“How come you have to go?”
“So I can help at other orphanages, Maria.”
“Oh.”
One of the nuns escorted the children from the room. Then another group came running in and the whole routine began again. By five in the afternoon she’d said goodbye to the last session. The second they disappeared out the door, she buried her face in her hands, overcome with emotion.
Nico’s arms came around her from behind. He buried his face in her hair. “I wouldn’t have missed this day for the world. You’ve touched their lives and they’ll never forget you.”
“They’ve touched mine.” She wiped her eyes and turned around. “Thank you for helping. To see you working with the children when you were once a resident here...”
She couldn’t finish what she was going to say because his mouth covered hers. He kissed her with so much hunger, she forgot where they were and wanted it to go on forever.
“Signorina Rossiano?”
Fausta pulled away from him, embarrassed to be caught in his arms.
Maria, the eight-year-old with the long dark hair, had come in the room. “I wish you didn’t have to go.” She ran over to hug her around the waist.
“I don’t want to, but I’ll see you again before summer is over.”
“Do you promise?”
“I promise.” She kissed her forehead before the girl left the room.
“Oh, Nico—”
He put his arm around her shoulders. “Come on. Let’s leave for the hotel and freshen up. Then we’ll go out for dinner in Biella. Afterward we’ll go back to the hotel. It will give us time to talk before we return to Domodossola in the morning.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
NICO SAT BACK in the chair to drink his wine while he feasted his eyes on Fausta in the candlelight. Could any woman be more gorgeous?
“I remember passing this ristorante when I explored Biella for the first time at the age of fourteen. So many finely dressed people sat out on this patio eating foods I’d never dreamed of. They didn’t seem to have a care in the world. I couldn’t comprehend living their lives.”
She flashed him a sad smile. “And soon, other teenage boys in La Valazzura will see their new king riding through the city in a carriage after his coronation. They won’t be able to comprehend your world.”
Her words disturbed him. He put his half-empty glass on the table. “You think I’ve made my decision already?”
“Haven’t you?” Fausta was always direct. That was one of the many qualities he loved about her. “Your parents may no longer be alive, but your legacy is there waiting for you.”
“I’m not at all sure about that.”
Those blue eyes studied him intently. “I remember your telling me that if you found out your parents were from Domodossola, you would stay. But if you found them elsewhere, their country would be your country and you would put down roots. I happen to know you meant those words with all your heart.”
Nico groaned softly. “I didn’t count on another woman being tormented that I’m alive.”
She cocked her head. “In all honesty, the queen did know about the affair. At this point you must have some idea how she feels about you deep inside.”
“It doesn’t help that I look so much like my father. Try to put yourself in her place.”
He could hear her mind working. “Were they in love in the beginning, or was it a marriage of convenience?”
“Their marriage was arranged, but in time they fell in love. Basil confirmed it was a happy marriage until they realized there would be no children.”
After a prolonged silence she said, “If that’s true, and then he had an affair...” She shook her head. “If that had happened to me, it would have killed me and any love I’d had
for him. I would have gone away and asked for a divorce. I’m afraid I know myself too well. It would destroy me to see the child of their love ascend the throne when I couldn’t have a baby with him.”