Royal pain in the ass, p.11
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Royal Pain in the Ass, page 11

 

Royal Pain in the Ass
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  "Juliet?" Angelica stared at me. "How could you?"

  "If you really think that's the kind of person I am, believe it." I stormed off and managed to get outside before I felt the tears burning in my eyes. No, I wasn't going to cry. I stared at the sky and calmed myself or tried to. I'd managed to find my way to the gardens after all.

  "Juliet," Xavier's voice was soft behind me.

  "What?" I growled, not turning. I hated when people saw me cry.

  "What just happened?"

  "Go ask Ethan, I'm sure he's got a great story to tell you." I sniffed.

  "Look at me,"

  "I'm fine, Xavier, just go." I covered my face with my hands.

  Xavier's arms went around my shoulders. "I heard what Ethan is telling everyone. That just doesn't sound like you." I was shaking from fighting the tears. I really needed him to leave. Xavier pulled me against him. That did it. The last thing I wanted was to be held. It just made it easier to want to cry. "Because it's not as he said at all, is it?"

  "It doesn't matter. No one is going to believe me either way. They've already painted a picture of me. He doesn't deserve her. I just wish I could warn Angelica . . ." Xavier's chin rested on my head and I wrapped my arms around him. I wasn't going to be able to fight much longer if he kept comforting me. "They all hate me."

  I felt Xavier shake his head. "They don't hate you." He started rubbing my back in soothing circles. "They just don't understand you."

  "Thanks to Ethan, they not only think I'm stupid, immature, ignorant, and an utter failure, they also now think I'm a whore."

  "You're not a whore."

  "I know that, but no one wants the truth. They want to gossip, even if it's just lies."

  "Funny thing about lies, the truth always comes out eventually." That was it. I couldn't fight it anymore and I felt the tears start to fall. Xavier pulled away slightly and I let him. His hand went to my chin and he lifted it. I looked away. "Juliet, look at me."

  "What's the point?"

  "Juliet, look at me."

  "Just go, Xavier,"

  "Juliet, it's not midnight yet. Remember the bet."

  I felt a sudden rage toward Xavier. "You son of a bitch," I snapped, but in the process I looked at him. A cute little smirk was playing across his lips. Now that I was angry I was starting to feel myself again. I hate feeling weak, but anger, anger I could use. "You're a jerk,"

  "There's my Juliet. You are a strong, confident, fiery woman. You have as much regality as any royal I've ever met. It's in your blood. It's who you are. You are also the outsider at the moment. People are foolish enough to believe gossip, but those people cannot think for themselves. Those who know you will know it's not true."

  I felt a small smile on my lips. "Yeah, I feel so much better. Only stupid people will believe it, great."

  "Juliet,"

  "What," I snapped. I was losing the anger, I was trying to hold onto it. I could think angry, when I was upset it was just bad.

  "You are truly . . ." Xavier's eyes shifted from my eyes down to my lips. "Truly . . ." he started again as his eyes came back to mine. I looked into his deep brown eyes. I saw him lick his half-parted lips then he stepped away from me and let out a sigh. "You are truly extraordinary," he finished as he turned away from me.

  I shook my head. "Even you can't stand to look at me. I want to go home,"

  Xavier turned back to me. "You think I can't stand to look at you?" he snapped.

  "That's what it looks like to me!"

  "You're a foolish little girl!"

  "Oh yeah? Well, what is it then?"

  Xavier did something then that surprised me more than anything else. "This," he whispered and his lips crashed down upon mine. There was a ferocity to it, a longing, a need. His arms locked around my waist and he pulled me against him. After a long moment he pulled away and I was in too much shock to do anything. "That," Xavier started breathless. "That is what I was trying very hard not to do." Xavier looked away from me. "That was very unprofessional of me, and you obviously were not feeling anything of the sort. If you prefer I will turn in my notice,"

  "Xavier, don't you dare."

  "What?"

  "Xavier, since you've been here, things are starting to look up."

  "What are you saying?"

  "I still need an advisor. You and I are working. Besides, if you just suddenly quit, questions will be asked. Do you want to tell my father why you want to quit?"

