“I didn’t notice them.”
“They’re probably under one of your casual shirts.”
Rini walked over and found them where she’d predicted. He put them on and turned to her.
She studied him in a way that said she liked what she saw. “In the sensational car you plan to give away, you’ll look like the most dashing race car driver on earth. When you pull up to the police station wearing them, they won’t believe you’re the same man who was fading away in the hospital just a few days ago.”
“All the credit goes to you, Luna. Mi hai cambiato la vita.”
“That goes both ways, Rini. Just so you know, from the moment we met, you changed my life, too.” The throb in her voice touched his heart. He couldn’t doubt her memories of him. That was something to treasure.
“Let’s go.”
They left the palazzo through the rear entrance. Rini helped her into the passenger side of the car before putting the valise in the cargo space. After he got in and started the engine she said, “Last evening I asked Mateo to take the car to the service station for gas and a quick inspection. He assures me all is well.”
Rini should have known his wife would be on top of everything. “I was going to suggest we do that before leaving the city. You’re amazing.”
She shook her head. “Thank you. I’ll remember that when I start doing things that displease you.”
One black brow lifted. “Is that possible?”
“Oh, yes. Just give it time. We’re still in the honeymoon phase.” She’d said it with a twinkle in her eye.
“Is that what you’re calling it?”
The honeymoon phase with no honeymoon. That needed to end soon.
He drove around the palazzo to the street.
“Rini? Before we reach the autostrada entrance, would you mind heading for the palace?” It sat on a hillside,
visible from the highway. “The Baldasseri Gold Mining office is in a building at the rear of the estate. I haven’t been in touch with Fabio, who must wonder if I’m even alive. He’s always there by seven.”
Rini had been so concentrated on himself and their world, he’d forgotten she’d been living another life without him for close to two weeks. “How long have you been out of the office?”
“Since the day before you left for the mine. I’ll only pop in for a moment. You don’t need to go in with me.”
His hands tightened on the steering wheel. “Would you rather I didn’t?”
Her head jerked toward him, swishing her silky hair against her cheeks. “Rini—why in heaven would I care? I only said that because I know you’re anxious to get to the mine and I don’t want to hold you up. You and Fabio are friends. Once he sees you, he’ll want to talk. Please forget I asked. I’ll call him tomorrow. It isn’t important.”
Her reasonable response made him feel like an inconsiderate heel. She’d sacrificed every minute for him since she’d discovered him in the hospital in Rezana. “Of course it is. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have asked.”
He sped up to reach the palace and she guided him around to the neoclassic building located beyond the greenhouses. Rini’s grandmother had wanted to take him on a tour of the estate. However, on that day he hadn’t been in a frame of mind to appreciate much of anything except being with Luna. He felt that way about her more than ever.
Last night Rini had decided to let the intimate side of their marriage grow at its own pace. But looking at her now, the last thing he wanted was to wait. Everything about her stirred his senses. The desire for her was more real than ever.
Before he’d turned off the engine in the parking area dotted with a dozen cars, Luna opened the door and was ready to jump out. “I promise I’ll only be a minute.”
“Luna—take all the time you need.” He needed to calm down. “We’re in no hurry.”
“As long as you’re sure.”
“I am.”
She closed the door and hurried up the walkway to the main doors of the Baldasseri Gold Mining Company. Unable to sit there, Rini got out to work off his restlessness. He looked around, incredulous that all this had been his world until his head had been injured in the earthquake. This estate, the palace, the office building—none of it meant anything to him.
Anxiety started to build inside him, but the sight of Luna coming out the doors of the office brought him relief. She filled his eyes. His wife was incredibly beautiful. Then he saw a brown-haired man who cupped her elbow as they walked toward the car where Rini lounged.