One Night With the Prince by T. M. Mendes
“One day I was avoiding him as per usual. That was my routine you see. I avoided him at all cost until the weekend would come where he got to choose who goes to his bedroom for the night, and naturally with Julian’s stubbornness he kept choosing me.
Well, anyways, I was sitting by the reflecting pool trying to think when I literally slapped myself on the head!” She laughed at her memories of a younger her.
“I was thinking, ‘why am I fighting this man when I love him so much?’ That’s when I came to my senses deary. I learned long ago, that sometimes you have to face your fears. I see the way my boy looks at you.
This isn’t just some game to him anymore, although I’m not sure if it ever was. When you see him tell me what you feel.” She asked. I blushed, not sure whether or not I wanted this discussion with his mother. But she encouraged me on.
“My heart speeds up, and I feel like I can’t breathe right unless he’s near me in some form. When he’s right next to me I feel all wound up and dizzy. But Lilly it’s not possible for me to feel like this, this soon! It just isn’t! I’m so scared.” I finished in a whisper. She took a hold of my face and made me look her in the eye.
“Anna, I’m not saying to jump in bed with him!” I blushed at that. Wow, she was literal! “But I am saying to face your fear. I can tell something has burned you to the idea of love, but don’t lose faith so young! Take it slow if you have to, but please take it somewhere.” She said gently but reverently. I nodded at her and stood up, dusting myself off.
“Thank you Lilly. I need to go find Zach.” She chuckled and stood up herself and hugged me.
“Lilly? I like it. Now you go to my son and explain what you want. No more running?” She offered. I ginned and nodded.
“No more running.” I promised. I went to go find Zach and hoped he wasn’t angry for me at running out on him. Running through the hall I bumped into Dem.
“Oof!” I cried when my butt hit the marble. Dem looked concerned and a little annoyed at me. I gave him a sheepish smile knowing he probably already talked to Zach, and I held my hands up to him in defense.
“I know! I know! I screwed up! I’m going to go find him now. Where is he?” I asked. He looked relieved that I was going to go talk to Zach and told me he was in the gym. Running to where he pointed it took a while to get there, and by the time I arrived I was out of breath again. Guilt ate at me at what I saw.
He was punching the punching bag with full force shirtless. I enjoyed the view but hated that he was mad because of my insecurities. I cleared my throat to get his attention. He stopped and looked at me with a hurt in his eyes. We were both breathless. Me from all the running and him from kicking the crap out of the punching bag.
“Hi. Can we talk?” I asked quietly. He nodded wordlessly. I took a seat on the dark blue mat with my back against the cream colored wall. He joined me and I was about to start when he beat me to it,
“Listen, I’m sorry! I should’ve stopped when you were pulling away at first! I’m truly sorry-” I cut him off.
“No. I’m sorry.” I apologized looking down at my lap. It was silent for a moment when Zach put a finger under my chin to make me look at him.
“I don’t understand.” He stated. Sighing, I explained.
“You scare me Zach. I have a hard time with the idea of anything that could lead to love or anywhere near it. I blame my dad for that, but anyways I can’t give you anything serious. If that’s what you’re looking for then I’m sorry. For now if you’re really wanting this,” I gestured between the both of us,
“Then it has to go slow. I’d understand if you’re looking for something more intimate.” I blushed at that thought. He looked at me with a soft expression that made me want to kiss him. He cupped my face so he had my undivided attention.
“I’m willing to take it as slow as you need it to. There’s something about you Anna and I can be satisfied with just to hold your hand, as long as you’re comfortable.” He finished, taking my hand in his. I could see the red marks on his knuckles from going so hard on the punching bag.
I stared at our hands together and I felt my insides warm. I gently kiss his knuckles and I heard his quick intake of breath. I blushed.
“Sorry.” I whispered. He chuckled.
“Looks like we both need to keep ourselves in check.” He mused. Standing back up he mimicked me still holding my hand gently.
“How about we go back to my room and try this again?” He asked. I smiled.
“I’d like that.” I answered gratefully. Although I can’t bring myself to regret the moment we had on the balcony, it still scared the crap out of me. I’ve never felt anything so strong and it was staggering. We were chatting aimlessly until we got to his room again. He opened the door for me.
“Ladies first.” He smiled. I blushed and walked in. The room was just as we left it with the candles still burning bright.
“So, where am I supposed to sleep?” I asked. He looked amused at me and pointed at the very large bed.
“With me of course.” I looked at him shocked and he laughed at my expression and came closer to me.
“We just established some boundaries that I’m not about to test tonight.” He said. Tonight? So does that mean later down the road he’s going to test them? I couldn’t help the shiver of anticipation run down my spine.
I crawled into the bed and stayed on the far side. He sat down on his side looking amused at my guarded expression.
