Lynn Raye Harris - Men In Uniform - Captivated By The Prince

Freed from the tensions imposed by their arranged marriage, they actually enjoyed each other’s company, Emily realised, smiling ruefully as she accepted the clean handkerchief Alessandro produced from his pocket.

‘Is there anything else you should have warned me about?’ she probed cheekily. ‘Cream bun fights, perhaps?’ She gazed up at him as she tried to wipe some of the chocolate smears off her face, loving the feeling of closeness that had sprung up between them.

‘I think I can safely promise you one or two more interesting customs throughout your time here.’

Emily’s smile faltered. Trying not to spoil the mood, she shook herself out of the doldrums. ‘Tell me about these different traditions,’ she pressed with another smile.

‘If you haven’t guessed already, our wedding’s a great excuse for giving some of the best a second airing. Everyone in Ferara loves a carnival. You’ll definitely be seeing my country at its best.’

‘I’m looking forward to it,’ she said. And she was, especially if Alessandro was to be her guide.

‘You’re still covered in chocolate,’ he commented as she made another attempt to clean her face.

‘Well, if I am it’s all your fault,’ Emily countered with a laugh that swiftly turned into an uncertain silence.

That remark was the closest she had ever come to flirting with him. And in view of his comment that seemed to remind her of the time limit on her visit, flirting was out. Not only that, but her teasing manner was attracting quite a bit of interest. ‘I must look a mess,’ she said self-consciously.

‘You look lovely,’ Alessandro argued, removing the handkerchief from her hand. Dampening one clean corner with his tongue, he very gently wiped her face for her. ‘There’s—that’s better,’ he declared at last with satisfaction.

Emily fought the urge to stare into his eyes, suddenly terrified that what she might see there would not match her own feelings. ‘I suppose we’d better be getting back.’ She broke free and went to stand some distance away before he had the chance to put distance between them.

This was crazy, Emily realised. When all she wanted was to be with him here she was calling an end to the day almost before it had begun! How had she ever imagined she could throw herself in the path of a man like Alessandro and walk away unscathed? Suddenly she couldn’t wait to get away. The smell of the chocolate, the heat of the crowd and the noise reverberating round the lofty building stabbed at her mind, and she was almost running as she burst out through the imposing double doors that led to the open air. Shielding her eyes against the unforgiving rays of the midday sun, for a moment she was completely disorientated. Starting down the broad sweep of stone steps, she nearly stumbled.

‘Emily! Are you all right?’

The voice was unmistakable—deep, and concerned. Tears sprang to her eyes as he caught hold of her, and she hated herself for the weakness. Somehow she had to get back her pre-Alessandro control, Emily raged inwardly. But she needed his steadying arm to guide her down the steps…

‘It’s hot, and you’ve consumed vast quantities of chocolate,’ Alessandro said soothingly. ‘I think we should take a gentle stroll back to the palace. I’ll organise a light lunch—’

‘Oh, no. I couldn’t eat anything,’ Emily said truthfully, though her lack of appetite was a direct result of the ache in her heart; nothing at all to do with the sunshine or an over-abundance of chocolate.

‘I think for once you’re going to do as I say,’ Alessandro said sternly as he led her carefully down the steps. ‘You almost fell up there. Then what would I have done? I can’t have a wedding without a bride.’

‘I’m sure you’d find someone without too much trouble.’

‘But they wouldn’t be you, would they?’ he said tolerantly.

‘Does that matter?’

‘Yes, it does. So you’re just going to have to humour me. The sun is strong and you’re not used to it. Here, lean on my arm. We’ll take it slowly…walk in the shade. I don’t suppose you’ve eaten properly.’

‘I’ve had lots of chocolate,’ she pointed out mutinously.

‘An unrelieved diet of chocolate might get a little boring, even for you. A light salad, some iced water—’

She hoped he was right. Maybe the heat was getting to her…the heat, and feelings she was sure he didn’t reciprocate. Alessandro was simply making the best out of a difficult situation, she thought, flashing a look up at him…while she was falling in love, she realised with a stab of concern.

Alessandro returned Emily’s troubled glance with a smile and a reassuring squeeze. He had been right to take her out of the heat. He should have anticipated how many people would attend the event, but he had just wanted an excuse to be with her. The chocolate festival had been the perfect opportunity.

Falling in love had been the last thing on his agenda, he realised as they made their way slowly back to the palace. But here, under the centuries-old shade of the cypress trees, the warmth of the sun was like a balm that enveloped them both in its healing rays. If he could have done, he would have willed all the mistrust, all the uncertainty that had tainted their relationship to float away on the light breeze that sighed through the branches over their heads…

Emily was perfect, and the mood of his people was wholly supportive, he realised with pleasure as he courteously returned several greetings. She would make a wonderful first lady: a true equal to stand beside him and care for these people he loved so much. She could hardly wait to make a start on improving the lot of those around her…sharing her own happiness with others. He snatched a look at the woman who in one short week would be his bride. She was deep in thought, but not so preoccupied that she couldn’t take account of every smile that came her way and return it with sincerity. He felt a rush of deep affection for her…something that transcended physical attraction and looped a band of love around his soul.

He had never once felt like this, Alessandro realised, relishing the simple trust she placed in him, linking her arm through his. The privilege of being allowed to care for her made him happier than he could ever have imagined. It fulfilled him…completed him. Falling in love with Emily was the most natural, the most inevitable step he had ever taken. But if he rushed things he knew he ran the risk of damaging their relationship, perhaps irrevocably. He would have to take things easy…take it slowly, give them both time to get to know each other.

It wasn’t enough that the chemistry between them was almost frightening in its intensity and that every male instinct he possessed insisted he take her straight to his bed. He knew with utter certainty that if he wanted more, he had to wait—

‘D’you know, Alessandro?’

She captured his attention so easily, he realised happily. ‘Tell me,’ he prompted softly.

‘I love Ferara…I love your people…They’re all so friendly, so genuine and so welcoming…’ She hesitated.

‘And?’ he said gently, sensing there was something more she wanted to say.

‘I really think this might work…between us,’ she elaborated awkwardly, though there was no need, Alessandro thought with an inward smile as he drew her a little closer. He had already come to that same conclusion himself, some time ago.

FOR the next couple of days Emily hardly saw Alessandro, except in passing. But she knew he was swept up in protocol, and fine-tuning their wedding arrangements. Her own family was busy with last-minute preparations, too, so any spare time she had she spent talking to her new friend.