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gathered around them, all wanting to be in on the action. Franco whipped out a notebook and scribbled down the bets, obviously used to doing exactly this.
‘What are you doing?’ Helena muttered to Salvatore. ‘You could end up paying out a huge fortune.’ Her eyes glinted wickedly. ‘And then how would you buy me out?’
‘But you’re not going to let me buy you out, so it’s academic.’
‘I suppose it is.’
‘Besides which, if I lose a fortune I won’t be able to buy you out, and you’ll feel quite safe.’
Never in a million years, she thought, would she feel safe with this man. But she only smiled and shook her head.
‘I promise you, I already feel quite safe,’ she said. ‘I’m only concerned for you.’
He gave a rich chuckle that was a pleasure to hear.
‘How kind of you to worry about me, but please don’t. I assure you I’ve protected every angle.’
‘I believe you,’ she assured him sweetly. ‘I doubt if I’d believe you about anything else, but if you tell me you’re playing a cunning game, I recognise the truth.’
‘And aren’t you playing a game every bit as cunning?’
‘I certainly hope so,’ she said with mock indignation.
Franco had finished taking bets.
‘Of course,’ he said, ‘it’s understood that neither of you bids for your own item.’
‘That’s agreed,’ Salvatore said.
‘Agreed,’ Helena added.
Somewhere in the background an orchestra struck up for the dance that was to take place before the auction.
‘Dance with me,’ Salvatore said, taking her into his arms.

CHAPTER FIVE
HELENA knew it was unwise to dance with him, but he’d given her no chance to refuse. His hand was on her waist, drawing her close to his body so that she could feel the movement of his legs against hers through the delicate silk of her dress. Then caution dissolved into enjoyment. They were both excellent dancers, spinning around the floor in perfect accord. Her spirits soared.
When the music ended he raised her hand and kissed it gallantly.
‘It was a real pleasure,’ he said. ‘One I don’t get very often.’
Another partner presented himself, seeking the honour of dancing with her. Salvatore bowed and retreated, leaving the couple to take the floor.
Her new partner was a fine, upstanding young man with a handsome face and easy movements, but now she’d danced with Salvatore it was like drinking tap water after champagne. When it was over she thanked him pleasantly and refused all further requests.
It was time for the auction. Clara claimed everyone’s attention, commended them for attending and made a speech of thanks to the donors. She spoke of the fund-raising which was to provide money for the children’s hospital, ensuring that it had the very best equipment. At the end of her speech-
‘Finally, our two stars of the evening, Signor Salvatore Veretti, owner of Perroni, and Signora Helena Veretti, owner of Larezzo. As you all know, these are the two biggest and most successful glass works in the city. Normally, of course, they are deadly rivals-’
She was interrupted by cheers and applause, as everyone regarded the ‘deadly rivals’ with fascination, causing them to bow and smile, then exchange conspiratorial glances.
‘Guess what they’re thinking,’ Salvatore murmured.
‘Whatever it is, they’re a long way from the truth,’ she murmured back.
‘But tonight,’ Clara continued, ‘for the sake of the charities we support, they have put their rivalry aside. That is-almost aside, for, as you see, they have competed to see who gave the most generous offering.’
She indicated the two glass figures, and there was more applause.
The auction began. One by one the pieces were sold for prices greatly above their true value and the fund rose to satisfying proportions. At last only the two glass figures were left, gleaming gloriously under the floodlights.
‘And now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for,’ Clara declared, stepping aside to indicate them. ‘Which one