Kitabı oku: «Exclusive!: Hollywood Life or Royal Wife? / Marriage Scandal, Showbiz Baby! / Sex, Lies and a Security Tape», sayfa 3

‘Where is that yacht headed?’ she asked.

‘Greece, probably. If you sail on you’ll hit the Adriatic coast. Would you like to sail?’ he asked, lifting her fingers to his lips and letting them trail over the inner part of her wrist.

‘Uh, well, I—yes…I suppose it would be very nice. I’ve never actually been on a yacht.’

All at once her pulse beat faster and her heart flurried. She had little or no experience with men. Nicky, her one boyfriend, had been just that—a boyfriend. She’d never felt attracted enough to contemplate going to bed with him. Now, as Rodolfo’s lips grazed her skin she shuddered. There was no doubt that she was experiencing an unadulterated new and intense draw to this man. And she wasn’t sure how to handle it.

‘Perhaps I should show you to your room before we make any further plans,’ the Prince remarked, letting go her fingers. ‘We need to have a doctor take a look at you, and I am hoping that your luggage will arrive later today. But, anyway, we can get you some stuff in town. Malvaritza looks like a sleepy little village but it has some very fashionable boutiques with all the top brands. I’m sure you’ll be able to find some suitable outfits and toiletries,’ he said, smiling.

‘Thanks. I’m certain Anne will have dealt with forwarding the luggage,’ she replied, aware that she didn’t even have a toothbrush with her. But that was a concern that was fast put to rest when she entered the ravishing suite of rooms allotted her.

Victoria gasped. Nothing in her short stay in Hollywood had prepared for the elegant refinement of the Castello Constanza. The reception rooms she’d spied were formally elegant and refined. But this! There was a four-poster bed decked with white voile curtains, and tapestries hung on the ancient stone walls, as well as an eighteenth-century Venetian mirror placed between crystal Murano wall sconces. Vases filled with freshly cut flowers graced the dressing table. A small plumped-up sofa had been strategically placed next to the window, through which the now familiar scent of jasmine invaded the apartments.

‘It’s lovely,’ she murmured, letting her fingers trail over the lace coverlet of the bed, her eyes resting on the flounced brocade of the skirt of the dressing table, where antique silver brushes lay. It was old-world and beautiful. Yet, as her eyes roamed, she noted a phone and a fax machine. In the corner an almost invisible panel hid a flatscreen TV.

‘I hope you will be comfortable,’ he replied with a formal bow. ‘Please feel free to stay for as long as you wish.’

‘Oh, gosh, that’s terribly generous. I don’t want to be a nuisance,’ she exclaimed, suddenly realising how unexpected her visit was—and perhaps inconvenient.

‘Such a beautiful woman as you could never be an inconvenience to anyone,’ he murmured, his eyes fleeting over her. ‘Why don’t you freshen up and join me downstairs for a drink?’

‘Great. Thanks.’ Victoria smiled nervously, brushed her golden hair back, and watched as he retreated and closed the door behind him.

She let out the breath she’d been holding. It was like a dream. Only this morning she’d been going through hell and now here she was, in a magical setting with the best looking, most sophisticated man she’d ever met.

To her surprise, when she opened the old rosewood armoire, a shimmering white and silver full-length sheath-style gown hung on one of the hangers. She lifted it out on the hanger and stared down at the high heeled silk sandals accompanying it. Was this for her? Then her eyes fell on a note, and she drew in her breath and opened it.

I hope this may serve its purpose until your luggage arrives.

She held the note, biting her lip, gazing at the bold black writing on the thick crest-emblazoned stationery. How had he managed to have this dress conveyed here so swiftly? And how did he know her size? A less agreeable thought crossed her mind. He probably dated so many women that judging their dress size was child’s play. Well, whatever. She would slip into the shower and then don the beautiful gown. At least she’d feel in tune with the setting.

An hour later dusk had settled over the island. The clear inky sky was dotted with bright flickering stars. Crickets chirrupped in a friendly fashion as she made her way down the wide stone staircase, hoping she wouldn’t slip in her finely tied silk sandals. Victoria had worn many gorgeous gowns since hitting Hollywood, but none compared to the ethereal beauty of this one, chosen for her by a man she barely knew.

When she reached the terrace she saw him, dressed in a dinner jacket, leaning against the stone parapet and gazing thoughtfully out to sea, a glass held loosely between his fingers. She stood a moment and watched him, etched against the horizon. How incredibly good-looking he was.

