‘Your work is going well?’ Gianferro asked casually.
Ella nodded. ‘I can see a lot that could be done.’
‘Really?’ Dark eyebrows were raised in imperious question.
It was Nico who was in charge of touristic development on the island, and Nico who had brought her here. She was not going to brief his curious brother before she had even decided herself just what plans could be implemented.
‘Yes, really,’ she echoed softly, and saw his mouth harden. She had not intended to be rude. She drew in a deep breath and looked around. ‘These really are the most exquisite flowers I have ever seen,’ she said quietly. ‘And such an unusual planting.’
There was a pause while she saw his eyes narrow, and then he nodded, as if he had just learned something, but she couldn’t miss the sudden bleakness that flared at the back of the black eyes that were so like Nico’s.
‘They are roses named after my mother. My father had them planted after her death,’ he said flatly. ‘If you look closely you will see that the bushes form the initials of her name.’
‘I’m sorry. I didn’t mean—’
‘No.’ He shook his head. ‘It was a thoughtful and intelligent observation.’
Ella was too flustered to feel patronized—and besides, she did not think that had been his intention.
‘Perhaps,’ he continued thoughtfully, ‘since you wield much influence over my brother, you could persuade him to stop tearing around and putting his life at risk? And while you are about it a word or two about mountain climbing might prove useful.’
Ella stared at him. She had no experience of this kind of life, and yet instinct told her that this was not a commonplace conversation for the heir to the throne to be having.
‘I have no influence over Nico,’ she said.
‘Oh, I disagree. You have enough for him to bring you—an outsider—here to work for him.’
‘That doesn’t happen often?’
‘No,’ he said emphatically.
‘Why don’t you tell him your concerns yourself?’
‘You think I have not done so?’ He gave an odd kind of smile. ‘Life may move on, but relationships with siblings stay firmly rooted in the past—and so it is with my brothers. Our battles mimic those of our palace nursery! But a man who courts danger will achieve no lasting happiness. In any sphere of his life. Danger is both seductive and addictive, but Nicolo’s life is mapped out in a way that other men’s are not. His destiny is written, his path clearly defined. In all directions.’
He was warning her, Ella realised. Warning her off! Suddenly she felt an overwhelming urge to kick against this rigidity and restraint. No wonder Nico courted danger—if his life was to be a straitjacket!
She stared up at Gianferro with clear green eyes. ‘I really ought to be getting back to work,’ she said apologetically. ‘I have a lot to get through, and Nico is taking me out for dinner.’
She hid a small, determined smile. Suddenly she found she was looking forward to it!
Nico was just about to ring her when his mobile thrilled into life. His eyes widened fractionally when he saw the number flash up, and his lips curved into a smile.
‘Nico?’
‘Gabriella,’ he murmured. ‘I can’t quite believe it. The woman who behaved in such a cavalier fashion when I gave her my number is actually using it! What kind of day have you had?’
‘Productive.’ And interesting. ‘Are you still free tonight?’
He felt the automatic quickening of his pulse. ‘What time did you have in mind?’ he said softly.
‘I meant for dinner,’ she said immediately.
‘Why, so did I,’ he returned, his voice mocking her with innocent reprimand. ‘What did you think I meant?’
‘Nothing.’
He smiled. He rather liked her chastened. ‘I’ll pick you up.’