The Kings Series #1 His Beauty Queen novel Chapter 9

The first thing she noticed upon waking up was she was warm. Not the kind of heat that will make her sweat. This felt more like a security blanket.

She stared at the muscled arm --wide-eyed-- holding her tightly. Her legs tangled to equally muscled calves. She stiffened, remembering all the predators that tried to take advantage of her and her sisters. She began to hyperventilate. Shit!

“Shhh, baby girl. It's me." Alexander. She thought it was all a dream.

Anna gave a sigh of relief, finding comfort in his arms.

She remembered her nightmare last night and his comforting presence. Had shamelessly asked him to stay. He did and chased her fears away. She turned in his arms to face him and tilted her head and smiled. The light of the glorious morning streaming from the elegant contemporary Italian styled windows.

“Good morning, Xander." God! He looked even more handsome in his five-o'clock shadow.

“Good morning, cara mia." He leaned down to kiss her forehead and her dreamy eyes fluttered. “Did you sleep well?" She nodded, her flushed cheek rubbing on his hard chest.

“How about you?" She propped her head on her shoulder to examine him better and gasped when he pulled her closer, burying his face on her neck, inhaling her scent greedily. He kissed the sensitive skin down to her collarbone and she couldn't help but moan in delight.

“It's the best sleep of my life, bella." He murmured on her neck. She felt hot all over, the tingles ran from her neck to her nipples then further down. He groaned, as if in pain. He kissed her forehead then her cheeks. She knew she was blushing again. From his reaction, he knew what she was thinking.

“Xander, I like this but don't you think we are going too fast? I mean, we only met yesterday." She nibbled her lips, suddenly doubting herself. This was insane. "I feel like I don't know you enough and I would like that to change before we go further."

They sat on the rumpled bed, his arms around her and they were staring too intently at each other. Gauging. Assessing. Trying to read each other's thoughts.

“Do you trust me, mio amore?" His voice was serious --gravelly and hot from sleep. She quivered and the butterflies in her stomach fluttered.

“Yes, I do. I feel safe with you. It's just that, this is a first for me. I am afraid, Xander." He knew she was not afraid of him but of this intense feeling. Of this crazy attraction. She was afraid to fall, he may not be there to catch her.

“You should never be afraid, baby girl. We go at your own pace. I am not going anywhere. I am here to stay. Trust me?" How could she deny this man? He was sincere. She really admired his straightforwardness. And he has given her the reins.

“Yes, I trust you," Anna whispered. Her eyes on his delectable red wine lips. He brushed his soft lips against her and she gasped. It was the softest of kisses. More like a promise. Like a butterfly's wings. His face was taut yet his stormy gray eyes showed warmth and devotion.

She smiled radiantly at him. He blinked several times, she giggled. He smiled back to dispel the tense moment.

“Tell me honestly, Xander. Is this your room?" He tensed, unsure of what to answer. She didn't plan to move to another room, she just wanted to know the truth.

“Yes. But you belong here." Was his defensive answer.

“Thank you for telling me the truth. Your sister was very clever." She moved out of his arms, ready to start her day. He eyed her warily.

“Cara mia," With lethal grace he got up from the bed, ready to take her in his arms. She guessed he was preparing for an argument for her to stay in his suite. She raised her hand, stopping him. She really can't think straight when she was in his arms.

“I will stay. I like it here." She squealed as he hugged her then spun her while in his arms. He peppered her neck with kisses despite her protests. " I need to go to the bathroom, Xander. I look like a mess." He set her down gently, a huge smile on his face.

“I think you are the most beautiful woman in the world." He whispered adorably. God! Is she this lucky?

“I think you are beautiful too. I mean...ah...extremely handsome." Oh, God! She did not just embarrass herself. Who tells an Adonis he was beautiful? It should be manly and handsome and gorgeous. Or whatever...

She squirmed in his arms. Ready to hid in the bathroom. He chuckled, pressing a kiss to her forehead before letting her go. And she ran straight to the ensuite bathroom lest he changed his mind.

“See you at breakfast, baby girl!" She groaned, locked the bathroom behind her, and grimaced --examining herself in the mirror. Her skin was so flushed, her amber eyes glowed and alight with excitement. She knew she no longer looked like the beauty queen she once was. However, she had never felt so alive. But...

Anna's happy thoughts wittered at the memories suddenly assailing her, dampening her mood.

She was barely 18 at that time  --at the peak of her career, the youngest female ever to be crowned Ms. Universe. She was invited to all the glamorous events in the world. For almost two years she had graced the runway of Milan, Paris, Tokyo, and Dubai. All under the protection of her manager, her talent scout, her best friend. George. Her heart clenched at the thought of her.

The invitation to the New York Fashion week came 3 months before her 20th birthday. All the big names in fashion. They were so excited. All expenses paid. They were promised $100,000 by the end of the week. She had a name. The title --exactly what the sponsors needed to boost up the event. They even signed a contract. The first few days were fine but then disaster has struck. She lost her friend after that. It also ended her career in the modeling industry. And moreover, she had lost all the money she saved for her sisters. All because of that one man.

***

Alexander was waiting at the foot of the stairs. She blushed at the intentness in his gray stormy eyes. She had dallied in the luxurious bathroom and almost fell asleep in the bathtub.

His impatience made her grin. Instead of waiting at the foot of the grand staircase, he met her halfway, taking two steps at a time. Her hand gently clasped in his, he guided her down the steps with his other arm around her waist.

“Xander, people are staring." She looked up at him, he smirked, holding her more securely. She could hear whispers from his staff and some of the maids were giggling.

“You are beautiful, cara mia. That's why they are staring. Come. Breakfast awaits." Everything in this mansion was glamorously impressive. So elegant.

“This place is huge." More so in the morning light.

“Do you like it?" She looked up at him. Her brows knitted. Puzzled. He was seriously waiting for her approval. If she said no will he change the design? "If you don't like it here, we will buy another house, baby girl." That answered her question. Was he for real?

“No! I like this one, Alexander. Jeez, please don't give me a heart attack so early in the morning." He shrugged, kissed her hair then sat her to his left at the breakfast table. She gaped at the various dishes in front of her. "Are more people joining us?"

"I believe Baxter has outdone himself. I have never seen him so enthusiastic." Speaking of which. The prestigious looking butler appeared seconds after Alexander took his seat.

“Good morning, mia regina. Do you want tea or juice?" What was with all the bowing?

“Good morning, Baxter. I will have cold orange juice, please. No pulp." She was rather fond of the elderly gentleman. He bowed once more in her direction. Really?