To Win His Heart

by Rebecca Winters

  Like Max, Luc had caught the Duchess virus, but unlike his cousin, he’d developed serious complications for which there was no cure.

  After another half hour of tossing and turning, he got up to shower and shave. He was just coming back in the bedroom to get dressed when he heard the doorbell ring.

  He glanced at his watch. It was ten after ten. Whoever it was, one of the staff would get it, or so he thought. When the bell rang again and again, he suddenly remembered he’d given his help the rest of the week off.

  Whoever it was didn’t plan on going away any time soon.

  Throwing on his robe, he started for the stairs with his cane. Halfway down he caught sight of Olivia’s long, beautiful legs. She was still dressed in the blue robe and had already opened the door.

  “Madame Falcon—”

  Hell. That was all he needed.

  “Bonjour, mademoiselle. Is my son here?”

  “I’m here, maman.”

  She entered the house. “Don’t come the rest of the way, mon fils. I only dropped by to see how your leg was doing.”

  His elegant, black-haired mother eyed him with concern, acting for all the world as if she wasn’t shocked to discover one of Greer’s sisters on the premises.

  With those cheeks a warm pink, and her golden curls in alluring disarray, Olivia looked as if she’d just left Luc’s bed. No doubt it was the same way she’d looked in the dark the night before last when he’d come close to devouring her, all rosy skin and succulent flesh.

  Somehow he’d stopped short of taking the last bite. He would have consumed a pit that would have filled his soul with bitterness.

  “He’s on it way too much,” his nemesis spoke up before Luc could. “I’m afraid I’m to blame for that. Last night, or should I say at five this morning, I arrived on his doorstep, having just come from visiting Cesar.”

  Olivia had his mother’s attention now.

  “How is my younger son?”

  “I’ll tell you all about him in a minute. Why don’t you go upstairs with Luc and I’ll bring some tea and rolls. I discovered Luc had given his staff a few days off so I volunteered to wait on him.”

  “That’s very kind of you.”

  “Not at all. It’s the least I can do to reciprocate. Your sons are the greatest hosts in the world, something they learned growing up with such a wonderful mother. Between Cesar showing me the racing world, and Luc taking me sailing, I’ve been having the time of my life and can’t bear for it to end,” she added before disappearing.

  Luc shouldn’t have been surprised a woman with no scruples would make a comment like that to his mother.

  “The Duchess triplets are so charming, aren’t they?” Once they reached his room she grasped his face in her hands and kissed him on both cheeks. “I’m glad someone’s here to take care of you this morning. Now lie down and put your leg up.”

  She took the cane from him and rested it against the end table while he got back in bed. “The first thing I want to know is, what did the doctor say about your progress?”

  “My leg will never be as good as new, but in three more days I won’t have to use a prop anymore.”

  Her eyes glistened with tears. “One of my prayers has been answered anyway.”

  Luc averted his eyes, aware his mother agonized over the fact that neither he nor Cesar had settled down yet. Ever since Max announced his engagement in June she’d been making maternal noises. It had only heightened the tension already existing between him and Cesar.

  “Here we are.”

  His uninvited houseguest entered his bedroom carrying a tray with everything needed to enjoy a delicious breakfast. No surprise there, either. Olivia was a woman equally at home in the kitchen as the bedroom.

  She set it down on the coffee table between the two love seats. “Please excuse me for answering the door in this guest robe, Madame Falcon. I’m washing my clothes as we speak. The Gabbiano didn’t have a washer or dryer.”

  “The Gabbiano?”

  Luc groaned. “It’s Giovanni’s boat, maman. The Piccione wasn’t available.”

  “It’s not a problem,” Olivia assured his mother.

  She served them a plate of rolls and tea, then poured a cup for herself and came to stand next to the bed where his mother was seated next to him.

  “Right now the boat is getting a new sail and the wiring’s being fixed so I can enjoy what’s left of my holiday. But before Luc tells you about us being caught in a storm, you were anxious to hear how Cesar is doing.”

