Page 18 of His Beloved Princess
“I need to be careful, princess,” he said gently, leaning closer to touch my hand, but I jolted it away. “I can’t let anybody into my life just like that.”
“Of course,” I grumbled, narrowing my eyes at him. I was angry. “You and your spotless reputation.”
“If you were in my shoes, wouldn’t you do the same?” We were heading into an argument, and I didn’t want to stop. For some reason, I felt betrayed that someone was snooping on my past.
“I don’t know,” I said, throwing my arms in the air. My voice came out a little louder than I had hoped. I was almost yelling at him. “I’m not the billionaire here!”
Abruptly standing up, my hands trembled from the explosion of different emotions inside me. “Why don’t you send Rose to give the speech, huh? Or is she leaving with you?”
“Electra, what the hell are you talking about?” He rose to his feet as well. His baffled expression was genuine, but I needed to vent my anger. Again, I could recognize I felt jealous and insecure.
“Is she going with you on that mysterious trip?” I hollered, putting my hands on my hips. Clenching my jaw, I tried to hide my feelings.
“No,” he stated resolutely, slowly walking around the table. “I’m going to San Francisco to get my brother out of prison,” he explained, stopping beside me and taking my hand. I turned to him, glowering at his handsome face.
“I need someone to handle this, Electra,” he whispered, closing the distance between us. “You’re a smart, beautiful, and confident woman who can get this done.” He pecked my nose, curling his arms around my waist, and I placed my hands on his shoulders. “I won’t be angry at you if you refuse, but please, think about it for a second. Fredy’s condition won’t allow him to talk into a microphone.”
Inhaling deeply, I stared into his pleading eyes. I couldn’t say no to him, even when I couldn’t imagine talking in front of all those people. It wasn’t a competition or some club at school; this was his company. His name was at stake. He gave me a huge responsibility.
“I’m not sure I can fulfill your expectations,” I muttered, chewing my bottom lip. I haven’t stood in front of an audience in a very long time. I was an assistant; this was his job.
“You’ll be great, I know it,” he declared confidently, cupping my face with his large palms.
“What if I fail?” I whispered. My heart almost jumped out of my chest. I was nervous about giving a speech that would be streamed on TV and the internet, but I was also excited. The familiar adrenaline rush I hadn’t felt in years made me slightly giddy.
“You won’t, princess,” he breathed, leaning closer, gently connecting our lips in a tender kiss, chasing away all my worries. He trusted me to give an amazing speech. I couldn’t let him down.
10
Insecurities
Bastian
Iwas mindlessly killing a piece of pear with the fork on my plate, thinking about last night.
Electra couldn't sleep. No matter what I did, she stared at the ceiling, ignoring my efforts to help her.
She didn't want to talk, cuddle, or make love; she wanted to be left alone. She confirmed it when she turned her back on me.
I hadn't felt so out of sorts for a long time. I was addicted to her radiant smile and the smell of her hair. I needed her in my arms, yet she didn't want it. After our conversation, I thought we were okay. She agreed to speak at the grand opening, and I ignored the other signs.
How could I be so blind? I pushed her into something which she, according to her words, wasn't prepared for. What the fuck was I thinking? My company wasn't more important than her. She was my world.
I winced when Electra ran into the kitchen. She wore a yellow tank top and black yoga pants, which hugged her curvy ass perfectly. She had a morning session with her trainer, and her relaxed appearance slightly lifted myspirits.
"Morning, babe." She smiled at me and took a bottle of water from the fridge. I raised my eyebrows at her, watching her cautiously. I could count on one hand how many times she called me "babe." This wasn't her usual self. Something must have happened.
"Hello, princess," I said as she leaned against the kitchen island, elbows on the counter, fighting an orange. Her long nails weren't handy with a thick peel. "Need help?" I asked, stretching my hand in her direction, but she only shook her head no.
"I'm fine, thanks," she replied politely, and a sadness from yesterday returned to my body. Again, she was pushing me away. "Did you know that people think I'm fat?"
I frowned, not sure that I heard her correctly. This was the last thing I expected her to say. No, she wasn't fat; she was deliciously chubby in all the right places, and I loved every inch of her.
"Who said that?" I asked, sounding attacking, yet I was becoming increasingly furious. Who the hell dared to call my princess fat?
"Instagram," she answered casually, giving her full attention to the fruit in her hands, but she didn't stop talking. "People there think I'm fat, uneducated, and not beautiful enough to be your girlfriend. Also," she looked me dead in the eyes, and I gulped, "I'm a gold digger, and they don't understand what you see in me."
"What?" I was shocked. I knew people could be rough and cruel, but they didn't have a reason for spreading this nonsense.