“I think you’re the first girl I’ve met that has not tried to get as close to me as possible.” He mused. I laughed.
“Well obviously those girls had nothing in between their ears.”
He laughed at that and lied down. I mirrored his actions cautiously. He laughed and then pulled me to him. I gasped,
“W-What are you doing?!” I asked, trying not to enjoy his touch.
“Just let me hold you please?” He asked. I sighed and rested my head on his chest not liking the fact that I am liking this more than I probably should. His hands trapped me to him and I drifted off to sleep.
I stirred and felt something soft trace down my back and up again hum in appreciation. I peeked my eyes open to see Zach looking down at me with a soft smile on his face. I could get used to waking up like this. I mentally shook my head at that. Too soon. Call me stubborn but I refuse to give my heart out only for it to be stomped on.
“Good morning.” He murmured quietly. I smiled up at him and stretched.
“Good morning.” I replied. I sat up reluctantly and blushed at the sight of his chest, but quickly adverted my eyes so he wouldn’t notice me checking him out. His voice was husky with sleep as he talked to me.
“My younger brother is coming in today. He’s coming back from his schooling for good.” He said rubbing his eyes smiling sideways at me. I quirked an eyebrow.
“Not that this isn’t interesting but why do I need to know?” I asked. He chuckled deeply.
“I’m just warning you. You’re a beautiful girl and he will not hesitate to charm you into his bed.” He explained, and I laughed.
“So a mini you?” I chortled.
He acted offended, and placed a hand to his heart.
“Malady, I would never do that!” He said. I looked pointedly at where we were now, and he laughed.
“Yes, I guess I did get you in my bed.” He replied. I rolled my eyes and stood up ruffling my hair trying to get the tangles out. It was silent now as he was just staring at me. I shifted under his gaze.
“I guess I should get going? I need to get dressed…” I trailed off. He nodded seeming a little sad I had to leave. Heck, so was I if I was being honest. He walked me to the door and grabbed my hand and placed a small kiss on it. I blushed and hurried out of there.
I reached my room with no troubles as everyone was not up yet, and got dressed. I chose a black tank top that hugged my curves but no too tight and then paired it with some torn up shorts since it was very warm here, but I put on my cowboy boots from
I sighed when my stomach started grumbling. I made my way outside my room only to be scooped up by someone.
“Hey!” I cried out in shock. I felt whoever was caring me was running and I looked around trying to see who it was. Once I saw the short blondish hair, I knew.
“Dem! Put me down you jerk-face!” I demanded. He laughed but kept running.
“Such foul language for a young lady!” He playfully scolded. I rolled my eyes as my head bobbed up and down from his running and I was hitting his back as hard as I could.
“Dem! If you don’t put me the heck down I will make your life a living nightmare! There! How’s that for better language?!” I growled. He was laughing hard, and I noticed we were now outside. I saw water in my peripheral vision and I shrieked, fighting harder now knowing what he was doing.
“Demetrius! Don’t you dare!” I yelled. We were getting closer to the pool and he laughed again.
“We had a deal!” He sang lightly and then suddenly I was air-born, and then in the next second freezing cold water surrounded me. When I resurfaced I was gasping for breath and my teeth were chattering.
Dem was clutching his sides from laughing so hard as I sputtered out water in my mouth. I jumped out and grinned evilly at him. He stopped laughing and I ran up to him and hugged him tight getting him all wet.
“Arg!” He cried, shocked. He tried to pull me away but he was weak from laughing so hard.
“But Demmy! I want to share this moment with you!” I whined, laughing. He struggled but I eventually let him go. He playfully glared at me now his shirt now all wet. I jumped up to kiss his cheek and he grinned at me. I couldn’t be mad at him! He was like an older brother to me that I loved!
We were quite a sight when we walked into the breakfast hall. Chatter stopped and people stared. I rolled my eyes and pointed at Dem.
“This jerk pushed me into a pool!” I explained loudly. Sydney, Rachel, and Carol were squealing. Crap I forgot that they knew the deal between Dem and I! Which reminded me of something. I slapped him hard on the chest.
“Ow! What was that for?!” He whined. I glared at him.
“Just because I made amends with Zach does not mean that I’m falling for him!” I whispered harshly. He rolled his eyes.
“Yes you are! Admit it!” He demanded under his breath. I sighed, and looked away from him.
“Maybe.” I gave him that much. He chuckled and mumbled ‘stubborn’ and I just pretended I didn’t hear it. Dang right I was stubborn! Elise was glaring daggers at me and I chuckled.
“What’s wrong Elise? Mad that Zach didn’t run away from me on my night?” I taunted. Her face turned red with anger. Man! I love to rile her up! It was too easy! Almost as easy as she is. Ha! That was a good one, I might want to file that one away.
