The Prince Who Charmed Her

by Fiona McArthur

  Ginger laughed. ‘You can’t really call Aspelicus a little island. It’s got mountains, and flat lands—and casinos, even. And it has this massive village on the side of the volcano, a gorgeous palace, and a fab hospital.’ She rolled her eyes in ecstasy. ‘It’s the most amazing place.’

  Kiki had to laugh. ‘You’ve obviously been there?’

  ‘Last year. I was knocking around with the in crowd with my on-again off-again boyfriend—gossip columnist, long story—and we ended up there for the Prince’s Cup.’

  ‘A horse race?’

  Ginger nodded nostalgically. ‘Magical horse race they do there every year along this spit of sand at the edge of the island. Raises squillions for the hospital. And there’s balls and cocktails and champagne lunches. I swear I put on ten pounds over five days.’

  Ginger grinned.

  ‘Anyway, Stefano looked pretty amazing as the host. So I guess I have a soft spot and can’t get over the fact you don’t want to play with him.’

  Kiki rolled her shoulders and rubbed the wooden block full of tension that was her neck. ‘Because after the fun and games I’m left picking up the pieces.’

  ‘He really hurt you.’ Ginger must have heard the truth because her expression changed to one of sympathy. ‘I’m sorry. Want me to tell Wilhelm you’re not up to dinner?’

  Kiki knew she’d have to go. ‘It was a request from the Captain. I can’t decline just because I want to avoid his guest.’

  Ginger was still new. ‘Why not?’

  You just didn’t do it. ‘Because Stefano will blow it all out of proportion, I’ll find myself in sick bay, and Will doesn’t deserve the hassle.’ She sighed. ‘What time?’

  ‘Seven.’ Ginger twisted her hands. ‘The nurses have been invited as well. Umm...do you think you could introduce me to that dishy Miko if you get a chance?’

  Her friend Miko, who smiled as if he knew more than Kiki was saying. ‘He’s a heartbreaker.’

  Ginger shrugged. ‘I need someone to take my thoughts away from my ex. I’m not here for marriage. And I heard he was fun.’

  Kiki grinned. ‘He’s fun, all right.’

  * * *

  When Stefano saw Kiki enter with Hobson the rest of the room faded. He thought she looked less pale than earlier, which was what he’d wanted to see. Or that was what he told himself.

  ‘Ah, the medical staff are here.’ The Captain smiled. ‘But of course you have shared high drama with them already. Dr Hobson tells me your advice was invaluable.’

  Through his contacts Stefano had been updated hourly on Chris’s condition and the boy was improving steadily. ‘Dr Hobson and Dr Fender were instrumental in saving that boy’s life. And the nurses, of course. You have a brilliant medical team on your ship, Captain.’

  The Captain visibly preened. ‘I’m glad to hear it.’

  ‘Of course Dr Fender and I are old friends.’ His companion straightened with interest and Stefano chose his words carefully. ‘We met during a consultancy I held in Sydney last year. I fear she is concerned someone might think she’s consorting unprofessionally with a passenger if she’s seen too much with me.’

  The Captain was eager to dispel such a thought. ‘Not at all. Fraternisation does not apply with previous acquaintances.’

  ‘I thought not,’ Stefano said smoothly, ‘but of course I’m glad to hear you say so.’

  ‘No problem.’ The Captain stepped forward to meet Wilhelm and Kiki as a waiter circled with a tray of champagne.

  Kiki knew the Captain and Stefano were looking her way and were talking about her. Her ears were practically on fire.

  ‘Soda for me,’ Kiki said, and took the glass with a thank-you nod at the waiter as Stefano and the Captain approached. She should have asked for something with a kick. She plastered a smile on her face.

  ‘Prince Stefano has been singing your praises, Kiki. All of the medical team, in fact.’

  Kiki could play that game. Nice and impersonal. ‘We were lucky to have such a surgeon to consult with, sir.’

  ‘Prince Stefano tells me the boy is improving consistently. There is real hope he will make a full recovery. And no threat of the parents suing my ship.’