  "Not exactly."

  "Then it's settled."

  Xavier sighed. "Truly extraordinary." Xavier pulled out a handkerchief. "Come here," Xavier dabbed at my cheeks and are my eyes. "You're make up is a bit of a mess. Wait here, I'll go fetch Lana."

  I sat on one of the garden benches and stared up at the sky. The sky was clear, the stars were beautiful unfortunately with all the light pollution, I could only see a handful.

  "I thought I might find you here."

  I turned to see Raleigh. "What are you doing here?"

  "I heard Ethan making a fuss and figured since you weren't in the ballroom and no one could find you, you'd either come out here or gone home." He came and sat beside me. "I must say I'm glad it was the former. It's a beautiful night."

  "What do you want?"

  "To see if you're alright,"

  "Mhmm," I muttered looked pointedly in the opposite direction of him.

  I heard him sigh. "I heard the ruckus Ethan made,"

  "Yeah,"

  "And you turned him down, didn't you?"

  "Oh, is that what he's saying?"

  "No, he still claims you're after his chastity," Raleigh laughed. "But I've known him since nursery. I know when he's lying. Don't get me wrong, he's my best mate, but I know his habits."

  "Isn't that just, what's your word, smashing?"

  "Ethan always makes girls who turn him down sound like that. Like he's some innocent little saint being molested. If you had molested him, the two of you would not be able to be found right now."

  "Chatting has been lovely, but I really need to be going,"

  I got up, but Raleigh grabbed my hand. "Stay, just for a little while. I'd like to get to know you, Juliet."

  "That is something you have to earn." I tried to pull my hand free, but his grip tightened.

  "How do I do that?"

  "You can start by letting go."

  "If I let go, you'll be gone."

  "Raleigh, tonight is so not a good night."

  "Then give me another night,"

  "You're not going to stop until I agree, are you?"

  "Nope,"

  I sighed. "I don't know what my schedule is like, but Xavier does. I'll tell him to schedule you in."

  "When?"

  "I don't know,"

  "Within a week."

  "Pushy aren't you?"

  Raleigh shrugged. "Have to be with you. You don't go for just charming."

  "Fine, I'll have Xavier schedule you in on my next free night. Go talk to him and he'll get the details to you. Now let go of me."

  Raleigh pulled on my wrist and given that I was still wearing four inch heels I managed to fall back onto the bench my head landing on his lap. He smiled down at me. "I can't wait."

  I got up in a huff. "Don't do that again." I growled as I stormed off, only to run into Christine. I clutched onto her for balance. "Sorry," I muttered.

  "Hey, what happened?"

  "What do you mean?"

  "Ethan is running his mouth, everyone knows it's a load of bull, but he is still sporting your handprint."

  "What do you think happened?"

  "I think he probably did something foul. Xavier was looking for Lana and we can't find her, so I said I'd come help." I glared as Raleigh slunk past, a smile on his face.

  Christine watched us both intently. "Okay, now you have to tell me. What happened between you two?"

  "He forced me into a date with him."

  "Ooh, he's really a sweet guy."

  "I don't like being forced into anything. He's going to regret it. It's going to be the worst date of his life."

  "Juliet, don't be like that. Now tell me, what happened with Ethan."

  "He made a smart comment about my sister for one, while trying to hit on me." I looked at Christine for a long moment. "She won't listen to me, but she might just listen to you. If you get the chance, can you warn Angelica about the kind of guy Ethan is? Not tonight or anything, that would be too obvious. But maybe talk to one of her friends or something. She might just listen to them."

  "Why don't you say something? It's obvious you care about her."

  "Because if I say something, I'm sabotaging her relationship. It's the last thing she wants to hear."

  Christine nodded with a small smile. "Let's fix that mascara," Christine opened up her clutch purse and went to work.

  Xavier joined us a few minutes later. "Thank you, Christine. I don't know what I would have done."

  Christine let out her bubbly little laugh. "Do you want to go back in now?" Christine asked.

