Being in the Strauss was unlike in the villa, and everything was the rather high class for me. I was amazed when he linked arms with me, leading me deeper into this very unlikely dream.

Was I still awake, or was I dreaming of being with Kaiser in such a place? I wanted to pinch myself hard but I feared I would wake up. Everything was too good to be true.

'What's wrong, Piper? Don't you like it here?"

I hesitated, scrutinising the beautiful painting-laden walls of the ...