Betrothed

Prologue

It was cold evening in Tuva. Snow fell down upon all of the trees and rooftops outside of the castle windows covering everything with a thick white blanket. Samantha Gene Brady lay asleep in her crib next to her mothers deathbed. Marlana, Queen of Tuva and Princess Samantha’s mother was ill and knew she would soon be gone from the world. She needed someone who could rule her kingdom until Samantha was of age to rule it herself.

Her dearest and truest friend Kate sat on a rocking chair next to the bed, and the two ladies spoke softly as Kate rocked her own son Lucas in her arms.

“Kate I want you to have her” Marlana whispered “Please…there is no one else, with her father gone too” Marlana’s lower lip quivered a bit at the last remark. “And at least she’ll have Lucas…as she wont have Eric” Marlana let fresh tears escape her eyes. Not only was she sad about leaving her daughter without a mother, but she would also have no father as he had passed on, and Samantha’s twin brother Eric had died at birth. Sami would be alone in this world.

“But wouldn’t you rather her go to a girls home where she will be with those just like herself?” Kate asked “It’s not that I mind taking her, in fact I’ve always wanted a daughter, but she won’t have a father figure” Kate stopped rocking at this. Her husband had died as well. This winter had been hard on the whole country.

“Kate please, I’ll pass the crown onto you’re family”

“But what about Samantha?”

“Kate we all know your family is next in line after mine anyways, and what better way to have it then to leave it up to Lucas…..and Sami”

“And Sami?” Kate thought for a moment “Are you suggesting…”

“Betrothal” Marlana finished as she lifted a shaky hand to wiped the stale tears from her cheeks. “You could rule in there place until they are old enough”

“I think that’s a fine idea” Kate smiled weakly and reached out with her free hand to clutch her dying friends.

“So you will take her then?” Marlana asked with fear. She would be able to do nothing else if Kate declined.

“I’ll take her and raise her as my own flesh and blood” Kate promised “And neither child shall know of our arrangement until I feel they are of age” Marlana shook her head in agreement. “I think eighteen sounds like a fine age” Marlana once again nodded in approval. 

“Thank you Kate” Marlana then closed her eyes. She breathed for a while but only minutes after her breathing subsided and she was gone. A loud cry came from the crib where Princess Samantha lay. It was almost as if she knew her mother was gone, and a part of her was dying as well.

Chapter One

The room was full of young boys and girls all my age. Each of them dressed in the fanciest of dresses and suits. I plopped down in a chair on the sidelines of the ball room with a great big sigh. I was, as usual, the odd girl out. Every one had a partner for ball room class except for me.

       I didn’t understand why I had to take it anyway, it wasn’t like I planned on dancing with my future husband every day, and I knew I will wed someone who wouldn’t care if I step on their feet. The violins began to hum as everybody with a partner began to move in unity.

        My eyes took in the scene around me, but I didn’t see odd adolescences swaying around, no I saw simple silhouettes. Silhouettes of couples bonded together by the melodic wind of notes that glided across the floor with them. Each of them telling a silent love story of there own. Jillian likes Paul, who was in love with Rose, who hates Edward, who is Paul’s best friend and is the brother of Amanda, who is dating Lucas, who is…well I’m not really sure what Lucas is to me. A pest maybe…a nuisance?

         Lucas Roberts parades himself about the castle like some big shot to all the girls, promising them all that he is there knight in shining armor, and that he will one day ride up on a big white horse and make them all queens of his. As heir to the Roberts throne he kind of is a big shot, but he has such a big head about it.

         I rolled my eyes at the thoughts that I didn’t even realize had entered my mind, and I began studying the couples entranced with one another about the dance floor once again. For once the juvenile world was at peace as everyone was silent. Sure Rose glared at Edward from time to time, and Jillian would scowl at Rose who was indeed dancing with Paul. I knew the gossip loop like the sweet taste of my morning tea. Of course I was never in it, I tried to stay in the shadowed end of it all.

    Sure I liked to hear about everyone’s little cliques and problems, but I sure didn’t want any part of them. I was more of the listening ear to it all.

    

“May I have this dance?” came a voice from behind me that sounded so rich I thought if it were tangible it would feel much like velvet. Soft rich red velvet. I turned in my hair gracefully as to not attract attention from those out on the dance floor. I was met by a pair of deep golden brown eyes.

“Yes, Lucas you may, but only because no one else is available” I stuck my nose ever so slightly in the air at the mention of his name. Normally I didn’t act this way, no not at all. I was normally a polite and kind witted young lady. But when it came to Lucas, I spat words of fire and glares of ice.

      It was always this way between he and I. Ever since he nick named me “The Minx” and I dubbed him “The Weasel”. It started the day we snuck into the kitchen, Lucas seven and I six. He told me of his ploy to steal cookies right from under Cook Baba’s nose. She caught me with my hand in the jar, and Lucas ran off like a coward. I was left to be scolded. Ever since then it’s been war. No it wasn’t about cookies now a days eleven years later, it was more about him being a conniving, devious, jerk, and always running away from his troubles and getting away with it!

“You’re as stubborn as a mule you know what?” Lucas whispered as he took my hand in his and led us to the center of the dance floor.

“It takes one to know one” I growled back.

“Women, they are only good for a few things, and let me clue you in, one of them isn’t talking!” Lucas shot back with his ever so famous “Lucas smirk”. Girls normally faint at the sight of that smirk. Not me, the look sickened my to my very bones. “Just dance” Lucas spoke as he noted my constant glairs.

“Would I be here if I knew how? You incompetent fool!” I huffed, I hated the fact that he could ruffle my feathers so easily.

“Look I’ll show you watch my feet” he instructed and even though I didn’t want to I did, because I also didn’t want to draw attention, and become the one thing I never wanted to be, the center of the gossip loop. He moved his left foot forward and instructed me to move my right one back, and then being the left one so both feet were together. “Look the minx is learning” Lucas chuckled barely above a whisper.

“Would you look at that the weasel actually used his almost non existent brain for a good cause” I shot back. Eventually I got the waltz down, and I was able to take my eyes off my feet, but then I didn’t know where I was supposed to look. I knew I should be looking at Lucas, but I didn’t want to. I would have rather Brandon Walker been teaching me this dance. Now that was a man worth waiting around for.

“Look these two have got it!” Kate announced proudly to the rest of the class. By then everyone had turned there heads toward Lucas and I. Exactly what I was trying to avoid. Now everyone would be singing “Lucas and Sami sitting in a tree k-i-s-s-i-n-g”. Because every one under twenty was immature in Tuva. I blushed slightly but bowed my head slightly as to let my blond locks cover my face.

“You’re a pretty good dancer Sami” Lucas spoke, my head snapped up at his complement. I looked into his eyes as to find a smile there or any hint of sarcasm really.