  She didn’t care if Stefano saw how much that news improved her evening. It was worth coming just for the information. ‘That is wonderful news about Chris, sir. And of course your ship.’

  The impulse to share her joy with Stefano meant she couldn’t avoid looking at him any longer. Of course he was watching her when she did sneak a glance.

  She searched manfully for a topic to deflect the pink that was rising in her cheeks. ‘Your brother and his wife are not here, Your Highness?’

  She saw his brows lower at her mode of address. ‘Theros and Marla are watching the show tonight.’

  The Captain nodded eagerly. ‘The show is excellent. Of course the crew’s pageant will be on in two nights. You must not miss it, Prince Stefano. Kiki and Miko dance.’ The Captain sighed nostalgically, glanced around and gestured the restaurant manager over. ‘They tango brilliantly.’

  Kiki distracted herself by watching Miko cross the room. All the women smiled as he joked and nodded, more of celebrity than the actual Prince. Kiki couldn’t help her smile. He was such a hoot.

  ‘Sir.’ Miko saluted and the Captain introduced Stefano.

  ‘I think you have not met our royal guest—Prince Stefano of Aspelicus.’

  Miko made a very creditable bow and Stefano nodded his head.

  Oblivious, the Captain went on. ‘I was just saying how much I enjoy watching the crew pageant and especially your dances.’

  Miko gallantly turned to Kiki. ‘It is all because of my beautiful partner. She is a feather.’ He lifted Kiki’s fingers to kiss her hand with consummate grace. ‘You look ravishing as always, Dr Fender.’

  Kiki grinned and pulled her hand away. Something made her glance at Stefano, who had narrowed his eyes at the interloper. All trace of good humour had disappeared from his face and she remembered the way he’d reacted to her quip about Will.

  Kiki decided discretion was the better part of valour. ‘I have someone who wants to meet you, Miko. Excuse me, Captain, Prince Stefano.’ And she drew the playful restaurateur away before more damage could be done.

  ‘Ho-ho, if looks could kill,’ Miko whispered teasingly in her ear.

  Kiki relaxed against him. ‘You are a menace.’

  Miko’s voice dropped even lower. ‘And you have been sleeping with the Prince.’

  ‘Stop it.’

  He shrugged. ‘You have known him before, perhaps? He is very jealous.’

  Jealous, or a dog in the manger? ‘That’s his problem.’

  ‘And mine if he thinks you care for me.’ But Miko laughed. He wasn’t stupid. ‘And also a problem for you too.’ He shrugged as they moved out of sight. ‘So why do you fight this great attraction?’

  Survival. ‘Because we are from different worlds and he has hurt me before.’

  ‘And Nick knows of this?’

  Kiki felt like stamping her feet. ‘Why does everyone think my brother has to know about my life?’

  Miko shrugged. ‘Because he will kill us if anything happens to you. So it is purely selfish on my part.’

  She had to laugh. ‘You are so shallow.’

  ‘That is true. But it’s also true that is what you love about me. Come. Introduce me to this woman who wishes to meet me and I will let you go back to your brooding Prince.’

  Kiki poked him. ‘I’m sticking with you and I’m going to spoil your chances of seduction.’ Kiki stopped when she found the nurse. ‘Ginger, I’d like you to meet my friend Miko. I’m sure you’ve seen him around.’

  Miko bowed. ‘It is a great pleasure to meet you, Ginger. I believe this is your first cruise
with us?’ Miko lowered his head over Ginger’s fingers and while his vision was obstructed Ginger winked her thanks.

  The Second Officer approached and as Miko straightened he glanced at Kiki and grinned. ‘Kiki? You are leaving us? I fear the Captain has placed you at his table.’

  Next to Stefano.

  The men stood as she approached and Stefano frowned away the waiter who’d moved to hold her chair.

  As she slid into her seat she murmured, ‘Seated by a prince. I am lucky,’ and sat demurely with her hands in her lap. Stefano settled in next to her.

