The Royal Collection

“Oh, Antonio—it reminds me of a waterfall scene in an old movie I once saw, but I think it was filmed in Hawaii.”

“This is as primitive as it gets.” He helped her off with her pack and gave her a long kiss. Then he removed his.

“Isn’t that spray marvelous? Look up there. If we can get on those rocks, we can ride the water down to the pool,” she said.

“Let me test the depth of it first.” He walked over to the edge and waded in the swirling water. He discovered that after a few steps there was a drop-off, but when he swam underwater he found it was only about twenty feet deep. When he emerged, he waved to her. “Come on in. It’s safe but a little cooler than the lagoon. Keep your tennis shoes on.”

For several hours they played in the water like children. Eventually they climbed up the side to reach the spot where the water from the mountain poured over the top of the rocks. He turned to his wife. “Shall we do it?”

“Yes.”

“Scared?”

“Terrified.”

“Take my hand.”

Together they moved onto the slippery rocks and before long the strength of the waterfall washed over them, plunging them down into the pool. Christina came up laughing. “Oh, Antonio—talk about a rush! This just couldn’t be real.”

He swam to her and kissed her over and over again while keeping them afloat. “We’ve found paradise, innamorata. How about one more jump, and then we’ll make camp for the night?”

Once again they hiked up the side to the top. Before they went out on the rocks, he plucked a white flower with a gardenia scent, growing on a nearby vine. He tucked it behind her ear. “Now you’re my Polynesian princess.”

Her eyes wandered over him. “I don’t ever want to go home.”

“Then we won’t.” He grabbed her hand and they inched their way onto the rocks until the force of the water took them over the edge. It was like free-falling into space until the water caught them and brought them to the surface.

Together they swam to the edge of the pool where they’d left their packs. He helped her out of the water and they proceeded to set up camp. After they’d made their bed, they put out the food. The exertion had made them hungry. They sat across from each other and ate to their hearts’ content.

He finally stretched. “I’ve never felt so good, never tasted food so good, never been with anyone I enjoyed more. In truth, I’ve never been this happy in my life.”

“I feel the same way,” she responded. “I want it to last, but I know it’s not going to.”

He shook his head. “Shh. Don’t spoil this heavenly evening. We have two more days and nights ahead of us.”

“You’re right.”

“You’ve lost your gardenia. I’m going to pick another one.” He got up and walked a ways until he found one. When he returned, he hunkered down next to her and put it behind her ear. “This is how I’m always going to remember you.”

Antonio couldn’t wait to get close to her again and cleaned up their picnic. When everything had been put away, she started to leave, but he caught her by the ankle. “Stay with me.”

“I was just going to get out of my bathing suit.”

“But I want to hold you first.” He pulled her down and rolled onto his side so he could look at her. “I’ve been waiting all day for tonight to come.”

“So have I.” Her voice throbbed.

He pulled her into him and claimed her luscious mouth that had given him a heart attack last night. “You could have no idea how much I want you. Love me, Christina. I need you.”

* * *

“Would it shock you if I told I wanted you to love me on our wedding night?” she admitted against his throat.

He let out a slight groan. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I was afraid you would think I was too eager. I decided you needed time.”

Laughter broke from him. When he looked down at her, those fabulous silvery eyes were smiling. “I think that from here on out we each need to stop worrying about what the other one is thinking, and do more doing.”

“I couldn’t agree more. You drove me crazy on the way over in the jet.”

“Maybe that was a good thing,” he teased, kissing every feature on her face.

“It was painful!”

“Tesora mia,” he cried in a husky voice before starting to devour her. “I love your honesty. Come here to me.”

Christina melted in his arms and kissed him with the kind of passion he’d never imagined to find in this marriage. His heart jumped to realize he had such a loving, demonstrative wife.

CHAPTER SEVEN

ANTONIO HAD CALLED her his treasure. Christina felt cherished and desirable. His hunger aroused her to the depth of her being. This was her husband bringing her to life, shocking her, thrilling her as they found new ways to worship each other with their bodies.

His long legs trapped hers. “Why did I wait four years?”

She couldn’t have answered him if she’d wanted to. Enthralled by the things he was doing to her, Christina was too consumed by her own hunger for him. Like the spiral constellations lighting the canopy above, he sent her spiraling into another realm of existence. Throughout the hours of the night they loved fully until they finally fell asleep, only temporarily sated.

