The Prince's Housekeeper Bride Read Online Free PDF

respect!
    Why?
    â€œBecause I am royalty!” he said it aloud, walked out onto the balcony and stared out to the inky waters of the Mediterranean, to the islands that were his playgrounds, where his reckless, lonely youth had been spent.
    Lonely .
    It was not lonely… Benito sneered at his own thoughts. There had been caregivers, nannies and, later, endless parties, women. Yes, his parents, his brother, had been too busy running the country to bother with him. Francesca, his sister, had tried…until the very day she had died she had indulged him, spoiled him. But when had she really been there for him—when had any of them?
    Who was there for Alisa’s little sister?
    Benito closed his eyes in bitter regret, furious with himself, with her, with everyone. He held the empty glass in his hand so tightly it should surely shatter as he recalled Alisa’s stifled sob as he’d entered her. The pain she been willing to endure— had endured—to provide for her sister searing at his dignity.
    Had Alisa even wanted him at all?
    â€œPrince Benito…” Her voice did nothing to soothe him now, his face black as thunder when he turned to look at her. “I understand if you must dismiss me. I just ask that you do not reveal…” He watched her swallow, watched that beautiful mouth strain as she tried to form the words. Benito didn’t want to remember the feel of her in his arms, tried and failed not to want her. “I beg you not to reveal the truth about my sister.”
    â€œThere are rules, Alisa. I see the contempt in your eyes for the royalty of Niroli, but they do provide well for their people. Your sister will be given an education, fed properly, looked after—”
    â€œKissed good-night?” Alisa challenged. “Loved even when she is so very difficult to love at times?” He didn’t answer so she did it for him. “No one will love her more than I do. Soothe your conscience if you must, believe she is better off with a full belly and devoid of love—I do not have to agree.”
    â€œYou are not there for her.”
    â€œMy neighbor is.”
    â€œYour neighbor?” Benito sneered, but still she stood proud.
    â€œBella is a good woman. A good woman who will lose her sight in the next two years because she cannot get the surgery she needs. I will care for her then as she cares for Marietta now.”
    â€œThere is a hospital. Your royal family ensures its people—”
    â€œThe hospital does not do the surgery Bella requires. Will your family pay for her ticket to the mainland, for her appointments and then for her operation?” Alisa gave a mocking laugh. “You choose not to see the disparity, Benito, well that’s your choice. Believe the propaganda you have been fed, if it makes you sleep better at night.”
    â€œI sleep very at well night.” He stared at her coolly. “I leave after the ball on Saturday—you will continue to work for me till then, but there is one condition.” He watched her flounder as he delivered his offer, “You will attend the ball with me.”
    â€œNo!” She shook her head. “That is as good as firing me. Surely you know that will alienate me. I could never work here again if I attend the ball with you. If you leave afterward, then the whole of Niroli will know—”
    â€œThat is my intention!” A muscle leaped in his cheek as he absolved himself of her problems. “I will give you enough money so you do not have to work for a couple of years, so you can attend night class and still be there for Marietta.”
    â€œWhy do you care about her?” Alisa rasped, tears streaming down her cheeks. Oh, it sounded like a dream offer, but he was changing her world, changing everything and walking away to leave her to deal with the fallout. Asking her to be his discreet mistress was one thing, but to take her out publicly and then walk away?