Chapter 16

Princess Harper
"Do you freaking know what you're thinking about ?! Lots of women crawling on me just to taste me then you're going to tell me this grass tastes better than me ?!" The young man could not believe his words
He was almost speechless again because of what he heard here. He got a facepalm here. 'This man is really tall!' It"s not just flirty, it"s even windy and grumpy.
"Can I ?! Don't talk first! I'm eating! You're losing your appetite!" He is sick of it
She was about to shove a spoonful of food in her mouth when she spoke again. She closes her eyes tightly.
"I won't stop! I can believe you said that— what the fuck!" It made her eyes widen
Why? He just cooked the vegetables he was supposed to eat in his mouth, which made a lot of noise. She gave her sweetest smile which obviously fake at him before speaking.
"See? It tastes good. So shut up before I stab you with that fork!" Banta nya
He just sniffed and then chewed the food. Thankfully, it didn"t speak anymore and just ate because he was actually going to stick the fork he was holding into it.
He was already in the middle of eating when he presented the spoon in front of him. He frowned at it.
"What?" He wondered the question
Vane smirked mischievously before resting his cheek in his hand. He was swallowed. The man was clearly seducing him and it's freaking working! She can feel her skin was flaming by the intensity of his stares.
"Feed me Harper. I want you to feed me," he commands huskily
He swallowed again and averted his eyes. She can't stare into those goddamn blue eyes or else she will get lost in it. He tried to act normal and thankfully it succeeded.
"What's the use of your hands if you can't feed yourself ?!" He can answer the question here
"I'm tired using my hands Harper. I want you to do it for me," he said in a very sexy voice
She can feel her cheeks burning when his words came out double in meaning. He was very lip-bitten. What is this man doing again ?! Why can't she control her body when it comes to him !?
"Pretty please ?!" He begged in a cute voice
He stared at it. His eyes were twinkling and his red lips were curled in a smile. 'God! How can I resist this goddamn very handsome man ?! ' Vane was so adorable when he's acting like a child, like this.
She sighed and before she knew it. He took the spoon in his hand and fed the young man. She can't help but feel shy when their eyes locked. He wanted to finish that and run away from there.
Away from the young man who makes him feel a strange sensation. Not just in her body and mind. But in the heart.
How can a man control her body, brain and heart?
"You're so beautiful Harper," the young man whispered
He stopped sucking on it and stared into its cloud -colored eyes. Her already abnormal heart beating increased and it's starting to make her feel something. Something very strong.
Like an urge to kiss the man
"And I want you,"
She opened her mouth to say something but Vane was too fast. He get the spoon out from her hand and place it on the table then he grip her neck,
Smashing his lips to her.
Prince Terrence Vane
He can't help but cursed in his head. Her lips in him feels so good. It's so good that he doesn't want to end it any soon.
He waited for her to push him but she didn't instead she responded widly which makes him even more aggressive. Damn, he never felt this way. It was so hot, strong and addicting.
He gripped her hips and pulled her so Harper was sitting his lap. His tounge roamed around hers tasting the food she'd eaten earlier. His grip on it tightened and he muttered again in his mind.
'Damn! Damn! I'm f-cking hard! '
"V-Vane ...," she moaned
He bit her lips and continue kissing her. In her jawline down to her neck leaving a mark in there then he pulled away. He doesn't want to stop but he had too. The girl had a strong effect on him but the respect he felt for it was stronger.
He kissed her forehead then touched it. Vane smiled when Harper rest her head in his shoulder and slip her one arm in his back.
"W-What's that for Vane? M-mali. Mali to," Harper whispered
He tightened his grip on the girl then looked at her face.
"Nothing's wrong Harper. Forget what I said and what your father said. I came there to find a suitable wife and your father insists Caroline. It's not that we're already engaged so stop worrying," he whispered fondly here. "I don't want her Harper. I want you and I want to take my words back,"
It left the nest on his shoulder and looked at him intently. He smiled at her and caressed her cheeks using his thumb. It was he dreamed off. To touch her like this.
"I want you more than friends Harper,"
*
Princess Emily Harper
"I want you more than friends Harper,"
She was stunned by what the young man said and thought. Yes. She had these unknown feelings towards him but is that enough? Would she take a risk knowing that she's didn't yet know what she really felt?
The young man sighed causing him to look at it. She can see sadness in his eyes and it pained her. Vane was a very lively one. Yeah he was a total flirt and tease but she knew he's someone good to be with because of his liveliness.
"I'm not forcing you to like me Harper. Instead I'm just asking permission to court you," Vane kissed her cheeks making her flush. "I want to start right,"
His grip tightened on the back of it. Honestly, she didn't really know what to answer. Her heart and mind were arguing over the question.
"I-I don't know Vane. I'm confused. There's so many questions in my head right now and I just can't say yes," he stood up and averted his gaze.
