The Kings Series #1 His Beauty Queen novel Chapter 7

Oh, my lord! Her jaw literally dropped from her face. The view was a real-life Forbes inspired magnificent piece of luxury.

She gazed at the spectacular mansion before her. The backdrop alone was dramatic and beautiful. This is not an apartment! She turned to look at Alexie. It was not happening. This was a mistake. She shouldn't be here. She didn't mean to agree. She was in a panic mode once more. Twice in a day.

"Hey, hey. Relax, Anna. Don't overthink this." Her new friend tried to soothe her. It was only the two of them right now. Her husband and the big boss were busy on a conference call with the corporate officers, she informed her before they came here.

Except earlier when Alexander so rudely interrupted her lecture, she never saw him again. And you miss him, right? She did not. Ok. Maybe a little. Why was she having a conversation with herself?

"This is too much, Alexie. I mean, I would be happy with a one-bedroom apartment." She assured her.

"Don't be silly. Have you seen those houses we passed by? Those are for our managers and executives. I could put you on one but you would be alone. And you are single and beautiful. I don't want anyone taking advantage of you. Please stay with me? You will have the North Wing to yourself. No one would bother you. Please?" Not even the boss? She shivered at the thought. She was so attracted to him there was no denying it.

Too bad she doesn't like players and manwhores. And he basically declared that he was interested in her minus the relationship part. She scoffed. She wondered where he lives. Maybe here? How can she resist him if she saw him every day? This place was ginormous. Alexie was still looking at her with her puppy dog eyes, pleading, and imploring. Jesus! How can she crush that?

"Ok, Lex. You need to promise me one thing though." She nodded. Eager. "I will leave if I sense I am becoming a burden to you or your brother."

"Come se mio fratello ti avesse mai lasciato andare!" She murmured. What's with the Italian? (As if my brother would ever let you go.)

"In English, please?"

"Right. Sure, Anna. Now, come on!"

Her enthusiasm was really contagious. She found herself chuckling while Alexie dragged her to the enormous double doors. Before they even reached the entrance it was opened by a prestigious looking elder garb in a perfectly tailored suit. She glanced shyly at the imposing man. "Anna, this is our head butler Baxter. Anything you need, he is the go-to guy." The man bowed deeply before them like they were royalty! Maybe Alexie was one. She definitely was not.

"It is an honor, Mia Regina." And he bowed again. Ok. That was weird.

"Um...nice to meet you, Baxter." She murmured then gasped at the grand staircase before them. Amazing! Holy shit! Were the banisters made of gold? These people must really be filthy rich.

"Anna? Do you want me to show you to your room?" Alexie's eyes were filled with joy. This was not a trick, right? Or maybe these people will harvest her internal organs and sell each fat piece to the black market? Yuck! You watch a lot of horror movies, Anna May!

"Lex, do you really think this is ok? I mean, I don't want to break something." She was not aware she was wringing her cold hands nervously until the woman before her gripped them in earnest.

"This is more than ok. I like you here. And my brother will too." She wiggled her perfect eyebrows suggestively. She laughed at her deep blush and stunned expression. Lost for words. It was so obvious, Alexie had known right away she had the hots for her brother. God! So embarrassing. She groaned --fought the urge to cover her face.

"Don't worry. It's our little secret. Now, come on!" She squealed when she suddenly pulled her up the grand staircase towards the North Wing of the mansion. Baxter, the intimidating butler hovered behind them. Close to their heels.

Was he worried she would somehow damage the antique pieces? She mentally snorted. She was not that clumsy.

Alexie opened another heavy set of doors, making her thoroughly speechless for the umpteen time today.

This will be her --this can't be right. Alexie pulled her hand, guiding her inside the most extravagant bedroom she had ever seen. And she has seen a lot on Pinterest.

"Lex," At a loss for words, she surveyed the room. Too much. She shook her head.

"Don't you like it? I designed this suite myself." Alexie asked. For the first time today, she heard the uncertainty in her voice. Like she was insecure about something. Anna gasped, alarmed seeing her friend on the verge of crying.

"Oh no, Lex. I love it! This room is fit for a queen. I am just your employee." She implored and glanced around the room. These must-have cost millions.

"Non me hai idea, mia Regina. This room is yours, no arguments." She tapped her foot for emphasis. Her Italian accent more pronounced when she was frustrated. Anna couldn't help but be amused.

Alexie walked excitedly ahead of her. Showing her the luxurious bathroom and designer walk-in closet. (You have no idea, my queen.)

"What's on the other side of my closet?"

"Just more closet." She answered dismissively.

"Alexie, before I accept all of this, will you answer me one question? Please?" She really wanted to take all of this in stride however she couldn't help but be cautious. She was betrayed by the rich and elite before. Never again.

"Anything, Anna." She held her hands, smiling gently.

"Why me, Lex?" She begged her to answer honestly. All of these had boggled her mind.

"I understand. Leave us for a minute, Baxter?" She glanced at the butler. Who shut down the doors upon his graceful exit. They both sat at the deep magenta couch. "Please trust me? And promise you won't leave? I can assure you that we won't ever harm you. My husband and I will always protect you. Especially my brother."

"Ok. I am listening." She nodded and hoped her perception of them was not far off. They were so nice to her and she instinctively knew they were good people.

"Some things my brother will be the one to explain to you but for my part, what I can say is that I am drawn to you. Like a sister. I need to care for you. To protect you. I will never do you harm. I have a bond with you that I feel in my heart. Please believe me, Anna. Stay. Soon, we will get your sisters too. I promise you that. Just please stay." She pleaded. An unusual trait for her. She never pegged her as the pleading type. She was confidently assured of everything.

"You are not a cult or something, are you?" Alexie snorted, making her smile. She believed her. Honesty was written all over her eyes. She really wanted her here. "Lex, what about Alexander?" She squirmed in her seat.