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They left the party soon after. Demetrios said little while they were in the car, but when they arrived back at the marina he asked the driver to drop them off so they could walk the rest of the way.

As they made their way along the harbourside, he told her, ‘I would like to apologize for Sofía’s rudeness, it was inexcusable.’

Shauna thought it sounded as though apologizing for Sofía’s rudeness was a regular occurrence. ‘Who is she?’

‘A close family friend. Her father is my family’s closest competitor in business, so he is both a friend and a rival of my father. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer, isn’t that what they say?’

‘Sounds serious.’

‘Yes and no. Sofía … Well, let’s just say she embodies the qualities of both friend and enemy. She loves me and she hates me, probably in equal measure. My father and mother would have me marry her and put an end to her indecision.’

Shauna felt a jolt pass through her. ‘And will you do what your parents would have you do?’

‘When I marry, it will be for love. But enough of me. Tell me, has this night lived up to your expectations?’

‘Oh, yes.’ She gave him a dazzling smile. ‘I met Grace Kelly, what could be better than that?’

‘I am glad we made one of your dreams come true.’

Shauna couldn’t help the thought that there was one more thing that would make her night complete.

He looked at his watch. ‘Do you know, it is midnight already.’

‘Just like Cinderella – the only thing missing is a glass slipper.’

‘And a kiss from a prince?’

‘Now that would be a fantasy. Remember, no fraternizing,’ Shauna laughed.

He laughed too, but reached out and took her hand. ‘I think you played your part very well tonight, Beauty. I was impressed.’

Shauna felt a tingle as he touched her and didn’t pull away. Maybe the champagne really has gone to my head, she told herself. ‘I loved every minute of it. Apart from Sofía, everyone was utterly charming. It was wonderful to be someone else for a night.’

‘She is jealous.’

‘Why would she be jealous of me?’

‘You really have no idea? She is angry because you are with me. And she knows I wouldn’t take just anyone along to the Grimaldi palace. You are special, Shauna. I thought tonight was just …’ He trailed off and took a step closer to her. This time she moved towards him too and looked once more into his hazel eyes flecked with gold.

‘Perhaps we should put the final touch on our evening,’ he whispered, waiting as if to give her the chance to say no, but she was mesmerized by the way his eyes seemed to drink her in.

‘Yes, perhaps we should,’ she breathed, proud of her unexpected boldness.

Slowly, he slipped an arm around her waist and drew her closer, his gaze never leaving hers.

She thought that he must be able to hear the thudding of her heart as he lowered his lips to hers. The first gentle touch surprised and delighted her as, satin soft, his mouth glided over hers, barely there but sending a delicious shock wave through her.

His hand slid up her back, pressing her to him. She felt a growing sense of urgency and kissed him back. Beneath her fingers she could feel the warm skin of his neck. The warm night air wrapped around them, bringing the scent of the sea and the faint chimes of the halyards clinking on the sailing boats in the harbour.

Eventually, he pulled away, ‘Our night together now has everything. Tomorrow it is back to reality for both of us, but at least we will both have a little dream to keep in our hearts. You can be my Cinderella, and I …’

She touched his lips with her fingers. ‘Don’t say any more. It’s perfect as it is. Goodnight, Demetrios.’

Shauna slipped off her gold sandals and skipped up the gangway feeling the slight rock of the boat as she stepped aboard. It had been a magical evening, a glimpse of another life, but now she was back with a very gentle landing rather than a bump, and for that she was very grateful.

The yacht was silent with no one to see her clutching the gold sandals and lifting her skirts as she padded down the stairs praying that she wouldn’t meet anyone. After she’d peeled off the beautiful silk dress, she lay back on her bunk with a dreamy smile on her face, wondering if this was this how Cinderella had felt after the ball.

Chapter 8