Believe it or not, this is actually the first thing I wrote for this story! Not the whole thing, just the "naughty" part, and I had so much fun writing it that I decided to turn it into a longer story!
As far as warnings go: this would be another chapter that warrants the M rating, but there's no nudity. I guess you'd call it a bit of bondage? Well, you'll see what I mean...
"Second hardest language…" I mutter, deep into the Arabic language book Chezem gave me.
After all the hullabaloo of yesterday, I'm thankful today is so lax. The guys all have their duties, and Ivan informed me that I should just take it easy. I kept waiting for the other shoes to drop, because surely he had his opinions about yesterday, but he said nothing. I was a little sad he didn't want to talk; we haven't talked too much since I've been back, but I suppose I can't expect the palace butler (who's probably even busier than the princes) to keep me company all the time.
I stare at the pages and struggle with the grammar. Prior to this vacation (or whatever it should be called at this point), I had only used Arabic on and off. It was something I really wanted to learn, but with no one close to me speaking it, everything I learned slipped away. Pieces have come back thanks to Bavan, but fluent I am not.
It's a shame too. It's a cool language, and at the very least it would have helped me read all of Sadad's biography. Parts of it were in Arabic, and I really wanted to know what it said. I had intended to decipher it while going through this current book, but I couldn't find it anywhere. I know I packed it, I doubled checked before leaving the mansion, and yet it seems to have disappeared. Quite strange really, but Ivan told me not to worry about it.
I glance over at the clock on my nightstand. Dang, I've been at this for hours! Maybe I should take a break, get some food or something.
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!
I look at the door. Or not. "Come in!" I wonder who it is.
A moment later, Lambert appears. I pop up from sitting at my vanity and stand at attention. He seems surprised by the action, and I kind of am myself. After everything, I should be more relaxed around this man, and yet I feel anything but. Why is he here?
He gives me the quick once over. "Still dressing smart, I see."
I give a demure nod. "Thank you. How may I help you?" The compliment was unexpected, but I do not imagine he came here to talk about my clothes.
He raises an eyebrow. "What? No snide remark?"
Here we go. "I don't imagine myself a snide person, and I like to think I've treated you with respect."
The haughty stare he has going on continues. "Yes; you're turning into quite the lady."
Oh whoa. I feel my cheeks go hot, and I hope I'm not blushing. "Thank you."
He looks over at the book on my vanity. "You weren't kidding about learning more." He looks back at me. "I thought you said you were going to learn with Chezem?"
"Yes, well…you're all so busy, why would I bother any of you with that?"
He nods. "I see."
He keeps staring but offers up nothing else. He clearly expects some kind of an answer, but I don't know what to say. Why must we be in these awkward silences?
"So…you still haven't said why you're here." He's usually so busy, so he must have something to do.
His eyes widen slightly, and then they go completely blank. I seem to have caught him off guard, which is not something I've seen from him before. He even remained composed when I ripped my top off in front of him, almost like he was expecting it. He always speaks of remaining composed and being unsurprised, and yet here he is, surprised.
I feel a smirk creep up. "You're here for nothing in particular, aren't you?"
A slight blush comes to his cheeks. "That's not-"
I start giggling. "Aww Lambert, did you miss me?" Probably not, but I can't help but yank his chain since he always yanks mine.
His eyes go firm. "I can't miss what is always around, but your presence isn't exactly unwelcome."
I laugh harder. "Not exactly unwelcome? Not exactly unwelcome? C'mon Lambert, really?"
He stays firm. "I do not know what else you are expecting me to say."
Good point, but really? After everything, I'm only in "not exactly unwelcome" territory? Then again, what else did I expect? "Nothing. I expect absolutely nothing."
"Then perhaps that is what you should start receiving instead of all the bells and whistles His Majesty makes sure you have."
Well, that was uncalled for. I put my hands on my hips. "You know-"
He raises up a hand. "Retracted. My apologies. We've all said the palace is your home for now, including myself, and I shan't go back on it."
Surprised, my arms go back to my side. "Accepted. Now then, what gives?"
"Gives?" he asked, looking slightly confused again. His eyes clear up instantly. "I see, more American slang." He nods towards the door. "Come with me."