  “I’m always anxious about him. He hasn’t been home since his win.”

  This was one time when Luc’s mother was better off not knowing what went on behind the scenes. But it was as if Olivia could read Luc’s mind because in the next breath she said, “I don’t pretend to know a great deal about your sons, but from what little I’ve seen, they crave their down time away from the masses.”

  Shut up, Olivia.

  His mother had forgotten he was in the room. “What do you mean?”

  “Cesar sits alone on his terrace high above Amalfi’s resting place, while Luc contemplates the world from this eyrie. It must come from being born on a hillside.”

  His mother chuckled. “Their father is the same. He feels claustrophobic without a view to look down upon. You’re very observant.”

  “So is Bianca. She fusses around Cesar like a grandmother with a beloved grandson. It was very touching the way she tried to protect him from me.”

  She blinked. “From you?”

  Olivia smiled. “Yes. Cesar told me he always spends a week there after a race and assured me the door would be open if I wanted to visit before I left for the States. I thought with the Gabbiano in for repairs, I would take a train ride and drop in on him.

  “But when Bianca answered the door, she had no idea I was a cousin-in-law of sorts through marriage to Luc and Cesar. She thought I was one of the women from the track who flings themselves headlong at Cesar. Apparently it’s an occupational hazard.”

  “It’s disgusting.”

  “I couldn’t agree more. Especially since Cesar had already confided to me that a woman engaged to one of his best friends showed up at the villa a couple of years ago uninvited and caused him real grief.”

  The croissant Luc had been eating fell to his plate.

  “He never said anything about that to his father or me.”

  “I don’t imagine that’s something he would want anyone to know about. He’s too much of a gentleman to hurt his friend. Bianca was witness to the whole thing and kept his secret. But I understand she’s been his self-appointed watchdog ever since.”

  “Good for her!”

  “I agree. That’s why it didn’t bother me when she practically threw my suitcase at me on my way out.”

  “She was that rude to you?”

  “I didn’t mind. In fact I admired her loyalty. Before she slammed the door, she informed me that the only woman who would ever be allowed to spend the night at the villa with Cesar would be his wife.”

  “His father and I live in hope he’ll meet the right person one day.”

  “He will. Right now he’s doing everything he can to be successful at what he does best. It’s hard when you’re the younger sibling.”

  Damn if that tremor in her voice didn’t sound genuine to Luc.

  “What do you mean, my dear?”

  “Luc is like my sister Greer. You know. Perfect.”

  While Luc sat there in shock, his mother patted Olivia’s hand. “Ah, you miss her. Of course you do being a triplet.”

  “No one was ever good enough for her until Max came along.”

  “I’ve never seen my nephew so happy.”

  “Mother and Daddy would have adored him.”

  “You must miss them very much, too.”

  “You can’t imagine. Luc and Cesar are so lucky to have you.”

  On cue, Luc’s mother turned to look at him. “Did you hear that, mon fils?”

  Luc
had already rolled out of the other side of the bed. “I heard, maman.”

  He’d heard something else, too. Until he could talk to Cesar alone, he would have no peace. But before he came face to face with his brother, he needed to be able to stand on his own two feet without help.

  “If you’re through eating, I’ll take the tray and give you some time alone. Ask Luc to tell you about our trip to Monte Cristo.”

  “That dreary place?”

  He shut the door to the bathroom on the rest of their conversation.

  Vernazza took on a pinkish glow at sunset. Even Olivia felt bathed in it as she jumped down from the helicopter. Her gaze automatically flew to the pier. To her joy a sail not yet unfurled had been attached to the mast of the Gabbiano.

  With the wiring fixed, she was getting a second chance for her dream trip of a lifetime with Luc. Just the two of them sailing the high seas.

  The first time aboard the Piccione didn’t count, not with her sisters and Luc’s cousins around.

  Olivia refused to let his vile mood dampen her spirits. Since his mother’s unexpected visit, he’d been more unapproachable than usual. Instead of flinging scathing retorts at her meant to injure, he’d chosen not to talk unless absolutely necessary.

