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

hers and let her body slide back down so her feet were once again on solid ground. Her arms fell limply to her sides.
    Vittorio cupped her face, stared at her with his beautiful, dark eyes. “Oh, Birgitte, I must have you.”
    What did it matter what name he called her? It would be her body he touched. Her body he claimed. When would Mia ever have another chance to be made love to by a handsome prince? To have this ache relieved by such an accomplished lover? She’d be gone in the morning and he’d never know the woman he took to his bed wasn’t the real princess of Stagatland. He held out his hand to her. “Come to my bed, cara . Say you’ll be mine tonight.”
    She nodded and his smile lit up his face. He took her hand and led her back into the ballroom. “I must talk to a few people and make sure everything is taken care of before I leave. I won’t be long.”
    “Vittorio.” He paused in his long strides across the ballroom. “It’s okay,” she told him.
    “We have all night.”
    His eyes flashed. “The night will be not be long enough if we do not start soon.”
    She smiled, trembled at his smooth, sweet words. “Do what you have to do. I’ll sit here and wait for you.” She gestured to one of the empty tables at the edge of the dance floor. As she looked around, she could see that the crowd was thinning. It must have been later than she thought.
    Vittorio nodded, pulled her in for a quick kiss and then held out a chair for her. “I’ll be back as soon as I can. Don’t go anywhere.”
    “I won’t.” Now that she’d made up her mind to do this, Mia was as eager as he was. Arousal sang through her veins and anticipation made the song even sweeter. She watched him cross the room and speak to a group of men in the corner.
    “May I keep you company?”
    Mia looked up and saw Vittorio’s sister, Angelina, standing there. “Of course. Please.”
    Angelina was as lovely as her brothers were handsome. The Mezzano royal family obviously had some excellent genes. The princess couldn’t be more than twenty-one, bright and friendly. “Did you have a good time tonight?” she asked politely. Her dark hair was piled high on her head. Now that she was closer, Mia could admire the diamond tiara sparkling amid her brunette curls.
    “I had a very good time,” Mia replied. “Thank you again for inviting me.”
    “Well, I know you’re used to more exciting venues than this.” Angelina blushed as if she hadn’t meant to say the words aloud. “Sorry. I know I shouldn’t pay any attention to the tabloids, but I can’t deny I like to keep track of what other princesses are doing. There aren’t a lot of us, you know, out of all the women in the world.”
    “I hadn’t thought about it. I suppose you’re right.”
    “Papa would be so upset if I acted as you do.” Her hand flew to cover her mouth. “Oh and that sounded terrible. I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to say I think there’s anything wrong with enjoying yourself.” Angelina sighed lightly. “Dancing and parties and lots of boyfriends. I think it would be so much fun.” She smiled shyly. “Don’t tell my brother I said that. He would be horrified to think that his little sister is grown up and has a mind of her own. This is just between us, princess to princess.”
    Oh boy. “I won’t tell him. I’m sure you must have plenty to do here in Mezzano.”
    Angelina wrinkled her pretty nose. “Yeah, you know, princess things. Speak to groups. Christen ships and shopping centers. Play hostess at all the official functions. It gets a little boring after a while.”
    Vittorio was speaking with the musicians who were packing up. He glanced her way and winked. Her chest filled with pleasure. Mia turned her attention back to Angelina. “No boyfriends in the picture?”
    “No, I haven’t met any princes or dukes or anything that I can imagine spending the rest of my life with.”
    “Surely there are some attractive young men here in Mezzano you