Gently he drew her to her feet. Emotion filled him as he led her down the terrace to where the French windows to her room stood slightly ajar. Inside, they stood by the bed, looking down at Ben’s sleeping form.
Rico’s arm went around her shoulder as they stood, gazing down at the one human being on the earth to whom they were absolutely and totally necessary.
United in that.
And more, Rico knew.
‘Hang on to your hats,’ Rico yelled
‘I’m not wearing one,’ Ben yelled back, against the revving of the engine.
‘Just as well,’ riposted Rico, and let the throttle out.
The boat roared off, sleek and powerful, carving a foaming wake through the still blue water.
Lizzy’s arm tightened around Ben automatically, but Ben was oblivious of anything except the thrill of being in a speedboat. Wind whipped at her hair, half blinding her, and she had to grip with all her might to the boat rail. The hull slapped and slammed against the water, bumping like a rollercoaster ride.
‘Wheee!’ yelled Ben, ecstatically.
Rico turned from the wheel and grinned.
His hair was blown off his face and he looked younger, carefree.
‘Faster?’ he asked.
‘Yes, yes,’ Ben cried.
‘Here we go, then.’
He accelerated, and the boat picked up yet more speed. Exhilaration filled him. This might not be anything like the speed of a powerboat in a race, but it was still fast and furious.
When finally he slewed around in a great curve, and started heading back to land, he slackened the throttle and turne
d to his passengers.
‘Was that fun?’ he asked with a grin, his eyes dancing.
‘Yes!’ yelled Ben.
‘You’re a complete maniac,’ said Lizzy.
His grin widened. ‘No, just Italian.’ He eased back on the throttle even more as they headed for land at a sedate pace. He patted the wheel. ‘She’s not bad, but she’s no powerboat. They can get to speeds of over a hundred knots. Now, that’s really moving. Still, we’ll have some fun in this one, won’t we?’
Annoyance flared in him. The boat he’d hired from the marina was ideal for cruising around, exploring the coastline. But that wasn’t something they could do yet. He would be recognised, it was inevitable, and then the press would start buzzing with rumours and speculation about who he was with, and why. He didn’t want that. He wanted his marriage officially announced from the palace. Not out of consideration for his father, who deserved none after his callous treatment of Ben and his mother, but for Lizzy’s sake.
She’d had enough stress already. All her life, in fact. Thanks to her parents—and everything that had happened since to her.
But so far there had been nothing but silence from the palace. Well, he’d given his father time enough to climb down, to accept what he’d done—perhaps he should send him a reminder.
He’d get on to it today. Jean-Paul would oblige, he knew.
Smoothly, he brought the boat into shore, cut and trimmed the engine, and dropped anchor in the shallow water. Ben jumped out without prompting, landing with a splash to wade ashore. Lithely, Rico climbed over the side himself, then held out his arms to Lizzy. She got rather unsteadily to her feet.
‘I’m sure I can manage,’ she said.
He scooped her up, and she gave a gasp. He grinned down at her. She was soft in his arms. Soft and voluptuous. And in the couture beach shorts and short-sleeved matching azure top she looked fantastic. Her hair was windblown, but that only gave her a tousled, wanton look.
‘I’m too heavy for you,’ she gasped.