Page 13 of Marrying a Prince

Leo laughed. The more he was getting to know Marianna, the more he liked her. "So, tartare is not your favorite."

She wrinkled her nose. "No."

"So what do you like?"

Her expression turned contemplative. "Where my parents live, there's this tiny shop that makes the best fish and chips ever. They catch the fish in the morning and serve it up in the afternoon. So fresh." She kissed her fingertips and brought them out. "So delicious."

Leo watched her. "That sounds amazing. You should take me sometime."

Marianna's playful smile turned serious. "You want me to take you?"

Was that the wrong thing to say? She had to know that once they were engaged, she was going to have to pretend, and that meant meeting her parents.

But, perhaps it was too overwhelming. So he gave her a calm smile. "Let's start from the beginning," he said as they entered one of the rooms where art hung from the walls.

Her shoulders seemed to relax, which he took as a good sign.

"Tell me about your family."

Her fingers played with the fabric of her dress as she stood in front of a mural. "My mom runs an antique shop and my dad is a plumber." He saw her peek over at him.

He studied her. Was she embarrassed by this? "They sound amazing," he said.

She snorted. "They're humble." And then her smile softened. "But I love them."

"Do they like what you do? Being a nurse?"

Marianna folded her arms and moved on to the next painting. "They love me and support me. I know they would rather I lived closer, but they know I love how fast-paced the city is." Then she dropped her voice. "Or used to love."

He glanced over at her, hoping her expression would tell him more. He parted his lips, but she moved on, out of ear shot.

"Sir, we should get back," Filippo said.

Leo jumped. He'd been so wrapped up in his conversation with Marianna, he'd completely forgotten about Filippo.

How was he going to pull this off with Filippo inches away at all times? Acting jumpy and nervous was the last thing he should be doing, so he turned and smiled at Filippo. "Why don't Marianna and I finish our walk, ending at the front windows where mother said the cameras are waiting. You run back and escort…" He purposefully dropped his expression. "What was her name?"

"Gisella?" Filippo offered.

"That's right, Gisella, to the intended spot where I will propose to her."

Filippo studied him. Leo could see the doubt in his gaze.

"Don't worry. I promise I will keep my eye on him." Marianna approached them, wrapping her hand around his arm. "Getting up and moving is good for him."

Filippo hesitated and then nodded. "Five minutes. Front windows."

Leo smiled, and Filippo turned and disappeared back to the room where the dinner was being held.

Leo glanced down at Mari’s hand resting on his arm. He couldn't help it when his heart picked up speed. Was it wrong that he liked when she touched him? She was different. Not like anyone he'd ever met.

"Thanks," he said, smiling down at her. It wasn't until he turned his face toward her that he realized just how close they were.

Marianna seemed to notice as well—she pulled back, breaking their contact. She rubbed her arms and nodded. "Anything I can do to help."

His arm felt cold in her absence, but he didn't want to make her uncomfortable, so he nodded and followed after her. Besides, with the way his heart was racing and his stomach lightened, he needed a moment to compose himself. He couldn't like the woman he was faking a marriage with. That was the one thing he had promised her he wouldn't do.

Chapter Five

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