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‘It’s just my security.’ Rafe shrugged. ‘Don’t worry about them.’
But she did.
Not just because Rafe came with a full security detail, but because there was clearly more power to him than she could properly define. She felt as if she had run into the night with a giant—and not just in stature. There was an authoritative air to him that she had never encountered before, even in the most esteemed guests, a commanding edge that both enthralled and unnerved her.
Whowashe?
Less than an hour ago she had been desperate to find out, but now she was scared to know.
‘Do you like to dance?’ Rafe asked.
‘I don’t dance,’ Antonietta said. ‘Well, Ican’tdance,’ she admitted, and then frowned as he pressed the intercom and spoke with his driver.
‘The lady likes to dance.’
The restaurant he took her to was stunning. His security team went into the trattoria before them, and she felt a little awkward when they were seated and she saw that the guards had stayed close.
‘Do theyhaveto be here?’ Antonietta checked.
Rafe was so used to them that for a second he was about to ask to whom she referred, but then Antonietta spoke on.
‘We’re in the middle of nowhere.’
Only it wasn’t just forhisprotection that they were close. It was to stop diners taking photos if he was recognised and also, Rafe knew bitterly, to report back to the King.
Rafe lived his life in the presence of staff—maids and aides, advisors and security—and barely noticed them. Yet he could see her discomfort.
‘I’ll have a word,’ Rafe said.
He had several words, and none of them went down very well, for the Crown Prince’s behaviour tonight was most irregular.
Still, soon enough they were dining alone.
Wine was poured and Antonietta realised just how hard it was to be in the village day after day after day. Being away from it, she could actually feel the tension leaving, and she let out a sigh as she put down her wine.
‘That’s better,’ Rafe said. ‘It’s nice to see you looking...’
He didn’t really know how to say it—it seemed there was a lightness to her that hadn’t been there before. And he felt better being away from the hotel too. It was a relief from the constant weight of planning his next move forward.
‘I don’t know what to have,’ Antonietta admitted, but then her eyes fell on the words ‘pistachio pesto’ and her mind was made up.
‘I’ve never tried it,’ Rafe said.
‘Then you don’t know what you’re missing.’ Antonietta smiled.
They ordered their main courses and then, finally alone, they clinked glasses.
‘Saluti,’the French-speaking Rafe said.
‘Santé!’Antonietta said, and looked him in the eye as they clinked glasses.
He was still looking at her as she took a sip of her drink and then rested back into her seat.
‘It is good to be away,’ Antonietta admitted. ‘It’s nice not to be stared at.’
‘People were staring when we walked in,’ Rafe said. ‘Because you look beautiful.’
‘Thank you,’ Antonietta said. ‘It’s the dress.’
