Her Royal Bodyguard by Natasha Moore

Author:Natasha Moore [Moore, Natasha]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: contemporary romance
Publisher: Natasha Moore
Published: 2014-12-22T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

The party went on forever.

It was a wonderful evening. So many friendly people toasting to their happiness. Angelina’s glass was constantly topped off and she lost track of how much wine she’d drank. The villa was filled with smiles and hugs and much laughter.

But it was also a terrible night. Along with the smiles and the hugs and the laughter were so many lies. Angelina clung to Rico’s arm and kept smiling until her cheeks ached, as she’d been taught from an early age.

Plates of delicious food were everywhere, placed on practically every flat service. Everyone wandered around, eating, talking, laughing, and asking more questions to which Angelina and Rico had to furnish answers. This was no longer the exciting adventure she thought it would be. She was so tired of making up stories.

As the evening went on though, nudging her in the back of her mind was the reminder that she was in love with Rico. The knowledge brought enough joy to brighten her mood and push away some of the dark shame. She would have to thank her father again for throwing out the royal marriage decree so she was able to find love with a man of her choice.

Francesco stopped by to offer his good wishes and brought the shopping bags they’d left with him. Maria ran their purchases up to the apartment while Francesco took the time to enjoy a glass of wine with them. He said most of his customers were here anyway.

Rosa and Giuseppe surprised Angelina and Rico even more with a beautiful wedding cake from the bakery Angelina and Rico had stopped into on their first day in Tuscora. She could hardly believe it had been only the previous morning. The past two days had felt like at least a week. She stared at the colorful icing wildflowers that decorated the top of the cake and remembered her story of carrying a wildflower bouquet at their make-believe wedding. And felt guilty again for all their lies.

She hugged Rosa again. “I can’t believe you did all this for us. Thank you.”

“Bah. You are family.” Rosa’s eyes glittered with tears behind her glasses. “Now go. Cut the cake with your husband.”

Angelina joined Rico at the table and then flinched when almost everyone in the room lifted a camera or phone. She’d quickly forgotten how much she hated to be surrounded by cameras.

Rico frowned and held up his hands. “No photographs.”

“What?” Maria called out among the grumbles. “No pictures? Come on, Rico. Be serious!”

“If they say no pictures, then no pictures,” Giuseppe said. “You must respect their wishes. We don’t need pictures to remember this night.”

The cameras and phones were lowered and Angelina smiled as the friendly faces of the group were revealed. “Thank you all for celebrating with us. We certainly didn’t expect this but we are so happy to see you here tonight.”

Her chest started to tighten at the thought of all the people they’d involved in their deception. But then Rico took her hand, laced their fingers together and brought them to his lips for a soft kiss.

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