She fell for a doctor…

Can she love a crown prince?

In this The Princess Brides story, when Dr. Nico Barsotti meets Princess Fausta of Domodossola, it’s love at first sight—for them both! Before he asks for Fausta’s hand in marriage, orphaned Nico resolves to uncover the secrets of his birth. Fausta’s always longed for a life away from the royal court, so their future is uncertain when Nico reveals his discovery—he’s a crown prince!

REBECCA WINTERS lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. With canyons and high alpine meadows full of wildflowers, she never runs out of places to explore. They, plus her favourite vacation spots in Europe, often end up as backgrounds for her romance novels—because writing is her passion, along with her family and her church. Rebecca loves to hear from readers. If you wish to email her, please visit her website at rebeccawinters.net.

Also by Rebecca Winters

The Magnate’s Holiday Proposal

Holiday with a Billionaire miniseries

Captivated by the Brooding Billionaire

Falling for the Venetian Billionaire

Wedding the Greek Billionaire

The Princess Brides miniseries

The Princess’s New Year Wedding

The Prince’s Forbidden Bride

How to Propose to a Princess

Discover more at millsandboon.co.uk.

How to Propose to a Princess

Rebecca Winters

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ISBN: 978-1-474-09163-3

HOW TO PROPOSE TO A PRINCESS

© 2019 Rebecca Winters

Published in Great Britain 2019

by Mills & Boon, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF

All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, locations and incidents are purely fictional and bear no relationship to any real life individuals, living or dead, or to any actual places, business establishments, locations, events or incidents. Any resemblance is entirely coincidental.

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www.millsandboon.co.uk

Note to Readers

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To my dear daughter Dominique, herself a wonderful

writer, who cried through parts of this story with me.

That told me her heart had been touched too.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

About the Author

Booklist

Title Page

Copyright

Note to Readers

Dedication

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

EPILOGUE

Extract

About the Publisher

CHAPTER ONE

THOUGH OFFICE HOURS for patients ended at 4:30 p.m. weekdays, and the receptionist had gone, Dr. Nico Barsotti didn’t say good-night to his last patient until five thirty Tuesday evening. Even after diagnosing her with strep throat and writing out a prescription, he still couldn’t call it a night. Before he could grab a bite in town on his way home, he needed to check on his nine-year-old patient, Tommaso Coletti.

Once he’d said good-night to his nurse who would lock up, he walked through the Hospital of the Three Crosses in the capital city of Domodossola to the pediatric floor in the other wing. The boy had suffered a ruptured appendix on Monday evening. Dr. Sala had performed the surgery, but Nico was his physician. He needed to follow up on the course of IV antibiotics he’d ordered and study the latest lab tests.

Nico nodded to the charting nurse at the station before walking into the room. He’d expected to see at least one of the boy’s parents. Instead he beheld a sight that brought him to a halt.

Sitting in a chair next to the bed reading to him was a woman probably in her midtwenties who had luminous golden hair that fell to her shoulders. She wore a light blue volunteer lab coat over a dark blue dress. He caught a glimpse of her lovely profile and moved closer to discover she was reading a book popular with children.

Adriano, il Cane di Pompei was the story of a special stray dog who saw ancient Pompei as a magical place with its archaeological sites. The smile on Tommaso’s face meant he was enjoying it. Who wouldn’t be mesmerized by the woman’s voice? She read it with all the charm and allure of a great storyteller.

He waited until she’d finished before walking over to the other side of the bed. His gaze met hers. Between her light sea glass blue eyes and golden hair, he couldn’t look anywhere else. Nico knew he’d seen that beautiful face before. But where?

The blonde knockout reminded him of a celebrity, but he couldn’t think which one. She gave him an enticing smile she probably wasn’t aware of. That’s when he remembered. Last month she’d been eating in the hospital cafeteria with Mia Giancarlo, one of the nurses. He recalled she’d been wearing a silky print blouse and skirt, her womanly figure transformed. Her image had stayed in his mind, and he’d been looking for her ever since.

“Look who’s here, Tommaso,” she said. “It’s Dr. Barsotti.”

The boy turned his head in Nico’s direction, his eyes excited. “Dottore—”

“Ehi, Tommaso. I can see you’ve been well entertained. Come stai?”

“Fausta has been reading to me!”

Fausta? The name rang a bell.

Santo cielo! Now it was all coming back to him. Princess Fausta Rossiano in the flesh.

“How do you do, Princess?” he said as he checked the IV bag and took Tommaso’s vital signs. “He’s a lucky boy to receive a visit from you.”

“I’m the lucky one, dottore.”

“Her name’s Fausta,” Tommaso corrected him.

Nico smiled to himself.

The three daughters of King Victor, ruler of the small country of Domodossola that touched on the borders of France, Switzerland and Italy, were known for their beauty. During these last few years there’d been two royal marriages, and their pictures had been on TV and in the newspaper. Nico ought to know since the magazines in his office put there for the patients were filled with royal news. There’d been constant speculation that the third stunning princess would be marrying a royal prince in the near future.

He shouldn’t be surprised that the yet unmarried daughter of the royal family would actually volunteer her time this way. They did a lot of admirable philanthropy for the country. Her friendliness had won over his patient.

“When can I go home?”

“You’re doing much better this evening, Tommaso. I’ll probably release you in the morning.” He turned to put some information into the computer.

“Not until then?” the boy muttered. “I’m fine now.”

“We must do what Dr. Barsotti says!”

Tommaso’s father had arrived. His wife followed him inside. Nico watched their interaction. Tommaso didn’t know how lucky he was to have loving parents. Nico had grown up in an orphanage run by the nuns. For years he’d been trying to find his parents and where he’d come from with no success.

After they thanked the princess for her time, she slipped quietly from the room. He gave instructions to the parents before he left to catch up with her. Strongly drawn to her by her appeal, he wanted to get acquainted, but other than staff, he saw no sign of her in the corridor.

He approached the charge nurse. “When did Princess Fausta start reading to the children?”