  ‘Behave or I will not sit next to you.’

  ‘You arranged it.’

  ‘True. Because I can.’ He changed the subject. ‘I realise we have not danced.’

  What had brought that on? Dog in the manger? ‘Apparently you have to go out in public to do that.’

  He sat back in his chair and regarded her. ‘Not always, but touché. Of course I am happy to meet your conditions.’ He gestured with his hand. ‘After this, perhaps?’

  Not likely. ‘I’m afraid not.’

  Silkily he said in her ear. ‘And why are you afraid?’

  Thankfully the entree arrived at the same time and she didn’t have to answer. She turned to the person on her right.

  Stefano was not altogether displeased. So she was afraid of her own response in his arms? A healthy respect for the severity of their fierce attraction was wise. Not fear of him, but of herself, for he had never sought to inspire anything but lust in Kiki’s beautiful breast.

  Stefano hid his smile and turned to the lady on his left.

  The Captain’s wife was Sicilian and had visited Aspelicus before. She was very pleased to be seated next to the Crown Prince. Stefano knew it would amuse Kiki to see him cornered, so he paid such flattering attention to the good lady he doubted he would be allowed to eat in his suite again.

  Thankfully the Captain’s wife enjoyed her food, and when the main course arrived he could turn to his other companion.

  ‘The Captain tells me you are off duty tomorrow when we dock. I will be flying out to Aspelicus for the day on a matter of state that will not take long. Perhaps this could be a chance for you to see my homeland.’

  Before she could decline he went on.

  ‘We would have time to visit my facial reconstruction clinic before we leave. It has facets of treatment that may interest you.’

  She shouldn’t be tempted, but his genuine passion for his work was clearly evident and it called to the vocation in herself. ‘How far is Aspelicus that you can fly to do business and come back?’

  He clicked his fingers. ‘A mere hour’s fight.’

  The Captain’s wife leaned across. ‘You should go, dear. It’s fabulous. And the Prince will look after you.’

  Kiki muttered under her breath. ‘That’s what I’m afraid of.’

  CHAPTER SIX

  THE NEXT MORNING, as the ship docked in Livorno, after a night of mental flogging because she’d weakened, Kiki had to school the shock from her face when Stefano arrived at the gangway to disembark.

  Dressed in a designer suit as black as his hair, with his royal chain of office flashing gold and precious stones in the sunlight, he looked nothing like the man she could lose herself in.

  Her first taste of royal bling and she had to admit he wore it well. Too well.

  The passengers leaning over the ship’s verandas seemed impressed too, if the flashing of cameras was anything to go by.

  His man opened the door of the official car and gathered her in. It was a discreet luxury sedan, so hopefully people wouldn’t gawk and point at them as they drove along. She slid across the seat, suddenly glad she’d worn her best trousers and a camisole with a jacket, because even though she was off the ship it looked as if this was a day when she’d need everything she had to keep her head above the water line.

  ‘I’m sorry to have kept you waiting.’ Stefano slid in next to her, and despite the gap between them on the seat she could feel the shimmering energy field as he settled.

  ‘You made quite an entrance.’

  He narrowed his eyes at her as if perplexed. ‘How so?’

  And didn’t she wish she hadn’t started that conversation? ‘You look very princely.’

  ‘At the risk of being simplistic, it is my job.’

  Well, she’d asked for that. But he looked so overpoweringly regal she was feeling threatened by her own insignificance. Not something she’d ever felt before. And what would it be like when they arrived at the palace, where he held considerable power?

  Just the thought of feeling inferior made her spine stiffen. ‘You said you have matters of state to deal with? What will I do while you attend to those?’

  His gaze softened as if he sensed how unsure she was about their arrival. ‘I had thought Elise, my housekeeper, could show you over the palace if you would like. She will no doubt burn your ears with her historical fervour. Elise is very proud of the island’s heritage.’

  So she was to be diverted to the housekeeper. That should keep her out of the way. ‘She sounds interesting.’

