XXVIII

XXVIII

"I want to go home," Prince Alexander said, but he was not breaking our hug.

We were still in the isolated part of the garden, having some good times together. The music in the hall stopped several minutes ago, and I heard some speech from different individuals. Prince Alexander and I were still standing on the ground while our bodies were still in contact.

"You're suppose to give words to your best friend, aren't you?" I stated quietly, because I did not want him to hear the sadness in my words. He wanted to go home, it only meant that we would return to our normal situations. I just wondered if he was not satisfied in my presence anymore.

He removed his arms around me and clasped my both shoulders. "Yeah, but I want to go now. It is okay, I always give him a speech," he was speaking to me, but his eyes were in my mouth, as if observing it like a Science experiment.

I beamed and put my hands on his cheeks. I made him look at my eyes, "However, today is different. It is his wedding day. It's special to him, so you need to give him some words."

He thought for a minute and nodded, "Okay, but promise me something first."

I chuckled because he acted like I was pleading him to give a speech. "What is it, Your Highness?"

"Meet me in the basement, right after I speak, you understand?" even though I was confused, I still moved my head in agreement. We stared at each other for another long hour only until he said, "You go inside first, then I'll follow."

Without uttering another word, we separated and I started to walk to go inside the hall. Nevertheless, he cursed under his breath.

"Wait," I stopped and faced him. He just observed me like he had a war inside his head. He closed our gap again for just two strides and spoke again, "Kiss me."

His face became red all of a sudden, and I knew, it also happened to my face right now. My confusion increased, I smiled and asked, "Why don't you do it?"

He answered, "I'm afraid that you will punch me again if I force you."

I looked away remembering that I had a sin against him. I bowed my head, "I'm sorry about your bleeding nose two days ago. You should not provoke me again."

"Yeah, that's why instead of kissing you, I'm telling you to do it," I did not know if he was excited or nervous or both at the same time.

I laughed, but smacked my mouth on his soft lips. It was the fastest kiss we had done since we met.

"Satisfied?" I asked.

"No," he answered instantly, "And I'll give you punishment once we get to the Palace."

"Huh? Punishment for what?" I panicked, this was the thing I was afraid after punching his nose.

He pointed his nose, "You know this is the answer. Don't worry, you will enjoy it also." His infamous evil grin formed on his face, "What are you still doing here? Go inside."

"You'll receive a much stronger punch with a kick if you hurt me," I warned.

"Oh, babe," he shook his head, "I will never hurt you."

I just gave him a dirty look, and did not argue about the endearment. I turned to my way toward the door and looked over my shoulder, for the last time, to see him busy watching me while his arms was on his chest.

When I came back to the hall, all the people were attentive listening to the lady who was speaking to the stage. Of course, who would not listen to the Princess Royal of England? Princess Victoria was happily telling the story of how she became the bridge of Isaac and Ella.

I easily found the table where the other was sitting. Hi was still talking non-stop with Shelton, while Ben was visibly proud of his girlfriend.

"Hey," Hi said to me once I sat on my chair earlier, "Where have you been?"

"Uh, I walked around and saw the garden," I lied, "It's beautiful. You must see it later."

"What did you do in the garden?" he asked again, like an investigator in a murder case.

"Looked at the plants and flowers, naming them one by one," I sounded idiot, but I had no option but to say it. What did people do in the garden, anyway?

"Not to see the prince?" I tried to hide my shock, and looked at him. He was staring in another direction, and I followed it. I saw Prince Alexander entering the door where the garden was located. He was in his blank expression.

"Of course not," I responded and returned my gaze to the table.

"You know what," Hi whispered, "Shelton and I have a doubt that Prince Alexander does not give you any attention. After seeing the scene earlier here, we think the prince has deeper feelings for you unlike to his whores."

"How did you know?" I muttered without thinking about it.

"We see it in his eyes," Hi said in the matter of fact, "The prince never looked at his woman that way. He is serious to you, Shirley, and that is the first time he will do it, after..." He stopped speaking because Shelton covered Hi's mouth.

