One Night with the Prince (12 page)

“Really?” He asked. I giggled, and pretended to think as I stood up quickly,

“Well, you’ll have to catch me!” I said and sprinted out of the room. I heard him laugh as he hopped off the couch and started chasing me. I laughed as I passed some other workers and waved at them as I sprinted past them. I heard their laughter trail behind me.

I knew he wasn’t too much behind me as he was gaining. I turned and opened a door and shut it behind me. I saw a piano and hid under the cloth that was covering it.

Seconds later I heard the door open and I silently cursed myself. I heard his chuckle.

“Oh Anna!” he sang, “I know you’re in here.” He taunted. I held my breath as I heard his footsteps near. Suddenly the sheet was ripped off and I laughed trying to get away but he caught me as I tried to run to the door.

“Not so fast.” He smiled against my ear. I laughed and tried to get away. He turned me around so I was facing him and lowered his face to mine giving a very sweet kiss that only lasted seconds.

“Got you.” He smiled. I smiled up at him and just wrapped my arms around his torso. This guy was quickly making his way into my heart and although I was still scared, I wasn’t going to be a coward.

Chapter seventeen

Anna

“Shhh!” I whispered to Dem and my other friends, Sydney, Rachel, and Carol. They were all snickering as we spied on Elise and her other devilish friends, waiting for our plan to unfold.

I was really bored but also hyped up because today was the day my friends and mom were coming! So I decided to kill time by pranking the lovely Elise! Suddenly Crawford, one of my favorite butlers, walked in and started the plan. That’s one of the perks with having friendships with the workers here: they’ll help you!

“Miss Elise? Prince Zachias would like to speak with you.” He bowed slightly. She had a smug grin on her face.

“You see girls? The Prince has good taste. Now show me where he is peasant.” She sniffed hotly towards Crawford. Uhg, such a witch! Crawford held his tongue respectfully, knowing she’s going to get what’s coming to her.

We followed them out in the hall quietly when Crawford tried his acting skills.

“Oh my! I’m so sorry miss but I completely forgot! If you could head right down that corridor the Prince is waiting, but I must go as the King needs me!” He scurried off. She scoffed after him.

“When I become queen he is the first to go.” She muttered to herself. She swayed her hips down the hall until she got to the place for the attack. When her feet hit the oil-covered tile she began to slip all over the place, screeching like a banshee. Dem was holding the camera.

“Ahhhh!” She fell on her butt with a loud thud. She tried to get up but kept falling down. We were all in hysterics and she didn’t hear us over her screaming. Then she found the rope that usually holds up the thick velvet curtains by the window…well not today!

“Arg!” She sputtered as tons of feathers cascaded down. A juvenile prank I know, but effective nonetheless! Dem was now holding me for support which resulted us tumbling to the ground laughing so hard tears were streaming down our faces. And she
still
didn’t notice us!

She was flopping around like a dying fish trying to get her legs to work! Finally after more loud laughter from us as Syd, Rachel and Carol were now on the ground as well, she noticed our presence.

“You!” She glared from the floor with the most hateful expression. I grinned at her, and she glowered back, still trying to get up.

“Arg! You’re going to pay for this! I’ll make sure you go back to your barnyard of a town! You’re such an ugly toad! And once I get up off of here you’ll regret it!” She threatened. I didn’t care about what she was saying, that is until she said, “And your peasants of friends too! You’re all ugly!” She screeched again as she tried to get up, but the oil wasn’t letting her. That’s when I got angry, and stood up.

“Now, you can call me every name in the book, but when you mess with my friends that’s where I draw the line! Besides you should know how to get up easily.”

I looked at my fingernails. She huffed.

“How the heck am I supposed to know that?!” She yelled. I snickered with a smirk.

“You should be used to being on the floor!” I said in false surprise like I couldn’t believe she didn’t know. She growled at me, and I walked closer to her but being careful.

