Sometimes, fiction is better than reality

“I’m sure it’s been hit far harder than you could do,” Liam laughed. “So, you going to tell me what’s wrong?” He pressed on as he started warming up for his own workout.

Drake took a deep breath and closed his eyes, lying back on the bench as his mind wondered to earlier that night…

“What the hell do you mean?” Drake looked between Bastien and Lacy after she had returned from her “date” with Declan.

“Exactly what I said, Drake,” Lacy rolled her eyes.  “Declan’s car was an Escalade…same type of car that caused my wreck. His parents were killed in a car wreck.  Call me crazy, but it all seems a little too coincidental to me.”

“Well let’s take this fucker down!” Drake exclaimed.  “What are we waiting on?”

Bastien placed a hand on Drake’s shoulder to try to calm him, “Drake, I agree.  This paints the duke in a bad picture.  However, his model of car and the fact that his parents died in a crash is hardly enough proof to say that he is who has posed a threat against Lacy.”  Bastien sighed, “No one in Cordonia knew about Lacy or her mother…we were so careful to never leave any trace of proof that they ever existed.”

Lacy laughed, “Well apparently, not careful enough all things considered.”

Bastien gave Lacy a somber look of remorse.  “I’m sorry, Bastien,” Lacy’s tone became more serious.  “None of this is your fault, I just…sometimes have very inappropriate humor.”

Drake paced back and forth, “We need to inform Liam and the king.  So, they can stop trying to push Lacy and Declan together.  We may not have enough to prove his guilt, but surely, the king would understand our concern.”

Lacy placed a hand on Drake’s arm, “If we do that, Declan will know something is up.  I don’t think we should risk having Constantine or Liam act any different towards him.”

“I agree with Lacy,” Bastien stood.

“So, what,” Drake looked at the two of them in disbelief, “are you just going to keep going around this bastard until he tries to hurt you?”

Lacy looked at Drake as her expression softened, “It may be the best way.  If I can let him think that we are getting closer, he may slip up and—”

“No, absolutely not,” Drake pulled away from her. “There’s no way I’m letting you use yourself as bait.”

Lacy could feel her own anger starting to rise, “You don’t let me do anything, Drake.”

Drake sighed, “You know what I mean, Lacy. It’s my job to protect you.  I’m your bodyguard.  I’m supposed to keep you away from danger, not encourage you to run towards it.”

“Right,” Lacy nodded, “You’re just doing your job.”  She shook her head, “How could I forget?”  She quickly stormed out of Bastien’s office, slamming the door behind her.

“What just happened?” Drake stared at the door in disbelief.

“Son, you’ve got a lot to learn,” Bastien shook his head.

“AM I WRONG?” Drake exclaimed.

“No,” Bastien remained calm, “but replay the words you just used in your head.  Lacy doesn’t want to be referred to as “your job.”

“That’s not what I meant,” Drake felt his shoulders drop.

“She’s had a long day.  Maybe just let her be until tomorrow.” Bastien patted Drake’s shoulder, and left Drake alone with his thoughts.

“Drake, you with me?” Liam walked over to where Drake was sitting and waved his hand in front of his face.

“Sorry, my mind wondered away from me for a minute,” Drake forced a small smile, “I just have a lot on my mind.”

Liam took Drake in for a moment and felt a smile creeping on his face, “I know that look…I know that tone.”

Drake sat confused and he looked at Liam, “What are you talking about, Liam?”

“You’re having problems with a girl, I can tell.  I was the same way with Riley,” Liam’s smile grew. “I can’t believe you haven’t mentioned anything to me!”

Drake sat for a minute and stared at his friend.  He could try to lie, but he knew it wouldn’t get far.  “We’ve just been really busy, ya know…this new threat against your family and all.”

“Tell me about her! Do I know her?  Where did you meet her?” Liam was starting to remind Drake of a gossiping teenage girl.  But it was then that Drake realized that Liam was oblivious to his feelings for Lacy…and it seemed best to keep it that way.

“I don’t think you know her,” Drake smiled.  “It would be unprofessional of me to pursue a lady of the court.” Drake laughed nervously.

Liam shook his head, “Well I can’t very well imagine you with a noble lady anyway,” Liam laughed.  “How did you meet?”

Drake chose his answer carefully, “Through a friend.”

“Ok, do I know the friend?”

“Are we teenage girls gossiping?” Drake stood up laughing.

“Alright, alright, you have a point,” Liam smiled. “But seriously, tell me about her.”

Drake took a deep breath, “She’s amazing.  Everything I could ever want in a woman. She’s strong, independent, fierce, a little bit angel with the perfect amount of devil…she’s perfect.” Drake looked at Liam.  

“But?” Liam let his question linger.

“But…” Drake let his shoulder’s drop, “I’m not so sure it would work out.”

“Why not?”

“Well, my job for one,” Drake wished he could have taken the words back as soon as he said them.  He turned to look at Liam.

“Yes, I can understand how your job of a King Guardsman would appear demanding to someone outside of the court.  I know Bastien has never let himself have a serious relationship either,” Liam sympathized with Drake.  “But you shouldn’t let your career define your entire life, Drake. Look at me.  For as long as I can remember, it was all about being the prince and then the crown prince.  I never wanted to let myself have fun, but you encouraged me to that.   And in doing so, I found the love of my life…who has encouraged me to let loose even more.  Maybe now you need that same encouragement,” Liam smiled at his oldest friend.

Drake hesitated before continuing, “I get that. But my job is very demanding…not to mention, your sister is a handful in case you haven’t noticed.” Drake looked away and rolled his eyes.  

Liam chuckled, “Yes, I suppose she is a bit of a free spirit like Leo.”

“You don’t even know the half of it,” Drake mumbled.

“Is that the problem, Drake,” Liam asked him, “Is your mystery girl jealous because of your duties to my sister.  I can talk to Bastien for you and have him—”

“No!” Drake interrupted Liam a little to quickly, “No, that’s not it at all.”  Drake smiled. “I haven’t even shared the extent of my job duties to her,” Drake hated lying to Liam, but what choice did he have. He couldn’t tell Liam the truth…not yet anyway. “It’s just,” Drake tried to find the perfect explanation, “I suppose that it’s sometimes hard for me to separate my duties as a guardsman from my duties as a…”

“As a lover?” Liam smiled teasingly.

“I’m not so sure I can classify myself as that to her yet,” Drake laughed softly.  

“So what you’re saying is you come off as an overbearing, misogynistic asshole?” Liam teased.

“Not misogynistic,” Drake said offended, “Just very overprotective.  I guess sometimes I forget how capable she is and how well she managed before I came along…” Drake said the words aloud and finally realized the depth of his words to Lacy just hours ago.  He had treated her just like her father had.  No wonder she was pissed at him.

“I suppose having the upbringing we have had…mine as a prince and you as the son of a guardsman and now a guardsman yourself, it could be easy to treat the women in our lives as such,” Liam sat down on the weight bench.  “Look at Lacy for example,” Liam started, and Drake nearly choked on his water.  “She lived on her own with her mother and grandmother her entire life.  She was surrounded by strong women who empowered her to become a strong woman herself. Now she’s here, with a bodyguard, two very protective brothers, a father who has no idea of her capabilities, and an entire staff on the guard watching her every move.  In hindsight, I can understand why she sometimes feels imprisoned here.” Liam looked into space thoughtfully, “I suppose me pushing her towards Declan also is another reason.”  Liam shook his head in disbelief, “Dear god, I’m no better than my father.”

Drake sat quietly not sure how to respond.  He wanted to tell Liam that he was absolutely right and that he had no right pushing Lacy towards Declan…or any other man for that matter.  

“I’m sorry Drake, we were talking about you and I realized my own faults with the women in my life.  Sounds like your mystery woman and my sister would get along great,” Liam half smiled.

“Heh, maybe,” Drake smiled uncomfortably.  Drake had to change the subject and fast, “Ok, enough girl talk,” he tossed his towel towards Liam, “Let’s sure who can bench press the most.  Loser does twenty pushups.”

Liam laughed, “You’re on.”

 _______________________________________________________________

Lacy lied awake in her room and basked in the moonlight. Sleep was the furthest thing from her mind.  Drake hadn’t even tried to explain himself earlier.  Maybe she was overreacting, but it hurt like hell to hear Drake refer to her as a mere task on a to-do list.  She hadn’t heard him come to his room since their meeting with Bastien earlier. She wondered which one of her father’s lap-dogs had since been tasked with keeping an eye on her.  Lacy hopped out of her bed and stuck her heard out her door.  Like a teenager sneaking out of the house, she looked both ways down the hall and noticed that there wasn’t a guardsman around her door.  Lacy pranced down the hall and began to wander throughout the castle. Deciding to go down to the wine cellar, she stopped as she heard voices coming from the gym in the castle.  

“I’m sorry Drake, we were talking about you and I realized my own faults with the women in my life,” Lacy heard Liam say.  “Sounds like your mystery woman and my sister would get along great.”

“Heh, maybe,” Lacy heard Drake laugh.                      

“Mystery girl?” Lacy whispered to herself.  Was Drake playing her all along?  Was he just trying to get her in bed…was she nothing more than a quest to him?  She tried to tell herself to calm down and tell herself she was overreacting.   Lacy made her way to cellar, trying to keep her emotions in check and her tears at bay.  “What the hell is wrong with me? Lacy said aloud to herself as she looked through the wine cellar for a bottle to enjoy.  “This is not you, Lacy,” she kept on.  “You don’t get tore up over guys. No ma’am.” She shook her head as she grabbed a bottle of red wine and turned to leave.

“Oh SHIT,” she exclaimed startled, turning to see Drake in the doorway of the cellar.

“So, I didn’t realize you talked to yourself,” Drake eyed her from the doorway.  

Lacy stared at him…his hair disheveled from his workout, shirt draped over his shoulder, and sweat glistening on his chest.  Refusing to let herself stare more than she already had, she swallowed her desire and glared at him, “Yea, well, seems like I’m the most interesting person to talk to around here.”

“Sneaking a bottle out are we?” Drake smiled at her.

“Why do you care?” Lacy crossed her arms.  “Does me drinking make your JOB a bit harder, Mr. Walker?”  Unable to bite her tongue, Lacy continued, “Maybe your ‘mystery girl’ can help you unwind later since I’m such a pain in the ass.”  Lacy went to move past Drake in the doorway, but he reach out, placing his arm around her waist to stop her.  Drake gently pushed Lacy back in the cellar and looked down the hall before further entering and closing the cellar door.  

“What?” Drake looked at her.  “What the hell are you talking about, ‘mystery girl’?”  Drake narrowed his eyes at Lacy.

“Oh please, Walker,” Lacy rolled her eyes.  “I walked past the gym on my way here and heard you and Liam having your heart to heart.  Tell me, do you treat that girl like she’s nothing more than your job, too? Or is that just me?!” Lacy couldn’t help but raise her voice a bit.

“Keep your voice down.  It’s the middle of the night and while we may be in a goddamn cellar, it doesn’t mean that someone won’t be coming down here a nightcap like you, Princess,” Drake seethed.  

