re upset,” Franco said.
“I’m livid, but I’m not lying,” Jade replied as Greta arrived with tea. “I’d prefer coffee.” Jade smiled at Greta, who didn’t return the smile. In fact, Greta didn’t even make eye contact. Seeming to have a chip on her shoulder, Greta ignored her request and smiled at Franco. Also redirecting her gaze to Franco, Jade kept her cool and said, “If coffee isn’t too much trouble.”
“No coffee, my dear.” Franco shook his head. “Tea is better for you.”
Greta disappeared and soon served breakfast without coffee. Bewildered by her circumstances and furious about the painting, Jade sipped the tea and refused the French toast. No, she told Franco, she did not recall being asked if she minded him having her likeness painted and framed. In any event, her answer would have been no. And no, she would certainly not provide information about her coloring or birthmark.
“Please explain how I happen to be here,” Jade said.
“It’s quite understandable having trouble with your memory after the severe trauma you suffered,” Franco replied.
“What trauma?” Jade asked, her discomfort level rising by the minute.
“Mateo says the blank spots in your short-term memory are normal,” Franco replied without answering her question.
“I have no recollection of a trauma.”
“Exactly. But that’s for the best.”
“I want to hear about the trauma.”
Franco’s face puckered, and he shook his head. “You begged me never to speak of it after asking me to take you in yesterday.”
Jade had no memory of asking Franco for anything. “Do you know where my phone is?”
“No, dear lady. I’m afraid I do not.”
“I need to drive to the office and look for it.”
“Of course. I’ll chauffer you there right after breakfast.”
“I can drive myself. Where’s my car?”
“Your car is safe, as are you.”
Jade glared at him. “Where is my car?”
“You drove it into my garage,” Franco said with a suggestive smile that made her cringe.
“I want my car, and I need my phone.”
“For your own safety, you driving anywhere today is quite out of the question, my dear,” Franco insisted. He added that since she was still recuperating, they’d be in and out of the office as soon as she found her phone. “Now finish your tea and relax.”
Jade wanted answers and decided to choose her battles.
