Royal Pain in the Ass, page 17
“Sorry,” we both muttered.
“Juliet? When did you get here?”
I shrugged. “A few hours ago.” Ian offered me a hand and helped me to my feet. “How are you?”
“I’m well. And yourself?”
“I’m good. What are you up to?” I asked raising an eyebrow. He looked like he was nervous, like something important was going on.
“Just, something.”
I crossed my arms and shifted my weight to one side. “Something?”
“Yes, erm, something.”
“Just tell me, I’m going to find out.”
“I have something very important to ask tonight.”
“Are you popping the question?”
“Shh,” Ian hushed motioning with his hands which I found hilarious and adorable.
“Ah, so I’m right. It better not be that Amelia I met last time.”
“Oh, no it isn’t.”
“Oh?”
“You haven’t heard?”
“No.”I shook my head. I felt so out of the loop. “What have I missed?”
“I’m seeing Lana now.”
“Mhmm, that makes sense. I noticed the two of you before. So, that’s the girl you were in love with.”
“Yes, yes, you were right. Are you happy now?”
“Very.” I nodded.
“I didn’t expect to see you, but can I get your opinion anyway? You seem the sort to be honest no matter the consequence.”
I shrugged. That was true. “Sure, what’s up?”
Ian pulled out a small box and opening it. Perched inside was one of the most beautiful rings I had ever seen. “Well?”
“It’s gorgeous.”
“Do you think she’ll like it?”
“That girl is head over heels for you. You could give her a quarter machine ring and because it’s from you she’d love it.”
Ian sighed and seemed to visibly relax. “Thank you, Juliet.”
“No problem. I seem to have lost everyone else, do you need any help with whatever you’re up to?”
“Actually . . .”
I was giggling like a school girl. I was helping Ian set up for the big moment which would be happening later tonight. I was so excited. I loved having secrets. Especially this kind.
“And remember she mustn’t suspect a thing.” Ian reminded me for the umpteenth time.
“Okay, so I should go find a bull horn and scream into it, right?”
Ian smiled and let out a sigh. “You might want to go get ready. Christine is looking for you.”
“How do you . . . ?” Ian help up his cell phone and I nodded. “That makes sense. Where should I be?”
“Greg is on his way here, I’m sure he won’t mind visiting Christine for another moment. I’ll have him take you to her room.”
An hour later Christine looked like the princess she was. “Christine, you’re going to be the belle of the ball.” I smiled.
“You too, just look at yourself.”
“Greg is going to love it.” I saw Christine flush.
“Do, do you think so?” she stammered looking at herself in the mirror again.
“Yes, if he doesn’t he’s an idiot.”
“So, why don’t you like Raleigh?”
“He blackmailed me into a date.” I answered, my tone flat. “Then went to my father rather than asking me.”
“That’s because you said no to him.” Christine smiled. “He really does like you.”
“I’m just fresh meat. I’m the new girl without any history with them.”
“I can assure you Raleigh isn’t like that. He’s persistent when he wants something. He really does like you.”
“Well too bad. I don’t feel that way about him.”
“Is there someone else?”
I shook my head. “No, I’m not seeing anyone.”
Christine raised an eyebrow. “Then what is it?”
I shrugged. “I just don’t feel like that about him.”
“If you could dance with anyone tonight, who would it be?”
“I have no idea.”
Christine gave me a coy little smile. “Okay.”
“What does that mean?”
“If you won’t be honest with yourself, then I can’t expect you to be honest with me. That’s okay. You’ll figure it out. I’m so excited.”
“Wait, Christine, what are you talking about?”
“Oh Juliet!” Christine grabbed my hands and spun me. “It’s about time!”
Before I knew it I was on Raleigh’s arm and being announced to a room full of mostly strangers. I was beyond excited to see Fiore again. I watched with baited breath as Christine was properly introduced into society. She was every bit a princess. It was too cute the way she and Greg looked at one another.
“May I have this dance?” Raleigh asked offering his arm.
“Do I really have to?” I asked giving Fiore a look.
“Raleigh, of course you can,” Fiore winked at me and took his hand and she began leading him around the dance floor.
I mouthed ‘thank-you’ to her and she gave me the thumbs up as she twirled off with Raleigh who didn’t know what to do.
“That wasn’t very nice.” I heard Xavier chide behind me.
I shrugged. “I don’t want to dance with him. He’s already got the wrong idea.” I sighed.
“Who do you want to dance with?”
“I don’t know. Fiore seems safe.” I joked.
“Would you like a drink?”
“I’d love one.”
“I’ll be right back.”
“I’m going to get some air.”
I walked out of the huge tent that had been brought in for the event and took a long breath of the crisp country air. It just felt clean here. Open. Free.
“Still wondering off by yourself?”
I jumped at the familiar voice. It was a voice I’d never thought I’d have to hear again.
Chapter XIX
I stared into the icy blue eyes I had once loved. “How are you here?”
I saw that smile I knew all too well spread across his lips. “You know you missed me, Jules.”
I shook my head. “What are you doing here?”