"Harper?" Vane stood up too
He was about to take her hand when he avoided her hand. He needs to think about it first. Think about how he feels. She wanna know if saying yes to him was worth the risk because she knows. She wants commitment now just a plain fling.
"I want to think Vane first. I don't have to take a risk," she said
"I'm expecting this,"
He looked up at it. Her heart clenched when she saw the pain by her rejections in his eyes but she has no choice.
He approached it and held its hands. His body tensed and she can feel his burning gaze in her head since he was taller than her but she tried her best to ignore it.
"I want time to think Vane but to be honest ..," he looked into her eyes
She can see that he's really waiting for her answer.
"I'm attracted to you Vane but we both know attraction wasn't enough for a relationship to work out. It should be more than that and that's what I need to think about," he explained here.
Vane give her a small smile before kissing her forehead. Her heart warms by the gesture.
"I'll give you time but not space Harper. I can't promise not I won't stick around you," he whispered in a low voice.
She smiled, "Right. Anyway, are we going home now?" She asked trying to ease tension
Vane shoved his hands inside his pocket before pouting at her.
"Why? Do you want to leave me right away?" This question is frustrating
She laughed at his silliness, "We both know Mister even if I come home. You're not going to leave my side,"
It's time for Vane to smirk flirtatiously which makes her eyes rolled.
"You're right popcorn. We can stay through the night. I had many rooms i here,"
"Yeah," She said irritated
Honestly, she's asking herself how did popcorn became her nickname? She gets annoyed when he calls her that.
"Just ask Lady Son," Vane informed
He turned around and started walking away as something silly entered his mind. She smiled mischievously. She turned around and called Vane. The young man looked at him.
"That food still tastes better than you. Goodnight teddy bear,"
She bit her lips to stop herself from laughing as she swallowed the food. He quickly looked for Lady Son when he heard the young man shout.
"I TASTE BETTER THAN LETTUCE! AND I'M NOT A STUFF TOY!"
*
Prince Terrence Vane
He step out from the shower after having a very long long cold bath. Seems like his little friend here was so stubborn and wanted the lady to tame it. He took the towel that hung there neatly and placed it on the bottom and the other one was on his hair, drying it. She came out of the bathroom and went to her walk-in closet and started looking for clothes.
He slipped his boxers and was about to grab his pants when his phone rang. He walk towards it and answer the call immediately.
[Where's my daughter Prince Vane!]
She sighed and sat up in bed. He forgot to tell the old man about his decision.
"She's with me King Dimitrio. Don't worry I'll take care of her," he said in a final voice
[I told you! She's can't be—]
"For F-ck's sake Dimitrio!" He growled, "Don't command me and don't hurt your daughter again! I won't let her leave my side if you keep hurting her!"
He can't help it anymore. He was so mad at this man for hurting Harper. Yes! It was his daughter but it doesn't give him the right to hurt Harper!
"Listen carefully Dimitrio. I know I'm invading you on your own personal problem but damn it! You're protection was hurting her already! She's not telling you because she's a brave woman! Whatever your reason is. Keep it for now. I ' I'll take care of her and if she wants to go home. I'll drive her myself, "
He only heard a sigh on the other line before he died. He placed the phone back on the nightstand and ran his hand through his hair in annoyance.
'I hope my words sink in his mind'
He won't let anyone hurt his princess. He knew it was brave and sometimes didn"t care about others but he knew she was just keeping it. The day will come when it will just explode and become someone else. That's what he won't let happen to the girl.
He's going to save the woman from pain that can change people. Whatever it takes.
Princess Emily Harper
Harper leaned on the railing in her temporary room here in Ihmapuleya. The surroundings were unfamiliar yet it still felt home. He temporarily forgot what happened to Serfim.
Her mind was completely occupied by Vane and his question. She won't deny that she's attractive and she likes the man so much but it wasn't enough. She wants to know that the young man also feels what he feels. She's scared of risking her heart if Vane wasn't there to catch her.
What if it was just attracted to him and when he got it. Will it get tired and just throw him away? That what mean usually do right? So he avoided Prince Luca because that's how it is.
She knows very well that anyone can hide their true self in a mask so they can have what they want. Vane is afraid of that kind of person.
So he will try it. She wants to clear all her doubts and if he succeeds.
She'll let herself not just like but loved him
She pulled out of her thoughts when she heard a knock on the door. She stood up straigh and went towards it. He opened it and the young man with wet hair was exposed to him.
Her throat run dry in the view. Vane was wearing black pants and white t-shirt and his hear was wet and messy. She gulped. He looks so goddamn handsome!
"Done checking me out popcorn?" This question made me smile
He was brought back to reality and stared at it. "What do you need?" He asked a rude question
Vane shoved his hand inside his pocket and smiled sweetly. He was acting like he doesn't know what he's doing in her body and it's making her pissed. 'How could he react like that? How could he be so handsome by just putting his hand on his pocket! "
"I'm here to tell you ... if you really want to go home tomorrow..y-you know..ahmm," He stammered
He just stared at it while watching it. He was stammering as if he's nervous while stating those words. It's even more scratchy on the nape which she founds cute.
