by Sarah Morgan
Behind them, someone cleared his throat discreetly. ‘Your Highness—’ one of the concert committee hovered at a safe distance ‘—you’re going to be needed on stage in two minutes. They’re expecting you to say a few words.’
‘I’ll be there when I’ve finished what I’m doing.’ Matteo didn’t shift his gaze from Izzy and she tried to push him away.
‘They’re waiting for you.’
‘Let them wait. This is more important.’
‘I’m more important than an audience of millions?’
‘Right now you’re the only audience that matters to me.’ He drew in a breath. ‘I know you don’t have princess aspirations but could I persuade you to change your mind about that?’
Izzy was so shocked she couldn’t speak.
‘I’m asking you to marry me.’ He gave a wry smile. ‘Princess Izzy.’
Her legs felt like rubber. She opened her mouth but no sound came out.
‘Say something!’ His accent was thickened. ‘I love you. I want you by my side and together we can do great things or “amazing” things as you would say, as that seems to be your favourite word.’
Still Izzy didn’t respond and she heard him curse softly.
‘The crowd is waiting. I have to go onto that stage and speak and I want to say it with you standing by my side as my future wife.’
Izzy gulped. ‘You want me by your side?’ It was just a whisper but apparently it was enough for him.
‘Tonight and tomorrow night and the night after that—’ his voice was husky ‘—because that is what people do when they are in love and I am as much in love with you as you are with me. So will you come, Izzy—bellissima? I want to introduce the world to my princess.’
In a state of disbelief, Izzy took his hand and they walked back towards the stage.
Happiness bubbled up inside her as it slowly dawned on her that this was real. She lifted her face to look at him. ‘I think I’m going to look cute in a tiara. I’ve never worn anything sparkly on my head before.’
He laughed and tightened his grip on her hand. ‘First thing tomorrow I’m going to buy you one.’
‘Slow down.’ She winced and stooped to fiddle with her feet. ‘My shoes are hurting.’
‘This is not news. Your shoes are always hurting, tesoro.’
‘Do princesses absolutely have to wear shoes at all times?’
A slow smile spread across his face and he scooped her into his arms and carried her the last few steps onto the stage. ‘Of course not. Didn’t you read Cinderella?’
All the characters in this book have no existence outside the imagination of the author, and have no relation whatsoever to anyone bearing the same name or names. They are not even distantly inspired by any individual known or unknown to the author, and all the incidents are pure invention.
All Rights Reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Enterprises II B.V./S.à.r.l. The text of this publication or any part thereof may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, storage in an information retrieval system, or otherwise, without the written permission of the publisher.
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First published in Great Britain 2012
by Mills & Boon, an imprint of Harlequin (UK) Limited,
Eton House, 18-24 Paradise Road, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1SR
DEFYING THE PRINCE © Harlequin Books S.A. 2012
Special thanks and acknowledgement are given to Sarah Morgan for her contribution to The Santina Crown series.
ISBN: 978-1-408-98197-9
53-0712
Harlequin (UK) policy is to use papers that are natural, renewable and recyclable products and made from wood grown in sustainable forests. The logging and manufacturing processes conform to the legal environmental regulations of the country of origin.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT
CHAPTER NINE
