Page 37 of Marrying a Prince

He sighed, reaching down to tuck a curl behind Clara's ear. "Not really. Change my parent's minds—but that seems impossible."

"They still want you to marry Gisella?"

He nodded. "Above anything else."

Her hand came into view as she reached over and entwined her fingers with his. Warmth radiated up his fingers to his arms. His heart picked up speed as he hooked his fingers around hers. They sat there in silence, just enjoying each other's company. It felt so good to be next to her, feeling her support.

"Thanks," he whispered.

He saw her nod. "Of course. It's what a friend would do."

There that word was again.Friend. Even though he knew he should be grateful for that, he couldn't help the sour feeling that rose up. Was it wrong to admit that a friend was the last thing he wanted? He had enough friends; he wanted something more. And he was pretty sure that he wanted that something with Marianna.

Chapter Thirteen

The sun peeked through the drapes of her bedroom the next morning. Marianna groaned as she rubbed her eyes and sat up. She felt all out of sorts since her encounter with Leo yesterday. It had felt so good, sitting on his bed, holding hands with him. Letting him know that she was there for him.

And the way it made her heart race? Well, that was a mistake, but she couldn't blame the prince for that. It was her own dumb fault for letting feelings grow that shouldn't. He deserved someone to support him, not develop feelings for him. He deserved better.

There was a knock on the door, and Adelina walked in before Marianna could answer. She gave Marianna a curt nod and headed over to the window to open the drapes. Marianna rubbed her eyes and sat up.

Adelina was in full business mode. She went straight to the closet and pulled out a fitted business suit, then disappeared into Marianna's bathroom and came back out, clapping her hands.

"You are very behind, Miss Marianna," she said as she walked over to the bed and pulled back Marianna's covers. "Her Highness will not appreciate it if you are late."

At the mention of Mrs. DeLuca, Marianna leapt out of the bed. The last thing she wanted was to disappoint Leo's mom. Even though this whole situation was fake, Marianna had this intense desire to get the queen's approval—even though she knew that it wasn't ever going to happen.

Adelina ushered her into the bathroom, where she instructed Marianna to take a shower and to dress in the outfit she’d arranged. When she was clean, Marianna turned off the water and stepped out onto the plush bathmats that dotted the floor. She wrapped a towel around her body and made her way up to the mirror, where she wiped off the fog.

Before she had any time to think, Adelina opened the bathroom door and entered. It was as if she were anticipating Marianna's every move. When she was dressed, Adelina pushed her down onto the nearby chair and began working on her wet hair.

"Straight and down," Marianna said, hoping to not have an incident like the day before, when she’d ended up looking like the queen.

Adelina nodded but continued to twist and pull her hair. Finally, Marianna stood. "I'll take it from here," she said holding up her hands, hoping that Adelina would get the hint.

The woman huffed but then shook her head and smiled. "Sure. I will wait outside." She narrowed her eyes as if challenging Marianna.

"Great. That would be awesome," Marianna said, turning to focus on her thick, curly hair.

Adelina stared at her for a moment before she turned and stalked out of the room.

Finally, having a minute to herself, Marianna did her hair the way she wanted it and then dressed in the business suit. She left the bathroom feeling clean and like herself again—not the version that Adelina or Mrs. DeLuca wanted her to be.

After she slipped on a pair of pantyhose and flats, she smiled over at Adelina, who didn't look too pleased at being kicked from her duties. Marianna hoped her smile would soften Adelina's expression, but it didn't.

She walked over to her door and opened it. Just as she stepped out, she heard a familiar voice.

"Well, good morning," Leo said.

Marianna turned to see him walk up to her. He had on a pair of business slacks and a button-up shirt. His sleeves were rolled up past his wrists and the top button was undone. He looked relaxed but formal. And incredibly handsome. So much so that Marianna almost forgot how to speak.

"I—you—" She let out her breath and smiled. "Hi. You look great," she said as she waved at him and then felt stupid. What was the matter with her?

He grinned at her. "So do you." He leaned forward. "I like it when you don't look like my mom."

She brushed her hair back and tucked it behind her ear. "Good. I don't like it when I look like your mom."

He pulled back and studied her—in that raw and unabashed way he always did that made butterflies race around her stomach.

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