"After what?" I was beyond inquisitive because Prince Alexander never got serious to his women. But, he became serious before.

"After his birth," Shelton replied for Hi.

"I'm not believing you," I said, "After what?"

Shelton removed his hand on Hi. He agreed with his computer wizard friend, "Yeah, after his birth."

Before I could insist them to tell me the truth, I heard the masters of ceremony called Prince Alexander. Applause erupted in the hall, and I did not know how to feel because I was with him a few minutes ago, and now, these people saw him as the prince of England.

He stood like a statue, straight and brave. His playful face was still there, but he was different from the Prince Alexander I knew. This Prince Alexander was the descendant of the great people in the history.

"Good evening everyone," he said in a husky voice, and cleared his throat, "You know, I'm not really used to speak in front of many people if I'm not telling my reports," people laughed and he waited them to stop. "First of all, I want to congratulate Isaac to have a beautiful wife, Ella. He is so lucky to have Ella in his life. And, because of you, brother, a lot of people is asking when my wedding date will be."

A lot of people laughed again, and some who were near to His Highness' mistress teased her. The Barbie doll blushed and nodded to the people behind her, maybe they were saying 'he was talking about you' or 'he will marry you soon'. Damn them.

Princess Victoria came back to our table, and greeted me when she saw me. In the corner of my eye, I saw Ben whispered something to her, and they lived again in their own dimension.

Prince Alexander continued, "I'm only telling them that I'm already with my future bride, but I let Isaac married first because he can't wait for another day."

I was stunned for a few seconds. Whispers from all the table erupted. I knew he was talking about me, but I had doubts that he might pointing out another woman. My chest tightened at the thought, what if I was not the one who he wanted to marry.

"For all you know, Isaac is my friend since we were in high school. We are together at all time, in happiness, and sadness. He is like a real brother to me. When he finally met Ella, I am always teasing him that I would get her from him in just one snap. And, Isaac got angry to me. That's why, Ella, he loves you so much, and have a baby soon."

The couple just smiled and I saw Ella how her pale face changed into bright red. Mr. Warden just put his thumb up.

Prince Alexander said some more words for the couple, then concluded it in 'congratulations'. I did not know when it started, but I got nervous because I would meet him in the basement and I would face his punishment. Whatever it was, I was certain it would be at my expense.

"Your Highness, I will leave now," my farewell to Princess Victoria.

"What? You wait for us, I'm going to speak to Ella for minutes, then we will leave," Her Highness was confused and worried all at once.

"No, no need," I had no choice but to tell a half-lie and half-truth, "His Highness wants me to work for the report on his budget. He said to me that I may ride with him."

"I'll pinch that Alexander for spoiling your free time," she sighed, "Okay, since Alex will go to another country tomorrow, I'll forgive him."

I almost forgot that he needed to attend events for the next two weeks. It made me feel lonely. "See you later, Your Highness."

"Victoria," she corrected me.

"Victoria," I repeated.

I said goodbye to Shelton and Hi, who were overreacting of how happy they were to meet me. Ben nodded to me, and said "See you soon."

With trembling knees, I exited the reception hall and went to the place where the lift was. I pushed the down button, and waited for a few seconds until the door opened and I put myself inside. I clicked the B button, which stood for Basement.

I arrived at Basement, which was a parking lot, faster than I expected. Just only three people rode the elevator. When the door opened, I immediately saw several people holding their cameras or notebooks. They looked at me, and instantly transferred their attention to anything because they saw nothing important.

If only they know.

It crossed my mind, and laughed secretly. I was strange recently, was not I?

I walked on the line of expensive cars, and realized that I was not searching for something. The prince just said to me that we will meet here, but other than that, nothing. How could we meet with these reporters in the same place?

I needed to think. He needed to know that there were already people here, possibly waiting for him to come out, and had an ambushed interview. What would I do now?