The other woman’s face broke into a broad smile. “She’s been a hospital volunteer for several months in the geriatric department. This week she was assigned to Pediatrics. So far, all the patients have been delighted. She has a real way with them. We’re excited she’ll be working with us until she’s transferred to another department.”

“When will she be here again?”

“Tomorrow. For the time being she comes on the afternoon shift four times a week.”

“I see. Thank you.”

Nico left the hospital, glad he had to wait only until tomorrow when he checked on another patient. Hopefully he’d find her here.

During the drive back to the palace in the limo, Fausta relived those moments in Tommaso’s hospital room when Dr. Barsotti had come in. Over the past two months she’d seen him several times from a distance when he’d come in to the hospital cafeteria. But they hadn’t actually spoken to each other until now.

Fausta hadn’t thought it possible to be attracted to another man after her heart had been broken four years ago. Dego Spinella had been her childhood sweetheart.

Dego’s father, Tano, had been the personal chauffeur for her father over the years. He, along with his wife and two children, lived in a house on the estate. Their son Dego was Fausta’s age. Along with her sisters, they’d all played outside together over the years. As they grew older, the friendship between Fausta and Dego grew into love.

They’d planned to go to the University of Domodossola together and then get married. But her dream was shattered when one day just before college started, her father told her that Dego was leaving for Rome, Italy, to attend college there. The king had made plans to pay for his lodging and tuition as his way of thanking Tano and their family for all their years of service.

In panic, Fausta had phoned Dego. “Why didn’t you refuse my father so we could be together?” she cried in despair. “That’s all you had to do!”

“How could I turn down his kindness, Fausta? As Papa said, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for me. Our family doesn’t have that kind of money. But you and I will phone and send letters. After graduation we’ll be together again and make plans for our future.”

What future? You’ve stabbed my heart, Dego.

Fausta’s father hadn’t forced him to go. It had all been up to Dego, but he hadn’t fought for their love.

“Cara?” he’d prodded when she hadn’t answered. “Tell me you understand. Of course I love you and am going to miss you, but he’s been so good to our family and he is the king.”

That’s right, and she’d been born the daughter of a king instead of a commoner like she’d wanted to be. “I understand more than you think.”

Fausta had never liked being royal and her parents knew it, but the years growing up around Dego had been idyllic. He wasn’t royal and they got along so perfectly, she knew a marriage between them would end in a lasting love match. Her plans for them to get a little home in the city where they could raise a family and live a normal life with children had been her dream.

But his willingness to leave her without begging her to go to Rome with him was worse than a betrayal. She’d thought their love had meant everything to him, but nothing could have been further from the truth. Fausta had been living in a fantasy world with no substance. Many times they’d come close to making love but had decided to wait until they were engaged.

His sudden departure had left her feeling heartbroken and betrayed. Her father had known she was in love with Dego and she knew he didn’t like it. But he wouldn’t have stood in the way of her marrying if Dego had loved her enough.

The fact that Dego had left for Rome without agonizing over them being torn apart said it all. The phone calls and letters from him came less and less, killing her feelings. In time she learned he’d married an Italian girl. Dego had been subtly bribed, and more than ever she hated that she’d been born a royal.

In the last four years there’d been no other man. She knew her parents were hoping she’d end up marrying one of the princes on their short list. But that would never happen! One day she’d find herself a commoner who couldn’t be bought for any reason!

Her thoughts flashed back to Dr. Barsotti.

The second she’d laid eyes on the family practice doctor with his dark fringed midnight blue eyes and black-brown hair, his image had filled her thoughts. At six foot three with a rock-solid physique and potently male, no other man could come close to him.

Just hearing about his virtues from her best friend, Mia, revealed qualities beyond his looks. Besides being twenty-eight and single, he wasn’t a baron, a count, a duke or a prince. Pure and simple, he was a nonroyal doctor, already a revered professional who she doubted could be intimidated, manipulated or bought at any price.

Once in her apartment at the palace, she phoned Mia because she’d promised.

“Fausta? I’ve been waiting to hear from you.”

“I just barely got home from the hospital after my first shift on the pediatric ward. It was so much fun.”

“I know how much you love kids.”

“I do.” Fausta adored children and looked forward to the day when she had a family of her own and an attentive husband who had no other duties than to come home at the end of the day and be with them.

“Any sightings of Dr. Barsotti?”

She gripped her cell phone tighter. “He came in to check on one of his patients while I was reading to Tommaso.”

“How did that go? I guess the doctor went into shock to see Princess Fausta Rossiano working there.”

Fausta’s breath caught. “I hope it was a good one.”

A small laugh escaped her friend’s lips. “Do you honestly know a man who wouldn’t be thrilled to get near you if he could?”

“Mia—”

“Stop pretending when you know it’s true.”

“The good doctor didn’t seem to care that I left the room. I could have been wearing a quarantine sign for his lack of interest.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. You’re the daughter of King Victor, that’s why he played it cool. He doesn’t want to presume. Felipe is the same way when it comes to you.”

“I know.” Dr. Felipe Peletti, a friend of Dr. Barsotti’s in the same medical group, had been dating Mia. The two were in love. “There are certain lines they won’t cross.”

“I’m afraid most ordinary people, men in particular, have the same problem when it comes to your royalness,” Mia teased.

Fausta’s friend had never had that hang-up. They’d met in high school with no secrets between them. She was one of the few nonroyals who’d treated them like equals and Fausta loved her for it. “You mean my untouchableness.”

“If only the masses knew what a fun, easy person you are to be with.”

“Ditto. Now I’d better let you go. I know you have to be at the hospital first thing in the morning. See you for lunch at Babbo’s.” It was a trattoria around the corner from the hospital.

“Absolutely.”

“Ciao.”

Wednesday after office hours, Nico was elated to find the princess comforting his ten-year-old patient Gina. The girl suffered from a form of childhood absence epilepsy. Each seizure lasted ten to twenty seconds and ended abruptly. Two out of three children responded to treatment and the seizures usually disappeared by midadolescence.

He’d had her brought in for tests before he ordered medication for her. She was holding on to a new stuffed animal for dear life.

The princess looked up at him when he entered the room. She was a vision in a soft orange blouse and skirt beneath her lab coat.

