2018, December 4th

"Are you people out of your minds?" Zoey couldn't stop herself from yelling.

"I met the lot of you two days ago," she sucked in a much-needed breath. "Now you want me to marry some dude I have never even met?"

His Grace raised his hand in dismissal and said, "You are of the House of Arden and you will accept the prince's hand. There will be no discussion on the matter."

Duke Arden, however, was not accustomed to Zoey's temper.

"The hell I will! You know what? How about you keep your money and I keep my hand and we call it even? Cool? Dandy."

She stormed off, well aware that she was bound to get lost in the mansion and not caring at all.

"Why that little... You come back here this instant!" Duchess Arden shrieked.

"She seems to have the right idea," Bart said with a shrug, fishing his keys out of his pocket.

"She shouldn't be having any ideas and neither should you. We do not have the luxury of her throwing a tantrum right now. His Majesty and His Highness will be visiting soon," said the duke.

The lack of gentility displayed by Zoey soon turned the duke's annoyance into anger.

"Ready the Lady Zoey!" He bellowed. "She must be presentable for the visit."

The butler and the maids scattered in search of the lady in question. The place was hardly small and she not knowing her way about it would not help their chances of discovering her.

"The nerve of the man! Does he want to meet me? No! After 23 years, he doesn't want to get to know his only daughter. He wants to use me, as he did with mom. Silly me, thinking it might be different with me," Zoey ranted.

Storming down an unknown hallway, Zoey felt a tug on her hand. She found herself in a room furnished in an arrogant, immoderate style, much like her own. It was well kept, though she could find no evidence of it being in use.

While she examined the room, someone had been watching her. Recalling that she had been brought here, Zoey sought the unknown entity. She spun around and lost her balance. He caught her just as she might have fallen. Her eyes widened as he did, the warmth of his hands seeping through onto the skin of her arms.

"Shush!" he hissed, wrapping his left arm around her waist while covering her mouth with his right hand.

A wink and grin seductively spreading across his face followed. The voices that hit her ears next made her stifle a protest.

"Lady Zoey, Lady Zoey" echoed the maids.

"We require your presence. Please say if you can hear us," the butler, Thomas said, his prudent voice giving way to agitation.

"You're a wanted woman, Lady Zoey," the handsome stranger whispered.

His hand withdrew from her mouth, but without missing a beat, his eyes and lips soon neared hers.

Zoey was a smart woman. She excelled in any endeavour she took on. Unfortunately, Zoey had never taken on dating. Despite ample interest from many suitors, Zoey always seemed to run from the idea. No man, be he handsome or smart or funny, had ever captured her interest. Until now.

Those alluring, ocean-blue, naughty eyes held hers. Nervously searching for elsewhere to look, she found nothing was safe. His long, sandy-brown hair neatly combed into place made her want to make a mess of it. The way his arm enveloped her waist made her want to take a step closer, to curve the rest of her to him. Even his suit wasn't safe. His jacket was open with the first four buttons of his shirt undone. Seeing this made her want to undo more of them.

For the first time, the lady found she wanted for breath because of a man. But Zoey would not remain so for long.

"What do you think you're doing?" She snapped when the voices had passed.

When she took a step back, he only took one forward. This was too much for her and she slapped him. Her mouth fell open. It took effort not to raise her hands and cover her face in horror. He watched a string of emotions dance across her face before he burst out laughing.

"Feisty one, aren't you?" he quipped, mischief swimming in his oceans.

Oh, the things he wanted to do to her! She might've been a mere commoner, but she was beautiful. The way her long golden locks moved with her when she got all worked up was enough to drive any man insane. She was a tiny thing. With inquiring, big, hazel eyes and an hourglass figure. Sparking sexy librarian fantasies in his head.

Seeing how he looked at her, she went back to being angry and stormed off again.

"Wait, wait, wait," he called after her, still laughing. "I was so eager to meet you. When I heard you were at present detained, I thought my heart would burst. I had to come and find you."

He all but sang the words, holding his hand to his heart. When that failed, he jogged a little ahead of her, blocking her path.

Zoey didn't see the danger that was him. It didn't matter who he was or what he wanted. She wanted to leave.

"Get. Out. Of. My. Way!" she demanded, yanking at the doorknob.

"Where will you go? Everyone's looking for you. The moment you step outside of this room, someone will find you."