What? "Why?"
"Do you not trust me?"
I think about that for a second. I don't exactly trust anyone here; I haven't known them long enough. If anyone came close, it would be Mel, and maybe Ivan, but that is about it. However, if I tell him this, I have no idea how he'll take it.
"Would be it so hard to just tell me why you're here and why you suddenly want me to follow you?"
He puts a hand on his forehead and closes his eyes. "If the slang didn't prove my point, this defiance certainly does."
ARGH! I roll my eyes before I can stop myself, but I'm glad I don't because it probably bothered him further. "Oh I see, you came here just to insult me! Butter me up with a few kind words, feign ignorance, and then just drive in the knife!"
Dramatically, I plunge my fist into my heart. "And then twist it around a little, cause it wouldn't be fun without twisting!" I rock my fist back and forth over my heart. As I do so, I make a face like I'm in agony. I adjust my voice to mimic his and continue to speak. "'Oh you're such a lady, but not really! Nope, you'll never be a lady to such a perfect gentleman!'"
I stop and put my hands on my hips, staring him down. Lambert has crossed his arms and is giving just as good as he is getting. "This solidifies it. I came by to see if perhaps you might like an etiquette refresher, but it is irrelevant if you would like one, because you sorely need one."
I narrow my eyes. "Etiquette?" There it is, the shoe has dropped. I blow a raspberry and wave him off. "I'm not practicing etiquette with you! I'll practice with Ivan!" If I'm truly as bad as he says, which I'm totally not, then Ivan will whip me back into shape in no time. Besides, I'd actually want to do my best for Ivan; I feel no reason to impress Lambert or even be courteous at this point.
Lambert narrows his eyes as well. "How many times must I tell you? More is expected of royalty, and as long as you are here, more is expected of you."
"I get that, and why do you think I've been working my butt off for this country and this monarchy? Because I have nothing better to do?"
He shakes his head. "I don't think that, I…" He sighs and puts his hand back on his forehead. He looks off to the side for a moment, and then he looks back at me. "Why must you always frustrate me so?"
My eyes go wide, and I'm flabbergasted. "I-I frustrate you?! Me? You? Frustrate?! Really?!"
He shakes his head again. "I won't do this. I said I wouldn't so I won't. I thought you might like the refresher solely because our monthly garden party is two days from now. With everything going on, I plumb forgot about it."
This catches me off guard. "What?"
"Garden party. It's tradition. Thank the British influence for that. Usually, people from all over are invited, but with this AP leak causing such a huge interest in Bavan it'll be different this month."
Oh no, the AP leak! And a garden party? "Word has spread then?"
"Yes, rather rapidly. Press is stationed outside of the palace constantly, and other countries really want to know who you are. Even though this garden party will just be us and the prime minister's family, I thought a refresher might be good for you."
This weighs heavily on me, and I see his eyes go soft. "Security has increased, but…well, if the press manages to see you, don't you want them to see what you've been showing us?"
Did he just compliment me? "To hear you talk, I'll I've been doing is disgracing you."
"That's not true and you know it." He nods back towards the door. "Come. Time waits for no one."
He offers his arm. Ever the gentleman. I sigh and take it. Garden party or not (which it does actually sound like fun), my role in this country's future is a big one. I need to be doing my best, no matter how much Lambert may frustrate me.
"I said sit up straight."
I sit hunched over his table. Lambert stands on the opposite side, looking irritated. I fold my arms and rest my head on top. I could endure this longer, I can take a lot, but I don't want to.
"Sit up! The way you act will reflect upon me, and this is not good manners."
This is going about as well as I should have expected it would. We got to his room, and he went all Stalin on me. Direction after direction, insult after insult, and nothing I did was correct. He's been harping on the way I sit for what seems like hours, and I've had enough.
I shrug, head still on my arms. "I'm tired of practicing with you."
He puts his hands on the table and leans over to get eye level with me. "Must you be so stubborn? If you must insist on acting like this, you will not have tea with us."
