Goddess of Vengeance

  Also by Jackie Collins

  Married Lovers

  Lovers & Players

  Deadly Embrace

  Hollywood Wives – The New Generation

  Lethal Seduction

  Thrill!

  L.A. Connections – Power, Obsession, Murder, Revenge

  Hollywood Kids

  American Star

  Rock Star

  Hollywood Husbands

  Lovers & Gamblers

  Hollywood Wives

  The World Is Full Of Divorced Women

  The Love Killers

  Sinners

  The Bitch

  The Stud

  The World Is Full Of Married Men

  Hollywood Divorces

  THE SANTANGELO NOVELS

  Poor Little Bitch Girl

  Drop Dead Beautiful

  Dangerous Kiss

  Vendetta: Lucky’s Revenge

  Lady Boss

  Lucky

  Chances

  First published in Great Britain by Simon & Schuster UK Ltd, 2011

  A CBS COMPANY

  Copyright © Chances Inc., 2011

  This book is copyright under the Berne Convention

  No reproduction without permission

  ® and © 1997 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.

  The right of Jackie Collins to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by her in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988.

  Simon & Schuster UK Ltd

  1st Floor

  222 Gray’s Inn Road

  London

  WC1X 8HB

  www.simonandschuster.co.uk

  Simon & Schuster Australia

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  A CIP catalogue record for this book

  is available from the British Library

  Hardback ISBN: 978-1-84737-982-5

  Trade Paperback ISBN: 978-1-84737-983-2

  eBook ISBN: 978-1-84737-984-9

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either a product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, events or locales, is entirely coincidental.

  Typeset by M Rules

  Printed in the UK by CPI Mackays, Chatham ME5 8TD

  This one is for all my fans and loyal

  readers around the world.

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  You all rock!

  Keep on reading . . .

  Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Chapter Thirty

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  Chapter Thirty-Eight

  Chapter Thirty-Nine

  Chapter Forty

  Chapter Forty-One

  Chapter Forty-Two

  Chapter Forty-Three

  Chapter Forty-Four

  Chapter Forty-Five

  Chapter Forty-Six

  Chapter Forty-Seven

  Chapter Forty-Eight

  Chapter Forty-Nine

  Chapter Fifty

  Chapter Fifty-One

  Chapter Fifty-Two

  Chapter Fifty-Three

  Chapter Fifty-Four

  Chapter Fifty-Five

  Chapter Fifty-Six

  Chapter Fifty-Seven

  Chapter Fifty-Eight

  Chapter Fifty-Nine

  Chapter Sixty

  Chapter Sixty-One

  Chapter Sixty-Two

  Chapter Sixty-Three

  Chapter Sixty-Four

  Chapter Sixty-Five

  Chapter Sixty-Six

  Chapter Sixty-Seven

  Chapter Sixty-Eight

  Epilogue

  Chapter One

  It was early evening and the garden restaurant was only half-full. The patrons were trying to play it cool, because after all, this was L.A. and stars abounded. However, most of them couldn’t resist an occasional surreptitious glance over at Venus, the platinum-blonde, world famous superstar, as she picked at a chopped vegetable salad.

  Sitting at the table with her was Lucky Santangelo, a dark-haired beauty who’d experienced her own share of controversial headlines and scandals over the years. Lucky – the former owner and head of Panther Studios – was a businesswoman supreme, who currently owned the luxurious hotel, casino and apartment complex, The Keys, in Las Vegas.

  The two of them made a formidable couple. In Hollywood, where looks were everything, Venus and Lucky ruled. Venus with her in-your-face blondeness, startling blue eyes and toned and muscled shape. And Lucky – a dangerously seductive woman with blacker-than-night eyes, deep olive skin, full sensuous lips, a tangle of long jet hair and a lithe body.

  ‘I’m beginning to think you’re a sex addict,’ Lucky said lightly, smiling at her close friend.

  ‘Excuse me?’ Venus retorted, raising a perfectly arched and pencilled eyebrow. ‘Last week you called me a Cougar, and now I’m a sex addict. Seriously, Lucky?’