“So are you” I spoke as I realized he was being completely honest. I wanted to shove the polite words back into my mouth and swallow them. He was probably only playing games with me anyways, as he does with every other girl between the ages of fourteen and eighteen.

“I’ve been in ballroom since I was eight” Lucas admitted. Even thought I knew this already as I had been living with him since birth.

“Doing what looking up other girls dresses” I rolled my eyes at the thought. It literally was impossible for me to be civil with Lucas no matter how hard I tried. I was almost positive that, that would be the only reason he would actually take ballroom ever.

“Very funny minx” Lucas winked at me quickly, and I couldn’t help but smile a little at the thought of how jealous Amanda would be at this display. Me in the arms of the royal heir himself. I imagined her walking right up to Lucas and slapping him across the face. She was the dramatic type who would actually do something as uncouth as that.

Lucas and I continued to move with the violins, and everyone had finally subsided in staring at us. I looked up at Lucas for the second time, and was surprised to be met by his chocolate orbs  staring directly back into my cool blue ones. His eyes smiled sheepishly at me, and I blushed yet again. My guard was slipping down. The shield that had been placed there between us so long ago was fading. I began to study his facial features. His eyes were defiantly the focus point of his face. They drew you in like that of a mysterious novel. Lucas looked at my strangely. Not as if he was provoked or as if he was trouble, it was just a look I had never seen him give. He looked dazed.

“You have…really nice eyes” Lucas whispered it was then that the music stopped and I loosened my grip on Lucas. We drifted apart as the dance class was dismissed. Edward and Paul walked right in the middle of Lucas and I and bumped us even father apart. We hadn’t broken out stare yet.

“Lucas!” called a high pitched squeaky voice. Lucas turned on his heels and was met by Amanda. She was dressed in a black tiny dress. With high skinny black heels. None of us girls were a fair match for her in out floor length empire style modest attire. She would be what us girls would normally consider a whore, but to all of the girls in this country she was a goddess, and might as well have been royalty. Lucas held out his arm to take Amanda’s. He didn’t bother to tell me goodbye, and I didn’t bother to thank him for the dance.

      Sure Amanda  acted like a lady in front of Kate, but I knew as soon as they were out alone in the gardens she would no sooner throw Lucas against a wall and do unspeakable things with him. She just looked like the type, and like I said she looked much like that of a whore.

      I turned away from the scene and began making my way to my room, the sun would be setting soon and I hadn’t even drawn my bath before dinner yet.  

Chapter Two

The bath was quite refreshing after my little run in with Lucas on the dance floor, however dinner had been a whole other story. Lucas decided it would be nice to bring Amanda home for dinner. I’m not quite sure why this bothered me so. Maybe it was the way she laughed. It seemed every time Lucas made any kind of comment about anything Amanda would lean in a fraction closer to him and laugh hysterically while pressing her bosom into his shoulder. She was practically fornicating with him!

I felt exhausted after dinner, and really felt like drawing myself another hot bath, but since dinner ran late (because Amanda had to slow it down by laughing at every stupid thing that came out of Lucas’s dumb mouth) it was already time for bed.

I sit here now waiting for Lexington to come in and untie my corset. I know I can do it myself, but it’s bad mannerism for a princess to do just about anything for herself. Kind of stupid rules if you ask me, but if word got out that I even so much as untied my own corset the whole kingdom would be a laughing stock.

There was a knock at the door, it was Lexington I was sure, so I said “Come in” as I turned my back and held onto the bed post, ready for her to undo my corset and leave me be. She did so silently. I thanked her, and she left without another word.

I decided I could draw myself another bath, as long as I wasn’t too loud. Once again I’m also not allowed to even draw a bath for myself without it being a disgrace. In my opinion not being able to is a disgrace, a disgrace to my inner self.

Goose flesh shot up my body as I stepped my foot into the hot tub. The water was perfect as I sunk the rest of my body in. My thoughts drifted to dance class earlier today. My eyes drifted closed.

“Sami….you have….nice eyes” he said. Everyone else in the room began to melt away until just the two of us were left dancing. I stared into his eyes completely intoxicated.

The room began to melt away just like the people. We stood together in my bedroom. Lucas began caressing the nape of my neck as he untied my dress in the back and let it pool around my feet. No corset underneath to block him from caressing my breasts. a small moan escaped my lips at the feel of his mouth on my left nipple as he nibbled, licked, and sucked.

I didn’t pull away and I didn’t blush. I brought his lips to mine hungrily, like my mouth was a smoldering fire that needed to be tamed, but couldn’t.

Lucas picked me up and placed me gently in the middle of the bed. His shirt melted away exposing his bare chest. He slowly scaled the length of my body.

Heat began to rise between my thighs. My body pulsed. No, IT pulsed. The span between my legs pulsed in a steady rhythm with my breath. His breath at my neck made me shiver, but oh such a good shiver.

“Sami, I want you” he said huskily into my ear as he nibbled on it softly. My body started to feel cold. So cold my teeth began to chatter.

“Sami, it’s okay I’ll keep you warm” he said into my ear once more as he covered my body with his, but he felt cold too.

“It’s so cold” I chattered

My eyes snapped open, my heart still raced, and my body still…pulsed. I was cold still however. My bathwater had ran cold I quickly noted. I stood up and wrapped my bath robe tightly around myself as I sat down at my window holding my legs tightly to my chest. I held them as tight as I could until the pulsing stopped. I’m not sure how long I sat there wondering what my body was doing, and what exactly I had been dreaming about, and why Lucas. I feared sleep would cause it again. Somehow I wanted it to happen again.

*****

“Jamie I…pulsed”

“You pulsed?” she chuckled “What is that supposed to mean? Then again who wouldn’t ‘pulse’ around Lucas” she laughed again fanning away the imaginary heat from mentioning his name.

“No I mean…between there.” I said pointing to my thighs.

“Oh! Samantha my dear, hasn’t Kate told you yet?” Her face got very serious.

“Told me what?” I asked confused.

“About….” she trailed off as she leaned in closer to whisper into my ear “sex” she finished.

“What’s sex?” I exclaimed

“Shhhh! Sami don’t speak so bluntly, so loudly!” she moved in closer once more and enlightened me with what exactly the meaning of sex was. My cheeks turned a deep hot crimson.

“No!” I protested “Jamie that’s disgusting! Absolutely repulsive!”

“Well did it feel disgusting?” she asked raising her eyebrows.

“Well…no, it felt...good” I blushed deeper now.

“It’s nothing to be embarrassed about. All married couples do it. Well except for people like Amanda, you know that whore does it with whom ever whenever she wants.” She rolled her eyes “I heard she even went to bed with Austin Reed!”

“But Jamie why do people do it?” I asked very quietly. Sweat started to appear at my brow from the embarrassment.

