“What of fidelity? What of her reputation for being able to get whatever it is she wants from any man?”
“You should not make such assumptions about her character. Besides, even if I marry a princess, I have no more guarantee of fidelity. My parents, theirs before them—”
“They are not in question here,” Sonja protested. “You are. Your people will not respect a woman like that. You simply can’t ask that of them. No one will stand beside you if you go ahead with it. It reeks of desperation. In fact, it’s impossible to even contemplate. If you are prepared to lower yourself to these extremes to hold on to the throne then I think perhaps it’s past time you considered abdicating.”
Rocco looked at her in surprise. He’d expected resistance but not expressed quite this vehemently. This was not the first time she’d suggested he should stand down. What the hell was going on? Had she, too, turned to the other side? He gave her an imperious stare.
“Thank you for your opinion. Please extend my thanks to the princesses for coming here to the castle and for their time. But I won’t be marrying either of them.”
“What are you going to do now?”
“I thought I might take a turn on the lake with Ms. Romolo. Let the boat crew know and have them see to it that my boat is readied for me.”
Sonja all but spluttered, “You’re going boating at a time like this? You really don’t care about what your people think, do you?”
“I care, Sonja. It’s because I care that I don’t want to make a hasty and empty marriage to a woman who means nothing to me. Besides, it’s a lovely day. We all need to take time out occasionally. Even you.”
Sonja’s lips firmed into a narrow line of disapproval that matched the expression on her brow. “This kind of behavior is exactly why some wish to see you deposed. Mark my words. You reap what you sow.”
Rocco’s temper rose. He didn’t often show anger but when he did, most people had the wisdom to keep their mouths shut and make themselves scarce.
“Are you saying I’m a careless monarch?”
“Take from my words what you will. I have work to do, even if you seem to think you do not.”
With that, and without waiting to be excused, she rose sharply and stalked out of his office. He stood and watched her go. Today Sonja had more than overstepped the line and possibly even shown her hand as no longer being among his supporters. To have her flat-out scold him to his face wasn’t something he’d expected. Sure, she’d always been outspoken, but never had she been so fierce. Straightening his shoulders he began to walk back out to the terrace. Sonja’s behavior troubled him. He’d trusted her for so long that it was second nature. The idea that she would stand so boldly against him was shocking and disturbing.
Was this truly an indication of how his people would feel if he presented them with Ottavia as his queen consort?
The thought was a sobering one, but he didn’t want to begin second-guessing his decisions now. He would prevail, one way or another. He had to. It was far, far too important to simply let go.
* * *
Ottavia sat outside on the balcony of Rocco’s private suite and stared unseeingly out across the lake. She didn’t understand him and that confused her. He was unlike other men she’d met before. Every night since they’d signed their contract, they’d slept together. But not like any other man and woman. No, they’d simply lain side by side. His strong, steady breathing a constant presence, the heat of his naked body a perpetual reminder—even in sleep—that she was not alone. It was oddly comforting, even if it was unsettling at the same time.
Aside from those tantalizing kisses they’d shared, he hadn’t requested or attempted to coerce any more from her. It hadn’t stopped her awareness of him. Not at all. If anything, being in such close proximity with Rocco had only heightened it. It had left her bewildered and oddly wanting. Not a state of mind she’d ever had to contend with before and not one that she enjoyed, either.
A sudden hand on her shoulder made her jump. The heat of Rocco’s fingers seeped through the fabric of her blouse and into her flesh, sending an unexpected thrill of anticipation through her body.
“Did your meeting this morning go well?” she inquired, fighting to keep her voice level as she looked up into his perfectly formed features.
She noticed he’d changed from the suit he’d worn earlier into more casual trousers and an open-necked shirt. Even so, there were lines of strain around his face that were at odds with his informal attire.
“No, it did not. I’m in need of some distraction. Would you like to come out on the lake with me?”
She hid her surprise. She’d heard the princesses were scheduled to leave the castle later today. An announcement of which one he’d chosen as his bride had to be imminent, and yet he expected her to go out on the lake with him? Perhaps he didn’t mean just her.
“That sounds lovely. Will the princesses be joining us?”
“No, they will not,” he said rather emphatically.
“Oh. Well, do I need to change?”
His gaze swept her body, taking in the cropped capri pants and sleeveless silk blouse she wore. Despite steeling herself she felt every nerve respond as if his look was a physical touch.
“You are perfect as you are. It’s still a little too cold for swimming, but it will be relaxing, nonetheless, to simply be out on the water. Before we go, however, I would like you to read this.”
He handed Ottavia some printed sheets of paper. She scanned them quickly, gasping in shock as she began to understand what they contained.
“Rocco, you can’t be serious. You don’t want to marry me!” she exclaimed.
He returned her gaze, his eyes somber. “Why not? We already have a contract together. This is merely an extension of it. Fine-tuning, if you will.”
“Marriage is a bit more than fine-tuning. It’s a serious business.”
“And I have never been more serious in my life.”
Ottavia stared at him. He really wasn’t kidding. “Are you certain you have thought this through?”