  Pushing back her mane of unruly curls, Lucky grinned. ‘Yeah. I’m so wrong,’ she drawled sarcastically. ‘It wasn’t you who slept with your twenty-two-year-old co-star last week, and it wasn’t you who screwed your sixty-year-old director two days later.’

  ‘Oh please,’ Venus said, dismissively waving her hand in the air. ‘I’m getting a divorce, what do you expect me to do? Join a convent?’

  ‘That might be a touch extreme.’ Lucky smiled as she thought about Venus wreaking havoc in a convent. ‘But anyway – I’m sure you know what you’re doing.’

  ‘You bet your fine ass I do,’ Venus answered vehemently. ‘Billy is all over the internet and the magazines with that juvenile skank he’s supposedly hooked up with. Just like Cooper.’ She paused for a long thoughtful moment. ‘Another cheating rat. I sure know how to pick ’em.’

  ‘You certainly do,’ Lucky agreed, thinking that Cooper Turner, Venus’s husband before Billy Melina, was a whole different ball game. Cooper was a much older movie star with a Warren Beatty-style track record, and everyone had known that Cooper would eventually cheat. Billy – not so much. Even though Billy was thirteen years younger than Venus, he’d seemed thrilled to be with her. And why not? Like Madonna, Venus was a true original with legions of worldwide fans.

  ‘I cannot believe Billy turned out to be such a loser,’ Venus said, determined to verbally trash her soon-to-be ex.

  ‘Hardly a loser,’ Lucky couldn’t help pointing out. ‘His current movie has grossed over a hundred million. Not too shabby.’

  ‘Yeah, yeah, rub it in,’ Venus snapped irritably. ‘Billy’s career is on fire, but as a man I can assure you he turned out to be a big waste o
f space.’ She narrowed her eyes. ‘And what’s up with you today? Shouldn’t you be agreeing with me, not regaling me with his box office?’

  ‘Hey – don’t say I didn’t warn you about marrying a much younger man,’ Lucky responded.

  ‘Billy isn’t that much younger,’ Venus insisted. ‘Anyway, it’s sure working for Demi and Ashton. Besides, I thought you liked him.’

  ‘I did,’ Lucky said carefully. ‘I mean, I still do. Only marrying a younger guy . . . it’s kind of a given that they’re bound to cheat.’

  ‘Oh thanks!’ Venus said, frowning. ‘When did you turn into Miz Cynical and a half?’

  ‘Not cynical, merely practical.’

  ‘Says you,’ Venus snorted.

  ‘You know I tell it like it is,’ Lucky said, picking up her wine glass and taking a sip.

  ‘Oh yes, we all know that about you. Nothing’s off limits.’

  ‘Very true. I believe in the truth.’

  ‘And I guess it works for you.’

  Lucky regarded her brilliant friend, and wondered why any man who was fortunate enough to be with Venus would ever want to stray. Venus had it all – beauty, brains, and talent.

  ‘Exactly why are you divorcing Billy?’ she asked.

  ‘’Cause he—’

  ‘Cheated!’ They both finished the sentence together, then broke up laughing.

  ‘Well,’ Venus said sagely, ‘it was fun while it lasted. Eighteen months together and six months married. Now I’m almost free again, and believe me, it’s not such a bad thing. I enjoy being on my own. Living with Billy was like doing time in a frat house. It’s such a pleasure that I don’t have to pick up dirty socks and underwear from the floor, no endless midnight snacks everywhere, and I get full control of the remote.’

  ‘Surely you always had that?’

  ‘Actually I didn’t. You know me – when I wasn’t working I was busy playing wifey to the hilt, and you can see where it got me.’

  ‘Free to fuck your co-star, and your director,’ Lucky commented. ‘Not so bad.’

  Venus gave a wicked smile. ‘I know. Shame we just finished shooting.’

