Slow Tango With a Prince (Royal Scandals) by Nicole Burnham Page B

lose. That’s uncommon.”  
    “Thank you, I think.” When he’d walked away, she’d have sworn she’d seen anger in his expression. In her experience, men with stunning looks like Victor’s didn’t often hear anything from women but compliments. Apparently, her words had penetrated, though now she could feel him studying her from behind his dark lenses as if attempting to discern what else she thought of him.
    He merely angled his head, as if waiting to hear what she’d say next. While she wasn’t one to back down from a challenge, she desperately needed to find a restroom. After locating a copy of the release in her handbag so he could take a moment to peruse it, she excused herself, promising to return before the waitress appeared with their lunch.  
    Vittorio watched her go, then gave the release a quick read. Seeing nothing alarming on the single sheet of legalese, he dug in his pocket for his cell phone…the throwaway he hadn’t wanted Emily to know he had.
    A moment later, a groggy voice nearly identical to his own answered in Sarcaccian-accented Italian. “What’s wrong? It’s the middle of the night.”
    “What’s on your schedule this week?”
    A muttered epithet, then the rustle of bedsheets came over the line. His sheets, given that Alessandro had moved into Vittorio’s palace apartment. “Does this mean you’re on your way home?”
    “Not quite yet.”’
    A pause. More shuffling, then feet hitting the floor. The flick of a light switch followed by more footsteps, as if Alessandro had walked from the bedroom to the living room for privacy.
    Vittorio closed his eyes against his brother’s idiocy. “Are you with someone?” And if so, who was he claiming to be?
    “No. God, no, or I’d be in a better mood. I’m trying to find my calendar.” After heaving out an exasperated breath, Alessandro said, “Nothing but social events. I’m visiting a hospital tomorrow, then a halfway house on Wednesday. Otherwise, there’s a movie premiere, a few dinners, and yet another art exhibition. You can imagine my delight. Oh, and Megan and Stefano want the family to get together to discuss wedding logistics. You do remember that they’re getting married this summer? Of course, since you missed Christmas, you might not—”
    “No political engagements? Nothing where you’ll be acting on behalf of the government?”
    “Not for almost two weeks. The Indian Prime Minister is stopping here on his way to speak at the United Nations. Why?”
    Vittorio kept his gaze moving, ensuring no one was within earshot as he spoke. “When I left, you encouraged me to live like you do. I told you that wasn’t possible, that I needed solitude. Hell, even you shouldn’t live like you do. It’s a wonder you’ve survived.” Nightclubs. Parties. Adventure travel. All the wealth and access a man could desire, yet with none of the responsibilities of the heir.
    “I didn’t think it was possible I could survive an art exhibition, yet here I am,” came the droll response. “You’d be surprised what humans are capable of enduring.”  
    “I also told you that if I lived the way you do, we’d be caught.” Vittorio ran a hand over the thick growth covering his jaw. “Let’s just say that if we’re ever discovered, it’ll be due to my activities this week. Given that risk, I’d prefer it if you have Father handle any political events. Then, at least, the scandal will be minimal. No harm done. We’ll look like brothers who decided to pull a prank by having you attend a dinner or two in my place.” He’d switch his accommodations again tonight, just to be safe. If anyone traced him to the date he agreed to appear on the show, it’d look like he’d just arrived in the country.
    Silence reigned on the other end of the line.
    “Alessandro? Did you hear me?”
    “What. Have. You. Done?”
    “Nothing salacious. I’m simply helping out someone who’s in a tough spot. However, it will put me at risk of being