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Sunlight glinted off his dark hair, and he looked so outrageously handsome that her heart dropped.
Why did she have to feel like this?
It was no wonder she struggled to keep a degree of emotional distance when he had such a powerful effect on her.
Right from that very first day at the rugby, she’d failed to hold herself back.
Even now, when she knew he had the ability to hurt her and her child, she was willing to risk it all.
She swallowed the lump of food in her mouth and put down her fork. ‘I—I didn’t know you were joining me for lunch. Here—’ she pushed her plate towards him ‘—Pietro always cooks for the five thousand—we can share.’
‘No, madam!’ Appalled, Pietro clasped his hands in front of him and then remembered himself and bowed stiffly. ‘I can bring more from the kitchen.’
‘Grazie.’ Casper gave Pietro a rare smile and sat down opposite Holly, his eyes on the pile of envelopes. ‘You’ve been busy.’
‘I’m replying to all these children who are sending me pictures and letters. There are hundreds. And look, Cas.’ Relieved for an excuse to focus on something other than the way he made her feel, Holly put down her fork and reached for a pink envelope. ‘A little girl sent me this soft toy she made. Isn’t it sweet?’
Casper’s brows rose as he stared at the object. ‘What is it supposed to be?’
‘Well, it’s…’ Holly studied the pink fluffy wedge closely and then frowned. ‘I thought it might be a pig, or possibly a sheep. I’m not absolutely sure,’ she conceded, ‘But I love it. She’s only six. Don’t you think it’s brilliant?’
‘So you are writing to thank her for sending you a something?’ Casper stretched his legs out, his eyes amused. ‘That is one letter I would like to read.’
‘I’ll think of something to say.’ Holly put the fluffy object away carefully. ‘People are so kind. And talking of kind…’ She bit her lip and looked up at him. ‘Thank you for arranging for Pietro to come here. And for flying Nicky out for a week. That was so thoughtful.’
‘I thought you needed someone to talk to. And she was very loyal to you when you were in trouble.’
‘Is that why you gave her that beautiful bracelet? She loved it. And we had such a good time at the beach. Thank you.’
He seemed about to say something in response, but at that moment several staff appeared with lunch.
Pietro served the prince with a flourish. ‘If there is anything else, please call,’ he murmured and then retreated, leaving them alone.
Casper glanced at Holly. ‘Eat,’ he drawled, ‘Or Pietro will resign.’
Holly smiled, very conscious of his eyes on her. ‘I’d be the size of a small-tower block if I ate everything Pietro gave me.’
‘Does that explain why the palace cats are putting on weight?’
Holly picked up her fork again. ‘I am eating.’
‘I know. The doctor is very happy with your health, including your weight gain.’
Her heart fluttered. ‘You asked him?’
Their eyes clashed. ‘I care, Holly.’
She believed him. He’d demonstrated that over and over again. But it was impossible to forget the words he’d spoken in Rome. And she couldn’t stop asking herself whether caring was going to be enough. ‘The nursery is finished.’ Pushing the thought away, she gave a bright smile. ‘The designer you suggested is brilliant. It looks gorgeous.’
‘Good. I bought you a present.’ He handed her a box. ‘I hope you like it.’
Holly’s hand shook as she took it from him. ‘I don’t need anything.’
‘A present shouldn’t be something you need. It should be wantonly extravagant.’
Holly flipped open the box and gasped. ‘Well, it’s certainly that!’ Carefully she lifted the diamond bracelet from its velvet nest. ‘It matches my necklace.’