  I shrugged. "I think I'd rather go home,"

  "Juliet, you have two options. You can go home, and let Ethan see just how much he got to you, or you can brave them and make a night of it. I think you'd rather get under Ethan's skin by acting like nothing he said mattered." Xavier shot at me. "But it's up to you."

  I felt a small smile on my lips. "Alright Christine, let's go back,"

  Christine took my hand and led me back up the stairs.

  Chapter XV

  Christine and I went back in and spent the remainder of the evening pretending as if nothing happened. I noticed Angelica and Ethan were gone, as well as my father and Millie. It looked like Lana and Chad had disappeared as well as Ian and Amelia. Christine brought me over to Fiore who gave me a knowing smile.

  “Let’s dance!” She took my hand and led me out to the dance floor. I couldn’t help but laugh. Something about being around Fiore just put you in a better mood. “Ethan’s a prick,” she muttered after a little while as she spun me out and curled me back in. “So, for the rest of the night, to avoid other pricks like him, I am your date.”

  “What about your date?”

  “Meh, he’ll deal or he’ll never see me again. It’s really that simple. Besides, I owe you one anyway.”

  “How do you owe me one?”

  “I let you get into so much trouble. I didn’t even think. So I will scare off all, hold on,”

  A cute blonde boy came up. “May I cut in?”

  “No, go find your own girl. She’s mine,” Fiore snapped, pulling me up against her and wrapping a leg around my waist. “All mine.”

  I laughed at his stunned face as he stalked off. “That wasn’t polite.”

  “I’m not known for being polite.” Fiore gave me a devilish smirk.

  “How do you get away with that?”

  “Because they’re afraid of me. They’ve figured out they can’t stop me. Remember I use swords on the media, imagine what I do without cameras. Now, alcohol, I think we both could use a drink.” With Fiore leading me around the dance floor and pouring wine down my throat I had a great time and couldn’t help but laugh. She really was something else. She classified people into three categories, wankers, losers, and friends. I was pleased to know I was counted as a friend. It went along the lines of wanker, wanker, wanker, loser, wanker, wanker, Christine, wanker, friend, and wanker.

  At about three Xavier came up. “Lady Fiore, I must interrupt. I hate to say it, but it’s time for me to steal Lady Juliet for the night.

  “That’s ridiculous, she’s my date now, she can’t leave before I do.”

  “Fiore, it’s three in the morning. I have to take her, sorry.”

  “Juliet is my date, I will duel you for her.”

  Xavier took my hand from Fiore and gave her a stern look. “You may take her on another night soon. I promise, but the lady needs her rest. Come now, the sun will be up soon.”

  “I’m watching you,” Fiore warned, motioning with her fingers from her eyes to point at Xavier but let him lead me away and to a waiting car.

  “Did you have fun?” Xavier asked as he helped me inside.

  “Yeah, I really did.” I smiled. “I am so tired, come cuddle.”

  “What?”

  “Come cuddle, I want a pillow!” I laughed. I was feeling the alcohol. What can I say, I’m a cuddly drunk. “I’m sleepy,”

  Xavier laughed. “It’s almost half past three in the morning.” He sat on the opposite side of the limo. I kicked my shoes off and went over to his side. I curled up next to him, my head resting on his lap. Xavier sighed, but didn’t tell me to move. Instead he started playing with my hair. I felt myself falling asleep. The next thing I knew I was being carried. I cuddled up next to the warmth. “You smell nice,” I managed. I heard a chuckle. Someone laid me on a bed.

  “Good night, Juliet,” I heard a soft voice murmur and felt the soft lips against my own. I was too tired to open my eyes, but I kissed them back. He pulled away too soon and he sighed. “Truly extraordinary.”

  I woke up to Laurel shaking me gently. “Good morning, Juliet,” she had a coy smile on her face. “You had a busy night.”

  “What?” I thought back and it started coming back.

  “You have a new headline, and you’re father is furious. You need to get up, now.” Laurel warned as she held a magazine up.

  American Debutant Abuses Royalty?

  There was a picture of Ethan sporting my handprint. I groaned. “Awesome.” I got up and realized I was still in my dress from last night. “Help me out of this,”

  Laurel did. I threw on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt and went down stairs. James was waiting for me.