As if an answer, someone grabbed my arm. I looked at him. Seeing His Majesty's body guard, "Artemis," I was quite relieved to see him here, "what are you doing here?"

"Keep quiet, Ms. Woodman," he said, as if there was a sleeping baby nearby, "Let's go to the car. You may wait His Highness there."

"Okay," I responded and followed him.

We stopped after some steps, and the car he was saying was not an ordinary car. My jaw dropped. It was a limousine. I had not yet ridden on something like that before. It was all black, even the window was too tinted to see what was inside.

"Ms. Woodman, please go in faster, they might see you," Artemis spoke again, and I did what he had said even though I could not process what I did was. Once I settled down inside the limousine, he spoke, "Whatever happened, please stay here. Don't look at the window, even though people outside won't see you through it. Don't also stare at the door when it opens." He did not wait for my response. He closed the door and gave me time to appreciate this transportation.

The light switched on, so I could see everything clearly. There was a small bar of drinks in front, exactly on the back of the driver's and passenger's seat. A small table in the middle. Soft seats on either side. I was like a kid examining the softness of my seat by deepening my hand on it.

Unexpectedly, the car moved so I almost fell down on the floor. I fixed myself after I recovered, and tried not to look at the window to see where we were going. We stopped after moving less than a minute. I could see people outside, that's the advantage of being inside of a tinted window. Cameras flashed and I was afraid that they might see me.

The light turned off and the door opened. I heard voices speaking all together, asking questions. I tried my best not to look at them. After a second, it was closed again.

Prince Alexander sat across to me, and removed his jacket. He loosed his necktie and opened the two buttons of his shirt. In addition, I was nervous.

"For sure, they didn't see you," he said and moved closer to the bar, "Want some drinks?" he offered.

I shook my head, "I'm not drinking, and you know that."

"Yeah," he poured a red liquid in a glass and drank it. Since, the light was switched on again, I got the front line view of his Adam's apple bouncing up and down when he gulped. "Those reporters always forgetting that they can't get an answer from me," he exasperated stated.

I did not notice that the limousine was already moving because I was busy checking out Prince Alexander. I even did not notice that he was talking about the reporters. He looked at me. He put his glass on the table and went on my side. He folded his sleeves to his elbow, and I looked like a moron for watching him doing that.

"Are you done inspecting me, Shirley?" he seductively asked and leaned closer to me.

I played a laugh, "What are you saying? I'm not inspecting you, duh."

He wrapped his arms around me. I yelled when he put me on his lap, and I found his torso between my thighs. I tried to stand and leave him, but his arms were really strong.

"What are you doing?" my voice was as nervous as I was.

He planted kisses on my neck that gave me the wildest sensation I felt in my entire existence. I gripped his shoulder blades for support because I might melt later.

"Have I already told you how beautiful you are this evening?" he asked between his kisses.

"Not yet," I was not sure if I really answered properly or I moaned.

"You are above them all, Shirley," he whispered in my ear and continued to kiss my jaw, "You stand out, and even the bride has nothing to compare with you."

"Your Highness," I groaned once he started kissing below my collar bone. Goose bumps crawled in my body as if knowing its master.

His hands traveled on my both thighs and I did not know if it was already exposed because my eyes were just closed. My grasps on his shoulder became tighter. It should not be happening and I should not let it happen. However, I was stuck in my place.

"Shirley," I heard him say my name once his mouth was on one of my shoulder blades. He stopped. I was relieved, but at the same time, I wanted more. Oh my gosh, it was really not me. He got his phone in his pocket and clicked a number, "Hey, Artemis, will you drive faster?" He hung up and threw his phone somewhere.

I felt his hand again on my thighs. I tried not to shiver, but it was no help. His both hands were hot, giving me different excitement.

Then, he suddenly asked, "Are you scared?"

I looked at his green eyes, who only wanted was me. "Yes," I breathed.

"Why?" he did not look disappointed.

