“Outrageous? Ludicrous?” he broke in with a laugh. “Come on. We’re all humans first. Prince Vincenzo wants to get to know Dr. Linard, the vet. Admit you want it too! He has no idea that you’re a Visconti in hiding. So go on being Dr. Linard and see where it leads.”

  “Rolf—don’t joke about this.”

  “I know what’s bothering you. You’ve finally met the man who turns you on.”

  “Rolf!” she snapped.

  More laughter rolled out of him. “I knew it. Gina thinks he’s a stud too, but I forgive her for that. I’m glad you called. This is the greatest news and I’ll be waiting to hear the next episode of Dr. Linard’s secret life in Scuol. It would make a great sequel to All Creatures Great and Small. Love you.”

  They disconnected.

  After Francesca had been up part of the night with her dog, Friday morning came too soon. She took care of him and they left for the clinic. She had to hope Artur would learn to like the kennel. He whined his head off when she left him in the yard with the other dogs. But each time she appeared throughout the day to see to his needs, he’d settled down a little more.

  Her working day involved two surgeries and the usual vaccinations and setting of limbs. She faced the end of the day with alternate feelings of excitement and dread over what was coming. They drove back to the apartment. Francesca had been going nonstop and felt it as she took care of her dog.

  Every minute she listened for the Prince’s approach. Until he arrived, she took advantage of the time to snap pictures of Artur with her phone to send to the family.

  While she filled his water dish, he started to bark. He hadn’t done much of that yet. Someone had come to the door and knocked. Artur dashed toward it. Her heart almost palpitated out of her chest as she followed him.

  Upon opening it, she came close to fainting. Vivid blue eyes beneath dark brows and wavy dark hair pierced hers. The Prince had come dressed in an open necked linen sport shirt and chinos, the epitome of an Adonis. He carried a sack of something that smelled delicious, but she couldn’t think or concentrate.

  The dog jumped around him making excited sounds. Artur smelled a friend as well as food. Francesca had to hold back her own excited feelings. “Come in, Your Highness.”

  He flashed her a smile, walked in and put the sack on the kitchen counter. Then he hunkered down to play with the dog. “I can see you’re loving your new home, Artur. I brought you a present too.” He pulled a canine party bone treat out of his pocket and unwrapped it. “These were Karl’s favorites.”

  The dog grabbed it and ran off to chew on it.

  Francesca stared down at him. “You’re spoiling him.”

  He stood up. His eyes played over her features. “It’s your fault.” Those words and the way he said them made her legs go weak. “I hope you’re hungry. I brought Chinese.”

  She swallowed hard. “You couldn’t have picked anything I like more. If you want to freshen up, the bathroom is down the hall on the left.”

  “Thank you.”

  By the time he returned, she’d placed the food on the table. He’d also brought a bottle of wine which he poured into drinking glasses she’d provided.

  “This is delicious,” she said a few minutes later.

  “I’m glad it tastes good to you.” His eyes played over her. “What’s your schedule tomorrow? I enjoyed our outing so much, I’d like to do it again. We’ll take Artur to the mountains with us and discuss the script then.”

  She could hear Rolf’s words. “He has no idea that you’re a Visconti in hiding. So go on being Dr. Linard and see where it leads.”

  Francesca wanted to go with him so badly, she refused to listen to the warnings in her head. “If I come, you know we’ll have a puppy with us and that means a lot of work.”

  He stared at her over his wineglass. “To be honest, I miss Karl and would love it more than you know.” Francesca believed him. “I’ll come by at eight thirty for you. Have a good night.”

  The second he left the apartment, Francesca sank down on the couch afraid over what she’d done. Should she have put the Prince off? What would happen if he found out who she really was? The dog sensed her distress and plopped himself in her lap. “Oh, Artur, have I made the biggest mistake of my life? What am I going to do?” When she finally put the dog down and went to bed, she sobbed into her pillow, tossing and turning all night.

  * * *

  Francesca’s gorgeous image had been robbing Vincenzo of sleep. When Saturday morning came, he got up excited. Once showered and shaved, he pulled on a sport shirt and jeans. Before taking off, he wrote a message to be delivered to his mother that he had business this weekend. If an emergency cropped up, she should leave a message on his phone.

  He drank his coffee and grabbed a roll to eat on his way out of the palace. Despite a warm August morning, he saw storm clouds gathering over the mountains in the distance. Nothing could dampen his spirits as he headed for Zernez.

  After a stop at the deli, he drove to Francesca’s apartment. She stood waiting at the bottom of the stairs with a bag and the crate next to her. He got out and helped her into his car. She looked beautiful dressed in jeans and soft pink pullover.

  “It’s your turn, Artur.” After setting the crate in the backseat, he walked around and they took off. The dog barked when the thunder grew worse.

  “Oh, dear,” she murmured. “He’s not used to it.”

  Vincenzo chuckled. “He’s a mountain dog and will soon adapt. This weather couldn’t be more perfect for him.”

  Like thieves stealing away in the night, they whizzed toward the mountains. He’d never known this kind of contentment. “Are you cold? Hot?”