“Well it’s a good thing we have nothing to hide then, isn’t it?” Lacy smirked.  “Just tell me, Drake, is that why you chose the words you did earlier…to keep me at arm’s length…piss me off so you wouldn’t feel as bad about seeing someone else. I get it…we can’t be together…we can’t be more than a stolen kiss here or there, but FUCK…could you at least have the decency to tell me that you were going to get your dick wet somewhere else?”

Drake stared at Lacy in disbelief.  He stalked towards her and lowered his voice, but his anger was deafening, “If you think for one moment that I have been able to so much as look at another woman since the moment I laid eyes on you, then you honestly have no idea how I feel.”

“I heard you and Liam,” Lacy peered up at Drake.

“What you heard, Princess,” Drake seethed, “was me telling your brother about YOU! He started using the term ‘mystery girl’ because I didn’t tell him who you were.”  Drake stooped down so he was eye to eye with Lacy, “You and I are so much more than a stolen kiss here and there….at least we are to me.”

“Oh, you’ve got some balls, Drake Walker!” Lacy exclaimed.  “Don’t give me this whole ‘knight in shining armor act,’ now!” Lacy poked her finger in Drake’s chest, “We can’t be together, this job means so much to me, I have to keep you safe, Bas knows about us, Angel, I was talking about you, you’re my job…blah, blah fucking BLAH!” Lacy ranted after giving her best European accent repeating all the things that Drake has told her.  “One minute, we can’t do this, then your pissed because I have to go on a date with Duke Douche Bag, then I’m just a job to you, then you’re getting advice from big brother!  Make up your DAMN mind, Drake!” Lacy’s breath quickened as her anger rose.  She couldn’t do the back and forth.  Not now…not anymore.  

Drake just stared at her speechless at her outburst. He had given her so many mixed signals. He knew that and he’d called himself out on his so many times. She was right, he did need to make up his mind. He couldn’t keep stringing her along. It wasn’t fair to either one of them.

“You’re not just a job to me, Lacy,” Drake said barely above a whisper.  “You’re so much more than that.”

“Why do I feel like there’s a ‘but’ in this sentence?” Lacy’s voice much quieter than before.

Drake stared up at her trying to find the words he wanted to say.  “I’m scared, Lacy…scared as hell.”  Drake took a deep breath and leaned back against the wall in the cellar.

“Of what,” Lacy made a small step towards him.

Drake smirked and closed his eyes, “Of something bad happening to you, of pissing off your entire family if they were to find out how I feel about you, losing you, losing my best friend, losing my job…what if…”

“What if what?” Lacy stood before him.

“What if in spending time with Declan, you realize that you truly deserve someone who can give you all the things that he or some other noble could…things that I could never give you,” Drake opened his eyes and Lacy could feel his vulnerability burning her soul.

“Drake,” Lacy whispered closing the distance between them as she wrapped her arms around her waist.  “I’m certain that no one in the world could ever give me the things you give me.  The things that matter.”

Drake felt himself relax and engulfed Lacy in his arms, “I’ve never felt for anyone the way I feel for you.  I think that’s what scares me most of all.”  Drake pulled away and looked down at Lacy.  “I never meant for you to feel as though you’re ‘just a job’ to me.  I’m not okay with you using yourself as bait…but at the end of the day…if it makes this nightmare of someone wanting to hurt you closer to ending…then I’ll do everything in my power to help you.”

Lacy smiled softly, “Even watching me go on dates with another guy?”

Drake couldn’t hide the scowl on his face, “Don’t remind me,” Drake leaned down and kissed the top of Lacy’s head.  “Maybe once all this is over…I can look at other job options outside of the king’s guard.”

Lacy stepped back, “But I thought that this was your dream?”

“It was,” Drake smiled, “and then I fell for the long, lost princess.”  Drake took Lacy’s hands in his, “I still don’t think that your family would accept it…but it would at least alleviate any power they would over me and my career.”

“You would do that…for me?” Lacy whispered.

“I would do anything for you, Angel,” Drake answered without hesitation.  “Even sneak behind my boss and my best friend’s back just to be with you,” Drake smiled.

Lacy bit her lip trying to hide the smile on her face. Unable to contain herself any longer she jumped in Drake’s arms, pressing her lips to his.

“You know, sneaking around could be kinda fun,” Lacy whispered against Drake’s lips.

“I have no doubt,” Drake smiled, “but we still have to be careful…especially if you plan to use Declan’s infatuation with you to learn more about him.”

______________________________________________________________

Drake escorted Lacy back to her room after their encounter in the cellar.  If it were up to him, he would’ve locked himself in there with Lacy and neither of them would have left for a week.  Despite his decision to pursue his feelings and have a secret relationship with Lacy, Drake couldn’t shake the feeling that something terrible was about to happen. Sitting in the office he shared with Bastien, Drake looked at the files that Lacy had obtained from Detective Pierce along with his own research regarding the recent security breach at the palace.  Drake knew that everything had to be tied together.  Drake opened his own research on Declan, frustrated that the only connection he could make was the Cadillac Escalades and that his parents also died in car wreck.  Drake leaned back and sighed.  Why would Declan offer that information up to Lacy?  Did he want her to make certain connections?  Did he think that she was that oblivious?  Surely not, Drake thought.  Drake’s thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door.

“Little late for you to be up, isn’t it?” Drake asked trying to keep the door somewhat closed to hide the files in plain sight on his desk.

“The more the merrier,” Lacy smiled, internally damning Bastien to hell. Not a moment later, the mail carrier arrived and Lacy met them at their car, quickly signing for her package. She clutched the package to her chest and smiled up at Bastien and Drake.  “I’ll just be going back to my room now.”

“Princess,” Bastien stopped her.

“Yes,” Lacy looked up at him.

“It’s my understanding that I’m to escort you this evening on a…date?”

Lacy took a deep breath, “Yes.”

Bastien nodded, “Drake, once the princess is settled and secure, please come see me.”

“Sure thing,” Drake nodded and then followed after Lacy.

Lacy and Drake entered her room and she quickly opened the contents of the package sent to her from Detective Pierce, “It’s like Bastien knew this wasn’t from my grandmother,” she rolled her eyes.

Drake laughed lightly, “He probably did.  I think we should share this with him, Lacy.”

“Not yet,” Lacy shook her head.  “Call me crazy, but I’m not very trusting of people who want to throw me in the public eye or out on dates without security when I’ve got someone trying to can my ass.”

Lacy started at the paperwork like a woman possessed, “Hey,” Drake reached out and put a hand on hers, “you can trust, Bas.”

“I don’t think I can really trust anyone around here,” Lacy shook her head. “Other than you and Leo.”

Drake smiled, “Well I’m glad that you trust me…but you can trust Liam too.”

Lacy smiled softly, “He means well…but he needs to stop playing matchmaker. … Something is off with Declan…I’m not sure what it is.”

“Be careful around him, Angel,” Drake shook his head.  “I think he has suspicions about us…”

Lacy looked up at Drake, “I will,” she said sadly.

Drake could only stare at her, wanting more than anything to gather her in his arms.  “Let’s see what we got here,” he let out a breath as he helped her scatter the police reports, medical reports, and pictures across her desk.  

Lacy was taking an account of all that was in front of her when she saw a picture of her mom’s car, slammed up against a tree.  She slowly reached for it and couldn’t stop the tears filling her eyes.

“Hey,” Drake whispered carefully taking the picture out her hand, “maybe we should hold off on this.”

Lacy shook her head, “No.  I need to figure this out…the sooner the better.”  She quickly wiped her eyes.

“Angel, look at me,” Drake gently put his fingers under her chin and turned her head to look at him, “this isn’t something you should have to do…especially alone.”

“I’m not alone,” Lacy looked up at him with her bright blue eyes.  Even filled with tears, Drake felt himself drowning in them.  “I have you,” she whispered.

Unable to control his own feelings, Drake quickly covered Lacy’s lips with his own.  She sighed into the kiss and clung tightly to Drake, as though her life depended on it. Drake tangled his hands in her hair and deepened the kiss as their tongues found a slow, tantalizing groove with one another.

“Princess, is Drake in there?” Bastien’s voice followed by a knock on the door broke the two of them apart prematurely.

“I really hate him,” Lacy whispered.  “Just a second, he’s helping me get something off a shelf that I couldn’t reach,” she called out as the two of them quickly gathered the documents off her desk and put them back in the packaging.  Lacy quickly found an old shoe box in the floor and held it as she opened the door to greet Bastien.  “Sorry, I know you needed him, but I had these shoes on top of my shelf in the closet and needed them for tonight,” she smiled sweetly as the white lie rolled off her tongue.

Bastien could only look at her and then looked at Drake, “We need to talk, son.”

“Right,” Drake nodded.  He turned to Lacy, “I’ll just be in my room if you need anything.”

“Of course,” Lacy smiled as Drake and Bastien went to the next room.

________________________________________________________________

“Are you out of your goddamn mind?” Bastien slapped Drake upside the head as they closed Drake’s bedroom door.

“What the hell, Bas?” Drake glared at him, rubbing his head.

“Please tell me that Duke Thomas’ concerns about you and Lacy having an inappropriate relationship are completely false,” Bastien crossed his arms.

“What are you talking about?” Drake defended.  “What is that little shit saying?”

“He contacted me directly last night once Constantine told him I’d be accompanying Lacy on their date.  Declan seemed to think you were to blame for Constantine not trusting his security detail that I trained.  As far as I know he hasn’t gone to Constantine with this concern,” Bastien explained.

“Lacy requested you, at her own request,” Drake said angrily.  “She didn’t feel comfortable going without someone from the guard…me, you, Miles, who the fuck ever.  Constantine just wanted to throw her out to the goddamn wolves because some fucking rich prick is ready to show her a good time.  So, before you come in here pointing fingers at me, maybe consider how right the Princess is about wanting one of us there,” Drake growled.  “For fuck’s sake, Bas, someone is trying to kill her!  The same fuckers who probably killed her mom.  If Constantine wants to fuck around for the sake of portraying the perfect fucking family and not protect his own daughter, then that’s fine.  But I’m not going to sit around and watch her get killed because of his carelessness. No, I didn’t want her going without one of us.  But she made the argument, not me.  She’s fully capable of thinking and speaking for herself.  If more people around this fucking place realized that, she wouldn’t walk around with a fake ass smile on her face all damn day!”

Bastien slowly uncrossed his arms and watched as Drake’s chest heaved with deep breaths.  Drake had never spoken to him like that before.  “Oh my god,” Bastien whispered as he raked his hands down his face.

“What?” Drake huffed.

“You’re in love with her.” Bastien stated like he had never been more certain in his life.

“What?” Drake looked at him.  “No, I’ve only known her for like a month…you can’t fall in love that quick…I’m not supposed…I…,” Drake trailed off with realization setting in.  “Goddamn it,” Drake sighed sitting down running his hands through his hair.  “I’m so fucked.”

Bastien took a deep breath and sat down beside the young man he looked at as a son, “Drake, it’s ok.”