“Well that’s simple. That’s how babies are made” she chuckled.

“Really?” I asked it seemed so odd. I remembered once asking Kate where babies came from as a child and she told me they came from “between your legs” which as a child I noticed a large birthmark on Kate’s inner calf, and thought that was where it had came out. I laughed at myself at the thought. I knew that didn’t make sense now, but never thought to question it.

“Yeah, and it feels good for the man and the woman. Well if you have a good husband. That’s what my mom says anyway. I even heard from Meredith that you can ’practice’” Jamie leaned in closer to my ear again and explained how Mary “practiced” in her very own bathtub.

I tried my hardest not to blush once more.

“Do a lot of ladies do it?” I questioned quietly

“Well I do” Jamie then blushed for the first time all afternoon

“What does it feel like?”

“It feels…like nothing you’ve ever experienced.” she paused “That ’pulse’ you felt is only the beginning of it”

We sat in silence for a moment as I mulled over the information I had just learned. I always looked to Jamie for advice, or for answers. She isn’t very experienced herself, but knows a lot more about the outside world then I do because she isn’t of royal blood and isn't locked away in a castle twenty-four seven. She is however wealthy enough to run with royal blood, and even eligible to marry into royal blood.

I’m actually quite shocked she didn’t get offended by my dream about Lucas. I’m pretty sure she fancies him for herself. 

“So when’s your ball?” I asked changing the subject.

“Oh soon I hope! You simply must come visit some time and see my dress, it’s absolutely exquisite! Mother and I had it sent in from Italy!” She continued to gush about her Debutant ball until almost sun down. It was then my turn to either invite her for dinner or ask her to depart back home.

“Well I must be going” she broke the ice for me, thank goodness

“Oh so soon?” I pretended to act sad. I love Jamie like a sister, but I forgot how much she loves to talk about balls, marriage, and any other kind of gossip she can get her ears on. It just gets old pretty quickly. Besides I wanted to get some “practice” in before dinner.

“Goodbye” I said into her ear as we hugged.

“Goodbye” she replied as she turned and began making her way out of the garden and to her coachmen.

I made my way back inside the castle.

                            

Chapter Three

“Would you please pass the gravy?” Lucas asked

I flinched it was almost as if I felt embarrassed, like he could some how see into my mind and know about the dream I had about him in the bathtub last night. I passed it over to him being extra careful not to let our hands touch. If he could pretend yesterdays ball room class hadn’t happened so could I. It was strange really. The way I felt now, it was like I had died and been born again, or like I had just come across a huge epiphany of some kind. I felt like I had known about sex all along, but just never pushed thinking about it to hard.

“You’ve been awfully quiet this evening Samantha. What’s on your mind?” Kate interrupted my thoughts.

“It’s Jamie. She is having her debutant ball. I was just thinking about what gown I would wear to the event” I lied

“Oh Samantha! Don’t be silly. Why didn’t you say something sooner? I will go into town with you tomorrow and we will buy you a new one”

“It’s ok Kate, really. I have plenty of gowns in my closet. Besides I don’t want to out shine Jamie with some fancy new dress at her own ball”

“Samantha, we wont go over board I promise. Just something nice, maybe a navy, or a nice red, nothing to flashy or big, just elegant”

“Are you sure?” I tried one more attempt to plea with Kate. It wasn’t that I didn’t want a nice new dress, it was the fact that I knew Kate just wanted to one up Jamie’s parents, and get me something nicer. She wasn’t very fond of Jamie’s mother. She hated the fact that the whole family paraded around like royalty even though they weren’t.

“Yes, we simply must.” Kate insisted

“Alright, tomorrow afternoon then” I said. I wouldn’t let Kate pick out anything to fancy I told myself.    

“Lucas were you invited to the ball?” Kate asked

“Yes” he responded dabbing his mouth with his napkin. “I’m not sure that I’ll be going though”

“Oh?” Kate questioned

“It’s Amanda’s ball that evening as well” Lucas announced “and she has asked me to accompany her as her escort for the evening”

“Wasn’t Amanda’s ball two years ago?” I chimed in rather annoyed. It was just like ‘Manda’ to have a ball the same night as Jamie. Manda just couldn’t handle not being the constant center of attention.

“No, that was her older sister Sophie’s debutant ball, Amanda is coming of age next week, and she has been planning her ball for months” Lucas retorted

“How would you know Amanda’s was the same night as Jamie’s? Jamie just told me this evening that she didn’t know the date of her ball” I said smugly

“Because of this” Lucas smiled and whipped out a small crumpled up piece of paper. It was a telegram from Jamie addressed to both Lucas and I. According to the telegram the ball was to be held next Friday, the same day as Manda’s.

“Lucas!” Kate scolded. “Why didn’t you tell me we got a telegram?” Kate always liked to know everyone’s business, even her own sons.

“I’m sorry mother I meant to tell you, I just forgot.” he said sliding the note back into his pocket with a grin. “It wont happen again” he promised.

“May I be excused?” I asked removing my napkin from my lap and shooting a glair at Lucas. I didn’t wait for Kate’s response before I slid out of my chair and high tailed it up to telephone Jamie.

*****

“Hello?” Jamie answered on the third ring.

“Jamie!” I barked louder then I had meant.

“What!” she said sounding almost afraid.

“I have bad news….”

“Spill!” she squeaked before I could finish.

“Manda’s debutant ball is the same night as yours” I cringed afraid of her response, but ready for any shout, cry, or rage she might throw my way.

“That bitch!” Jamie huffed “Manda would do something like this, she just can’t handle…”

“Not being the center of attention” I finished for her. “So what are you ganna do?” I asked

“Well I figure I have one of three options, one I could cancel my ball and reschedule, which isn’t likely. Two, I could call Manda up and through a bitch fit, possibility. Or three, I could do what most bitchy girls, like myself, would do, make sure my ball is eight hundred times better then hers, and that everyone will choose mine over hers.”

“Jamie, you know Manda is vicious”

“Sami, do you really think I am scared of her?”

“So what do you think your parents will get you for your birthday?” I said changing the subject.

“Hopefully diamonds!” Jamie squealed “I mean don’t you think it’s a little ridiculous that my parents have enough money to hang out with royalty, but the most expensive piece of jewelry I own is a strand of pearls?” she paused “So what do you think I should do?”

“Definitely beg for the jewels” I chuckled

“No about Amanda I mean” she said getting back to the subject, something I was hoping to avoid. It was like I was scared to tell her what I really thought. I didn’t want her to think me to soft.

“Honestly, I think you should give her a ring-ie-dingie and see if you girls can’t figure it out rationally”

“You really think Amanda would give me the time of day? Ha! Yeah right”

“I’m serious Jamie, I think it will save everyone a lot of trouble. Besides…” I began, even though I hated saying this, not sure why though. “Do you really think Lucas would go to your ball over his own girlfriends?, She would kill Lucas is he didn’t show up. He told me himself that she had asked him to be her escort for the night” there was a long pause. I knew Jamie would want Lucas at her ball. He was her favorite piece of eye candy.