“Here’s Dr. Barsotti, Gina.”

The girl looked frightened. “Are you going to give me a shot?”

He shook his head. “No. I just came in to see how you are doing.”

“Her mamma will be right back,” her visitor said with an entrancing smile.

Nico nodded before checking his patient’s vital signs. “In the morning you’ll be able to go home.”

“You see?” the princess assured her, patting her other arm.

“Am I going to die?”

“Of course not,” Nico answered her. “I believe this condition is going to go away by your midteens. Don’t be frightened by things some kids say to you. They don’t know what I know.”

A small smile broke out on her cute face. “Fausta brought me this white Lagotto hunting dog.” Fausta again. “She says her father has one.” That didn’t surprise Nico. The king was known to hunt. “I love him.”

The princess’s compassion and generosity impressed him. “I’d like to be a patient so she’d bring me one just like yours, Gina.”

“I might be able to arrange something,” their royal guest drawled without looking at him. She stood up as Gina’s mother came back in the room. “I loved spending time with you, Gina. Do everything the doctor says and I know you’ll get well too.”

“Do you have to go?”

“There’s another patient I have to visit, but I’ll keep you in my prayers.”

“Thank you for the dog.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Bless you, Princess,” her mother whispered. Their visitor was winning everyone over.

Like last evening, the princess slipped out of the room before Nico could stop her. He spent a few more minutes talking to his patient, then he left to find out where the princess had gone. The charge nurse said she was seeing a patient down the hall.

Nico waited and made phone calls for twenty minutes until she appeared and walked toward him. The second their eyes met, he realized how much he’d wanted to see her again.

He’d never been so drawn to another woman. That was the hell of it. She was a princess and had to be off-limits to a man who wasn’t of royal birth. At least he assumed as much, knowing her sisters had married royalty, plus listening to the speculation in the media of a royal marriage in her future. But he didn’t see an engagement ring on her finger.

“That was a generous gift you gave my patient.”

“I brought one for all the children and was happy to do it, but you have to know that what you said to her relieved her fear. It’s obvious you have a way with children.”

“You have your own magic.” He shifted his weight. “How much longer are you on duty?”

“I’m off now. Buona sera, Dr. Barsotti.”

He watched her walk away on those long slender legs. Unable to help himself, he followed her. “Princess?”

She turned around. Her exquisite blue eyes lit up. “Yes?”

“I’m headed for the cafeteria for a bite to eat. Would you care to join me before you leave the hospital? Or is there someone waiting for you?” Might as well find out right now.

“There’s no one. In fact, I’m headed to the cafeteria myself to get some work done. But first I need to get my laptop from my locker in the cloakroom off the cafeteria. If it’s all right with you, I’ll meet you there in five minutes.”

“That sounds perfect.”

Curious to know the nature of her work, he headed for the cafeteria. After going through the line, he found them a table. When she came in minus her lab coat, everyone stared at her. Whether she was a princess or not, her beauty drew attention, especially his.

She acted oblivious as she made her way to the table and put her computer on another chair. “I’ll be right back after I go through the line.” Upon her return he noticed she’d chosen coffee and a sandwich too. The second she sat down, she started eating. “Forgive me. I’m starving.”

“I can relate.”

Her gaze met his. “This afternoon I dropped in to see Tommaso and bring him a stuffed dog like the one in the story, but he wasn’t there. Obviously you released him this morning.”

Nico nodded as he drank his coffee. “If you’ll give it to me, I’ll pass it on to him when he comes in the office for a checkup. That’ll make his day.”

“He made mine. Thank you for offering. I’ll give it to you before you leave this evening. It’s in my locker.”

“I have a better idea. Why don’t you bring it to the pediatric floor tomorrow and leave it at the nursing station? I’ll meet you there after your shift has ended and take it with me. If you’re free, we could eat here in the cafeteria again.”

Her lips curved into another of those smiles he felt reach inside him. “I don’t normally have plans after work and would enjoy that very much.”

She radiated a warmth that crept under his skin, causing his pulse to race. How could it be that she wanted to be with him when she could have any man she desired?

“Bene.” He needed to focus before he got lost in those blue orbs. “Are you liking your volunteer assignment?”

She lit up. “I love it. If I’m blessed enough to be a mother one day, I plan to have a lot of children.”

Nico found himself envying the prince who would turn out to be her fortunate husband and father those babies. “What kind of work do you do that requires your laptop after volunteering here half the day?”

“I help fund-raise for my younger sister, Lanza. She’s in charge of setting up low income housing for veterans and others and setting up soup kitchens for the homeless. I spend my mornings calling on potential donors like CEOs who believe in helping with a financial contribution. In the evening I send them information and set up more appointments. That’s what I’m going to do right now.”

Nico finished the last of his sandwich. “I can’t think of a worthier cause.” He actually couldn’t and found her remarkable for caring so much. The male CEOs she met probably fell madly in love with her and would grant her what she asked for without thinking about it.

If he weren’t paying off a debt while he hired people to search for his parents, he would make a donation. “I suspect you’re anxious to get busy, so I’ll leave you to your work and see you tomorrow at the end of the day.”

“I’ll look forward to it, dottore.”

He hoped she meant that because the last thing he wanted to do was put distance between them. “Buona sera, Princess.”

Thursday evening Fausta’s pulse was racing as she left her last patient and walked down the corridor toward the nursing station. But the doctor wasn’t there waiting for her and her heart plummeted to her feet. She couldn’t believe how disappointed she was as she approached the charge nurse. How could she care about him this fast? What was wrong with her?

“Do you still have the stuffed dog I left here when I came on duty?”

“No. Dr. Barsotti took it and said he would meet you in the cafeteria.”

After struggling to recover, she thanked the nurse and left for the cloakroom. Once she’d hung up her lab coat and pulled out the laptop from her locker, she was so eager to see him, she could hardly catch her breath.

A chuckle escaped her lips when she saw him seated in a stone colored summer suit at the same table as yesterday drinking coffee. What a gorgeous man! He’d propped the dog on its backside in the chair next to him, like he was a diner too. Her eyes met the deep blue of the doctor’s and they both laughed. He had an imp inside him that played havoc with her emotions.