“It’s not, ok, Bas,” Drake shook his head.  “Are you going to take me off her detail?” Drake looked at Bastien with worry.

Bastien took a moment before answering, “No,” he let out a breath. “Something tells me that girl will rebel with a vengeance if I were to do that,” Bastien laughed.

Drake smiled, “She’s amazing, Bas.  I’ve never felt so drawn to someone before…never felt like this before.”

Bastien smiled, “I know you try to hide it…both of you…but I can see it written all over your face.”  Bastien looked at Drake, “How does she feel about this date tonight?”

Drake huffed, “She never even got to give her opinion other than asking for you. She was drunk when she agreed to hanging out with him…and only did that to deter Riley from thinking there was something between us.”

“Has…has anything happened with you two?” Bastien asked.

Drake took a deep breath, “We’ve kissed…. we almost went further, but that was the night of the security breach.”  Drake looked up at his mentor.  “I’ve tried to stay away.  I’ve tried to convince myself that it’s forbidden, that it won’t end well…but I can’t. Bas, this must stay between us.  I can’t…I can’t lose this job…at least not until I know she’s safe.”

“You’d leave the guard?” Bastien looked at him.

Drake nodded, “If it meant being with her once all this is over…yea, I would.”

“Drake, you know how Constantine is.  Look at everything he did to Riley.”

“Liam will be king soon.  And Lacy is an adult. She can make her own decisions.”

Bastien nodded, “You know I won’t tell a soul.  Before this guard…before the royal family, you are my family.  And if you love this girl as much as I think you do…then she’s family too,” Bastien put his hand on Drake’s shoulder.

“Please keep her safe tonight, Bas,” Drake pleaded.  “I don’t trust Declan.”

Bastien nodded, “She won’t leave my sight.”

Drake and Bastien walked back over to Lacy’s room and Drake knocked lightly before entering.  Lacy looked up and saw Drake enter with Bastien.  She quickly tried to hide the files on her desk, “What are you doing in here?” Lacy asked both of them.

“It’s okay, Angel,” Drake closed the door behind them.  “Bas knows how we feel about each other.  I really think we can trust him with this.”

“With what?” Bastien asked the two of them.  

Lacy paused noting that Drake called her Angel in front of Bastien. That was a nickname saved for when they were alone with each other.  She slowly nodded and moved away from her desk.  “These are the police files, medical reports, and pictures from my mother’s accident…and mine.”

Bastien rushed the table and looked at the papers in front of him, “How did you get this so quick?  I requested these once we got back to Cordonia.”  He looked at Lacy with astonishment.

Lacy smiled sweetly, “Shameless flirting with the detective, I guess.”

Drake shook his head and walked over to her, “Yea, well, no more of that, ok,” he smiled at her.  “Have you found anything?”

“Look at this picture,” Lacy showed Drake and Bastien the picture of the scene, “Just looking you can barely see the skid marks over here by another car.” Lacy turned her laptop around to show them, “I was able to blow the picture up and get a better look at the tire marks.  These marks are made from tires far too big for my mother’s car tires to make.  These tires…look like they were be made by some sort of large SUV.  Maybe a suburban or escalade.”  Lacy scattered through the documents and picked up a photo from a different accident. “This is from my accident.”

“Jesus, Angel,” Drake took the photo out of her hand with a look of horror on his face, “You could’ve…”

“But I didn’t,” Lacy took the picture back.

Bastien couldn’t help but smile at their exchange.

“Anyway,” Lacy showed the picture to Bastien, “I drove a Jeep Wrangler, but you can see the black chip paint on my gray Jeep.  I got one good look at the SUV before it slammed into my passenger side. Wanna know what kind of car it was?” Lacy smiled proudly at the two men. “A Cadillac Escalade.”

“It had to have been the same people,” Bastien whispered looking again at the similarities between the accidents after Lacy had done some quick research.  

“My mom’s death was no accident,” Lacy’s voice shook with anger.  “These bastards killed her, and they tried to kill me.”

“We’re going to get them,” Drake declared.

“Lacy…how did you figure all this out?” Bastien looked at her with wonder.

“Well, before my life got flipped the fuck upside down, I was going to work with Atlanta’s CSI team as a forensic scientist,” she smiled proudly, “this is kinda my jam, Bas.”

Bastien smiled, “I can see why the two of you get along so well.”

________________________________________________________________

Lacy sat in the back of the limo with Bastien while the driver pulled into the restaurant where she was meeting Declan.

“I don’t want to do this,” Lacy sighed.

“I’ll be close, princess,” Bastien assured her.  “Here,” Bastien handed her a pair of earrings.

“What are these for?” Lacy looked at him confused.

“They look like earrings, but they have the same technology that police use when ‘bugging’ people.  It will allow be to hear conversations between the two of you in case he says something of importance.”

“You always do this on dates?” Lacy laughed.

“No,” Bastien smiled sweetly, “But I know you and Drake don’t trust him…so…let’s found out what his agenda is, yes?”

“Yea,” Lacy smiled.  

Lacy walked into the restaurant, with Bastien close behind, and spotted Declan at a table.

“Princess,” Declan smiled as he stood to pull Lacy’s chair out for her.

“Please, just Lacy,” Lacy smiled at him.

“I’m glad you decided to join me this evening,” Declan smiled.

“Oh,” Lacy gave small smile, “I’m glad you invited me.”  Lacy forced herself to sound convincing.  Bastien had filled her in on his phone call with Declan on the way to the restaurant.

“So,” Declan smiled as he sipped on the wine in front of him.  “Tell me about yourself.”

“Well,” Lacy smiled.  “I grew up in Georgia.  My mom and grams raised me.  I love watching football and basketball…and I’m a sucker for country music.”

“Wow,” Declan laughed.  “You just laid it out there, huh?”

“You asked!” Lacy laughed.  “Your turn.” Might as well try to learn a thing or two about this douche.

“Ok, grew up in a duchy.  My parents died when I was 15 and I was basically raised by palace staff.  I enjoy reading and learning about history and I’m not big on music.”

“Not big on music?” Lacy couldn’t stop her face from expressing what she was feeling.  “How can you not be big on music?”

Declan laughed and reached across the table for Lacy’s hand, “Well, perhaps I could be persuaded otherwise.”

Lacy forced a smile and was relieved when the waiter came by the table to take their dinner order.

“So how are you liking being a princess?”

“Ugh, I don’t,” Lacy told him.  “I’m just used to having more freedom.”

“Well, I tried to get you some freedom tonight, but your dad said that he decided to send Bastien.”  Declan sat back in the seat, “It’s too bad, I had a fun evening planned.”

Lacy felt her stomach churn, “Oh yea? Like what?”

“I guess you’ll never know…unless you trust me enough next time,” Declan gave a flirty smile.  “I promise it will be a good time.”

“You have to admit…it would seem a bit odd to not have the King’s Guard with me,” Lacy tried to lighten the mood.

“Perhaps,” Declan smiled.  “Are you close with your mother?”

“Um,” Lacy hesitated before answering.  “She actually passed away about eight years ago.”

“Oh wow,” Declan looked down, “Damn, Lacy I’m so sorry.  I had no clue.”

“It’s fine,” Lacy smiled.  “I understand.”

Declan looked at her sadly, “What happened?”

Lacy took a deep breath, “Car wreck.  She hit a tree.”

“Damn.”

“Yea.”  Lacy brushed her fingers across his and thought she was going to gag by the action. “What happened to your parents?”

Declan took a long sip of wine before answering, “Car accident.  They were at an event and on the way home, the driver lost control of the car and everyone inside was killed.  Authorities thought a deer or something ran out in front of them.”

“Cars…are pretty dangerous it seems,” Lacy’s mind was racing at the fact that Declan’s parents also died because of vehicle involvement.

“Yea,” Declan nodded.  

The rest of the dinner went on uneventfully.   Lacy forced herself to laugh at his awful jokes and found herself wishing more than anything that Drake was the one with her instead of Declan.  She joined Declan on the rooftop of the restaurant, noting that Bastien and Declan’s own security team followed close behind them.

“This view is amazing,” Lacy smiled.

“Cordonia is a beautiful country,” Declan smiled.

Lacy let out a deep breath, “I’ve not really got to see much of it.”

“Perhaps next time, I can give you a tour of my duchy.  We can make it…what do you Americans call it?  A day date,” Declan laughed as he stood closely beside Lacy.

Lacy huffed playfully, “Pretty sure I haven’t agreed to a second date yet, Declan.”

“Yet, being the operative word, my dear Princess,” Declan smiled sweetly at her.  “Can I ask you something?”

Lacy turned so that she was facing Declan, “What?”

“Is there something I should know about…. between you and Drake?”

Although Lacy’s heart beat quickened, her poker face was on point, “My bodyguard?”

“Yes, do you know any other Drakes?” Declan laughed.

“Drake…is probably my best friend here, in all honesty,” Lacy answered him honestly. “He’s my security detail so I am close to him.  He’s seen how much I’ve had to adapt since being here.  But we’re just friends.  Why do you ask?”

“I just find it odd,” Declan shook his head.  “He seems to be very protective of you.”

“It’s his job,” Lacy defended lightly.

“Yes, well, Constantine had agreed to let you come with only my security detail…and then out of nowhere, he insisted that Bastien was coming.”

“I requested Bastien come,” Lacy said proudly.

“Do you not trust me?” Declan looked at her sincerely.

“No offense, but I barely know you.  I’m part of the royal freakin’ family, Declan.  There’s always a target on my back.  Maybe not by you, but who’s to say not by someone at this restaurant. I’m comfortable with Bastien.  I trust him.  He’s helped raise my brothers.  I don’t know your people.”

“I suppose that makes sense,” Declan stated as he looked out at the rooftop view.  

“Why should it matter?” Lacy asked him quietly.  “Why were you so dead set of me not having detail?” Lacy’s mind was racing with possible answers.  None of which resulted in her being alive.

Declan smiled and reached for Lacy’s hand and slowly rubbed his thumb over Lacy’s fingers, “I was just hoping to have some alone time with you is all. I’m drawn to you, Lacy…like a moth to a flame.  Ever since I saw you at your ball, I thought you were the most beautiful girl in the world. Liam is a dear friend of mine, and I expressed my interest in you to both him and your father.  I hope that you can grow to trust me and my guard as you trust your own.”

Lacy took a deep breath and smiled at him, “I’m flattered, Declan. Really.  But I’m not really looking for a relationship right now.  I just found this family that I’ve never known and I’m trying to get acclimated to being royalty.  I just…I’m not ready for anything else right now…other than a friend.”

“A friend?” Declan looked at her. He let out a deep breath, “I suppose I understand.  There’s been a lot of change in your life.  And to have your own safety threatened on top of it all.  I can be a friend,” he smiled, “for now.”

“What did you mean by my own safety threatened?” Lacy asked him.  As far as she knew, the threats against her life weren’t known outside palace walls…. but she wasn’t sure what her father and brother had told this guy either.

“You know,” Declan looked at her, “like you said…you have a target painted on you now,” he stated calmly.  

“Right.”  Lacy looked out at the view and back to Declan and smiled, “I’ve had a really nice time. Thank you for this,” she smiled.

