Chapter 69

Royalty

Rhi POV

We're waiting outside for the taxi to arrive. Kate and Ana are chatting about something and Alex is holding my hand, leaving me with nothing to carry my paperwork in so I've tucked it into my sling.

I wonder what we're going to do the rest of the day. I mean, we've already wasted half the day with this doctor mess. I'd like to not sit around and waste more time. "So, guys, what are we going to do today? Any thoughts?"

Kate and Ana stop talking and give me a look that says, Are you kidding me? Alex looks down at me with his eyebrows raised.

"What?" I ask.

Ana replies, "Rhi, first thing, we're going to get your prescription filled. Then, we're going to the hotel and chill. You've got a nerve block and a cast. You shouldn't be doing anything right now."

Looking from Ana to Kate I try to hide my frustration. "I've got my arm in a sling so it's safe and sound. I don't see any reason why we can't go walk around and do something. I feel great, I'm happy, I'm in a fantastic mood and I'm ready to enjoy the Strip." I roll my eyes. I hate being bored. I seem to come up with ideas that get me into trouble when I do. "Maybe Madam Tussaud's. I'd like to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower too, but I want to do that at night. The New York New York rollercoaster AND Fremont Street are a must. Those are the things I want to do the most the rest of the time we're here." I watch as the three of them share a look. "Come on! I'm bored already."

Alex looks down at me. "This was my thought. It's just after noon and we need to get your prescription. I need to call Jack to let him know what's going on and see what time they want me there for the show tonight. Not to mention I'm tired and wanted to take a nap for a couple of hours. I need to make sure you're settled before I go." He pauses, "I'll go to work and come back to see you. How does that sound?" He smiles but there's a sadness in his eyes and I can see how tired he is.

I feel a pang of guilt for keeping him up all day when he should be sleeping. It hits me that I forgot he has to work and I'm just on vacation. What's going to happen when we leave and return home? My heart falls and I sigh. "OK." I remove my hand from his and pull my phone out to look at the images of my hand. This is going to be harder than I thought.

Alex POV

I'm silent as we're waiting for the taxi to arrive. My mind is numb from the whirlwind of information overload today. Not to mention I'm exhausted. I didn't sleep last night and I've been at the clinic with Rhi all morning. The bombshell that was dropped on me with the x-rays totally blew my mind. I still can't believe what I saw. I don't know the details. Yet.

I really meant what I said that I wanted only her. It's crazy, but not unheard of, how quickly someone can fall for someone. For me, it was love at first sight. I don't know how she feels but I'm fairly certain that there's something there.

I'm supposed to work tonight but I don't know how that's going to play out. I'm still struggling to figure out how to dance like normal, it doesn't seem right, but then again it is my job and there are things that need to be done just like any job. She can't be at every show. That wouldn't be right either. I guess I'll talk to Jack and see what he thinks. I need to call him anyway to let him know what's going on. Maybe he'll have some insight.

We need to talk so we can figure something out. She leaves the day after tomorrow and we're running out of time.

I can't believe her! When she asked what everyone wanted to do today I about lost my shit. Sometimes she makes me want to shake some sense into her. I see why Kate and Ana get frustrated with her. She really doesn't take care of herself. I mean, she literally just got a nerve block and a cast and she already wants to go out? UGH! Thankfully, the top of everyone's list is to get her prescription. That's a start.

Secretly, I hope when the nerve block wears off she won't feel up to doing anything crazy. I hate to say that but I worry about her and just want her safe. I know she's with Kate and Ana but with the knowledge I gained today I'm a little more protective than before.

Seeing those x-rays, I realize she's a lot tougher than she looks. I'm pretty sure she can take care of herself in any situation that arises, within reason. That definitely cannot be said about her health. That doesn't mean I'm comfortable with the idea that she'll be OK. I have it ingrained in me that a man needs to take care of the woman. I want to take care of her. I want to make her happy. I want to be with her and maybe fall in love with her, at some point.

She seems like she's in a great mood, and I like to see her this way. It's almost like she's a different person. Well, she kind of is. She's acting more like she did when we first met. I could get used to this.

I know we're all tired and I'm betting the energy she's feeling is the adrenalin of not feeling any pain from the nerve block. I have a feeling though that when we get back to the hotel and she takes her prescription she's going to crash hard. I'm going to try to convince her to take the pain meds before I leave. Though I'm pretty sure she'll put up a fight because she's stubborn.