“You were amazing to find this terrier for Tommaso, Princess. He looks like the dog painted on the book cover.”

“I think he does too.” She left her computer on the other chair. “I’ll be right back. What are they serving tonight?”

“I hear it’s chicken and rice, but I think we should give it a miss.” He took a deep breath. “If I asked if you’d consider having dinner with me elsewhere, what would you say?”

She cocked her head, causing that golden mesh to swish against her shoulders. “Are you?”

“Am I what?”

“Asking me out to dinner?”

His adrenaline surged. “Yes.” Why not. This would probably be the only chance in his whole life to spend an evening away from the hospital with this stunning princess. Naturally she would have to be free of any commitments in order to accept.

“I’d love it” came the response, which astonished him again. She really wasn’t involved with someone? Earlier she’d told him there was no one, but he had to be sure.

“Are you honestly telling me there’s no prince in your future?”

“Nico—it’s true I’m under constant pressure to marry a prince on my parents’ short list, especially now that both of my sisters are married.” He knew it! “And of course, there’s continual speculation about my marrying a prince in the media. There will always be gossip. But in all honesty, I swear to you there’s no prince in my life and there never will be!” she said with such emotion, he knew she’d meant it.

Before he could say anything else, she blurted, “What about a woman in yours? How come you’re not going home to someone important this evening?”

“I date on occasion, but so far there’s been no one special.”

She smiled. “I’m going to take you at your word. Thank you for being truthful with me. Now that we have that settled, where shall we go? I don’t know about you, but I’m hungry.”

“How about Babbo’s?”

Her heart leaped. He’d just invited her on a date. “I’d love it.”

“Then let’s go.”

As she reached for her laptop, he picked up the dog and they left the hospital.

Fausta couldn’t believe he’d asked her out and was literally floating as they walked the short distance to the trattoria. For a while she could be the commoner she’d always wanted to be, going out to dinner with a fabulous man who wanted to be with her.

This was the normal life she’d always wanted! The way the women stared at him during their walk, she knew they’d give anything to be in her place.

When they reached Babbo’s, Nico found them a booth and they both ordered lasagna. After they began eating, she asked, “How was your day?”

“Busy. A fifty-year-old male patient of mine had his gall bladder removed this morning. His surgeon didn’t want to release him until tomorrow. Though he should do well, I need to know if there are any complications before I go home.”

“Where would our world be without doctors like you? I know my father relies on his. We’re all indebted to him.”

Nico blinked. “What’s wrong with him?”

“A bad heart. These days my brother-in-law Prince Stefano is helping him more and more with the load.”

“I’m sorry he’s not well.”

She sighed. “I am too and shouldn’t have said anything. No one outside the family knows.”

“Don’t worry. Your secret is safe with me.”

Fausta finished her coffee. “I believe you.” She’d lost her trust in men four years ago, but somehow she felt she could trust this doctor who took her breath away and had a bedside manner that instilled confidence in his patients.

One dark brow lifted. “Did you find any new benefactors this morning?”

She welcomed the change of subject. “Not today. Maybe tomorrow. Fund-raising takes time, but I had such a wonderful afternoon with the children, I can’t complain about anything.”

“Nor I.”

Suddenly his phone rang and he answered. When he hung up, he said, “I was afraid of this and need to check on my patient now. Tell me something. How do you get home at night?”

“Don’t worry about me. I call for the limo. The driver will pick me up here.”

“I’m sorry I have to go.” He got to his feet and picked up the dog. “Do you work tomorrow?”

Her pulse picked up speed. “Yes. Tuesday through Friday.”

“Unfortunately I have a two day seminar that will prevent me from meeting you. If you’re free Sunday evening, I’d like to see you again.”

“I want that too.” Her swift response thrilled him. “When you come to the palace, drive around to the left entrance and I’ll be there waiting for you. Just name the time.”

“Six thirty?”

“That sounds perfect. Thank you for dinner this evening.”

“I’m the one wanting to thank you for coming with me.” After reaching for the dog, he glanced at her. “I don’t want to leave, but work calls.”

“Don’t apologize. I bet your patient can’t wait to see you walk in his room. I know that’s how I would feel.”

If she didn’t miss her guess, she sensed he would rather stay with her. Heaven help her but she hated that the evening had to end so fast. Sunday sounded so far away.

“I’ll see you soon, Princess. And I’ll make certain Tommaso receives his gift when he comes in for his checkup.”

“Grazie. A presto, dottore.”

CHAPTER TWO

NICO LAY AWAKE half the night. He kept seeing the princess’s incredible light blue eyes staring into his, holding him spellbound. The words that she wanted to be with him too haunted him throughout the two days of meetings. But his insecurity over not knowing who his parents were made him feel less worthy of her interest. It was hard for him to believe she wanted to be with him.

The women he dated on occasion didn’t come close to her kind of compassion or understanding, let alone her beauty. She was unique in ways that made him hunger to know her better. Much better.

On Sunday evening he drove to the fifteenth century palace and followed her instructions that led him to the side entrance. She stood outside the doors next to a guard waiting for him, dressed in a wispy blouse and skirt in a heavenly shade of hyacinth.

Her flowery fragrance filled the interior of his car as he helped her inside. Within seconds he drove his car out of the parking area and the estate onto the street.

“Fasten your seat belt, Princess.”

“I will if you’ll do me a favor and start calling me Fausta.”

“You’re sure?”

She let out a gentle laugh he loved hearing. “Since we’re going to be seeing each other more often from now on at the hospital, it sounds too formal. Do you mind if I call you Nico?”

“Do you have to ask?” It didn’t seem possible that they were on a first name basis. Excitement shouldn’t have rippled through him.

“What do you ask the patients to call you? That is if they don’t recognize you.”

“Even if they do, I introduce myself as Fausta, as I did with Tommaso. My full name is Vittoria Eugenia Fausta Rossiano, but I prefer Fausta.”

He filed that information away for future reference and turned onto another boulevard, but the traffic was heavy everywhere. “With your many responsibilities as a princess and fund-raiser, how do you have time to volunteer too?”