  She hoped to heaven it meant the things she’d let drop about her visit to Cesar’s were eating him alive. Surely at some point he would be driven to learn the truth for himself. But maybe that was wishful thinking.

  Olivia had taken a terrible risk discussing painful, private family issues with his mother. Luc might never forgive her for it, but it was that or walk away from him. Her jaw hardened. That was something she couldn’t do.

  As before, she carried both suitcases and paced her steps to his. When they drew closer, she spied a lot of things on deck that hadn’t been there before; a sun mattress, water skis, snorkeling gear, deck chairs and a lounger.

  She let out a sound of delight.

  “I take it you’re pleased.”

  “I’m delighted.” She lowered the suitcases into the boat before getting in herself. Luc moved too fast for her to help him down. She assumed his medication had dulled his pain for the moment.

  “Why don’t you stretch out on that lounger and tell me what to do first? I’d like to sail for a while along the coast before we have to put in at the next port.”

  He cocked one black eyebrow. “You don’t want to get settled in first?”

  “We already ate an early dinner, and there’ll be time to unpack later.”

  “Give me a minute to go below then.”

  “Okay. Hurry.”

  His mouth twisted into a strange smile before he disappeared down the stairs. She didn’t know what to make of it. Maybe beneath the casement of ice beat a heart that was excited to be alone with her, too, but he would never own up to it.

  Olivia hugged her arms to her waist and looked all around, soaking in the atmosphere. This was her last chance to work on him.

  Earlier in the day while Luc slept, she’d gone shopping to buy some sleepwear and a few casual outfits. The white cargo pants and aqua top she’d put on were perfect for evening when the temperature turned cooler.

  Just before they’d left the villa, she’d phoned Piper who was still in bed at the apartment in Kingston. Afraid her sister would try to discourage her from taking this trip, Olivia didn’t give her a chance to talk.

  Instead she explained she and Luc were on their way out the door, and she’d call her again in a couple of days. After telling her she loved her, Olivia hung up the phone, relieved to have touched base with Piper without letting it turn into a frustrating exchange.

  A few fishermen walked past, calling out to her in Italian. Words like bellissima. She smiled and waved back.

  It reminded her of the evening she and her sisters had run away from Luc and his cousins on their newly purchased bikes. Every male along the road had whistled and shouted at them. But she’d only wanted Luc’s attention. No one else’s.

  Now she was alone with him. Nothing compared to the feelings alive inside of her at this very moment.

  “Señorita Olivo? It’s time to set sail for Monterosso. Are you ready for your first lesson?”

  Olivia’s heart did a nosedive that went straight through the floor of the boat.

  She’d heard that voice before. Yesterday morning in fact. It was as familiar as Luc’s. Not that she didn’t like Nic. He was awesome. But his presence could only mean one thing…

  Don’t let him know how you feel. Don’t let either of them know. She would beat Luc at his game if it killed her!

  She turned around with a beatific smile on her face. Luc had come back up on deck with him.

  “Nic—what a fabulous surprise! I’m so glad you’re here. Can you be with us the whole trip?”

  “Of course. I’ve cleared my calendar of business so I could come on this holiday, too. We’ll sail all the way to Marbella where you will be a guest at my house for a change.”

  “Terrific!” She ran over and gave him an enthusiastic hug in front of Luc who by this time had stretched out on the lounger. She beamed up at his cousin. “This will be perfect. Now I have someone to enjoy the nightlife with me.”

  His brown eyes gleamed. “You like dancing?”

  “I adore it. This is turning out much better than I’d dared hope,” she replied in all honesty as visions of new possibilities to provoke Luc filled her mind. “Your presence relieves me of a worry.”

  “You should have no worries on vacation!”

  “It’s just that I promised your aunt I’d take good care of her son on this trip. With you along as captain of the Gabbiano, nothing can go wrong.”

  “You didn’t always think that.” He grinned.

