Page 108 of The Backup Princess

Should I give up before the competition for him has already begun?

Alexander and I may have shared a few moments together over the last couple of weeks, and I know I’ve got feelings for him that keep growing and growing each time we meet. But I could never compete with women like these, all polished and shiny and confident. The very thought he would pick me makes me feel like a sow among the elegant deer.

“Pick me, Prince Alexander!”

“No, pick me!”

“I’m as light as a feather, choose me!”

Alex doesn't seem to hear any of them. Instead, he walks straight over to me, and I look up at him with a combination of disbelief, dread—and desire. Who knew such a combination existed?

He offers me his hand. “Princess Madeline, will you do me the honor?”

Being chosen by Alex over all these other women is like the exact opposite of being chosen last in gym class back in high school. I’m being chosen first by the hottest guy around—and it feels absolutely amazing.

My lips twitch. “You got it.”

His face lights up in a smile. “Let’s have some fun.”

“Absolutely.”

He leads me to the starting line and I do my best to ignore the glares from the women not chosen. King Frederic and Queen Astrid greet us, only one of whom smiles—and no prizes for guessing who—along with Amelia and the NFL-looking guy, who quickly removes his jacket and tie in preparation for the race. Max arrives with a pretty woman I met in the royal enclosure, and along comes Chloe and her partner, along with a variety of other couples, all ready to race.

“This is an outrage!” King Frederic declares, but no one’s listening to him. We’re all too excited about the race.

“I cannot believe you chose Luke Carlisle, Ledonia’s top rugby player, Amelia,” Max says, standing with a petite and pretty woman. “Hey, Luke. Good to meet you.”

“Ditto, Your Royal Highness,” the big guy replies.

“And you chose my friend, Collette, who happens to be only 5’1”,” Amelia retorts and Max grins.

“I think we’re all trying to win this thing,” Alex says with a laugh.

“I’m just excited that we can compete,” Sofia says, and her three siblings turn to her in surprise.

“You’re competing too?” Max asks.

She lifts her chin, a smile playing on her lips. “I am.”

A good-looking blond man appears at her side, wearing a red royal Ledonian uniform. He bows at us all, before he removes his jacket to reveal so many muscles, he could be a super hero—minus the cape.

Max lets out a low whistle and Amelia complains, “Not playing fair, sis.”

“Don’t you know all’s fair in love, war, and wife races?” Sofia replies with a grin, and as much as I decided I liked Amelia the moment we met, I decide I like Sofia, too.

“How would you like me to carry you, Texas?” Alex asks with a flirty grin.

The thought of being in his arms once more makes my mouth suddenly dry. “Isn’t it supposed to be the fireman’s hold? You know, over the shoulder.”

“It can be any way you like,” he replies, his eyes dancing.

This man.

All competitors ready themselves to pick up their partners and run.

I don’t have any time to respond before Alex scoops me up into his arms, one arm supporting my back, the other under my knees so we’re looking right at one another.

Just as before, his body is warm and firm pressed against mine.

---