I shrug again. "See if I care," I narrow my eyes at him. We tend to beat around the bush, mainly because he tries to avoid fights. I do not blame him for this, but I think I need to speak up. "I've tried so hard to be kind to you! I've tried equally hard to show you respect as a prince and as a host, but all you do is insult me. I don't deserve it, and I'm tired of it." I think about our time in the closet and on the balcony, and feel a brief stirring before I realize they truly had to of been anomalies…this man is incapable of being much other than a jerk. How could I think otherwise?
He seems to be considering what I've said. "I actually thought you and I were getting closer. You've done a lot for me, I figured it was only right to do a lot for you in return."
He thinks being a jerk is doing a lot for me? No, he doesn't think he is being a jerk. Well, whatever niceties are behind this, it's only because all eyes are on Bavan.
I keep my head down and study him. He looks like he actually means it. The look on his face has me second guessing myself, but only momentarily. He ALWAYS gets like this, and I don't feel like playing nice anymore. Despite what Ivan has told me, I don't think Lambert has appreciated anything I have done. I'm over this.
He clearly wants a response, so I give him one. "Well, like you've said before, you don't owe me anything. So just leave me alone."
He's not pleased with this response, and he slams a fist on the table. I shiver slightly. This is so unlike him, he must be pretty upset. The shiver subsides, and I don't move. I'm equally mad, maybe more so. Slam away jerk.
He straightens back up and put his hands on his hips. He leaves his side of the table and walks around towards me. I keep my head down. I can tell he's standing behind me; his presence looms strongly over me. I try to ignore the fact that, despite everything, he's giving me goosebumps.
"Such defiance," he hisses. Oh, he's pissed. "I told you what happens to girls who don't obey; they get punished."
My ears perk up at that. Punished? I start to get excited, but then I'm reminded of when he pulled me in the bath, and I lose all interest in what he might do.
Suddenly, Lambert's hand is on the back of my neck. Before I can react, I feel him grab a huge chunk of my hair at the base of my skull right by the roots. Once his grip is strong, he gives it a good yank and I'm now sitting straight.
I gasp. Well, that was unexpected!
I know this should hurt, but for some reason, the heat emitting from his touch mixed in with the delightful pain of the pull is turning me on.
He leans in, his lips right by my ear. "What kind of commoner does not listen to a prince?"
A warming tingle spreads down my spine. "Mmmm."
He's got me. I hate to admit it, but he's got me.
If he didn't know it a moment ago, he knows it now. "Answer me when I ask you a question, you naughty girl."
His words tickle my ear. My lips part, and my eyes close. "Uh…" I moan, my anger gone completely.
He pulls my head back further. I slowly open my eyes. Lambert is looking right at me. His mouth is in a straight line, but his eyes are twinkling wickedly. If I had any doubt about how he was interpreting this, I have none now.
He yanks me upwards again. I stumble out of my seat and onto my feet. My head is still at an incline, and he can see my face clearly despite my back being against him. My eyes begin to close again. Before they can, he leans in closer.
"Answer me."
My eyes look hungrily at him, and I feel lust mist over my vision. "Uh..."
He leans in further, his lips an inch away from mine. "Do I need to teach you a lesson?"
His words brush lightly against my lips. Their touch makes my lips instinctively come together. Why am I letting this happen? This is incredibly stupid!
But that doesn't change the fact that a wanting is lingering behind my lips.
"Mmmhmm…"
His eyes continue to twinkle. The wickedness has spread from his eyes to his lips as a devilish grin appears. His face starts moving upwards, lips getting further away from mine. His nose is now right by my hair. To my surprise, he nuzzles into my hair and then inhales deeply. I guess he likes my hair. Speaking of things he likes…
I slowly lift my right leg upward. I bend it until it's parallel with the floor. My foot then extends backwards so the pointy heel of my shoe is resting against his thigh. I dig it in, then run it slowly down his leg.
"Mmm," he purrs. "Just who is teaching whom?"
Heehee, I got him too. My eyelids flutter. His grip tightens. "I asked you a question."
I reach my hand up. I grab the tip of his bowtie. I pull it quickly and the whole thing comes undone. It hangs there loosely. I grab both ends and pull him back towards my lips. I close my eyes.