"You want me to stay here?" He asked directly
"II mean ... if you just want to. I knew you're hurt by your father and I knew too that you wanted to stay away for awhile to make up your mind. So I guess, my palace was a better place for you , "it explains
He was suddenly taken aback by what he said and stared for a few seconds. Then suddenly, happiness creep inside her heart. She was so happy that someone was considering her emotions. That someone understand what she's going through.
She wants to hug the young man and kiss him but she restrain herself. Though, the man obviously care about her. He still needs to be sure.
She smiled at him, "Thank you," she said warmly
Vane smiled at her like an innocent child who hust get what he wants.
"Well. Goodnight popcorn. See you tomorrow," he winked at her
He just laughed at it and shook. She bid her goodnight before closing the door. She lay down on the bed and hugged the pillow while thinking about the man.
"Goodnight to you too Mr. Lettuce," She laughed lightly
*
The next day, he woke up early. She was so excited to roamed the place and be with Vane as well. Lady Son help her get ready despite of her declining. It's because he's old and he's worried that he might get sick because of the action.
In her age, she should be resting not working.
She wore an emerald dress that ends beneath her knees. It has a red belt around her waist which makes it more beautiful. While Lady Son braided her hair. When it was over, it accompanied him down to the living room. Her heart skipped instantly when she saw Vane's back sitting on the massive sofa with coffee in his hand. Its eye is focused on the laptop it is holding and that looks important in its appearance.
She let herself fall next to him causing Vane too look up to her. She smiled brightly at the man who looked amazed. His eyes roamed her body and she can't help but to chuckle.
"Eyes up here Vane. My face isn't there," he laughed
A mischievous smile appeared his lips. He leaned back and was about to kiss her when he slapped her forehead. He widened his eyes at it.
"And what do you think you're doing Mr. Lettuce?" She asked playfully
His forehead furrowed and his lips pout as if he's thinking something. 'He looks so handsome!' Vane leaned back on the sofa with his eyes still on her.
"Mr. Lettuce? Where did you get that ?! I told you. I'm better than lettuce, popcorn." This complaint is frustrating
She leaned on the sofa too but her front was on him. He leaned his mouth on the sofa then spoke.
"Yeah. That's why I called Mr. Lettuce. Because lettuce was still better than you so in order to stop your childishness. I called you one," she gave him a small smile
He smiled again. She didn't expect him to lean on her causing to stumble back. He heard her laugh.
"Relax Harper. I don't heat popcorn without coke," He said maliciously
He threw it a pillow which it easily avoided. It just kept laughing despite his bad look at it. Later on, she smiled. It's not that, she'll get mad at him for that. She was just feeling giddy and she don't know how to hide it.
"Why do women tend to hurt when they're sexually assaulted? You know. You can be honest sometimes," it teased.
She rolled her eyes, "You're an asshole!" He said nothing sideways
He was about to speak when Lady Son arrived with three maidens whom he knew were also servants in the palace. They placed the plates containing bacon, rice and sunny side-up along with a hot coffee.
She thank them after putting the plates. It just smiled at him then left as well. He looked at the young man to make sure the helpers were gone.
"Why Lady Son's still working? At her age, she must be resting not serving," he asked seriously
Vane sighed before getting his coffee and taking a sip, "I told her to retire but she refuses. I understand why she doesn't want to stop. She's been here even before my mother Samara was found. I guess, she really loves serving people not resting and doing nothing. I just respect her, "explained the young man
He nodded. It's been here for a long time. After all, it's hard to stop something you're used to.
She started eating the bacon and she can't help but to moan in savoring the delicious food. Accompany more hot coffee.
"My twin together with her husband and son will come over here. I'm sure they'll be happy when they see you," Vane stated
He could feel her stares as if estimating his reaction. She sipped the coffee and looked at over him.
"You have a twin?" She asked surprised
He nodded and laid the laptop down on the coffee table. "Yeah. We're three. I had an older brother and a stubborn twin. Fortunately, Ameerah got married first but it's okay. We can see that they love each other. I sometimes envy them especially mom and dad. They had a very strong relationship. It's like a never ending love. Hope I had some day, "
It was barely uttered in the last line but she still heard it. It was just a simple line but her heart was beating fast inside her chest. She cleared her throat and pretended she didn't hear anything.
"What about your older brother?" She asked trying to ease the akwardness
"Nope. He's a crazy bastard. Yeah. He's sweet but he changed his mind quickly," Vane replied
"And you?" He asked here
It looked up at him and frowned. She laughed.
"You're slow Vane. I'm asking what about you? You won't introduce yourself to me?" Her voice become serious
Vane stared at him for a moment and he was about to speak. Someone enter the door. They looked the same there.
"Ameerah!"

To be continued...