A/N- Ha, I lied. I'm having it out by Wednesday. I'm pretty sure you don't mind, though. You know the drill: starts out with Mia's POV.
Chapter 7
I'm crushing on my bodyguard.
I'm crushing on him real bad.
Not good, not good, not good.
I have to stop crushing on him. That's the only solution to this whole, messed up situation. I mean, what else can I do?
Top 10 Pros of Liking Michael
10. He's a total Star Wars fan, which is way sexy
9. He helps me with Algebra
8. He can kick ass in seven different languages
7. My mom, dad, and grandmother already like him
6. He can play the guitar!
5. He totally respects my humanitarian interests
4. I haven't seen him without his shirt, but I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be disappointed
3. He's got beautiful, shaggy brown locks
2. He's got these eyes that make me feel like I'm begin sucked in whirl pools and I never want to look away
1. He knows just the right thing to say whenever I feel like crap
Top 10 Cons of Liking Michael
10. He's absolutely gorgeous and half the girls in my school are already in love with him
9. He's got a little sister, and from what I'm told, she seems really intimidating
8. Even if Grandmère likes him, I'm pretty sure princesses don't go out with their bodyguards
7. If Dad finds out, he'll go absolutely berserk and fire him
6. I know practically nothing about his past life
5. He's already got some strange fetish with Buffy the Vampire Slayer
4. He's the most intelligent person in the world and he could get any girl he wanted; I'm completely open to heart break
3. He's my bodyguard; what can be mistaken for affection could be merely an action required to perform his job
2. I'm fourteen, and he's eighteen; huge maturation and age difference
1. He doesn't like me back
So clearly, according to these lists, the cons heavily outweigh the pros, and any other sensible human being would immediately cease all crushing on Michael.
But of course, I'm not a sensible human being, and I just have to go ahead and like him from afar and hope to god that I'll find someone down the road that is as good or better than Michael.
Unfortunately, that doesn't look like that's gonna happen for a while. Or at all.
Dear Prince Philippe,
These are the demands I have promised. I'm sure you have been waiting with bated breath. You must comply with them in the order they are listed, and within the time period allotted.
-Seven million dollars in small, unmarked bills; you will receive a telephone call giving you the specific time, place, and circumstances of the drop
-A formal apology to the royal family of Monaco in a press conference at the end of next week: they have suffered great slander at the hands of the Dowager Princess Clarisse Renaldo, and as a result, have no political power or say in the UN
-A denouncement of Princess Amelia's claim to the Genovian throne at the ball that is currently being planned
Remember these are demands and not requests. If Princess Amelia is not to be harmed, then you will acquiesce.
Yours truly,
The Civilian
I snorted in disgust and gave the letter back to Prince Philippe. "Obviously some bitter, Monaco Supreme-ist."
He nodded as he carefully folded the letter and placed it back into the envelope. "Forensics came back with the test results. No DNA was left on the letter or envelope and no traces of evidence that could help us track down the sender were found."
I looked down at my shoes, lost in thought. "Are you going to go through with these demands?"
"I see no need. Amelia has top notch security. She'll be fine." He clapped my shoulder as he walked to the bathroom to get ready for bed.
I lay down atop the mountains of pillows that the Plaza had so graciously given me. I wish I were as confident as Prince Philippe…I couldn't get rid of the burning feeling at the bottom.
Maybe it was just my overprotective-ness.
But wait, that doesn't make any sense. Conventionally, her father is supposed to be more protective of her than even her bodyguard, right? Which is really weird because Prince Philippe doesn't seem too worried. I'm not calling him a bad parent or anything, I'm just saying that if it were my daughter, I'd hunt the bastard down. But I just have to trust his instincts on this one. He is royal and has received more death threats than I have.
Oh god. I've got it bad.
Who the hell is awake at this hour? Honestly, only vampires, hookers, and rapists are up right now. And they're probably doing their last rounds.
I grumbled as I got up and threw my screeching alarm clock across the room. My grandmother, being the kind, thoughtful, sweet person that she is, insisted that I start my princess lessons early that day. I was to be at the Plaza promptly at six o'clock and no later.
I pulled on a semi-acceptable ensemble and brushed out my now officially blonde hair. I grimaced, remembering the burning in my scalp after Paolo had applied the creamy peroxide. They make it look so comfortable in the commercials, but let me tell you: bleaching your hair hurts like nothing else.
I stumbled around the kitchen making my early morning tea when my mother found her way in with bleary, red rimmed eyes and a pale pink bathrobe. "What the hell are you doing up so early?" She rasped.
"Princess lessons," I replied as I took the whistling pot off the stove.
"God that woman's the devil," She mumbled as she pulled a mug out of the dishwasher and held it out to me. I placed a teabag in both of the mugs and poured the water.
We sat at the kitchen table for a little while, sipping our tea in silent contemplation. "I like the makeover, by the way. I just never got around to telling you. I noticed, I promise."
