Her Mischievous Prince (Book 3)

Eight

Riley

Feet sore and wanting to get a breather, I made my way down the stairs I luckily found while attempting to get away from everyone, my mom included. I’ve been introduced to about fifty and probably more people and I doubt I’ll even remember which face belongs to which name. I could’ve made an effort to get to know them cause maybe, by some miracle, they could become my future clients, but after a few exchanges, I suddenly didn’t care anymore. Not because I hate meeting people of high class, but it was because though they’re all smiling as they air-kissed me or shook my hand, I could feel the displeasure they have towards me and my mom especially. Obviously, the people who came are either business partners or company executives of Xavier Prince which means they know who my mom is and what she does. I’d like to think differently, that maybe I’m just being paranoid, but there were moments when I’d catch them eyeing me from head to toe as if they were checking how expensive my shoes and clothes are.

As I stepped on the very bottom of the stairs I couldn’t help but look down at my short royal blue A-Line sleeveless lace dress, the one Jaxon picked out for me. Expensive or not, I think this dress looks awesome. It fitted me perfectly in every way including my personality. It wasn’t too formal, but it wasn’t too simple either. His exact words were, “that looks perfect on you. You should get that.” And you know what? I believed him. I still do I guess, so to hell with all their designer bags, shoes, and clothes! I didn’t come here to impress anyone, I came to support my mom. With that resolve, I pushed the door open and I immediately tensed at the loud sound coming from whatever it was that I just opened. And because I panicked due to several reasons, one mainly being found and subjected to talking nonstop about businesses I know nothing about, I rushed inside and closed the door instead of shutting the door and staying out.

“Good God!” I exclaimed as the beat of the drums filled the room in time with the song Moby d**k by Led Zeppelin. I turned to see what was going on and I wish I hadn’t because sweet Jesus... I just walked into what could be Jaxon Prince’s bedroom and I don’t think I’ll survive being stuck here with a shirtless rock star doing his rock star thing. I mentally did a coin toss as I watched him play cooly - heads, wait for him to kick me out and tails, see myself out immediately. Before I could visualize which side of the coin flipped, Jaxon smirked and nodded towards the love seat across from him. Okay... new coin toss - heads, I politely pass, tails, I sit. Tails it is! We watched each other as I awkwardly made my way to where he’s invited me while he continued to play, and I swear my heart pumped in time with every beat he did.

Once seated, I smoothed down my dress and tried the best I can to sit as Princess Diana would. You know, the prim and proper kind where you place your hands on top of each other just above your knee which I don’t do at all. The action must’ve been so funny because the moment I met his eyes, his grin grew wider and his shoulders shook. I rolled my eyes at him and matched his grin simply because I couldn’t help but become infected with his laid-back and playful persona. Making myself more comfortable, I watched him go through the song, completely enthralled. I’ve seen people play the drums before, but how he does things seem to set him apart. He wasn’t just playing the drums, it looked like he could do this in his sleep. He made it look so damn easy and so cool that by the time the song ended, I was up and clapping. “Thank you! You’re all awesome!” he mock-shouted before taking an exaggerated bow which was all it took to have me giggling like a freaking school girl. I know it’s kinda gross of me to be acting this way, but it naturally happens when I’m around him.

“What brings you to this side of the house?” he asked as he sat back. “I was just exploring and umm... I'm sorry if I invaded your privacy just now, didn't mean to suddenly burst in here,” I answered not really wanting to tell him that I just wanted to get away for a while because of how stuck up I think the people are upstairs. "Pffft... Come on, Riles just admit it. You were suffocating up there," he remarked while spinning the drumstick on his right hand between his fingers. "Fine. I guess this isn't the kind of party I'm used to," I admitted. "Yeah. I know what you mean. Honestly, I should be used to this by now, but a party like this is not my cup of tea either." I considered his words not really knowing if I should believe him. I'm pretty sure that given his status and the kind of career he has, he's pretty much a master of these kinds of parties. "Oh? And what kind of parties do you like?" I asked. "The kind that doesn't involve a lot of people I barely know and not a lot of pissing contest," he smirked. "Yeah. I know what you mean," I laughed.

"So, I'm guessing you had this soundproofed?" I asked as I looked around. "Yeah, a few years back. Wasn't my idea though," he chuckled. "Meaning?" I pushed. "Meaning my dad had it done when I played nonstop in one of his parties. No s**t that pissed him off. After having it made though, I pretty much didn't come back here up until now." I turned to look at him again wanting to ask why but decided not to at the last minute. "You know, this house is magnificent. The structure, the architectural style, the interior - it's basically every person's dream home," I babbled when he just kept staring. "It is, my mom was the one who designed it. One of her best works so it was kinda crazy when she didn't want this as a parting gift," he admitted, still smiling and I simply nodded.

"Wanna get out of here?" he suddenly asked as he wore his shirt, leaving it unbuttoned. "Go where exactly? Also, aren't we supposed to be hanging around here or something?" He tilted his head and pushed his lips out as if he was seriously thinking about what I've said. "Well, sweetheart, technically, it's still considered hanging around here even if it means down by the lake." My mouth slowly formed an O as realization dawned on me. He wiggled his brows and jerked his head towards the door. "Get whatever it is you might need and meet me out back, I'll just grab some beer."

And there it is again, his rule-breaker attitude. Normally, I'd stir clear of men like him, but again for some undefined reason, I stick to him like a fly on a paper trap.