"Teach me…"
Hand still wrapped tightly around my hair, he pushes me forward. I slam against the table, bent over at a 90 degree angle. He's got me pinned pretty good. I've got full use of my arms, but I set them limply on the table. I do not want to move, I've surrendered completely. He leans closer to the table and is now in my line of vision. He yanks the bowtie off from his collar with his free hand. I feel the grip on my hair loosening. To my surprise, he lets go completely. No…
He grabs both my arms and holds them behind my back. He ties the bowtie quickly around my hands, bounding them in a handcuff fashion. I feel his hand return to the back of my neck. He wraps my hair around his hand, and resumes the taut grip.
"Tell me you're going to listen to me."
"Mmmhmm…" I coo, my mind amuck in ecstasy.
I feel a quick, solid smack against my ass. An alluring moan escapes from my lips. He spanked me! It sends me further aflame with desire.
He leans further into my line of vision. "Say YES when I tell you to do something."
"Yes sir!"
He stands tall. I can't see him anymore, but he moves closer to me. Soon I feel his body leaning up against me, his hardness sizzling through our clothing against my ass.
"Good girl. Now, bend your right leg back and grab your ankle."
"Yes sir." My leg bends back effortlessly, and though the restraint makes it difficult, I grant his request. Thank god for yoga.
His free hand is caressing the top of my foot, and then I feel him run his hand over the shoe.
"I like that. Grab your other ankle."
"Yes sir." This is a bit tougher, but there's just enough space between my hands to do so. The shift in position now has his hardness pushed against my snatch. I squeeze my legs against his hips for increased tightness. It feels like the Amazon is about to flow from between my thighs.
I can feel him lean forward. He's now lying against my back, his head resting on my shoulder blade. His weight makes all the sexual energy within me radiate wildly. Fulfill me, sweet prince…
"Tell me you'll give me the bracelet."
I snap back to reality. WHAT?!
"Don't make me wait."
I still feel his hardness pressing against me, but I've lost all interest. He couldn't have killed the mood any faster if he had a gun.
I let go of my ankles and drop my legs back down. The action surprises him, and his lessens his grasp on my hair as well as his weight against my body. I seize the opportunity and buck upwards.
He stumbles back, and I turn around to face him. I don't believe this guy!
He steadies his footing and looks at me in disbelief. My arms are still tied behind my back, but to hell if I'll give him the upper hand.
"You've really got some nerve, you prick!"
His disbelief turns into anger. "Oh don't try to play blushing flower with me! You were enjoying it. I'll admit, I wasn't expecting an etiquette lesson to go this way, but as per usual, you're just full of surprises."
"The only one playing anything here is you! You think I'll hand over the bracelet if you seduce me? Think again!"
He puts on his and on his chest like he's thinking 'Who, me?'
"That was not my intention…"
"Then what was? This I'd love to hear, because I never would have expected such a cheap trick from you Lambert!"
He gives me a sour look then straightens up. "You're in no state to have a calm conversation; we'll resume this when you're level headed."
"We'll resume this never, because I don't converse with jerks," I turn away.
"Very well, goodbye then."
With that, he leaves his own room. So damn calm, does that guy ever lose control? Not that this counts, I bet he planned it, he probably even commanded his boner to pop. He probably did the same thing in the past. And to think, I was starting to think he'd make the best king, but no one who pulls a stunt like that deserves the throne. And why did I submit to a man I don't even trust? I should have known better! ARGH!
I'm about to walk out myself when I realize I've forgotten something very important, aside from my common sense.
I'm still tied up.
Damnit.
And, of course, as if on cue, Ivan comes in. I stand at attention.
"Oh Miss, I was not expecting to see you here. Have you seen Master Lambert?"
Oh yes, I've seen Master Lambert, if only you knew.
I must be standing too straight or looking too obvious, because Ivan tilts his head and looks concerned. "Are you alright, Miss?'
I nod. "Peachy, thank you."
"Are you sure? You seem uneasy."
Ugh, how am I going to get out of this one?
"Yes Ivan, just fine." I motion back towards the door. "Lambert left a moment ago, I'm sure you can catch him if you leave now."