“Do you think you could maybe talk to Lucas? I mean maybe he could get Manda to back down”

“Lucas talk to me? Yeah right, maybe if I promised to sex him up later” I joked

“Come on Sami, if you let him know how much it meant to you don’t you think he would try?”

“Jamie the guy calls me a minx!” I protested

“Please Sami…for me” she begged

“Ok but only for you” I agreed “You so owe me big time!”

“Thanks Sam you’re the best!” Jamie exclaimed and hung up the phone. I would have my work cut out for me tomorrow. Out on the town with Kate first, and then I would somehow have to talk Lucas into making Manda give up her ball date, but first sleep.          

Chapter Four

That afternoon dragged on forever. Kate had me try on dress after dress. I turned down I swear over one hundred of them. She was constantly trying to dress me in white because she had somehow gotten wind that Jamie’s dress would be white. Kate had always been a very kind woman to me growing up, but when money, politics, or religion came into play she became a monster.

 I had finally settled on a bright blue long sleek silk gown. It complemented my eyes and hair just enough without over doing it.

Kate and I ended up doing brunch at one of my favorite cafés in town, and discussing my very own debutant ball.  I agreed to let her help me plan every last detail of it, which basically meant she would be planning all of it knowing Kate.

After brunch I set out to handle the task at hand. Jamie wanted me to talk to Lucas, I wasn’t sure exactly how this would go over especially because I wasn’t going to lose my dignity over some stupid girlie cat fight. In fact I’m not even sure why I am in the middle of this. I thought to myself as I let myself into the castle.

Lucas was sprawled out on his usual sofa reading some book. I half smiled as I quietly crept up behind him.

“Nice try” he called to me. How in the hell he heard me I’ll never know.

“Ears like a damn cat” I muttered under my breath

“What’s that minx?” he cocked a brow, looked up at me, and shut his book on his index finger to hold his page.  

“Nothing….nothing” I stuttered “Umm…hey can we talk?” I asked taking a seat on a near by velvet chair.

“Do my ears deceive me?” he sat up “I thought we were already doing that.” he smirked. I swear his mission in life is to annoy the crap out of me.

“Look Lucas” I paused trying to pick my words carefully “Can we just be adults here for a just a second?”

“Minx, what do you want?” he sighed as if I made it obvious some how that I wanted something.

“Well” I paused again for the umpteenth time.

“Just spit it out already” he mocked

“Well“ I began again “it seems Amanda and Jamie’s Coming Out Balls’ are on the same day”

“And what do I have to do with this?” he growled at me like I had disturbed his royal ass and ruined his day.

“Well you ARE Amanda’s…” I thought for a moment “Play thing” to put it nicely I thought with a grin.

“That doesn’t mean I have some kind of crazy man power that will change her mind, you know she has been planning this party….excuse me, BALL for months”

I began to blush. This was such a stupid idea. Why did I think Lucas would ever listen to me and why did I honestly think he would even consider helping me or Jamie.

“You’re blushing minx” he grinned again making me blush a deeper shade of crimson.

“I’m not blushing!” I protested “I’m just…mad, yes mad. Doesn’t your face get slightly red when you are angered?” I asked trying to mentally cool myself down. I was just about to give up and head up to my room when…

“How badly do you need my help?” he asked with another one of his damn grins.

“It doesn’t matter Lucas, forget about it” I said even though I knew I was speaking lies. I didn’t want to play his stupid games.

“Oh alright” he began propping his feet up on the coffee table and interlacing his fingers behind his head. “We’ll just let Manda and Jamie have at it this weekend” he was dangling the situation in front of me and I knew it.

Please Sami Jamie’s voice rang in my ears

“Alright Lucas, fine, what do you have in mind?” I asked wishing I could bite my tongue

“Well a friend of Manda’s is in town this month and she wont leave Manda’s side. If you could somehow convince her to hang around you a little more, give Manda and I a little alone time…if you catch my drift” he winked

I contemplated. How bad could it be? This girl was probably a slut just like Manda. Sure I would never be her fair match, but I could flash her a few jewels and a carriage ride out on the town. She couldn’t bite….right?

“So….do we have ourselves a deal?” Lucas asked

I hesitated for a moment. It really couldn’t be to bad right?

“Ok Lucas, we have a deal” I said bringing fourth my hand which was met by his. Electricity shout up my arm and set my skin alive, he held onto me longer then needed and brown met blue. Then he did the strangest of things. He leaned forward and planted a kiss on my hand. I stood their in shock, even after he let go, even after he stood up, and even as he called back over his shoulder at me.

“Her friends name is Nicole Walker.”

Chapter Five

“I didn’t know Brandon had a sister!”

“Half sister” Nicole corrects

“Well either way, I had no idea” I say trying to make conversation

“So what time is this ‘shin dig’ of yours starting?” she asks cutting me off and sounding less then interested.

“It’s my best friend Jamie’s coming out ball” now it is my turn to correct her

“Right, right. Their will be drinks?” she asks blowing a puff of smoke in my face.

“Yes of course” I manage to cough out as I fan the air around my face with my gloved hand. “Actually we should really go inside and slip into something a little more appropriate for the occasion” I smile at her trying my very best to stay sane and polite.

“If you insist”

***

The ball was nothing less then gorgeous. Jamie looked like a queen. Lucas even attended, and without Amanda much to my surprise. Although I'm really not sure she was invited.

“So where are the refreshments” Nicole asked. The dress I let her borrow was slightly to large in the bust for her, but she still looked beautiful.

“Over yonder” I said rolling my eyes and pointing to a giant table covered in drinks of all shapes and sizes.

“Thanks you're a real pal.” she said with a smile before she turned on her heel toward the table.

I breathed in a deep heavy sigh. I felt relieved to have some time to myself. It wasn't that I had a problem with Nicole, she just was a little more on the dare devil side then I considered myself to be.

I began to admire the surroundings. Everything was decorated in clear jewels, and lace. Lace covered every table, and every chair. Every champagne glass had intricate jeweled designs along the rim and base. Everything was completely elegant. Completely Jamie.

“Soooo!....” Jamie said putting an extra dose of pep in at the end of her o.“What do you think?”

“Jamie everything is absolutely beautiful, including you” I smiled “And your escort!” I shrieked “How did you ever arrange for Brandon Walker on such short notice?” I asked turning slightly red at just the mention of his name.