I answered, without minding what he would feel after, "I'm not ready to do it." This was the time, I noticed my thighs were really exposed. I covered it by the hem of my dress. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay," he responded, as if we were talking an ordinary topic. "I promise myself that I won't force you to the things you don't want. I might lose you if I keep on being selfish," his gazes locked on mine. "Shirley, for you, I can be selfless, kind, or anything you want. I can be that man. I won't be tired of doing this because, Shirley," he paused, and detained my gaze steadily, "...that's the way I love you."

The car stopped as well as my own world. I did not know if I heard him right or he was only hallucinating. I wanted to speak, but I could not bring a word in my mouth. I could not feel my heart anymore. It temporarily died or I was only dreaming. But, I hope it was not the latter.

I removed myself on him once I heard the door opened. Probably, I would only tremble if I tried to speak, so I kept my mouth shut. Without speaking, we climbed out of the limousine. His hand was on my lower back in the process that made me more difficult to calm myself.

We entered the palace in silence, and we walked in the direction of my room. I did not want to end our night this way. Like him, I also wanted an answer from me. It sounded crazy, but even me, I did not know what my response supposed to be. I did not want to hurt him. However, I did not want also to be this fast. I sought to be sure with my feelings for him.

Once we were already outside my door, I faced him. He looked fine, but in his eyes, there were longing. Searching for an answer. I turned my back to him, and put the key in the doorknob. I unlocked it, but paused in the midair.

One thing was sure, I would not see him for the next two weeks, and we should not end this way tonight. What if when he came back, he had already met someone there who could give him an answer straightaway? Unlike me who was annoying, my feelings were fighting each other. I did not deserve him because he was the prince of England and I was a poor girl who needed a money. But, he deserved to be happy. He deserved to be loved...

I spun, only one hundred degrees, to meet his gaze again. Without a further ado, I reached him and touched his chest, then... I kissed him. At first, he was stunned, this was the reason I was the one who moved. He kissed me back, more passionately and deeper this time. His tongue teased my lower lip, but I let him enter my mouth.

He opened the door of my room, and pushed me inside without breaking our making out. He closed the door, and I heard he locked it. I did not know how he managed to do, although his full attention was still on my lips.

I was already unbuttoning his shirt, when I felt my tongue dancing with his. In one swift, he was already topless. I walked backward and lay on my back in the bed when we reached it. He was on top of me, kissing me endlessly.

I put my hands on his bared shoulder, he moved from my mouth to my neck. Then, his mouth warmed my skin across my collarbone, up to my jaw, cheek and back my mouth again. I heard him whisper my name, and I was drowned to him to have time to think about this world.

He stopped and all his warmness was gone because he stood up. I looked at him, and I could not stop myself from admiring how attractive he was, even he had clothes or none. His chest shone like a sunlight, and tempting like a forbidden fruit. He unbuckled his belt in front of me, which shocked me and felt hot for all sake!

He was only in the boxer shorts when I recovered myself in unconsciously gawking at him. He joined me again on my bed and lay his side down beside me. He propped his elbow up for support so I could have a better view of his handsome face.

"I can wait," he said while his hand went up and down to my waist, "For you, Shirley, I will do everything, even waiting, I'm not doing it before, you know."

I smiled, and cupped his strong jaw, "Thank you. Once you come back after your job in another country, I'll make sure that I already have the answer." I was hoping that everything was clear after that time. I brought down my hand on his shoulder, down to his chest. I was honest that I had desired to touch this perfect human being, right. "For now, you may sleep here."

"No need to say that, because I will do it by hook or by crook," he grinned and kissed me again. "I will make every wrong to be right, for you, Shirley."

He enveloped me in his arms. Securing me. Comforting me. I leaned my head on his chest, and listened to his heart, like a lullaby. My eyes were almost shut when I heard he whispered.

"Be in my arms, forever."

(A/N: The picture at the side summarized this chapter. lol. who loves Prince Alexander and Shirley?)