I grimaced. "I'm glad you like it. I feel like a Lana wannabe."
She gave a sleepy smile and stroked my hair. "Oh, sweetie. You looked way prettier than her to begin with. Trust me, she's got nothing on you."
I smiled. It was a nice gesture. "Thanks, mom, but please don't take it personally if I don't believe you. After all, I am genetically related to you. If you insult me, then essentially you are insulting yourself."
"Genes have nothing to do with it, honey. You are a beautiful person, inside and out." She took my hand and rubbed her thumb over my knuckles.
It took everything I had to prevent myself from rolling my eyes. That's the kind of preachy thing that's meant to boost anyone's self-esteem. Somehow, I'm immune to all those kinds of comments.
I looked at my watch and drained the last drops of tea from my mug. "I've gotta go, Mom. The limo's probably outside right now. Afterwards, Tina and I are going skating."
She nodded. "Have a good day, sweetie. Try not to tire yourself out, okay?"
I saw Mia stumble out of her apartment slowly, holding a hand over her mouth to hide her yawn. "Hi, Michael," She greeted me sleepily.
I couldn't help but smile at her fondly. "Good Morning, sleepy-head." I took her elbow protectively and led her into the limo.
As soon as she got settled, she faced me and said, "Michael, if you don't mind, I'm going to rest my eyes a little before we get to the Plaza, okay? I'm still really tired."
I nodded. "Sure."
She smiled and settled against the plush leather seats in the limo. "Thank you."
When I was sure she was comfortable, I pulled out my iPod. I tried not to stare at her sleeping form, but I couldn't help it. Her long limbs were gracefully curled in a tight ball with her slender-fingered hands folded gently underneath her head.
God she was hot even when she was asleep.
Stop it, I told myself. I needed a distraction. I placed the headsets carefully in my ears and turned on my iPod. I was scanning my playlist for a song. I gulped as Frank Sinatra's famed voice filled my ears: "You make me feel so young…"
Skip that.
"I've flown around the world in a plane…I've settled revolutions in Spain…The North Pole I have charted, but can't get started with you…"
Yeah, that too.
"I've got you…under my skin…"No.
"It's not the pale moon, that excites me…that thrills and delights me…oh no…it's just the nearness of you…"
Okay, this isn't working.
"I've got a crush on you…sweetie pie…"
This must be some sick, cosmic joke.
"You know you wanna, kiss the girl…"
WHAT THE HELL?
I opened my eyes to find Michael scowling at the iPod in his palm and looking about ready to throw it.
"Are you okay?" I asked concernedly.
He jumped as if he just realized I was in the limo. He nodded and said, "I'm fine…it's just…my stupid iPod…"
I grinned. "What's on your playlist?"
I saw him blanch and stutter wildly, "Uh, no! You can't see it…it's kinda not working right…so, I'll have to fix it later or something."
I raised my eyebrows. "Okay, Michael. Whatever you say."
We stopped just then and he quickly stuffed his iPod into the little compartment next to the seats. He popped out of the limo and helped me out of it.
"Are you sure you're okay?" I asked looking at him closely. "You still look a little pale."
He nodded quickly. "I'm fine. I didn't get much to eat last night. As soon as I get some food in me, I'll be okay."
Still not quite convinced, I let him lead me into the Plaza.
When we got to my grandmother's suite, I found her sitting there with a strange, portly man with a scowl on his face. Grandmère sported a matching one.
"Amelia," She sniffed as she gracefully stood up. "I would like you to meet the Monaco Ambassador, Federico Montessori."
I curtsied as Grandmère taught me and he bowed. "Your Highness," He said in a scratchy voice as he took my hand in his and gently touched it to his lips. "It is a pleasure to meet you in person. I have often dreamed to meet the future Genovian monarch."
There was something about his eyes…his eyes shone a dark, mysterious black that made the hair on my arms stand up. I didn't trust this guy.
"It is a pleasure to meet you as well, Signor Montessori," I replied in my best Italian accent.
"We were just discussing the issue of invitations for your ball, Amelia," Grandmère said while shooting a dangerous look at the ambassador.
"Yes, I request that we have at least twenty-five politicians from Monaco present." He announced firmly while ignoring my grandmother's evil stare.
Wow, the guy has more guts than me. I would have buckled under and immediately have given her anything she wanted.
"No. I absolutely refuse. Ten politicians, and perhaps the royal family. No less."
They were locked in a staring contest when I cleared my throat loudly. "I'm sorry, Signor Montessori, I cannot finish this discussion right now. I must instruct my granddaughter today."
"Fine, but we will continue this discussion."
"Feel free to contact my personal assistant for an appointment." She said in a final tone. "Michael, would you please escort this gentleman to his vehicle?"
He came up from the door and quietly brought him by the elbow out of the room.
