Page 16 of The Mafia Princess

Beth picked up strands of her hair. “Your hair is black. Is that the natural color?”

Aryanna nodded.

“I think your eyes are the most beautiful ones I’ve ever seen,” Angel said.

She wasn’t used to this.

“You guys, stop. We’re making her uncomfortable,” Hope said.

Aryanna relaxed when the girls laughed.

“I want to pick out her dress,” Angel said and ran into the closet. She returned with a light-blue sundress, a bit darker than her eyes, and it shimmered.

Faith laughed and jumped up and down. “It’s perfect.”

“I’ve got several dresses you’ll look great in. I’ll have a maid take them to your room,” Beth said.

“You guys don’t have to do that.”

“Um, yeah, we do, because if I have to look at the one you were wearing another moment, I’ll puke,” Hope said.

Aryanna couldn’t help it. She laughed. “Is it that bad?”

They all nodded, making her giggle, then started talking about the different dresses they wanted her to wear.

“Can I brush your hair?” Angel asked.

Aryanna nodded. “Yes. I haven’t had it brushed since my mother was alive.”

“Oh, no, what happened?” Beth asked as she sat beside her on the mattress.

“She was murdered in our backyard.” She couldn’t believe how sad the women looked. A few even had tears. “I’ve never had girlfriends before.”

They looked shocked.

“Why?” Angel asked as she glided the brush through her hair.

“I was forbidden to.”

Hope squeezed her hand. “Why?”

“I’m afraid to tell you because I don’t think you’ll like me anymore.”

“We swear,” they said in unison.

She got up and walked a few steps away before she turned to face them. “Let me introduce myself. I’m Aryanna de Cardona, Princess of Malta.”

She saw the shock in their eyes and felt her stomach tighten. She took a step toward the door.

“Wait, where are you going?” Hope asked.

“To my room. I understand. It’s happened my whole life.”

“Have you been to the United States before?” Hope asked.

“Well, no.”

“Well, we think it’s exciting, but you’re not the only royalty we have here,” Faith said.

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