“Bene.” But Rini lifted his shirt to show the doctor he’d had to tighten the belt a bit. Dr. Tullia broke into laughter. It felt good to communicate on his own with a man he’d started to trust
.
Luna had taught him well, otherwise the therapist wouldn’t have kept smiling as he patted the wheelchair, indicating Rini should sit down. The other man gathered up the suitcase with his things and the three of them left the suite.
“Buongiorno!” Rini called out to the cluster of staff at the nursing station. He received several greetings back. They clapped and cheered him with bravos.
“Grazie.”
The staff nodded in understanding before he was wheeled to the elevator. Before long they arrived on the main floor and he was pushed down the hall. He saw the sign Ingresso di Emergenza. More than ever, he needed to learn to speak and write Italian quickly.
He felt his pulse pick up speed as they approached the doors. Where was Luna? All of a sudden, he spotted a sleek black sports car drive up.
In the next instant a drop-dead gorgeous blonde woman got out of the driver’s seat and walked toward him in the hot sun.
Luna! His heart raced at the sight of her. He was so hooked on her he couldn’t think or talk. Her white skirt swung around her long, elegant legs. She drew closer. The green jewels of her earrings couldn’t match the dazzling color of those eyes he’d loved looking into. Her exquisite features took his breath.
“Ciao, tesoro mio.”
His mouth went dry. This wife of his was beyond wonderful. No wonder he’d proposed to her in less than a week.
“Rini?” she prodded him. He saw concern in her eyes. “Come va?”
He was so overcome with the endearment he couldn’t swallow. Finally, he said, “Bene, now that you’re here. I missed seeing you leave this morning.”
“You were sleeping so soundly. I didn’t want to waken you.”
She smiled at Dr. Tullia and thanked him and the other man. Rini watched her press something on the remote she was holding. She told them to put his small suitcase in the cargo space in back, then she looked down at him. Switching to Romansh she said, “Are you ready to go home?”
“What do you think? I’ve been living for the two of us to be alone.”
“I’m glad you said that because I can’t wait, either.” She opened the front passenger door for him. He watched her press the tip of the handle, then pull it. He left the wheelchair and climbed into the front. Dr. Tullia shut the door. Luna thanked both men and went around to get behind the steering wheel.
She started the engine and they took off, but he noticed she drove with restraint. “There are several cars following us at close range,” he murmured.
“Security. You’ve been the Crown Prince and were assigned bodyguards. You’ll get used to them.”
Never.
“How do you like your car?” she asked. “If you want to drive, I’ll pull over and change places with you.”
“I’m glad you’re at the wheel. It gives me a chance to look around.” In truth, he loved looking at her.
“Would you like to take a tour of the city? Drive up around the royal palace?”
“I’d rather go home.”
“Then that’s exactly what we’ll do. Viola has made lunch for us. If I know her, she’s fixed your favorite pizza and homemade pasticciotto. It’s a cream-filled pastry to die for.”
“That’s the goal. To put on weight.” He turned to stare at her adorable profile. “Grazie for the clothes.”
“Prego. That means you’re welcome.”
“Prego...prego...prego...” He said the word several times. “What am I wearing?”
“A dark blue camicia I love, pantaloni and sandali on your feet.”
“Finally, some shoes.” He repeated the words several times.