“Next time I hear you put down any of my friends I will make sure you won’t be able to see straight for a week got it? Like I said I could care less what you call me, but just remember that I warned your sorry butt if you try and say crap like that again.” I said in a low deadly tone. I saw fear pass in her eyes and she nodded reluctantly.

Syd and the other two looked grateful as I helped them up. We walked down the hall away from the screaming mess and laughed to ourselves. Someone will find her. Although I feel sorry for who does!

“So what would you ladies like to do today?” Dem asked. I thought about it.

“Ooo! What about swimming?!” I said excitedly. He laughed and then looked thoughtful.

“Okay, all you fine young ladies in bikinis? Sounds like a plan!” I laugh at him and we head to our rooms to change. It was fairly warm outside so the water should feel nice. I grab a two-piece black bikini that Danny once said made me look like a hot tamale. I just can’t wait till they get here!

They are going to flip when they see Zach and all the other hotties. I hope they take it okay though when I tell them about the competition. Zach said I could tell them if I trusted them. And I trust them with my life so yeah, I’d tell them!

Slipping on a blue sundress over my bikini, I grab a towel from my bathroom and slip on some blue flip-flops. I pass Carlos in the hall, you know the very same person that tried to get me into that hideous pink thing.

“Hola miss Anna.” He greets with a warm smile. I smile back and head to the pool. Danny would like him. I’m not 100% sure if he’s gay but Danny would know. Carlos was cute, He had jet-black hair that was short and had caramel colored skin with warm brown eyes. He was definitely in the yummy department.

When I got outside the girls are already there, and my jaw hanged a little when I saw Dem shirtless. Can someone say six-pack? I wiped my mouth inconspicuously, making sure I didn’t drool. He hopped in the pool creating a splash, earning a squeal from the girls.

“Hey Red! Take off that dress so I can see what you’re working with!” Dem shouted. I rolled my eyes and slipped off my flip-flops along with my over dress. I saw his mouth hang open a little and I chuckled.

“Close your mouth Dem!” I shouted from the other side of the pool. He shook his head to clear his daze and grinned at me.

“You should forget about Zach dear and just stay with me!” He said coyly. I shook my head.

“Sorry sweetheart, but you just don’t do it for me.” I shrugged. Yeah right! There’s no question that I really like Zach, but if he weren’t here, I’d be all over Dem!

“Awww!” He pouted. I giggled and jumped in the pool with ease. I loved the feeling of water surrounding me. You feel weightless and the cool water seeps in everywhere cooling you off comfortably.

I could hold my breath for up to one minute but that’s it. So I stayed under seeing the sun’s rays making the water light up with patterns and the water looked bluer than ever. I watched as my light red hair swirled around me. It was dead silent down here. I could see the legs of other people and before I could swim up I see Dem swimming frantically below the pool towards me.

I give him a happy wave and he looks relieved. He points up and I nod making my way up. When I broke the surface I took a big gulp of fresh air. Dem appeared next to me.

“You scared me half to death missy!” He scolded. I shrugged.

“Sorry Dem, but I was fine. I can hold my breath for a little bit. So no worries.” I explained. He breathed out a sigh of relief and nodded.

“Okay, but warn somebody a little okay?” I grinned up at him and kissed his cheek. It was easier now since we were in the water.

“Okay Demmy.” I giggled and swam off. I heard a splash behind me but didn’t pay attention to it. That is until I felt a grab at my ankle pulling me under water. I grabbed a lung full of air before I went under though.

I looked behind me to see a smiling Zach. I rolled my eyes at him and he grinned. Dragging me closer until he was holding me he looked at me up and down. It was quiet as he leaned in and kissed me softly. Awww! I always wanted an underwater kiss! And it was my first kiss too! It was a little awkward seeing as it was hard to stay underneath the water without flailing around like a stupid fish! All in all it was sweet and cute.

Of course my body had to ruin it as my lungs were constricting for air. I pulled away and he pouted, and I pointed upwards. He got the message and we came up. I was gasping for air as he was only doing that a little.