“Of course,” he placed his hand on the small of her back, “I’ll walk you down.”

Lacy and Declan walked outside where their cars awaited.  “Here’s mine,” Lacy smiled as she approached the limo.

“I’m right over there,” Declan smiled as he pointed to a black Cadillac Escalade.  “Thank you again for tonight, Lacy.”

Lacy stared at the SUV that Declan pointed at.  “Cadillac?”

Declan looked back over to the vehicle, “Yea, he smiled.  I’ve loved them since even before I started driving. My father collected Cadillacs.”

“Oh,” Lacy couldn’t tear her eyes away from the SUV until she felt Declan lower his head to kiss her cheek.

“Sweet dreams, Princess,” Declan whispered against her cheek with a smirk as he walked away.

“Lacy,” Bastien approached her.

“Grams, it’s useless.  This king’s guard gig is far too important to him.  And from what Leo told me, Constantine would have a shit fit if he knew that we even talked about how we felt about each other.  He’d probably be banned from Cordonia if he found out we kissed,” Lacy took a deep breath.  “I’m not used to having all these restrictions.  Why should it be a big deal who I have feelings for?”

Penny took a deep breath and smiled sadly at Lacy, “Lacy…it was the same sort of thing with your mama and Constantine.  She was ‘a commoner’ and he said that his parents disapproved of his deceased wife and would disapprove of her…and you.  It’s a different world over there, Lacy bug.  I think that it’s bullshit that he would throw a fit over you and Drake. Unfortunately, your brothers and everyone else over there know him better than you or me.”

“So, do you think I should just forget about Drake?” Lacy asked sadly.

“I didn’t say that.  A wise, talented Georgia woman once said, ‘what’s meant to be will always find a way.’ Just trust that and if you and the boy are supposed to be together, well, then come hell or high water, you will,” Penny smiled.

Lacy raised an eyebrow and smirked at her grandmother, “Did you just quote a Trisha Yearwood song to me, Grams?”

“So, what if I did?” Penny smiled.  “My point is that you just have to trust that everything will work out the way it’s supposed to.  Just be patient…and for the love of God, be safe.  I love you, Lacy Beth.”

“Love you too, Grams,” Lacy ended the call and laid back on her bed and tossed her phone to the side.  She put her pillow over her face and screamed loudly into the pillow.  Suddenly, her door swung open and both Drake and Bastien barged into her room. Lacy sat straight up, fully alert when the two ran in her room, guns drawn.

“Princess!” They both exclaimed, guns drawn.

“HOLY SHIT! WHAT ARE YOU TWO DOING?” Lacy clutched her blanket, eyes glued to the guns in their hands.

Drake slowly lowered his gun looking around her room, “We heard a muffled scream…we thought you were being attacked.”

Bastien lowered his gun as well, “Are you alright, Princess?”

Hurried footsteps rushed down the hall when Liam and Leo both ran in Lacy’s room. “We heard shouting, is everything ok?” Leo asked out of breath from running.

“I’m fine!” Lacy threw her covers off her and stood on the floor. “I’m a little fucking stressed, so I screamed into my pillow…it’s a little thing that we do in America when shit sucks.  And guess what, shit fucking sucks!” Lacy raised her voice at the four men in her room.

Drake took a deep breath and tried to not look at Lacy in her short sleep shorts and tank top, “We just thought something had happened…with the security compromised at the ball…everyone’s been a little extra alert.”

Lacy sighed and crossed her arms, “A little?!  I’ve had both you and Bastien up my ass every day for the past week. I’m fine.  Everyone else is fine!  It’s all fine!”

“Lacy, they were just doing their jobs,” Liam tried to reason with her.

“We’re very sorry, Princess,” Bastien apologized.

“No, we’re not,” Drake shook his head.  “I thought someone was trying to smother you, Lacy.  I won’t apologize for doing my job.”

Lacy shook her head, “Yea, I know.”  Lacy sat back down on her bed.  “I’m alive and well.  Can you all please leave, so I can shower?”

“Of course, Princess,” Bastien obliged.  “You missed breakfast; shall I have the kitchen staff prepare you an early lunch?”

“No thank you,” Lacy answered not looking at any of them.

“Very well,” Bastien nodded.  “Drake, I’m going to check in with the king.  I’ll check in with you soon.”

“Yes sir,” Drake nodded.

“We’ll be downstairs, Lacy,” Leo smiled.  “How about us, Liam, and Riley go out for lunch today?  Drake, can that be arranged?”

“I’ll see what I can do,” Drake nodded.

“Very well,” Liam smiled as he and Leo left Lacy and Drake alone in her room.

Lacy looked up at Drake, “What?”

“You’ve been pretty distant the past week,” Drake whispered.

“I know,” Lacy avoided eye contact with him.

“I’m sorry,” Drake sighed.  “I shouldn’t have…”

“Shouldn’t have what?”

“We have to be able to work together, Lacy,” Drake sighed.  “They’ll notice if we act different around each other.”

“The situation with us sucks, Drake.  But it’s not the only reason I’m in this funk,” Lacy shook her head.  “I just want to be able to live my life…on my terms.”

“I get it,” Drake nodded.   “But at least your dad has been making more of an effort.”  Over the past week, Constantine and Lacy had gone horseback riding, he took her on a tour of the palace grounds, and the royal family (along with Riley) had visited a winery that was on the grounds.

“Yea,” Lacy nodded.  “He’s trying, it seems.”

Drake couldn’t stand the awkward silence…or seeing her barely dressed, “I’ll step outside so you can get set for the day.”  Drake quickly stepped out of her room, closing the door behind him so Lacy couldn’t object.  He leaned against her door and let out a slow, deep breath.

“You ok, Drake?” Riley asked coming up to him.

“Yea, Brooks,” Drake gave her a half-smile.  “Just doing my job.”

“Is Lacy in there?  Liam said she seemed a bit upset a few minutes ago,” Riley leaned against the wall.

“She said she was going to hop in the shower, so I gave her some privacy.”

“Hmm,” Riley nodded.  “The two of you seem to be getting along pretty well…or you were anyway before the ball.”

Drake looked at Riley and chose his words carefully, “I’m just doing my job.”

“But you were quick to take up for her the other day with old Connie boy,” Riley teased her friend.

“What are you getting at, Brooks?” Drake crossed his arms clearly annoyed.

“I’m just saying,” Riley laughed, “You two spend a lot of time together. Maybe more than Bastien and Liam.”

“I’m supposed to be with her—”

“All the time, I know,” Riley laughed.  “How’s that going?”

“She’s…it’s just…she…” Drake shook his head and ran a hand over his face unable to find the words, “…it’s complicated.”

Riley laughed loudly, “Drake, you’re so obvious!”

Drake narrowed his eyes at her and lowered his voice, “What are you talking about?”

“You are so into Lacy! This is perfect!” Riley clapped her hands together excitedly.

“Stop it,” Drake scolded Riley.  “I do not,” he whispered harshly.  “She’s just so fucking difficult.  It’s frustrating.”

“Sexually frustrating?” Riley raised her eyebrows up and down as she continued to tease her friend.

“Oh.  My. Fucking.  God.  Brooks,” Drake rubbed his eyes in frustration, “You’re starting to act more and more like Beaumont every fucking day.”

Riley flashed a cheesy smile, “I’ll take that as a compliment.”  Riley leaned closer to Drake and whispered, “Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me,” she smiled.  “PS, I’m pretty sure she has a thing for you, too.”  Riley laughed as she skipped down the hallway.

“Fuck me,” Drake sighed as he leaned his head against the wall.

“I would but that’s against the rules,” Lacy teased as she walked out of her room and closed the door behind her.

“Jesus, Lacy,” Drake jumped and quickly looked around to make sure no one was around.  “Don’t say stuff like that.” Drake took her in and admired how she looked in simple black top, jeans, and denim jacket.

“Sorry, Mr. Walker,” Lacy stuffed her hands in her pockets.  “How inappropriate of me,” She smiled innocently as she walked down the hall.

 ______________________________________________________________

“I cannot thank you enough for getting me out of there today,” Lacy beamed at her brothers as they were seated at a local restaurant.

“Well, I think having us and Drake with you may have been the cherry on top, sister,” Leo smiled at his little sister.  “Plus, Bastien is right outside.  But you’re right, it was much needed.”

“Can we just go back to the days where we were sneaking out of the palace?” Riley laughed as she sipped on her wine.

“Simpler times, my love,” Liam laughed lightly taking her hand in his. “I’m glad to see you smile, Lacy. I know the past few weeks have been…difficult to say the least.”

Lacy smiled at Liam, “Yea, but I will say y’all make it better.”

“Hopefully, soon, we can enjoy a girl’s night,” Riley smiled widely at Lacy. “I mean we do have a bachelorette party to plan.  Maybe we can get away from all this testosterone for a night,” Riley teased looking over at Drake.

“Ha. Ha. Ha,” Drake rolled his eyes.  “You do know that Leo and I are planning Liam’s bachelor party, right?”

“Hey, have at it, boys,” Riley laughed.  “I know my fiancé and trust me when I say…my party will be ten times more fun.”

Liam looked at Riley, “I feel as though I should be offended.”

“Of course not,” Riley leaned over at kissed Liam on the cheek.  “But ya girl knows how to party.”

“Sorry, I’m late, guys,” the group looked up and saw Duke Declan Thomas approach their table.

Drake looked at Liam confused, “I thought that it was just us.  That’s what I reported to the King.”

Liam smiled, “I thought it would be nice to invite Declan out since he and Lacy seemed to hit it off last week. Bastien is aware.”

Drake glared at Liam before glaring at Declan.  Lacy glanced quickly at Drake before smiling at Declan, “It’s good to see you again, Declan.”

“The pleasure is all mine, Princess,” Declan pulled a chair to sit on the other side of Lacy and lifted one of her hands up to his lips, pressing a soft kiss to her fingers.  “Drake, looking joyful as ever,” Declan smiled as he took in Drake sitting on the other side of Lacy, glaring at him.

“Just don’t like surprises, Your Grace,” Drake gritted.

“Neither do I,” Leo glared at Declan.  “Did you run this by father, Liam?”

“He’s aware,” Liam nodded.  “He agreed with me that it would be good for Lacy to see a face outside of ours.”

“Well,” Lacy started, “might as well enjoy ourselves if we’re all here. Excuse me,” Lacy pulled a server to the side, “Can I get a drink?”

“Sure, miss.  What can I get you?”

Lacy could feel both Drake and Declan’s eyes on her as she spoke to the waiter, “Maybe just the biggest glass of whiskey you have…you know what just bring a fifth of the best whiskey you got,” she smiled at the server.

“Damn, girl,” Riley laughed.  “I thought I could drink.”

“Wouldn’t have taken you as a whiskey drinker, Lacy,” Declan smiled at her.

“Well, we’ve only met once before,” she smiled sweetly.

Declan placed his hand over her, “Perhaps, we should change that.”

Lacy smiled uncomfortably, fully aware of Drake’s presence on the other side of her.  She shouldn’t care…but she was not the type of person try to make someone jealous.  Not that he would even care, she thought to herself.  “Perhaps,” she smiled sweetly.

