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He wore his fame and status lightly, she thought. Yes, he used it when it suited him and then he set it aside. It was just another weapon in his impressive armoury and yet another thing that made her melt inside. She admired him so much.
Who was she kidding? What she felt was far deeper than admiration and that was what scared her.
As the auction began she sat still, careful not to move a muscle in case she accidently bid for something. But when the sheikh parted with several million dollars for the chance to mingle backstage with rock stars, she gave him a spontaneous hug and was incredibly touched when he invited her to visit his family whenever she liked.
And then the auction was over and Matteo drew her onto the dance floor.
Aware that everyone was watching, Izzy couldn’t relax. ‘Why is no one else dancing?’
‘We open the dancing. It’s tradition. How was your dinner?’
‘I have no idea. I felt too sick to eat it. Why did you sit me next to someone as important as the sheikh?’
‘Because I knew he’d like you. You’re unusual.’
‘Thanks.’
‘It was a compliment,’ he murmured as he pulled her closer. ‘You’re not daunted by wealth or power.’
‘I was definitely daunted! I was so daunted I couldn’t eat! And if I’ve caused a diplomatic incident it’s your fault.’
‘He was thoroughly charmed, as I knew he would be.’
Izzy relented. ‘He’s a nice man actually. And he owns an awful lot of camels. Which he probably can no longer afford to feed now he’s donated so much to your charity, not that I’m saying it isn’t a worthy cause—’
‘I wouldn’t worry too much about the welfare of those camels,’ Matteo drawled, pulling her against him. ‘He owns most of a desert and several oil fields.’ His hand was warm and strong against her bare back and as the heat rose between them he breathed deeply and eased her away from him. ‘Time to go.’
‘You can’t leave yet.’
‘I can do anything I like. It’s my party.’ His mouth flickered at the corners. ‘And besides, there is somewhere I want to take you. Did you bring that dress with the sequins?’
‘Yes, but—’
‘Bene. Let’s fetch it from the apartment and then go.’
She’d been expecting a nightclub, but instead he took her to the huge hospital, a contemporary building with views of the sea.
Walking in through a rear entrance, clearly familiar with the layout, the prince took a flight of stairs and buzzed the door of the children’s unit.
A brisk, efficient-looking woman opened the door and let them in.
‘We weren’t expecting you tonight!’ She beamed at Matteo, clearly delighted to see him. ‘We assumed you’d be too tired from the effort of parting people from their money.’
‘Raised twice as much as last year.’ Without releasing Izzy’s hand, Matteo strode onto the ward. ‘Where are they all?’
‘You really need to ask? In the den, as always. You should know, you paid for it. They were all in there earlier, watching you on the news as you walked down the red carpet.’ Her voice softened and she gave Izzy a warm smile. ‘I can’t believe you came. Thank you! Your Royal Highness, when you’ve said hello, why don’t you and your guest pop in and see Jessica? She’s had a rough day and this will lift her spirits.’
Matteo nodded. ‘That’s why we came.’
The den turned out to be a large, airy room equipped with sofas, bean bags and enough electronic equipment to satisfy the most demanding teenager.
Izzy looked around her and thought about the fact that a visit from the prince could make someone’s day. Only now was it dawning on her just what an impact he had on people. ‘You paid for this?’
‘The Prince’s Fund supports the hospital, among other things. There was the need for a specialist teenage unit. We provided the funding to equip the place.’ He lifted his hand to his throat and undid his bow tie with a few deft flicks of his fingers. Two teenage boys and a girl were playing pool in one corner, but the moment they spotted Matt, they stopped.
‘Hey!’ The girl grinned and rested her hand on her hip. ‘Looking hot, Your Highness.’
‘Behave yourself.’ But Matt was smiling as he strolled across to talk to the three young people.