“My mother has quite the connections....as you well know” she smirked she knew because of her family's wealth, she could get just about anything and anyone she wanted. “I hope that was okay that she got Brandon, I know you have a thing for him” She smirked again

“I do not have a thing!” I paused blushing “I do not have a thing!” I repeated again

“Samantha Gene Brady! Do not pretend with me!” She teased “Play your cards right and you might just get a dance with him” she winked and walked off toward the center of the ballroom.

“Attention!” Jamie's father called out “Since this is a coming out ball my lovely daughter thought it was only proper that everyone get to know one another a little better.” He paused to clear his throat “Would everyone please form two circles, boys on the outside and girls on the inside, when the music starts boys will walk clockwise, and girls the opposite. When the music stops whoever is across from you will be your new dance partner. Please form the circles”

No body moved.

“Come, come now! Don't be shy!” Called Jamie's dad

Everyone shuffled about trying their best to form two circles. When the music began I was only two boys away from Brandon. He looked great tonight. I always love a man dressed up.

I must have passed Brandon four times now. I had just passed him, and knew I had missed my chance at being his partner when the music suddenly stopped. My gaze was at the floor as I concentrated hard on not pouting about it.

“Well if it isn't the Minx” said a familiar voice. My head snapped up.

 Lucas smirked as he moved in to place his hand around my waist, and clasp my hand with the other.

“Oh brother” I sighed.

The violins began to play a very soft song. I sighed again. Of course they would play something really slow, just my luck.

“You look really great tonight” Lucas said and my eyes moved to his.

“Excuse me?” I said completely dumb founded

“Gosh Minx just say thank you. I was paying you a compliment” He huffed I began to blush yet again tonight.

“Thank you” I mumbled. My hand was beginning to sweat in his grasp. My heart began to beat rapidly in my chest, and my stomach felt like it was going to fall out my butt. Lucas pulled me in even closer to him so his breath was on my ear. I could feel it ever so slightly, it gave me goose flesh, and made me tingle.

I began to think about all of the “practice” I had been doing lately, and how I had always pictured him. I thought about the dream I had with him all those nights ago, and grew hot. I knew if he pulled away from me he would see my tomato red face, so I gripped him tighter.

I could smell his freshly shaved face, and the cologne he had put on. He smelled like citrus and spice. Or in other words glorious.

How could this one person make me feel so many different things all in a matter of seconds? Hell I was just drooling over Brandon not even thirty seconds ago. Now it was like Brandon who?

“How was Nicole?” Lucas whispered almost making me shiver at the feel of his hot breath on my skin.

“Fine” I said trying my best to keep my voice even

“Well you don't have to worry about that anymore” he paused, and I almost pulled away to ask why but then he whispered in my ear “I broke up with Manda” his breath on my ear and neck made my hairs stand on edge, but in a good way.

“Sorry to hear that” I pretended to be sympathetic. Then I feel it. The walls. They are coming back up, and they are coming up fast. I push Lucas away so there is a good space between our dancing bodies. “Why are you even telling me this?” I demanded “Like I care Manda was nothing but a...” Lucas spins me around before I can finish and the word slut remains in my mouth.

“It is my birthday tomorrow” Lucas says changing the subject as he draws me back to him. Like somehow him telling me this held some kind of relevance to why he broke it off with Manda. “I'll be eighteen” he added with a smirk.

“Good now you can wed some hopeless woman and move out of my kingdom!” I retorted

“You would think” Lucas chuckled as if he knew something I didn't.

Then the song was over. Lucas bent down ever so slightly to kiss my hand, but I pulled out of his grasp before he could get the chance. I knew if he had done it my walls would come unglued.

I'm really not even sure why I continue to keep this wedge between us. Yes Lucas is a horses ass sometimes, but I feel like these walls protect me somehow. From what is a whole other question entirely.

“Samantha!” Kate barked at me. I didn't even know Kate was invited.

“Yes” I said worried that I was in trouble for something

“I have been informed Nicole came with you” She said pointing in the direction of the refreshment table. Nicole was wobbling all over the place, her glass of....well whatever it was, was sloshing out all over the shiny polished floor. “Would you please see her home!” Kate was angry that I had brought someone who might publicly embarrass us and our royal name.

“Yes of course” I said rushing to get a hold of Nicole. I was sad to leave the ball early, but I knew Kate would through a fit if I didn't get Nicole out of here fast. I said a quick goodbye to Jamie and slipped quietly out to the carriage.

*****

“You know I sawww the wayyyy yooooou looooKed at HIM” Nicole laughed and slurred as I tucked her into my extra bed in my room. I was in no mood to take her back to Manda's place tonight.

“Looked at who?” I questioned trying to stay calm as I was clearly annoyed with her drunken state. I hate baby sitting.

“Luke, or whatevvverrrr” she hiccuped

“It is Lucas!” I snapped “And no I didn't look at him in any special way”

“Yooooou love him” Nicole laughed again “love, love, love” she slurred on.

“Whatever you say Nix” I responded and was shocked at my new found nick name for her. I crawled into my own bed and dimmed the lamp before pulling out my diary to record the evenings events.

Chapter Six

“I could feel his breath on my neck, it was all such a new sensation to me. I couldn't even think about Brandon Walker let alone want him at this point.” I was startled awake from my sleep to see Nicole standing on top of the extra bed, twirling her hair, and reading my diary aloud.

“Nicole!” I jumped up faster than the speed of light and tried to grab my diary our of her hands. She jumped from one side of the bed to the other.

“He smelled so wonderful, like spice and citrus.” She continued as my face grew hot.

“Nicole shut up!” I screamed and made another mad dash for her, nearly losing my footing and falling on my butt.

“Then I did the stupidest thing, I pushed him away. I'm not sure why though, if I enjoyed it so much, why was I suddenly irritated with the fact that it was Lucas? Why do I play these silly games?” She chuckled and jumped off of the bed, just as soon as I got on. “He even told me he and Manda (the dumb slut) broke up. I guess I'll have to wait for these feelings to go away or take action. I just don't know anymore diary. I wish I had someone to talk to. All my love Sami. PS: I almost for got, I grew very hot while dancing with him when I remembered the pleasurable things I have been thinking about him while practicing. It was so embarrassing!”

“Nicole! You stupid little WHORE!” I shouted and ripped the book right out of her hands.

“See I told you, you loved him” Nicole smirked devilishly.

“Nicole that was none of your damn business! Who do you think you are?” I growled. I was more then furious by this point and was just about ready to yank her stupid hair out.

“Sami relax” she cooed “I'm not going to tell anyone”

“Your....your not?” I said taking in a deep breath and trying to calm down.

“Hell no! I'm your friend Sami, friends keep secrets” I contemplated that statement for a few seconds. When did we become friends? I mean she was alright, but I guess I just hadn't seen us that way. “Just like you wont tell my brother about last night, if you do I'll be shipped back home. My parents said I could stay here with Brandon, if I didn't cause any uproar”

“Oh...” I said still thinking hard on the term friends.