And how totally out of reach.

All at once reality sank in and she realised how poles apart their lives were: she, the unknown girl from a small English village who by a miracle had been chosen to star in a Hollywood success story; he, the noble Prince, whose lineage dated back a thousand years. She swallowed. Oh, well. Might as well enjoy it while it lasted, she reflected moving towards him. Perhaps it was just a ploy to get her to invest on his island, she reminded herself. In a way she wished it was. It would make it easier, and perhaps temper the irregularity of her heartbeat whenever he appeared.

‘Good evening,’ she said, trying to sound nonchalant and sophisticated. ‘Thank you for having this dress put in my cupboard. It was most thoughtful of you. The luggage still hasn’t arrived, so it came in very handy.’

‘I’m glad you like it. If I may say so it suits you very well.’ His gaze roamed critically over her.

A flush rushed to her cheeks. There was nothing bold in his look, but still she felt as though his eyes saw far more—as though they were divesting her of the flimsy fabric, and caressing her skin. A tiny shiver coursed up her spine and she felt her stomach tighten.

‘Would you like a drink?’ he asked turning to a tray of ice that hosted an array of soft drinks. He poured her choice into a crystal tumbler and handed it to her.

‘Thanks.’ Victoria took a quick gulp and then another. Suddenly she remembered the pills. Until last night she would have relied on them to help her through the evening, yet tonight she had no sudden urge to rush and pop one. Not that she felt terribly bad or ill at ease with Rodolfo, but he did seem so terribly suave and elegant in this magnificent setting, so terribly out of her league…

‘Come,’ Rodolfo said, as if sensing her discomfort, reaching for her hand. ‘Let me show you the rest of the terrace.’

Together they walked around and he showed her another view. In the distance she could see lights. ‘Is that Malvaritza?’ she asked.

‘Yes, that is the town. I’ll take you there when you’re feeling up to it. And we’ll also go for a spin on my yacht, the Mona Lisa, so that you can see the island from the sea. It will give you a better notion of the place.’

‘Thanks,’ she murmured, leaving her hand in his, relishing the feel of his fingers lightly caressing the inside of her palm. Then, when she least expected it, he was facing her, looking down into her eyes through the moonlight.

‘You are a beautiful woman, Victoria. Too tempting by far.’

She caught her breath as he drew closer, didn’t draw away when he reached out and pulled her close, his expression almost harsh.

Their eyes held and she fell under his spell. In one swift movement his lips came down on hers, hot and demanding. She gasped, held back, then gave way. She had never been kissed like this before. It was as though suddenly Rodolfo dominated her being. He plied open her lips, his tongue delved, and his hands pressed the small of her back, bringing her close up against him. She could feel the hardness of his desire, and experienced a rush of torrid heat flash like hot lightning from her head to her core, felt the peaks of her breasts go taut.

There was little she could do now but submit, her body supple and pliable in his arms. She could feel his hands roam over the curves of her rounded bottom, up her ribcage, then stop tantalisingly at the side of her breast. Half of her knew she should draw back, the other wanted to beg him to continue, to assuage the delicious yet agonising frustration mounting within her.

‘Victoria,’ he muttered, his thumb reaching to graze the tip of her breast.

‘Rodolfo,’ she whispered hoarsely. ‘We shouldn’t…we mustn’t. I barely know you. I—’

Reluctantly he drew back, eyes gleaming into hers. ‘I know it has all happened very fast, but I find you very hard to resist, cara.’

She returned the look, then glanced away, straightened her dress and moved towards the parapet picking up her glass as she went.

Rodolfo watched her, then followed suit, eyeing her closely, noting the hot flush on her cheeks. There was a definite chemistry between them. Her reaction had been timid at first, then as passionate and full of pent-up desire as his own. Yet there was something naïve and spontaneous in her reaction, something that spelled inexperience.

He must be dreaming, he reflected, as they sipped their drinks. A Hollywood actress, one who had taken drugs and was a big star, could hardly be an innocent.

‘Dinner will be served shortly,’ he said in a neutral tone. ‘I thought we should dine al fresco in the moonlight. Would that suit you?’

‘That would be lovely. Are you not cooking tonight?’ she added with a spark of humour.

‘Not tonight,’ he responded, with a laugh and a flash of white teeth, ‘But I promise to introduce you to my special Pasta Principesco in the very near future. Do you know that they have it on the menu in one of the restaurants in town? I was very flattered as the owner is an exceptionally good cook. But tonight we will have special Malvarinian dishes. I hope you will enjoy our local cuisine.’