She stood up and stormed off without another word. Dem chuckled next to me.
“You really are horrible!” He playfully scolded. I shrugged, hopping up on a bar stool as some water dripped from my legs. I popped a grape in my mouth and nearly choked on it when I saw Zach walk in.
Why did he have to look so freakin hot?! It’s not fair and really won’t be helping our ‘taking it slow’ thing! He spotted me and smiled slowly walking over to me. I composed myself as he sat next to me. Some girls were looking at me with envy but I just shrugged it off.
“Do I want to know why?” He asked gesturing to my wet clothes. I smirked.
“Dem threw me in the pool” Once I said it I fell off the barstool thanks to my wet skin being slick on the wood. My face turned red as Dem was laughing his head off. Zach looked amused but also guarded. I don’t think he liked the thought of Dem getting close to me like that. I took a hold of his hand.
“Green does not suit you.” I said. He looked away but did not take his hand from mine. I looked over to see everyone starring at our hands. Great! I forgot that anything physical would be scrutinized. Zach leaned over to whisper in my ear.
“I’m going to pick you to spend the weekend with me.” I looked at him and blushed again. I swear my face will stay like this around him. I quirked an eyebrow.
“Who says I want to do that?” I asked stubbornly. He chuckled still close to me and his warm breath fanned over my face making me want to lean in more,
“Don’t worry. No unwanted kisses, I promise you.” He promised. Who said it was unwanted? I nodded, now feeling very excited for the weekend.
Chapter sixteen
Zachias
It was almost torture not being able to kiss Anna, or hold her to the extent I wanted. But if she wanted slow, then I would respect that. Why’d I have to fall for the complicated girl? I thought, but then I wouldn’t feel this strongly if she wasn’t. I heard normal was overrated anyways.
Right now I was in my study trying to go over protocols so when I take over I know what I’m doing. It was fairly boring stuff and I’d give anything for a break right now. A knock came at the wooden door.
“Come in.” I answered. Demetrius came in with a sly smile, and I rolled my eyes knowing he had something up his sleeve.
“Hey Kia!” He grinned widely before sitting down in a chair across from me.
“Demetrius. I know you’re up to something.” I stated, wanting to get to the point so I can finish my work already. He leaned over so he was closer to me.
“I have a surprise for the lovely Anna.” He started. That got my attention, and I gestured for him to go on.
“I think it would make her feel so much better here since she misses her family and friends if we flew them over here for the weekend!” He finished. This weekend? I was looking forward to spending all my time with her. I scrubbed out that selfish thought and nodded. She needed this right now.
“Great idea! I’ll call in the things needed, and since I have their numbers in my phone from when she calls them, I’ll take care of everything.” I explained. He pouted.
“That’s no fair! You’ll get all the credit!” He whined. I rolled my eyes.
“I’ll be sure to say it was your idea!” I defended. He looked okay with that and left without another word. I swear it’s like dealing with a toddler! I chuckled at that very true thought. However if it came to war or a battle he’d be right there beside me, no questions asked. I grabbed my cell and called the first number, not knowing who it was.
“Hello?” A female voice answered. I cleared my throat.
“Hello, my name is Zachias, and are you by any chance Anna’s mother?” I asked. She gasped.
“Yes! Is something wrong?!” She asked in alarm.
“No! She’s perfectly fine. But I’m calling to set up for this weekend to have you and her friends fly over here to surprise her.” I explained. It was silent for a moment.
“You like her don’t you?” She asked. I choked on nothing but air, completely bewildered as to how she came to that conclusion so fast!
“How did you know?” I asked completely curious.
She chuckled. “Why else would a man want to fly out a girl’s family so she would feel happy?” She said rhetorically.
I sighed.
“Yes ma’am. I like your daughter a lot, and I wish to see her happy.” More like falling for her hard, but why scare the nice woman? She suddenly squealed and it made me jump in my seat.
“Oh this is great! Yes! I will go! I’ll need to take off work, but I miss my little Nala!” She laughed happily. I chuckled too as her laugh was almost as infectious as Anna’s. She gave me her email address and I was to send her the itinerary in just an hour. I called the next number.
“Hello? This is cray-cray hotel where you can talk to yourself and no one will judge!” I hung up from that. Why on earth would Anna call that?! But I see she called this number more than once and sighed and try this again.
“Yellow? You’ve reached the fan girl shop. We got everything from binoculars to loop holes for restraining orders!” I shook my h
“Um, hello? Do you know an Anna?” I asked hesitantly. The guy laughed.
“Oh man! I’m so sorry! I thought you were Anna! I always answer her calls with something along those lines! Sorry, this is one of her best friends Danny!” He apologized. I blew out a sigh of relief.
“Hello, this is Zachias-” I was cut off by gasp.