Page 24 of The Prince

He felt his face heat. “Well, no, but some. I need models sometimes too, you know.”

Her face showed surprise and he doubted she was aware of all that he did with his professional photography career.

“I’ll need to think about this offer. I’m—I’m so flattered.” She rubbed her hands together nervously. “If you think I could possibly do such a thing…” Her eyes turned to him with such a heart-breaking uncertainty, he wanted to pull her into his arms and hug it away. But instead, he said, “I’m certain you are the perfect person for the job.”

She relaxed and then grinned. “Are you sure this isn’t just a crown supported effort to keep me close, to save the park?” she raised an eyebrow.

“Of course that’s what this is.” He tapped her nose. “But it began with the Minister himself. He said your efforts and thought far exceeded my weak attempts, that your insight showed a great understanding of the pulse of our nation and the unique environmental needs of our country.” Then he leaned forward, thrilled to deliver this next piece of information. “And, your efforts to create an environmentally protected area for the plankton have succeeded! They have already declared the place protected and are taking steps to enforce the new status of the location. Which, I am sure you were well aware, extends to the park area which leads to the bay and so our park is saved, not just for this generation, but for forever.”

Her eyes filled with tears. “That was much quicker than I thought.”

“You are a genius. I always knew you were special, certainly beautiful, but a genius as well.” He waited.

“Thank you.” She leaned back and looked up at the stars. “I hope my mama can see me now. I wish she could have realized what I am finally seeing in this moment.”

He understood. “That you are much more than a pretty face. But I would add, that your face beams with the light and intelligence inside.”

Chapter 15

The boat took them across the beautiful emerald water. She enjoyed the caress of the wind as it gently played with her hair. Daniel stood at her side, the familiar click of his camera, music to her ears. As they approached the pastel houses that lined the island shores, his eyes pleaded before he asked, pointing the camera in her direction.

She nodded in permission and then tilted her head in all the best angles, smiled, acted coy, played with the lens and flipped her hair. Laughing, she finally said, “Ok, enough.”

He pulled her close. “You are magnificent.”

She rested her face against his chest, for the first time seeing her talents in front of a camera as something intrinsically valuable.

They exited the boat and explored the island hand in hand.

True to the advertisements, every corner was lovely, flowers cascaded out of windows, on ledges, in pots. The buildings were made of stone and brick, the cobblestone beneath their feet adding to the charm. The roads made more for people or mopeds than anything else rose and fell in hills. They made their way to the old tower. It could be seen from across the lake and they were both curious. Their progress was slow because Daniel stopped to capture this image or that. Melodia appreciated it because she would want to see all of it again. As each cobbled street would curve, they both picked up their pace to see what lay around that bend. She laughed. “We are so alike!”

He stopped and pulled her close. “I’m happy to hear you say that.” Then he kissed her neck before walking forward again.

She trembled from the shivers that ran up and down her core from the feel of his mouth on her soft skin. She hurried her pace to keep up with him, and then stopped to watch him work magic with his camera, clicking at corners and angles and flowers and always at her. Sometimes when he thought she didn’t notice and others when she purposefully played with the camera.

At last they approached the Buccione Tower; it was technically blocked off to tourists, but she had called ahead. A guard let them pass.

They made their way up the four levels in the old stone. The gray of granite surrounding them, the smell of dust and old wood tickling her nose, the small window slits letting in filtered light. At last they reached the top, and their view was unmatched. The water from the lake stretched out to their front, the beautiful buildings from the mainland off to one side. They stood together, moving from window to window to see whatever each direction offered.

After many clicks of the camera and they felt as though they had seen everything they could, Daniel asked, “Have you given any thought to the minister’s offer?”

Melodia had. She wanted that job more than anything. But she didn’t know what such a thing would mean for her and Daniel. Or her modelling career. She had just earned enough respect from the largest designer in Italy that he had actually consulted her. And she had just learned a new appreciation for her talents. A part of her wanted to explore this possibility just as much as she wanted to use her intelligence for good on Torren.

“Could I do both?”

“Ah, she is giving it consideration!” He looked happier than any human deserved to be but she loved it. “I am, of course. And hoping that I could see much more of you when I am close.” She dared a look into his face. Still so insecure, still questioning her value to such a man as Daniel, she wanted to see if he really would be happy to have her close.

“Melodia, you are killing me with your questioning eyes. I am doing my very gentlemanly best here to not try to confuse your decision. But I see that plan will backfire and I don’t know that I can resist much longer, not when we stand here alone with these views in an ancient tower on a small island in Italy.”

He stepped nearer, cupped her cheek in his palm. “Melodia. I am hoping to have you as close as possible. I’ve already asked the palace to keep your rooms for you. I don’t just want you on Torren. I want you down the hall. I want whatever you have to give, whether that’s as a chief of staff or a model in Europe. I will make time to be with you whatever you decide. But if you’re wondering about my preference…” He stepped nearer and placed a kiss on her lips. “It’s this.” He kissed her again. “And more of this, every day, as much as you’ll let me.” He kissed her again, lingering on her mouth. “I will never tire of your delicious kisses, or your conversation. Melodia. I’m falling in love with you and never want to let you go.”

She clung to him, enjoying his mouth moving over hers, responding with the strength of her desire for him. Could this be as real as he made it sound? Hope filled her and a sliver of caution. She needed a bit of space to make the decision that needed to be made, and standing in his arms, her desire for him growing, was not the way to manage those choices. But she returned his kisses and passion in equal amounts.

When they stopped, his forehead resting on her own, she said, “Wow.”

He chuckled. “I’ve never felt this way about anyone.” His eyes took on a new seriousness. “Mel. I’m serious. I’m in this for the long road. I’d like to see where this leads us, no matter what you decide to do about your job.”

Happiness bubbled up inside. “Thank you, Daniel. I don’t think I could ever give you up.” She held his hand and the warmth and peace from just such a simple gesture filled her with confidence. “No matter what I decide, you are my future. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to see where this goes between us.”

---