No. It was more than that—she wasn’t sure how she knew, but she did. Could detect a bitter tinge to the flavour of the words. She regarded him thoughtfully. ‘More interested in your relationships than in what? And does that mean that sometimes you have different views from your family?’
‘I didn’t say that. I think you may be overanalysing here.’
‘That’s a polite way to tell me to mind my own beeswax.’ But suddenly she didn’t want to as frustration and a dollop of anger hit her. ‘Fine, but over these past days I have talked to you. About topics I care about. You have given me nothing but facts; I have no idea what you care about. Except your duty to your country.’
‘Maybe there is nothing else.’
‘I don’t believe that and I need to know something more...personal about you. How can I contemplate marriage to someone who sees life through a filter of detachment?’
There was a silence.
Then he shrugged. ‘OK. You were right. There are times when I would like to speak out about things I do care about, that aren’t connected to Aguilarez. About humanitarian aid, about trying to make the world a better place, not just privileged countries like mine. I have travelled in my ambassadorial duties to places where I have cried at the plight of children and families. Seen sights I would not have believed possible in war-torn countries... And, yes, I would like my country to do more, give more humanitarian aid. I would like to be deployed more to those countries, perhaps in a different capacity. But my father decided I would serve Aguilarez better in my current role.’
He said the words with almost clinical dispassion and she sensed he hadn’t wanted to say them at all. Yet it didn’t take away from the undercurrent of sincere, palpable feeling underneath the layer of civility and she wondered exactly how bitter his disappointment had been.
‘That must have been hard—it sounds as though it meant a lot to you.’
‘It did. But I see my father’s viewpoint and I see little point in defiance—that would not help my cause. Instead I did persuade him to agree to some increased foreign aid, and I do what I can in a different way. I influence decisions and sometimes I go on anonymous trips funded by myself in an unofficial capacity.’
Gabi felt a warmth swell over her, and her mind whirled with the information. It hadn’t occurred to her that Cesar would have a charitable side, such a serious side, and there was no doubt that he was serious. There was a set to his lips she hadn’t seen before and it gave her a sudden thrill to know that he had such a depth to his character.
But she could also tell he regretted the confidence, had given more than he’d meant.
‘Not many people are aware of what I have told you and I would appreciate it if it goes no further.’
‘Of course. Thank you for telling me.’
‘Also—’ he frowned now ‘—please do not get this out of perspective. I have no complaints. My role is Aguilarez ambassador, not a humanitarian. I do what I can but it is not a life mission for me.’
Gabriella frowned, could almost hear the sound of the diplomatic back-pedalling. Wondered if in truth he preferred to keep that caring side of himself locked down and hidden away even from himself. Whatever it was she smiled now, reached across and brushed a kiss on his cheek. ‘I think the fact that you care is incredible, something to be proud of.’
Big mistake. Not the words but the action. The feel of his skin against her lips, the closeness of him, the desire to ‘miss’ her aim and target his lips nigh on impossible to resist. But somehow resist it she did. Scooted across the seat and looked out of the window, realised the car had started a steep ascent up a rocky, mountainous path.
‘Nearly there,’ Cesar stated with a slightly over-the-top breeziness and she figured he would be as relieved as she was to arrive. ‘Keep looking. That way you get the full effect.’
The car continued to climb, curved round a bend in the narrow road and Gabi gave a gasp as their destination appeared. The mini castle was incredible; it loomed into view with a magnificent beauty. It looked as though it had been carved into the mountain, a fortress-like creation that called to mind the force of nature combined with the power of man.
‘It’s like a smaller version of the main palace,’ Cesar said.
As the car drew up Gabi’s eyes widened at the sight of the gardens. Exotic green shrubs, immense trees weighted with a layer of snow and ornate gilded water fountains that rocketed streams of water into the air where they glistened in the late morning sun. Made the whole into a magical winter’s spectacle.
The driver opened the door and she climbed out with a murmur of, ‘Thank You, Lorenzo.’ Then followed Cesar through the arched splendour of the door and into a cavernous hallway, the stone walls hung with tapestries that glowed with a lustre that made the scenes seem to come alive as she studied them. Battles, everyday life, people and actions from centuries before.
Next he led her into a huge oak-panelled room. A roaring fire sent out swathes of welcome heat; the flames flickered and danced in a glow of red and orange and yellow. The whole scene was so welcoming and cosy her whole being basked in the warmth of it all.
There was a huge sofa scattered with cushions; a fluffy rug of enormous proportions covered the hearth. The whole room was redolent of polished woods and varnished history to be seen in the portraits and landscapes on the walls, and she loved it. Then she saw a basket of books by the sofa, some from her keeper shelf, others brand new.
She turned to Cesar in question.
‘I brought them from the place and some new ones Imogen said you may like. I thought maybe what you’d like is some time to curl up by a fire and read.’
Gabi turned to him, felt a sudden glisten of tears.
‘How did you know that?’
‘Lucky guess.’ Only it wasn’t. It was because he’d listened to her over the past days, really listened. And now her gaze went to the tree in the corner—a Christmas tree, huge, luxuriant, and as yet undecorated.
Cesar looked a little embarrassed. ‘This is just an idea. You said that you missed decorating a tree this year so I thought, well, maybe we could decorate this one. Obviously you don’t have to.’