Page 31 of Marrying a Prince

"Know what?" she asked again, as if she were prodding him for information. Did she want him to say what he saw in her gaze?

Pushing his feelings to the side, he smiled. "That I'm not Samson. I won't hurt you."

She winced, and he realized that was not what he should have said. But saying the things she wanted to hear wasn't an option either. So he winked at her and pulled open the bathroom door.

"I'll help you get over him so you can start your life fresh," he whispered as he walked past her and back over to his seat. Once he was buckled in, he leaned his head back on the headrest.

His mother opened her eyes and glanced over at him. "What was that about?"

He swallowed, realizing just how deep he'd gotten himself into this situation. But, there was nothing he could do about it right now. They had a mission and he was going to accomplish it. He was going to keep Marianna at a distance to keep her safe and keep his promise to her that he wasn't going to be like Samson. And then he was going to set her up nicely. She was never going to want for anything.

He'd make sure of it before he lost his inheritance. Because that was what Marianna deserved. Well, she deserved more, but Leo was pretty sure he wasn't included in that.

Chapter Eleven

Marianna sat in the helicopter, gripping onto the armrests of her seat. She'd never been in a helicopter before, and she didn't like it. It felt like being in the car of a rollercoaster—which she also hated.

Plus, it didn't help that the conversation between her and Leo was playing in her mind over and over again. The feeling of him next to her. Touching her. Flirting with her.

All of it was cemented in her mind and wouldn't leave. And to top it off, her heart was betraying her. It pounded at the memory of his ridiculous smile or the way he winked when he was uncomfortable. She stared out at the setting sun, watching its light glide across the water. Caro bordered Italy and Slovenia. A small sliver that ran from Austria to the Mediterranean Sea.

The castle was on a hill that overlooked the ocean. Just beyond it was Trieste, Caro's largest city. Marianna had studied it as they passed by. It was beautiful with the different color buildings and rustic pavement. She couldn't wait to get down and see all that this beautiful country had to offer.

And perhaps, get away from Caro's confusing prince. That was on the top of her list.

The pilot set down on the helicopter pad in the back gardens, where a host of maids were standing, waiting to welcome the royal family. Marianna had never felt so out of place as she did walking alongside these women who were speaking a language she didn't recognize. They grabbed her luggage and whisked her into the castle.

Once in her room, she tried to keep her jaw from dropping. Dark wood ran the length of the floor and up the walls, ending in intricate carvings. She couldn't help but run her fingers across the filigree. Beautiful.

There was a huge chandelier hanging from the middle of the ceiling, catching the late afternoon rays and spreading them around the room. A king-sized four-poster bed sat along the far wall. A mound of pillows filled half of it.

"Are you okay, miss?" Adelina asked, stepping into Marianna's line of sight.

Thankfully, Adelina had been assigned as Marianna's maid. It made her feel more comfortable having someone she knew close by.

"Y-yes," Marianna stammered, snapping her jaw shut and nodding.

"Good. I will help you dress in proper attire so you will be ready for dinner."

Marianna glanced down at her outfit. A pencil skirt and blouse. What was wrong with what she was wearing? "I—um, what's wrong with this?"

Adelina snorted, and then her cheeks turned red. "Forgive me. I've forgotten my place. You look wonderful," she said, lowering her head and curtseying.

That wouldn’t do. Marianna reached out and touched Adelina's arm. "Nope. Not happening, sister," she said.

Adelina jumped as she glanced up at Marianna. "I'm sorry?"

Hmm, Adelina might not be up to date on her American lingo. "What I meant to say was, you're my friend, not my servant. You don't need to apologize if you speak the truth." Marianna lowered her voice and leaned forward. "I actually need your help. I think Her Majesty might hate me, and I know Gisella does. This girl needs some people in her corner." Marianna jutted her thumb toward her chest.

Adelina had looked like she was understanding what Marianna was saying, but by the time she was finished, Adelina looked confused again. "There is something wrong with the corner?" Adelina turned to peer into the shadows.

Marianna sighed. This was going to be a long vacation. She was going to have to remember to speak in literal terms. "I want you to be my friend. Support me."

Adelina pinched her lips together as she studied Marianna.

Suddenly, Marianna wondered if this was the wrong thing for her to say. Was it against the law to ask the hired help to be your friend? Wishing she could backpedal, Marianna parted her lips, but thankfully, Adelina smiled.

"I would like that very much," she said.

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