Regal Weddings and Ruthless Tycoons Bundle by Robyn Donald & Annie West & Daphne Clair & Kathryn Ross

Author:Robyn Donald & Annie West & Daphne Clair & Kathryn Ross
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2009-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

‘ONCE again, thank you all for your generosity.’ Carys looked across the crowded ballroom, acknowledging smiles from her audience. Relief sighed through her.

Far from being an unresponsive group, those attending the lunch had embraced her and her chosen charities with disarming enthusiasm.

‘And please, when you’ve finished your meal, feel free to come outside and enjoy the fair.’

At a nod from her, the light curtains covering the series of French doors were pushed aside and the doors flung open.

On the afternoon breeze, children’s laughter mingled with the sound of music. A fairground had been set up on the lawns and those who would be the recipients of today’s fundraising were enjoying themselves: children. Some from orphanages, some with disabilities and others recuperating from serious illnesses.

Carys stepped down from the small podium, acknowledging applause from all sides.

Her gaze kept straying to the tall figure at the back of the room. His nod and smile confirmed what she saw herself. That the lunch and the speech she’d sweated over so long had been successful.

She guessed he was proud of her. But it was the love in his eyes, clear even from here, that warmed her to the core.

Walking between the tables took for ever as she stopped to talk to those she knew and others eager to introduce themselves.

By the time she reached Sandro, Carys felt as if she’d shaken hundreds of hands, answered thousands of questions. And she revelled in it. The guests’ support of the charities she’d chosen touched her heart.

‘You’re a natural,’ said a warm voice as she left the final table.

She stopped, looking up into familiar hooded eyes alive with approval. Sandro took her hand and raised it to his lips. Inevitably she shivered in response and he smiled, recognising the effect he had on her.

‘You made them laugh and even made them cry,’ he added. ‘I’ve never seen such unabashed enthusiasm for our fundraising before.’

Carys looked at Leo, bright-eyed and excited, on his father’s hip. Her heart swelled seeing him so happy. Feeling the bond between the three of them.

She shrugged. ‘A lot of them are parents. Besides, who wouldn’t want to help those kids and make life a little easier for them?’

Alessandro gathered her close with his free arm and she went willingly, content to be in her husband’s strong embrace. Content, at last, to be home.

‘The hotel industry lost a treasure when you left,’ he murmured. ‘But I’m not giving you back. You make the perfect Contessa Mattani.’ His voice dropped to a low purr. ‘You’re perfect for me, piccolina.’ He lowered his head.

‘Sandro,’ she hissed. ‘We can’t! Not here.’

His response was to kiss her till her bones tingled and she clung to him.

Some time later she became aware of Leo leaning in for a hug, and sound swelling around them. The sound of laughter and more applause.

Alessandro looked over her head and waved to their guests, then led her out into the gardens.

‘We can’t just leave them,’ she protested.

‘Of course we can,’ he assured her.

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