Aaron grasped his chin between his thumb and index finger and feigned concern.

His question gave her pause. Zoey searched her angry brain for the way out of the conundrum she was in. She was not going to be married off and used as some sort of bargaining chip. No, they would have to find another way. She would have to as well. Perhaps a part-time job or selling off all her mother's bags and shoes.

Aaron could see the gears moving in her head as she contemplated what to do. Her hand was still on the doorknob with only his body preventing the door from swinging right open. He had done this many times, come for some girl in the depths of the darkest nights. But it wasn't night and this girl wasn't pining after him.

Even if he could persuade her to leave with him before the maids found them, how would he get her out? He was not acquainted enough with the Arden mansion to pull off such a feat. It housed not only the Ardens, but a respectable number of servants. If that wasn't enough, there was The Red Guard, His Grace's noble army.

He could make her whereabouts known. This would allow him to look at and speak to her like he wanted. It would also mean she would look at and speak to others and this was the trouble. He was never very good at sharing.

So he did what he always did when he found himself in a pickle. The absolute wrong thing.

"Do you want to get out of here?" Aaron asked, breaking the silence.

This caught her attention. She gave him a questioning look. Her eyes darted to the window and then back to his face.

"Wait here," he said with a nod, as though in answer to an unasked question.

"What? Wait, where are you going?" she called after him.

It didn't matter to her, she told herself as she stood there frozen. Less than a minute later, the loudest alarm she'd ever heard filled her ears. The sound must have reached every corner of the estate, which was at least half the size of Rosa.

Next came the panic and screaming as the maids rushed to get outside. Soldiers poured into the vast mansion to ensure that it was empty. The stranger burst back into the room, a hoodie pulled over his head.

He grabbed her hand and said, "Time to go,” before breaking into a run with her in tow.

"What the hell is happening!" Zoey yelled in frustration.

"It's perfectly alright. A mere ruse to get you out!" he yelled back over the screaming voices and blaring alarm.

"What is it with you people? Are none of you sane?"

"Afraid not," he replied with a laugh.

As they rounded a corner, he pulled out his phone and said into it, "Jesse my man, ready the car."

Zoey's calves were to her the only thing louder than the screams of panic. It felt like they'd been running for hours by the time they made it back to a car the stranger had waiting. That is to say, Zoey assumed it was his. She honestly didn't think she could rule anything out at this point. The driver, a slim-looking young man dressed in a formal black suit, got out of the car and bowed.

"Your Highness."

Zoey did a double take.

"Your Highness?" she echoed.

She looked between the two men in disbelief. The prince's crooked grin made him look even more mischievous as he bowed elegantly.

"At your service, my princess."

The driver turned to Zoey and bowed too.

"My Lady."

"Well, we'd best be off," said the prince.

Taking advantage of Zoey's shock, he bundled her into the back seat before jumping in right next to her.

"Jesse, let's make like the wind and be gone."

Zoey reacted a moment too late. When she tried to open the door, she found it locked and the car had already started moving.

Elsewhere on the estate, everyone was in an uproar, but no one more so than King Henry. With his position not as secure as he might like, he was always afraid of assassination attempts.

"When will we hear what's going on?"

"Forgive me, Your Majesty," Captain Fields, captain of The Red Guard implored with a bow.

Duke Arden stepped forward and said, "Report."

Again Captain Fields bowed.

"Your Grace. The house is clear. The fire alarm was sounded, but there is no indication of fire in the main house. Rest assured, we are currently checking the rest of the premises."

Upon receiving this news, King Henry and Bart came to the same conclusion.

"Where is my son?"

"Where is the prince?"

Jesse was speeding towards the gates of one of the biggest estates in Caines. He was sweating profusely. There was never a dull moment working for Prince Aaron. Jesse had become accustomed to being less of an assistant and more of a getaway driver to the prince. It would take at least 10 minutes to make it to the gate. Jesse wondered what kind of trouble His Highness had gotten into this time as he raced to outrun The Red Guard. No doubt Captain Fields and his men would be at their heels any moment now.

"Your Highness?" Zoey spat the words out as though they were an insult, glaring at the prince.

"Please, it's Aaron to you. We should be on a first-name basis. We are engaged, you know, Zo. "

He winked at her. It annoyed her, but then everything he did was starting to annoy her.

"I am not your fiancee. I will not be bullied into marrying... well you."

