Read Her Royal Masquerade (Her Royal Romance) for Free Online

could spend time with.”
    Angelina propped her elbows on the table and cradled her chin in her hands. “But what if things got serious? What if I fell in love with one of them? It would be too heartbreaking.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “Why take a chance I’d fall for someone I could never marry.”
    Mia froze. What was she saying? “I don’t understand. Mezzano royalty has to marry other royalty?”
    “Of course. That’s why I think it’s so wonderful that my brother met you. I can see he really likes you. If the two of you fell in love, you could get married.”
    Mia took a deep breath and tried to calm her galloping heart. Good thing she wasn’t planning on falling in love with the handsome prince. “I didn’t realize,” she said vaguely. She searched out Vittorio. He was over by the empty throne, talking with a tall bald man. “In Stagatland, that is not the case. In fact, the queen does not have royal blood. My grandfather is a baker. But the king, when he was a young prince, fell in love with her when he went to the bakery and she always saved the best pastries for him.” Mia had heard the story hundreds of times. “They were able to marry. And now she is queen.”
    “That’s a wonderful story. I don’t suppose you have a brother?”
    “No. I’m an only child, I’m afraid.”
    Her dark eyes sparkled. “I hope you and Vittorio fall in love and get married and then I would be your sister. And Stefano would be your brother.”
    Mia was surprised by a sudden prickle of tears. Had she actually held some kernel of hope that something could grow out of this attraction she and Vittorio felt for each other? That was crazy. And now she knew it was impossible. “Angelina, I only met Vittorio tonight.”
    “I know, but a princess can hope.” Angelina’s smile brightened her face. “I see how your eyes follow him around the room.”
    “Oh, I’m so sorry.” She’d been that obvious? “I didn’t mean to be rude.”
    “Not at all. He’s been keeping his eye on you too.” Vittorio’s sister was quite the romantic.
    “Is my sister talking your ear off?” Vittorio was back, standing beside the table looking regal and powerful and sexy. Mia felt a new surge of arousal just like that, her skin tingled and her blood thrummed through her veins.
    “She’s been keeping me company while you attended to your important princely duties.”
    He took Mia’s hand and pulled her to her feet. “I can think of another princely duty I’d like to take care of.”
    “I think that’s my cue to leave,” Angelina said. “It was lovely meeting you, Birgitte, and I hope I’ll see you again soon.”
    “It was nice meeting you too,” Mia said. “Good night.” And then she was alone with
    Vittorio. If she’d had any fear that she was going to change her mind about having sex with him, it was silenced the moment he slid his hand along her cheek, tangled his fingers in her hair, and pulled her lips to meet his.
    His mouth was firm yet teasing as he coaxed her lips apart and stroked his tongue along hers. He pressed his body against her, hot and hard. His scent wound around her like the music that had been in the air all night. Her arms found their way around his neck and she sank into him.
    Just for tonight Mia was going to forget that Vittorio actually wanted to take her cousin to his bed. Just for tonight she was going to enjoy sex with a handsome prince and not think about tomorrow. Just for tonight, she was going to play the princess one last time.
     
     
    Vittorio whisked Birgitte up to his rooms in only minutes but it seemed to take hours. Finally. Finally he had her behind closed doors. Away from prying eyes and curious ears and all to himself. Away from family and friends and security and staff. Never more than tonight had he felt the loss of his privacy and the weight of his title.
    When he closed the bedroom door behind them, Vittorio paused to take a deep breath before he turned to face Birgitte. His