That opportunity might come at Cesar’s training camp, which was where they were heading next. She might have felt more confident about that if Cesar hadn’t ignored her for the rest of the evening. Deciding to sleep on the problem, she took her leave of the Queen and kissed Princess Olivia on both cheeks. She was fast coming to see Olivia as a kindred spirit.
‘Sleep well, my dear,’ the Queen said kindly. ‘And, please, don’t be a stranger.’
As they exchanged warm glances Sofia found it hard to imagine that such a poised and beautiful woman as the Queen could fall into the clutches of a conman. According to the press, that was exactly what had happened. Stricken by grief after the death of her husband, Queen Julia had searched for company online, but what had appeared to be the concern of a handsome stranger had turned out to be nothing more than a wicked plot to seize the throne. Evil always seemed to strike when a victim was at their lowest ebb. Sofia felt a great wave of sympathy wash over her as she said goodnight to the Queen.
‘And remember,’ Olivia said as Sofia turned to go, ‘if you’re still hungry Cesar’s kitchens are open twenty-four seven to accommodate his huge appetite.’
Sofia didn’t want to consider Cesar’s appetite, huge or otherwise, but she thanked the Princess warmly, and felt lighter at the thought that the seeds of friendship really were growing between them.
First she went to her sumptuous suite of rooms to draw a great steadying breath. The suite overlooked a lake beyond the palace gardens, and had been designed to imbue a guest with a feeling of relaxation.
Most guests, Sofia’s reflected. Her mind was churning with unanswered questions. And that made her hungry. Untying the laces on her dress, she allowed the glorious fabric to drift to the floor. Seeing herself in the free-standing mirror in just a flimsy thong and bra, with her hair flowing free and a coronet of fresh flowers on her head, she decided with a wry smile that she was only short of a waterfall to act the part of water nymph, with perhaps a rugged stranger riding by—one who felt compelled to rein in his horse to take a closer look.
Quickly followed by a team of brothers with towels and sarcastic remarks.
So much for daydreams!
She took a quick shower and then changed into jeans and a casual top before exploring downstairs in the hope of finding the kitchen. Guests were milling about when she came down the sweeping mahogany staircase. No one would be in a hurry to bring such a successful evening to a close, she guessed as the orchestra struck up a fresh tune.
There would be snacks at dawn, her brothers had informed her with relish. Big men with big appetites, goodness knew where her brothers were now. Cesar’s palazzo had become a hotbed of passion, judging by the number of couples entwined in the shadows of the great hall. Not for this Acosta, Sofia reflected wryly as she followed a waiter through some grand double doors. She was hungry for food and nothing more.
Until she saw Cesar, stripped off to a pair of jogging pants and a form-fitting top, with his wild black hair only partially tamed by a red bandana.
‘The party over for you too,’ he said as he took a bite out of a king-sized burger. ‘Hungry?’ he enquired.
‘What about your guests?’ she asked, speaking on autopilot while she tried to get over the shock of seeing him dressed down and casual while the elegant party was still in full swing.
‘It’s the host’s prerogative to take a break if he wants.’ His shoulders eased in a careless shrug. ‘My guests can join me down here if they like, though I doubt they’re missing me. Burger smell good?’ he said as she stared at him. ‘I can recommend it.’
‘Coming right up,’ the young chef on duty offered with a smile.
‘I don’t want to put you to any trouble,’ Sofia insisted.
‘No trouble,’ the young man insisted. ‘Onions?’
‘When in Rome...’ She glanced at Cesar.
‘I think she’s saying, yes, please,’ Cesar interrupted.
‘Sorry. Yes, please,’ she echoed, with an apologetic grin for the chef.
Cesar remained lounging back against the wall. ‘Are you sure you don’t mind my being here?’ This was his palazzo, his kitchen, his chef.
‘Be my guest,’ he invited. ‘But I forgot,’ he added, ‘you are my guest.’
‘And most grateful for your hospitality.’
‘Don’t overdo it, Sofia,’ Cesar warned with dry amusement.
Making peace with this man wouldn’t be easy, but when had she ever embraced easy?
‘Take the rest of the night off,’ Cesar told the chef. ‘Others can take your place. You’ve put in some long hours today. I appreciate it,’ he added as the young chef handed over Sofia’s burger.
‘That was nice of you,’ she commented as they munched.
‘You could try not to sound quite so surprised.’
‘You’re as bad as my brothers!’ she exclaimed as Cesar stole the rest of her bun from her plate.
