Page 20 of Marrying a Prince

Leo laughed. Memories of running along the shore of the Mediterranean Sea, camping in the woods, enjoying the beauty that Caro had to offer, rushed back to him. He shook his head. "No. Not all bad." Then he smiled over at her. "You'll see."

Her cheeks grew pink again as she smiled. "I can't wait."

Chapter Seven

Marianna didn't know why she was nervous. Her parents were good, kind people. They would accept any man that she felt she could bring home. They trusted her like that.

But she'd never brought home royalty. And for some reason, she wanted Leo to like her family. To feel welcome in her home. It was stupid, and she instantly brushed off those feelings.

There was no reason for Leo to have any feelings for her parents or her home. They were faking this entire relationship. He didn't love her and probably would forget her the moment she left Caro. Getting attached was the last thing she should do.

Filippo pulled up into her parent’s driveway after she instructed him which house was theirs. The small, two story brick house caused her lips to tip upwards. Even though it was quaint, it was her home. And she loved it.

The window boxes exploded with flowers. Bushes lined the walkway. The grass was perfectly manicured—her father's pride and joy.

Filippo turned off the car, and Marianna opened her door and climbed out. Just as she’d suspected, the front door opened and her mother stepped onto the stoop. She was wearing an apron and her round cheeks were red with excitement.

"Mari!" she exclaimed as she went down the steps and crossed the yard. She grabbed Marianna and pulled her into a hug. "I'm so happy you are home."

"Hey, Ma," Marianna said, returning the hug.

Leo must have stepped out because her mom grew quiet. Marianna turned to see him pushing his hands through his hair and looking around.

"Oh, my. Mari," her mom breathed. "He's like a Greek god."

Heat raced across her skin. Leave it to her mother to embarrass her. "Ma," Marianna said, but was cut short when her mom pushed her to the side and approached Leo. "Welcome to our home." She stopped and bowed.

Embarrassment flooded Marianna. "Mom," she said again, this time, more forcefully. She approached them and shot an apologetic look at Leo.

He laughed and shook his head. "It's fine." Then he reached out and pressed her mom’s shoulder. "You don't have to do that. I am not your prince."

Her mom patted her cheeks and glanced at him. "I'm so sorry. We've just never had royalty here."

Leo shoved his hands into the front pockets of his jeans and shrugged. "Then just think of me as a normal guy."

Her mom snorted. "With Mari?" She slipped her arm through Leo's and started leading him up the sidewalk. "We really haven't had many of those either."

Marianna groaned, hoping her mom heard her, but if she had, she didn't acknowledge it. Marianna was rapidly realizing that bringing Leo here might have been a mistake. For a moment, she had thought her parents would not embarrass her. She had been a fool.

Filippo remained at the car, leaning against it. Marianna smiled over at him. "Wanna come inside? I'm sure my mom has whipped up quite a meal."

Filippo looked uneasy for a moment before he nodded and pushed off. He kept pace with Marianna as they walked across the yard. Just as they reached the stoop, Marianna felt a hand wrap around her elbow.

"Can I speak to you?" Filippo asked.

Marianna's heart picked up speed. What did Leo's bodyguard want to talk to her about? Did he suspect that this had all been a lie? Was he going to yell at her? She shushed her emotions and forced a smile, turning to meet his gaze.

"Sure. What's up?"

Filippo quirked an eyebrow, but then his expression grew serious. "What is your game? What do you hope to accomplish?"

Marianna studied him. It was the first time that her intentions had ever been questioned. "I want to help the prince. He deserves that." And that was true. The more time she was spending with Prince Leo, the more she learned how good he was. Maybe he needed some more self-confidence, but he was a good man. Something that had been seriously lacking in the men she'd chosen to date in the past.

"That's it? You just want to help him get better?" Filippo narrowed his eyes.

It hurt Marianna's heart to hear what Filippo was implying. How many people in Leo's life had used him for his status? No wonder he wanted nothing to do with the royal life. How could he ever know if someone was genuine or not?

Marianna reached out and rested her hand on Filippo's arm. "I only have Leo's best interest in mind. He needs to get better so he'll realize how good of a man he is and bring that goodness to the throne."

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