After their passion-filled night of ecstasy, she couldn’t believe they were still on earth. During the night he’d swept her to a different place, so intimate she’d wanted to stay on that sphere of euphoria forever.

She lay there wondering if last night’s lovemaking had resulted in a baby. Stranger things had happened to other women. She suddenly realized that she wanted his baby so badly she could hardly stand it.

Heat washed over her to remember what had happened between them last night. Christina wasn’t sorry that he hadn’t made love to her at first. Far from it. Last night had been magical.

Taking great care not to wake her husband and lover, she lay there looking at him. The sun was already high in the morning sky. They’d slept in late again, but it didn’t matter.

Oh, Antonio—I love you so much, you have no idea.

* * *

Antonio heard his wife sigh and glanced at her in sleep. She was the most unselfish lover he could ever have imagined. Last night she’d made him feel totally alive. Whole. When had he ever felt like this? Long after the stars had come out, they’d made love again and early this morning, again. He’d found paradise with her.

The next time he had cognizance of his surroundings, the sun was high in the sky. His wife lay on her side facing him. For a while he lay there studying her, then got to his feet and took a dip in the pool before pulling on his bathing trunks. He opened the backpack to get out some rolls and fruit. They’d need more food to stay on this island. He drank half a bottle of water while he ate.

She must have heard him and opened her eyes. “Oh—you’re up!”

“Just barely. Loving you has given me a ferocious appetite.”

She laughed. “I’m getting up, but you’ll have to turn your head.”

“Why?” he teased.

Christina blushed beautifully. “You know why.”

“I’m your husband.”

“I know, but—”

“All right. I’ll close my eyes, but I’ll give you to the count of ten to reach the water before I open them again.”

“Antonio—” she squealed.

“One, two.” He could hear the blanket rustle before she got up. A second later he heard water splashing and turned to watch her treading water. “You see? You made it.”

“If you’ll please put my bikini near the water and turn around, I’ll get dressed.”

* * *

Antonio’s deep laughter resounded through the forest. She could feel it reverberate inside her. “Anything to oblige.” He did her bidding. “I hate to tell you this, but the water is so transparent I can see you perfectly.”

“You’re no gentleman to say that to me.”

“Is that what you thought I was?” he mocked before turning his back.

She climbed out and dressed as fast as she could. When she reached him, he crushed her in his arms and gave her a kiss to die for. Then he handed her food and drink.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

“I wish we could stay here longer. Last night—” Her voice caught.

Their eyes met. “Last night will be burned in my memory forever, tesora.”

“Mine too.” She finished eating and started putting everything in their packs.

He worked with her. “Are you about ready?”

“Yes.”

After slipping on their tennis shoes, they started down the trail to the beach. In some parts she walked behind him, enjoying the play of muscle across his back and shoulders. Antonio had great legs for a man. In fact, there wasn’t a part of him that wasn’t perfect.

They reached the boat and loaded it. Christina helped him push it into the water, and then he helped ease her up and in before he took his place at the front. Before they took off across the lagoon, he looked back at her. As far as he could see, they were the only people out on this part of the lagoon.

“What do you want to do after we get back to the hut?” he called over his shoulder.

“I’d love to go to that coral sea garden and do some more snorkeling.”

“That makes two of us. When in our lives will we ever have a chance to see fish like this up close?”

“Probably never. I’m still pinching myself to believe there’s a spot like this on earth.”

“We’ll eat a meal and then go out for the rest of the day. Do you know what?”

“What?”

“You’re more fun than any of my friends.”

“Thank you.”

“I mean it. I don’t know anyone, male or female, who loves what I love and can do everything with me and keep up.”

“I’m afraid I didn’t turn out to be like my socialite parents.”

“Thank heaven!”

Those two words warmed her heart all the way back to their island. After putting things away, they sat down to a meal, then went back out to the deck. Antonio covered her in sunscreen. His touch made her knees buckle. “Shall we stay in bed the rest of the day instead?”

Christina could hardly talk. “I’d love it, but our time here is so short, we need to take advantage of it.” She couldn’t believe she’d worried that in a week Antonio might be bored with her. Maybe it was because all the time they’d spent together in Switzerland had prepared her to be more comfortable with him where everything felt so natural.

