To Win His Heart. Rebecca Winters

to that happening on one occasion because I was otherwise occupied.”

      “You mean you and your cousins were too busy playing undercover cop. How come you haven’t found your thief yet?”

      “Give us a little more time and we will.”

      Earlier in the day Nic had called Luc, asking him to fly to England. The police had stumbled across a new lead in the case of the family’s missing jewelry collection from the Colorno palace in Italy. One of the pieces had turned up at an auction in London. Nic wanted to discuss the new development with him.

      Luc had been forced to turn him down because of his hospital visit in the morning, but after his week of recuperation was up, he promised to join Nic in Marbella, Spain, where he lived and they’d discuss new ideas to track down the culprits.

      The disappointment in his cousin’s voice was understandable. Luc suspected his cousin was looking for an excuse to get together because, like Luc, he was feeling deserted now that the wedding was over. Their cousin Max, who’d been a best friend and brother to them, was now a married man.

      “Luc? In case you hadn’t noticed, your phone’s ringing. From the sound of it, they’re not going to hang up. I would imagine it’s Cesar looking for me.

      “The maid at your parents’ house had to give me your address and probably told him I was here. Maybe I should answer it. That way he’ll believe you’re the man I was referring to in my note. What do you think?”

      Luc didn’t have to think. She obviously had Cesar eating out of her hand. “Be my guest.”

      CHAPTER THREE

      FULL of confidence, Olivia took the receiver Luc handed to her and said hello. When there was no answer she said hello again, a little louder this time. If it was Cesar on the other end, no doubt he was debating whether to hang up or not.

      Suddenly a familiar female voice came over the wires. “Olivia Duchess!”

      Oh, no. It was Greer!

      “I didn’t want to believe what Piper told me,” her sister started in without preamble. “What in heaven’s name are you doing at Luc’s house, let alone answering his phone? I can’t believe you actually followed through with this outrageous plan of yours!”

      Olivia spun around so her back faced Luc. She couldn’t fathom that her sister was calling all the way from Greece when she was supposed to be in Max’s arms right now. Greer could ruin everything!

      Think fast, Olivia. “Are you still in Monza?”

      “Monza— Oh, I get it. Luc’s standing right there next to you. Piper told me about this crazy scheme of yours and begged me to stop you, but I can see it’s already too late.”

      “I’m afraid it is.”

      “Listen to me—there’s something you need to know about Luc. I was hoping I would never have to tell you, but after Piper’s emergency phone call, I’ve decided it’s necessary.”

      “There’s nothing else to be said. Please under-45 stand. Besides this isn’t the time with Luc going into the hospital first thing in the morning for surgery on his leg. It’s time for bed right now and he needs a good night’s sleep.”