‘That’s right.’
‘And that’s a private plane?’ The question was redundant as the jet on the runway hadRomanoin gold written along its wings.
If she’d been less nervous and apprehensive about what awaited her, she would have enjoyed the flight with her every whim being catered for. Not that she had many whims, other than a deep desire for no turbulence.
That wish was granted.
Amy, still on the receiving end of VIP treatment when they landed, wondered if the smiles would stop if they knew she was just the cook. She didn’t test the theory but her entourage deserted her completely anyhow when a tall dynamic figure appeared.
Leo did not appear inclined to encourage the official groupies and after a brief exchange he made his way to her side.
‘Good flight?’
It was such a normal thing to say in an abnormal situation that she almost laughed, though it seemed doubtful if she could have forced anything past the emotional occlusion in her throat.
She gave a tiny tip of her head, which seemed adequate.
‘Do you want a transfer or will you walk?’
‘You live close by?’
‘To the helipad.’ He looked at her sharply as she blanched. ‘Is that an issue?’
‘No, not at all,’ she lied stoically. If he wanted to see her fall apart he would have to do better than a chopper ride.
They had been airborne for ten minutes before he spoke. ‘You do know your eyes are closed?’
‘Well, it didn’t happen accidentally.’
‘You don’t like helicopters?’
‘They are delightful on the ground.’
She opened one eye and saw that he was laughing and looking far too human and ridiculously attractive.
‘Sadistic bastard,’ she muttered, perhaps a little louder than she had intended.
She kept her eyes closed until she sensed the sharp descent. Her curiosity finally overcoming her fear, her eyes blinked open. Her stomach flip was nothing to do with the distance from the ground but the dark eyes that were watching her. How long their gaze stayed connected she had no idea, but she blinked first, just before her internal temperature had reached a critical point.
‘Oh, my God!’ She blinked at the sheer scale of the building that dominated the landscape. The view from the air was even more impressive than the one she had seen online. ‘It’s a real castle.’
‘What did you expect, a flatpack? Actually, it’s more of a fortified manor, but the ramparts are still intact and the towers.’
‘So beautiful it makes me wish I could paint.’
‘It has been painted by many artists.’
She expected him to mock her for her sharp cry and her white knuckles on landing, but he displayed unexpected tact and pretended not to notice. Or then again, she mocked herself, maybe he wasn’t as obsessed with her body language as she was with his.
‘Our carriage awaits.’
The carriage turned out to be a Jeep, and her bags had already been thrown into the back when she climbed in beside them. Leo got in the front with the driver. The two men kept up a conversation in Italian as they drove into a courtyard.
She climbed out dragging a bag with her.
‘Leave it; someone will bring them.’
He opened a door and Amy preceded him into the short corridor, lined with various stores and a cool room.