“I need to go to the ladies’ room,” Riley announced, “Lacy, join me?” Riley asked her future sister-in-law expectantly.

“Yes,” Lacy practically jumped out of her seat.  “None of you touch that bottle when it gets here,” she looked at the four men at the table before she and Riley took off.

“Not gonna follow her like a lost puppy to the restroom, Drake?” Declan smirked as he stared at Drake watching Riley and Lacy walk off.

“I think she can handle it,” Drake said dryly.

“What the hell?” Leo looked between Declan and Liam.  “Why are you here, Declan?”

“Isn’t it obvious, Leo?” Declan smiled smugly.  “I’d like to get to know your sister and perhaps pursue a courtship with her.”  Declan leaned back in his chair.  “It’s no secret that every available noble in the country is pining over the hot princess.”

“Watch your mouth,” Leo warned glaring at him.  “Really Liam?”

“Declan is a strong, secure choice,” Liam explained.

“But is he Lacy’s choice?” Drake piped in.

Declan chuckled as he turned to look at Drake, “What, Walker?  You think she’d rather have someone like…you?”

Drake felt his blood run cold as he shifted to face Declan.

“Declan, Drake is just Lacy’s security detail,” Liam answered before Drake could get a word out.

“Of course,” Declan smirked at Drake before turning to look at Liam.

 _______________________________________________________________

“Well, that was awkward as fuck,” Riley laughed as she and Lacy entered the restroom.

“What?” Lacy looked at her trying to not appear obvious.

“You know…you literally sitting in between Drake and Declan.  Liam trying to push the whole ‘Laclan’ relationship while you and Drake are clearly on the ‘Dracy’ train.  Shew girl…it must be exhausting having all these hot men on your tail,” Riley shook her head laughing as she reapplied her lip gloss.

“What?” Lacy looked at her.  Lacy took a moment before talking and put on her best confused face.  “What are you talking about?”

“Look,” Riley stood in front of Lacy.  “Are you seriously going to sit there and tell me that you have no feelings for Drake?  He’s hot as hell…and you’re with him constantly.”

Lacy looked at her future sister-in-law.  Riley seemed nice enough, but Lacy wasn’t sure if she could really trust her…and she didn’t want to take the risk of putting Drake’s job on the line if she wasn’t 100% about the girl.  “Drake is just doing his job.  It’s no secret he’s nice to look at,” Lacy smiled, “but we’re just friends.  Our relationship is strictly professional.”  I almost convinced myself, Lacy thought proudly to herself.

“Oh,” Riley almost looked disappointed.  “I guess I really missed my mark.  I’m usually more perceptive on these types of things.”

“Totally fine,” Lacy smiled.  “Drake’s great, but we’re just friends.”

“Well, if that’s the case, then I guess Declan is the easy choice,” Riley shrugged her shoulders.

“Ugh, I think staying alive is my main priority right now,” Lacy half laughed.

Riley nodded, “Liam is a traditionalist…much more so than Leo.  At times it can be annoying.  But…he means well and thinks that the more people we have around you, the safer you’ll be.”

Lacy smiled and could only nod.  “Right.”

The girls made their way back to the table as Liam and Declan continued laughing and joking.  Lacy’s mind was absent from the conversation that they were having.  

Lacy just downed a fourth shot of whiskey when Leo called her out, “You ok, Lacy? Might want to slow down a bit.”

Lacy gave her brother a cheesy smile, “I’m totally fine.  I feel good, but I’m not drunk yet.  Close…but no cigar.”

Declan eyed the bottle of whiskey in front of her, “May want to slow down a bit, darling.  We wouldn’t want the princess to drunkenly cover every tabloid in the country.”

Lacy giggled, “Hmm, make sure they get my good side.”

Declan winked at Lacy, “I don’t think you have a bad side, princess.”

“Ok,” Drake moved the bottle away from Lacy, “I think that’s enough.”

“HEY!” Lacy shouted.  “Give that back!”

“Or at least pass it my way!” Riley laughed reaching for the bottle.  She had been helping Lacy nurse the bottle since being back from the restroom.

“I think you’ve had enough, my love,” Liam smiled sweetly at Riley.

“Come on!” Riley whined.

“Drake Walker, give me my whiskey!” Lacy stretched her body over Drake’s reaching for the whiskey.

Drake felt his breath hitch as Lacy threw herself over top of him.  You’re in public, you’re in public, you’re in public. “No, I personally don’t want to carry your drunk ass back to the palace.”

“You won’t have to,” Declan smirked.  “I can take care of her.”

“You won’t though,” Drake glared at Declan as Lacy went back to her seat and crossed her arms pouting.

“I know it’s your job, Drake,” Declan took Lacy’s hand.  “But I want to take care of her.”

Lacy laughed and looked at Drake, “Yea, he wants to.”

Leo huffed, “Well, luckily she has her brothers here to do that, so we won’t need your help, Declan.  Thank you though.”  Leo stood, “We should get going.  Lacy if you want, we’ll take this with us, and you can enjoy it at the palace.”

“Cool!” Lacy smiled, “Are you coming?” Lacy looked at Declan.

Declan smiled sweetly at Lacy, “I’m afraid I’ve wore out my welcome, darling. Perhaps we can go to a dinner soon…just the two of us?”

“Yea, that sounds cool!” Lacy laughed as she hiccupped.  “Oh fuck, that’s embarrassing. Anyway, Drake will probably be there too.” She took Leo’s arm as he held it out for her, “Have your people call my people…I do have people, right Leo?”

Leo sighed, “Let’s get you home, sister.”

 _______________________________________________________________

“You sure you got her from here?” Leo asked Drake as they both walked with Lacy in the palace.  Liam was already carrying a passed-out Riley to their room.

“I’m not that drunk, guys!” Lacy laughed.  “I just have a really good buzz.”

“I got it,” Drake nodded.  “Your room is in the opposite direction.”

“Alright, thanks brother,” Leo clasped his hand on Drake’s shoulder.  He leaned down and kissed the top of Lacy’s head.  “Get some sleep, kid.”

‘BYE!” Lacy laughed.  She followed as Drake lead her down the hall where their rooms were.  “Man, tonight was great.  Do you still have that whiskey?”

“Don’t you think you’ve had enough?” Drake raised an eyebrow as he held the bottle up for her to see.  

“No,” Lacy laughed.  “Besides you didn’t have any!”

“Because I’m working,” Drake smiled as he opened the door to her room. “C’mon.”  He led her inside and couldn’t help smiling as she plopped down on her bed.  

“We’re home now.  We’re safe.” Lacy took the bottle out.  “You can have a couple drinks with me.”

“I don’t know if that’s a good idea, Lacy,” Drake smiled sweetly at her.

“Why, are you afraid I’ll take advantage of you?” Lacy raised her eyebrows up and down.

“No,” Drake smiled.  “But…” he trailed off and looked at her with a very serious look on this face.  “It’s hard enough to keep my hands off you while I’m sober…I don’t know if I should push my limits and add whiskey to the mix.”

Lacy smiled sadly.  “Riley asked me if I had feelings for you.”  

Drake let out a deep breath, “Guess we’ve been more obvious than we should’ve been.”

Lacy shook her head, “I convinced her that we were just friends.  That’s why I agreed to go out with Declan.”

Drake ran his fingers through his hair and sat beside her on the bed taking the bottle of whiskey from her hands and drinking straight from the bottle.  “I don’t like that guy, angel.”

Lacy turned to face Drake, “I don’t want to jeopardize your job.  It felt like the only way to be convincing.  I don’t have feelings for him.”

“He just gives me a bad feeling,” Drake told her.  “I’ve never liked him.  I can’t stand the way he looks at like…”

“Like what?”

Drake took a long drink out of the bottle and turned to look her in the eyes, “Like I want to be able to look at you in front of everyone.”

Lacy nodded and bit her lip. “Well, you’ll be there to make sure he’s a gentleman.”

Drake nodded and spoke in a sarcastic tone, “Yea, I’ll just sit back and enjoy him putting his hands all over you.”

Lacy chuckled, “Well I got news for you, buddy, I don’t put out on the first date.”

Drake looked at her, “I’m sorry, angel.  I’ve got no right saying these things to you…”

“Drake—” Lacy reached out for his hand, but Drake stood abruptly.

“I should go,” Drake sat the bottle of whiskey down on a table in Lacy’s room.  “Take some Tylenol and drink plenty of water before you go to sleep.”

“Drake…” Lacy looked up at him.

“Lacy,” Drake shook his head trying to keep her at bay.  “I can’t keep doing this to you…to me!”  He looked at her.  “I want nothing more than to feel your lips move against mine right now, but I can’t keep doing that and then telling you how wrong it is.  I’ve only been hurting us both.  Now, I’m trying to tell how it fucking killed me to see Declan around you, and I— I’m sorry.”

“No, I’m the one that’s sorry,” Lacy shook her head.  “I’ve not made any of this easy on you.  I…I was trying to prove to Riley that I didn’t feel anything romantic towards you…but I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t wonder if you’d get jealous.”

Drake laughed, “Mission accomplished.”

Lacy smiled and wrapped her arms around Drake, “I’m sorry.”  She whispered into his chest.

“Me too,” Drake wrapped his arms around her and relished in how amazing it felt to hold he in his arms.  “I should go,” Drake sighed.

“Right,” Lacy smiled.  “I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“You bet,” Drake smiled.  He quickly left the room before he talked himself out of it.

_______________________________________________________________

Drake stood at the doorway of Lacy’s room as Constantine approached her room. “Good Morning, Drake,” Constantine smiled.

“Morning, sir,” Drake smiled.  “You seem to be in a good mood.”

“Is she awake?” Constantine motioned towards Lacy’s room.

“I think so,” Drake stated.  “She’s just not come out yet.”

Constantine knocked on the door.

“Come in,” they heard her say.

“I’ve told her not to say that,” Drake grumbled.  

Constantine entered her room with Drake still looming in the doorway, “Lacy, I have wonderful news!”

“What’s up?” She smiled at him.

“Duke Declan Thomas has asked to escort you to dinner tomorrow night,” Constantine beamed.

“Tomorrow?” Lacy asked, her smile quickly dropping.

“He’s a magnificent young duke!  That mean’s you’ll have the night off, Drake,” Constantine smiled and turned to look at Drake.

“What?” Drake and Lacy both asked.

“Sir, I’m the princess’ security detail…just because it’s a date I don’t think—”

“Nonsense,” Constantine smiled.  “Declan assured me that he’d take his very best detail.  Bastien helped train them years back.  I trust him and his duchy.  I wouldn’t agree to it if I felt like Lacy would be in harm’s way.”

“But sir—”

“Enjoy your night off, Drake,” Constantine stated with a sense of finality.

“But what if I don’t feel comfortable without Drake?” Lacy asked.  “Or at least someone from our guard?”  Lacy tried to reason with Constantine.  “I’ve only met this guy twice…and sure he seemed nice enough…but this is my life we’re talking about.”

