CHAPTER 6: TRAINING THE QUEEN
1139 Words
Dante’s spacious study had turned into a battlefield.
Stacks of profile files on Maverick Corp’s board members covered the expensive teak desk. Dante stood in front of the massive window, while Lexy sat restlessly, flipping through photos of older men in formal suits.
“Make sure you remember these faces, Lexy. Don’t get a single name wrong,” Dante instructed without turning around.
“This feels like a history exam, Dante! Why do I need to know that Mr. Harrison plays golf every Sunday?”
Dante turned sharply toward her.
“Because if Harrison realizes you paid attention to that tiny detail, he’ll assume you’re intelligent. If he thinks you’re intelligent, then he won’t suspect this marriage is a performance.”
Lexy tossed the file onto the desk.
“I’m a photographer, not a spy!”
“And now you’re both,” Dante said, stepping closer and turning her chair to face him.
“Let me test you. Who’s the woman in the third photo?”
“Umm… Marie Vance. Widow of Maverick Logistics’ founder. She loves Persian cats and hates seafood.”
“Good. And her connection to Julian Vane?”
“Distant cousin. They don’t get along because of a dispute over inherited coastal land.”
Dante nodded, satisfied.
“Your memory’s decent. Now stand up.”
Lexy frowned.
“For what?”
“The way you walk. You walk like you’re chasing a breaking story down a narrow alley. At the party, you need to walk like you own the room.”
He placed a thick book on top of her head.
Lexy frozen.
“Seriously? The classic book on the head trick? You’re unbelievably cliche, Maverick.”
“Do not complaining. Walk toward me. Five steps.”
Lexy tried. Three steps in, the book dropped with a loud thud.
“Again,” Dante ordered coolly.
“Geez… I’m not a runway model!”
“You’re the future wife of Maverick Corp’s billionaire, Lexy! Stop acting like a rebellious teenager.” Dante stood directly in front of her, picked up the book, and placed it back on her head. This time, his hands stayed on her shoulders, steadying her posture.
“You need to relax your shoulders. Lift your chin. Look at me.”
Lexy looked up.
They were so close she could see her own reflection in his dark eyes. His breath brushed against her forehead.
“Why are you doing all this, Dante? Just for the company?” she whispered.
“The company is the only thing that won’t betray me, Alexandra. I won’t let anyone destroy it. Including you.”
“Even if it means living in a lie for two years?”
“A profitable lie is better than a destructive truth. Now walk.”
Lexy started again.
This time she was steadier.
One step… two… three… four… five.
She stopped right in front of his chest. The book stayed perfectly in place.
“Good?” Lexy challenged.
Dante’s gaze dropped briefly to her lips before shifting away.
“Not yet. I still need to teach you how to dance. Julian Vane will definitely try to provoke me by asking you for a dance. I won’t allow that. You’ll only dance with me.”
“I can’t do the waltz, Dante.”
“I’ll lead. You just follow me.”
He slid one hand to her waist and clasped her smaller fingers with the other. Without music, he began guiding their bodies in a slow rhythm.
“One, two, three… glide… one, two, three…”
“Ow! My foot, Dante!” Lexy winced after accidentally stepping on his polished leather shoe.
“Focus, Alexandra. Don’t look at your feet. Look at me.”
“It’s hard to focus when you’re staring at me like you’re about to devour me.”
“That’s called intensity, not devouring you. The public needs to believe I’m crazy about you.”
Lexy let out a dry laugh as she tried to follow his steady steps.
“Crazy about me? You don’t even know my favorite color.”
“Sky blue. You always stop a second when you see a clear sky before taking a photo. I’ve reviewed all the files Marcus confiscated from your camera.”
Lexy stopped moving.
“You had no right to invade my privacy!”
“I need to understand my weapon, Lexy. And your photos… honestly, they’re not bad. You have a sharp eye for things most people overlook.”
The sincerity in his voice chipped away at her defenses. She searched his face for mockery, but his expression remained unreadable as ever.
“Thank you,” she murmured.
Just as the atmosphere began to soften, the study door opened without a knock.
Victoria Maverick stood there in a purple silk gown, holding a large jewelry box.
“That’s enough training. I’ve chosen a diamond necklace for you, Alexandra. Dante’s grandmother wore it at her engagement. If you lose it, consider your hand gone along with the necklace.”
Lexy swallowed.
“Mrs. Maverick, I think that’s a bit—”
“Nothing is excessive when it comes to preserving the family’s dignity.” Victoria stepped forward and handed the box to Dante.
“Put it on her. I want to see if this photographer’s neck is worthy of carrying our family heirloom.”
Dante opened the box. The diamonds sparkled brilliantly, almost mocking Lexy’s modest background.
He stepped behind her and swept her long hair to one side.
His cool fingers brushed the skin of her neck as he fastened the clasp. Lexy felt like she was being fitted with the most expensive pair of handcuffs in existence.
“It suits her,” Victoria said coldly.
“Remember, Alexandra. The party in two days isn’t just a celebration. It’s your public trial. One mistake, and I will personally ensure you leave this place with nothing. Including the hospital funding for your brother.”
Victoria turned and left as gracefully as she had entered.
Lexy touched the diamond at her throat. It felt heavy.
“She really knows how to ruin a mood.”
“Welcome to the Maverick family, Lexy,” Dante murmured, watching their reflection in the large mirror.
“Where diamonds are worth more than tears.”
“Dante?”
“Yes?”
“Can I ask for one thing?”
He met her eyes through the mirror.
“What?”
“Tomorrow, let me visit my brother. Just for an hour. I need to make sure he’s okay before I get swallowed by your grand performance.”
Dante was silent for a moment, then gave a small nod.
“Marcus will take you. But remember, no foolish moves. One attempt to run, and that necklace will be the last thing you ever wear as a woman.”
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