Page 44 of Under A Sicilian Sky
‘I couldn’t cope with the adulation, to be honest. Or the notoriety. It’s my idea of hell, being thrust into the limelight. I’d hate to be in your shoes.’
For some reason his admission saddened her, but she chose to make light of it. ‘Says Mister Millionaire with his private jet.’
He scrunched his brow. ‘Hang on… you think the plane we’re going on is mine?’
She felt heat rise in her cheeks. ‘Well, isn’t it?’
He laughed out loud. ‘Bloody hell, how much money do you think I have?’
Embarrassed, she shrugged her shoulders. ‘Lots?’
‘Not enough to buy my own jet, I can assure you. I’m only a millionaire on paper. It’s all invested.’ He laughed again and shook his head. ‘My own plane… I wish.’
Ruby remained silent for the rest of the journey for fear of saying something else that would garner ridicule. She hadn’t a clue how much planes cost. In fact, she hadn’t much of a clue how much anything cost these days. It wasn’t as if she went shopping alone on a regular basis – the chance would be a fine thing. There was nothing she would enjoy more than a saunter down Madison, Fifth Avenue or 57thStreet.
She remembered, fondly, her Saturday shopping trips on the train to Meadowhall in Sheffield with Kitty when they were teenagers. Such an adventure, especially at Christmas time when the Disney shop was decorated like Santa’s grotto. They’d talk about boys and point out the good-looking ones to each other, then giggle like crazy if one of said boys smiled at them.
These days, Ruby had an almost unlimited budget, a personal shopper and a stylist who would shop for her. And even though her eyes had been opened to the most sumptuous boutiques and incredible designers New York had to offer, it wasn’t quite the same. In fact, nothing was quite the same. She missed the simplicity of life before fame and the freedom it entailed. Going back to the UK was an exciting prospect, even though she was heading to a completely new location; another island she had never visited, only this time she could speak the language, at least.
Once at the airport in Palermo it was time to say goodbye to Jacopo, Luca and, the worst parting of all, Nero.
Ruby crouched to fuss the little Yorkshire Terrier and her throat tightened. ‘I’m going to miss you, little buddy. Thank you for keeping me company, and for biting that nasty man’s leg. You’re such a special little dog and I’m going to miss you so, so much.’ She buried her nose in his fur and sadness washed over her. Nero licked at the tears on her cheek and she lifted him up to say goodbye properly, her heart breaking a little as she did. ‘Be a good boy, won’t you? And look after your daddy. I know he looks tough, but he adores you.’ She handed the dog over to Jacopo and wiped at her eyes as he gave her a sad, understanding smile and patted her arm.
She was a little sad to say goodbye to her guards too, and despite protocol she hugged them both tightly, thanking them in what shehopedwas Italian.
* * *
As they sat on the plane ready for take-off, Mitch chuckled to himself. ‘I can’t believe you thought this was my plane.’
‘Yes, it’s hilarious,’ Ruby replied snidely.
He nudged her. ‘Oh, come on, I’m only pulling your leg.’
She closed her eyes and feigned sleep. Thankfully it worked and she managed to actually sleep for almost all the journey. What is it they say? Fake it till you make it?
Once they disembarked at Inverness International Airport, they were greeted by Shelby, Valerie’s not so talkative assistant, who directed them to a Range Rover, again with blacked-out windows, and it’s waiting driver. They were introduced to Ruby’s new security detail, a flat-nosed man called Dougie who looked like he would feel at home in a boxing ring and had been employed simply in case Hamilton Harlow came back for seconds. Dougie climbed into the passenger seat and Mitch and Shelby climbed into the back of the vehicle, flanking Ruby in the middle.
‘How have you been?’ Shelby asked once they were inside the vehicle. It was the most the girl had ever spoken to her.
‘Oh, you know, great until Hamilton Harlow happened,’ Ruby said with a sneer.
Shelby’s brow crumpled. ‘Yeah, I heard about that. What a douche. You must be exhausted with everything that’s going on. If I can help in any way, just say the word.’
Ruby was a little taken aback by this change in personality and shook her head. ‘Thanks, and I don’t mean to be rude… but why did Valerie send you, exactly? I’m a little confused, to be honest.’
Shelby smiled sweetly. ‘I was too when she suggested it. She said she wanted to be here for you herself, but with her other clients… well, it just wasn’t feasible, I guess. So here I am,’ she said, holding her hands out to emphasise her point. ‘The next best thing. At your service.’
‘Well, thank you for sacrificing your time to be here. Although, I can’t really think what I will need your help with.’
Shelby grinned enthusiastically. ‘Val has hired us a car that will be delivered to Mr Adair’s home tomorrow. So, I can shop for you, collect books for you, pick up your favourite snacks, and you don’t have to leave the house. That way, we know you’re safe.’
The thought of being a virtual prisoner again made Ruby shudder, but after the events in Sicily, she understood why her movements should remain at a minimum. She felt bad that the poor young woman had been sent all this way to be a general dogsbody. It didn’t sit well at all with Ruby.
Shelby continued, ‘Your safety and comfort is of paramount importance to the agency until this whole situation is dealt with, Miss Locke. I don’t want you to want for anything. And besides, the busier I can be, the better I will feel. Like you, I’m a long way from home and don’t know anyone.’
Ruby appreciated the effort the young woman was making and resolved that she would make use of Shelby to ensure she was kept busy. That way, the assistant wouldn’t have had a wasted journey.
* * *