"Okay," Aaron shrugged. "Unlock the doors, Jesse."

Jesse rolled his eyes.

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Okay? Just like that?"

Even him agreeing with her was annoying.

"Zoey, my love, I have no need to bully women into doing anything. They naturally fall for my charms," said the cocky prince.

They were about two minutes away from leaving the estate when Bart stepped out in front of the gates.

"Oh boy. Well that complicates matters," said Jesse.

Any sensible person would have stopped, but Jesse knew better than to ask Prince Aaron if he should.

"Bart," Zoey said the name under her breath.

She wasn't sure if she was glad to have Bart intercept them or not. How could one not be torn when all one's options were lousy?

"Your Highness, please," Jesse pleaded, so nervous that he stepped on the gas instead of the brakes.

Despite her train of thought, the way forward seemed obvious to Zoey.

"Is he going to pull over?" Zoey tapped Jesse's shoulder. "Why aren't you pulling over?"

They were inching closer, but Bart made no effort to move. He stood tall with his arms folded and a bored look on his face.

"You are too cute!" Prince Aaron chuckled.

"What?" Zoey mumbled through a gasp.

"Would you like Jesse to stop?" Prince Aaron asked, delighting in watching her squirm.

"What do you mean? Of course, he should stop," she said, flabbergasted, looking at Aaron like he was a madman.

Prince Aaron's face drew close to Zoey's, until little separated his lips from hers. Her crazed eyes became subdued, hypnotised as her heart rate climbed.

"Are you sure?" he cooed, the words soft and velvety.

He ran a finger along her burning cheek, his eyes on her lips as he watched them part.

"If you're found like this with me, there'll be no discussion about it. You'll definitely be stuck with me then. Are you sure, princess?"

2019, March 4th

Twice now, proposals of marriage had come to Zoey under unusual circumstances.

James' phone rang and the screen lit up to reveal Emily's name.. Zoey stared at it, propped up against the windshield. When the ringing stopped, she found he had 53 unread messages and 71 missed calls.

"Shouldn't you call her back?" Zoey asked.

"She's the woman in the photo with Aaron," James answered, his agitated voice in stark contrast to her timid one.

His face morphed into a look of disgust. Emily would never be sweet Emily to him again.

"I see," Zoey answered, looking down to her feet. "She's your girlfriend, right?"

"Fiancee." James held up a hand, made a fist and bit into it. "Former fiancee."

James watched as Zoey's neurons unravelled. They barely knew each other. That didn't matter though. This was a business agreement and in business, it was good to have your partner be at ease.

"I have no expectations of this marriage. It would be just for show. Much the same thing as what was going to happen between you and Aaron."

Just for show.

Is that what people thought about her marriage to Aaron? Regardless of what the truth of her situation was, James had failed to soothe her. His proposal forced her mind into thoughts of a future without Aaron. Not a single precious moment with him had been just for show to her.

"This is as much for me as it is for you, of course."

"For me?"

Zoey had been so silent that her response took James by surprise. Taking a moment to clear his throat, he went on to clarify.

"A marriage to me will protect you from becoming a pawn in this political war between King Henry and Duke Arden."

James' eyes had glazed over again, his body stiffened and his face hardened. Zoey could feel the chill coming off of his body.

George Arden. More questions popped into her head at the mention of her father.

How had she ended up here? How naive was she to let things spiral out of control the way they had? To give in to George's request of marriage to Aaron?

That was it though. She hadn't meant to. James, George, none of them understood the allure of Aaron Condor.

Zoey looked at the man next to her. James would form no warm attachment to her, nor try to please her or make her laugh and feel alive. Could she live that way when she'd been promised the moon and the stars and been foolish enough to believe it?

Her car door opened. James was leaning over her, his hand on the car door handle. Their eyes met. It was that same look he gave her when he saw her a few minutes ago. He felt so eerily familiar. A moment later it was over and Bart was knocking on the door.

"Come on Zoey. The place is ready," said Bart, looking between Zoey and James with inquiring eyes.

"Yeah, sure," she said, stepping out of the car.

James tugged on her hand. A persistent warmth spread through her as his hand held hers.

"In two hours I will come back to this spot. If you wish to accept my offer, be here."

Zoey nodded.

James closed the door and sped off. The rage was coming in hot and heavy and he didn't want to scare her any more than he already had. Besides, he had to prepare. It was by no means certain that Zoey would accept his proposal, but if she did things would progress quickly.