  ‘You should fly to Vegas this weekend,’ Lucky suggested. ‘It’ll take your mind off all things Billy.’

  ‘What’s going on in Vegas – apart from your fantastic hotel?’

  ‘A board meeting of all my investors, and since you were one of the first, it would be great if you showed your face; everyone would really love it. And – even better – I’ve decided to throw an eighteenth birthday party for Max, although the brat is driving me crazy. She’s still carrying on about moving to New York.’

  ‘I cannot believe that Max is about to be eighteen. Little Maria, all grown up.’

  ‘Tell me about it,’ Lucky sighed. ‘Time goes too fast.’

  ‘You do realize that at eighteen there’s no way you can stop her from doing anything she wants?’

  ‘Unfortunately I understand that,’ Lucky said, nodding. ‘And if I know my Max, she’ll take full advantage.’

  ‘Hey – you were married young,’ Venus said brightly. ‘So maybe she’ll turn out to be street smart like you.’

  ‘Married off, you mean, by dear daddy Gino,’ Lucky said, shaking her head as if she still couldn’t quite believe that Gino had forced her into a marriage she didn’t want. ‘Can you imagine that Gino thought he was protecting me from my wild ways? What a joke that turned out to be!’

  ‘How come you didn’t fight it?’

  ‘I was sixteen,’ Lucky said, remembering the overwhelming rush of helplessness and dread she’d felt on her wedding day. ‘I guess I considered myself powerless to say no.’

  ‘C’mon, Lucky, it didn’t do you any harm,’ Venus said. ‘Just look at everything you’ve accomplished. You’ve built hotels, run a movie studio, had three kids, and you’re married to Mister Amazing. Admit it, you’re goddamn superwoman!’

  ‘No,’ Lucky answered after a thoughtful pause. ‘I’m a woman who took chances every inch of the way. I had to fight for my independence.’ A long beat. ‘Believe me, it wasn’t easy.’

  ‘Right,’ Venus said. ‘And that’s exactly why you and I understand each other so well. We both know that being a strong successful woman in this town can be a lonely and difficult path.’

  ‘Agreed,’ Lucky said. ‘You gotta kick ass like a guy, and get called a bitch for your trouble.’

  ‘Ain’t that the truth,’ Venus said.

  ‘But you know something?’ Lucky added. ‘I know who I am – and I wouldn’t have it any other way.’

  ‘Me too!’

  ‘I think we should drink to strong invincible women,’ Lucky said, raising her glass.

  ‘You got it, sister,’ Venus murmured.

  They clinked glasses and smiled at each other.

  ‘I’ve been meaning to ask you,’ Lucky said. ‘Who’s getting the apartment at The Keys, you or Billy?’

  ‘Me, of course,’ Venus answered firmly. ‘I’ve already told my lawyer there’s no way I’m giving it up. It’s mine. Billy can go piss in the wind to get his hands on that piece of real estate.’

  ‘Glad to hear it. In this world you gotta claim what’s yours.’

  ‘Hell, yes. The apartment is in your hotel, and you’re my friend, so screw Billy.’

  ‘Right on!’ Lucky said, nodding her agreement.

  After coffee and more conversation – mostly about what an asshole Billy was – Lucky signaled for the check.

  A young waiter who’d been watching them all night, edged toward their table and presented it to her. Lucky threw down her black American Express card.

  ‘I guess that means it’s your turn,’ Venus said, removing a small gold compact from her oversized Chanel tote, and inspecting her flawless image. She knew there’d be a pack of paparazzi waiting for her exit, and there was nothing they liked better than catching a celebrity looking like crap. She wasn’t about to give them that pleasure.

  The waiter hovered and cleared his throat. Although he was nervous, he saw an opportunity and he was seizing it – even if it meant getting fired should the manager catch him bothering a guest.

  ‘Excuse me, Miz uh . . .Venus,’ he ventured, stammering slightly. ‘I’ve uh, written a script that is so right for you. I was uh, hoping you might find time to read it.’

  Venus threw him a look – the famous cool as an iced Martini look – her blue eyes raking him over.

