TWO

BPOV:

I clock off with a sigh, peeling off the layers of my Belle costume and slipping into something far more comfortable: a pair of jeans and a simple top. It's been a long day, and as much as I love this job, sometimes the idea of heading home alone to my tiny apartment just feels… dull. Lonely.

"Hey, Bella!"

I glance up to see Jessica, the actress who plays Snow White, leaning against the doorway, a mischievous grin on her face. Her dark hair is perfectly styled, even after hours of greeting guests in character, and she's already in casual clothes, looking effortlessly put together.

"Wanna grab a drink?" she asks, raising her brows expectantly. "I'm not ready to call it a night yet."

I hesitate for only a moment before smiling. "Sure, why not?"

We head to a small bar not far from the park, a cozy little place that's usually packed with locals and a few off-duty staff. As we settle at the bar, Jessica orders a drink, and we start chatting about work.

"So, anything eventful today?" Jessica asks, stirring her cocktail as she glances over at me with a playful smirk. "You're always the centre of attention in that gown. You look just like the cartoon. It's grossly unfair to us all who have to try."

I roll my eyes smiling. "It's just… one guy today… ugh." I shudder at the memory. "Super handsy. Like, I get people get excited, but this was a grown man. It was gross."

Jessica wrinkles her nose in disgust. "Ew. Why are some people like that? It's Disney, not a nightclub."

Before I can respond, a voice from behind me interrupts. "I do hope you're not talking about me."

I jump, turning to see the man from earlier standing there, that same amused look on his face - Edward. His auburn hair is a little more tousled than earlier, like he's been running his hands through it, and his green eyes are locked on mine, mischief dancing in them.

"Oh my God," I laugh, pressing a hand to my chest. "You scared me!"

He raises his hands in apology, then bows playfully. "Forgive me, your majesty."

I roll my eyes, still laughing. "No, no, I was talking about a guy after you, actually."

"Ah, I see. Dodged that one." He grins, leaning against the bar. His gaze flicks over me, and his eyes light up with amusement. "I dig the jeans look, by the way. Much less regal, but nice."

I can't help but laugh at that, glancing down at my jeans. "I aim to please."

Edward chuckles, his gaze still lingering as if he's trying to figure me out. "You sound so… normal."

"Well, I am normal," I say, shaking my head at his teasing. "Princess costumes aside."

Before we can get any further into the conversation, Jessica taps my arm. "I'm gonna hit the bathroom. Be right back."

As she walks off, Edward slips into her seat without hesitation, settling next to me at the bar. He leans in slightly, his presence both casual and commanding at the same time.

"So, where are your friends?" I ask, genuinely curious.

He shrugs, glancing around the bar. "Around. They're fine. I'm more interested in talking to you."

I raise a brow, amused by his directness. "Oh, really?"

"Really." His green eyes sparkle with interest. "So, how'd you end up here? Paris, acting… what's the story?"

I take a sip of my drink, feeling oddly comfortable under his gaze. "Well, I'm actually studying child psychology. I'm doing my semester online right now, and I needed a side job to make some extra cash. Acting seemed fun, so I auditioned on a whim back in LA… and I got the part. When the opportunity came up to do a stint here in Paris, I jumped at it."

Edward listens intently, nodding along. "So, you're an accidental princess."

I laugh. "Pretty much. It's not exactly what I thought I'd be doing, but it's been fun so far."

He leans back slightly, still watching me with that same intensity from earlier. "I've gotta say, you don't come across as an 'accidental' anything. You're pretty good at it. Very regal."

There's a warmth in his words that makes my heart flutter, but I brush it off with a smile. "Thanks. I guess I've got a thing for fairytales."

At my mention of fairytales, Edward laughs, but there's something about it that feels different—like there's an inside joke I'm not in on. His eyes glint with amusement, and for a moment, I wonder what's going on behind that smirk.

I raise an eyebrow, leaning forward slightly. "What's so funny?"

He shakes his head, still chuckling softly. "Nothing. It's just… nothing."