She turned to him. “Mamma has always said that charity never fails. By balancing my priorities raising funds for the homeless shelters Lanza is in charge of, I have time to volunteer. I envy my friend Mia for working at the hospital. When she mentioned a new volunteer program being started a few months ago, I jumped at the opportunity to indulge myself if there was an opening.”

“Indulge?” he asked, full of admiration for her willingness to serve.

“Yes. You don’t know how much fun it is to listen to older people talk about their past or read stories to the children when they’re too sick to do anything else but listen. Lanza has an adorable baby boy, Ridolfo. He’s eight months now and I already read to him. As you know, she married Prince Stefano of the Kingdom of Umbriano. Luckily they live here.

“As for my eldest sister, Donetta, she’s married to King Enrico of the country of Vallefiore and is expecting. I’m excited about another niece or nephew coming along.”

He smiled. “I remember reading in the news about their marriages.”

She nodded. “Maybe they’ll have a cute little girl or a boy like Ridolfo or Tommaso.”

“You made his day. I listened while you finished reading to him.”

“I’m the one who loved it. He asked a lot of questions about Pompeii, especially when I told him I’d been there and described some of the things I’d seen. He said he wanted to go there. He’s a bright boy.”

“I agree. In the beginning, did he recognize you as Princess Fausta?”

“If he did, he never let on. Children are wonderful. They don’t set up boundaries.”

Like you have, Barsotti. The fact that he’d even asked the question revealed his amazement that she continued to want to be with him. “I think most every adult has that problem who meets a royal like you.”

“It shouldn’t be that way. From the first time I realized I was born a royal, I fought against it and wanted to be a commoner. Though I can’t change my heritage, I live my life like an ordinary person as much as possible.”

That revelation came as a surprise to him. “Why do you feel that way?”

“You don’t know how difficult it is to grow up not having your father around when you need to talk to him. It’s not natural to have to make appointments to see him. If you want to know the truth, I wouldn’t wish my royal life on anyone.”

“I had no idea.” She sounded so completely serious, he had to believe her. Yet it still didn’t change his wonderment that she wanted to be with him.

“I guess you’ve already noticed I’m always ready for a meal.”

He grinned. “By the lovely look of you, no one would guess. I’m starving too. What do you like?”

“Anything. Surprise me. I’d like to see where the renowned Dr. Nico Barsotti goes for a meal after an exhausting day.” Renowned? “I’m always looking for a good spot to eat.”

“That doesn’t sound like you spend much time at the palace.”

He felt her eyes on him as he headed for the old part of the city with its narrow cobblestoned streets. “How many hours a day do you stay in the place where you live?”

Nico knew where this conversation was going. Once again he’d left himself wide open with a statement that showed how off the mark he was over the life of a royal. “I sleep there. That’s about it.”

“You’ve just described my life.”

Except that her world was full of activity he knew nothing about and wished he didn’t want to know. There was no way he could ever have a romantic relationship with her. Though she insisted there was no one and she was free to be with him, he believed her parents would eventually prevail on her to marry some important prince. Again, he reminded himself that her sisters had married royalty. Why would it be different for her?

“There’s a small restaurant around the next corner that serves one of my favorite dishes. Have you ever eaten maialino allo spiedo?”

Her eyes sparkled like blue diamonds. “Roast pig? I’m sure I have.”

“But this recipe is different and you’re in for a real treat.”

After a minute he found a parking space along the ancient street, but it turned out to be a tight squeeze between cars smaller than his. He slid from the car and hurried around to help her.

Soon people were staring at her, but she seemed oblivious. He noticed that men couldn’t take their eyes off her. No doubt they wished they were in Nico’s shoes as he ushered her inside Prospero’s, a small dimly lit cantina over two hundred years old.

The owner saw Nico and hurried toward him with a wide smile. He couldn’t take his gaze off Fausta. “Dottore—are my eyes deceiving me?” he whispered.

Nico chuckled. “No, amico mio. Prospero Gallo? May I introduce Princess Fausta Rossiano?”

“I knew it! Benvenuto, Your Highness!” He beamed. “I’ve never been so honored.”

“Just call me Fausta, Signor Gallo, and I’m the one who feels privileged. Nico tells me you make the best roast pig in Domodossola.”

Nico could tell by the way the owner seemed at a sudden loss for words that her compliment had thrilled Prospero. But after a moment he recovered and led them past several other diners to the best table of the house in the corner, where they were seated.

“We don’t need a menu, Prospero. Just some white wine and your wife’s rigotoni alla carbanara to go with the maialino allo spiedo followed by coffee.”

“Al vostro servizio, Nico.” His gaze switched to Fausta. “Princess,” he murmured before hurrying to the kitchen, unable to call her by her first name.

By now the staff had to be aware of their illustrious visitor. Nico knew that a visit from a member of the royal family had made Prospero’s night. Being with her had made Nico’s night and he intended to enjoy it to the fullest.

“The owner is charming. Has he been a patient of yours?”

“No. We met in an entirely different way. When I moved to Domodossola eighteen months ago and joined the hospital staff, I asked around to find out what restaurants served roast pig. I tried several places, but they were a disappointment. Then I came to Prospero’s and now I never go anywhere else when I’m in the mood for it.”

“Why is that dish so special to you?” She’d just sipped the wine one of the waiters had brought to their table. Her lips glistened from the liquid, causing him to think thoughts he shouldn’t be having, like how she would taste right now if he were to kiss her. His instant attraction to her was growing in leaps.

He drank some of his. “They use an old recipe that reminds me of the years I lived in Biella.”

Her eyes searched his. “You mean Biella, Italy?”

“Have you been there?”

“Once years ago, with my mother and sisters. Mamma loved it because it was hilly with old castellos she’d visited as a child. As I recall, we had lunch there with a friend of my father’s cousin. I remember walking up the steep, narrow streets to the citadel.”

“I did it many times myself.”

“So you’re Italian! You must be here on a visa. Now that you’re a doctor here, do you think in time you might apply for Domodossolan citizenship? Quite a few people from other countries hold dual citizenship.”