  “I’m perfect.”

  Yes, she is... “Tell me how your work is going overall.”

  “I love it. How lucky am I to do what I love for a living! What about your work?”

  “When you’re the only son of a prince, you’re supposed to grow up doing what you’re told to do. At first I wasn’t that interested, but in time my views changed.”

  “How?”

  “I saw the potential for expansion within the country and made new goals that would benefit the monarchy and some of my favorite causes. In that regard it turned out to be a good thing.”

  “The Biosphere Reserve is your case in point.” She lowered her head, thinking of her father who’d done a great favor for her family. As a result of breaking with the Visconti side, her parents had allowed her and Rolf to lead their own lives.

  “I’m afraid I wasn’t as courageous in other areas.” He made a turn that would lead them up the mountain to his chalet. “My father had dreams for me. Mother supported him in everything. The two houses of Baldasseri and Visconti decided to merge those dreams by arranging a marriage to Princess Valentina.”

  “How did you feel about that?” she asked in a quiet voice.

  “I should explain something to you. From an early age I sensed my father, the younger brother, felt he was a disappointment to the Baldasseri family long before he married my mother. He suffered from terrible inferiority. I wanted to take away his pain because I loved him. The only way to do that was to be an obedient son. They raised me that I should enjoy dating, but never forget that when the time came, I would be marrying a princess.”

  “You obviously listened to them, which makes you a wonderful son.”

  “Not so wonderful, Francesca. After his death I realized how long I’d been lying to myself about what I wanted out of life.”

  A moan escaped her lips. “When did he die?”

  “Soon after I was betrothed.”

  “I’m so sorry you lost him.”

  “It was hard. My mother is still grieving. They had a good marriage.”

  “So do my parents,” Francesca admitted as a loud clap of thunder resounded, causing the dog to whimper.

  Vincenzo reached back to knock on the crate. “We’re almost there, buddy.” The rain had started to splash down. He turned on the wipers.

  “Your mother must be devastated that your marriage has been called off.”

  “I’m afraid so. One can only hope she will get over it. She cared for Valentina.”

  “What about your grandparents?”

  “They don’t say anything. Deep down I think Grandfather knows I’m not suffering over anything but the loss of Karl. I’m praying his kidneys hold out for a long time. I’ll want his backing and my grandmother’s when I decide to marry the woman I can’t live without.”

  A noticeable pause ensued before she asked, “What about your sister?”

  “Bella and I watch out for each other.”

  She nodded. “My brother and I are the same way.”

  “What are his plans?”

  “He’s in engineering right now and will marry his girlfriend, Gina, at Christmas. Is your sister betrothed?”

  “No. She’s taking her time. Mamma has ideas for her, but she’s very particular. Between us she’s searching for the perfect prince who we know doesn’t exist.”

  Her laughter resounded. “I saw her picture on television while she was vacationing with Princess Constanza in Lausanne. What a beautiful girl! Actually, they both are. I imagine they’re besieged by any number of suitable princes.”

  “But none that either of them wants,” he quipped.

  He slowed down as the road curved around. The one-story chalet appeared nestled in the trees. “We’re here, Francesca. I’m sure Artur can’t wait to be let out. I’ll go first and unlock the door. After you run in, I’ll bring the dog and the groceries.”

  * * *

  Francesca sat there in shock that the Prince had confided such private things to her. His ability to open up to her touched her to the depth of her soul.

  He’d said they were coming to his little ski hideaway, but it was surrounded by pines and turned out to be an elegant Swiss mountain home with a vaulted ceiling, stone fireplace, two bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, a loft, dining area and a kitchen with every amenity. Hardwood floors were covered with area rugs. Francesca could live here forever in this paradise and wanted to explore. But Artur needed to go outside.

  She attached his leash and walked him under a tree for some protection from the rain. Before coming with the Prince, she’d made a bed in the crate so her dog had a place to sleep near her. When she took him back inside, he’d put the crate near the fireplace with the door open. He’d also put out food and water bowls in the kitchen. Her dog darted for them. Artur had to be as wildly happy as she was to be here.

  “Why don’t you use the guest bedroom there on the right to freshen up while I make us a fire.” A stack of wood stood next to the grate hearth.

  She smiled. “When you mentioned a hideaway, I imagined a cot in a one-room cabin with a leaky roof and an outhouse in back.”

  Deep rich male laughter poured out of him. “My mother wouldn’t have allowed it. Nothing was too good for her son. She makes certain it stays clean.”

  “Well, you can tell her for me, I’m glad.” His chuckles followed her as she went in the bedroom with her bag. Before using the bathroom, she walked over to the window. The cloudburst had passed over. By afternoon they’d be able to go for a walk. She felt like she’d arrived in heaven.

  A fire blazed as she went back to the living room. She noticed that Artur was following him while he laid out a feast of pasta on the dining room table. “I can see my dog would rather live with you.”

  He lifted his dark head. “Then all I have to do is win you around and we’ll all be happy.”

  Her breath caught at his remark. She wouldn’t be here with him if she didn’t want it far too much. “What can I do to help, Your Highness?”

