Reclaiming the Prince's Heart

by Rebecca Winters

  But no sooner were the words out of his mouth than her cell phone rang.

  “Don’t answer it,” he whispered against her lips.

  “I have no intention.” She kissed him hungrily, wanting to forget the world, but the phone rang again.

  After a third time, Rini moaned. “Someone is anxious to talk to you.”

  “You’re right. I’d better get it.”

  He kissed her one more time. “Come right back.”

  She hated to leave his arms as she eased away from him and rushed to retrieve her phone from her purse on the dresser. Then she hurried back to the bed and checked the caller ID. Rini stared up at her with those intense gray eyes.

  “It’s your grandfather calling. I’m sure it’s about tomorrow’s plans.” Luna clicked on.

  Actually, it was Antonia who conveyed the message that Carlo would fly there in the helicopter and arrange for a car for them. He would be there at two to meet them at the police station. Then the three of them would fly home together.

  They hung up and she told Rini what they’d talked about. Then Viola phoned.

  Luna thanked her and clicked off. “Our dinner is ready.”

  “Are you hungry?”

  No. She wasn’t. But she didn’t want to tell him that for fear he would think she wanted to get back on the bed with him. Of course she did, but she didn’t want to come across too eager. She’d made herself totally available to him because she loved him and she was his wife. Maybe he was attracted to her, but she was still an unknown to him and his heart wasn’t involved yet.

  “I’m hungry for anything Viola cooks. Come on. We’ll make plans for tomorrow since we’ll need to leave early.”

  She couldn’t tell if it was the answer he’d wanted. Dr. Tullia had reminded her that Rini was assertive. If he didn’t want to eat dinner, he could tell her he’d rather stay up here with her. As she started for the doorway, he didn’t call her back or reach for her. She had her answer for now, but what would happen tonight when they went to bed? It would be their first night strictly alone as man and wife since the quake.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  RINI FOLLOWED LUNA out of the suite and down the stairs. He’d hoped she would have said she wasn’t hungry, either. She had no idea how he’d longed for the two of them to spend the next twelve hours enjoying each other in ways he’d been imagining in his dreams.

  Though he was convinced she didn’t pity him, he’d been lying to himself to believe she was truly ready to make love. He couldn’t bear the thought that she was playacting in order to prove her love to the husband who’d lost his memory. Rini might look like the man she’d married, but in his gut he knew he was still a stranger to her.

  She was a stranger to him, too. He had to admit he felt somewhat uncomfortable about making love to a woman he didn’t know or recognize. Rini might not remember the man he was, but to take her to bed this fast didn’t speak well for him as a decent human being. Not with this woman. Not with the devoted wife who’d saved him from death. She deserved all the respect he could give her while they got to know each other again.

  By the time they began eating dinner, he’d made a decision. For the time being he’d let the intimacy of their marriage grow at its own pace. Instead, he’d concentrate on learning Italian and work out his future. They planned to leave for the mine at six-thirty in the morning and stop on the way for breakfast. Later, they’d drive on to Rezana.

  After thanking Viola for a delicious dinner complete with two different desserts he’d apparently loved, he asked Luna to excuse him. He explained that he wanted to spend time on the computer. “I need to familiarize myself with the mine and the maps.”

  “That’s a marvelous idea. And remember that when you come to bed, the app on your phone will help you work on your Italian conversation during the night.”

  “I haven’t forgotten your gift, Luna. It’s making all the difference.”

  Though he wanted to kiss her neck, he resisted the impulse and left the table to go upstairs. Luna had sounded so pleased with his plans; he knew he’d done the right thing.

  If pressed, Rini had little doubt she’d do her wifely duty, but he wanted her to desire him the way she’d portrayed in that photo of them. The picture of two people madly in love never left his mind. He prayed that one day he and Luna would get there again.

  Two hours later he crept into the bathroom for a shower and shave. Luna lay on her side asleep. He could tell she wore a nightgown. It pleased him that she hadn’t put on her running clothes.

  To his surprise he didn’t wake up until he heard her in the shower. Rini took advantage of the time to get dressed in casual trousers and a polo shirt. He’d found a valise in his study to pack some maps and graphs he’d run off the printer. It also held the title to the car. He was set.

  When she walked into the bedroom, she looked a vision in a short-sleeved print blouse and white pants. Luna’s figure did wonders for anything she wore, and she smelled divine. The woman took his breath. “Buongiorno, sposa mia. Sei bellissima.”

  Her luscious mouth curved into a smile. “E tu, Rini. Molto, molto bello.”

  He knew what it meant. “Grazie.”

  “I’m serious. You look wonderful, and already so different from the man Carlo and I flew home to San Vitano. I can tell you’ve been studying your Italian. Bravo, sposami. I’m speechless over the way you’re picking it up so fast. If you can speak this well already, the men at the mine won’t believe you have amnesia. Neither will Zigo.”

  A chuckle escaped his lips. “I’ve memorized a few paragraphs here and there. We’ll see their reaction. Are you ready? My things are packed, but I don’t have any money.”