“That’s true—”

But before he could answer her question, Prospero brought their food to the table. He nodded to Nico then said, “Buon appetito, Princess.”

“Grazie, signor. It looks delicious. So does the rigotoni alla carbanara.”

Nico eyed her after Prospero walked away. “He cooks the meat. His wife makes the pasta with guaciale.”

She looked surprised. “Doesn’t that mean ‘cheeks’?”

He chuckled. “In this case pig’s cheeks. Normally the pasta is made with pancetta, but the meat is too crisp. Guaciale melts in your mouth.” All the time they talked, he couldn’t stop admiring the mold of her face and the way her eyes danced. There wasn’t another woman like her in existence and he didn’t want this evening to end.

The waiter brought coffee as they started eating. After a few minutes she leaned toward Nico. “This food is divine. How do you know all this? Were you a five-star chef before you became a doctor?”

“Not exactly. From the age of twelve to eighteen I was a pig farmer on an estate on the outskirts of Biella before and after school.”

“You’re kidding!” she cried with excitement. “You got to play with all the little piglets?”

Her comment tickled him. “You like pigs?”

She smiled. “Yes! Sometimes my sisters and I would visit a pig farm on the palatial estate and I always wanted to take one home and turn it into a pet like my rabbit. My parents forbade it, but—Oh, they’re so adorable!”

So was she. Already Nico realized he was falling hard for her. “For the most part they’re well behaved as long as you don’t separate them from the sow. There were times when I had to help a runt so it would thrive, and the vet would come. They have to be given antibiotics to prevent infection, and you have to put iodine on their navels. But sometimes the runts died. That was the hard part.”

“How sad that must have been for you. When the wild rabbit I found and nursed back to health eventually died, it took me a long time to get over it. I’m surprised you didn’t become a vet.”

Nico finished his wine. “There was another experience earlier in my life that influenced me to go into a different kind of medicine, but I’ll never regret my time on that farm.”

“I think you were lucky.”

“For many reasons I agree.” Right now I’m the luckiest man on the planet. “The family I lived with were good to me and cooked roast pig at least twice a week. We ate well, which was a blessing because I was always hungry. Whenever I get homesick for those days, I come here to eat.”

“I can see why. Do you ever go back to Biella?”

He was flattered and humbled by her interest in his life, as if she really wanted to know. “About every two months since I moved here. I enjoy the trip and visit friends, some of whom need medical help.”

“How fortunate for them to have you looking after them.” After she’d finished her meal, she swallowed the rest of her wine. “Where is your family?”

The inevitable question, reminding him of the separation between them. For a little while he’d forgotten. After sitting back, he studied her through narrowed lids. “I’ve been wanting to know the answer to that question since my first remembrance of life.”

She studied him. “I don’t understand.”

“Someone like you whose royal pedigree goes back thousands of years would have a hard time relating.”

“Please can’t you forget my background and just talk to me like I’m a normal woman?” she persisted. Her endearing sincerity got to him.

Nico slowly drank his hot coffee. “I’m here on a temporary visa that has to be renewed on a regular basis. I have no idea of my true nationality, which is why I couldn’t answer your question about citizenship.”

A slight frown marred her brow. “But your parents—”

He lowered his cup. “I think around five years of age I must have asked someone where my mamma was because there was a painting of the bambino Gesu with his mamma in the big room.

“Apparently I understood some Italian and remember a lady in black patting my head. ‘Only God knows, figlio mio. While you are here, we shall call you Nico.’ Later I learned I’d been placed there with the nuns at the age of two, but I have no memory of it. The orphanage is in a village near Biella.”

A look of compassion and other emotions less definable pooled in the celestial blue eyes of the princess.

“Now I’ve told you more than I’ve told anyone else in years. You have that rare quality of being a good listener. I’m not surprised you were hired as a volunteer. The sick children won’t mind being in the hospital with you there for comfort. Would you like dessert before we leave?”

“No, thank you,” she whispered, clearly moved by what he’d told her.

Already he’d learned she had a sensitive nature that made her even more desirable to him. It set off warnings that he’d be a fool to get any more involved, even if she were amenable, but it was too late. She’d already walked right into his heart. But even if he dared to imagine a future with her, how could there be one? She was the daughter of a king and queen. No matter what she’d claimed, he was convinced her future would be settled by them when the time was right.

“Then I’ll drive you back to the palace so your bodyguard seated near the entrance to the restaurant can go off duty and stop worrying that I’m going to whisk you away.”

An orphan.

To think she’d been complaining about waiting for her father’s attention growing up when Nico had been raised in an orphanage!

Already crazy about him, her heart went out to him. She wished the handsome, hard-muscled man who was so much more than a doctor would drive her to a place where they could be completely alone to talk some more.

Nico had stunned her by what he’d revealed of his life so far, but she’d only scratched the surface. After he’d taken her into his confidence, there were endless questions she wanted to ask.

Instead he’d reverted to treating her like a princess, which put distance between them when it was the last thing she wanted. Tonight had been magical. Having to go home was the part she hated.

After paying for their delicious meal, he said goodbye to the owner and walked her to his car, clinging to her hand. The small intimacy filled her with longing to get closer to him. Soon they would reach the palace and this glorious evening together would be over. She couldn’t bear it.

If she invited him in to her apartment so they could talk further, would he turn her down flat because he couldn’t allow himself to cross that line? She’d told him there was no other man in her life.

As they entered the estate, she guessed she’d find out because she didn’t want to say good-night. Already he’d become of vital importance to her in every way. He followed the road around the palace to the side entrance. Another minute and he pulled to a stop. “Home safe and sound.”

Fausta prayed he would want to stay in the car to talk with her for a little while, but no such luck. He got right out and walked around to her side to open the door. Their arms brushed as she alighted, sending darts of awareness through her body.

“Would you like to come inside, Nico?” Her heart was pounding so hard it had made her voice throb. Please say yes.

“Thank you, but I’m afraid I still have to return several calls after I get home.”

Don’t react, Fausta.

“I forgot about that. Thank you so much for the ride and a dinner I’ll never forget.”