“I could....help you Sami” Nicole smiled wickedly

“Help me how?” I asked confused

“Win Lucas over”

“Nicole, I hate Lucas! Always have and always will” I protested. I could feel the thick walls around me starting to slip. Oh no!

“Really Sami?” Nicole said sarcastically “Because your diary speaks very differently of him.” I blushed. I hated blushing. “See and your blushing” she called me out which made me blush even deeper. The walls were gone.

“Look Nicole, I don't know what I feel for Lucas. He is like my evil, wicked brother. How could I love, no scratch that. How could I even like someone like him?”

“Well if you wont have him, I wouldn't mind” she teased

“Hey!” I protested

“See” she smiled smugly

“Look Nicole maybe you should be getting back home. If Kate finds you here, after last nights episode, she wont be very pleased with me or you” I pulled the walls back on me like a second skin.

“Alright, but my offer still stands” she winked and walked into the bathroom to change out of the night gown I had lent her. Which was a complete nightmare to make her put on last night I might add.

*****

Tonight was Lucas's birthday bash. He wasn't really having a “ball” so to speak, but more of an actual party. The music would be faster, the drinks would be stronger, and the decor would be much cooler.

I pulled on a nice yellow sun dress with bright blue trim. I added a blue ribbon to my hair and white gloves, and I pinched my cheeks until they flushed a nice pink before I headed downstairs.

I decided to take the back stairs, just so no one would gawk at me. I got nervous just thinking about my grand entrance for my coming out ball in the next few weeks.

“RAWR” Nicole growled sexily when I appeared in the ballroom. “You look gorgeous” she chuckled.

“Thanks” I said flashing her a half smile.

“Question!” Nicole motioned for me to come closer to her so she could whisper in my ear. “Who is the blonde hunk over there by the pot plant?” She whispered and pointed in Brady Black's direction.

“Oh that's Brady Black” I said a little loud in hopes to embarrass her, even if only a little for earlier. “He is here on a break from college, but rumor is he isn't going back”

“Do you know him?” she wasn't embarrassed damn

“Not to well, I know he is living with his grandfather right now.”

“Thanks” she said handing me her now empty champagne glass and making her way over to Brady.

I looked around at everything. This party would have never been approved by Kate as Lucas had made sure to plan this party in advance when Kate wouldn't be home. Young adults were dancing way closer than ever allowed, and drinking way more then they should.

Then I spotted him. Lucas. He was sitting in a chair across the room. Girls were all around him, but he didn't look like he was really enjoying himself. He seemed bored to say the least.

I thought about going over to wish him a happy birthday, but was stopped by a sudden hand wrapping around my waist. I let out a small cry of shock and whirled around to face Brandon Walker.

“I didn't mean to startle you” he grinned as he began to move to sound of the music, trying his best to rock my body with his.

I was so stunned that a boy, none the less a boy I liked, was not only talking to me, but he was holding me, dancing with me....and looking into my eyes like he really wanted to know ME.

“Hi...” I said barely above a whisper. 

“Nick has told me you two have made become quite the pair lately” he said with a hint of a question in his voice.

“Yes, Nicole is....well she's Nicole alright” I chuckled. Why was I sounding so incompetent?

“If she ever gives you any grief just let me know” he spoke in a very serious tone just then. He already knew Nicole was trouble, and I suppose he was just being nice and watching out for me.

“Not to worry, I can handle Nicole”

“I just know how my sister can be” he looked across the room at her for an instant “So Samantha right?” I shook my head twice. “Would you like to go somewhere a little” he paused a moment as if he were trying to choose his words carefully “perhaps a little quieter?”

I blushed slightly but nodded. I kept my face pointed toward the ground in embarrassment as he led me outside to the gardens. This was all so new to me. Why had he taken such a sudden interest in me? He spoke as if he had read my mind exactly.

“I suppose you are wondering why I have taken such a quick fancy to you?” he smiled as we continued to walk through the hedge maze. I blushed and prayed that the dim garden lights were not enough to make it out. “I like you Samantha” he grinned and stopped as we reached the center. The fountain distracted my thoughts for a moment.

Brandon grasped my hand and led me closer to the cascading water. He sat down on the rim, brought my gloved hand to his face, and kissed it.

“Do you mind?” he asked as he began undoing the buttons at my wrist. I just stood in front of him silently. He freed my hand of its cloth and placed it beside him. He kissed my bare hand.

I was so shocked I couldn't even think strait. His lips were so soft against my bare flesh. Everything began to happen so fast. Before I knew it he was on his feet kissing my jaw, my neck, my...

“stop” I whispered my head was spinning out of control. He continued his motions as if he never heard me. “Stop” I managed to get out a little louder. This was fast, too fast. I was...afraid. Afraid of him. 

“So soft” he moaned as he moved down my body and began to caress my calf.

“Please stop” I whimpered and tried to pull away. He grabbed me forcefully and pulled me back pinning me to him. I shut my eyes tightly trying with all of my might to wish this away.

“SAMANTHA!” I could barely make out Kate's shouting, I could only hear the pounding of my own heart and the sound of my lungs gasping for air.

“Stop, stop, stop!” I shouted through tears, then suddenly it all stopped.

“Samantha what is going on!?” Kate demanded I opened my eyes to see a very confused and angry Kate. Brandon was nowhere in sight.

Chapter Seven

I sat in the hall just outside the study, the tears had since dried, but I was sure I still looked like a mess. My hair style losing its form, smeared lip color, and black inky mascara running down my face. I had never in my life been touched like that. I prayed to god that what I had just witnessed wasn't what Jamie had been talking about.

The study door suddenly opened and Lucas shuffled his way out, head hung low, tail between his legs kind of deal. I was sure Kate had given him a propper punishment for his actions.

"Samantha!" Kate called. I was slow to stand and make my way into the study. I had already made up my mind not to tell Kate what really happened with Brandon. It was far too embarrassing to tell anyone let alone the woman who raised me.

“Sit down” she instructed, her back was turned to me, and her arms were most likely folded across her chest through I couldn’t see them. “Did you know about Lucas’s little fiasco before I left yesterday?”

I didn’t answer her. My head was in a complete fog. Here I was thinking the first words out of her mouth would involve Brandon. I thought she would pry the story right out of me or darn well try her hardest, but all she could ask about was Lucas!?

“Samantha I am waiting”

   

“No” I lied trying not to let the dam behind my eyes burst. I was not about to get into trouble on Lucas’s behalf.