“Absolutely. Look, you don’t have to decide this minute. Think on it. Think of what I can offer you.”
“That makes it sound so mercenary.”
“It is a contract, Ottavia. No more, no less than the one we have already brokered. If the concept is so unappealing to you then simply don’t sign it. But also consider, if you will, the advantages of such a union. We are attracted to one another, are we not? We respect one another. We could make this a true marriage in every sense. Wasn’t it you who only recently suggested I make a marriage based on obvious mutual respect and attraction that can lead to lasting love? I believe we can achieve that together, don’t you?”
He cleverly used her own words against her and made it all sound so simple, but Ottavia knew nothing could be further from the truth. He’d made his expectations clear in the document. He wanted a full marriage and an heir as soon as physically possible. The contract also demanded complete fidelity. That condition had been highlighted in bold print and was nonnegotiable. Everything about the contract made her nervous. She’d never planned to marry. Had never before met the man who could possibly change her mind.
Until now, perhaps.
She shook her head. No. It was unthinkable. She had no royal training, no background. Absolutely nothing to offer him like the visiting princesses did. And she most certainly had shadows in her life that would not bear exposure to all and sundry. Would he accept Adriana once he knew about her? Would he allow her to be a part of their lives?
“Why me?” she blurted out. “Why not Princess Bettina or Princess Sara? They are far more suitable than me.”
He gazed out at the lake for a moment before turning his attention back to her.
“I could not imagine a future with either of them. Their unquestionin
g acceptance of your presence here made me realize I expect—no, I demand—more from marriage than either of them were obviously willing to give.”
Did that mean he imagined a future with her?
Ottavia let his words sink in. At least there had been no false declarations of love, although, if he meant what he’d said when he quoted her own words back at her, he seemed to believe he could come to love her. It was far more than she’d ever expected and the idea was terrifying. She drew in a deep breath and calmly put the new contract on the table.
“I see. Obviously I will need to think about this.”
“Understandable, but I ask that you not leave me waiting too long.”
Of course—the succession law. The need for Rocco to provide an heir was a pressing one. He had so much at stake. But, then, so did she. Not only would she be marrying, against everything she’d ever thought she’d do, she’d be having a child, or children. She’d always sworn she would never bear a child. Feeling the way she did, could she do it? Could she become physically intimate with Rocco with a view to bringing a child into their lives?
Rocco held his hand out to her.
“Come, you will be able to think better once we have been out on the water.”
She took another deep breath before laying her smaller hand in his. The disparity in their builds and his ultimate power over her, both real and imagined, was never more apparent than in that moment. And it reminded her that if he so wished, he could have forced her compliance in his bed these past few weeks. But he hadn’t. The knowledge was as unsettling as it was a relief, and the juxtaposition of her thoughts kept her on edge.
Hand in hand they descended through the castle, then walked across the lawn. She spied the boat shed nestled in among some trees on the edge of the lake. As they drew nearer, Ottavia heard the low thrum of a powerful jet engine from inside. She felt a small frisson of trepidation.
“You have life vests on the boat?” she blurted out as they entered the boat shed and she took in the sight of the sleek lines of the powerboat sitting proud on the water. “I’m not a particularly confident swimmer should something go wrong.”
“We do, don’t worry. Besides, you have me to look after you.”
She firmed her lips and nodded as, after a brief conversation with the boatman, he boarded then turned to offer her his hand once more. The boat rocked slightly when she came aboard, and she stumbled against him as her feet found the deck. Her breath whooshed out in a rush as she put her hands out, her palms flat against the hard planes of his chest.
“I’m sorry,” she said, moving away quickly and finding a seat.
“Don’t be,” he teased. “Having you throw yourself at me, well, it’s possibly the brightest spark in my day so far.”
She couldn’t help it, she laughed out loud at the ridiculous expression on his handsome face. “You’re breaking my heart, here.”
“Somehow I don’t think your heart is all that engaged,” he said with a sharp look in her direction.
Ottavia composed her face into a smile to hide that his comment had struck a well-protected nerve. She did not allow her heart to be engaged. Ever.
“I’m sorry,” he continued. “I didn’t mean for that to sound cruel.”
She looked up in surprise. “It wasn’t,” she assured him, but she wondered just how much he’d seen. Just how much she’d revealed.
Rocco opened a small compartment on the side of the boat and pulled out two slim line life preservers.
“Here, let me,” he said, putting one over her shoulders and fastening the belt at her waist.
“There doesn’t appear to be a lot to this,” Ottavia said, plucking at the horseshoe-shaped casing he’d put around her neck.
“They’re a low-profile type of vest that doesn’t restrict your movements. They’re designed to inflate automatically if you fall into the water.”
“Right,” Ottavia acknowledged slowly.
She held her breath at his nearness as he double-checked the fastenings and fit of her life jacket. He was so close she could see the sunburst of gold that rimmed the pupils of his eyes before his irises darkened into the deepest amber. She couldn’t help it, she had to breathe in the scent of him. Crisp and fresh yet with an underlying hint of spice and the forbidden that Ottavia instinctively knew did not come from any bottle.