Ivan continues studying me. "If he left, why are you still here?"
"Well, I'll leave in a few, I'm a bit tied up at the moment."
I hold back a smirk. Did I really just say that?!
Ivan adjusts his monocle. "Well, I did not realize you were busy. Another surprise for him then?"
It takes all my restraint not to laugh. "Oh yes, definitely."
He smiles. "He does enjoy them, I do believe you raise his spirits with each one." He gives a quick wave. "See you at dinner."
I smile, and breathe a sigh of relief when he leaves. I can't believe I just pulled that off! As I contemplate how to get free, Ivan's words begin to sink in. Yet, no matter how many times he says Lambert enjoys the things I do, I don't believe him. I'm never going to believe it, and nothing could possibly change my mind on this. Fool me once…or twice…hell three times, but not again!
I tug on the tie. It's pretty tight and sturdy. I debate about trying to shimmy my arms forward, jump my legs through my arms and what not, but I don't think my arms are long enough. Even if I get my arms in front of me, I'm not going to be able to untie myself. Maybe there's a letter opener or scissors somewhere…
The door opens. "Yo bro, I was wondering if-"
I look at the door. It's Mel. He's poked his head in, but at the sight of me he stops talking and smiles.
"Well hello there, fancy seeing you here." He swaggers in and shuts the door. "How is your lovely self this fine afternoon?"
I smile. I can't help but feel better in his charming presence.
"Hi Mel. I'm…well I'm good I guess. How are you?"
"Better in your presence, of course. You looking for Lambert too?"
I shake my head. "No I'm not, so I should probably get going."
Mel tilts his head like Ivan did. "Hang on a second. What are you doing here if you're not looking for Lambert?"
This time, I have no idea what to say. "Um…I thought I'd come in for some peace and quiet."
Oh good one. I look at Mel, and I can tell he doesn't believe me at all, but I'm not about to give in.
Mel crosses his arms and raises an eyebrow. "Oh really?"
"Sure, why not?"
"Peace and quiet in the room of a prince who likes his privacy and is often busy?"
I look from side to side, trying to hide my arms. I can't bring myself to tell him the truth.
"Sure…since he is so busy I figured he wouldn't be here, and I could…kick back and relax…it's exhausting work, trying to pick the next king." I try not to cringe at how bad I'm doing here.
He laughs. "Well then, why don't you sit down?"
I look hesitantly at the chair by me. "Sit down?"
A foxy smile slowly spreads across his face. "Yes, I'll even pull the chair out for you."
I sigh loudly. I give up; I'll just show him.
I turn so my back faces him. Instantly, I hear laughter, and then whooping.
"Lambert, you dog! I never knew he had it in him! I'll never be able to keep a straight face when Ivan calls him Master Lambert ever again."
I turn back around and frown. "You done?"
He keeps laughing and holds up a finger. "Almost. Give me a minute."
The laughing has upgraded to howling. I can do nothing but stand by and wait.
His laughter slowly dies down and he catches his breath. He wipes his eyes then heads towards me. "Don't I wish I could have been a fly on the wall for this!" He motions for me to turn around so he can see my hands.
I oblige. "Why, so you could buzz around us later on and pretend you were part of mengie-a-tois? Give me a break." I say, as he tugs at the bowtie.
I hear him chuckle. "That didn't cross my mind, but should you wish it-"
"Shut up and untie me, pervert!"
More chuckling. "Pervert, huh? Tell me, Little Miss Bondage, what have I done to earn that title?"
"You're clearly a voyeur, but you can't be serious about wanting to watch cause there was nothing to see!"
"Oh I'm dead serious. Lambert can be such a haughty prude, and he really needs to learn how to relax. I can think of no better form of relaxation," He stops messing with the restraints for a moment and leans in close to my ear, stroking my arm. "Well, in my version, I'd be the one tied up, but…"
Oh geez. I step away from his touch and turn to face him. "Look, I know what you're implying, but it wasn't like that, okay?"
Mel winks. "No? Then by all means, how was it?"
Damnit, he doesn't believe that either. I roll my eyes. "Let's just pretend he and I were playing Cat's Cradle with his Versace bowtie…scarf…whatever the hell this is, and it got away from me."