“Lacy, all I’ve heard is how much you want your freedom,” Constantine argued.

“True…but that just meant from the walls of this palace.  I’m grateful for everything the guard does…I feel safe with Drake,” Lacy said before realizing how it sounded.  “I feel safe with all of the guard.”

“Very well,” Constantine nodded.  “I’ll have Bastien accompany you.  He’ll stay hidden but close.  Drake, I meant what I said… enjoy your night off.  I believe Liam and Maxwell had wanted to hang out.  That…was one of the reasons I agreed to Declan’s proposal about his security.  But with Bastien with Lacy…”

“I’ll be on guard, sir,” Drake stated feeling somewhat better.

“Very well,” Constantine smiled.  “Lacy, I know that you’ll truly enjoy the duke’s company.”

Lacy took a deep breath and reached out undoing the buttons on Drake’s pants.  His breath hitched fully aware of the proximity of her hands to his hard cock.  Lacy looked up at him and smirked as she watched his pants slide down his legs and he stepped out of the them.  Lacy bit her lip, trying to hide a smile.

“Something funny, princess?” Drake half smiled.

She shook her head, “Not at all, Mr. Walker.”

Drake stalked towards her and picked her up, Lacy wrapping her legs around his waist as he walked them towards the bed.  He carefully laid her down and propped himself on top of her. “You’re so gorgeous, Angel,” Drake whispered against her lips before brushing her lips lightly.

“You, Drake Walker,” Lace smiled wrapping her arms around his neck, “are most definitely the sexiest man alive.”

Drake laughed lightly and brushed her hair out of her eyes.  “Tell me to stop, Lacy.  It’s not too late,” his face grew solemn as he said the words.

Lacy cupped Drake’s cheek and turned his head so he was looking her in the eyes, “I don’t want us to stop.  The moment I laid eyes on you, it was too late,” she smiled softly.

Drake smiled as he lowered his face and kissed Lacy once more.  “I can’t believe this is about to happen,” he smiled against her lips.  “I’ve thought of this…dreamt of this…dreamt of you…since the moment I first laid eyes on you.”  Drake ran his hand down Lacy’s body and moved her thong to the side and slowly moved his hand across her hot center.  He could feel the wetness and slowly inserted one finger, then two. He plunged his fingers in and out of her, reveling in her wetness, and smirked as she grinded herself against his hand.

“God, Drake,” Lacy sighed biting back a moan.

Drake smirked meeting her eyes, “Baby, I could listen to you make those sounds all day.”  Drake continued to work Lacy’s core with his fingers.  She pulled his head towards her and kissed him once more when a loud buzzing from Drake’s phone went off, tearing them away from the perfect moment. Drake abruptly pulled his hand away and hopped up off the bed reaching for his pants.  “FUCK,” Drake exclaimed digging the phone out of his pants pocket.

“Drake, what is it?” Lacy sat up on the bed.

“That’s the ringtone we’re supposed to use when there’s a security breach in the palace,” he said quickly slipping his pants on and looking at the phone. “I knew this ball was a bad idea.”

Lacy hopped up as well and quickly grabbed some yoga pants and a sweatshirt getting dressed as well.  “Are we in danger?” she asked with the reality of her new world quickly setting in.

Drake quickly buttoned his shirt and walked towards her and pulled her close to him, kissing the top of her head.  “I’m not going to let anything happen to you, Angel.  That’s a promise,” he kissed her lips softly.

Drake’s phone started ringing and he looked down and sighed at the name of caller, “Bas,” Drake answered.

“Location?” Bastien said on the other line.

“The princess wanted to come to her room to change,” Drake looked at Lacy, so she knew to follow along with the story, “I just got the notification of the breach.”

“Our security system has been compromised.  There are no eyes anywhere in the palace or on the palace grounds,” Bastien stated.

“Where do you want me?” Drake asked.

“Right now, you need to stay with Lacy.  Are you close to her room?”

“She just let me in after changing when the phone went off,” Drake closed his eyes.  He hated lying to Bastien.  He had helped raise him…but he knew what would happen if Bastien had any idea what was actually happening when he called.

“Stay there.  Don’t let anyone in, and you two don’t leave until I say.”

“Where is the rest of the Royal Family?” Drake looked at Lacy who had crossed her arms staring at him.

“Liam and Riley are with me.  Leo, the king, and queen are with Miles.”

“I’ll wait for your call,” Drake sighed.

“This was an inside job Drake,” Bastien stated.  “The only people in this palace tonight were staff and other nobles.  Keep your eyes peeled.”

“Most acts of crime are committed by someone close to the victim or the victim’s family…” Drake trailed off in the phone staring at Lacy.

“It would seem that way,” Bastien said.  “Stay safe, Drake.”

Drake hung up the phone and took a deep breath buttoning up his shirt.

“Is everything ok?” Lacy touched Drake’s arm.

“No,” Drake sighed.  “It’s not. The entire security system of the palace has been compromised…There are no eyes in the palace.”

“Where are the others?” Lacy asked worried.

“Safe,” Drake half smiled.  “Bastien wants us to um…to stay here for now.”

“Okay,” Lacy said.  “Do you think that’s a good idea?”

Drake laughed nervously, “Obviously, Lacy, it doesn’t matter what I think.  I told them this was a bad idea.  I told them this would draw attention.  But God for FUCKING BID they listen to me,” Drake seethed as he paced around the room.

“Drake,” Lacy whispered reaching for him, “please calm down.”

Drake ran his fingers through his hair and walked over to Lacy’s dresser and propped himself up against it.  “I’m sorry, Lacy.”  Drake turned around and looked at her, “Lacy,” Drake looked at her defeated as he let reality set in.

Lacy looked at Drake and saw how the look in his eyes had changed from want and desire…to sadness and despair.  “No, Drake,” she shook her head.  “No, you are not allowed to look at me like that…like you,” she paused closing her eyes fighting back tears, “like you regret everything that just happened.”

“Lacy, you know we can’t let this happen,” Drake took her hand.  “I want it to…god, do I want to, but Lacy…this all just got so much more real.”  

“No,” she shook her head and raised her voice.  “You don’t get to do everything we just did…or were about to do…and say everything you said,” Lacy tried to fight the tears, “and then tell me it was a mistake,” she whispered sitting on her bed.

Drake knelt in front of Lacy and took her hands in his, “I’m so sorry, Angel,” Drake whispered.  “I…I can’t jeopardize your safety.  Tonight, was amazing…and I can’t even put in words how I feel when I’m around you…but you have to understand, Lacy—”

“It just can’t happen…I know,” she whispered.  “I hate this.  It’s so unfair.”

Drake smiled sadly, “Yea, it is.”

Lacy met Drake’s eyes and he felt his heart shatter when he saw the tears falling from her eyes, “Don’t cry, Angel.  Please.  I’m not worth your tears,” Drake whispered wiping the tears with his thumb.

“You’re worth so much more, Drake,” Lacy leaned her forehead against Drake’s and he met her lips with his own.  Drake wasn’t sure when he’d get this opportunity again, but he knew that now that he’d felt what it is was like to feel her lips on his, feel her body in his arms…he knew that it would be harder than hell to stay away.

Drake’s phone buzzed again, once more tearing the two of them apart.  

“Bas?” he answered.  Drake listened for a moment.  “We’ll be right there.”  Drake stood and held his hand out for Lacy.  “They want us to meet in your father’s office.”

Lacy stared at his hand and closed her eyes before standing up, without taking Drake’s hand.  “Might as well start setting boundaries now, right?” She wiped her tears away.

Drake would be lying if he said her words didn’t sting.  “Right,” he straightened his suit jacket.  “Let’s go, Princess.”

_____________________________________________________________ 

“Lacy, thank goodness, you’re safe,” Constantine stood from his seat and met Lacy at the door as she entered with Drake.

“I’m fine,” Lacy smiled weakly.

“Lacy,” Leo looked at her and noticed her eyes were puffy.

“I’m fine, it’s just…today has been a lot,” Lacy nodded.  Her once elegant low, side ponytail, was now a messy but on top of her head.

“At least we’re all together now,” Liam smiled. “Drake,” Liam stepped over to his friend, “thank you for keeping her safe.”

“Of course,” Drake nodded.  

“So,” Lacy stepped away from Drake and went to sit beside Leo.  “What do we know?”

“All you need to know, dear, is that the situation is being handled,” Constantine kissed the top of her head smiling.

“So…you expect me to just sit here?” Lacy looked at him in disbelief.

“We’re handling it, Princess,” Bastien smiled at her.

“Oh really,” Lacy smirked with sarcasm written all over her face. “How’s the investigation with my car accident and more importantly my mother’s coming along?”  Lacy looked between her father and Bastien.  “I’m not some porcelain doll.  I can help.  There are after me, right?”

“I’m sure you can dear, but it’s not necessary,” Constantine walked to her. “Just worry about staying safe.”

“So, stand still and look pretty?” Lacy crossed her arms.

“Lacy,” Drake tried to calm her.

“Don’t,” Lacy looked at him pointedly and held her hand up.  “Not sure how much you’ve grown to know about me since I moved here, Dad.  But standing still and looking pretty…isn’t really my thing.”  Lacy looked at everyone in the room, “This ball was a mistake. Drake tried to tell you that.  Now your security has been compromised for God knows how long. It’s hard to say how much of your confidential information has been compromised. Just because you had to show off your shiny new toy,” Lacy pointed to herself.  “Maybe…” Lacy looked at everyone in the room, “Maybe coming here was a mistake.”  Lacy shook her head and stormed out of the room. Drake stood to start after her.

“Don’t,” Leo stopped him.  “She needs a moment alone.”

“It’s not safe,” Drake seethed.

“Everyone has left Drake,” Bastien put a hand on Drake’s shoulder. “It’s safe, I promise.”  

Drake knew he had to keep his own emotions in check.  He could tell that every member of the family needed to process Lacy’s words, but he couldn’t suppress the need to defend her…to protect her. Drake took a deep breath, “Your majesty if I may say something,” Drake stood and looked at Constantine.

“What is it?” the king looked at him.

“If I may speak on part of the princess,” Drake started.  “You each have to understand how hard this entire situation is on her.  She went from living freely, doing as she pleased, to coming here, living with practical strangers, being told what to do, when to do it, and who she can be around. She is strong, wild, and free-spirited. You can’t expect her to live like she’s been here, used to these rules all her life.  She can’t be patronized.  She demands respect, equality, and freedom.”  Drake held his gaze with the king as Constantine made his way towards him.

“Drake, I’ve watched you grow up, and I know how good you are at your job,” Constantine stood tall, “And while I appreciate your concern for my daughter…do keep in mind, your job is to keep her safe.  That’s it.  I’m sure she would appreciate your sentiment, but please, keep your opinions concerning my daughter and the way we treat her to yourself,” Constantine’s voice was cold. It was clear the king did not like being told when he was doing something wrong.

Drake stood his ground and kept quiet as he maintained the king’s gaze.

“Father, what I think Drake is trying to say is that we all need to understand how hard this is for Lacy,” Leo stood.