“Just remember we’ll have all night,” he whispered against her neck. His breath sent tendrils of delight through her system. While she was still trying to recover, he got out the snorkels and fins. Once again they got into the boat and went looking for fish. The lagoon was home to so many species they had the time of their lives viewing everything.

She lost track of the time. So did Antonio. It wasn’t until they suffered hunger pains that she realized it was time to go in. When they returned to the island and were tying up the boat, Manu was there to greet them.

“You two must have had a good day to be out so long.”

Christina smiled at him. “Every day is a good day here.” But she sensed he had something else on his mind. So did Antonio.

“What’s wrong, Manu?”

“There was a call from the palace in Halencia. You are to call your sister as soon as you can. You can use the phone here and I’ll put it through for you.”

Both Christina and Antonio exchanged worried glances. Any number of things could be wrong for her to interrupt their honeymoon. “Thank you. I’ll do it as soon as we’re finished here.”

“Your dinner is in the kitchen when you want to eat.”

“You’re terrific, Manu,” she said.

After he disappeared, Antonio helped her out of the boat and they put their gear away. Already there was a change in her husband. Lines darkened his features, making him look older. They’d had an unforgettable night of loving and had been so carefree she could have cried to see that anxious look cross over his face.

Together they walked inside the bedroom of the hut, both of them still wearing their bathing suits. He turned to her. “I’m going to put on a robe, then make the call.”

While he went into the bathroom to change, she pulled out some underwear and dressed in a pair of tan shorts and a cream top. Then she hung her bikini over the outside rail to dry, all the time frightened something serious had happened back home. An accident, or worse?

Antonio came out of the bathroom and walked over to the side of the bed to the phone. She sat down next to him. He put the phone on speaker and grasped her hand while he waited for Manu to connect the call.

“Tonio?”

“Elena?” His heart was racing. “What’s wrong?”

“I’m so sorry to bother you on your honeymoon, but—”

“Is anyone ill?”

“No, no. Everyone’s fine, but there’s something you need to know. I hope you’re sitting down to hear this.”

Antonio looked at his wife, anxious for what was coming. “Go ahead.”

“I—I have to give you some background first,” she stammered. “You know that guy Rolfe? The drug addict I wish I’d never met?”

He sucked in his breath. “Yes?”

“Last week he was arrested on heavier drug charges. He called me from the jail and told me that if I didn’t help him out of the new charges, he’d tell the press everything about what happened when he was jailed the first time.”

“What?” he and Christina cried out at the same time. His thoughts were reeling.

“I thought he was high on drugs when he called me and I hung up on him. But he phoned me on the morning you were getting married and threatened me again. I told him there wasn’t anything I could do. He hung up on me telling me I’d be sorry.

“Oh, Tonio—he leaked the news about your fake engagement to the press. It’s all over the media that you thought up the bogus alliance with Christina to get me out of trouble with the police. He claimed I used drugs too and should have been jailed along with him.

“It’s gone viral too. The internet is alive with rumours that you were having an affair in California while Christina was in Africa having an affair with the doctor. He made it all up, but it’s done its damage.

“Marusha phoned me and told me she and her family are sick about this and want to know what they can do to stop it getting any worse. I don’t know what to do.

“The palace is in an uproar. Both sets of parents are beside themselves. Guido’s trying to help everything by preparing a new list of princesses. In case you can somehow salvage your reputation and get your marriage annulled, you’ll have a list of royal hopefuls to choose from. I’m fighting for you, Tonio, but I can’t do it alone.”

Pain ripped him apart. His arm went around his wife. He could only imagine how Christina was feeling right now.

“I heard Father give immediate orders for the jet to be flown to Tahiti to bring you home. It’s on its way now and will arrive at the airport at six in the morning Tahitian time. You need to be ready with a plan and come home as quickly as you can to help sort out this disaster, because that’s what it is!

“There’s a groundswell from people who don’t believe you should be crowned because of the lie. I’ve been labeled a drug addict and am the result of my parents who aren’t worthy of ruling the country. The people are afraid the lack of integrity on both your part and Christina’s has compromised everything.

“If feelings reach tipping point, the people could withdraw their support for the monarchy and this could be the end of it. The coronation has been called off until further notice.”

“No,” Christina cried out.

