Her Royal Bodyguard Page 10

  Arm in arm, they headed for the stairs.

  Then the villa door burst open and Rosa flew out. “Oh no. You poor things. You are soaking wet.” She tutted and brushed Angelina’s hair out of her face. “You’ll get a chill. Hurry. Get yourselves dried off and in some new clothes.”

  “We’re fine, Tia,” Rico said, inching away from her.

  “I was afraid you wouldn’t make it back in time,” she went on, “so I’m glad you decided to make a run for it even if you got wet.”

  “In time?” Rico asked with a frown.

  “For dinner. You didn’t forget?”

  “No, of course we didn’t forget,” Angelina hurried to say, although it had completely left her mind. “I’m afraid we lost track of time.”

  Rosa grinned as if she knew what they’d been doing on the street corner. “No matter. Come down as soon as you’re ready. We’ll wait for you.” She kissed their cheeks and dashed back into the lobby.

  Angelina looked up at Rico and shrugged, doing her best not to show her disappointment and frustration. He took her hand and they climbed the stairs to the apartment.

  “We could miss dinner,” Rico said hopefully once they were inside.

  Angelina groaned and stepped into his arms. “We can’t. She’d come looking for us. Besides, she is family. And she’s letting us stay here. It would be rude not to go.”

  “You’re right, of course, but I am disappointed. However…” Rico stepped back and pulled his clinging T-shirt away from his body and over his head. “We do need to get out of these wet clothes.”

  Angelina swallowed, getting a look at his bare chest, shoulders, and arms for the first time. They were a perfect distraction from the weapon at his hip. “I didn’t know you had a tattoo.” She reached out and traced the black swirls that formed a band around his muscular bicep. Her fingertip buzzed with the erotic sensations. “It’s beautiful.”

  “I’m glad you like it.” Rico stepped closer and grasped the bottom of her T-shirt. “May I?”

  She nodded and raised her arms over her head. Rico tugged the wet shirt over her head and tossed it on the floor. Angelina shivered, but it was more because she was baring her body for Rico for the first time, rather than from the slight chill from the air conditioning on her wet skin.

  Rico’s appreciation was evident in his expression. She glanced down and realized she might as well not have had the bra on, the thin lace was so transparent from the rain. Her beaded nipples poked at the fabric. Before she could think twice, she reached behind her, unhooked it and let it fall to the floor.

  “Ah, amore,” Rico groaned. He reached out for her, but then dropped his hands back to his sides. Her breasts ached with the need to experience his touch. “I don’t dare lay a finger on you or we will never leave this room.”

  There was such power in the knowledge that she made a strong man like Rico struggle to remain in control. She grinned slowly as she eased down the zipper on her jeans, tugged them down and kicked them away along with the ruined sandals. Rico wiped a hand over his face, but he didn’t turn away.

  “If this was not your first time, I would have you bent over that table,” he growled. “I would be deep inside you at this very moment.”

  She could picture it. Imagine it. She desperately wanted to know how it would feel for real. “How fast do you think we can eat dinner?”

  “Fast.” He took her hand and led her into the bathroom. He grabbed a soft white towel and ran it over her wet skin, not lingering in any one spot as she would have liked. “Now get dressed before I forget myself.”

  She glanced at the bulge behind the zipper of his wet jeans. “But don’t I get a chance to see you?”

  “Not now.” Rico pushed her out of the bathroom. He followed her into the bedroom, grabbed some dry clothes and went back into the bathroom.

  Angelina pulled a soft ivory dress out of the closet and slipped it on over clean, dry underwear, hiding a smile as she did. But the smile dimmed as she looked into the mirror on the wall while she pulled her wet hair into a ponytail. Rico came up behind her and caught her gaze in the reflection.

  “What’s wrong?” he asked.

  She stared at her bare face, so much plainer with her hair pulled back. She’d never felt less like a princess. Less like an attractive woman. “I wish I could put some make-up on so I could look prettier for you.”

  Rico turned her around and brushed the tips of his fingers along her cheek. “You are beautiful. There is nothing you could do to be any prettier.”

  Angelina wasn’t sure she believed him, but she smiled anyway. She curved her palm around his sleeve where she now knew there was a sexy tattoo hiding. “I don’t want to go downstairs.”

  “You were the one who told me we couldn’t be rude.”

  “Yes, you’re right.” She backed away and stepped into the shoes she’d gotten at Gina’s shop the day before. “A quick dinner. Very quick.”