  “Don’t worry. I’ve got plenty. Day after tomorrow we’ll go shopping for everything that was taken from you and go to the bank.” She looked out the window. “It’s going to be another hot, lovely day. You usually wear sunglasses. If you want them, your favorite pair is in the top right drawer of the dresser.”

  “I didn’t notice them.”

  “They’re probably under one of your casual shirts.”

  Rini walked over and found them where she’d predicted. He put them on and turned to her.

  She studied him in a way that said she liked what she saw. “In the sensational car you plan to give away, you’ll look like the most dashing race car driver on earth. When you pull up to the police station wearing them, they won’t believe you’re the same man who was fading away in the hospital just a few days ago.”

  “All the credit goes to you, Luna. Mi hai cambiato la vita.”

  “That goes both ways, Rini. Just so you know, from the moment we met, you changed my life, too.” The throb in her voice touched his heart. He couldn’t doubt her memories of him. That was something to treasure.

  “Let’s go.”

  They left the palazzo through the rear entrance. Rini helped her into the passenger side of the car before putting the valise in the cargo space. After he got in and started the engine she said, “Last evening I asked Mateo to take the car to the service station for gas and a quick inspection. He assures me all is well.”

  Rini should have known his wife would be on top of everything. “I was going to suggest we do that before leaving the city. You’re amazing.”

  She shook her head. “Thank you. I’ll remember that when I start doing things that displease you.”

  One black brow lifted. “Is that possible?”

  “Oh, yes. Just give it time. We’re still in the honeymoon phase.” She’d said it with a twinkle in her eye.

  “Is that what you’re calling it?”

  The honeymoon phase with no honeymoon. That needed to end soon.

  He drove around the palazzo to the street.

  “Rini? Before we reach the autostrada entrance, would you mind heading for the palace?” It sat on a hillside,
visible from the highway. “The Baldasseri Gold Mining office is in a building at the rear of the estate. I haven’t been in touch with Fabio, who must wonder if I’m even alive. He’s always there by seven.”

  Rini had been so concentrated on himself and their world, he’d forgotten she’d been living another life without him for close to two weeks. “How long have you been out of the office?”

  “Since the day before you left for the mine. I’ll only pop in for a moment. You don’t need to go in with me.”

  His hands tightened on the steering wheel. “Would you rather I didn’t?”

  Her head jerked toward him, swishing her silky hair against her cheeks. “Rini—why in heaven would I care? I only said that because I know you’re anxious to get to the mine and I don’t want to hold you up. You and Fabio are friends. Once he sees you, he’ll want to talk. Please forget I asked. I’ll call him tomorrow. It isn’t important.”

  Her reasonable response made him feel like an inconsiderate heel. She’d sacrificed every minute for him since she’d discovered him in the hospital in Rezana. “Of course it is. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have asked.”

  He sped up to reach the palace and she guided him around to the neoclassic building located beyond the greenhouses. Rini’s grandmother had wanted to take him on a tour of the estate. However, on that day he hadn’t been in a frame of mind to appreciate much of anything except being with Luna. He felt that way about her more than ever.

  Last night Rini had decided to let the intimate side of their marriage grow at its own pace. But looking at her now, the last thing he wanted was to wait. Everything about her stirred his senses. The desire for her was more real than ever.

  Before he’d turned off the engine in the parking area dotted with a dozen cars, Luna opened the door and was ready to jump out. “I promise I’ll only be a minute.”

  “Luna—take all the time you need.” He needed to calm down. “We’re in no hurry.”

  “As long as you’re sure.”

  “I am.”

  She closed the door and hurried up the walkway to the main doors of the Baldasseri Gold Mining Company. Unable to sit there, Rini got out to work off his restlessness. He looked around, incredulous that all this had been his world until his head had been injured in the earthquake. This estate, the palace, the office building—none of it meant anything to him.

  Anxiety started to build inside him, but the sight of Luna coming out the doors of the office brought him relief. She filled his eyes. His wife was incredibly beautiful. Then he saw a brown-haired man who cupped her elbow as they walked toward the car where Rini lounged.

  They were both laughing, and the way the thirtyish, good-looking guy acted proprietorial with her caused Rini’s muscles to clench. He straightened as Luna ran toward him. “Rini? This is your friend and manager, Fabio Machetto.”

  “Buongiorno, Fabio,” he responded. “Come va?”

  Fabio answered something back Rini couldn’t understand and it frustrated the hell out of him. Luna rushed to translate. “Fabio said he’s so thrilled to see you. He feels like he’s dreaming.”

  In the next instant the guy hugged him before stepping back and talking to Luna again. Their conversation didn’t last long, and she got in the car before Rini could come around to help her. Fabio shut her door and walked back to the office.

  Rini climbed behind the wheel. He couldn’t take off fast enough for the autostrada leading to the border. The GPS guided him without problem.

  “I’m sorry Fabio came outside with me, Rini. I asked him not to, but he didn’t listen.” The tension inside the car could be cut with a knife. “I know he made you uncomfortable hugging you like that, but he didn’t mean to.”

  “The hugging didn’t bother me.”

  “Then what’s wrong?”

  He took a quick breath. “I realize he’s the one who hired you. Did he ever date you?”

