Rini chuckled. He was so crazy about her, he didn’t know how long he could hold out before wanting to make love to her.
Unfortunately, they were too late for a concert, but he enjoyed seeing the knight’s halls and ballrooms. Mostly, he enjoyed listening to Luna’s anecdotes about her youth.
Later, they stopped for cheese fondue on their way back to the B&B. For dessert she handed him the treat she’d bought. A Frigor chocolate bar, one of her favorites. All in all, it had been a great day. He felt totally relaxed.
Soon, they dismantled their disguises and got ready for bed. Once under the covers, he turned away from her, hugging his pillow for dear life. “What do you feel like doing tomorrow?”
Luna stayed on her side of the bed without looking at Rini. Last night they hadn’t slept in the same room. Tonight it was agony being this close to him without rolling into his arms. ?
?To be honest, I want to drive straight to Venice. I went there once but didn’t have time to explore. On this trip I’d love to see everything we can. It’s the most gorgeous city on earth.”
Luna held a prayer in her heart that when they arrived, something might trigger a memory inside him.
“Then that’s what we’ll do.”
“You’re sure?” He was just being nice to her, of course. In fact, he’d been marvelous about this vacation when she knew he’d wanted to hibernate in a hotel away from her until the divorce. More than ever, she wondered what had caused him to agree to travel with her when he’d been so adamant about an immediate separation.
“This trip is for you, Luna, but I admit I’m enjoying every moment of it. Get a good sleep.”
“You, too.” She couldn’t imagine it when her beloved husband was lying inches away from her. Somehow, she had to get through the night without breaking down and begging him to love her one more time.
She lay awake for several hours and finally lost consciousness. When she came to, she realized Rini had already gotten up. She could tell he’d showered and shaved. He smelled wonderful and was wearing another pair of shorts and another hilarious T-shirt.
She’d bought their shirts and caps after they were married to wear once in a while for the fun of it. Those items had been hidden away to come out at the right moment. Never did she dream it would be for such an important journey as this.
He darted her a glance, noticing how disheveled she must look. “While you get showered and dressed, I’ll zip out and bring our breakfast back. Then we’ll leave for Venice.”
“Terrific.” But it took all her self-control not to get up and throw her arms around his neck to prevent him from going anywhere.
In his absence she phoned the Villa Marvege off San Marco Square in Venice where they’d stayed on their honeymoon. On behalf of the Crown Prince of San Vitano, she asked for their old room with the canal view. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be able to get a room when so many tourists flooded Venice.
The concierge assured her it would be ready, and they could check in at one o’clock. Though Luna had wanted to travel incognito, she knew she needed to reserve that exact room. It was her prayer that Rini might see something that would spark his memory.
Their honeymoon had been a week of utter enchantment. They’d been so crazy in love it was pathetic. They’d talked and made love for days on end. She’d experienced real pain when the time came for them to drive home.
By the time Rini returned with croissants filled with melted cheese and ham, she was ready and had arranged her hair on top of her head. He approached her as she was putting the baseball cap in place. “It’s a shame to cover up your crowning glory.”
“Is that what it is?” she teased.
“Not even gossamer compares.”
The tone in his voice sounded like the old Rini, causing her to tremble. “You don’t look so bad yourself. Do you realize you’ve gained back the weight you lost? I don’t know another man who’s as fit and handsome as you. The women tourists at the castle should have been examining the knights’ armor. Instead, they couldn’t take their eyes off you.”
He flashed her a compelling smile. “I didn’t notice. I was too busy imagining you as a little girl who grew into a sinfully beautiful woman.”
“Sinfully?” she mocked with a smile. “I’m surprised you weren’t snapped up before we met.”
Her breathing grew shallow. “If you want to know the truth, I’m surprised you didn’t end up marrying an American while you were in Colorado getting your mining degree.”
“None of it matters because we found each other,” he muttered before sending her a penetrating glance. “I’m only sorry to say that our meeting resulted in your ultimate detriment.”
“Can we not talk about that?” Luna turned away, not wanting to be reminded that he planned to divorce her at the end of their trip.
“I’m sorry, Luna.”
She reached for a croissant. “Shall we eat and get going?”
Once on the road again with their disguises in place, they headed for Italy. She turned on the radio to a music station playing soft rock. Luna put her head back and closed her eyes. Alarm filled her heart that she would have to tell Rini about the baby before they returned to Asteria. He was determined to leave her. But the news would upset him in ways she didn’t want to think about.