CHAPTER TWELVE

“ H oly shit. Would you look at this place?” Willow cried. “And you’re here with me, Bri! I’m so happy. Italy, ciao , Italy!”

It was enormous.

They’d driven another ten full minutes before parking after arriving in the castle grounds. Hundreds of lights lit up the walls of the enormous golden structure, giving it a romantic and historic look. Around them were miles of trees and greenery, and in the distance, Brianna saw what looked like a lake.

It was dark outside, but around them, dozens of people—vampires, she assumed—were busy curtsying and lifting their luggage out of the vehicles. It was easy to forget she was traveling with a royal family.

“We have a human with us, so please arrange for the appropriate supplies during her stay,” Brayden ordered.

“Yes, sire.” The attendant glanced between Craig and Brayden. “Will she...”

“She’ll be staying in my rooms,” Craig answered.

The hell she would. She looked at Willow, who nodded at her with her eyes.

Crap.

“Come on, let’s get you ladies settled. Craig and I have a lot of work to do.”

They walked inside the castle, people bowing to the prince as they went. It was clear they were excited to have him home. What she hadn’t expected were the greetings they gave Willow. Of course, she was now a Moretti...

Holy shit.

She stopped walking, and because of sharp vampire hearing, they all turned to her in question.

“Willow, are you...holy shit! You’re a princess now!”

Craig laughed and placed a hand on the small of her back, pressing her to keep walking. Brayden grinned and took Willow’s hand.

“She isn’t yet, but she will be after the ceremony. It’s an important and momentous occasion for the race. One my mate is taking in her stride. Most days.” He leaned down and kissed her, and Brianna let out a little sigh.

Craig glanced at Bri, and she shrugged. “What? It’s romantic.”

“It’s a lot of pressure too, Bri. It’s a job, not just a romantic title,” Willow said.

“Still.”

“Females,” Craig muttered beside her, and she slapped him on the stomach, nearly breaking her hand.

He pretended to be in pain but reached out and took her hand, rubbing it while winking at her. Bri shook her head and pulled her hand back. “Hey.”

He grabbed it again. “None of that, mate.”

Oh yeah, Craig was going to enjoy every second of this, wasn’t he?

She sighed.

They reached a junction in the hallway where it opened up to an enormous foyer. The largest chandelier she’d ever seen in her life hung from the ceiling and sparkled brilliantly. Both she and Willow stood gaping at it.

Before they could linger, Brayden pulled Willow up the stairs and waved at them. Willow turned and mouthed see you later with a smile that screamed of happiness. A prince. Her best friend was marrying a prince.

She sighed again wistfully and got another eye roll from Craig.

“Come on, little witch.”

Her faux mate’s digs weren’t that bad, given he wasn’t royalty. It included a large master bedroom, bathroom, and living area with a large balcony.

Wait. One bedroom.

Oh.

Craig picked up their bags from the entrance and carried them into the bedroom. She hovered by the door.

“Bri, come in here,” he instructed, and she bristled.

She threw her handbag on the table and walked into the bedroom, her arms wrapped around herself.

“Do you want to hang your clothes up or shall I—what’s wrong?” he asked, giving her a confused look.

She looked around the bedroom. A super king-sized bed sat in the middle with two chests of drawers, two armchairs, and a small table in the corner. Craig was standing in front of an enormous wardrobe, the doors wide open. To her left, the bathroom grabbed her attention with all its modern facilities and a sizeable claw-foot bath.

“Look, I know we have to fake this, but I cannot share a bed with you. I need my privacy and space.”

Craig plunged his hands into his jeans pockets.

“Sure, I understand.” He nodded. “I’ll sleep on the sofa, but it won’t be a problem, as I sleep during the day.”

Oh.

Right.

Vampires .

“So we can tag team it,” he added.

“Oh sure, yes, of course. Silly me.” She began unpacking and hanging up her clothes. “I can do this; you just do whatever you need.”

She went to turn and grab another pile of clothing when they bumped into each other.

Oomph.

“Shit, bella .” He grabbed her arms so fast she barely noticed. “Are you okay?”

Her head had bumped into his arm, and because he was so damn solid, it had hurt. She rubbed her forehead and nodded, taking in the bright green eyes staring at her with worry.

Her tummy flipped.

They continued looking at each other, his worry melting away as his hands loosened their hold and slowly ran down her arms, the heat from his touch hard to ignore.

She felt her eyes dilate.

He blinked.

And stepped back.

“You should get some sleep. It’s late. For you.”

She swallowed and nodded.

“I’m going to”—he pointed over his shoulder—“go do some work. The bed is yours.”

She nodded again.

Craig started to walk out of the room, but stopped in the doorway and turned back to her.

“Don’t leave this room without one of us with you. Promise me.”

“Promise.” She hated how thick her voice sounded.

He finally walked out, and her eyes followed his tight, round ass wrapped beautifully in the dark denim. She swallowed deeply and dropped her face into her hands.

Day one and she was already lusting after her pretend vampire boyfriend. She’d do well to remember his words. It’s not possible.

Not that she wanted it to be.

Did she?

No. No. She was a grieving widow.

He was a vampire.

She was here to be with Willow, not lust after the big, dangerous male who looked at her like she was breakfast despite what he said.

He said he didn’t want her, but he took care of her in little, subtle ways. She saw the glances and how he tensed at moments. He wasn’t fooling her, but then again, he’d made no secret of his attraction to her. And he’d been honest about not acting on it, for whatever reason.

Had he been hurt by someone before? Did he have a mate? Why wasn’t it possible?

Not that she was looking to line up a one-night stand with a vampire, but Brianna couldn’t understand why he wouldn’t—or couldn’t—sleep with her. He didn’t exactly seem like the type to be celibate.

It made little sense.

Whatever it was, it was clear that if the next week went anything like the last five minutes they’d just spent together, it was going to be hell. She’d be needing to find some private time to relieve the desire he created within her.