A Princess for Christmas - Jenny Holiday Page 0,120

same doors earlier. And she had everyone’s attention, just as Marie had. Including the king’s. Emil was on the dais, dressed in a plain tuxedo. No spare bullshit king outfits clean, huh, Your Royal Asshole?

“Ah, good,” Emil said mildly. “We’re all here.” He raised his eyebrows at Marie and Leo as they reached the edge of the empty dance floor. “Though I can see that Miss Ricci is the only one who followed my directive regarding attire.” He turned his attention to Gabby. “Miss Ricci, will you please do me the honor of joining me up here? I would be delighted if you would dance with me later, but I have a few words to say first.”

“Hang on now,” Leo said. He wasn’t about to stand here while the king insulted or embarrassed his sister. He had stood for that shit all week, and he was done. He dropped Marie’s hand and started forward as the king extended his arm to Gabby and she took it.

“Mr. Ricci.” Mr. Benz stepped into Leo’s path.

Marie, following Leo closely, managed to dodge Mr. Benz. “No, Father, I have something to say.” She started toward him.

“Get out of my way, Benz,” Leo growled. The equerry was surprisingly nimble as he got in Leo’s face like an NCAA shooting guard.

“Mr. Ricci, would you agree that despite what I’m sure are my many faults, I am a passable student of human nature, especially when it comes to this family?”

“What?” Why couldn’t this dude talk like a normal person? And why wouldn’t he get the hell out of the way?

“Do you trust me, Mr. Ricci? Have I led you astray yet today?”

“Other than losing my sister, you mean?”

Mr. Benz didn’t even blink. “Other than that, yes.”

“No,” Leo had to admit. And really, he couldn’t blame Benz for Gabby’s disappearance. She’d managed that all on her own.

“Then I suggest you listen to His Majesty.”

“Oh, shit.” Leo cursed as the crowd closed around Marie. He leveled a death glare at Mr. Benz that finally made him step aside and Leo started pushing his way through the crowd to get to Marie. He was determined to at least be by her side as she said her piece.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” the king said, which at least made Leo’s journey easier because everyone stopped looking between him and Marie and turned their attention to the front. “Thank you for coming this evening to the one hundred and seventieth annual Cocoa Ball. You may recall that traditionally, I would welcome you with my beloved Joséphine by my side.” Marie sucked in a breath as Leo reached her side. “She is three years gone, but . . .” He paused and cleared his throat.

Leo was listening to the king but watching Marie. Astonishment washed over her features.

The king’s voice broke as he added, “I miss her every day, but perhaps the most at Christmastime.” A sympathetic murmur broke out through the crowd, and Marie gasped. “But life goes on, does it not? Family goes on. Which is why I’m so pleased to be able to make an announcement today of a royal suitor for my dear daughter, Marie.”

Leo grabbed Marie’s hand and squeezed. “It doesn’t matter,” he whispered. “He can say whatever he wants. It doesn’t mean anything.”

She turned to him, her eyes bright with unshed tears. “That’s right. He’ll say what he’s going to say, and I’ll say what I’m going to say, and then we’ll go to New York.”

Aww, shit, he loved her. His brave princess who was so unassailably herself, even when it was hard. Even when it was about to cost her everything.

“I’m not even gonna make you shovel when we get home,” he whispered. “You can order me around, like Gabby does.” He was saying that to make sure she knew that she was his. That she had a home with him. But he actually got off on the idea of Miss Prim having the run of the place. Of doing her bidding. In all ways. It was going to be—

“Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Mr. Leonardo Ricci of New York.”

—perfect.

Marie emitted a strangled, muffled shriek and went from holding Leo’s hand to clutching his arm like she was drowning as the room broke out in cheers.

“Mr. Ricci, I owe you an apology,” the king said when the applause died down.

Well, shit. This was not how Leo had seen this story ending.

The king’s face softened. “And you, too, my Marie.” He cleared his throat. “But you’ll be getting those