‘But you do want me, Liana,’ Sandro said softly. ‘You want me very much. And even if you try to deny it I’ll know. I’ll feel your response in your lips that open to mine, in your hands that reach for me, in your body that responds to me.’
I know that,’ she choked. ‘I’m not denying anything.’
She turned her face with all its naked emotion away from him.
‘No,’ he agreed, his voice as hard as iron now, as hard as his gunmetal-grey eyes. ‘You’re not denying it. You’re just resisting it with every fibre of your being. Resisting me.’
She let out a shudder and he shook his head.
‘Why, Liana? You agreed to this marriage, as I did. Why can’t we find this pleasurable at least?’
‘Because …’
Because she wasn’t strong enough. She’d open herself up to him just a little and a tidal wave of emotion would rush through her. She wouldn’t be able to hold it back and it would devastate her. She knew it instinctively—knew that giving in just a little to Sandro would crack her right open, shatter her into pieces. She’d never come together again.
How could she explain all of that?
THE DIOMEDI HEIRS
Who will become the next King of Maldinia?
The world’s media is waiting with bated breath for the estranged Diomedi Princes to be reunited and the rightful King—with his chosen Queen—to be seated upon the throne!
Read Prince Leo’s story in:
THE PRINCE SHE NEVER KNEW
To restore the reputation of the monarchy, darkly brooding Prince Leo has sacrificed everything. His marriage might be for show, but the feelings his new bride Alyse evokes in him are threatening his iron-clad control.
Read Prince Alessandro’s story in:
A QUEEN FOR THE TAKING?
Black sheep Prince Alessandro has returned home to claim the throne—and the woman he discarded years ago—but he meets his match in the woman Liana has now become!
A Queen for the Taking?
Kate Hewitt
KATE HEWITT discovered her first Mills & Boon® romance on a trip to England when she was thirteen, and she’s continued to read them ever since. She wrote her first story at the age of five, simply because her older brother had written one and she thought she could do it too. That story was one sentence long—fortunately they’ve become a bit more detailed as she’s grown older. She has written plays, short stories and magazine serials for many years, but writing romance remains her first love. Besides writing, she enjoys reading, travelling and learning to knit.
After marrying the man of her dreams—her older brother’s childhood friend—she lived in England for six years, and now resides in Connecticut with her husband, her three young children and the possibility of one day getting a dog.
Kate loves to hear from readers—you can contact her through her website: www.kate-hewitt.com
Recent titles by the same author:
THE PRINCE SHE NEVER KNEW
(The Diomedi Heirs) HIS BRAND OF PASSION (The Bryants: Powerful & Proud) IN THE HEAT OF THE SPOTLIGHT (The Bryants: Powerful & Proud) BENEATH THE VEIL OF PARADISE (The Bryants: Powerful & Proud)
Did you know these are also available as eBooks? Visit www.millsandboon.co.uk
MILLS & BOON
Before you start reading, why not sign up?
Thank you for downloading this Mills & Boon book. If you want to hear about exclusive discounts, special offers and competitions, sign up to our email newsletter today!
Or simply visit
Mills & Boon emails are completely free to receive and you can unsubscribe at any time via the link in any email we send you.
Contents
CHAPTER ONE
ALESSANDRO DIOMEDI, KING of Maldinia, opened the door to the opulent reception room and gazed resolutely upon the woman intended to be his bride. Liana Aterno, the daughter of the duke of Abruzzo, stood in the centre