When he was gone, Grandmère turned to me, the scowl still not completely erased from her face. "Monacoans (A/N- is that the right word? Monacoans?)," She scoffed. "I cannot stand them at all."
As soon as she had a sidecar and she had calmed down a little, she resumed where we had left off yesterday during at the end of princess lessons.
I got back to the suite five minutes later, after having escorted Signor Montessori to his limo. Clarisse was pounding the guest list into Mia's head and she was reciting back like a good child.
While looking around, kind of bored, I spotted a folded piece of paper on the floor. I picked it up and read it. Immediately, my jaw dropped to the ground.
Mia had written top ten pros and cons to liking me?
Whoa…
I quickly pulled out a pen and started writing on it. You know, adding my little commentary for fun. Not like I was gonna give this back anyway.
Top 10 Pros of Liking Michael
10. He's a total Star Wars fan, which is way sexy: Not many girls would consider that too sexy, Mia. You're the only one I know like that.
9. He helps me with Algebra: Just cuz I aced it when I was taking it. You can do good, if you'd only pay attention.
8. He can kick ass in seven different languages: Eight, actually.
7. My mom, dad, and grandmother already like him: I don't know about your grandmother, though.
6. He can play the guitar: And keyboard, and drums, and bass…
5. He totally respects my humanitarian interests: I have to. Lilly's a lot like you about this kinda thing.
4. I haven't seen him without his shirt, but I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be disappointed: I could take a picture if you want and then you could judge for yourself.
3. He's got beautiful, shaggy brown locks: Pantene Pro-V, baby.
2. He's got these eyes that make me feel like I'm begin sucked in whirl pools and I never want to look away: Like you should talk.
1. He knows just the right thing to say whenever I feel like crap: I just feel like I can identify with you.
Top 10 Cons of Liking Michael
10. He's absolutely gorgeous and half the girls in my school are already in love with him: They don't matter, Mia. How many times do I have to tell you that?
9. He's got a little sister, and from what I'm told, she seems really intimidating: Well, yeah, but I can control her sometimes.
8. Even if Grandmère likes him, I'm pretty sure princesses don't go out with their bodyguards: You'd be surprised at how many royal girlfriends my dad had.
7. If Dad finds out, he'll go absolutely berserk and fire him: I don't know about that…
6. I know practically nothing about his past life: But you could learn.
5. He's already got some strange fetish with Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Hey, I know she's not real. I swear. I just cry at night cuz she isn't.
4. He's the most intelligent person in the world and he could get any girl he wanted; I'm completely open to heart break: Mia, if I could get any girl that I wanted, don't you think I already would have?
3. He's my bodyguard; what can be mistaken for affection could be merely an action required to perform his job: Would most bodyguards carry their charges through a horde of reporters, even if their ankle was sprained? I'm still mentally beating myself up for that.
2. I'm fourteen, and he's eighteen; huge maturation and age difference: You're one of the most insightful, mature girls I've ever met, and that's including all the girls my age.
1. He doesn't like me back: I wouldn't jump to conclusions about that one if I were you.
Knowing Mia, she probably obsessively pored over this list until she decided in her lovably pessimistic way that she could, under no circumstances, like me at all.
You know, sometimes she's just too level-headed for her own good.
Well…
At least I know she likes me.
Ha ha! She likes me! WHOO HOO!
Princess lessons that day left me emotionally scarred. I swear, I will have this twitch till I die.
When I finally was allowed to leave, I found Michael standing near the doorway with a crooked grin on his face. "You seem happy," I said with my eyebrows raised.
"Yeah. I fixed my iPod."
"Great."
"Yeah. Great."
We stood there for a while and I felt myself getting sucked into his eyes again, when suddenly he pulled me out of my trance. Literally. "Come on, we don't want to keep Tina waiting." He said while he grabbed my hand tightly.
What the hell?
Oh crap.
You know what I just realized?
I'm awful at expressing emotion.
So how can I tell her that I like her back?
And besides, wouldn't that just be really, really weird? Wouldn't that freak her out, BIG time? She's already like a deer in the headlights, what with all the crap going on in her life.
So I can't tell her yet.
Goddamn it.
Hans stopped at the ice rink and we got out. I stepped out onto the curb on the right side of the limo and Mia got out on the left side. I turned around to look at her, then watched in horror as a huge black SUV sped up out of nowhere. The heavy door swung open revealing a man dressed in stifling black. He grabbed Mia around the mouth and dragged her inside.
As soon as my brain registered what was going on, I pulled out my gun and started firing at the car, but it was too late. The door had already closed and the attackers were intelligent, ensuring that the exterior was bullet proof. As it sped off, I tried to catch the license plate, but there was none.
I slid back into the limo and hollered at Hans, "Quick, follow that black SUV!"
But by the time Hans had started moving, it was too late.
The goddamn thing got away.
A/N- For those of you who were wondering why this is under the catagory Action/Adventure, you know why now.
Review please!