‘I’m sure I will,’ Victoria answered, wondering if there was anything she wouldn’t like about this man and this amazingly enchanting fantasy world he lived in. But, she reminded herself, it was important to remember that it was just that: a fantasy, nothing more.

Dinner was as special as she had anticipated. Rodolfo made witty conversation throughout, and the servants served an array of delectable dishes, all of which were Malvarinian specialities. By the end, Victoria knew she couldn’t eat another thing.

‘That was simply delicious,’ she said smiling and laying down her white linen napkin. ‘You’ve spoiled me rotten.’

‘A woman as beautiful as you should be spoiled,’ he murmured, rising and coming behind her chair to draw it back.

‘That’s all very well,’ she admonished breathlessly. For, although she was far more at ease with him than she had been earlier, his presence so close sent frissons running through her. ‘One could get used to this sort of living,’ she said trying to sound light, ‘but, after all, it’s really just a dream.’

‘Not entirely. I like to believe that I’m very real,’ he responded with an amused smile.

‘Do you?’ She cast him a sceptical look and let out a sigh. ‘This is all so magical, so unreal. I think it’s heavenly, but then I remember that soon I’ll have to return to reality, to Hollywood and Ed and the next movie. And I don’t know how I’m going to manage it.’

‘Without the medication to help you, you mean?’ he enquired, his tone challenging.

Victoria’s face flushed. ‘I know it was wrong, but there’s no need to rub my face in it. I really had no idea what they were,’ she muttered, tossing her hair back.

‘I know you didn’t. It was very wrong of that doctor not to inform you of what was in them. But I am merely wondering if you think you can kick the habit or if you plan to continue on the same course? If you were my—’ He cut off, realising what he was about to say and the impropriety of it.

‘If I was what? I belong to nobody, and what I do is nobody’s business, either,’ she responded belligerently.

‘That is true. I’m sorry.’

‘Plus, you don’t know how difficult it was, there on my own. I knew nobody. Everyone expected me to fit in as if I’d been there all my life. When I met that girl and she gave me the doctor’s name I felt better, realising I wasn’t the only one who found it difficult to keep up the pace and—’

‘You don’t need to explain,’ he interrupted, placing his hands firmly on her shoulders. ‘I understand. I just hope that from now on you won’t feel the need to ruin your health, your youth and your beauty, that’s all.’ She looked up at him, read the sincerity in his gaze and swallowed. ‘If you hate Hollywood so much, why go back?’

‘I have a contract with Ed.’

‘But what about the actual work? I thought you enjoyed acting,’ he said, signalling to a servant to lay the coffee tray on a low Ottoman by the parapet.

‘I do. That’s why I have to overcome this stupid fear, these silly inhibitions I have. It’s absurd when I’ve been offered the chance of a lifetime. I’ve always wanted to act. Being taken to Hollywood and given this opportunity was all I’d ever dreamed of. It’s just that now I—’ She shrugged, looked out over the sea. ‘It’s all so superficial, so fake. Not at all as I imagined it. Again, just a sort of fantasy.’

‘That’s just how you described this place.’

‘Well, I didn’t mean it quite like that. It’s a different kind of fantasy.’

‘I’m glad you think so. I would hate to think that I live in a Hollywood dream world. I happen to have very real projects for this island.’

‘I’m sure you do,’ she said, seeing a gleam in his eye. ‘Very different to where I come from. That’s just pretty and old fashioned and comfortable.’

‘But you love it?’

‘Yes, I do. It’s home.’

‘And you regret the necessity of having to leave it?’

‘I—’ All of a sudden Victoria remembered Anne’s comments, her financial advisors’ insistence that she change her domicile, and all the reasons she hadn’t wanted to come to Malvarina surfaced. Was this man just trying to seduce her into investing in his island?

‘I’m sorry. That was a personal question and none of my business,’ he murmured. ‘But if, while you’re here, you would like to visit some property I can arrange it.’

‘Thanks,’ she answered, a cold chill rushing through her. ‘Would you mind awfully if I went to bed now? I’m really rather tired after everything that’s happened.’

‘Of course. You must be. I will accompany you upstairs and see that all is in order.’

‘Oh, please—don’t bother,’ she said hastily, getting up and taking a step back. ‘I’m sure I’ll find my way. Goodnight.’ She waved her hand abstractedly, then turned, quickly entered the large living room and headed towards the hall and the stairs.