Liam quick to defend his best friend, “Exactly.  Like it or not father, Drake is around Lacy the most and probably has the best insight to how she feels,” Liam took a minute to look at his best friend, “Perhaps we’d all do better to pay attention to that.”

Constantine looked at his sons and took a deep breath, “You all must understand that I only want her safe,” he looked at Drake, “I can’t lose her…I just got her.”

Drake nodded, “Sir, I will do everything in my power to keep her safe.  You have my word.”

_______________________________________________________________ 

“Lacy?” Regina stepped outside in the garden’s and saw Lacy sitting on a bench, knees up to her chest.

“Hey,” Lacy smiled.

“You alright, darling?” Regina sat beside her.

“No,” Lacy half laughed.  “I can’t stand being treated like that…I’m not helpless.”

“I have no doubt that you are fully capable of taking care of yourself,” Regina smiled.  “It’s hard being a woman…has been for ages.”  Regina took a deep breath.  “I understand that you must feel as though everyone in that room is trying to dictate your life.  But I can assure you, that your safety is at the forefront of everyone’s minds.  Especially your father’s.”

Lacy sighed, “I appreciate that, but he has to understand that I have lived and survived 24 years without him.”  Lacy looked at Regina, “And I’m pretty sure I turned out just fine.”

“I’m pretty sure you did too,” Constantine stood at the garden entry way looking at his daughter.  “It’s come to my attention that I have…not made this move—this change easy for you.”

Lacy looked over at Regina who smiled softly at her and nodded her head as she stood and took her leave.

“You could say that,” Lacy said dryly.

“I’m sorry, Lacy,” Constantine sat beside her.  “For a lot of things…but mostly for not being there as you were growing up…for not being there when you needed me most.”  Constantine took a moment and looked up at the stars.  “Your mother loved the stars,” he smiled.  “She loved the constellations, loved how no matter where we were…no matter how far apart we were, there was a chance we would be seeing the same star.”

Lacy felt tears pool in her eyes, “She used to always tell me that if I picked a favorite star, somewhere, someone really important would be looking at the same star thinking of me.”

Constantine smiled, “I have no doubt that what she told you was true.” Constantine turned to look at Lacy, “Do you feel as though you…are trapped here?”

Lacy took a deep breath, “A little more freedom would be nice,” Lacy shrugged her shoulders.  “I think tonight proved that you can’t keep me safe by keeping me inside these walls.”

“I suppose you’re right.” Constantine turned to look at Lacy, “Drake brought it to my attention that no one has really stopped to think about how you’ve been affected by all of this.  I didn’t want to listen to him or admit that he was right…but I can see now that I’ve failed you once more by neglecting your feelings.  I got so caught up in trying to thrust you into royal life…I forgot the most important thing.”

“What’s that?” Lacy finally looked at him.

Constantine smiled, “That I have the opportunity to get to know the daughter that I’ve desperately missed for the past 24 years.”  He took Lacy’s hand in his, “Your mother would be very proud of the way you stood up to everyone in there.”

Lacy laughed, “Yea, well, she taught me to not take shit from anyone.” Lacy looked at her father, “So, Drake told you all that?”

Constantine nodded, “He did.  He seems to…care about your feelings,” he looked at Lacy seriously, “I take it you two are growing close?”

Lacy kept her face neutral, determined to keep her feelings for Drake hidden.  She didn’t want to jeopardize his position in anyway.  “I mean, he’s my bodyguard,” she smirked.  “I sort of make him talk to me just so I don’t start talking to myself I guess.”

Constantine laughed, “I’m glad you two are becoming friends.  I was surprised he stood up to me the way he did in there.”

“You weren’t rude about it were you?” Lacy looked at her dad worried.

“I…could have chosen my words better.  I’ll apologize.” Constantine looked at Lacy, “Being apart of the guard is something he’s always wanted.  Your friendship can’t jeopardize him doing his job,” he told Lacy seriously.

“Of course,” Lacy smiled, “trust me…he’s very professional.” Had her father not been staring at her, she would have rolled her eyes as she made the statement.

“Good,” her father smiled, “perhaps tomorrow you and I can do something together…just the two of us?”

Lacy nodded, “I think I’d like that.”

 ____________________________________________________________

Bastien assured Drake that he would see Lacy to her room as they watched her talk with Constantine through a window.  He made his way to his own room, took a long hot shower, and slipped on some sweatpants as he poured some whiskey into a glass.  He looked at the stack of files on his desk in his room…accident reports from Lacy’s car accident, a list of all those in attendance at the ball tonight…and a copy of the first letter Constantine had received threatening Lacy.  Drake closed his eyes and let his memory drift back to when he and Lacy were on her bed. Had the breach not happened… A knock on his door interrupted his thoughts.  Drake opened the door to see Leo on the other side.

“Leo,” Drake greeted him opening the door and allowing him to walk in, “Everything ok?”

Leo took a deep breath and crossed his arms looking at Drake, “What’s going on with you and my sister?”

Drake could have sworn the breath left his body and that his heart stopped beating, “I’m not sure I understand.  I’m her security detail and –”

“Drake,” Leo interrupted him, “don’t fuck with me.  I know she has feelings for you.”

“How?” Drake sat down at his desk.  “How do you know that?”

Leo sighed and sat down on the accent chair, “Because other than you, I’m probably the person she trusts the most here.  She told me earlier after I interrupted her dance with Declan.  She told me how…how you couldn’t risk your job.”

Drake slowly met Leo’s eyes.  “What did you say?”

“I told her that she was right,” Leo shrugged.  “That she didn’t know our father like I did.”  Leo smirked at Leo, “I think tonight proved that.”

“Yea,” Drake huffed.

“So,” Leo leaned forward.  “I’ll ask again…what is going on with you and my sister?”

Drake downed the whiskey in his glass, “Nothing…I can’t risk my job…I can’t risk her safety,” Drake sat the glass down a little harsher than he should have.  “Even if there was something, there sure as hell isn’t now.  I pissed her off just as much—if not more, than your dad.”  Drake shook his head, “Actually I know it was more. I’m probably the reason she said coming here was a mistake,” Drake stared off and shook his head.  “I shouldn’t feel what I do for her, Leo.  I shouldn’t have fallen this fast.  I shouldn’t be willing to risk it all for her.”  Drake shook his head.  “But…I won’t risk her safety.  I don’t trust anyone else on this guard protecting her…other than Bas of course.

Leo nodded, “It sucks man.  I get it.” Leo stood and walked towards the doo, “For what it’s worth,” he turned and looked at Drake, “If she has to be with anyone, I would pick you.”  Leo walked out the room, shutting the door behind him.  Drake could only stare at the door for a moment before flopping down on his bed. He closed his eyes, ready to end the rollercoaster of a day he’s had before another knock rapped on his door.  “Fuck me,” he whispered to himself in frustration as he got up off the bed.  Drake opened the door hastily, “What Leo?” Drake looked down and saw the beautiful blond, who most definitely was not Leo.  “Lacy?”

“Can I come in?” she whispered looking up at him and then down the hall as if to make sure no one saw her.

“Um,” Drake wanted to let her in more than anything…but he feared what may happen if he did.

“I just want to talk,” Lacy half smiled as if she could read his mind.

“Sure…ok,” Drake opened the door allowing her to come in before closing the door and locking it.  “You ok?”

Lacy walked in and took in Drake’s room.  It smelled like him, had some of his t-shirts lying about.  She couldn’t help but smile about it.  She turned around and looked at him…shirtless, in only sweatpants.  He looked hot as hell…she closed her eyes to try to suppress her hormones and her emotions. “I wanted to apologize.”

Drake looked at her confused, “Apologize?”

“Yes.”

“What for?” Drake took a step toward her and Lacy took a step back, the back of her legs bracing against his bed.

“Earlier.  You were right…you have a job to do.  Constantine wouldn’t…I don’t want you to lose everything you’ve ever worked for over our infatuation with each other,” Lacy crossed her arms.

“Infatuation?” Drake cocked his head to the side.  “Is that what this is to you, Princess?” Drake’s voice had a bit of a bite to it.  He didn’t like the way she referred to their…connection as an ‘infatuation.’

“What would you call it then, Drake?” Lacy whispered, trying to keep the tears at bay.

Drake walked towards her and stopped only when he was so close, he could feel her breath on his skin.  “A connection, an attraction, the proverbial forbidden fruit,…the fastest I’ve every fallen for someone, having every wish I’ve ever made about a woman come true and be standing in front of me,” Drake dropped his voice, the huskiness reaching every part of Lacy’s body, “and knowing that I can’t have her,” he whispered. “I’d hardly classify it as just an infatuation.”

Lacy nodded, “I hate you…for always saying the right things…even when they hurt,” Lacy whispered.

“You don’t hate me, Angel,” Drake half smirked.

“I wish I could,” Lacy whispered.  “Kiss me Drake…one last time, before this dream is over.”

“I can’t promise it will be the last time, Angel.  I know I should…I know I’ve told you time and time again this can’t happen…but I don’t make promises I can’t keep,” Drake whispered capturing Lacy’s lips with his own.  He shouldn’t be doing this.  He just couldn’t resist her.  Her plump lips, her crystal blue eyes, how vulnerable she can be when she lets her guard down, it all tore Drake apart.  He kissed her with such intensity, such passion, he swore he could feel the electricity coming off them.  Lacy was the first to pull away, biting her lip, eyes closed to keep any stray tears from falling.

Alayna bit her lip, “Well…are you going to give me an example?”

Liam took a deep breath, “You taking this job,” he shrugged.

“How so?” she quirked an eyebrow at him.

Liam smiled softly, “I think a part of me wishes…recent events with Riley had occurred before meeting you…” Liam downed the contents in his glass.

“Why’s that?” Alayna asked refilling both of their glasses.

Liam looked at Alayna and considered his words before speaking, “Maybe then it wouldn’t feel so…sudden.”

“What wouldn’t feel so sudden?”

“The feelings I feel for you,” Liam whispered.

Alayna felt her breath hitch as Liam spoke the words.  She looked down at her glass and took a deep breath, “I don’t think that you have feelings for me, Liam,” she smiled sadly at him.  “You’re hurt.  I’m an…objective party to the situation…and your employee…I think that you are just hurting and maybe seeking comfort.”  It killed her to say the words…but she hadn’t known Liam very long and his marriage just ended.

Liam laughed lightly as he scooted closer to Alayna.  “I’m not hurting in the sense you think,” he took a deep breath.  “I’m ashamed that those around me tried to warn me about Riley and I was so infatuated, I didn’t listen to a word they said.  You’re more than just an objective party…and I’m not seeking comfort from you. I’m being honest with you.”

“Don’t you think it’s a little too soon to just…jump back in the saddle?” Alayna smirked.

Liam laughed downing his drink, “I’m not sure what that means…is that an American saying?”

“Yea,” she laughed finishing off her own drink.

Liam could feel the effects of the alcohol and took Alayna’s hand in his own, “Are you saying you feel nothing for me?”

Alayna felt her head swimming and suddenly wished she had not drunk as much as she had, “Of course I feel something for you, you’re my boss…my friend,” she looked up at him and whispered, “you’re amazing.”

