The food was delivered quickly and no one wasted time before eating. I could understand why; the food was delicious. I answered questions about my schooling, my family, and what I thought of Lilaria. I answered everything with the simplest answers I could manage. I didn’t want to tell these people my life story. By the time dessert was placed in front of me, I was exhausted.
When the queen stood to signal the end of the dinner, everyone raised a glass. “We’re honored to have back among us one of our family. Samantha, may you find happiness in Lilaria.”
She left shortly afterward with Rose and the prime minister, signaling that we could leave if we were ready. Catherine and Kyle made their way to where I was standing up. Alex had his back to me, talking to one of the parliament members.
“We’re heading out, want to come along?” Kyle had his hand on Catherine’s back but smiled at me in a way that made me want to punch him. He was definitely a worm and the fact Catherine seemed oblivious worried me. He was an attractive guy, but he oozed creep.
“Maybe another time. I’m ready to call it a night.”
“Would you like me to show you to your room?” Kyle dropped his hand from Catherine and stepped forward. Her eyebrows pulled together as she watched him.
“I’ve already offered to show her to her rooms.” Alex placed a hand on my back.
“Is that so?” Kyle glared at Alex. “Is it the same room Melissa used? Or the one Lora or Maggie stayed in? Maybe the room Adriane used the last time she stayed at the palace? How about the one Tabitha used? Maybe that was the same room Melissa stayed in.”
“Kyle!” Catherine gasped. Alex’s fingers stiffened against my back and I knew he was worried how I would react to a list of his conquests.
“I see pedigree has no bearing on whether or not you’re an asshole.” While it bothered me to think of Alex with all those women, I was more disgusted by Kyle’s behavior. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to get some rest.”
Kyle sputtered, apparently surprised I had spoken up. Catherine looked at me with something close to jealousy and awe. Alex nudged me gently toward the exit. I left Kyle staring after us while Catherine watched thoughtfully.
Will America’s Duchess Fit in with the Other Royals?
—Celebrity Talk Magazine
“I apologize for that.” Alex ground his teeth when we were in the hallway.#p#分页标题#e#
“Don’t. It’s not your fault.” I was barely paying attention to the direction we went. I was so tired I had to focus on putting one foot in front of the other. I was also mentally chanting the list of women who had been with Alex, the image of him and Melissa flashing in my head. He stopped at a door and turned the ornate handle.
I stepped inside and looked at the giant bed and lavish furnishings. My bags had been unpacked and nightclothes were laid out on the mattress. I turned to look at Alex.
“Thank you. I guess I’ll see you sometime this week.” I bit my lip. I had no idea what the rest of the week held for me. Much less the rest of my life.
“Are you forgetting something?” Alex raised an eyebrow.
“What are you talking about?”
“Your dress.” He nodded toward me. “Or do you think you can manage on your own?”
I frowned. As much as I had complained about having to wear it, I was sort of fond of the dress and didn’t want to rip it. I looked up at him and nodded once before turning around so he could see the zipper. He closed the door behind him and moved toward me. I reached down to undo the belt at my waist but his hands slid around and closed over mine before moving them out of the way so he could do it. Slowly he pulled the belt from the loops and tossed it onto the bed. His fingers tugged the zipper at an almost torturous pace. His knuckles dragged along my spine the whole way and I shivered in response. When he slid the zipper over my bra I took a deep breath, but he never hesitated.
I knew I should stop him once he reached my waist, but I didn’t. I closed my eyes, enjoying the smell of him and the feel of his hands on me. I heard him take a deep breath of his own and he stopped the zipper just above my panties. I could feel his hands shake just before he let go and stepped away.
“I think you can take it from there.” Need mixed with frustration in his voice.
“Thank you for helping.” I took a step forward, clutching my dress to my chest as I turned around.
“How long are we going to play this game?” He was irritated and I didn’t blame him. He wasn’t the only one feeling frustrated.
“I’m not going to be another conquest, Alex. I don’t do one-night stands. I’m not that person.”