Playing the Royal Game

She’d thought it was to learn Santinan, the stunning

dialect that sounded like Italian with a streak of French. She spoke no Italian but had learnt French at school and was surprised that she understood more than she had expected to, was looking forward to the lesson even. Except it had been her own language that was to be improved upon. The shame still burned.

And there was Alex, as cool as anything, in a dark suit.

The sting of chlorine was a relief because as she climbed out of the pool she had a reason to rub her eyes on the towel.

And Alex watched.

He’d watched his fiancée break the silent morning with her splashing. She wasn’t a graceful swimmer, he thought as he glanced up from his paper. There was no elegance as she slid through the water, just far too much noise and the occasional splash that landed at his feet—especially as she turned.

‘Buongiorno...’ He’d greeted his mother and now, having watched her swim, the butler poured more coffee as his mother came over and Allegra climbed out. ‘Why did you want to meet?’

‘Allegra needs to sort out her wedding dress,’ the

queen said.

‘And you need to tell me that by the pool?’

‘It is where Allegra is each morning.’ The queen shrugged. ‘I thought I would catch you both—you have much work to do and Allegra is busy with her book.

‘Allegra!’ She smiled over. ‘Come and join us for some juice.’

‘No, thank you,’ Allegra called, looking around for her robe. She was sure she had brought it down. Instead she dried off with a towel while Alex did his best not to watch.

She was nothing like any woman he was used to—most, if they did venture poolside, would be in a bikini and stretched out on a lounger. Instead Allegra looked as if she were wearing a swimming suit from her school years—it was navy blue and should have been unflattering, except it had ridden up at the back. Which should not merit a blink—on the beaches of Santina women walked around in nothing more than a thong. Except, with Allegra, it was almost a forbidden glimpse. There was a prudishness there that enthralled, and he was envious of her fingers as they pulled the Lycra down, for he would have loved his own to oblige in their place.

‘Do join us, Allegra!’ The queen was insistent. ‘The chef has prepared the most delicious juice.’ What choice did Allegra have but to go over, especially as the butler was already pouring her a glass? ‘It’s watermelon, with mint and just a hint of ginger.’ The queen awaited her verdict as Allegra took a sip. ‘Nice?’

‘Yum!’ Allegra agreed, and took a longer drink, for it tasted divine, especially after such a long swim. ‘God, that’s good,’ she said, because it really was, but she saw Alex flick his paper and bury his head in it. No doubt she had chosen the wrong word, or perhaps she should be less exuberant in her praise.

She couldn’t win, Allegra decided.

‘I am going to work.’ He stood, dressed in a suit when all he was doing was going to his study, but he spent half the day video conferencing with that blasted Belinda and his executives and clients. She grudgingly admitted to herself that he probably ought to wear a suit, but it irritated her at times.

‘So soon?’ The queen frowned. ‘I wanted to discuss designers for the dress....’

‘You know me well enough to know that wedding details do not interest me in the least. Discuss it with Allegra.’

In fact, Alex was not irritated. But he did have other things on his mind. He could see her nipples straining against the fabric of her swimsuit, could see the beads of water on her arm. Of course his mother would have no idea that the sight of his scantily dressed fiancée was proving bothersome. After all, they slept together each night, at least in the eyes of everyone else. He felt like a teenager this morning, could not look her in the eye, could not look at her at all.

He really needed to get to London.

‘Have a great day.’ Allegra stood. She had been told to be more affectionate but she found it so awkward at times. She dutifully went over and walked with him as far as the French doors where she would say goodbye and then return to the queen. She smiled up to him but he didn’t return it and then she remembered the queen was watching so she stood on tiptoe and kissed him on the lips. Again he didn’t return it and instead he grabbed her wrist.