He would have to put everything away. This was business now, nothing less, nothing more. James felt his pounding heart slow at this thought as he called Emily.

"Hello? James?"

Emily clung to her phone like it was life or death.

"Meet in ten at the place," was all James said before tossing the phone onto the passenger seat.

He sped up again, his face hardening into rock.

Emily's hands shook so hard that she dropped her phone. She picked it up and called back. The phone rang endlessly like it had been doing for the past few hours. Now and then it would say the line was busy.

"What did he say?" Aaron asked, seated on the bench behind her with folded arms.

"He's coming here," she replied, pushing the phone to her chest, in an attempt to stop her hands from trembling.

"And you're sure this is what you want to do?" Aaron got up and stepped up behind her. "You know he won't forgive this."

Aaron rested his hands on her shoulders. Resisting the urge to lean back, Emily pulled away.

"You should go now," she said, looking down at the ring on her finger.

"Emmy..."

"This is between me and him. We owe him this much at least. Let him come to you when he's ready."

The look on Emily's face pained Aaron. This was a new low, even for him. He'd fucked them both over. The woman just out of his reach and the one who gave him her heart. Zoey. Would she understand if he told her his truth? And James, how would he face him again?

"Okay. Call if you need anything."

Aaron's hesitance to leave Emily faded when he spotted James by the fountain in the centre of the garden. Emily drew in a sharp breath and her knees turned to jelly. Aaron stepped back, hiding in the shadows and nodded to her to go.

Emily walked up to James on unsteady feet. She wanted to be moving faster, but slower at the same time. Would begging for forgiveness only end things faster?

In the minute it took her to reach him, she saw the last seven years flash before her eyes. All the time she'd waited to touch him and claim him as hers. Her mind went back to the moment James had asked her to marry him. Lowering her guard led to her thoughts diverting to another memory.

Aaron's lustful lips moulded to hers. His hands up her dress. Her fingers drawing up his back.

With every step she took toward James, she replayed more of herself kissing another man. With effort, Emily shut her eyes and pushed Aaron out of her mind.

She was now close enough to James to see his face. It was tight and devoid of emotion. His hooded eyes opened and looked into her sad, stormy ones. The warm, forest-green eyes she knew so well were empty blackness.

"James, I'm so sorry. Father found out about you and-" she started rambling.

James stuck his hands into his pockets. Emily knew what that meant. His power move. The final nail in the coffin of their relationship.

"The House of Beaumont hereby withdraws its proposal of matrimony to the House of Maine."

His voice was robotic, like a walking telegram. She didn't know if it would ever sound like anything but again when he spoke to her.

"James please," she pleaded, a single tear running down her cheek.

"Under the circumstances, I have decided that it is in my best interest if I marry someone else."

He looked her straight in the eyes as he said this, watching the woman he loved come apart.

His fingers itched to reach out and touch her. The words were on the tip of his tongue. It doesn't matter. I understand. James learned about Duke Maine's outburst and pieced together what must have happened.

If only she had come to him. If only he was staring this betrayal down for the first time. But he had already looked the other way once before. Played the fool for her.

"What?" her voice fell in disbelief.

"The marriage will become public knowledge within the next 12 hours."

"You can't be serious."

"Lady Zoey Arden must marry a prince of Terres Somnia. This will display a lack of lingering animosity between the houses of Condor and Arden."

Emily felt like the blood in her veins had turned to ice.

"What are you saying? Whom do you intend to marry?"

She screamed questions she knew the answers to over the sound of loud rain as it soaked them both through. James looked right past her.

"Come morning, I will claim the title of the crown prince of Terres Somnia. I will also announce my marriage to the new crown princess of Terres Somnia, Princess Zoey Condor."

Emily was choking back sobs.

"Jimmy, don't do this. What will become of you if your claim is disputed? Don't you remember what happened five years ago?"

He remembered alright. That day might haunt him forever. James turned his back on Emily and started walking away.

Then he stopped, looked over his shoulder and said, "Let them dispute it if they dare."

Not staying for the rest, Aaron started running. He dialled and redialed, even though he did not expect Zoey to pick up.

"Damn it, Zoey!" he screamed, pushing his burning calves to run faster. After a string of failed attempts, someone picked up.

"What?"

"Don't do it, Zoey. Don't marry him," Aaron yelled into the phone as he slammed the door shut and fumbled with his car keys.

