‘You want to support them.’ He clearly approved of that wholeheartedly.
‘Yes, I do. And I want him to know that I did it alone. That I have the power to fight back by myself.’
‘Okay. Does that mean I’m not allowed to help?’
‘As a friend??
? That was a far more demanding proposition. One word and he could have the weight of highly placed contacts and a hotshot legal team crashing down on Martin’s head. It would take a lot more input from him to support her through the process as her friend.
‘Yes. Always.’
‘If I wrote everything down, would you be able to look through it? Give me your opinion?’
His hand drifted to hers, and he tucked it into the crook of his elbow, his thumb brushing against the ring on her finger.
‘Yes, of course. Partners.’
‘Thank you. I’d like that.’ The ring meant one thing to everyone else who saw it and quite another to her and Hugo. That they couldn’t love each other but they could be friends, who protected each other.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
HUGO HAD LET her go, and Nell had set off for his parents’ apartment with a hint of determination in her step. Whatever happened with her hair and make-up, he was pretty sure that Nell would have a say in it.
He took more time than usual dressing, his left arm still hampering him as he sorted through his wardrobe to find a waistcoat that was exactly the shade of the dress she’d chosen. He’d never done that before, not for any woman, but Nell... They were of the same mind. Beneath all their differences they were cut from the same cloth.
He heard her let herself back into his apartment and rose from his chair to meet her. A little thrill ran up his spine, tempered by a reminder to himself that he shouldn’t expect too much.
And then, not expecting too much became irrelevant. He couldn’t possibly have expected her to look this stunning. The slim-line green dress traced her curves, the hem high on her ankle. A slender row of diamonds at her wrist and neck and a pair of high-heeled, strappy shoes balanced the look perfectly.
‘What do you think?’ She was pressing her lips together, and Hugo realised that his over-awed silence had left Nell waiting a little too long.
‘I think the dress is very nice.’ He wanted to touch the soft folds of material, but instead he allowed his hand to trace the shape of her waist, just millimetres away from it. ‘The diamonds are just right for it.’
She gave him a nervous smile and he permitted his fingers to follow the curve of her chin. Still not touching her. Somehow not touching was almost as sensual as feeling the softness of her skin. ‘They’d be nothing without you, though. You are exquisite.’
‘You think...it’s all right?’ She was smiling now.
‘It’s so much better than all right that...no, it’s not just all right.’
Nell nodded, obviously pleased, walking over to where his jacket hung across the back of the chair. Picking it up, she helped him on with it, smoothing her hands across his shoulders.
‘Will I do?’ He smiled down at her.
‘For an everyday, handsome prince? You’ll definitely do.’
He made her feel good. Clinging to his arm had become a matter of each supporting the other now. Nell protected him from being bumped and jostled, and he protected her from the enquiring heads that turned to look her way.
Everything glittered, from the magnificent chandeliers high above their heads down to the jewels of the assembled company. The great and the good of Montarino, along with delegations from their neighbouring countries. Hugo passed effortlessly between them all, his arm always there for her, the place by his side always reserved for Nell.
The King and Queen led the way into the grand dining hall. Queen Margaux shone in a canary-yellow dress, which complemented her blonde hair, and King Ferdinand was upright and gracious beside her. Everyone was seated, and Nell looked around nervously, feeling Hugo’s fingers brush hers under the snowy tablecloth. She looked into his smile and nodded an answer to his unspoken question. As long as she waited and followed his lead in picking the right one from the array of silver knives and forks in front of her, she’d be fine.
Hugo had taken charge of the conversation at their part of the table, asking questions and including everyone. Soon their group was animated and laughing and even Nell began to relax. Underneath the fine clothes and the magnificent surroundings, they were just people getting to know each other.
‘Would you like a break?’ As they rose from the table, Hugo bent towards her, murmuring in her ear.
‘Can we...? Don’t you have to stay with your guests?’
‘My parents have it covered. Just for ten minutes, so that you can stop having to keep smiling.’