“Well, Samantha, had you come clean and told the truth I might have went easier on you” she gritted her teeth. I could tell she wasn’t really angry though. Mad, yes, but not as angry as she would like to be. Kate never could punish me or even be as angry at me as she could be at Lucas. I was sure it had something to do with the fact that I wasn’t her blood, and that one day I would rule over her. “However as punishment you are not to leave the castle, and your ball is to be postponed until I decide you are sorry enough” uncomfortable silence filled the room “That will be all”

I stood up and began making my way back to my room where I could openly cry. She didn’t even ask me about Brandon. I couldn’t believe it. Maybe she hadn’t seen him? It was pretty dark and when I opened my eyes he was gone.

The next day I awoke feeling absolutely wretched. I hadn’t changed out of my party dress from the previous evening. My hair was a big rat’s nest atop my head, and my makeup was still all over my face. I took a long bath and came out feeling somewhat refreshed. My eyes were still slightly puffy from all of the crying I had done the previous night. I sent the maid down to fetch me a few cool tea bags for my eyes.

They felt better within minutes of use. After dressing and making myself presentable I wondered downstairs, book in hand, and found a nice comfy seat in front of the fireplace.

Lucas took a seat on the chair adjacent to me not even five minutes into my reading.

“So you’re stuck here too?” Lucas asked I sighed and set down my book.

“Yes, Kate said I’m not allowed to leave, and my ball is being put off for a while”

“You know if you left she probably wouldn’t care right?” I raised my eyebrows in question “She doesn’t and hasn’t ever felt right about punishing you”

“Why not she raised me from birth?”

“I don’t know, something about disrespecting your mom”

“Hmmm” I said and opened my book in attempt to read again. Just when I thought Lucas was going to leave me alone in peace he spoke. I nearly fell out of my chair in surprise.

“So you looked pretty cozy with Brandon last night” I froze. I had been hoping to never hear that name spoken again for the rest of my life, even though I knew that wasn’t likely with Nicole as a best friend. “So are you seeing him now?” He sounded almost angry.

“Leave me alone Lucas” I protested. My cheeks grew hot.

“Aw look you’re blushing, it must be serious then.” He glared

“Lucas just shut the hell up!” I began to yell. Tears were welling up. I stood, grabbed my book, and bolted toward the stairs. I wasn’t fast enough though

“Edward said you out in the gardens and Brandon was all over you, what was that all about” He spat. I tried to walk around him and continue on, but he grabbed my arms and pinned me against a nearby pillar. Hot silent tears began falling down my cheeks. Last night was too fresh in my memory. I was weak. I couldn’t even protest against Lucas. Was this how all men liked to treat women? His grasp loosened and my knees buckled.

I slid down the pillar until I reached the floor. I didn’t want Lucas to see me this way, but I couldn’t find the strength to pull it together and take another step. I thought I had cried it all out last night, but apparently not.

It was all still there fresh in my mind, his hot breath on me, his clammy hands all over every inch of my body, even my most secret parts. I remembered the way he smelt, and the way he had tugged at my under clothes. Tiny sobs began to emerge from my throat. This wasn’t real. This wasn’t me. I couldn’t breathe, I felt like it was happening all over again.

“Sami…” Lucas slid down to the floor next to me “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to grab you so tightly. I don’t know what came over me”

I couldn’t respond to him, I just kept playing the images in my mind over and over. The more I thought about it the more detail I started to remember. Last night it had just been one blur I couldn’t hardly remember a thing.

“Sami please….don’t cry. I really am sorry” he pleaded with me.

“Just go away Lucas!” I finally managed to get out through sobs. I buried my face in my hands a brand new series of tears began to flow.

“Sami please, I am not leaving until I know you are alright. What will it take for you to understand how sorry I am”

After what seemed like hours I lifted my head to see Lucas still planted next to me. I could see hurt, pain, and questioning in his eyes. I sniffled a few times before Lucas did the gentleman thing and handed me his handkerchief.

I blew my nose until it became red and raw.

“Sami this isn’t about what just happened is it?” He asked. I was afraid to speak, afraid to tell a single living soul what had happened. What if Brandon came for me again.

“Of course it is” I said through fake annoyed puffy eyes. He studied my face for a moment before he responded.

“Minx I know you better then I know myself and I know that, that is bull shit” He protested “Did something happen last night?”

“No Lucas and even if it did I wouldn’t want to talk about it with you, ya big Weasel!” I smiled at the familiar nicknames. I was happy that even through my sadness this boy that I pretend to despise could cheer me up so quickly.

“There she is” He smiled “There is the little Minx that I know so well” I smiled this felt so normal for some reason. The two of us getting along, laughing, and smiling.

“Thanks Lucas I really didn’t think I would be smiling for a while.”

“Why do we fight all the time?”

“I don’t know, because I despise you and you despise me” I offered

“I don’t hate you Sami, I never could”

“I said despise, not hate”

“Same thing” He paused “So are you okay?”

“I will be” I looked to the ground “I really don’t want to talk about it anymore Lucas”

“Well, we never really started talking about IT” He protested again

“Please Lucas just leave it alone”

“Did something happen?” I looked up at him he really was trying to be sincere in a way that only Lucas could be.

“Lucas it is embarrassing” I started to turn red again

“Look, I won’t pressure you anymore, but if something happened, and you know deep down that it shouldn’t have don’t feel like you need to hide it from me. Don’t ever feel like you need to hide things from me. Ever” I looked into his chocolate orbs. Pure bliss. They were looking directly back into my eyes. I was already red, but I felt a blush coming on.

“I just don’t want to talk about it now, maybe another time okay?” I tried to smile again even though I felt broken, and even though I knew that he knew I was broken. “We should really do this again some time.”

“Do what exactly?”

“Oh you know lounge around on this hard ass tile” I joked Lucas let out a laugh as well.

“Yeah sounds good and speaking of hard ass tile” He began to get up off the ground “My ass has just about had it” He laughed again and offered his hand to help me up. I wiped my face on my sleeve leaving fresh mascara markings all over it and took his hand. Electricity shot through my entire body. Once on my feet I quickly tugged my way out of his grasp. I was definitely not ready to have any kind of feelings, aside from friendship, for a man any time soon.

“Thanks” I said, turned on my heel, and walked over to plop back down and settle into my book once more.


. Chapter 8

“See I so told you Lucas would be jealous!” Nicole said rolling her eyes “You have that boys heart and you don’t even know it! Wake up Sami!”

“But it isn’t like that Nicole. Besides it isn’t like I have time for a relationship right now anyways.”

“Time? Sami you have nothing BUT time! Hello, the last three times I’ve stopped by this week I have found you cooped up reading. If anyone has time it’s you” Nicole smirks and tilts her nose in the air as if she has won this battle.

“Excuse me, I didn’t know you were my mother! What is it to you what I do with my time? I will also have you know I am plenty busy planning my ball” Ok so I lied, but this conversation was not going to get anywhere with me.

“Oh!” she squealed “I completely forgot about your ball! Please tell me everything!”

“Nicole, you know how Kate is. She won’t let me breathe a word just in case anyone tries to top an event that she has helped put together and fund.”

