Heart of a Prince : Billionaire Romance

By Sandra Cole

It was by pure accident that Nina was present at a lush gala event thrown to welcome the arrival of a wealthy prince. As a caterer, Nina could do just about anything when it came to food and service. But her boss has a new job for her: host an aristocratic party for the evening and entertain a handsome prince! Though Nina is nervous, she proves to be a talented hostess and seems to strike the prince's fancy. The prince, Robin of Othio, introduces himself and quickly puts Nina under a spell, stealing her from the party to explore the city of her home. Though he seems quite taken with her, he's under the impression that she is much wealthier than she is. Her dress would indicate a more wealthy position in society, but Nina keeps her secret to herself...until it bubbles to the surface by accident. Will the prince forgive her white lie or will it cause him to disappear forever?

A lavish ball is no place for a caterer like Nina, but she gets to play wealthy for a night in a fancy ballgown—and ends up leaving the event with more than just a new experience. She leaves with the heart of a prince!

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Standalone Romance Stories With No Cliffhanger!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sandra Cole
• Release date: Feb 20, 2019
• ISBN: 9781386709008

Book preview

Heart of a Prince

Chapter 1

K eep it together, Nina , she whispered under her breath.

The clock against the wall ticked away, echoing in the quiet kitchen as Nina gathered some items to put together a dish. It was one of her favorite parts of catering—she didn’t yet have to deal with people and she could focus on the beautiful task of stirring together delicious ingredients that guests would later enjoy. She spread the paste in the center of the dish, balancing a green leaf on top of the completed pâté.

Nina leaned forward and inhaled deep, her lips slowly curling up into a smile. It was perfect. She sat up and hummed to herself, gathering some crackers to place neatly around the mixture of cooked ground meat. She added a dash of minced garlic and then placed the covering over the food to keep it fresh for the party later in the evening.

Have you finished yet? asked a voice from behind her.

Yes, Allyah, Nina replied.

Good. Let me see, Allyah said.

Obediently, Nina lifted the covering and Allyah smiled at the dish, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder.

Good job, Nina, Allyah said. You’ll need to go home and shower.

Why? Nina asked.

Because I have a different job for you tonight, Allyah replied.

Nina raised a curious eyebrow, her smile fading.

It won’t be hard. Miranda called out and we need a proper hostess. You’re the only person in this kitchen with that sort of experience, Allyah went on.

Yeah, maybe for a party, but this is totally different than anything we’ve ever catered, Nina said.

You’ll be great. I trust you’ll be polite and that you’ll be able to recognize faces. Apparently, this prince has quite a collection of guards, Allyah explained.

That makes me nervous, Nina said.

It makes everyone nervous, but you should be fine. You’re the sweetest woman on this side of town. It’ll be fine, Allyah said.

Nina shook her head.

No, you’ve chosen the clumsiest person alive. Please, don’t make me do this, Nina begged.

Allyah sighed and put her hands on her hips, tilting her head slightly to the side. She smirked.

Didn’t you major in dance? she asked.

Well, yes, but that was several years ago, Nina replied.

Think of it like a dance, Allyah said. You’re one of my best workers and you’ve accomplished practically everything you’ve ever set out to do. There’s no task you can’t handle. I’m really trusting you with this, Nina.

Allyah pointed to the door.

Go meet Sylvia in the lobby and she’ll take you to get fitted for a proper dress. That’s an order, she said.

Nina sighed and looked down at the ground, staring at the gray shoes Allyah was wearing. They looked silver in the bright light of the afternoon coming through the window on the opposite wall.

Alright, Nina said. But I’m not happy about this.

Allyah clapped her hands and grinned wide.

It’s going to be fine. You’ll see. Once you get out there and start performing, it will be just as easy as when you did your dance routines, she said.

I would feel better having a lot more time to work with than just a few hours, Nina commented.

Well, we’re pressed for time. It’s what we have to worth with, alright? Allyah said.

Alright. I’ll be back, Nina said while walking to the door.

Her shoulders sunk forward and she sighed heavily, dragging her feet from the kitchen and into the lobby. Cynthia was waiting for her in the center with a bright smile and sparkling eyes.

You get to host the party tonight! she said excitedly.

I sure do, Nina replied flatly.

Aren’t you excited to meet the prince? I hear he’s exceptionally handsome, Cynthia said with a wink.

Nina shrugged and feigned a smile, her eyes trailing back to the kitchen where she could hear Allyah taking over her food tasks.

It should prove to be an interesting evening, Nina commented.

Interesting? It should be much more than that, Nina, Cynthia said while leading her out of the building. I’m certain it will be magical.

Where is this guy from anyway? Nina asked.

He’s from Othio. It’s somewhere in Central Europe, but I’ve honestly never heard of it before, Cynthia replied.

It almost sounds Romanian, Nina commented.

How would you know? Cynthia asked.

Nina shrugged and looked up at the tall buildings surrounding them. They were heading to her car, their shoes dull against the rugged pavement that desperately needed fixing. People passed around them like drones. Some of them walked quickly and others sluggishly dragged along. The city was alive regardless, busy bees buzzing about in and out of buildings with briefcases and folders, appearing important or much less. Nina sighed.

...he owns a wine vineyard. Actually, he owns about a dozen or more. The whole point of this party is to welcome him here. Can you imagine? He’s moving from his home country to America, Cynthia said.

Nina regarded her comment with a smile, procuring her keys from her purse.

Where to first? Nina asked.

We should get you washed up, honestly. You have meat on your blouse, Cynthia replied.

Nina blushed and swatted at the wad sitting on her collar, straightening her shirt and then checking her reflection in the rear view mirror. Her hair was in a messy bun, strands sticking out in random directions. She looked frazzled.

That hair definitely needs a good coat of conditioner, Cynthia said.

I know, Nina sighed.

She turned the engine and pulled out into the heavy traffic, laying into her horn when a car nearly merged into hers. Frustrated, she pressed her middle finger to the window and zoomed off, causing Cynthia to grip the center console.

Alright, Nina. Don’t kill us, Cynthia said with a nervous chuckle.

Sorry. I’m just really nervous about this, Nina said.

It’s going to be fine. When Allyah volunteered your name, I wholeheartedly agreed with her choice. You’re the perfect fit, doll, Cynthia said.

Am I really? I feel like the worst available choice, Nina said.

Cynthia