“How do I look?” she said with an insouciance she was far from feeling when he stepped back.
She regretted her words the moment they were out of her mouth as he sharpened his perusal of her.
“Enthralling,” he said after what felt like an eon. “But anxious. Are you not comfortable on the water? We can forget about it and do something else this morning.”
“No, really, it’s fine. I—” She hesitated a moment before saying the words that had startled her as they came to mind. “I trust you.”
His features softened but if anything his gaze intensified. Ottavia found herself captive beneath his stare, her eyes drifting from his and lower, to the line of his lips. A loud squawk from a duck coming in to land on the lake broke the spell that had frozen time, and Rocco gave her a brief nod.
“Let’s go,” he said, before turning to the controls of the boat.
Ottavia focused on relaxing every muscle in her body as he expertly cast off the ropes from the stern to the boatman who still waited on the indoor dock, and began to power out into the lake. He kept the speed to a minimum, cruising sedately along and pointing out buildings and land formations of interest before he pulled the engine back to idle and allowed them to drift for a while.
“It’s so peaceful out here,” Ottavia commented. “I can see why you love it.”
“Would you like to have a turn at the wheel?” he asked.
Ottavia thought about it for a moment. Sometimes fears were best met head-on. Dredging up her courage, she answered. “Okay, but I warn you I have never done anything like this before. I hardly ever even drive a car.”
“You don’t like to drive?”
“I rarely have to.”
She noted the brief set to his jaw at her words and silently castigated herself for reminding him that other men usually paid for the privilege to see her driven wherever she needed to go. But what else did he expect, she rationalized—he knew her profession. And so would anyone else who questioned her suitability to join him in marriage. She couldn’t consider accepting him, could she?
Rocco moved behind her as she came to stand by the wheel, his arms coming around her on either side.
“Is this how you teach all your boatmen?” Ottavia teased.
“No,” he murmured. She felt his hands at her hair, sweeping a swath away from the side of her neck. The cool brush of air preceded the press of his lips against her skin and she shivered in response. “Only the ones I want to marry.”
His voice was so deep and gentle that it strummed softly against her defenses, weakening them when she most needed them to be strong. It would be all too easy to accept his proposal, but there was still so much she needed to consider.
A beating sound filled the air and she looked up in the sky as first one, then another helicopter lifted off to hover over the castle and the lake briefly before turning and flying away. Princesses Sara and Bettina had departed. They would be alone now at the castle. No guests to entertain over breakfast, lunch and dinner. No more princesses vying for Rocco’s attention. She would have him all to herself.
“Let’s begin your first lesson,” Rocco said, nuzzling the side of her neck again.
Somehow she managed to ignore her racing pulse and concentrate on his words of instruction, whispered close to her ear and filled with innuendo that made her imagination run wild. How did he have this effect on her? Why did she let him?
“Let’s try for a little more speed,” Rocco said and put one hand on
the throttle and pushed it forward.
Ottavia felt her hair whip around her face, and his face, too, most likely.
“My hair—” she started to say over the roar of the engine as they shot across the smooth, clear water.
“Smells divine,” he answered, pushing the throttle a little further. “Do a slow turn to your right,” he instructed and laid his other hand over one of hers on the steering wheel.
Together they made the boat sweep in a wide arc and despite her anxiety about the water and his nearness, Ottavia began to enjoy herself. She laughed out loud as they shot forward again in a straight line. Intoxicating exhilaration pulsed through her. Behind her, Rocco was steady and the heat of his body imprinted through the sheerness of her blouse. While it was her hands on the steering wheel, he was still most definitely in command of the boat. And her, too, she realized. To her surprise, she didn’t mind one bit. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt so carefree or had had such fun. Or had felt so safe.
She puzzled over the sensation and the fact that it was Rocco who made her feel this way when for so long she’d relied only on herself. Part of her power over men had always been that they had needed her. Not the other way around. But over the past few days she’d found herself impatiently waiting to see Rocco in between his engagements with other guests at the castle. Listening for his step or finding pleasure in hearing the timbre of his voice as he drew near. Strangely enough, he made her feel happy, almost content. She couldn’t recall anyone ever having that effect on her and she’d never realized just what a special gift it was. She, who had prided herself on never needing any man, was coming to rely upon him in ways she’d never anticipated.
She didn’t want to need a man. Her mother had been that person. One who’d gauged every facet of her life by her ability to hold on to a man. So when her looks had begun to fade and her lover’s eyes had turned to her daughter...
Ottavia’s fingers tightened unconsciously on the steering wheel as she slammed the lid on her wandering thoughts. She’d overcome that time in her life and would never be that vulnerable ever again. She was forgetting her role here as courtesan—was allowing herself to be seduced instead by the splendor of her surroundings and the charm of her client. A client who wanted to marry her, to provide her with stability and affection—and maybe even love? Did she dare open herself up to that? “It’s so beautiful, I never realized those cliffs at that end of the lake were so high,” she said.
Contract Wedding, Expectant Bride Page 10