I narrow my eyes at him. "So, what about you? What brings you to Paris? Disneyland seems a little above board for someone like you."

He grins, his eyes lighting up at my comment. "Above board?"

"Yeah." I gesture to his perfectly tailored clothes, the way he carries himself, the whole vibe he gives off. "You don't exactly scream 'Disneyland tourist.'"

He chuckles again, this time more genuinely. "You've got a point. It was my friends' idea. They insisted we take a break, do something fun."

I can't help but smile at the thought. "And did you? Have fun, I mean?"

He pauses, his gaze flicking over me before he answers. "In the end, yeah. I'm glad I went."

There's something in the way he says it, the way his eyes soften just slightly as they meet mine, that makes my stomach flip. It's like there's more to the story, but for now, I let it hang in the air between us.

I take another sip of my drink, feeling the playful tension between us building. "So, what was your favourite part of the park?" I ask, tilting my head slightly, genuinely curious. "I mean, you don't seem like the 'Small World' type."

Edward chuckles, leaning in a bit closer, his elbow resting on the bar. "I've got to admit, the rides were fun, but…"

He pauses, and I catch the mischievous glint in his eyes as he lowers his voice just a fraction. "I think meeting a certain princess might've been the highlight of the day."

My heart skips, and I try to play it cool, but the way he says it—his voice smooth and teasing—has me feeling like the heat in the room just went up a notch.

"Oh?" I raise an eyebrow, matching his tone. "You must meet a lot of princesses around here."

"Maybe," he says, his gaze locked on mine, "but none quite like you."

It's a bold line, and I can't help the way my lips tug into a smile. He's amping it up, that much is obvious, but there's something about the way he says it—like he actually means it—that throws me off guard.

I laugh softly, shaking my head. "You're quite the charmer, aren't you?"

He shrugs, feigning innocence. "I just call it like I see it."

For a moment, we just stare at each other, and I realise I'm holding my breath. There's a spark between us, undeniable and growing stronger with every passing second.

I catch his gaze, feeling the tension between us grow, and decide to throw a little playful banter back at him. With a smirk, I lean in slightly and lower my voice.

"Unfortunately," I say, pausing for effect, "the Beast doesn't like to share me."

Edward's eyebrows lift in amusement, a slow grin spreading across his face. "Ah, well, I suppose the Beast is a very lucky man."

I laugh softly, enjoying the way he's playing along. "He does have his moments."

Edward chuckles, his eyes never leaving mine. "I bet he does. Though I have a feeling he's got some competition now."

The way he says it, low and smooth, makes my heart race. He's definitely turning up the charm, and I can't deny the effect it's having on me. But I keep my composure, flashing him a teasing smile.

"Well," I say with a wink, "good luck with that."

Edward leans back slightly, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. "Tell me, does the Beast ever check your phone?"

I raise an eyebrow, intrigued. "Why do you ask?"

"Well," he says, his voice smooth, "because I'd love to put my phone number in there."

I laugh, shaking my head in amusement. "Do you know how many men would dream of popping their phone number in the phone of a Disney princess?"

Edward tilts his head, his eyes glinting with mischief. "I imagine quite a few. But I'm not most men, am I?"

I cross my arms, leaning back in my seat as I regard him with a playful smile. "And why, exactly, should you bypass all the men I say no to?"

He shrugs, his smile widening. "Because I have a feeling you've never met anyone like me."

I narrow my eyes at him, unable to suppress the grin tugging at my lips. He's bold, I'll give him that. "You're very confident, aren't you?"

He chuckles, leaning forward slightly. "Only when I'm right."

I smile, feeling the spark of competition flicker to life between us. "Alright, I'll tell you what," I say, leaning in slightly, my voice full of playful challenge. "I'll give you a shot to win my number."

Edward raises an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? And how do I do that?"

I glance over to the corner of the bar, where an air hockey table sits, brightly lit and ready for a game. I point to it with a smirk. "Beat me. Air hockey."

