She wanted his love, but he was unloving. Laura had known it was a gamble. But working on a tropical island, even temporarily, appealed to her. Admittedly, the Conde Duarte de Taviro Mauredo had commissioned her father to restore his paintings. But, as she had assisted her father before his death, she was sure she was competent. The Conde, however, took a different view of the deception. “You will be accommodated here at the Palacio until one week today.” he said arrogantly. “That is the next flight out.