  She didn’t answer right away. Finally, “He asked me to go to dinner with him a week after I was hired, but I turned him down because I wasn’t attracted to him. We’ve been friends, nothing more.”

  “I think it’s possible he hasn’t gotten the message yet.”

  Luna looked over at him. “What makes you say that?”

  “Because I just watched a man come out the door who’s in love with you.”

  “No, Rini. He’s my boss, nothing more.”

  “You’re not a man and didn’t see what I saw. The poor devil. I realize it’s nothing you can help.”

  “Rini, you’re the only man in my life who ever made my heart come close to jumping out of my body. I’m so in love with you it’s ridiculous!” She laughed, sounding too happy for words. “I can quit working. If you want to know the truth, I’d much rather stay home with you full-time and be your wife and Italian tutor. After almost losing you, I want to spend every living moment with you from now on. Say the word and I’ll send in my resignation in the morning.”

  Rini shouldn’t be so excited over her reaction. “You mean it?”

  “Yes. When we were married, I didn’t want to become a clingy wife, so I told you I preferred to keep working. But I didn’t plan on doing it once we started a family.”

  “You won’t miss going to your job every day?”

  “There’s a different kind of work being home with a husband who’s having to learn a new language. I plan to be there every step of the way while you put your new world together piece by piece.”

  “Let’s think it over, Luna. I don’t want you to make a decision you’ll regret.” He’d talk to Dr. Tullia about it at his next session.

  Luna rolled her enticing green eyes at him. “If anyone will regret it, it will be you, having to put up with a wife around the clock.”

  If she only knew...

  * * *

  Luna squeezed her eyelids shut for a moment. Had Rini been jealous? If it was true, it meant he was starting to care for her on an emotional level. She’d leave her job in a second knowing it was what he wanted.

  But once again, he hadn’t asked her to quit. Was that because he had to think it over? She’d promised herself she wouldn’t push him. What would Dr. Tullia have to say about it? Maybe she’d call him and get his opinion.

  Halfway to the mine they came to a village and enjoyed an al-fresco breakfast of caffe al vetro and large croissants that melted in your mouth. Rini ate four of them piled high with butter and plum preserves. At one point he reached out to flick some preserves at the corner of her luscious mouth into his. Little by little he was clearly finding it difficult to keep his hands off her.

  Before they left the trattoria, Rini bought a half dozen more croissants to take to Zigo. The tension between them had vanished and she was in heaven.

  They drove on toward the border, passing lush greenery and forests. Rini looked at her as they neared the signs for the mine located at a higher elevation. “You’ve lost your smile. Are you all right?”

  “Yes and no,” she answered. “My emotions are bittersweet knowing that I got my husband back while seven of your former miners are buried here.”

  “I have no memory of them. But after waking up to find myself covered in debris, I’m as horrified as you are.”

  “Oh, Rini—” she cried out and gripped his arm. “I shouldn’t have reminded you.”

  “I’m glad you did.” He rubbed her hand before she let go. “I’ll be meeting whoever is at the head of the mine in a minute. Everyone working there has lost a friend or coworker.”

  How she loved her husband! “They realize you were in the mine when the quake struck and will be overjoyed to see you alive and well.”

  “Stay with me when we go inside. I’m going to need you.”

  “Maybe now you know how I feel about you. I was barely alive after your grandparents came over with the news.”

  Rini slowed down as they tur
ned down the road leading to the above-surface portion of the mine. “I brought some maps with me. This appears to be the entrance.”

  She undid the seat belt and leaned forward. “I’ve never been here. You promised me that one day you’d bring me.”

  Their gazes locked. “Who would have thought it would be under these circumstances?” After putting the sunglasses in his pant pocket, he got out of the car and walked around to help her. Once he’d retrieved his valise, they entered the modern-looking building. Luna never stopped praying that he’d see something that would bring back a memory.

  Once inside she heard a man call out Rini’s name. Suddenly, five people came running out of the office and engulfed him in bear hugs. He’d already had his christening with Fabio. She’d known he was loved and revered by people, but this show of affection had to warm his heart as it did hers.

  One of the men turned to her. “Princess Baldasseri, I’m the acting head of the mine, Pesco Bonetti.” He introduced the other men in turn. They all shook hands with her. “This is a great day.” Their eyes had filled with tears. “Thank you for what you did for the miners’ families. We won’t forget.”

  “I did it for Rini,” she said, wiping her own tears away. “I’m sure you’ve all heard my husband has lost his memory. He’s working on his Italian, but for now I’ll translate for him. We’ve come unannounced. If you don’t mind, he’d like to meet with you for a few minutes.”

  “Come this way.”

  Luna looped her arm around Rini’s and they followed the men into the office. Some chairs were pulled around and they met in a circle.

  Rini opened his valise and pulled out the papers he’d brought. “Luna—ask Pesco to provide detailed information on the areas that I’ve checked and ask him to fax them back to me.”

  She handed the papers to the other man and explained what Rini wanted.

  “I’d also like him to send me a review of the state of the mine since the quake. Everything he can think of to fill me in.”

  Luna continued to translate.

  “Does this mean he’s still in charge like before?” Pesco asked Luna in an aside.