Page 87 of Forsaking All Others

“Pardon?”

“Oh, yes. That’s why I didn’t drown in Seville, well, not too badly, and it’s also how I won the challenge in Australia, even though those horrible twins tried to murder me. I dive recreationally. I adore the sea.”

“Do you sail?”

“Of course, ooh la, la, I love a sailboat.”

I return her smile. It’s the first interesting thing she’s told me.

“So, in between your dancing and diving, what prompted you to participate in these Games, Valérie? You sound like you have a full life, rich with friends, family and fun.”

“Oh, I do, but I told you the first night. I came for you, for love, Jaguar. May I call you Jaguar?”

I nod and pour her another glass of champagne.

“I feel,” she goes on, keeping her eyes on mine, “it’s so much nicer to be on a first-name basis, isn’t it? It shows how close we’re becoming. Ah, but as I was saying, I feel that my purpose in life is to love other people. You must understand that? It’s in our blood; our French roots are built on romance.”

I gulp my champagne and pour another. I’m sorely tempted to drink straight from the bottle.

‘Christ, it’s fucking hot here. When will this be over?’

“No,” I shake my head. “I don’t truly consider myself French any longer. I spent most of my youth overseas, either at school or in the army, and my friends all live abroad. I’ve never settled back on my family estate. I’ve always moved around. I enjoy adventure, good conversation, the company of beautiful women, fine food and wine, but romance is not high on my list.”

‘Not any longer. Not ever again.’

The director throws his hands into the air in exasperation behind the cameras, and I can’t help but smirk.

“Adventure,” Valérie smiles, rising and swaying a little from the amount of champagne she’s consumed on an empty stomach, having hardly touched her meal earlier. “I love adventure too. I assure you, I’ll be the perfect companion for you in every way. You won’t lack adventure, my love.”

“I’m sure you’ll make a wonderful wife, Valérie. Now please sit down before you fall.”

“Oh, no. I’m going to prove it to you.” She shakes her head as she begins to unbutton her top.

‘Tonight just got more interesting.’

I turn to look at the director, expecting him to wind up the date, but he’s looking like a pug that’s just been thrown its favourite chew toy.

Sighing, I stand up and stop her hands with my own.

“What are you doing, Valérie?”

“We should skinny dip. Tonight, under the moon and the stars. Let’s swim naked together and find our way to love through adventure.”

“You don’t need to prove anything to me,” I shake my head.

“It’s so hot,” she whines, “and you’re so hot, my darling Jaguar. Swim with me.”

“I’ll swim, but not naked,” I murmur.

“Mon Dieu!” She giggles. “Are you shy?”

I snort and shake my head.

“Valérie, I’m thinking of you. It wouldn’t do for the world’s population to see a potential royal wife nude.”

“Of course,” she says, her eyes wide. “I apologise, Jaguar. I just want to make you happy, I want to show I can be adventurous, I didn’t mean to...”

As her voice winds up to a whine I put one finger to her lips and shake my head.