LITMIR.BIZ

       www.millsandboon.co.uk

      Thank you Gail.

       Chapter One

      Tina adjusted her mask and breathed a sigh of relief. The masquerade party was in full swing with the house band slipping into a hip-hop number. For the next two hours, she could be anyone she wanted to be. In her case, that would be anyone other than the older sister of Her Highness Fredericka Anna Catherine of the small kingdom of Chantaine.

      Thank God her college friend, Keely, had invited her to Dallas to celebrate her daughter’s christening and catch up. Tina couldn’t bear any more of the pitying glances she received when people talked about her beautiful younger sister’s marriage to a wealthy Parisian film director. It was all so glamorous, so exciting, and while she was happy for her sister, she was sick of everyone asking when she was getting married. After all, she was older than Ericka and the event had stirred up her brother’s suggestion that Tina should marry someone who could aid in Chantaine’s political interests.

      But she wasn’t going to think about that tonight. Tonight the only person who knew her true identity was dancing with her husband at the other end of the room. Keely caught her glance and waved.

      Tina waved in return, glad to see her friend enjoying a night out with her hubby.

      “Wanna dance?” a man said.

      She glanced up, surprised at the invitation. “Oh, no, thank you very much. I’m enjoying watching right now.”

      “Maybe a drink would help you loosen up,” he suggested.

      A little pushy, she thought and gave him a once-over. He stood about an inch shorter than her in heels. She didn’t like his slicked-back hair or his voice. It was whiny sounding.

      Tina had always had a weakness for a sexy voice, though she’d kept that to herself. She shook her head. “No, thank you. Excuse me, I see a friend,” she fibbed and moved away.

      She accepted a crab cake appetizer from one waiter. Another offered her a glass of champagne. Seconds later, Keely appeared by her side. “How’s it going? Are you sure you don’t want me to introduce you around?”

      “Absolutely not,” Tina said. “I’m ecstatically anonymous.”

      “If you’re sure,” she said in the warm friendly twang that had welcomed Tina since they first became roommates in college. “I guess it’s nice not to have to put on your princess face.”

      Tina felt a twinge of guilt. She knew her position carried both benefits and responsibilities and she’d tried to never shirk from her duties, but lately it had felt overwhelming. “Just a little break,” she said. “I’ll be headed back to Chantaine day after tomorrow. I can’t tell you how much I’ve appreciated having this time with you.”

      “We’ve loved having you,” Keely said. “Are you sure you can’t stay a little longer?”

      Tina shook her head. “No. Remember, the wedding takes place in two months.”

      Keely shot her a look of sympathy. “Duty calls. You’re always giving up what you want for others, Tina. One of these days you’re going to rebel and shock everyone.”

      Tina laughed. “Not likely. Someone’s got to toe the line in Chantaine and it looks like it’s going to be me.” Uncomfortable with the discussion, she pointed to the dance floor. “As you would say, time’s a wasting. Enjoy your time with your husband.”

      Keely gave a mocking dip of her head. “Yes, your highness, but there’s no reason you can’t kick up your heels yourself. If a gorgeous guy asks you to dance, promise me you’ll do it,” she whispered.

      “I don’t know,” Tina said, thinking of the man who’d approached her earlier.

      “Promise,” Keely said.

      “Oh, okay,” Tina relented, because she knew there wasn’t much of a possibility for such a thing happening. “But he has to be gorgeous.”

      “Agreed,” Keely said and left to drag her husband out on the dance floor.

      Tina took a step back and observed the crowd. She enjoyed the novelty of being the observer rather than the observed. To her left, she heard a group of men discussing the fate of the Dallas Cowboys. To her right, she noticed a man seductively feeding his date an appetizer. Feeling a strange stab of envy at the romance oozing from them, she immediately looked away.

      When had a man wanted her just because she was a woman, just because she was herself, instead of wanting her because she was Princess Valentina Catherine Marie of Chantaine? Try never, she thought and immediately felt frustrated with herself. She led an amazing life. Why had she been so dissatisfied lately?

      “Let me take you on the dance floor,” the man who’d approached her earlier said. “I can show you a good time.”

      Be careful what you wish for, she told herself, but this was not the guy of her dreams. She sighed. “No, again,” she said firmly. “But thank you.”

      His

Скачать книгу