  He didn’t turn to face her. ‘She is, but if you are not in the mood for a history lesson you could relax in the library and browse. We have an extensive collection of original books collected by my mother.’

  ‘Both options sound appealing.’ But the history more so. She could sit in libraries any day.

  Now he turned to her. Searched her face. ‘I should not be long. It is a matter of signing papers that should have been ready a week ago, and the settlement of a matter which has caused my father some concern for too long. Hence my decision to be done with it today.’

  The car drove onto the tarmac of the airport and eased smoothly to a stop.

  Stefano glanced out of the window. ‘I hope helicopters do not worry you?’

  ‘Not that I’ve noticed in the past.’ Never been in one. She was quite pleased with her nonchalant tone, but seriously, how many people chose helicopters as their basic transport?

  She’d been psyching herself for a sleek little Learjet at worst, but there was not much she could do about their mode of travel now.

  ‘I’ll be fine.’ Though it looked more like a large bumble bee than an aircraft.

  To top it off Stefano had climbed into the pilot’s seat and the lump in her throat tightened. His man opened the rear door. ‘I’ll sit in the back, shall I?’ she murmured to herself, and allowed him to bow her into the helicopter with its royal insignia, her reluctance disguised because she’d always prided herself on her sense of adventure.

  This definitely rated as an adventure. She’d bet there were hundreds of girls who would have changed places with her, and she wondered again why Stefano had manoeuvred her into accompanying him on this excursion.

  As soon as the pre-flight check was complete Stefano turned and assured himself that she was strapped in before he started the engine.

  As the roar grew louder the little cabin began to shake and she resurrected the deep breathing exercises she’d learnt long ago during her obstetric term. Calmness at take-off seemed a great idea.

  In through the nose all the way down to the base of her lungs, hold for three, and ease out through the mouth before breathing in again. She didn’t care that the breaths seemed loud in her ears and that Stefano’s man must be looking at her strangely.

  Thankfully after six inhalations the flutter in her chest began to ease, and when she opened her eyes that were three feet above the ground and going up fast.

  Everything happened very quickly after that as they rose and turned and soared away from the helipad towards the Mediterranean Sea. The shimmer of the waves below made her squint and reach for her sunglasses in her bag, and away to her left the hull of their ship overshadowed the docks.

>   Islands dotted the horizon in tiny volcanic outcrops, some with soaring peaks and others quite low to the water. After nearly an hour, during which she’d begun to enjoy the bird’s eye view over the waves. she realised they were approaching a larger island, shaped almost like a whale, with the hump of a volcano in the middle and three separate areas of inhabitation. A long beach on one side edged a magnificent horse racing track, and she guessed that was where all Ginger’s action had happened.

  They approached the soaring volcanic cliffs and flew towards a turreted castle perched in a position impossible to assail without permission. As she looked down at a ribbon of winding road that circled the cliffs she guessed that was the way to the gate. And when she saw the even tinier toy cars that clung to it she wondered if that was where Stefano had had his accident.

  To the left were rolling hills with what looked like miles of olive trees and scattered small villages, and on the other side of the island it seemed there was a small city she barely saw before the sight was cut off as they approached the castle.

  Her stomach rose and fell as they landed on a brightly painted H on the castle forecourt with a tiny bump, and then Stefano had lifted his headphones and turned back to her with the flash of a white smile. A man who enjoyed his time at the controls. Why would that surprise her?

  The door beside her opened and she fumbled to release her seat belt as fresh mountain air rushed into the little helicopter. Her companion was already out, and Stefano had waved away the person in front of him and waited with hand outstretched to help her from the cabin.

  ‘Welcome to Aspelicus, Dr Fender,’ he said formally, but the twinkle in his eye showed he was pleased to be able to share this moment with her.

  She had no choice but to lay her hand in his, and of course when his hand closed around hers she couldn’t help the smile she returned. She really needed to learn to avoid physical contact with this man.

  ‘Thank you, Your Highness.’ She gathered her own control and looked around. ‘Your castle is very beautiful.’ The words replayed in her head. Even the conversation was surreal.