Command Performance (MF)

Professional Reviews

4.5: "Gifted pop opera singer Lindi Baker finds herself in a fix. Agreeing to impersonate her friend to save the friend's marriage has put her in a very difficult position. Italian billionaire Vittorio D'Este is out for blood, and it looks like it is going to be Lindi's. Vittorio believes his nephew is enamored of the opera singer, and he is sure Lindi is a gold digger and is determined to prove it. He insists she come for a performance on his private island in Italy and won't take no for an answer. Nothing is as it seems, and both Lindi and Vittorio are hiding something. I was drawn into this story immediately. There is an element reminiscent of the Harlequin Romances that I cut my teeth on years ago, and that gave me a lovely warm feeling and reminded me why enjoyed them so much. This is a well-written romance with conflict aplenty and a story that will keep the reader entertained throughout. While I am usually drawn to a stronger female heroine, Lindi easily brought me around to enjoy her style of heroine; she is what her life has made her, and that makes her believable. I found myself rooting her on and hoping for a great outcome. Vittorio's style is all Alpha male, and he is exactly the type of male character that keeps me coming back for more. His fierce protective side and his unwillingness to deter from his objective has kept him in my mind well after I finished the story. Of course, his looks and prowess helped quite a bit in that area as well. I enjoyed the story and hope to find more books by the talented Sally Quilford to add to my reading collection." -- Teagan, Book Wenches

Excerpt

STORY EXCERPT

Vittorio saw her expression, and his first instinct was to kiss her lips and increase the look of sexual pleasure. He moved a little closer, thinking how easy it would be, especially with her face tilted up toward his, seemingly expecting he would do that. He would start from her jasmine-scented hand, travel up her arm, and then discover if the lips were as soft and yielding as they appeared.

Had she decided now that the uncle was a more lucrative goal than the nephew? No doubt Marcus had told her of his wealth. The boy liked to brag about it, especially when impressing a new lover.

He wanted to kiss her, and he had no doubt she would see it as a triumph, but he had no intentions of doing that. Yet. If Vittorio D’Este was good at anything, it was thinking on his feet.

“Clearly,” he said, standing back, biting down his regret at not having kissed her, “you have no real intentions of giving up my nephew.”

“I told you. I will never see Marcus again.”

He was being deceived in some way, and Vittorio D’Este did not like being deceived. Not that it had stopped him from deceiving others. He was much better at it than Lindi Baker. She had met her match and then some. “I do not believe you. The only thing I can do is accept you into my family with open arms.”

Lindi looked at him wide eyed.

“I assure you, Signora D’Este, that isn’t necessary. I promise you I am never going to be a member of your family.”

“It is necessary, which is why you will come to my island near Venice this weekend, and convince me that you are a suitable wife for my nephew.”

“But I’m meant to be taking a break from the tour. I wanted to see more of Rome.”

 “Have you ever been to Venice, Signorina Baker?”

“No, I haven’t. I’ve always wanted to go, but…”

“It is beautiful this time of year, especially when it snows on the Basilica. You can take your break there as my guest.”

“But Marcus is on his way to America, isn’t he?”

“Yes.” So he had already contacted the girl. Vittorio struggled to hide his anger. “What does this matter?”

“It seems pointless me being there if he isn’t.”

“He does not need to be there for me to get to know you.” Vittorio deliberately made it sound seductive, to test her loyalty to his nephew, but even he was surprised by how sincere the words sounded.

“Get to know me…”

“Yes.”

“Oh.” Lindi stepped back. “As I’ve already told you, Signore D’Este…” She was prevented from saying anything else by the opening of the dressing room door. A man and a woman entered.

“Lindi, what on earth is this man doing in your dressing room?”

 “Mum, this is Signore D’Este. He owns the theatre. He called in to congratulate me on the performance.”

That was interesting. The girl seemed terrified that her mother would think otherwise. Was it possible the mother did not know about Marcus?

“Oh, how nice to meet you, Mister Deest.” Patricia Baker held out her hand and only just stopped short of curtseying.

“I have also asked Signorina Baker if she would be willing to put on a performance on my private island this coming Sunday.”

He ignored Lindi’s surprised “What?”

“How much?” said Patricia.

“Mum!”

“Now come on, Lindi, if you’re going to buy that thatched cottage you’re always on about, you need to earn a bit more money.”

“One hundred thousand Euros,” said Vittorio.

Patricia exchanged glances with the Newton man, who nodded. “It’s settled. She’ll be there on Sunday.”

“On the contrary,” said Vittorio. “She will arrive on Friday afternoon and stay the weekend.”

“You could come, too, Mum.”

“Your mother’s attendance will not be necessary. You are a grown woman, are you not?”

“Payment up front.” Terry Newton spoke for the first time.

“No,” said Vittorio. “She will perform, and then I will pay her.”

“Now look here,” said Newton.

“It is non-negotiable.” Vittorio turned to Lindi. “We will travel in my helicopter. Meet me at the airport at ten-thirty. I do not like to be kept waiting.”