‘You can’t,’ he said flatly.
As the powerboat slowed beneath the shadow of Luca’s yacht, Samia gazed up towards the yawning entrance that gaped blankly in its side. Borders she’d crossed had never intimidated her as much as this one, but she was determined not to show it as Luca stood. He was quite distant now, though still polite. Was that, as she had suspected, a sign of things to come? Employee and boss. Prince and civilian. The grief of losing his brother was shut away somewhere so deep she couldn’t touch it. However strong an attraction she felt, they were strangers, and seemed destined to remain so. That didn’t stop her feeling sorry for him, and wishing she could help. Luca might wield the power of a Caesar, but like everyone else on the face of the earth, when it came down to it, he was on his own.
He crossed the gap between the rolling powerboat and the comparatively stable yacht in one stride, and waited on the other side to steady her. His firm touch on her wrist was reassuring. Luca didn’t frighten her like her ex, and it was a relief to discover she could still feel warmth, and be attracted to a man, and that—for her, at least—no amount of mistreatment could completely frighten off Mother Nature.
‘Welcome on board,’ he said as she leapt across the foaming gulf. ‘I hope you find the experience worthwhile.’
‘I’m sure I shall,’ she said, matching him for politeness. She was eager to sample all the new things on board, and looking forward to meeting his crew.
The crew gave her a warmer welcome than she’d expected. Shaking hands firmly with each of them, she decided that she would like it here, with or without Luca’s involvement.Though with would be better, she reflected as he touched her arm to move her on.
CHAPTER FIVE
THEEMAILHEread on the powerboat was from the excellent team he had working for him. For now, the information they had on Samia Smith was enough for him. As requested, the answers to his questions appeared in bullet points, which they would send him a further list of soon.
A wife would go a long way to settling the distress in Madlena following Prince Pietro’s death.
News of Prince Luca’s marriage would silence the naysayers, proving intentions towards Madlena are both serious and long-term.
Arriving with a bride, followed by a formal blessing in the cathedral for everyone to enjoy, has been received with unanimous approval.
Good. It was his intention that the Pirate Prince would be seen as a man determined to change. At some point in the future, when confidence in his reign was fully restored, his wife could be discreetly let go with his blessing and thanks, together with a healthy pension for life. Any children, if there were any, would stay with him. There would be no repeat of his brother’s misstep.
The magic of a royal wedding never fails...
A rather cynical take, to be sure, but he would not deny the citizens of Madlena the reassurance they so badly needed. His life no longer belonged to him, but to his people, who only knew him through his army career, and lurid rumours in the press. Trust took time. He accepted that, but an intelligent, lively bride he already found attractive was a good, solid start. He’d inform Samia that he intended to marry her when the time was right. She was the perfect solution to his dilemma. The fact this had happened so fast was no reason to doubt his decision. He would soon make her see the benefits of becoming his wife.
He skim read the rest of the email, which rambled on about plans for a wedding to a woman he hadn’t proposed to yet. A detailed agenda for the ceremony would be found in the Red Box, together with a full CV of the woman he had asked his team to investigate.
If Your Serene Highness has an opportunity to review the biographies and photographs of the various suitable princesses that we’ve also included and let us know your decision, we’ll move things along quickly and have your choice of bride delivered to the yacht for your perusal forthwith.
Forthwith?He curbed a smile as he glanced at Samia, wondering if any of these same advisors would have the courage to inform Samia she had beendeliveredto his yacht for perusal by the prince. The solution to Madlena’s woes lay in his hands, not in a document contained in the Red Box, listing ‘suitable’princesses.
He texted while Samia was taking everything in.
No princesses. I already have someone in mind.
Why waste time on unknown quantities when a challenging prospect was standing right in front of him?
Out of the frying pan, into the fire?Samia wondered as she gazed around.
She had never been anywhere like the deck of theBlack Diamond. It was so vast, so clean and so very high-tech. Which she should have accepted, as it belonged to a tech billionaire who just happened to be a prince. Everything had gone so smoothly...Too smoothly?she wondered as Luca ushered her on. Did he have an agenda behind his generous invitation? There was no mention of a job yet, or even an interview.
Tell me I haven’t blundered into trouble again!
She needed reassurance, and doubted she would get it. Luca would most likely go about his duties and forget she was around. Stiffening her resolve, she decided to talk to him while she could. Exploring theBlack Diamondwould have to wait.
He was issuing instructions to some members of the crew. ‘Excuse my interruption,’ she said politely, ‘but I wonder if you could introduce me to your purser?’
The crew dispersed at a nod from Luca.
‘Or whoever interviews candidates for jobs on board, please.’
‘You’re already hired,’ he said.
‘For what position?’
‘Jack of all trades. Whatever you’re called upon to do.’