The taxi finally arrives and we pile in and head to the hotel. It's a quick ride but a long walk and not exactly somewhere that I'd like the girls to be walking. When we arrive and exit the taxi, Rhi pulls something out of her pocket and hands it to the driver. What the fuck? God dammit she shouldn't be doing that!

As we're walking away I say to her quietly, "Rhi, you're not supposed to do that. I was going to."

Looking up at me she smiles, "I'm always prepared when I know someone depends on tips for their job. Remember when Ana let it slip that I'm nice? You should know that by now, especially bartenders, they have a special place in my heart." She smiles, grabs my hand and stops us from walking. I can't help but think it's because my strides are longer than hers and I'm going too fast but when I look down at her she catches me off guard.

Reaching up, she runs her fingers along my cheek and gently tugs my beard, pulling me down to her. For a moment she looks me in the eyes. God those green eyes are mesmerizing. She whispers, "Thank you." She then kisses me softly.

When she starts to pull away I stop her by putting my hand on her cheek, running my thumb across her bottom lip. "What are you thanking me for?" I'm curious and when she answers I'm floored.

"For taking care of me and staying with me and or being patient with me. I know I'm not easy to deal with. You're too good to be true." She looks down and I barely hear her next words. "If I'm not careful I could fall in love with you."

I'm dumbfounded and at a loss for words. She's really hit me with a lot today and I haven't had a chance to absorb any of it. I don't know if she wants me to say anything but I want to at least acknowledge it. "Well now, I wouldn't mind that at all. In fact, I think that's something I could get used to." I give her a big smile and wink at her. "You just made my day."

Leaning down, I kiss her, intending on it being quick but it soon becomes deeper for a few moments. Until I hear a voice, "AHEM. Rhi. Alex. You guys are causing a scene. Remember the stuff on social media? Yeah, this isn't the way to avoid being noticed." Kate laughs out.

We pull away from each other and look at Kate smiling. Just as she said there's a few people who have stopped to watch. "That's just creepy." She whispers and I can't help laughing. Then a wicked gleam in her eyes appears and she takes a step back. "You know, if we were back home I'd say let's give them something to watch." She winks, "However, I don't think we need to stand out any more than we already do. According to Kate and Ana, people are saturating social media with us dancing. There's also some treasure hunt, supposedly, so I think I'll behave." She laughs, "Which is a first for me."

I chuckle and kiss her quickly. "Come on, let's get over to CVS and get your prescription so we can get you upstairs and relaxing." Taking her hand, we walk to the corner and wait for the light to change.

Rhi POV

We make our way down to the street and wait at the corner for the light to change.

"I don't know what the big deal is about us dancing at the fountain. I mean it's no big deal." I look up at Alex and smile, "Except for me getting to dance with you. I'll do that any time." He smiles. Looking at Kate, I ask, "Why would they do some treasure hunt thing?"

Kate shrugs, "Who knows. Curiosity? Who would go around Las Vegas dancing in random places on a street full of strangers and why? Maybe it's a feel-good story and they want to spread it around. Maybe it gives people something positive to think about when the media focuses on negativity only?" She smirks, "Or maybe you two are the local Prince and Princess. One thing I know for sure is that there is a HUGE following on social media."

Ana adds, "There's been nothing but good things said about it." She pulls out her phone and scrolls through whatever she's looking at. "Here are a few comments: 'It doesn't look like it's staged. It looks natural, like they just dance when they feel like it' 'They look happy and so good together' 'She's so tiny compared to him. It's adorable!' 'IMO they look like they're in love but that's really no one's business' 'I'd watch them all day if I could' 'So much better than the negativity the news focuses on' 'It's time someone does something positive and I look forward to seeing what they'll do next' 'Props to you both and if you're reading this I can't wait to see what happens next!' 'Las Vegas has found their Prince and Princess!"

"See Rhi? You guys are a positive beacon in the sea of media negativity." Kate adds.

"Hmmm, interesting." Alex mutters. "Kate, do you think you could think you could find out more about this treasure hunt and what the stakes are? I need to know if there's any possibility of danger surrounding this whole thing."

I have to agree. The last thing we need is someone getting hurt because of the stupid media.

The light changes and we cross the street and into CVS. The pharmacist says it'll be around 20-30 minutes and I tell him I'll come back to pick it up. I know this is probably not going to go over well but I really want a daiquiri. As a matter of fact, I'm sure they'll balk at it, but hopefully they will see my point of view.

Nervously I look at them, "I'm going to go get a daiquiri and come back for it. I need something cold and an Eye Opener sounds really good right now. Besides, I might as well do it now because I'm sure you guys won't let me drink anything with alcohol if I need to use my pain meds." I pause, "Do you guys want to come with me? It's just a few doors down."