He chuckles. "I'd say so, most complicated game I've ever seen played. I'm not sure I'll be able to get it untied."
My eyes go wide. "What?"
"Lambert is a master at one of the lesser known manly arts: knot tying. Those Boy Scout troops of yours back in America would stare at him in envy, and every sailor would bow in awe," he nods towards my arms. "And apparently, be the craving of every sub wanting a little BDSM."
I feel the blood drain from my face. This is more embarrassing than I imagined. But still, it'd be worse with anyone else.
He chuckles again. "Funny, you struck me as a Domme."
I raise an eyebrow. "What makes you think I'm not?"
"Mmm, I think the answer to that is behind your back," He raises his eyebrows seductively. "But if that's true, what say you make my fantasy a reality sometime?"
It's a tempting offer, but I know damn well I really need to try to behave. "Oh c'mon Mel, nothing happened with him and nothing is going to happen with you." I say it with such conviction that I almost believe it.
More chuckling. "Considering your definition of nothing, I'll do nothing with you anytime."
I roll my eyes then turn around. "Can you please just do something?"
"Sure," he says, resuming tugging at the tie. "I can't wait until dinner tonight."
"Oh geez, please don't say anything, it'll only make things worse."
"Worse? Sweetheart, he's probably on Cloud Nine right now."
"No, he's mad, and I'm mad at him too," The memory of what happened makes me flush all over again, in anger and in wanting. Damnit.
"Mad? Why mad?" he asks, still working on the tie.
"I thought…well, maybe that was the problem, I wasn't thinking. I allowed myself to just be in the moment, because it felt like we were actually getting along for once, and then…" I feel my head start to dip downward. "And then it turned out he was acting the way he was because he wanted the bracelet."
Mel stops working on the tie. "Are you alright?"
Head still dipped, I turn to face him. "I thought I was, but I guess not so much."
He steps forward and hugs me. I rest my head against his chest, tears welling up in my eyes. "I was not cut out to pick a king. Normally, I love getting to know new people, but it's been such a nightmare here because I can never tell when I'm speaking to true intentions or when it's simply a mascarade. The crown is wanted so badly that it feels like nothing is off limits…hell, just look at what to Jun and Alvah! I don't play that. I don't know how to be anything but honest, and even that gets crushed because I'm being told to fit into a mold that just isn't me. I work on it out of respect, but I'm becoming a stranger surrounded by strangers, and then the one time I let my guard down completely it bites me in the ass."
Tears are slipping down my cheeks. Mel still has his strong arms around me. "Literally?"
I can't help but choke out a laugh. "No," I say, grateful for the comfort he's providing. "You know, it's not everyone, especially not you. You…well, I like you, you're clearly a good person. It's not because you don't want the crown, though I still think you'd be a good king. It's because you exhibit kindness everywhere you go. I think without our random talks, I'd have gone crazy by now."
He pats my back. "Believe it or not, that means a lot. I like you too, sweetheart. You can cry to me, or on me, anytime you like. I know it often seems like my heart is in my crotch, but what can I say? I love women."
I laugh again. "Your heart is so big it needs space to fit beyond your chest."
He lets out a big, vigorous laugh. "Oh I like that, I'll have to remember that. Now, what's say I work on that tie again? I think I was making progress."
"Sure."
I feel his arms drop, and I turn back around. He resumes the puzzler that is this tie. "So, did you want me to listen only, or would you like feedback?"
"Feedback is appreciated."
"Good; they are my brothers after all, such as they are," He chuckles, and I can feel the tie loosen ever so slightly.
"I said it before and I'll say it again, don't worry about it so much. Any one of them would make a great king, all for different reasons. The rest of us will still be around doing our thing and performing our duties, so the kingdom is going to be okay no matter what. Second, everyone here likes you. You've breathed life like we haven't known into this palace. It's thrown some of them for a loop, Lambert being a prime example, but it's good for them. Being royalty, they'll meet all kinds of people in life, and they need to learn how to react accordingly."