  A frown appeared. “The first thing I’d like you to do is call me Vincenzo.”

  Whoa.

  “The ‘Your Highness’ business has gone on far too long.”

  She shivered in reaction.

  “Why don’t you get some wineglasses out of that cupboard and we’ll eat. I don’t know about you, but I’m famished.”

  “I am too.”

  In another minute they sat down at the table. He poured the wine. Everything about him appealed to her. When those brilliant blue eyes focused on her, she trembled inwardly from their fire. They began to eat.

  “Deli food never tasted better,” she commented in order to break the spell he’d cast on her.

  “It beats my cooking,” he quipped.

  “And mine.”

  His gaze impaled her. “It has to be obvious to you by now that I want to get to know you better. I’m sorry if it feels like I’ve been hounding you. Forgive me. When you said you didn’t feel right about doing the video, I should have accepted your decision as final and left you alone.”

  Francesca couldn’t take this any longer. “I’m glad you didn’t,” she admitted in a shaky voice. “I really do want to participate in the project, but you’re not just anyone. I’ve had a talk with my brother about you because...because you’re a prince.”

  “And?” His eyes smiled. He was irresistible.

  “He told me I was making a mountain out of a molehill.”

  More laughter poured out of him. “I’ve been called many things, but never that.”

  “Rolf believes in going with the flow.”

  “He sounds like my kind of man. I’m glad you listened to him, and your honesty disarms me. After I brought Karl into the clinic and met you, I talked with my sister where you’re concerned.”

  She swallowed hard. “What advice did she have for you?”

  “She didn’t, because she knows that with my broken engagement behind me, I will make my own decisions about the rest of my life from here on out. You are one of them, yet I don’t even know your first name.”

  Uh-oh. “It’s Francesca.”

  “The free one in Latin. Beautiful. With your frank personality, it suits you more than you know.”

  She was starting to feel ill.

  “I find I can’t stay away from you, Francesca. Does that frighten you?”

  Couldn’t he hear her heart racing? “Yes.”

  “What can I do to make you feel more comfortable?”

  Francesca looked away. “You can’t.”

  He drank some wine, then put down his glass. “That’s a word I don’t recognize. I believe in my gut there is an us and I believe you know it too. Give me a specific I can live with, and I won’t ever bother you again.”

  She drew in a quick breath. “If I tell you the reason, you’re going to blame Daniel. I don’t want to ruin your relationship with him. He thinks the world of you.”

  Vincenzo was totally intrigued. “And you. Otherwise he wouldn’t have hired you or agreed for you to help with the video. What does Daniel have to do with your unwillingness to go out with me?”

  “When I explain, I realize you’re not going to want to have anything to do with me. But will you promise not to blame him?”

  The depth of her anxiety spoke to him. “I swear it.”

  She clutched her hands beneath the table. “Since joining the clinic, I’ve gone by the name Dr. Linard. In truth, my birth name is... Francesca Giordano Visconti.”

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  THE EARTH STOOD STILL for a second. “As in—”

  “Princess Valentina Visconti,” Francesca clarified for him.

  Vincenzo’s thoughts reeled. “How close a relationship?”

  “Your former fiancée is my first cousin. Our Visconti fathers are estranged brothers.”

  The revelation stunned him. Both women were so different physically and emotionally, he would never have guessed that such a blood tie existed. He sucked in his breath. “Tell me more.”

  “My father, the former Prince Niccolo Visconti, fell in love with Greta Giordano, a commoner. Naturally it created a scandal because no Visconti had ever married a commoner before. Surely you know all about that history from Valentina. He made the decision to renounce his title and broke with the family. They moved to Bern where they married. He had business contacts there and started a packaging company.”

  He nodded. “When I first heard the story, I thought your father sounded like a man after my own heart.”

  “He’s wonderful. In time, my brother Rolf and I were born and raised there. Neither of us has ever met the other side of the Visconti family. I’ve only seen pictures of Valentina on the news. There’s been nothing between our families, but when I applied to Daniel’s clinic which is in your territory, I had to be honest with him from the very start.”

  “I can see where this is heading. Go on. I want to hear everything.”

  She sat back in the chair. “During my interview, I had to explain the situation to him concerning the hostile history between the Baldasseri and Visconti families, and my relationship to Valentina. That’s when he told me he was your vet.”

  Vincenzo smiled. “Quite a coincidence. We go back a long way and he knows a lot about my history.”

  “I couldn’t believe he knew you so personally. I thought of course he’d turn me down for the position. Instead, he said he wanted to hire me. After he spoke to a government regulator, a waiver was signed so I could use any name I wanted. That way there would never be a connection. My brother and I came up with the Romansh name Linard. When you walked in the clinic with Karl the first time, my greatest fear was realized and I almost fainted.”

  “Meeting you turned out to be the greatest day of my life.”

  Her breath caught. “Don’t say that—”

  “Even if it’s true?”

  “But I’ve been living a lie. We can’t see each other anymore, Vincenzo—” she cried. “You’ve just come out of an engagement to my cousin.”