WHAT HAD HE SAID to upset her? Rodolfo asked himself as he watched Victoria disappear into the shadows like a white and silver ghost. Had it been the mention of visiting property on the island? He had merely wanted to be of help. But he was fast realising that there was much more to this sensitive young woman than met the eye. Their kiss remained imprinted on his lips and the desire to possess her made him take a deep breath.

He stood pensive for a moment, then decided that he too would turn in early. He would have to take it slowly with Victoria. But he knew now that he definitely wanted to take her to his bed. But she was still fragile, and she was also his guest, and therefore he owed her every courtesy.

After a quick snifter of brandy he walked up the castello’s wide, ancient staircase, glanced at Victoria’s door, then with a veiled smile headed on towards his own suite of apartments and his lonely bed.

CHAPTER FOUR

A SHAFT OF BRIGHT SUNLIGHT piercing the heavy blue brocade curtains woke her.

At first she had no idea where she was, wondered for a moment if she was on a film set. Then she saw her luggage in the far corner of the room. Little by little the events of the previous day played out and she remembered everything—from the terrible morning to the flight to the airport and, later, the kiss on the terrace yesterday evening.

At the thought of the latter, a delicious shiver coursed through her. She had never been kissed like that before. The thought that it could reoccur left her anxious, yet filled with a new and exciting anticipation. Of course Rodolfo wanted nothing but a fleeting sexual affair, an amusing interlude to pass the time. Maybe that was why he’d asked her here? But, whatever the reason, she surely could handle it? Surely she was mature enough to indulge in an affair without getting hurt? It was time she got some experience of life and love. Perhaps he was exactly the kind of man to gain that experience with. After all, there were no strings attached, plus he was a gentleman, and she’d never found any man so devastatingly attractive.

An hour later she was downstairs, dressed in a short white flared cotton designer skirt, small pink T-shirt and matching flat fifties-style shoes.

‘I hope you slept well?’ the Prince said when she joined him at the breakfast table.

Victoria smiled, noted how attractive he looked, dressed in jeans and a white polo shirt.

‘Great, thanks.’

‘Please sit down.’ He’d risen to greet her and now they both sat at the glass table laid with attractive ceramic crockery. Not at all palatial, she thought with a tiny smile, feeling at ease as she sipped a delicious glass of chilled orange juice.

‘I have taken the liberty of asking my doctor to come after breakfast and check you over. Then, I thought I would take you around the island, and we can lunch on board my yacht, the Mona Lisa.’

‘Well, that’s very kind. But I feel fine, and am sure I don’t need medical assistance.’

‘Perhaps. But indulge me and see Dottore Manfreddo. He is the Royal Physician and a delightful character. That way we’ll both be assured that you are all right and we can forget that whole incident—okay?’

‘All right,’ she agreed with a reluctant smile.

‘As soon as you’re finished with him we’ll set sail.’

‘I’d love to. By the way, you suggested that I look at some property while I’m here. I think that’s a good idea. I might as well make good use of my time,’ she said, breathing in the gorgeous day, looking out over the cliff at the superb view, clearer now that the heat haze had subsided.

‘Perfect. I can arrange for someone to show us something tomorrow.’

‘Great.’ Victoria realised that she hadn’t felt so good in a long time. There was something so agreeable and easy about Rodolfo that she’d never encountered in any man before. Not that she knew that many men, she realised ruefully. But Rodolfo seemed interested in her, and her life, and she was able to forget that he was a prince, that his reality was so different from hers.

Together they enjoyed a pleasant and interesting conversation over the delicious array of fruit and pastries set before her. ‘Gosh, I’ll have to be careful not to get fat here,’ she remarked, laughing.

‘I don’t see any danger of that happening,’ he answered, his eyes fleeting over her in that same scrutinizing, yet admiring manner they had yesterday. ‘Now, come. The doctor will be here any moment.’

‘SO, SIGNORINA, how are you feeling?’

‘I’m fine. Better than I’ve felt in a while.’

‘Good.’ The elderly doctor smiled a wrinkled but reassuring smile and placed his index finger on her pulse. ‘Your heart-rate seems perfect. No palpitations or shakiness since you have stopped taking the medication?’

‘No. I don’t even feel that I need it.’

‘Excellent,’ he approved. ‘I think you have been lucky, young lady. In fact you haven’t taken enough for it to harm you in the long run. But what will you do when you have to face a similar situation again?’