  “Agreed.”

  But as soon as they entered the front door of the villa, they knew this would be no quick dinner. The lobby and dining room were filled with people who shouted out their congratulations.

  Rosa rushed up to them, joy obvious on her face. “Surprise! Are you pleased? We knew you had no time for a reception after your wedding and Giuseppe and I wanted to throw you the party you should have had.”

  Angelina gave Rico’s aunt a hug, blinking away the tears prickling her eyes. So many emotions churned inside her. Shame at the lies they continued to tell. Frustration at the delay of her first lovemaking. Gratitude at the thought put into this party and for the many people who came tonight to celebrate with them.

  And as she stepped back and watched Rico take his aunt’s face in his hands and kiss both cheeks, Angelina was aware of the final emotion filling her chest to overflowing. Love. She’d fallen in love with this incredible man.

  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. The tension loosened. The group cheered and then called for a real kiss. Rico grinned and pulled her in for a quick, hot kiss.

  Gina caught her shortly after they cut the cake and drew her down onto one of the sofas in the lobby. “I’m sorry your family can’t be here for this celebration, Lucia. Were they at the wedding?”

  “Of course,” she croaked and took another sip of wine.

  “Was your mother sorry you didn’t have a large wedding? I know my mother wanted big and bigger when I married Marco.”

  “My mother died when I was a teenager.”

  Gina flung her arms around Angelina. “Oh, how foolish of me to ask. I am so sorry.”

  Angelina cleared her throat of the lump that had lodged there. “It’s all right. I’m sure she would have wanted big and bigger also.” That was an understatement. When Angelina ever got married for real, the wedding ceremony would be an international spectacle.

  Angelina toyed with the ring Rico had given her, twirling it around her finger. Even with the large diamond in the center of the wide band, it was still a simple design. She would miss it when she could no longer wear it on her hand.

  What would happen when they returned to the palace? Just because she loved Rico didn’t mean he felt the same. But he’d given her the most romantic afternoon of her life. Surely he must feel something for her.

  She knew he tried to use her royalty as a wall between them, but she saw no reason for him to do so. Look at Mia and Vittorio. Their differences didn’t keep them apart.

  She used to imagine the grandeur and pageantry that would surround her own wedding ceremony. She’d wear an amazing dress created by a big-name designer. Many of them would appeal for a chance to have their name attached to her dress, and to take advantage of the publicity that would surely follow. She’d always thought she’d have exotic flowers flown in from all over the world. The guest list would have been made up mostly of dignitaries and celebrities she had never met.

  Angelina looked at the everyday people around her and she knew these were the guests she’d want to have at her wedding. She now imagined an unpretentious ceremony. She’d wear her mother’s wedding dress. Carry a bouquet of wildflowers. The ceremony would be a heart-felt exchanging of vows with no pomp surrounding it. The tall groom standing at her side would have close-cropped hair and a tattoo beneath his shirt.

  She quickly pushed that image out of her mind. There was no use thinking about it now. Tonight she was Lucia and this tall groom was hers for a little while longer. She took another glance around the room and she realized she didn’t see her bridegroom anywhere.

  “I think he got a phone call and took it outside,” Gina said, obviously able to tell Angelina was looking for Rico.

  “Thanks,” she said, forcing a smile. Was the palace even now instructing them to return? She wouldn’t think of it now. “How long have you and Marco been married?”

  “Thirty-five years. Where does the time go?”

  “Have you had the dress shop all that time?”

  “Nearly. When it became clear we would be unable to have children, I needed something to occupy my time. My mind. You understand?”

  “Yes.” Angelina wanted more to occupy herself as well. She saw Rico step back into the room, tucking his phone in his back pocket. He smiled at her as he joined Marco by the makeshift bar in the corner.

  “We get our share of tourists in Tuscora,” Gina went on. “And we have enough local professional women and self-professed shoe aficionados to keep the shop busy. Marco continues to tell me we make money so I am happy.”

  “Marco does the books then?”

  “Yes, among other things. I am happy playing with the clothes and shoes and jewelry. I hate numbers. And maintaining websites. And coming up with marketing strategies. Marco does all that.”

  “Sounds like a good partnership.”

  “Exactly,” Gina said with an affectionate glance at Marco who was leaning against the wall talking with Rico. “I like working with him most of the time. And, of course, if he begins to get on my nerves, I send him across the street to talk to Tonio for a while.”