I wait for their answer with trepidation. I can see the expression change slightly on their faces but I'm pleasantly surprised when Ana speaks up. "I think that's a great idea! It's hot and I could use a cold drink. We haven't had once since we first got here." She looks at me, "Rhi, you are also 100% correct that if and when you take your meds there will be absolutely NO alcohol allowed. What do you think Kate?"

Kate smiles, "I'm all for it. It sounds good and refreshing. Alex? Would you like one?"

I look at him but he doesn't say anything. He looks down at me and there's a look of resignation in his eyes. "You most definitely will not be having any alcohol while on pain meds. No, I don't want one but you guys can. It is your vacation, after all." He smiles.

Thank god because I was going to have one no matter what. I can see right now my drinking is going to be a battle with him. UGH. We leave CVS in search of the nearest daiquiri bar and when we find one we step in line and read the 'menu.' I already know what I want but I wish Alex wasn't so close to me. He's not going to be happy, not that he is right now, but I'm having my extra shots as usual. We get our drinks and, of course, I was right. He's not happy but he doesn't say anything.

My hand is full with my drink and my other one is out of commission so Alex can't hold my hand. He seems like he doesn't know what to do with his hands so he's fidgeting continuously. His hands are in his pockets, across his chest, by his side, picking at his clothes, touching his face and playing with his beard. I can't help laughing and look at him smugly.

He turns his head to me, raising an eyebrow, and asks, "What are you laughing at young lady?"

I laugh again. "You're fidgeting! You can't keep your hands still to save your life right now."

Looking back at me he sighs, "I'm used to holding your hand. It feels weird. I don't know what to do with my hands. Can I hold your drink for you so I can hold your hand? This is driving me crazy."

He's so adorably cute I can't resist him and hand him my drink. "You better not throw it away OR drink it all!" I'm laughing as he nods and takes my drink.

"I promise I won't throw it away. I won't drink it either because I know how strong you like your drinks. I'd be drunk off the first sip!" He laughs.

I laugh with him. "Touche Prince Alex."

He smiles back and bows, "Thank you Princess Rhi."

After picking up my prescription we head back to the hotel. As we're walking I keep eyeing my drink in his hand. I hope we get inside quick. I'm dying for a drink!

Looking down at me he smiles, "I see you eyeing your drink." He laughs. "When we cross the street we can find a place to step out of the way so you can have another drink. Is that OK?

I smile back at him, "Yes, that's fine. Thank you."

We are in front of the Bellagio fountain and he directs me out of the way of people walking by. Instead of handing me my drink, he holds the drinking straw to my lips. I take a couple of long sips and smile. Pulling my hand from his grasp, I reach up and caress his face, playing with his beard. "You're so sweet to me. Have I told you how much I appreciate you?" Standing on my tiptoes, I pull him down and kiss him gently. "May I have one more drink then we can head up to the room and you can take a nap?"

He nods and offers me the straw again. I take my sip and we turn to go into the hotel. Standing in front of us are a smiling Kate and Ana. They have their phones out and have taken pictures of us.

"What the hell guys?! You two are something else. Why are you taking pictures of us?" I ask, exasperated.

"Rhi, you have no idea how happy you look when you're with Alex. It's like you're in your own little world when you look at each other. We just wanted to capture the moment so you can see for yourself." She pauses, "You guys are, for lack of better words, the perfect couple."

I roll my eyes and laugh. "Come on, let's get up to the room and start relaxing. Besides, Alex needs a nap too. I start walking toward the entrance and they follow.

"Finally!" I sigh as we enter our room. Letting go of Alex's hand, I walk over to the bar and take my prescription and paperwork out of the sling. As I start to take off the sling Ana, Kate and Alex all shout, "Rhi!"

I jump, "What?! Jeeze, you don't have to yell at me. What the fuck?!"

Ana apologizes, "Sorry Rhi but you have to keep your sling on until your block wears off. It's to keep your arm from hitting things." She laughs, "Besides, you can't move it anyway."

I look at her like she's crazy. "Do I have to sleep with it on too? I can understand using it while I'm out and about but here in the room? God this fucking sucks."

Ana laughs, "No Rhi. You don't have to sleep with it. Dr. W just wants you to wear it while your nerve block is still working."

I roll my eyes and mutter, "This is going to be such a fucking nightmare. I can feel it now." I grab my drink that Alex set down on the table, walk over to the couch and sit down.