ELLE'S POV
After lunch together, Peter turned to me with his signature smile. "Elle, do you have any plans for tonight?"
I shook my head. "No, nothing. Why?"
"Come with me to Dave's party? He's celebrating a major promotion. Will you be my plus-one?"
I thought for a moment, then nodded. "Hmm… okay, I'll go with you."
Peter looked pleased. "Great. I'll pick you up at eight. And… don't bring your bodyguard."
I clicked my tongue. "Of course," I said, heading for the car.
The drive home was a mess. Traffic was a nightmare because of an accident. I grew restless, while Christian sat in the front passenger seat with a blank face. Silent. Boring. Like a robot. No different from the bodyguards before him—even though he wasn't much older than me.
I sighed. "Chris, can we take a motorbike instead? I'm tired of being stuck in traffic. And I need to get ready for tonight."
He glanced at me. "One moment, Miss. I'll ask Mr. Jim."
After a brief call, Christian said, "You may ride the motorbike, Miss. I'll drive."
A sport bike pulled up. Christian handed me a leather jacket and a helmet. "Ready, Miss?"
"Of course—let's go."
We took off. The night air stung my face, tossing my hair into a wild mess. I started to feel free.
"Chris, can you go faster? I'm in a hurry!"
"Okay, Miss."
He opened the throttle. Reflexively, I braced a hand against his chest. His muscles were hard, solid. Oh my God… why does this feel so comfortable? I left my hand there for a few seconds, then hurriedly slid it to the side of his jacket. As soon as we reached the palace, I hopped off without a word. Embarrassed. Flustered.
Night fell. I stood before the mirror in a blood-red, one-shoulder Versace gown with a high slit up my thigh. My long hair fell in waves; smoky eyes sharpened my gaze.
When I descended the stairs, Peter was already waiting. "Hello, Princess. You look… beautiful," he said, offering his hand.
I let out a small laugh. "Flatterer. I am beautiful."
We headed to the party at The Montcalm London Marble Arch, a glittering five-star hotel. Tonight, Dave was celebrating his appointment as CEO of his father's company. The ballroom was packed with VIPs and Dave's closest friends.
"Want me to get you a glass of wine?" Peter asked.
"Yes, please."
He returned with two glasses. The night grew louder, the music more raucous. I drank too much. My head spun. Dimly, I felt Peter lifting me and guiding me toward the elevator.
I sank onto the hotel bed. Dizzy. Through the haze, Peter leaned down and kissed me. For some reason, I kissed him back. His warm hands moved to the zipper of my dress.
"God, Elle… you're irresistible," he whispered.
SLAM!
The door cracked against the wall. After that, nothing. Black.
CHRISTIAN'S POV
I lost sight of Elle at the party. Last I saw, she was with Peter—drunk. I searched every corner of the ballroom—nothing. A bad feeling hit me.
I went to the receptionist. "Have you seen a girl named Elle?"
The receptionist nodded. "She checked in with a man. She seemed intoxicated."
"Shit," I muttered.
I showed my royal ID, got a key, and ran. Without hesitation, I slammed the door open.
The scene made my blood boil. Elle lay on the bed, her dress hanging open. Peter—the bastard—stood there in only his trousers.
"What the fuck are you doing?!"
Peter sneered. "Who the hell are you, huh? Oh… the new bodyguard. What are you doing barging in? Elle doesn't need you—"
I didn't give him the chance to finish. My fist connected. He staggered and went down cold. I pulled the blanket over Elle, then lifted her into my arms and carried her out.
Damn it, Elle… why do you always drive me this crazy?
ELLE'S POV — The Next Morning
I woke up in my own room. Head pounding. Memories in tatters. All I remembered was Peter's kiss. The rest was darkness.
It was ten in the morning. Thankfully, no classes. I showered and got ready. A knock sounded at the door. A servant bowed.
"Princess, King Edmund is waiting for you in his study."
"All right. I'll be right there."
When I entered, my father's face was thunderous. Christian stood beside him.
"You wanted to see me?"
The king's gaze was sharp. "You've disappointed me, Elle. Last night, you got drunk. You went to a hotel room with that friend of yours. Fortunately, Chris followed you and saved you. If the paparazzi had seen—"
I lowered my head. "I'm sorry, Dad. I didn't know it would turn out like that."
"From now on, you are not to go anywhere without your bodyguard. Period."
"What?! You can't do this to me!"
"Out!" he snapped.
I left, fuming, and grabbed a strawberry juice in the kitchen. What is Chris's problem? Playing the hero. I clearly told him not to come!
A moment later, he stepped out of my father's study. I marched up to him.
"What do you mean, huh?! Why did you butt in? I didn't ask you to, did I?"
He looked at me evenly. "You didn't." Then he turned and walked away.
He is so annoying!
CHRISTIAN'S POV
I'd reported everything to King Edmund. He thanked me. But Princess Elle? She looked at me with fury ready to explode.
I know she hates me now. But for some reason, I don't regret it. Something in me said that if I hadn't followed her to that party, something far worse would have happened.