“Why is that?”
He let out a sigh. “I had a long conversation with Vincenzo and ran it by Doctor Tullia. Vincenzo is being groomed to take over the monarchy when the time comes. I refuse to interfere with that. The earthquake changed everything. I have no desire to take on former duties I know nothing about. I don’t want to do them, but I hate disappointing my grandparents.
“I realize they have expectations of me I can’t fulfill. That’s why it’s hard to be around them. Can you understand that when it’s clear my amnesia is here to stay?”
“Yes. I can understand. But you need to tell your grandparents the truth of your feelings.”
“Doctor Tullia said the same thing. So tonight we’ll call them and I’ll explain what’s going on with me. That’s the best I can do.”
“That’s all anyone could ask.”
“While we’re on the subject, I’ve been thinking I could video call with the general manager at the mine.”
“You used to do it with the various managers when you had to be away from the mine on your princely duties,” she informed him.
“Good. With your help I can discuss the fax he sent.”
“After a couple of months, you’ll be able to handle everything on your own.”
“As long as I’m with you. I need you in my life, Luna. You’ll never know how much,” he whispered, covering her lovely face with kisses. His appetite for her had become insatiable.
“Right now all I want to do is get you in my arms. He stood up and pulled her to him. Within seconds they reached the cabin and fell on the bed, feverish for each other. They ended up getting home in time to call his grandparents, but the shopping had to be put off for another day.
CHAPTER NINE
“RINI?”
They’d just gotten off their online meeting with his grandparents. It had been a painful experience.
He shut down his laptop and shot to his feet. “I’ve done it now.”
“You had to do it, tesoro mio.”
“I may not know them, but I felt their pain.”
Luna had felt it, too. She got up from the chair and threw her arms around him. She rested her head against his shoulder. “They’re doing their best to understand. Give them time. Don’t forget. Vincenzo is already there, ready to take over when the time comes.”
He threw his head back. “I’m a monster, aren’t I?”
“No, amore. You came out of that mine a different person. It’s been in God’s hands and they know it. Come to bed.”
That night they held each other and clung. Her beloved husband had been carrying a terrible burden. Thankful he’d made the necessary phone call, now maybe he’d finally get some peace.
The next morning she found him in his study on a call with the manager at the mine. The two managed to communicate with Rini’s very modest grasp of Italian. Her pride in him was off the charts.
When the call ended, he turned and saw her. “You’re awake. I didn’t realize. During the night I got the idea to go down into the belly of the mine where the cave-in occurred. I know they’ve tried to remove debris, but I want to try it again to see if we can find some bodies. I despise feeling helpless. Maybe it’s a fool’s errand, but I have to try.”
“No, Rini. I don’t want you to go down inside.”
“I’ll be fine, but knowing how you feel, you won’t be coming with me.”
“You can’t go!” she cried. “I won’t let you.”
He grinned. “I can see we’re having our first fight.”
“This isn’t funny.”
She heard him draw in a deep breath. “I knew you wouldn’t like it, but it’s something I have to do.”