Royal Pain in the Ass, page 14
“That incompetent, unintelligent buffoon . . . just get back here safe. It doesn’t matter.” Xavier sighed after taking a few soothing breaths. “Call me when you get here.”
“Um, okay, because that made sense.” I laughed and hung up. I turned in my seat to face Harper. “What happened?”
Harper shrugged and shook his head. “It’s whatever. All that matters is you’re alright.”
I nodded. “Yeah, I’m fine.”
“Something’s been bothering you tonight. Do you want to talk about it?”
I shook my head. “I really, really don’t.”
“What do you want to talk about?”
“I have no idea.”
“Hmm, truth or dare?”
“What?”
“Truth or dare?”
“Truth I guess,”
“What are you thinking about right now?”
“Why we’re playing this dumb game.”
“Tsk, tsk! Don’t hate on the game. It comes in handy.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Yes.”
“Fine, truth or dare?”
“Dare.”
“Hmmm . . . I dare you . . .” I looked around the car. “To tell me your most embarrassing memory.”
“Really?” Harper groaned, giving me a sideways glance. “Ugh, I have to think.” Harper looked lost in thought then turned to me. “Which kind of embarrassment are we talking here? Like naked in front of class naked or end of the world mortified.”
“I’m thinking end of the world mortified.” I replied with a smile.
“You would.” Harper sighed. “That would probably be . . . okay, you have to promise not to laugh okay?”
“I make no such promises.” I smiled at him.
Harper sighed. “Okay, well there was this girl, and I was head of over heels for her. I was mad for this girl. Well I asked her out in front of the entire school. I had a few of my best mates help me out. Basically, everyone saw her laugh and tell me no.”
“Ouch.” I winced. I couldn’t even imagine that.
Harper shrugged. “You asked. Now, truth or dare?”
“Um, dare I guess?”
“I dare you . . .” Harper pulled over and glanced at me. “To tell me what’s really been bothering you.”
“Ugh, that’s a truth!” I groaned. “It’s a long story.”
“We’re not going anywhere.”
I sighed. I thought about telling Harper what was really going on. I thought about letting this stranger know about everything I’ve been hiding from everyone. I let the idea sit on the back of my tongue for a moment, just for the taste. “Then I call chicken. I’m using one of my three chickens.”
Harper stared at me for a long moment. “What if I don’t let you use chickens?”
“Then I quit.”
Harper sighed and shook his head. “Whatever you say,” he shrugged pulling back onto the road. “Whatever it is, you can talk to me if you want to.”
Obviously, I don’t want to. Everyone always wants to get to know you. Everyone always wants to get close. Why? So they can leave? “Harper, I just can’t.”
“It’s whatever.” The car fell into an awkward silence.
“It’s not whatever. It’s far from it, but I’m a fucked up piece of shit sometimes. I’m messed up in a lot of ways. I just found out some shit that I can’t process yet. I don’t know if that makes any sense to you, but that’s all I’m willing to share.”
Harper nodded, not turning to look at me.
“But I am glad you’re willing to listen.” I continued after another long moment of awkward silence. “It does mean something to me that you’re willing to listen.”
“Juliet, of course I’m going to listen. I like you. You’re intelligent, sweet, funny, cute. You stick up for people. You’re not afraid to stand up to people you think are wrong. There’s so much to you. I want to learn about you. The only way to learn about someone, truly learn about them, is to listen, and I mean really listen to them. I’ll listen if you give me the chance.”
“Harper, everyone I’ve let listen has either walked out, or died.”
Harper nodded. “I’m sure you’ve had more than your fair share of heartache. I can tell you’re hurt. Some part of you was hurt recently, and you’ve got some scars. We all have them. Don’t think you’re alone.”
I looked out the window.
“Jules, look at me.” Harper sighed after a long moment. I looked over at him. “You aren’t you know.”
“What?”
“You aren’t alone. You’ve got friends. Gwen never shuts up about you, you’ve got me. That Xavier bloke obviously cares about you. I can’t speak for anyone else, but you’ve got people on your side.”
“How did this conversation get so deep?” I blurted out. “Let’s talk about something light, how about baking? Or shoelaces? Or funny words? I think waft is a funny word, what about you?”
“Juliet,” Harper chuckled as he shook his head. “Relax. If you don’t want to talk about it, we don’t have to talk about it. I just wanted you to know you could.”
I sighed. “Harper, you’re too sweet. You really are. But I don’t want to talk about this right now. Let’s talk about something else. Anything else.”
“Okay, how about that tattoo on your shoulder?”
I looked over. “Oh yeah! I forget not everyone gets to see this.”
“Does is mean anything?”
“Yeah,”
“Is there a story?”
“I got it for my mom.”
“How does she feel about all of this?”
“She doesn’t.”
“What?”
“Mom doesn’t feel anything.”
“Ah, she’s apathetic about it?”
“No, she’s dead.”
“Oh . . . blimey . . . I, I didn’t know.”
“I didn’t tell you how could you?” I snipped.
“I’m guessing you don’t want to talk about it?”
