Her Royal Masquerade (Her Royal Romance) Read Online Free PDF Page A

platform he focused for a moment or two on the shadow of her cleavage teasing him beneath that beautiful gown. She didn’t threaten to spill out of her neckline like most of the women here tonight. Still, Vittorio thought Birgitte looked lovelier, sexier, than any woman he’d ever known. He ached to have her beneath him, to taste her lips and bury himself in her soft body. He almost groaned out loud. He had to stop thinking about the beautiful princess in his bed until they could be alone.
    It was finally her turn. Vittorio stepped down from the dais to take her hand. She smiled but didn’t meet his eyes, focusing instead on his father.
    “I’d like to present Princess Birgitte from Stagatland,” Vittorio said.
    Birgitte curtsied. “Your Majesty, I am so pleased to meet you, especially on the occasion of your birthday.”
    King Alberto smiled more brightly than any other time tonight, or did Vittorio only want to think that was the case? “Ah, this is the lovely princess I’ve been hearing about.” His father held out his hand to her. Vittorio tried not to take note of the slight shake. Birgitte took the king’s hand and allowed herself to be drawn closer to the throne.
    “Your Majesty?” she asked, returning his smile. “Dare I ask what you’ve heard about me?”
    His father chuckled lightly and Vittorio thought there might have been a little more color in his cheeks. “I was told there was a beautiful princess here with white hair and a blue dress who danced with my eldest son and complimented my musicians and made everyone in the room smile.”
    Birgitte’s cheeks grew pink. How delightful that she could still blush. “How could everyone not smile with the wonderful music here tonight?” she said, addressing the king. She had yet to look at Vittorio. “And on such a special occasion. It is a night for smiles, is it not?”
    “Indeed, it is,” his father replied. He glanced quickly to Vittorio, raised one brow, and then turned his attention back to Birgitte.
    “Birgitte has taken a special interest in our music,” Vittorio said.
    “And a special interest in our brother,” Angelina interjected, a mischievous grin on her face.
    There was that blush on Birgitte’s face again. Vittorio had not seen anything lovelier. He reached out and brushed a finger lightly over his sister’s nose, a gesture he’d adopted over the years. “Brat.”
    “I’m only stating the truth,” Angie told him. She smiled at Birgitte. “Hi. I’m Angelina. I am so pleased to meet you.”
    “And I’m Stefano,” his brother was quick to say. “I’m the younger, more handsome prince.”
    Birgitte laughed lightly. “Pleased to meet you both.” She appeared uneasy, however, as she looked over her shoulder at the handful of people waiting behind her. Didn’t she realize she could stay here as long as the royal family wished it? “I’ll move on. A wonderful birthday to you, Your Majesty. Thank you for inviting me.”
    Vittorio caught her elbow as she walked away. Just the touch of her bare skin beneath his fingers made his body harden. If he were honest, he’d been hard since she walked into the ballroom tonight. “This way.” He steered her toward the door they’d used earlier. He had to get her alone, away from curious eyes and ears.
    She pulled out of his grasp, slowly so as not to draw attention and Vittorio had to release his hold on her. “Don’t you have to stay with your family?”
    “They’ll be fine without me.” He slid his arm around her waist, pulled her close. The press of her body against his was enough to kick up his heartbeat and send his arousal soaring even higher. “We have to talk.” He drew her across the floor and out the door. The evening air hadn’t cooled at all. Neither had he. He couldn’t even remember the words he’d planned to say, the logical argument he’d prepared.
    This time when she pulled out of his embrace it was with surprising force. She whirled around to face him.