‘I don’t know,’ she said with a sigh. ‘I’ll just have to cross that river when I come to it?’

‘If you permit, I have another suggestion. Here in Malvarina we are very knowledgeable regarding herbal remedies and teas. There is a special tea, made of a local herb, that soothes the nerves without causing any harm to your system. I would recommend you take some with you when you leave. Sometimes, if you are feeling tense, you can have a nice cup of this brew and you will feel more relaxed without doing yourself any harm whatsoever. It is well known on the island. I drink it myself sometimes.’

‘Thank you, Doctor. That would be wonderful.’

‘Now, I want you to relax and take it easy for a few days—forget all this nonsense and enjoy yourself. That is the best way to recover.’

They both rose and shook hands.

‘Thank you again, Doctor. It was very nice of you to come.’

‘Not at all. Any request of the Prince’s is a pleasure.’

They walked out into the drawing room, where Rodolfo was waiting. ‘Everything okay, Doctor?’ he said frowning slightly.

‘Absolutely fine. Victoria is a healthy young woman and has not suffered any side-effects from the pills. I believe she did not take them long enough for them to harm her.’

‘Good.’ He let out a sigh of relief and smiled. ‘Thanks, Dottore.’

‘I recommended some of our special island tea. I’ll have some sent over later.’

‘Good idea.’

They all shook hands, then the doctor departed, leaving them alone.

‘Let’s go and enjoy the day.’ Rodolfo took her hand and together they walked towards the courtyard, where they’d arrived. A silver Porsche convertible stood gleaming in the sun. ‘Jump in,’ he said, opening the door for her, ‘and let’s go for a spin.’

Victoria sat in the car, hair blowing in the breeze. She loved the island immediately, the scent of the orange and lemon trees, the lovely faded terracotta houses peering lazily from behind olive groves overlooking the sea. There was a gentle sense of peace in this place, and a pace of life that she identified with.

With time to explore Malvaritza, she could see that all its charm had been preserved: there was a small crooked church in the main square, which was bordered by little cafés where some old men played backgammon and others drank coffee and passed the time of day. As Rodolfo had promised, the town also housed some lovely shops, filled with exclusive designer brands and jewellery and also quaint boutiques. But all this was incorporated into the architecture and atmosphere with such extreme good taste and grace that it didn’t spoil the overall feel of the place.

The town, she realised as they drove on down towards the sea—in fact the whole island—was like Rodolfo: tranquil, elegant and charming.

Soon they were entering a little fishing port below, and she could see a large yacht at anchor and wondered if that was the Mona Lisa.

Just as she was about to ask, Rodolfo pointed out to sea. ‘There she is,’ he said, a touch of pride in his voice. ‘I had her built three years ago.’

‘She’s beautiful,’ Victoria exclaimed, shading her eyes to take a better look at the vessel. She could see a small motor boat steered by a uniformed sailor approaching the shoreline as they parked the Porsche.

Minutes later they were on board the yacht. Leaning against the deck rail, Victoria sighed as the craft raised anchor and the vessel glided out to sea. Rodolfo stood next to her in the stern and together they watched the island recede.

‘You’re right about Malvarina, and I take back all the nasty things I said the other night in Cannes. It truly is a beautiful spot.’ Victoria smiled, relaxed now, the soft wind mussing her hair as she gazed over the side at the white ripples of the wake.

‘But not as beautiful as you,’ Rodolfo said softly, slipping a hand over hers.

Victoria swallowed. There was a choice to be made: she could pull her fingers away and pretend that none of this was happening, then get in touch with Anne and tell her she was heading back to England. Or, she could court adventure, live an exciting experience and be none the worse for wear.

Part of her wanted to run; another part knew she was mesmerised and that her whole being wanted Rodolfo as she’d never wanted a man before. His fingers still covered hers. By not removing them she was tacitly sending him a signal. And all at once Victoria realised that she needed to know what it felt like to be held in a man’s arms—a man whom she found devastatingly attractive and who knew the rules of a game she was far from proficient in. When his arm slipped about her shoulders she didn’t flinch or move away but allowed him to pull her close.

‘Ah, Victoria, you are so young and so lovely, cara,’ he murmured above the purr of the yacht’s engine. He wanted her, wanted to ravish her, take her to his bed and love her. But instinct told him not to rush it. After all, she’d just lived through an extraordinarily painful set of circumstances that had not yet been fully resolved. He must take care not to make things worse. He smiled down at her. ‘We’ll drop anchor by the Malva Caves. Have you ever snorkelled?’