Liam felt the air thicken around them and knew he needed to lighten the mood before passion took over both of them.  “How about another drinking game?” He smiled.  “Let’s lighten the mood a bit.”

Alayna laughed, “I feel like we’ve drank enough.”

“Come on, Alayna…the night is young,” Liam smiled as he undid the top few buttons of his shirt.

“Oh boy, Liam’s getting wild now,” Alayna teased laughing at him lying back on the couch.

Liam smiled at her and reached her another drink.  “So…drinking game?”

“What game?” Alayna smiled rolling her eyes.

“Truth or drink?” Liam smiled.

Alayna shook her head smiling, “Ok, fine.  But just so you know…I’m an open book.”

Liam laughed, “Well, in that case, I’ll go first.  What’s your biggest fear?”

Alayna smiled sadly at Liam, “Not living.”

“Elaborate?”

“Nope!  Only one question.  My turn. Do you like being king?”

“Sometimes,” Liam shrugged.  “Sometimes I wish I could just go act like a normal guy and not worry about anything other than myself, my career, and my family.  But I also have the burden of worrying about an entire country and kingdom so,” he laughed.  “Ok, what did you mean by not living?”

Alayna took a deep breath, “My whole life I’ve worried about school, my career, and I never really took time to do much else.  I went to the occasional party in college, but I was always very career oriented.”

“It’s paid off.”

“Maybe,” Alayna smiled.  “If you could trade places with anyone in the world, who would it be?”

“Easy, my brother, Leo.  He’s always been so confident and so unapologetically himself.  I envy that about him.  He loves fun, women, and a good time.”

“He sounds fun,” Alayna smiled.

Liam laughed, “I don’t know if I want you meeting him.  He would probably try to sweep you off your feet and steal you away from me.”

Alayna’s eyes grew wide at Liam’s statement.

“I mean as my assistant,” Liam corrected.

“Of course,” Alayna smirked.

“My turn,” Liam smiled. He considered his thoughts before speaking, suddenly feeling a bit braver than before…partly in thanks to the scotch, “If you could have a night with anyone you’ve met here in Cordonia with no repercussions…nothing to worry about with it…who would it be?”

“Wow,” Alayna laughed, “this escalated.”

“Truth or drink, sweetheart,” Liam leaned towards her smiling.

Alayna studied Liam’s eyes and shook her head.  She lifted her drink and took a long swift drink.  “Guess you’ll never know,” she smiled, and Liam laughed.  “My turn,” she straightened her posture.  “What’s your number?” she smirked.

“You have my phone number, Alayna…” Liam laughed.

“No, Liam,” she giggled feeling the effects of the alcohol.  “You number?  Since we’re asking the hard questions now.”

Liam smiled and looked at her before taking a long drink.  “Some things are best left to the imagination, Love,” he smiled.  “What was your first thought when you met me?”

Alayna smiled coyly as she toyed her glass around her lips, contemplating whether she should answer the question, “Ok,” she smiled, “I thought…this was not what I was expecting.  I had seen pictures in tabloids and online, but I thought…that the pictures didn’t do you justice.” She smiled looking up at him.

Liam smiled at her, “I thought you were beautiful.”

“I didn’t ask a question yet,” Alayna whispered.

“Free answer I suppose,” Liam smiled as he scooted closer to Alayna. “Your turn,” he spoke in a deep, husky voice.

Alayna suddenly found it harder and harder to breathe.  She and Liam were sitting very close and it seemed as though they were only inching closer.  “Um,” Alayna met Liam’s eyes, “If you—”

Alayna was cut off by Liam grabbing the back of her head and bringing his lips to hers.  It took a moment for her to respond, but after a moment she felt herself relax in his touch and returned the kiss.  Their lips moved in sync and she felt Liam’s tongue begging for entrance.  She wrapped her arms around Liam’s neck as their tongues danced in unison.  Alayna sighed as Liam moaned into the kiss.  Liam let his free hand roam over Alayna’s body.  He wrapped his arm around her waist and brought her so close to him, it was damn near impossible to tell where she ended, and he began.  It seemed as though the kiss had lasted forever until finally, Alayna pulled back, gasping for air.

“Liam,” she whispered.

“Alayna,” Liam brushed the hair out of her eyes.

“I’m so—”

“Alayna, please don’t apologize,” Liam closed his eyes and brought his forehead to hers.  “No apologies from either one of us tonight…okay?”

Alayna closed her eyes and took a deep breath, “Okay.”

Liam brushed his lips against hers once more softly, “Can we just…feel? Right now?  Tonight?”  Liam brought his lips to Alayna’s again for her to only pull away and look at him, her eyes glistening with tears that she forbade to fall.

“I can’t…we can’t,” Alayna whispered shaking her head.  “I…I—I should go.”  She abruptly stood up and ran her fingers through her hair.

“Alayna, you don’t have to leave,” Liam reached for her hand.

“I do,” she smiled sadly at him.  “You and I both know what will happen if I don’t…”

“Would it be so wrong if it did?” Liam pleaded with her.

“Yea,” Alayna laughed nervously.  “You’re my boss, Liam!  You literally just got divorced.”

“My marriage was over months ago!” Liam raised his voice clearly frustrated.

“I won’t be your consolation prize!” Alayna shouted.  “You don’t know what you want, Liam.  You thought you wanted to work on your marriage…then you found your wife in bed with another man.  I’ve been here since then.  It’s easy to fall back on me, because I’m here…I’m new.”  Alayna took a deep breath.  “You are the most amazing man I’ve met.  It’s insane how incredible I think you are in the short amount of time that I’ve known you.  But you,” she shook her head, “You’ve got to give your heart time to heal.  Whether or not you feel your marriage was over…I saw how hurt and frustrated you were with it all.  If this were any other time…in any other situation, I would not walk out that door…but I must protect my own heart, too,” Alayna couldn’t stop the tears from slowly rolling down her cheeks.

“Alayna…I’m—” Liam was at a loss of words.

“No apologies tonight, right?” She smiled sadly wiping her tears.

Liam nodded solemnly and watched as she quickly walked out the door.  He sat down on the couch momentarily staring at the nearly empty bottle of scotch on the side table.  Liam felt like a fool…he feared he’d ruined his and Alayna’s working relationship.  He took a shot of the scotch right out of the bottle and closed his eyes and he laid his head back on the couch.

_____________________________________________________________ 

“Liam, you in here?” Drake knocked on the door waiting for Liam to answer. Liam was usually in his office by now. Drake had seen Alayna working with Regina earlier and she hadn’t mentioned anything.  Drake checked the time on his phone and the time read 11AM. “Alright buddy, I’m coming on in…hope you’re decent.”  Drake opened the door and saw Liam with his shirt unbuttoned, empty bottle of scotch in hand, passed out on his couch.

“Fuck,” Drake shook his head.  He walked over to his best friend and patted him on the cheek.  “Come on buddy, time to wake up and regret getting shitfaced last night.”

“I’m awake,” Liam kept his eyes closed.

“Then why the hell are you still laid up like this holding on to that bottle like your life depends on it?”

“Because,” Liam turned his head and looked at Drake with bloodshot eyes, “If I don’t hold it, I’ll throw it.”

Drake nodded his head, “Ok, let me text AJ and get you some aspirin and water up here and—”

“Please don’t,” Liam closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

“Don’t what?” Drake looked at him confused.

“Don’t call for Alayna,” Liam raised up and wished he had moved slower. He closed his eyes trying to fight the dizziness.

“Okay,” Drake said slowly, “Did something happen last night after we all split up?”

Liam took a deep breath, “She and I came up here and shared this bottle of scotch over a game of Truth or Drink.  I should have never suggested it, but I wanted to spend more time with her.” Liam stared at the ceiling trying to avoid any eye contact with Drake, “I kissed her.”

“What?” Drake laughed.

“I did.  I kissed her, had my hands exploring her gorgeous body…and made it known that I wanted her,” Liam laughed.  “God, I’m such a fool!”

“Did she not feel the same?”

“On the contrary,” Liam laughed.  “But like you said…she felt like rebound.  I should’ve listened to you,” Liam shook his head.  “I wouldn’t be surprised if she wasn’t halfway back to America right now.”

“I saw her in the conference room with Regina…she’s still here, buddy,” Drake smirked.

“Great,” Liam stood.  “Cue the awkwardness.”

“I thought you said she wouldn’t be a rebound.

“She wouldn’t.  But how can I convince her of that?”

“Maybe just give it time,” Drake shrugged his shoulders.  “Just be Liam.  You don’t have to jump right back into another relationship.”

“Perhaps,” Liam crossed his arms looking out his window.  “Did she appear to be well?” Liam asked Drake.

“She seemed like herself, buddy,” Drake smiled sadly.  

“Right,” Liam nodded.  “I’ll be down shortly; I suppose the world doesn’t stop turning for a lonely king.”

 _______________________________________________________________

Alayna sat in her office typing away on her tablet.  She had busied herself with work all morning, completing several tasks, trying to keep her mind off the fiasco that occurred with Liam last night.  Her phone buzzed and she looked down to see a text from her dad.

Pop:  Hey, kiddo. I just left the doc.  Said all my levels are good.  Go for another treatment next week.  Hope you’re kicking ass over there.  Don’t know if you get football over there, but the Falcons had a hell of a game Sunday.  Miss you, kid.  Love you to the moon and back.

Alayna smiled at the phone.  It was almost like her dad could tell when she needed him most.  

Alayna:  Hey Pop! So happy for good news!  I saw the game on my phone.  Unfortunately, Europe’s idea of football is soccer so it’s a little hard to catch an NFL game on TV here.  I miss you so much!  I’ll facetime you soon.  It’s just so hard with the time difference.  Love you more than all the stars in the sky!

“Knock-knock,” Liam poked his head in Alayna’s office.  “Am I interrupting?”

Alayna smiled setting her phone down, “Of course not, just texting my dad. He was giving me an update from the doctor.”

“Is everything ok?” Liam sat on the corner of Alayna’s desk.

“Yea, his levels are good.  He goes for another treatment next week.” She smiled sweetly up at him.

“That’s wonderful news,” Liam smiled.  He sat for a minute before continuing, “I’d like to apologize for my actions last night.  It was…very inappropriate of me.”

“So, I guess the no apology thing was only good for last night,” Alayna smiled. “You didn’t offend me, Liam.  I just…I don’t want anything to compromise the work we do here.”

Liam nodded, “For the record, I wasn’t apologizing for kissing you,” he smiled. “Only for suggesting it go further last night and for raising my voice.”

Alayna looked up and Liam and smiled, “Apology accepted.”

Liam turned to face Alayna and placed his hand on hers, “I don’t want you to feel like a consultation prize…or a rebound…or anything less than what you deserve.  Maybe you were right in me needing to take time for myself.  However, I meant what I told you last night, Alayna.  And I will be patient until you see fit for us to move forward in whatever this is.  You have my word; your career will not be compromised…no matter what happens.” Liam stood from the desk and straightened his suit jacket.  “I’ll see you later this evening.” He smiled as he left the room.