  “Juliet,” His voice was a quiet angry. The kind where if you start speaking any louder it’s going to turn into shouting.

  “Yes, James?”

  “What is the meaning of what happened last night?” James asked as he threw down a newspaper with a similar headline.

  I snorted. “You believe him? Fine, believe whatever you want.”

  “Juliet!” James took a few calming breaths. “My sister has requested me for an audience with the king. I need to know what happened last night.”

  “It looks like you’ve already made up your mind.”

  “Angelica is in fits. You are my daughter, but so is she. I will not choose between the two of you, but I need to know what happened.”

  “Who chose Ethan for Angelica?”

  “Millie, why?”

  “She made a bad choice. He doesn’t deserve her. He’s going to break her heart. Just thought I’d let you know that.”

  “Juliet, I’m losing what little patience I have left. Explain yourself.”

  “I shouldn’t have to. I shouldn’t have to explain that Ethan not only insulted me by trying to make a pass, but twice with Angelica by making a pass at anyone, but her sister of all people, and he voiced another insult to the bunch. I told him to shut his mouth and that he couldn’t talk about her that way. I lost my temper and slapped him. I hope it still stings. I won’t apologize. Don’t ask that of me. Assume everything he told you, except for the slap was reversed. There. Are you happy now?” I stormed off.

  Millie was waiting for me outside the parlor. “I will not let my daughter go through what I did. You will stay away from Ethan.” She growled at me.

  “I don’t want to be anywhere near him. Angelica shouldn’t either. I don’t know what you think is going on, but know this, I have no interest whatsoever in Ethan, unless it involves a baseball bat to his face. I don’t think I’m using uncertain terms.”

  “You are confined to your room until I deem otherwise.”

  “Really? You’re going to try to ground me?”

  “You are being escorted there now. Xavier, see to it she doesn’t leave her room.”

  Xavier led me down the hall and I was glaring at him then entire way. “Really? You’re on her side?”

  “It was either I take you to your room or she has armed guards watch you.” Xavier warned. “I know you know how to sneak out of your room. She doesn’t. I am on your side.”

  I nodded. “This sucks.” I threw myself onto my bed.

  “Come now, it’s not that bad,”

  “Millie is stupid,” I muttered into a pillow. I heard Xavier laughing. “And she’s setting her daughter up with a whore, well a man whore, somehow I guess it’s less bad, but not really . . . all I know is I can’t do anything to help . . . . this is stupid . . .”

  I felt the bed sink under Xavier’s weight. He started rubbing my back. “It’ll be alright, just relax.”

  “What am I supposed to do?”

  “For the moment, nothing.”

  “You’re a crappy advisor.”

  “Oh, is that so?”

  “Yeah, you can’t give me the advice I want to hear. So, you suck at life.”

  “Oh, I’m glad you think so highly of me,” Xavier laughed.

  “Meh, I don’t think you’re a dunderhead anymore.”

  “Oh, I’m so flattered.”

  “I could be like Fiore and just classify you as a wanker.”

  “She said what about me?”

  “Fiore, she classifies people in one of three categories, wankers, losers, and friends.”

  “And I’m a wanker?”

  “I don’t know she didn’t classify you.” I shrugged. I looked up and propped my head up on my hand. “So, I’m stuck in here?”

  “Yes,”

  “Did James agree?”

  Xavier nodded sadly. “Yes, Millie made a compelling argument.”

  “Which was?”

  “She said you were your mother’s daughter.”

  “Which means?”

  “I haven’t the foggiest.”

  “Can you find out?”

  “I can try.”

  I narrowed my eyes at him. “Do or do not, there is no try.”

  “Yoda? Really?”

  I shrugged and flopped back down, on my back this time. “I’m already bored.”

  Xavier laughed. “What would you like to do?”

  “Go outside.”

  “You always want what you can’t have, don’t you?”

  “Yeah, usually. Mom always taught me to shoot for the moon, even if you miss, you’ll land on the stars. The way I see it, if I can imagine it, why can’t I get it then?”

 
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