  Angelina laughed. Rico looked over at her and winked. Her heart fluttered. Her body, which had begun to settle down from the crazy arousal earlier, started to tingle again. Perhaps they’d be able to leave soon.

  Maria dropped onto the sofa facing them, bringing with her a young man with a mop of red hair and a toothy smile. “Lucia, I want you to meet my boyfriend, Sebastian.” Maria’s eyes sparkled as she made the introduction.

  “It’s nice to meet you, Sebastian.”

  “Seb,” he said, shaking her hand. “Maria hasn’t stopped talking about you guys since you got here. This is the most excitement this town has had in forever.”

  Gina rolled her eyes. “You are too young to remember forever.”

  “Surely there are weddings in Tuscora,” Angelina said.

  “But no one comes here to get away,” Seb said.

  “Get away?” Angelina asked tightly.

  Maria frowned and poked Seb in the ribs with her elbow. He glanced at her and then sent Angelina a sheepish grin. “Yeah, you know, after your wedding. Most people go to fancier places than Tuscora for their wedding trip.”

  “I think perhaps you aren’t able to appreciate the place you call home,” Angelina said softly. “I think it is lovely here and it’s very different from what I’m used to, so this was perfect for us.”

  “What is perfect, amore?” Rico lowered himself beside her on the arm of the sofa. His smile warmed her, his touch on her arm sent shivers through her with the reminder of where they had left their relationship upstairs.

  “Tuscora. Maria’s boyfriend, Seb, thinks his home town is boring.”

  Rico kissed the top of Angelina’s head. “I haven’t been bored yet.” He held out his hand. “Rico Santori. It is nice to meet my cousin’s boyfriend.”

  Seb shook Rico’s hand. “Maria said you work for palace security. Does that mean you’re a bodyguard?”

  “I am often on security detail for members of the royal family.” Rico stroked Angelina’s back and she longed to lean against him and purr.

  “Cool. I bet it’s dangerous,” Seb said, a gleam of youthful blood thirst clearly visible in his eyes.

  Rico’s hand paused on her shoulder, then resumed stroking. “On occasion. But not usually.”

  Angelina grabbed his hand. She’d not thought about how dangerous his job was. Of course, she knew it was. All she had to do was remember Enzo and Donato and know that it could have easily been Rico in the car with her. And what if they had been followed here? What would he have to do to protect her? She trembled because she knew he would do whatever was required, including risking his own life.

  He turned to Angelina. “Are you all right?”

  She blinked, dragging her mind away from shouts and shots and bloodstains on her yellow dress. “I’m fine.”

  “Would you like another drink?”

  She noticed the glass in her hand was empty. When had she finished it? She placed it on the table in front of her.

  “Oh no. Thank you. I’ve had enough
.” She yawned before she could stop it, belatedly slapping her hand over her mouth. “Sorry. It’s not the company. Honestly.”

  “I think I need to get my bride upstairs,” Rico said smoothly, helping her to her feet. They said their good-nights to the group around them, then made one more pass through the first floor, giving their thanks to each person they saw. Lastly they exchanged hugs and kisses with Rosa and Giuseppe before stepping outside into the darkness.

  The clouds had cleared, leaving a flawless sky above. The moon hung brightly over the trees in the distance. The courtyard was deserted. The streets were empty.

  They were finally alone. In the romantic courtyard, Rico cupped her face gently and kissed her beneath the moonlit sky.

  Rico took Angelina’s hand and headed up the stairs. “I think perhaps we should have taken that long drive in order to be by ourselves.”

  She chuckled warmly. “Still, it was a wonderful thing for your family to have done.”

  “Yes.” They stepped into the apartment and Rico closed the door behind them. He twisted the lock and flipped on a single light, just enough to show them the way to the bedroom. He turned to see Angelina standing in the middle of the floor, waiting for him. The simple dress clung to her slight curves, accentuating each one. Those sparkly sandals made her legs look twice as long. With her hair pulled back, her fine bone structure was accentuated. No matter what she thought, she didn’t need any makeup to look beautiful.

  He wanted her so much he could barely think, but he couldn’t forget that this was her first time. She trusted him not only with her life, but with her body. And with those emotions he was only beginning to recognize.

  Rico grabbed one of the shopping bags Maria had set inside the door and pulled out the box of condoms they had bought that morning. Then he reached out and Angelina readily took his hand. He drew her through the doorway and into the bedroom. Her eyes were as big as the moon when she looked up at him.

  He set the box on the nightstand. “Ready, Princess?”