“No, not really.”
“Okay . . . do you have any other tattoos?”
“Yes.”
“Where?”
I pulled off my boots and showed him my foot.
“Nice. Is that your only other one?”
“No.”
“Can I see your other one?”
“No.”
“Oh, why not?”
“Because it requires my dress coming off and that just isn’t going to happen.”
“Oh, I understand.” Harper chuckled.
“How about you?”
Harper lifted up his sleeve. “I have this one and one on my back.”
“Nice.”
Harper gave me a small smile and I felt butterflies.
“Hey Harper,”
“Yes?”
“Truth or dare.”
“I thought you quit,” Harper teased, as his smile turned to an impish grin.
I shrugged. “Truth or dare.”
“Truth.”
“If you had to be one, would you rather be blind or deaf?”
Harper thought for a long moment. “Blind. I can’t imagine being without my music.”
“I agree with that.”
“Juliet, truth or dare.”
“Truth.”
“If you could be anywhere right now, with anyone, doing anything at all, who, what, and where would you it be?”
“Honestly, I’d be home, with Mom, just talking.”
“Can I ask a personal question?”
“I guess, I don’t promise to answer though.”
“How long has your mom been gone?”
“Almost six months.”
“Not long at all.”
“Nope.”
“How’d you end up over here?”
“A few months after she died I got a letter from James. At first I thought it was a joke, but turns out it wasn’t. He wanted to meet me and so I got a few things straightened out and here I am. Dazed and confused in a foreign country where I basically know no one and have no one. But it’s definitely been an adventure.”
“You’re . . . that’s remarkable.”
“What?”
“That you did that. You just picked up and came over?”
“Pretty much. I don’t plan on staying forever, but I can’t leave until the king gives back my passport.”
“He took your passport!”
“Yeah.”
“Why?”
“Remember the headlines with Prince Ian?”
“Who doesn’t?”
“That’s why.”
“Ah, that does make some sense.”
“So, until he thinks I can behave myself in public, I’m under close supervision. Technically, I’m under house arrest right now.”
“Wait, what?”
“What?”
“You’re under house arrest?”
“Pretty much.”
Harper glanced at his phone. “Then we really have to hurry.”
“What? Why?”
“It’s almost dawn.”
I paled slightly and gulped. “Oh no.”
I called Xavier just before we pulled up and he agreed to meet us outside.
“What is the matter with you?” Xavier hissed.
“What is the matter with her? She needed some time to herself, that’s what’s the matter with her.” Harper snorted.
“I don’t believe I was talking with you.” Xavier growled. “Juliet, I give you a little bit of slack and this is the thanks I get? What in the world are you wearing?”
“A disguise.”
“That shows your shoulder? You know you are supposed to keep that covered in public!”
“Give her a break, mate.” Harper growled stepping between Xavier and me.
“Harper, I can handle this.” I snapped.
“No you can’t. You, you need to learn to listen. I told you to be home by two am and yet here you are, it’s nearly six!”
“Give her a break. She’s dealing with a lot.” Harper cut in.
“I am not speaking with you.” Xavier growled. “Now, Juliet, as I was saying, this sort of behavior is not tolerable.”
“Who are you, her father?” Harper snapped.
“I am her advisor.” Xavier retorted, drawing himself up to his full height and placing a hand on his chest. “Who are you? The waiter?”
“Xavier!” I snapped. “That’s enough!”
“Juliet, I will deal with you in a minute. Now, you,”
“Don’t talk to her that way!” Harper growled. “Don’t act like she’s some naughty little kid. She’s an intelligent, grown woman and you can talk to her like an adult.”
“When she acts like an adult, she will be treated like one.” Xavier chastised.
I looked up at him in shock. Did he really just say that? “Xavier, what is wrong with you?”
“Juliet, I will deal with you later.” Xavier growled. I’d never heard his voice sound so dangerous. It frightened me. “As for you,”
“Xavier, you need to calm down. You’re obviously freaking Juliet out.”
I felt my face flush.
“You of all people need to not lecture people. You don’t have your own life together, let alone enough pull to help another out.”
“I have plenty of pull. Maybe I can’t pull royals out, but I’ve got my mates and they’ve got me.” Harper growled.
“Lowlifes are not who I would have at my back. Juliet, go to bed.” Xavier ordered, glaring daggers at me. I looked up at Xavier in time to see Harper’s fist connect with his jaw.
Chapter XVII
“Don’t talk about things you know nothing about. It makes you sound like a prat.” Harper spat.
Xavier’s eyes flashed dangerously as he turned to face Harper. “Boys who don’t know what they’re getting themselves into should walk away.” He warned, his voice dripping venom.
“Or what?”
“Don’t tempt me, little boy.”
“I don’t think you’ll do anything. I think you’re all talk.” Harper goaded.
“This is your last warning.”
“I’m sure it is.”
“Both of you, stop it!” I snipped.
“Harper, you need to leave before I do something rash and crass.” Xavier growled.
“Let’s see it. You aren’t going to do anything but sit and run your mouth.”