Bart ended the call and turned to look at his sister. Zoey was staring out the window, lost in thought.

He came to stand next to her. She spared him a glance, then returned her eyes to the gentle rain that had started up again.

"Zoey, what did James want?"

"From the look on your face, it seems you already know the answer," she replied calmly.

Bart grabbed Zoey's shoulders and turned her towards him.

"Did he ask you to marry him?"

Her silence was confirmation enough.

"And? You said no, right? What is he thinking? I know he's upset, but he can't be this stupid."

Zoey's silence continued.

"You aren't actually considering this, are you?" Bart asked, sticking his face into hers.

She allowed her eyes to find his.

"A handsome, rich man asked me to marry him. Tonight. Why shouldn't I?"

"Tonight?" Bart could not contain his incredulity. "Zo, you listen to me. Do you want to get crazy drunk? Marry someone else? I don't care. Marry some random dude off the street. Dye your hair purple. Get a crazy, embarrassing tattoo for all I care. But you cannot marry this man."

"Why not?" she asked, feeling completely detached from the situation.

A vein on the side of Bart's face was now engorged. He inhaled sharply before answering. "Because Zo, James Beaumont is Prince Aaron Condor's half-brother. James Beaumont was born Prince James Condor."

2018, December 4th

"Fuck!" Aaron screamed in agony.

A brief moment. It was a tiny jab. He would be okay. Zoey justified her actions to herself as she lifted the heel of her 6-inch stiletto off of his shoe. Jesse slammed on the brakes and whipped his head back.

"Are you okay, Your Highness!" Jesse asked in a panic.

“Fine," Aaron grunted through his teeth.

Zoey darted out of the car before Aaron could recover. Aaron's grimace soon turned into a smile. He looked on as Bart took his sister's hand and tried to lead her off like she was a naughty schoolgirl. Zoey wasn't taking orders from anyone. She marched her way up to the gates. The two guards positioned on either end exchanged a look before they bowed in unison.

"Open it up," she said, hands on her hips.

The guards sheepishly looked to Bart for direction, who gave none. Zoey summoned foreign bravado, squared her shoulders and jutted out her chin.

"I, Lady Zoey Arden, demand that you open the gates right now," she insisted.

"My lady!" the guards chorused, responding to the entitlement of nobility by saluting her.

The gates opened. The guards shared another nervous look before their eyes went back to Bart. Without so much as a glance back, Zoey walked right out. Bart dropped his folded arms and stepped up to the men.

"My Lord," one stuttered.

"You're both fired. Get out."

"But Lord Bart!" one of them began.

What was Bart supposed to do with the spoiled brat in the car in front of him? Should he send a car after Zoey? Caines was a big city for a small-town bumpkin. He made his way to Aaron's car, having lost interest in the guards.

"Get out," Bart said once he reached Aaron's door.

"Quite fond of those words, aren't you?" Aaron quipped.

Bart opened the door of the car and crouched down to be at eye level with Aaron.

"If so much as a hair on her head is harmed, I will personally make it my mission in life to see you lose the crown."

Aaron laughed.

"I didn't think you wanted to be a prince, Arden."

"I have no interest in your crown, Your Highness. We both know, though, that you weren't exactly daddy's first choice."

Aaron flinched. The kid had caught him off guard.

"The word is that the House of Beaumont has a new duke."

Bart enjoyed the irritation on Aaron's face, clear evidence that he had struck a nerve. He leaned in closer.

"I'm sure you know him well, Your Highness. Duke James Beaumont," Bart said, slow and deliberate.

The two young men locked eyes. Aaron's face relaxed into a smile and he gestured towards the seat next to him.

"What is your game, Arden? You can't seriously want me for a brother-in-law."

Bart got into the car, staring straight ahead as he adjusted his suit.

"Despite not being the royal family, the House of Arden still has great political sway. Such influence means that the people trust us and because of that trust, they do business with us."

"Yes, yes. The Arden empire is one of the richest in the world and second only to that of the House of Maine in Terres Somnia. I am aware," Aaron replied with an eye roll.

Aaron didn't usually mind playing the fool for people. It put them at ease, thinking he was a troublemaking pretty boy without a clue. This time it wouldn't fly though. No one was picking his bride but him.

Bart loosened his tie and sat back, turning his head to look at Aaron.