‘Actually, no, but I’d like to try.’

‘Then you shall. We shall discover the caves together. You will enjoy that.’

‘I would love it,’ she agreed.

‘Then come on, and let’s look at the gear. Gino,’ he called to one of the smiling bronzed crew, ‘we need some snorkelling gear for Miss Woodward. Can you see to it?’

‘Of course, Your Royal Highness. Immediately.’ The man disappeared and returned minutes later with a mask and flippers. ‘I think these should fit the signorina perfectly,’ he said.

And he was right. Soon Victoria was wearing only the tiny white bikini that she’d slipped on under her clothes. She pulled on the flippers as the yacht slowed and dropped anchor near the entrance of a large cave, excited at the thought of snorkelling. Rodolfo helped her to the side of the boat and, laughing at their comic appearance, they dropped into the water.

Victoria had no fear of the sea, as she was a good swimmer, so she followed Rodolfo towards the cave without hesitation. Through her mask she could see deep down onto the sea bed. Multicoloured fish glided below her, sea plants and shells shimmered as the sunlight illuminated the water. Then they arrived at the entrance of the cave and the sun gave way to dark shadows. Shortly afterwards Rodolfo stopped by a ledge and they rested, their arms reposing upon it.

‘It’s an amazing place,’ Victoria exclaimed, pulling up her mask and peering around at the beautiful glistening blues and greens shimmering on the walls.

‘It’s the phosphorescent stone that gives it this effect,’ he answered. ‘Are you feeling okay? Shall we continue?’

‘Great, thanks. Let’s explore further.’

They lowered their masks once more and headed into the winding passages of the cave, which Rodolfo obviously knew well.

It was as they were heading back to the entrance of the main cave that Victoria felt a sudden suction dragging her down. She swam harder, fighting against the spiralling current, her legs and arms beating frantically. But instead of abating the suction grew stronger, as though an underwater cyclone was drawing her down into the dark depths below. Rodolfo was up ahead. Soon he would be out of reach.

Victoria panicked. Naturally he thought she was following close behind—had no idea she was desperately struggling to keep her head above water. In a fraught movement Victoria struggled with her mask and air pipe and finally managed to remove them.

‘Rodolfo!’ she yelled between gulps of water, as loud as her breathless voice would carry. But he simply went on swimming. ‘Please, Rodolfo, help!’ she cried again, her strength giving out.

Just as she thought she could not go on, that the water would win this battle and suck her under, she saw him turn.

Horrified, Rodolfo swam back as fast as he could. Something was happening under the water! He’d heard of this once before, many years ago. But the phenomena had never been known to occur again, and he hadn’t thought of the caves as in any way dangerous. Diving under the gloomy water, he scooped Victoria in his arms and pulled her to the surface. She spluttered, could barely breathe, and clung to him for dear life.

‘Victoria, cara mia!’ he cried, securing her in a life-saving position and swimming with her back out into the open as fast as he could. The crew, who were watching attentively from the yacht, immediately realised that something was amiss. Within seconds Victoria was being lifted into a dinghy, where she lay in Rodolfo’s arms still fighting for breath.

‘What happened, cara? What did you feel?’ he asked anxiously, as little by little her breathing normalised and she was able to speak.

‘It was as if something was sucking me down below the surface. It was a pretty strong current that was impossible to resist…I thought I—’

‘Shush—just relax and don’t talk, cara. You’ll be all right. I feel terrible that I unwittingly subjected you to such an experience. I shall have the caves roped off against swimming. It is too dangerous. Dio, anything could have happened!’

‘Such a thing has not occurred for over fifty years, Your Royal Highness,’ one of the older crew members said as they reached the yacht.

‘I know. But I should have remembered,’ Rodolfo said, in self-reproach as he carried Victoria up the steps and on board. There he laid her carefully onto the cushions in the stateroom. At once one of the sailors brought water and cognac and Rodolfo made her drink.

‘Have some of this. It will make you feel much better,’ he said, tilting the glass towards her lips.

‘I’m fine, really,’ she whispered, trying to sit up on her elbows. ‘Just a little shocked, that’s all.’

‘I know. But now you’ll be okay.’ He brushed the hair from her face and looked into her eyes. ‘I would never have forgiven myself if something had happened to you.’