His eyes follow my gesture, and then he turns back to me, his lips curving into a confident grin. "Air hockey, huh? Oh, game on."

I laugh, getting up from my seat, already feeling the thrill of the competition. "Let's see if you're as good at this as you are at flirting."

He stands, clearly ready for the challenge. "Oh, you're in for it now."

As we head over to the table, the playful banter lingers between us, the tension and attraction ramping up with each step. This should be fun.

I grab the paddle, glancing across the table at Edward, who looks far too confident for my liking. He smirks, clearly amused by the game already.

"Ready to lose, Princess?" he asks, his voice smooth and teasing.

"Oh, please," I reply with a grin. "You're about to witness some serious skill."

He laughs, positioning himself as the puck drops between us. "We'll see about that."

The game starts, and I make a show of missing the first couple of hits. The puck slides into my goal, and Edward grins triumphantly, raising his arms in a mock victory.

"One-nil, Princess. What's your excuse?" he asks, leaning on the table, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

I pout, biting back a smile. "I'm just giving you a head start. Don't get too comfortable."

"Head start? Is that what they call it?" He smirks, positioning for the next round.

As the game continues, I keep up the act, letting him score again, but not without throwing in some banter.

"Two-nil," Edward announces, his grin widening. "Maybe you should stick to waltzing in ballrooms."

I narrow my eyes playfully. "Oh, it's on now."

As the puck drops again, I let my true skills show. My hand moves lightning-fast, sending the puck flying past Edward's defences and into his goal. His eyebrows shoot up in surprise.

"Well, well," he says, clearly impressed. "Looks like the princess has some tricks up her sleeve."

I smirk, twirling the paddle in my hand. "You have no idea."

The game intensifies, our competitive spirits fully ignited. We trade goals back and forth, each point punctuated by playful taunts and laughter. The tension between us builds with each passing moment, electric and thrilling.

"Six-five," I announce triumphantly as I lift my hands in the air.

I flash him an innocent smile. "Oh, did I forget to mention I'm pretty good at this?"

Edward's eyes narrow playfully as he shakes his head, a mixture of amusement and admiration on his face. "You're full of surprises, aren't you?"

"Maybe," I tease, readying myself for the next round. "Or maybe you're just not as good as you thought."

He laughs, a rich, warm sound that sends a thrill through me. "Oh, I wouldn't count me out just yet."

The puck drops, and we're back at it. The game intensifies, our movements becoming quicker, more precise. We're both fully invested now, the playful competition bringing out a fierce determination in both of us.

"Seven-six," Edward calls out as he scores again, his voice tinged with excitement. "Looks like I'm catching up."

I can't help but grin, enjoying the challenge. "Don't get cocky now."

As the game reaches its climax, we're tied at nine-all. The next point will decide the winner, and the tension in the air is palpable. We circle the table, eyes locked on the puck, both of us poised to strike.

"Ready to hand over that number?" Edward teases, his eyes sparkling with determination.

I smirk, feeling the adrenaline coursing through my veins. "In your dreams, buddy."

The puck drops, and we're both moving at lightning speed. Our paddles clash, sending the puck ricocheting off the sides of the table. Back and forth it goes, neither of us willing to give an inch.

Suddenly, I see an opening. With a quick flick of my wrist, I send the puck sailing past Edward's defences. It slides into his goal, and I throw my hands up in victory.

Edward leans over the table, his expression smug. "Alright, Princess, I demand a rematch. There's no way I'm letting you walk away with all the glory."

I raise an eyebrow, pretending to think about it. "Hmm… I don't know. I kind of like being the reigning champion."

He smirks, stepping closer. "Fine, if you don't want a rematch, I'll just have to show up at the park and take the Beast on myself."

I burst out laughing. "Ever heard of Gaston? Didn't end too well for him."

Edward chuckles, his gaze locking with mine. "Trust me, I'm a lot more charming than Gaston."

I can't help but grin, feeling the playful tension between us reaching its peak. "Well, you'll have to prove it."