“They're very fond of Pattie. But that doesn't mean a damn thing.”

“Doesn't it?” Serena tried to look flip as she slid out of bed, but he pulled her back.

“No. I'm thirty-four years old. I have to lead my life, Serena, not theirs. If I wanted to lead their life, I'd already be out of the army, working for one of my father's friends in New York.”

“Doing what?” She suddenly had an insatiable curiosity about him.

“Working in a bank most likely. Or running for office. My family is very involved in politics in the States.”

She sighed tiredly and there was a cynical smile in her eyes. “My family was very involved in politics over here.” She looked at him with sorrow and wisdom and a hint of laughter, and he was glad to see that she could see the irony in the situation. “It's a little different there.”

“I hope so. Is that what you want to do? Go into politics?”

“Maybe. To tell you the truth I'd rather stay in the army. I've been thinking of making that my career.”

“How do they feel about that?” It was as though she had instantly sensed how great a power they wielded over him, or attempted to. And there were times when it was a battle royal. “Do they like that idea?”

“No. But that's life. And this is my life. And I love you. So don't you forget that ever. I'll make my own decisions.” He glanced at the photograph again. “About that as well. Capisci?”

She grinned at his American-accented Italian. “Capito.”

“Good.” He kissed her then, and a moment later he made delicious love to her again.





8

“Relax, for heaven's sake. I told him. That's all.”