"So there's not mere fluff between your ears. It seems you do pay attention."

"I'm not marrying her."

"Let me be clear. She is not some hostage. I will not allow any of you to force her into anything."

"My, my. Tough Bart, looking out for his big sis. Cute."

Bart grabbed the prince by the collar.

"If you go after her and treat her like a plaything, this marriage will never happen. I will consider it a declaration of war. I will take your crown from you, one way or another. I will break you."

Bart did not waver. He might not be a prince, but his blood ran as blue as Aaron's. Being turned into natural rivals at an early age by society led to animosity between the youths.

Despite the Condors being the royal family, the Ardens held a strong claim to the throne. Bart would not hesitate to make himself a nuisance. Nonetheless, Aaron wasn't about to back down from a fight with an Arden.

Aaron shoved Bart back. Their pulses were racing. The air was thick and suffocating. Neither of them blinked.

Maintaining his don't care demeanour, Aaron threw his hands up and pointed out, "What do you want me to do? Our dads have all but signed the marriage licence already. I can't tell the king no."

"No, I suppose that would require balls."

"You have no idea what it's like being me," Aaron snapped.

"And you have no idea how to treat a woman like she's human. She's not like one of your usual girls. She is headstrong and smart. This whole bad boy thing is not going to cut it."

Bart got out of the car as swiftly as he had gotten into it.

"Cheer up Aaron, this is the part you are good at. Find the girl, get her to like you."

Bart turned his gaze on the driver. Jesse bowed his head.

"My Lord."

"Make sure he finds my sister and brings her home. You have until sunset. I will stall until then."

"And if I don't?" Aaron asked.

Bart's face took on an eerie, ugly smirk.

"If you don't, I'm sure the king will love meeting Duke Beaumont."

Two minutes after leaving the Arden estate, Aaron spotted Zoey. Her face red from the heat did nothing to stop her from stomping along. No doubt she regretted her decision to leave but was too proud to go back.

Not that Aaron had any right to judge. The Arden brat had been right about him not having any stones. For years he had known who he wanted his wife to be. Emily Maine. Aaron thought he would convince his parents (and her) of the match by making them think it was their idea. Instead, the responsibilities of being a prince followed him around like a bad penny.

To add insult to injury, James was back. Did Emily know yet? Aaron didn't think his brother would set foot in Caines again after he and Cassie fled five years ago. Now his rival for Emily's heart had returned, right when he was about to make his move. Life was kicking Aaron's ass from all directions.

Zoey sat down on the pavement, her legs crossed and screamed, "What is this fresh hell! It's the bloody middle of winter!"

Aaron started as her screaming pulled him out of his brooding. Jesse and Aaron had been following her for a good half hour from a safe distance. Sweat dripped down the side of her face. She was right. It was warm for this time of the year. Aaron got out of the car with an amused grin. She was making a scene and she didn't care. His kind of girl.

"Your Highness," came Jesse's voice from the driver's seat.

"Wait here," Aaron ordered.

"But Prince Aaron-"

"I won't be long."

Zoey raised her head as an umbrella came into view above her. When her eyes met with the owner's, she groaned.

"Take a hint and go away. Not marrying you, not marrying anyone."

She pulled her knees up to her chest and hugged her legs.

"I haven't spent a minute alone with the person I came to see," Zoey mumbled.

"And who might that be? Should I be jealous?" Aaron returned with a smirk.

He liked looking at her. Despite being an obstacle to what he wanted, she was a good distraction.

Zoey got up and started walking again.

"I have a life you know? I'm starting my PhD soon. I have a mom. I have-"

Here she fell short.

So what if she didn't have a life outside of academia and her mom? That didn't give Duke Arden the right to decide for her. Fuck George.

Deflated and depressed, she was on her way back down when she felt something pressed into her hand. It was the handle of the umbrella. When next she knew, she was being lifted into the air.

"Hey! Put me down," she complained.

He looked into her face and smiled again as she kicked and pounded on his chest. For a moment, his resentment towards his parents gave way. Aaron always was a sucker for a pretty face. This one even came with a brain. He could do worse.

"Hold the umbrella upright. You're going to burn that beautiful skin of yours."

Aaron tightened his grip on her. Zoey felt his fingers press down on her thigh. The breath got caught in her throat.

"I'm not so bad to spend time with, am I?"