“Oh, Christina, I didn’t know you were listening. Let’s face it. I’m the one responsible for all this. I’m the reason any of this has happened and I feel so horrible about it I want to die. I never realized how vindictive Rolfe could be. How cruel and heartless after what you did to get him a light sentence. I spent time with him when I was at my most rebellious and wasn’t careful with the information I let out without realizing it. You and Christina have every right to hate me.”

“Of course we don’t hate you,” he ground out. “For now you’ll just have to hang on until we get back to Halencia. Trust me. We’re going to sort this out. I’ll talk to you tomorrow in person. And, Elena, never forget that we love you.”

* * *

Christina had buried her face in her hands. “Bellissima—” He took her in his arms.

Hearing that word applied to her produced a groan from her. She was so horrified over the news she felt physically ill and couldn’t form words.

His body stiffened. “I wondered what form of chicanery has been underfoot while we were on our honeymoon. It’s what I expected. I just didn’t know in the exact manner it would explode. Christina? Look at me.”

She tried, but his image was blurry.

“I know this has come as a shock, but we’re going to get through this because there’s been total honesty between us, grazie a Dio. Remember Elena needs our protection more than ever. She’s very fragile right now.”

“You’re right. I knew there was something wrong when she kept saying she hoped we’d be happy. Throughout our wedding she was terrified and had to keep all that bottled up inside. The poor thing.”

He kissed her lips. “I’ll make arrangements for the helicopter to be here at five a.m. Then you and I are going to have a long, serious talk.”

His composure under these precarious circumstances was nothing short of miraculous. The affairs of the kingdom were falling apart, yet his mastery in dealing with it was a revelation. As far as she was concerned, this was Antonio’s finest hour.

Whether she ever became queen or not, she would act like one right now because Antonio had never needed her help more to present a unified front. She knew deep down he wanted to be king in order to save his country from possible ruin. More than anything, Christina wanted that for him, whatever it took.

She grabbed two bottles of water from the refrigerator and hurried through the hut to their bedroom. While she waited for him to come, she started the packing for both of them. Five o’clock would be here soon enough. They needed to be ready to leave.

Christina lifted her head when he came into the bedroom with their dinner tray. “Did you get through to Manu?”

He nodded. “Everything is set. Since you’ve packed the bags, we can eat.” He put it on the bed. “Come on.”

She took a shaky breath. “I—I couldn’t.”

“You have to. I don’t want my wife getting sick on me. We’re on our honeymoon and I intend to enjoy it for the next six hours.”

Christina actually laughed despite her agony.

Together they got on the bed and ate. When they’d finished eating, he got up to put the tray on the table. “Excuse me a moment. I’ll be right back.”

She wondered what he was doing until she heard Tahitian music from the radio piped into their room. Once he reappeared, he turned off the lamps and crawled onto the bed beside her.

“This music is enchanting, isn’t it?” she said.

“I love it. Come here to me,” he whispered. “I need you.”

The blood pounded in her ears before she moved into his arms. “What are we going to do, Antonio?”

“We’re going to stay just like this.”

“You know what I mean.”

“Yes, but there’s nothing to do about anything until we reach Halenica, so you’re stuck with me.”

“That’s no penance. You smell wonderful.”

“So you’ve noticed.”

She swallowed hard. “I notice everything.”

“So do I. You’re a warrior under that fiery mane.”

“What a compliment.”

“It is, because you’re going to be queen and now I know you have the steel to help me. Any other woman would have gone into hysterics a little while ago. Not you.”

She smiled in secret pleasure. “You wouldn’t let me. That’s the sign of a great king.”

“The priest’s words never had as much meaning to me until now.”

“Which words were those?”

“The part where he said ‘From this day forward you shall be each other’s home, comfort and refuge.’ Whatever we have to face when we get back home, Christina, I’m not worried because you’ve become my refuge in a very short time.”

Tears stung her eyelids. He kissed them. “I didn’t mean to make you cry.”

“It’s the good kind. When I’m happy, I often cry.”

“I saw tears when you looked at your parents in the chapel. What was going on in your mind?”

“That I didn’t always want to be a disappointment to them. Now that there’s a national scandal, they’ll consider that I’ve hit rock bottom.”

