Falling for the Baldasseri Prince by Rebecca Winters

Author:Rebecca Winters
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2021-10-30T16:25:33+00:00

CHAPTER EIGHT

WHEN VINCENZO REACHED the palace, he parked his car in a hidden area around the rear near a private entrance only he used. Filled with an excitement he’d never known, he raced up the back stairway to his suite so he wouldn’t be detected.

Bella came to his room right after and shut the door. She leaned against it, putting a finger to her lips. They stared at each other. In a low voice she said, “Princess Valentina arrived this afternoon by helicopter and has been waiting for you. I tried to warn you.”

His dark head reared. “Before I left yesterday, I sent Mother a message that I had business and would be gone for the weekend. Are you saying that Valentina just showed up?”

“Mother invited her and she’s staying the night because she doesn’t want your engagement called off.”

“But Valentina did. Something’s not right, Bella.”

“I agree. But you know Mamma. She’s working on a plan that will get Valentina to change her mind and appease Stefano so the marriage goes forward. To make up for the fact that you’re no longer the Crown Prince, she’s going to give you and Valentina her royal Sardinian inheritance from the sheep-farming industry. It should work.”

“That inheritance still doesn’t touch our timber assets and won’t satisfy Stefano. Valentina won’t buy it either.” In record time he packed a bag. “Does she have any idea I’m here?”

“No.”

“Did anyone see you just now?”

“I passed one of the maids in the hall.”

“We can’t worry about that now.” Vincenzo shut the lid. “I’m leaving and won’t be back until after work tomorrow.” He rushed toward her and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “You’re an angel to run interference. I’ll fill you in later tonight. Expect a phone call after you go to bed.”

Before another second passed, he slipped out of the palace and down the private stairway. Only his bodyguards trailing him would know where he was headed. Their unquestioned loyalty would keep his secret safe. He couldn’t say as much for the staff.

Once he arrived at the chalet, he got ready for bed and phoned Bella. After telling her about his plans to meet Francesca’s parents next weekend, his sister sounded overjoyed. “You can count on me to help you in any way I can.” They hung up and he lay back down. Next weekend couldn’t come soon enough for him to meet her parents. In the meantime, he’d be able to see her throughout the week.

At twelve thirty on Monday, he watched Francesca leave through the back door of the clinic and hurry to his car. His pulse always raced when he laid eyes on her.

Vincenzo reached across the seat to open the door for her and drove them to the park where they had privacy. He kissed her soundly before they ate the deli food he’d picked up.

When they’d finished, he said, “Francesca? I have something to tell you. Though I’d rather hold back from saying anything because I don’t want to ruin our lunch, this can’t wait and has to be said.

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