Looser still it goes. "Finally, don't ever change. For no one and nothing. You've been a wonderful guest and though it rarely gets expressed, we all know how hard you've been working to learn our customs and regard this country as if it were your own. You'll never know how much that means to us, especially to Lambert."
The warm fuzzies in my heart start to disappear at the mention of Lambert's name. "Thank you for that Mel, I needed to hear it. I could have done without the closer on Lambert though."
"Oh, I think you needed to hear that the most."
"What? Why?"
"I know him the best; it was just the two of us for years. Trust me, I'm well aware of what he can be like," He pauses for a moment, then tugs down on the tie and laughs. "Well, maybe mostly aware is more accurate now, but regardless, I know how he comes off. Despite this, I know he's a good man. He has a great work ethic and is the most nationalistic out of all of us. I'm sure you've noticed the latter two qualities, you'll notice the other soon."
I shrug. "I don't know how to notice his being a good man, he doesn't let me."
"Does he not, or do you still not know how to look and listen? I know it's obvious to me cause I'm his big brother, but I'm thinking it should be obvious to you too."
I understand he takes his brother's side, but I don't see how he can be saying most of what he is. "Ivan says stuff like that too, but I really doubt it Mel."
"Let's think about that," he says. "You've got two people who've known him for a long time telling you the same thing. Why such doubt?"
"I…" But I can't finish my thought. He has a good point.
Then I remember why we're having this conversation in the first place. "It's hard to see when he used me to try to get the bracelet."
"You know, I know how much he wants to be king, but that really doesn't sound like him. I know he doesn't talk to the ladies much, nevertheless he'd never disrespect one so. Are you sure he wasn't just caught up in the moment too…playing Cat's Cradle and all?"
I chew on this. That never even crossed my mind, and he's right. I didn't give Lambert a chance to explain; I was too mad.
"I…I don't know. I guess I just assumed because he's such a careful planner. Ah man, and I called him a prick too."
Mel whistles. "Damn girl, you owe him an apology."
I feel the restraints loosen further. With it comes a release of guilt. He wanted to talk, and I shut him down. No matter how much he yanks my chain, there is no reason for me to me mean. Now who's the jerk?
I nod. "Yeah, I do. Think he'll hear me out?"
"I think he's going to want to punish you."
I blush, thankful my back is towards him. The tie finally falls from my wrist, and I bring them forward to massage them. I start to rub my right wrist, then I turn and face Mel. "I hope not."
"Do you?" he asks, holding up the tie and dangling it in front of me. "Do you really?"
Here comes the blush again.
He laughs. "That's what I thought." He drapes the tie softly over my shoulder. "So, still not going to kiss and tell?"
I keep massaging my wrist. "There was no kissing, but even if there was, you know I wouldn't," I gesture to the both of us. "The only reason anyone knows we kissed is cause you did it in front of everyone."
He smiles. "As did you. Who doesn't love an audience? Too bad for Lambert though, you're an excellent kisser. He needs to be kissed, often, and by someone who knows how."
I blush momentarily, then I recognize the line and laugh. "Okay Rhett Butler," Mel laughs too. I switch hands and begin massaging my left wrist. "Under different circumstances that would sound like you were talking about a prostitute."
He gets serious for a moment. "You say that like it's a bad thing."
Huh? This response surprises me. "Well, it's not if they're doing it by choice and not desperation, but I just meant that they're professionals."
His face softens. "Choice…sometimes we have none."
His eyes go blurry and it looks like he's staring at something in the distance. What on earth? "Mel?"
He shakes his head and looks back at me again. "Oh, nothing. Do you think it's possible to be a professional at sin and love at the same time?"
I blush again. "Oh my."
"You get shy at the oddest times, it's quite entertaining you know." He extends his hand out to me. "Well, fancy a cuppa?"
I take his hand and we walk towards the door. "Is that what you came by to ask Lambert about?"
"Actually, I wanted to see if I could goad him into going to a bar, but this was infinitely better."
I smile and let out an airy giggle. "Yeah, and tea sounds good. Just you and me, right?"
"Just you and I, sweetheart. I think you'll enjoy the garden party; it always makes for an entertaining time."
Too bad my manners don't fit the bill.