“Neither will I, believe me. Before you go in, I wondered if you would like to go to a film with me Tuesday evening after work? We’ll grab a bite on the way.”

His question caught her off guard so completely, she almost fainted with happiness. “I can’t wait and haven’t been to a movie in ages.”

“Neither have I. We’ll leave after your shift. In case an emergency crops up, let’s exchange cell phone numbers.”

When that was accomplished, he said, “Buona notte, Fausta.”

She smiled. “Alla prossima, Nico.”

Fausta headed for the entrance where a palace guard opened the door for her. Without looking behind her, she went inside and dashed up the staircase to her apartment.

Her gambit to prolong their time together tonight had failed, but he wanted to see her again on Tuesday evening. When he’d first turned her down, she’d feared he’d decided she wasn’t that interesting after all. But his next question had sent her spirits soaring. He did want to be with her, hopefully as much as she craved to spend time with him.

She found herself dancing around as she got ready for bed. When she came out of the bathroom, her cell phone was ringing. She reached for it and checked the caller ID. It could be any one of her friends who worked on fund-raisers with her. Seeing who it was, she clicked on. “Mia!”

“Wow! Do you ever sound happy.”

“I am. Nico and I went to dinner tonight, and Tuesday night we’re going to see a film.”

“Wait. Tell me all that again. Go slowly.”

She clutched the phone tighter. For the next few minutes she explained how things had happened at the hospital, their meal in the cafeteria and Babbo’s, plus their subsequent dinner at Prospero’s. Remembering that Nico had said he hadn’t told anyone else about his past in years, she kept that information to herself.

“The dinner was over too soon, and he drove me home. I asked him if he’d like to come in, but he said he still had work. I was afraid I’d ruined things by pushing too hard, but then he asked me to go to a movie with him.”

Mia chuckled. “What did I tell you? The guy’s smitten.”

So was Fausta. So smitten she knew she’d never get to sleep. “Tonight he found out how much I wanted to be with him, like I was a desperate woman.”

“If anything he probably couldn’t believe that you, Princess Fausta, would actually ask a nonroyal man to spend private time with you inside the palace. In most people’s minds, it just isn’t done because it’s such a great privilege.”

“I don’t want to hear that. He’s such an incredible man, Mia.” Her voice shook.

With the background he’d come from, he was even more remarkable than anyone knew. “Being with him tonight has let me know I’ve lived a very sheltered, uninteresting life as a royal.”

“Don’t be ridiculous.”

“I’m being honest. The woman who wins his heart will be the luckiest woman alive.”

“Fausta—”

“Sorry, Mia. It’s late. I’ll see you on Monday. If you can make it, let’s meet in the cafeteria on your lunch hour before we both go on duty and we’ll talk.”

“That sounds good. But do yourself a favor. Don’t assume anything. To him you have to be the most fascinating female on earth.”

“You think?”

“I know.”

If only that were true. Tonight he’d revealed he didn’t have a clue about his origins. But there was one thing she understood above all else. Whoever his parents were, he’d inherited qualities and genes that put him head and shoulders above other men. She adored him.

“Ciao, Mia.”

“Ciao.”

Fausta hung up. Tuesday evening couldn’t come fast enough for her.

CHAPTER THREE

SINCE THE DINNER with Fausta on Sunday evening, Nico had been out of sorts. She had everything to do with his restlessness, but it wasn’t something he wanted to talk about with anyone, not even Felipe.

The women he dated knew nothing concerning his background. When or if the right one came along, that would be different. However, Fausta had been such a good listener, she’d drawn him out.

Their conversation at Prospero’s had caused him to open up about his life in a way he’d never done since moving to Domodossola. He decided it was because in the end, nothing could come of his association with her. That’s why he’d felt comfortable telling her certain facts. Maybe he even enjoyed shocking her a little about his work on a pig farm, but she didn’t act shocked.

In truth, he was the one who’d been stunned when she’d invited him in to her apartment at the palace. There was nothing he’d wanted more than to get closer to her. He knew she wouldn’t have asked him inside if she hadn’t wanted it too. But it wouldn’t have been a good idea because he desired her in all the ways a man could want a woman.

It was one thing to enjoy a few meals at or near the hospital with her. But to take her to Prospero’s before returning her to the palace had opened the floodgates for him. Now he’d invited her to a movie.

Little by little he was fanning the flames with a royal princess whose life had been mapped out from birth. Though she wished she were a commoner and insisted she would never marry a prince, Fausta had admitted that her parents were constantly pressuring her. Of course he believed her, but Nico didn’t feel…worthy of her.

He was a child who’d grown up abandoned by his parents and had become a realist. Though Fausta might not be in a relationship right now, she’d just told him her parents had royal plans for her. All he could imagine would be an affair with her, which would be impossible to hush up, something he couldn’t let happen.

There was another factor too. It wouldn’t be fair to go on seeing her when he might not stay in Domodossola much longer. That all depended on finding his parents, and he was expecting some news of them soon. For that reason, he hadn’t bought a home and settled down here.

The small Italian-speaking country of Domodossola was only two hours away from Biella on the northwestern Italian border. His parents could have lived within that radius before he was taken to the orphanage. But so far a thorough investigation here in this country as well as the region around Biella hadn’t turned up any information. At this point he’d been investigating elsewhere.

When or if he did find his parents, or discover his origins or where he belonged, and he discovered it was in another country, hopefully one or both his parents would want to get acquainted with him. It might be that he’d make a permanent move to be with them.

Then again, they might not want anything to do with him. Though he was taking a huge risk, he’d nursed the hope of a reunion for years. Certainly he wouldn’t expect a woman he was involved with, especially the princess, to deal with a future as uncertain as his.

All this was on his mind as he and Fausta exited the theatre. She looked gorgeous in a summery print dress. “Let’s get some gelato around the corner before I take you home.”

Their bodies brushed as they made their way through the crowds. The warm, beautiful early summer night brought out his longing to find a private place and kiss her into oblivion. So far he hadn’t touched her. He didn’t dare, or he wouldn’t want to stop.

