“And we could be reached if something happens?”

“Absolutely.”

She hesitated. “So who would be going?”

“Just you and me, if that’s all right.”

Her gaze slowly swept over his face with the high cheekbones, straight nose, firm, sensual mouth, before dropping to his body. God, she loved his body … his narrow hips, his long lean, muscular torso and those sinfully broad shoulders. She glanced back up into his face, noting his arched eyebrow and his amused expression. She blushed. “Yes, that’s all right.”

His warm golden brown eyes, framed by those long, dense black lashes, glinted. “I’m glad.”

She looked at him for a long moment, wondering what Drakon had up his sleeve, and why he’d decided to be charming today. He was reminding her of the Drakon of their courtship, the Drakon of their honeymoon—mellow, amusing, easygoing, attentive. She liked this Drakon, very much, but why was he here now? And what did he want? “When do we leave?”

“When can you be ready?”

They took the helicopter towards Naples, flying above the stunning Italian coastline, where the blue sea butted against the green swell of land, before rising up into the hills and the slopes of Mount Vesuvius, the volcano that had erupted and wiped out Pompeii.

“So beautiful,” Morgan murmured, her fingers pressed against the slick helicopter window, her gaze fixed on the landscape below. “And so deceptively serene.”

“Because Vesuvius is still active?”

“Isn’t it considered one of the world’s deadliest volcanoes?”

“Unfortunately, yes. Its Plinian eruptions aren’t a good fit for the three million people living at the base, as well as up and down the slopes.”

“I’d be afraid to live there.”

“Scientists believe they can predict an eruption before it happens, and they do have an emergency evacuation plan.

She shivered. “I understand ancient Pompeii was beautiful.”

“The villas that were on the outskirts of town would rival the finest villas today.”

“I’d love to see it.”

“Good. Because we’re on our way there now.”

Morgan clasped his arm in delight. “Really?”

“Really.”

A bubble of warmth formed in her chest, rising. “I’m so glad!”

Drakon glanced down at her hand where it rested on his arm. He’d hardened the moment she touched him, it was how he always responded to her.

He drew a breath and exhaled, trying to ease some of the tightness in his gut. “I hope you’ll enjoy today,” he said, grateful he could sound controlled even when he didn’t feel that way. “I’m hoping you will find something in Pompeii to inspire you and your next jewelry collection.”

“I don’t think there will be another—”

“Yes, there will be.”

“I made terrible mistakes—”

“Everyone makes mistakes, but that doesn’t mean you should give up. You have a gift. You’re an artist. I believe in your vision.”

She looked up into his eyes, fear and hope in the blue depths. “Do you really mean that?”

“Absolutely. You will have more collections, and you will succeed.”

“How can you be so certain?”