“If they can’t see beyond the end of their noses and recognize a hatchet job of major proportions, how sad for them. But I couldn’t be happier that you turned out just the way you are. My one regret is that we’re going to have to leave our paradise far too soon. I’ve had you all to myself since the wedding ceremony and I love the privacy so much I’m loath to give it up.”

“I feel the same. We’ve been living most people’s fantasy.”

He suddenly held her tighter and burrowed his face in her neck. “I want this fantasy to go on and on.” The longing in his voice echoed the desire of her heart. “I want you to know I’ll treasure this time together for the rest of my life.”

“I’ve loved every second of it too. Isn’t this place wonderful?”

“Yes, but it would be a waste without the right person along. We’ll come back again one day and spend time over at the coral garden. We’ll do a lot of things, but right now I just want to make love to you.”

Once again the age-old ritual began. This time Christina took the initiative to show her husband how much she loved him. She loved him in every atom of her body and poured out her feelings, wanting to take away any pain he was feeling tonight. At one point he pulled her on top of him. It was heaven to cover his face with kisses and play with his hair. He was such a beautiful man, there were no words.

“Christina? We only have a few hours before we have to return to Halencia and deal with the mess. If I’d known it was going to happen, I would have insisted we get married sooner and enjoy a month’s honeymoon at least. Now it’s too late for that.”

But before their wedding, neither of them had a clue that they would come to care for each other in so short a time. Christina was positive that flare of desire she’d felt when he kissed her at the altar had been unexpected for him too.

“Are you happy?” His voice sounded anxious. “Because I want you to be happy.”

She heard the longing and drew in a breath. “I’m happier right now than I’ve ever been in my life.”

“Grazie a Dio, because I am too. I hope our daughter has red hair like her mother.”

“Would you mind if our son has red hair instead?”

“Your hair is glorious. Why would I mind?”

“Mother wanted to turn me into a brunette.”

“It’s a good thing you didn’t listen to her. When the time came, I wanted you for my bride.”

Yes. And he wound up with Christina to save his sister from disgrace. And now that the news had leaked, it was a national scandal, but he didn’t seem worried.

Their trust was on solid ground. More than ever she understood the deeper words of the priest. Be able to forgive, do not hold grudges, and live each day that you may share it together. From this day forward you shall be each other’s home, comfort and refuge, your marriage strengthened by your love and respect.

So far they’d shared each incredible day together. Their nights had been euphoric. This bedroom had become their home and refuge. She’d been able to comfort him in a way she wouldn’t have imagined. Living with Antonio was already changing her life and it frightened her that the happiness she was experiencing might be taken away from her after they returned home.

The next morning they awakened for breakfast. It had arrived with a newspaper. He pored over it.

Her heart thudded. “Anything to report about us?”

“There’s a photo of me taken at the airport. No matter how hard my father tried, the word still got out. But so far Manu has managed to keep our exact location a secret. He’s worth every Eurodollar he’s being paid.”

“Do you think your father will be upset?”

“Yes.” He flicked her a searching glance. “Are you in with me?”

“All the way. You know that.”

He put the newspaper down and moved himself away from the table. “Come out on the deck with me. I crave a walk along the beach with you before it rains.”

Her husband reached for her hand as they stepped down to the edge of the water and started walking. “With Bora Bora appearing and disappearing mystically through the clouds this morning, it looks surreal, Antonio. I feel like we’re in some primordial world. The air is so balmy it’s unreal.”

After they’d gone a ways, he stopped and grasped her arms so she faced him. “You’re so lovely you seem unreal. I need to know if I’m with a phantom wife.” In the next breath he lowered his mouth to hers and gave her the husband’s kiss she’d been dying for. Fire licked through her veins as she was caught up in his embrace. She knew he had to be in pain, but the way he was kissing her had her senses reeling.

Their bodies clung. She could feel the powerful muscles in his legs and melted against him. He released her mouth long enough to kiss her face and neck. His hands plunged into her hair before he kissed her throat, in fact, all the area of skin exposed by the sundress she was wearing home.

“Touch me,” he whispered in a ragged voice.

Succumbing to his entreaty, she wrapped her arms around his waist and heard his moan of pleasure as his mouth began devouring hers. The rain had started and was so ethereal in nature it felt more like a mist, adding to the rapture building inside her. Antonio was doing the most amazing things to her with his hands and mouth.

Too soon Manu arrived to tell them the helicopter had arrived. It was time to go.