“Hey.” I greeted with a smile. He chuckled.

“Hello.” He greeted back. I heard a whistle.

“Hey! No getting freaky in the pool okay?” Dem called out causing others to stare at us. My face burned and I glared at him.

“You sure you want to mess with me Demetrius?” I quirked an eyebrow and he backed away slowly raising his hands in mock surrender. I rolled my eyes and laughed at him. He was always goofing around.

“So are you excited for your friends and mother to come here today?” Zach asked. I nodded happily and hugged him again.

“Yes! Thanks again Zach.” I hugged him tight. He chuckled and held me against him. I heard a voice clear and I pulled away to see Dem holding his arms open looking at me expectantly.

“Hey! I came up with the plan!” He defended with a mock pout. I giggled and went to hug him. He spun me around in the water and we were both laughing. Suddenly he picked me up bridal style and ran out of the pool.

“Dem! Put me down!” I laughed. He chuckled and made a mad sprint towards the pool and jumped. I screamed and clung onto him. I was afraid of heights! And I hated the feeling of free falling even if it was only for a second!

Water engulfed us and I swam up, sputtering out the water that managed their way into my mouth. Dem was laughing at my face and I pouted and punched him.

“Ow!” He laughed.

I swam over to Zach and hugged him. I was honestly freaked out! Heights are my biggest fear! And when Dem jumped, he jumped high! I know that may seem silly but it’s a phobia for me. And having that feeling when you’re falling only added to it. Zach rubbed my back.

“Hey, you okay?” He asked. I nodded against his chest. He felt warm and it was calming me down. Ever since I was five I’ve had this problem. I felt like a big baby. It’s really just that free falling feeling you get when you do fall.

When I was five I was climbing a tree and on the tallest branch; I slipped and fell, breaking my arm. It was traumatic for me because it took 2 hours for anyone to notice me missing or in trouble and I was in too much pain to move.

“Hey Red? I’m sorry I didn’t mean to scare you.” Dem apologized. I smiled weakly at him. Gosh I feel so stupid now!

“It’s okay Dem. I’m afraid of heights, well really the free falling feeling and when you jumped it just triggered it. So you’re okay.” I explained. He pulled me out of Zach’s arms much to his disliking and hugged me tightly.

“Sorry little Red-riding hood.” He mumbled. I pulled back and looked at him questioningly.

“Little Red-riding hood?” I asked. He smiled and nodded.

“Yep! You’re my little Red-riding hood!” He cooed and pinched my cheeks. I slapped his hands away and went back to Zach who was watching us in amusement.

“I’m glad you find this funny.” I mumbled. He took my hand and led me out of the pool. I was shivering then since the wind bit at my skin. I pulled on my dress, although it clung to my skin uncomfortably. He pulled on a robe and I envied the soft fuzzy thing knowing it was keeping him warm. He smiled at my expression and handed me a white one. His was a deep blue. I grinned and pulled it on.

“Thanks.” I said gratefully. He nodded and took my hand again. We were walking down a stone path in comfortable silence. I noticed that I would always feel comfortable around him, unless he’s trying to make me feel all hot and bothered.

“You never cease to amaze me Anna.” He said quietly breaking the silence easily. I tilted my head.

“How?” I asked in doubt. He looked at me with a sly smile,

“Just when I think you can’t surprise me, you do it again. You’re never afraid to speak what’s on your mind and yet you’re always kind to the workers here, and even lend a hand to help them when you don’t have to. You defend others while not really caring what is said to you, and I had you pinned down as this unstoppable force. You surprised me today when you held me tightly from your fear.” He finished. I stopped walking and so did he. I looked up at him although I had to squint because of the sun.

“I’m not invincible Zach. Even I know that. Everyone has their weakness whether they’re willing to put their pride aside and admit it or not. There’s a difference between thinking you’re unstoppable and knowing you’re not. Personally I think knowing you’re weaknesses and acknowledging them makes you stronger.” I shrugged. He looked at me.