“Come on, baby. Don’t act like you didn’t miss me.”
“Chase, I didn’t miss you.” I growled. “Why are you here?” I repeated. I felt my anger bubbling up. He knew how to press my buttons. If I wasn’t careful, he was going to make me do something stupid. Chase smiled again. I knew that smile. I’d fallen for it when I was a stupid freshman. Back when I thought that smile was charming and genuine. Now I knew that smile meant he wanted something.
“Admit you missed me.”
“I’m much happier without you in my life, thank you very much.” I hissed.
“I find that hard to believe. You were only happy when I made time for you.” Chase growled.
“Chase, I have no time for losers in my life anymore. I don’t have time for you.”
“You will make time for me.” Chase replied flatly.
“Why would I do that?”
“Because I have something you don’t want to world to see.”
I narrowed my eyes. “What could you possibly have?”
“You didn’t know about it, but I like to keep things interesting in the bedroom. Sometimes I like to watch to improve my A game.” I felt the color drain from my cheeks and the world started spinning. Chase sighed and was checking his nails, a confident smile on his face.
“Come again?”
“I recorded us. On video.”
“Without my permission?” I choked out. This felt like so much of a violation. I felt like I was going to throw up.
“Technicalities. Besides, you would have said no.”
He’s damn skippy I would have. There is no way I would agree to that. Intimate moments should be kept intimate. Oh my god, how could he have done that?
“Wh-what are you planning on doing with that?”
“If you do what I want, then I’ll give it to you. If not, I’ll just go to the paparazzi. They won’t care if you agreed or not. All they’ll care about is the fact that it will be out there for the world to see. We both know once it belongs to the internet, it’s never going away.”
“What do you want?” I asked, covering my face with my hand. I felt the tears coming. This was bad.
“I want to slingshot off of your new found fame. See, my music career isn’t where I want it to be right now. I don’t have the fame I want. But,” he gave me a pointed look. “, the new found, illegitimate daughter of a duke’s boyfriend’s band gets a lot more attention off the bat. I want it. This is a big decision. I’ll give you some time to think it over. You have seventy-two hours. I will get a hold of you. Good night Jules, always a pleasure.”
I felt my knees go weak as he sauntered off. I fell to the ground feeling numb. Oh dear god. What was I going to do?
“Juliet?” I heard Xavier calling me from behind but it felt like I was underwater. Hearing, but not. “Juliet, what’s going on?”
I was staring at the spot where Chase had stood minutes ago. How had he found me? How could he do that to me? After all that he had already put me through . . . now this too . . . he was evil. There was no other word for him.
Someone touched my shoulder and I jumped. I looked up at Xavier’s worried face.
“Juliet? What’s the matter?”
I wrapped my arms around him and felt the tears come.
“Juliet? What’s happened?”
I couldn’t make an intelligent sound, I just sobbed into his shoulder. He rubbed my back and made soothing shushing sounds.
“Juliet? Xavier? What’s going on?”
“I’m not sure.” Xavier replied letting me sob into his shoulder. “Something happened, but she hasn’t told me.”
“Juliet?” I felt someone pulling me from Xavier and I saw Raleigh. “What is it?”
I shook my head. “It’s stupid. I, I just need a minute.” I pushed away from both of them and started running.
“Juliet!” I heard Xavier shout. I knew he was coming after me. I stopped, pulled off my heels and started sprinting.
I ran until I didn’t have feeling in my legs anymore and I let myself slow down.
“Juliet,” Xavier panted as he caught up. “What is the meaning of this? What is going on?”
My chest felt like it was on fire and I let myself sink to the ground. I was fighting to breathe and I just stared up at him.
“Juliet, you can talk to me. Whatever it is, you can tell me.”
I shook my head.
“Yes, you can.”
I shook my head again.
“Juliet,” Xavier kneeled down beside me. “I’ve never seen you like this. It worries me. Talk to me. Say something.”
I pulled my knees up to my chest and wrapped my arms around them. Xavier sighed and sat next to me and wrapped his arm around my hunched shoulders.
“When you’re ready I’m here.”
We sat there for I don’t know how long before I was able to talk again and when I could my voice sounded hollow. “I’m in trouble.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m in trouble.”
“Juliet, I don’t understand.”
“There’s a video of me . . .” I gulped and lowered my face down to my knees and felt the tears coming again.
“Of what?”
“Of me and my ex.”
I heard Xavier intake a sharp breath. “Oh,”
“I didn’t agree to it,”
“Oh.”
I felt Xavier shaking beside me.
“He found me. He threatened to give it to the paparazzi.”
I finally looked at Xavier and the blatant rage on his face frightened me.
“Please don’t be mad at me.” I sounded pathetic and I hated myself in this moment.
Xavier’s face softened and he looked shocked by the statement. “Why would I be mad at you?”
“I don’t know . . . I just, kind of, feel like it’s my fault, somehow.”
Xavier gave me a sad smile. “This is, in no way whatsoever, your fault. Are you ready to go back?”