  Oh no, Lucky thought. Here we go. The diva is on the loose.

  Venus didn’t disappoint. ‘Do I look like an agent?’ she purred. ‘Really?’

  The waiter blanched, quickly picked up Lucky’s credit card plus the check, and slunk off.

  ‘Poor guy,’ Lucky said sympathetically. ‘He was merely taking a shot.’

  ‘Well, let him take a shot elsewhere,’ Venus said grandly. ‘I can’t stand being harassed when I’m trying to relax.’

  ‘Oh my God, you can be such a queen bitch!’ Lucky admonished. ‘Wouldn’t want to get on your wrong side.’

  ‘So be it,’ Venus said with a wry smile. ‘Shall we go?’

  * * *

  Seventeen-year-old Max Santangelo Golden could somehow or other wrangle her way into any club she wanted. Fake I.D. No problem. Lavish tips to the doormen. No problem. Cultivating a friendship with one of the promoters. No problem.

  ‘When it comes to getting in anywhere, I rule,’ Max often boasted.

  Her two closest friends, Cookie, the chocolate-skinned daughter of soul-icon Gerald M., and Harry, the gay son of a TV network honcho, agreed with her. Ace, her on-again off-again boyfriend, was not so pleased. The L.A. club scene failed to enthrall him. He wasn’t into drinking, drugging and spotting out-of-control celebrities. But Max, at seventeen, loved every minute. Not that she drank much or did drugs, but she did get off on people-watching and dancing on tables. Music was her special thrill – especially rap and unknown British groups with wasted-looking lead singers. Oh yes, she was totally into lean an
d mean. Ace was way hot and sexy, but sometimes Max considered him too nice a dude, and she often craved a more edgy relationship. Besides, Ace didn’t live in L.A. so he wasn’t always around when she wanted to do something with him.

  ‘Where’re we goin’ tonight?’ Cookie asked as she sat cross-legged on her messy bed picking at her green nail polish.

  ‘There’s a rave for some old rock group at the House of Blues,’ Harry said, speaking up. ‘’Spose we could crash if you’re up for it.’

  Harry was the palest boy known to man, pallid-faced and skinny, with gelled and spiked hair dyed a ruthless black. It was only recently he’d emerged from the closet, although Max and Cookie had always known and totally accepted that he was gay. He had yet to come out to his controlling father who would probably disown him.

  ‘No can stand the House of Blues,’ Max opined, her brilliant green eyes flashing disapproval. ‘It’s always full of major wannabes; besides we’ll never make it into the Foundation Room.’

  ‘Why not?’ Cookie inquired, leaning over and reaching for a can of 7UP balanced precariously on the edge of a table.

  ‘Yeah, why not?’ Harry repeated. ‘Thought you could get in anywhere.’

  ‘Anywhere I want to,’ Max answered pointedly, tossing back clouds of wavy black hair. ‘Who needs the freaking Foundation Room? It’s always full of ancient rockers gulping down handfuls of Viagra. So not cool.’

  Cookie let forth a manic giggle. ‘I bet my dad takes Viagra,’ she said, swigging 7UP from the can. ‘Bet he pops those pills by the dozen.’

  ‘All old guys do,’ Harry said with a knowing smirk. ‘They can’t get it up without ’em.’

  ‘Gross-out!’ Cookie squealed. ‘Don’t wanna think of my dad with a boner!’

  Max decided that sometimes Cookie and Harry could be too much of a good thing. The three of them had grown up together, attended the same school, and shared some interesting and sometimes frightening experiences, but in a way she felt she’d outgrown them. As soon as she was eighteen, she planned on making a break for New York and freedom. Not that her parents weren’t great, but the two of them were a lot to live up to. Lucky – who’d achieved absolutely everything she’d ever wanted. And Lennie, a multi-talented writer/director who helmed all his own independent movies. Max was tired of being referred to as their daughter. Fed up with the pressure it put on her to do something spectacular with her life.