Zoey didn't answer. She stilled as she felt his lips press up against her ear. Her head tilted back cautiously as she raised her face to his to meet his eye. The smile turned into a crooked grin of triumph.

She gulped. He was holding her in his big, warm arms. Heat crawled up her neck and coloured her cheeks a furious red. Her mind cleared, only to be immediately flooded by the oceans in his eyes. She stopped struggling. No anger toward her parents or concerns about getting home plagued her. Her mind's sole focus was his handsome face being so close to hers.

Enjoying her eyes on him, Aaron took Zoey off-guard once more. He walked them to a nearby oak tree, and then lowered Zoey down on a nearby bench.

"Be right back," he said with a wink as he turned away from her.

As she sat there, trying to make sense of her racing heart, she watched Aaron buy two ice-creams from a man on a bicycle. The man was all smiles and refused to take the prince's money. Aaron slipped a few notes into the man's pocket as he distracted him with light banter.

It was almost a relief to find that she wasn't the only one charmed by him, maddening as his charm was. Aaron returned, dropped next to her and handed her an ice cream.

"If this is a proposal, the answer is still no," she said, but she accepted his offering.

She pulled her legs up on the bench and crossed them as she started on her ice cream.

"Not a proposal of marriage, but I suppose a proposal of sorts."

He'd outwitted his father and Duke Arden, only to let an ice cream wrapper get the better of him. There was a joke in there somewhere he thought as he continued to struggle with unwrapping the cone.

Without a word, Zoey took his ice cream and replaced it with hers. She then set to work ripping the wrapping off of his cone. Her actions were unladylike and bold. Two of Aaron's favourite things in a woman.

"Well, what is this proposal then?" she asked, deciding to humour him.

Her tongue swept over the top of the new ice cream. It was his turn to stare. He watched her until he felt something cold drip down onto his hand. The ice cream was melting.

"Go out with me," he said, making quick work of what used to be her cone.

Zoey swallowed a big chunk of ice cream, jumped up and started hopping up and down.

"What is it? Are you okay?" he asked, laying a hand on her shoulder as came to stare into her face.

"Again with the touching," she mumbled.

"Excuse me?"

She jumped, this one higher than the previous ones.

"So cold! Brain freeze!"

"That's what you get for shuffling it all down like that," he teased, pulling her in for a hug.

As he set about rubbing her back in an attempt to warm her up, Zoey thought about the last time someone asked her out. It happened at her first frat party in college. A drunk frat boy asked her out in front of everyone. Instead of saying no like a normal person, she ran away. Zoey never went to another party after that.

"Pretty sure this is at least a third date thing," she mumbled

Aaron pulled away, letting his hands linger on her arms as he rubbed them up and down.

"Depends on who the date is with," he said, oozing confidence.

There was something so sexy about the way he spoke. How unrelenting, yet gentle he was in pursuing her. He was like something from a spicy dream. Always knew exactly what to say. This only added to her nervousness.

"No," she said flatly, walking away quickly. "But thanks for the ice cream."

Aaron had to hurry to catch up to her. He grabbed the umbrella.

"At least let me drive you back to the Arden mansion. Everyone is probably worried and you can't exactly walk back to Rosa."

With these words, the ridiculousness of her leaving the way she did hit home. Of course, she knew she couldn’t walk back to Rosa. It was a good 16-hour drive, never mind walking. But then she hadn't been thinking when she left the estate.

They had doubled back without her realising it. She blamed him. He made her too flustered to think straight. Zoey saw Aaron's car and Jesse waiting in front of it in the distance.

"Tell you what, Your Highness. If you carry me back to the estate, I will go out with you."

Aaron looked back at the car. Zoey snorted.

"Shall we take the car then, Your Highness?"

"One sec."

With a determined look on his face, Aaron jogged over to Jesse and they struck up a conversation. Jesse's face took on a sour expression that got worse the longer they spoke. On Aaron's jog back, she watched Jesse shake his head, get into the car and drive off.

Zoey's face went pale.

"Where is he going?"

"We won't be needing a car if I'm going to carry you home, now will we?"

Zoey remembered his arms around her and she became flustered all over again.

Then she saw him and couldn't help letting out a laugh. He was squatting with his knees bent and his back to her.

"You must be joking."

He got up, turned around, reached out and started twirling one of her golden locks around his finger.

"Would you prefer I carry you like before, princess?"

"Just turn around already."