I shook my head. “No, but if we’re gone too long there will be a problem.” I stood up and my legs felt like jelly and if Xavier hadn’t caught me I would have fallen.
“Come here,” Xavier picked me up.
He carried me back to the party and set me down just inside of the tree line.
“Let’s get those shoes back on. I’ll be right back okay?”
I nodded. Minutes later Fiore was by Xavier’s side and she quickly fixed my makeup and kept making me laugh.
“Now darling, Xavier has explained some of the situation to me. Give me this boy’s name and I will see to it that no paparazzi will accept anything from him.”
I gave her a weak smile. “We’ll figure it out later, tonight there are more important things to worry about.
“So you know about it too then?” Fiore asked me with a wink.
I nodded. “I helped set it up.”
“Aww, I love weddings.” Fiore sang. “We’ll figure all of this out tomorrow.”
After Fiore made me look good as new she and I returned to the party. It was a wonderful night full of dancing. We all watched as Ian led Lana out. I was so excited I couldn’t wait until we saw them come back in. I think Fiore and Christine were the loudest. Greg was laughing at Christine’s enthusiasm. Once it started to quiet down I saw him steal a quick kiss, which made her blush the shade of her dress. I started to laugh until an arm snaked its way around my waist. I turned to see Raleigh and I spun out of his arm.
“I don’t think so.” I shook my head.
“Why not?” he asked a coy smile on his face.
“Because I said so. When a lady says no, a gentleman listens and respects it.”
Raleigh let out a charming laugh. “I can’t believe you just quoted etiquette to me.”
“And what, pray tell, is that supposed to mean?” I asked, trying to sound as haughty as possible.
“That you are just full of surprises. I can’t wait to see what else you have in store for me.” Raleigh tried to kiss me on the cheek and I shoved him away.
“Stop it. I’m not interested. “
“Can we talk outside for a moment then?”
I sighed. “So long as you don’t try anything.”
“My honor as a gentleman.”
“Mhmm”
“If no one is around and I do something inappropriate, no one can stop you from hitting me. And I already know what one of your punches feels like.”
I stared at him for a long moment and sighed. “Alright. Give me ten minutes. I have a cousin and friend to congratulate.” I pushed away from Raleigh and made my way over to the happy couple.
“Congratulations.” Xavier beamed as he pulled Lana into a hug.
“Thank you. I can honestly say that I didn’t see any of this happening when I took the job.” Lana blushed and Xavier chuckled.
“Well, I’m sure it was a good surprise.”
“Congrats, Lana. I knew you two would end up together.” I winked.
“Oh really?” Xavier asked, giving me a pointed look.
“Of course.” I replied, giving him a look, daring him to call me a liar. I needed an argument right about now anyway.
“Thank you both. I’m just surprised everyone else knew before me. I have no idea how this clown kept it from me.” Lana laughed pointing to Ian.
“Like I’ve said, I’m a ninja.”
“Please, you’re nowhere near ninja-level.” I scoffed. “If you were a ninja, you wouldn’t have fallen into that pond.” I smirked.
“That was your fault.” Ian grumbled. I shrugged and was about to retort when Lana interjected.
“I’ll treasure these moments the rest of my life.” She sighed. I couldn’t help but laugh.
I felt someone tap on my shoulder. “It’s been ten minutes.”
Raleigh. Who else? He came to spoil the moment.
I rolled my eyes. “If you’ll excuse me.” I followed him out of the tent and crossed my arms. “Well? What do you want?”
Raleigh stared at me for a long moment. “Something is different with you this time.”
“Is there?”
“You seem genuinely angry with me. You were not happy with me the last time we saw each other, but you weren’t this way. So I feel I should ask the same question. Who are you with?”
“No one.”
“No one has your heart?”
“No, I just don't like the fact that you’re trying to bully me into liking you. In fact, that really pisses me off.”
“You don’t like anyone?” Raleigh asked, his eyes skeptical.
“What?”
“Oh,”
“Oh?”
“I can see what’s going on.”
“Oh you can? Well then, please, enlighten me.”
Raleigh gave me a sideways smirk. “You like someone, but you haven’t realized you like someone.”
I raised an eyebrow. “If I liked someone, wouldn’t I know that?”
Raleigh let out a low chuckle. “God, I wish it was me.”
“Raleigh, you’re a crazy person.”
“May I have a kiss on the cheek?”
“No, I told you, no funny business.”
“I know now that someone already has your heart, even if you don’t. It would be friendly, not romantic.”
“Why then?”
Raleigh gave me a sad smile. “I’d like your friendship if nothing else.”
“Raleigh, I still don’t know what you’re going on about.”
“That’s okay.” Raleigh took my hand in both of his and laid a gentle kiss on it. “You’re going to make someone one hell of a wife someday.”
“What? How did you jump to that subject?”
Raleigh laughed and shook his head. “Let’s go back in there and have some fun.”
I sighed, now thoroughly confused. “Um, sure?”
The first thing I did once I got inside was seek Fiore out.
“Hello gorgeous.” She smiled as she spun off of Hewitt’s arm. “How are you?”