  She grinned back. “A lady is known to change her mind.”

  Nic chuckled. “We’ll spell each other off helping Luc.”

  “Absolutely. But right now I want my first sailing lesson.”

  “Anything to please one of Max’s sisters-in-law. I’d like to stay in his good graces if you know what I mean.”

  “That works both ways, Nic. I want to be the kind of sister-in-law he admires so he’ll never wish we weren’t related.” Unlike someone else she knew.

  “Max would never wish that.”

  “Piper’s so worried about interfering, she says she won’t be coming to Europe again except for the christening of their first child. Unless Max and Greer decide to adopt, that won’t be happening.”

  A frown broke out on his face. “Señorita Piper said that?”

  “Yes. I’m afraid she was born with enough angst for the three of us. It’s the artiste in her. She has a conscience that works overtime.”

  Just then Olivia made the mistake of allowing her eyes to stray to Luc’s. He was staring at her as if to say that explained why Olivia didn’t have a trace of one.

  “I believe it’s the middle child syndrome,” she continued to explain to Nic. “Piper’s the peacemaker.”

  Nic’s brows formed a distinct bar. “It won’t please Max if she stays away from Greer with the result that his wife is upset.”

  “But Piper sees it as doing Max a favor. When he makes remarks about the three of us being joined in a seamless line, she doesn’t think he’s teasing. Frankly, neither do I.”

  He eyed her with speculation. “How is Piper handling being alone?”

  Was that an idle question, or was there something more significant behind his query? Olivia decided to find out.

  “Oh, she’s not alone. Tom could hardly wait for her to get back from the wedding.”

  The silence following her remark spoke volumes. So did his next question. “Shall we set sail? You’ll find a life jacket in the locker behind you.”

  She turned to get it and put it on, aware of Luc’s silvery gaze following her every movement. “Your first mate is ready.”

  Nic flashed her that stunning Castilian smile that masked many secrets. “All right. Untie the ropes, then report to the
mast.”

  “Aye Aye, sir.”

  They worked in harmony. He started the engine. The Gabbiano moved smoothly out of the harbor to open water.

  “Feel that breeze?”

  She nodded.

  “Here comes your first lesson.”

  Nic was a master teacher. Within a few minutes she’d undone the sail the way he’d told her. The wind took over the rest, filling it until it resembled a fat pillow. She almost fell as the boat listed and shot forward.

  They were moving without the aid of the engine. Though Olivia was devastated to think Luc hadn’t wanted to be alone with her, she couldn’t help but cry out from the sheer exhilaration of knifing through the water toward the fading light in the west.

  “What do you think?” Nic called to her.

  She lifted her face to experience the full effect of the salt spray. “I’m in heaven!”

  So was Nic. She could tell by his exultant laugh. Out of the periphery she noticed Luc glowering.

  The steady breeze drove them as if by an unseen hand. It was love at the first lunge for Olivia. “I feel like a dolphin or a tuna!”

  He laughed harder and she joined him. Too soon he pointed to some lights along the coast. “Monterosso!”

  “Already?”

  “You want to go on to the next town?”

  “No! I want to see everything!”

  “Then you shall!” he assured her before taking over. With the greatest of expertise he brought them around to the port. The town sparkled like a woman’s diamond tiara.

  Once they reached the buoys, he folded up the sail and they glided to the shore where a lot of other boats had anchored for the night.

  She could hear music and voices. People were out swimming, playing on the beach.

  Olivia couldn’t wait to join them. She’d put on her bikini ahead of time. It only took her a minute to fling off her top and pants.

  “I’ll be back!” she called over her shoulder. Ignoring Luc’s muttered imprecation, she got up on the side of the boat and dove in.

  The cool water couldn’t have been more inviting. It grew warmer nearer the sand. Olivia swam around, floating on her back so she could take in the view.

  On shore a bunch of guys who looked to be in their early twenties were tossing a ball around. One of them missed it, and it flew out over the water. She caught it and tossed it back. At that point they urged her to join them.