A Legacy of Secrets - By Carol Marinelli Page 0,45

too important. I am only hiring you because I now think you are right for the role. I have given it some serious thought and have come to the conclusion that you would be fantastic—you understand the movie inside out. You have seen the disaster Rafaele has made...’

Ella nodded.

‘And you know what the movie needs.’

‘Taylor would never agree.’

‘She already has,’ Santo said. ‘There was a lot of trouble on set today. Things turned very nasty and, you’re right, it is not her acting that is at fault. I spoke to her at length. That is when I told her your suggestions and how passionate you are about this film. She is happy to work with you.’

‘Really?’

‘Fresh vision is always good,’ Santo said. ‘So here is your chance.’

She was terrified, because his earlier argument had been right. She hadn’t earned her stripes. She hadn’t even been an assistant. If she took this role Ella would be stepping straight into the big league and she told him that.

‘You can do it,’ Santo said. ‘I have every faith that you can handle this, but it’s the last professional handhold I will give you, Ella. We will be fighting tomorrow on set. I am not going to hold back just because it is you—and if I don’t think you are doing well...’ Then he paused. She didn’t need to be told. Ella knew only too well how he operated. ‘But when we are off set...’ He waited and he watched as she shook her head. ‘Ella, I promise you that whatever happens between us on a personal level I will not bring it to work.’

‘I can’t.’ She couldn’t, but she knew more explanation was needed. Santo had offered her the biggest break professionally, and also emotionally. She had never opened up more with another, and she needed to do so now. ‘I only slept with you when I knew I had the other job.’

‘I know,’ Santo said. He had no issues with truths. ‘You left your email open on my computer.’

‘My mum used to work for my father.’

‘You are not your mother.’

‘I know that,’ Ella said.

‘And this is very different...’

‘I know, but I swore a long time ago that my career would always come first, that I would never jeopardise it for a man, any man. I’ve broken way too many of my own rules lately but this really is a big chance. It’s not a PA job that I don’t particularly want that I’m risking now. I can’t go back on my promise to myself just because it’s you.’

And she waited for his argument, for him to attempt to dissuade, but it never came. ‘I accept that.’ And only now did she understand the true meaning of his earlier words, that he had known from the start what her rules would be.

‘It’s a couple of weeks,’ Ella said. ‘I need to concentrate properly on the film.’

‘Then do,’ Santo said. ‘But understand this, Ella—you don’t get to pick and choose.’

‘Sorry?’

‘Till filming is over you are in or out.’

Ella just looked at him, wasn’t entirely sure she understood what he was saying.

‘You don’t get to dip in when you choose to,’ Santo clarified. ‘So what is it to be—in or out.’

And for Ella, there could only be one answer. ‘Out.’

‘Fine.’ He headed for the door. ‘Good luck. As my note said—you’ll be amazing.’

CHAPTER ELEVEN

SANTO BLINKED IN surprise when he walked on the set this morning, not because Ella was there. He’d known she’d be early. More it was an Ella he had never seen.

She was wearing a faded denim skirt and espadrilles and a halter neck top. The hair that was usually groomed was hanging loose as it did in the bedroom. As she smiled at him, Santo saw she was wearing absolutely no make-up.

‘Is this director Ella?’ he asked as she walked over to him.

‘No, this is Ella.’

And it was a bit of a fist to the gut, that all the clothes and the make-up had been the part she had played for him, and just confirmed that Santo didn’t know her at all.

‘The ship is all organised.’ Marianna came over and spoke in Italian with Santo as Ella half listened, translating easily. Yes, Marianna was a far more efficient PA. She had achieved in a few hours what Ella had been struggling with for days. ‘So everyone will be in place for 5:00 a.m. and it sails at 3:00 p.m. the following day.’

‘Eccellente.’ He glanced over to Ella. ‘We have to be finished