“Oh pah-leez, Sami who in the world am I going to tell in this town? Hello! Did you forget you are my ONLY friend in this god forsaken country?”

“Hey missy that’s QUEEN Samantha’s country you’re talking about” I chuckled

“Not yet it isn’t” She smirked “So are you going to give me the deets or do I have to read your diary aloud again?”

“Not even funny” I protested

“Maybe not to you” she raised her eyebrows in challenge

“So what happened between you and Brady at Lucas’s shindig last week?” I said trying to change the subject.

“Not much” I smiled because I knew it worked “Apparently he is already courting someone named Chloe” she rolled her eyes

“Oh Chloe Lane?” I asked

“I don’t know. Apparently she is some amazing singer, and Brady is completely hung up on her.” The corners of her mouth began to turn up into a wicked grin “But that won’t stop me”

*****

It took one week for Kate to get over whatever kind of frustration she was had towards me, and even then it really wasn’t much, before we actually started putting my ball together. Everything was pretty much set except for the dress and……the escort.

Kate was profusely trying to get Brandon to do it even though I had protested several times. I knew drastic action had to be taken, and drastic action would be taken. I would still try my damn hardest to keep quiet about what happened.

Ballroom class was about to begin. I pinched my cheeks quickly and rushed down to the ballroom. Lucas was already there along with 8 other people. He smiled at me as I entered the room. My heart quickened and I could feel my face blushing. I smiled back.

“Now that everyone is here” Kate began looking at me as she said the word everyone. “we may begin” Lucas was already paired off with Jillian, thinking quickly I grabbed Paul. I, knowing very well Jillian was head over heels for Paul, knew I could get some one on one with Lucas in no time. Hopefully I could get him to agree to escort me.

The music started and I pulled Paul closer then appropriate. He let out a nervous laugh. I moved Paul vigorously around the dance floor as to grab Jillian’s attention. It didn’t take too long for her to notice and try her best to move she and Lucas closer to me and Paul.

“Let the Gentlemen lead ladies” Kate eyeballed me and Jillian. Jillian instantly relaxed. I continued to lead in the most obvious and obnoxious way possible trying my best to keep the grin off my face. Paul continued to try and lead, but to no avail. I’m not sure where I got so fearless. I can be quite good at scheming if I know it will benefit me.

“Samantha!” Kate exclaimed. The music came to a halt, and everyone in the class stopped to look at the now incredibly red faced Paul and of course me. I tried my very best to look dumbfounded. “Here dear, maybe you two just need to switch….” She trailed off as she scanned the room. “Lucas!” she waved her hand for him to come toward her. He quickly parted with Jillian and made his way toward us.

“Paul please partner with Jillian” Jillian immediately began to glow with happiness as Paul slumped towards her. Jillian liked Paul, but Paul was crazy for Rose, who of course has no idea Paul even existed. The music started again and Lucas gently took my hand, but before we could begin Kate whispered to me.

“Samantha your ball is in a little less than two weeks, please try to act more like a lady!” and with that Lucas pulled me away to move closer to the center of the floor.

“Ouch minx my mom never talks to you like that” he chuckled I could no longer hold in my grin. My heart was fluttering ever so slightly as I glanced up into his eyes. I could get lost in them. I quickly looked toward the floor I was on a mission.

“Oh she is just stressed about the ball” I assured him “Speaking of the ball” I began cutting right to the chase. “I am still a little nervous.”

“The minx nervous? Please I know you, you know exactly what you want and are not afraid to chase after it. Ever.”

“Well the task of finding an escort has proven to be quite daunting” I met his gaze as if to challenge him to respond to that. He paused for a while as if lost in thought.

“I’m sure there are plenty of men caught in your web” He said with what sounded like a hint of jealousy, but I chose to ignore it figuring it only my imagination. My heart sunk. What happened to the friend I had spoken with the other day? The friend I had cried to, the friend I had trusted, the friend I continued to tell myself I only felt friendship for. “What about Brandon?” he spat and looked away from me.

My head sunk lower to the ground as did my stomach but Lucas continued to lead me around the floor. I couldn’t tell if he was trying to be an ass or only teasing me.

“Br…” I didn’t even want his name in my mouth nor on my lips “He isn’t going to be available that night” I lied still trying to keep my composure even though I wanted to burst into tears, crawl in a hole, and never come out again. I hated the fact that the mere thought of Brandon did this to me. I lifted my head to look at him once more, but he quickly spun my whole body away from him only to send it crashing back into his hard chest seconds later. Everyone on the floor began to move away from us.

Lucas twisted and turned my body forcefully. I wasn’t sure if I should be enjoying the thrill or be terrified. He spun me towards him again and smiled, not a devilish or fake smile, but a real Lucas full teeth smile. I knew he was only trying to lighten the mood.

I smiled back, and did my best to keep up with this new exciting fast pace. I had never seen anyone dance like this or ever experienced it myself. I was to wrapped up in the moment to notice the music had stopped and the room was silent. My eyes fixated on Lucas as he brought me close to him once more. He whispered in my ear.

“Who would you want to do it then minx” my legs grew wobbly and I started to feel myself fall, but Lucas gracefully caught me.

“Stop it!” Kate protested. Lucas brought me back up from the dip he had me in and scooted himself two feet away from me. “What on earth Lucas!” The room began to fill with quiet laughs. “Class dismissed!” she shouted again. I turned away about to start heading to my room. “Not you Samantha or Lucas! Both of you stay right here”

As soon as everyone cleared the room Kate began.

“Where did you two even learn to dance like that? It was absolutely inappropriate and despicable! Not to mention a complete embarrassment to my ballroom class. Just think of what the mothers will say”

“Mom relax I was only trying to lighten the mood, people have been dancing the same way for years, I thought this would be nice and refreshing”

“Lucas I expect better out of you!” She glared I began to bite the inside of my cheek until I tasted blood. I knew if I laughed she would only be harder on Lucas. “I just don’t get it Lucas. I give you everything you ask for and all I demand in return is a little respect” It’s strange how fast things can go from being funny to incredibly serious.

“Well maybe if you paid a little more attention to me and didn’t focus so hard on your precious parties you’d know me better and know exactly what to expect”

“Someday you will understand it is all for you” Kate’s eyes began to glaze over with tears. I suddenly became incredible uncomfortable. Like an outsider in an awkward family moment.

“Yeah right” Lucas huffed and stormed outside. Kate turned away from me. I could hear her sniffles and knew she was either already crying on about to be.

“Samantha, we will go into town tomorrow and find you a proper dress for your ball” and with that she walked out of the room.

I stood there in silence for a few moments trying to decide if I should pursue Lucas or Kate. Eventually deciding Lucas would be much easier to handle, I made my way outside to the gardens after him.