They both chose strawberry gelato and made their way back to his car. On the drive to the palace his mind flew ahead to the next time they would be together. Right now, he couldn’t imagine his life without seeing her every day. He decided it would be safer to continue to be with her in public places where they would be around other people.

Nico drew the car around to the side entrance before turning to her. “I enjoyed being with you tonight more than you know. Thanks for sitting through that action film. It wasn’t as good as it was purported to be.” He took her empty gelato cup and put it in the bag.

“I agree, but I didn’t care because I had a wonderful time. Since you probably have to go, will you wait long enough for me to run inside? I have something I want to give you.”

She had something for him? He couldn’t imagine. “Of course I’ll wait.”

“Be right back.”

Within five minutes she’d returned carrying a white Lagotto hunting dog, the same kind she’d given Gina. After opening the passenger door, she placed it on its backside and put the seat belt around it.

She grinned. “You said you’d like one. His name is Giorgio. He works on a local pig farm. Now you won’t be lonesome on your drive home because you’ll both have a lot to talk about. Buona notte, Nico.”

He burst into deep laughter as she shut the door and disappeared inside the palace. No one had a personality like Fausta’s. Everything about her had enamored him to the point he wanted to take her home with him and throw away the key.

Barsotti? You’re in huge trouble.

After he reached his apartment, he phoned her, hoping she’d pick up.

“Nico? Is Giorgio giving you problems already?” she teased.

He closed his eyes for a moment. “I’m calling because you ran inside the palace before I could thank you. Your gift has special meaning for me.

“When I first started working on the farm, people came who didn’t know me and just called me Giorgio. I asked Angelo about it and he said it meant ‘farmer.’ Trust you to know that. Thank you again. See you tomorrow after your shift is over?”

“Absolutely.”

When Wednesday evening rolled around, Nico didn’t have a patient in the hospital, so he had no excuse to visit the pediatric ward. But that didn’t stop him from racing over there after hours to find Fausta. The long overnight wait to see her again had been deadly.

She came walking down the hall ten minutes later and broke into a smile to see him by the nursing station. “Ehi—how’s Giorgio?” Her hair shone like a pot of gold in the sunlight.

“We’ve become best friends. I’ve made him my guard dog while I’m at work.”

“I’m glad you like him.”

“I hope you realize I like the woman who gave him to me.” He heard her breath catch. “Shall we head for the cafeteria for dinner?”

“I have a better idea. I brought a picnic for us and thought we could eat it on the grass behind the hospital.”

She’d planned a picnic?

Today she was dressed in a yellow top and print skirt beneath her lab coat. He loved the way she looked. He loved everything about her. “I love the way you think.”

“Give me a second. I put the bag in the fridge of the nurses’ lounge.”

He felt an adrenaline surge as she darted back down the hall for their meal. Fausta never ceased to captivate him. When she returned, she was carrying a plaid blanket along with a bag of food. No one had planned a surprise like this for him before.

He took the sack and they made their way through the halls and down the staircase to the door leading out back. It was another beautiful balmy evening. She found them a spot and spread out the blanket.

They sank down and emptied the sack. Soon they were both munching and drinking soda. “Where did this meal come from? It’s fabulous.”

“I asked one of the palace chefs to make me a picnic.”

“No wonder I’ve never eaten such delicious sandwiches and salad before.”

“Jeanne is a great cook and my friend. Sometimes I take her to lunch to give her a break.”

“That sounds like you,” he said in a thick-toned voice. “Unselfish and generous to a fault.” He’d never known anyone so easy to be with. She never pouted or acted upset.

Fausta blushed. “Thank you for saying that, but it’s not true.”

“I have proof to the contrary before my very eyes.” He continued to stare into those light blue pools until she looked away. “What’s your agenda this week?”

“Tomorrow I have to go back to the palace by three o’clock to help entertain some foreign dignitaries for the evening. Papa insists on it.”

Maybe it was a prince her father wanted her to meet, but Nico had to stop worrying about that or he’d go crazy.

“On Friday morning I have an appointment with the head of the Tocelli cell phone company. I’ve been pushing him for a commitment and believe he’s going to help fund one wing of the new veterans’ hospital.”

“Bravo.” Fausta’s charisma could turn a man inside out.

“What about you?”

“No seminars for several months, grazie a Dio.”

She laughed quietly. The urge to take her in his arms and kiss her had become a viable pain he couldn’t endure much longer. So much for his plan to slow things down. Driven by his desire to be with her despite his reservations, he brought up an idea he’d promised himself he wouldn’t do.

“Fausta? Before I have to go back in and check on a new hospitalized patient, I wanted to ask if you have plans for this coming Saturday.”

She’d started to clean things up. “That depends,” she said with an alluring smile that made his heart thud.

“I wondered if you’d like to drive to Biella with me. While I call on my patients, we’ll visit the pig farm.”

Her blue eyes danced. “There’s nothing I’d like more than to see some cute little pigs!”

You’ve done it now, Barsotti. But he didn’t care. Insane as it was, he needed to be alone with her away from their world. “It’ll be a two-hour drive both ways. Can you be ready by nine? We’ll stop to eat along the way.”

“I’m always up early and will wait outside the entrance.”

“Bene.” He got to his feet and picked up the sack. She folded the blanket and they went back inside as far as the cloakroom. When she lifted her eyes to him, Nico could see a nerve throbbing in the base of her throat. “See you on Saturday.”

After they said good-night, he conferred with his colleague over a patient, then drove to his apartment and phoned Enzo, who sounded ecstatic to hear from him.

Knowing that he would be with her all day Saturday was the only thing that helped him get through the rest of his week.

After letting the older man know he’d be driving to Biella and would be bringing someone with him this time, Nico got ready for bed, almost feverish in anticipation of being with Fausta.

When he drove up to the side of the palace on Saturday morning, there she was with molten gold hair, dressed in jeans and walking boots. She’d worn a long-sleeved kelly green pullover that revealed the feminine mold of her body. She carried a jacket over her arm and looked like she was ready for a day in the country. Every exquisite detail about her spoke to him.

Nico jumped out of the car and walked around to open the passenger door for her with the palace guard looking on. “Buon giorno

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