Xavier took a calming breath and turned to me. “Juliet, I think it’s best if you run along to bed.”
“I told you.” Harper egged.
I saw Xavier take another breath, I thought it was another calming breath, but before I had time to blink he spun around and punched Harper in the jaw. I watched Harper fall to the ground.
“Xavier!”
“What?”
“Why did you hit him?”
“He was asking for it.”
“Xavier!”
“You didn’t react this way when he hit me.”
“He didn’t knock you unconscious.”
“You son of a bitch!” I heard Harper shout, which surprised me almost as much as the punch he threw right past me to Xavier’s face.
The next thing I knew I was shoved to the ground and the two of them were freely throwing punches at one another. “Stop it! Both of you! You’re acting like children!” I shouted as I picked myself up. Neither of them were listening to me. “Guys! This is stupid!” I sighed. I was about to do something stupid. I lunged in between the two of them, ending in both of them hitting me. One fist connected with my side, the other to my head. I let myself fall and groaned.
“JULIET!” the both shouted and in a moment they were both by my side.
“That hurt,” I groaned. My head was pounding and it felt like I had cracked ribs.
“Why would you do that?”
“What were you thinking?”
“That was reckless and foolish.”
“Jules, are you hurt?”
“Stop! Noise hurts right now.” I groaned. “Now, listen to me. First, help me sit up.” I felt hands on my back and the two of them helping me sit up. Xavier traced around the sensitive spot on my face making me wince.
“Juliet, look at me.” I tried and he sighed. “How are you feeling?”
“Honestly, like a train ran over me. Everything is spinning and I’m nauseous.”
“I think you may have a concussion. “
“Okay, shut up and listen to me. Harper, Xavier, both of you need to quit whatever pissing match you two are in because it’s really starting to piss me off. I need to remind both of you that I have to sneak back inside, wash all twelve pounds of make-up Gwen put on me off, and be back in bed, now with an excuse for this.” I indicated the side of my face. “And we have to do this in about all of thirty minutes as the sun is coming up and James is an early riser.”
“She’s right, I have a feeling that’s usual for you.” Harper sighed. “I think it’s best I’m off then.” Harper laid a gentle kiss on my unmarred cheek. “Text me any time, love.” Harper stood, and Xavier mirrored him. “Take care of her.” Harper offered his hand and Xavier shook it. “Whatever this is, it isn’t over, but I know you’ll take care of her. Feel better Jules.” Harper started off back towards his car.
“I’m going to carry you inside. If you do have a concussion, your balance will be off and time is of the essence as you reminded us.” Xavier gingerly lifted me and I relaxed in his arms. “How badly are you injured?”
“It hurts to breathe, so I’m pretty sure I either have cracked or bruised ribs, and the way my head feels tells me when I wake up tomorrow I’m going to feel worse.”
“Probably, but we’ll get you taken care of.” Xavier snuck through the servant’s passageways back to my room and handed me some clothes and stood guard at the door.
I washed the make-up off, which was which was a difficult process with my face as tender as it was and starting to swell. I washed my hair and felt normal again wearing an oversized t-shirt and a pair of plaid pajama pants. “Does it look as bad as I think it does?” I asked as I peeked out of the bathroom.
Xavier winced. “I’m afraid so . . . that is going to be difficult to explain.”
I groaned. “I have got to start thinking things through.”
“That you do,” Xavier nodded as he came over, his hands carefully traced around my jaw. “I hate to see you hurt.”
“If you would have listened, this wouldn’t have happened.” I chided.
“If you had listened, this wouldn’t have happened.” Xavier chuckled right back. “Now, there is more going on than you are letting on. I need to know some of it. I know you needed tonight, and that is why I gave it to you, but this cannot go on. I can’t keep letting you put yourself in positions like this. If you had arrived much later, if I hadn’t called when I did, if anything had been different things could be very different right now. There are much worse things that could happen to someone like you other than your father finding out. You do not fully understand the repercussions of your actions. Everything you do from here on out effects every other decision. You have to understand that.”
I nodded. “I can try.”
“You have to do better than just try.”
I nodded. “I’ll do my best.”
“I hope that you do. How are you at concealing with makeup?”
“I was pretty decent at stage makeup; let me see what I can do.” Twenty minutes later the bruising was covered, the swelling was still there, but much less noticeable. When I came back out, Xavier had an ice pack for me.
“This should help with the swelling. There is much for us to discuss.”
“Starting with?”
“I need to know what’s really going on inside that head of yours.”
“Wait, what?”
“I need to know what really has you this upset. You’re bottling things up, that alone isn’t healthy especially as I’ve begun to see how you vent.”
“I’ll make you a deal.”
“What’s that?”
“I’ll give you a truth for every one I get in return.”
Xavier smiled and cocked his head to the side. “Okay, you start.”
“How about where’d you learn that wicked right hook?”
Xavier chuckled. “That, I am very sorry about that. I’ve been boxing since I was fourteen. That’s actually how I supported myself traveling. Underground boxing matches. Naturally, I bet on myself.”
