One of them retained the presence of mind to use a condom – though it wasn’t her. His breath rushed against her shoulder as he entered her. Hard flesh stroked soft flesh and she felt him in every part of herself, opening and closing, pushing and pulling, felt the way he moved, caressing her with every part of himself, stroking her inside and out.

And there was nothing in the world for her but that man and this moment.

They definitely didn’t get enough sleep. ‘But we have to make the most of our time together,’ she murmured to him as she was dragged from her slumbers by the intriguing sensation of a hot male body and caressing hands. Whether she woke him or he woke her the tingling sex was unhurried and tender. Isaac made love with intensity and curiosity, enclosing them in a private bubble of pleasure.

Friday morning finally arrived with Isaac’s phone alarm going off. He stretched, then caught Lily up against him. ‘I have to take Doggo to visit the vet or he won’t be allowed to set paw back on British soil. Ona says he can stay with her today while we’re out.’

‘Awwwww.’ She nuzzled the side of his neck. ‘I want to stay in bed.’

His laugh was rueful as his hand slid down to stroke her bottom. ‘If you want to let the others go to Zürich on their own then let’s do it.’

‘They can’t get to Biberbrugg station without you to drive them there. Hope Franciszka meant she’ll be staying with Neil tonight as well,’ she groaned, reluctantly letting him slide out from under her hands, out of bed. Then she eased herself from the warm cocoon of Isaac’s quilt and began to gather up her clothes.

‘The Christmasness of this place is awesome!’ Alfie announced. They were exploring the market currently occupying most of Zürich Main Station, passing under the banner reading, Christkindlimarkt – ENCHANTINGLY WELCOME! to slaver over chocolate cakes and wince at a price tag of fifty Swiss francs for a single – though beautiful – glass decoration.

The Swarovski Christmas tree, encrusted top to bottom with glittering crystals, was so ostentatiously beautiful it was hard to absorb. Almost more crystal than tree, soaring thirty feet into the rafters of the great building, it was surrounded by display cases of jewellery and even a crystal-encrusted bowler hat.

Charlotte and Emily pressed their faces against the security glass and groaned. ‘Mum …?’

Carola laughed incredulously. ‘Darlings, if you think I have enough money to buy you something amazing from Swarovski then I’m afraid you’ve got me mixed up with some other mother.’