“No.” Luna looked at Rini. “We’re going to buy another car.”
“Ah. To replace the car you gave away.” With that response, Viola left them alone.
“Why would we want a different car?” She’d aroused Rini’s curiosity.
“We’re going to travel incognito. Everyone stares at us when we’re out in public. ‘There’s the Crown Prince!’ people cry out. I want us to be unrecognizable, like a typical couple enjoying the day. We can pick up the car I have in mind on our way out of Asteria. It’s commensurate with our income.”
He grinned, loving her creative mind. “How much do I make?”
“We work in a laundry and barely bring in enough to afford a seven-day trip, let alone a vehicle to get us where we want to go. I’ll call your grandparents and tell them we’re leaving. I’ll also let Fabio know I won’t be in for another week. Finish your breakfast while I hurry upstairs to change and pack. We’ll only need one medium-size suitcase.”
Again, she’d piqued his interest. “How come?”
“The car we’re buying will only hold one. All we’ll need are shorts, T-shirts, sandals and hats. We’ll throw in a swimsuit. That’s it!” On that note she disappeared from the room.
CHAPTER TEN
RINI WAS STARTING to get excited.
Once he’d finished eating, he hurried upstairs. “Ehi!” he burst out after opening the door.
At first, he thought another woman had invaded their bedroom. His attention was caught by the blue tie-up sandals on a pair of gorgeous legs. It took a moment to realize Luna had changed into pale blue shorts and the craziest T-shirt he’d ever seen of a fat marshmallow whose hair was on fire.
Most amazing of all, she’d swept her blond hair on top of her head. It was hidden by a baseball cap she wore backward. Green sunglasses completed the picture of a wacky woman with the most sensational figure he’d ever seen on a woman.
“Think I look like Princess Baldasseri now
?”
He shook his head. “Your transformation has left me speechless.”
She laughed. “Good. I’ve put your stuff on the bed. Go ahead and shock me.”
His gaze took in the purple T-shirt with a T-Rex riding a motorcycle. He whipped off his clothes. After putting on a pair of tan shorts, he pulled the T-shirt over his head. Next came the baseball cap he also wore backward and reached for the purple sunglasses.
She clapped her hands. “You look perfect! If my grandmother were alive, she would faint if I brought you home and told her you’re the man I want to marry.”
Her words had sobered him. He wanted to do something meaningful for her. “Even if she isn’t, why don’t we drive to Switzerland first? You can show me where you used to live. Afterward, we’ll drive to Venice and visit Bolzano on our way home.”
His suggestion brought new light to her eyes. “I’d love it! There’s a bed-and-breakfast a few blocks away from the house. We can stay there. You and I were always going to take that trip but didn’t get around to it.”
That was probably his fault for not fitting in time for her wishes.
“Why don’t you finish packing whatever you want to bring, Rini? I’ve left half the suitcase for you. Then we can take off and buy our car. I’m going to pay for it with my own money.”
Rini found he was eager to get on the road and do whatever they wanted. It felt like he was being let out of prison. Not that his world with Luna hadn’t been wonderful. But the suggestion of a trip where they could throw off all the conventions had given him an unexpected breath of life. For the next seven days he’d live it to the fullest and not think about the empty years ahead.
A half hour later they drove to a dealership under a hot sun to pick up the car his wife had chosen. The owner told them to drive around the back and park. In a minute their purchase arrived.
Rini laughed at her choice, a tiny classic car that looked like a toy. He reached for their suitcase and locked up the sedan.
Luna did the paperwork, then handed him the keys. “Our chariot awaits us. Our bodyguards won’t have any trouble keeping an eye on us.”
It wasn’t just the bodyguards. The owner and the guy who’d brought the car around hadn’t been able to take their eyes off Luna. Talk about a sight to behold!
He put their suitcase in the small backseat and got in behind the steering wheel. “Let’s pray it gets us as far as the border.” Rini started the engine and drove them out to the street. “So far, so good.”
She pushed a playful hand against his arm. “When we reach Switzerland, let’s stop at the nearest train station. They sell the most fabulous meat pies in the world. I’ll run inside to get some. I’m already salivating for one.”