“But what?”
“There’s a question I have to ask you.”
“Go ahead. Anything.”
His body grew taut. “Do you pity me? Because if that’s the reason you were so loving with me just now, it’s the last thing I want from you.”
She moved to the side of the bed and stood up. He could hear her mind working. “I’ve been dying to crawl into your arms since the moment I saw you drugged at the hospital. You have no idea how much I’ve missed you since the quake.
“If I was loving with you just now, it’s because I’m so wild with joy that you’re alive! I never want to leave your arms. But I can see that you have to learn to trust me before we can have an intimate relationship.”
“I do trust you.”
“Outwardly,” she came back. “However, it’s clear that the closeness we shared as husband and wife is something that will have to come about naturally, over time. Let’s let it rest for now. Why don’t you freshen up and we’ll go downstairs for lunch?”
He’d put his hand in his pocket and made a fist. “I’ve hurt you, haven’t I?”
Her head lifted, causing her gilt hair to swish. “You’re wrong, Rini. You were honest with me, and I’m grateful. If we don’t have that, we don’t have anything.”
Everything she said made sense. “You’re right. Luna? Will you do me a favor and ask my grandfather if we can visit him t
his afternoon?”
“Of course. He and your grandmother will be thrilled. I’ll call him now.”
* * *
Rini had hurt her, but he couldn’t help it. Luna had gotten on that bed and had climbed into his arms without hesitation. Nothing could have shocked her more when he’d suddenly pulled away from her. Wanting to make love with him, pity had been the last thing on her mind. Dr. Tullia’s advice went round in her head.
Don’t hold back. Continue to be yourself. In time you’ll know if he feels nonreceptive or smothered.
That’s what worries me. How will I know?
Is there any doubt in your mind that he’ll tell you? Your husband is assertive and doesn’t keep his thoughts to himself.
Dr. Tullia had known what he was talking about.
After the bathroom door closed, Luna reached for her purse lying on a chair and phoned the palace. She asked to be put through to Antonia, who wept when she learned Rini wanted to visit. They arranged for three o’clock in their private sitting room.
When Rini joined her, he acted like nothing had happened. They went down to the dining room for lunch. Viola had outdone herself and her efforts paid off. Rini ate everything. At that point they went back out to the car and she drove them to the ochre-colored palace, another larger, eighteenth-century landmark. En route, she taught him a few more Italian words.
After parking in front, they walked inside past staff and went upstairs to the apartment on the second floor. His grandparents were waiting for them. He greeted them with his limited conversation.
“Oh, Rini,” Antonia cried for happiness. “Bravo. You have no idea how wonderful it is to see you walk into our apartment. I know you don’t know me, but can we hug you?”
Luna translated. His gaze darted to her before he said, “Sì.”
First, his grandmother threw her arms around him, then Leonardo hugged his grandson. Their eyes filled with tears. They were led into the sitting room. Rini sat on a chair next to Luna. She eyed her grandparents-in-law. “On the drive over here Rini told me he wants to fly to Rezana by helicopter to thank the police officer who helped him and me. Could that be arranged for tomorrow?”
“We’ll do anything for him.”
Again, she translated his grandfather’s response.
“Rini also wants to send a donation to Doctor Miakar at the hospital.”
“I’ll arrange it today.”
She turned to Rini and repeated his grandfather’s answer.