Chapter 12 - The Lovey Dovey

Joyce and Ishmael looked at each other and smiled at the interaction they witnessed, the two lovey dovey were a sight to see.

Joyce thought that they were cute. Ishmael is happy to see his friend open his heart again, giving love another chance. Considering what happened in the past; Amaro was badly hurt and it's a miracle that despite his wound he had love again.

The four of them talked a lot. Their conversations were centered on knowing about their country, culture and traditions. They also exchange some information about themselves. After a while, they said their goodbyes and went to their offices.

In the car, Kashmir mentioned about the charity ball he has to attend.

"Amaro, you are going to attend a ball this Saturday." she said.

He hates attending parties and events but has no choice because he needs to represent the company. He had always made excuses to his father and mother just not to attend parties and events. He was thankful because his brother has no problem attending parties and events so his absence was not that obvious.

His parents also understand that he really doesn't like the attention of the media that always accompanies big events and parties of elite people. He wanted to be a low profile because he wants to keep his privacy.

"Would you like me to arrange something for your date on the said event?" she added.

Amaro raised his eyebrow on what she said which did not escape her eyes.

"My previous boss always ordered me to arrange things for his girlfriend such as contacting stylish and make-up artists to help her get ready for the event. I can also arrange for your girlfriend or fiancee." she said.

"I don't have a girlfriend," he said curtly.

"You're kidding me." she said with a smirk.

"You don't believe me?" he asked her.

"You're a prince and you are also exquisite. I am sure many women will want you." she said

"I am going to ask you the same question you asked me, 'Do you hate women?' or 'Are you a gay?'" she told him.

"I don't hate women,  after all, my mother is a woman. And I am not a gay. Do you want me to prove it to you?" he said, holding her chin and tilted his head to kiss her. She pushed his chest forcefully and she turned aside.

Amaro smirked. "You will be my plus one for the charity ball" he said with a commanding tone.

She did not answer him.  As they reached his office, his secretary reminded him of his meeting.

"Your Highness everyone is at the conference hall now." Kevin said, implying that the meeting is about to start.

Amaro went to the conference hall and Kashmir followed suit. At the conference hall, men and women alike stood as they entered the hall. They bowed paying respect to him. He gestured to them to sit.

He pulled a chair and gestured to Kashmir to sit which she reluctantly obeyed. Everyone in the room was bemused by the prince's action toward Kashmir; they all knew that she was his new personal assistant.

They had a back to back meeting which lasted for six hours and dinner was served at their meeting. People around them are observing their interaction while they are having their dinner. No one dared to join the two lovey dovey, they could see that the prince was smitten with his personal assistant.

After the long back to back meeting. Amaro received a call from Rashid, inviting him for a drink. He did not decline the invitation because he wants to unwind after the tiring back to back meeting.

He wanted to bring Kashmir with him but went against the idea because Kashmir doesn't drink.  Secondly, Rashid is a womanizer and doesn't want him around Kashmir and lastly, Kashmir is tired and needs rest.

"Are you ready to leave?" he asked Kashmir.

"Yes" she said

While they were in the elevator. Kashmir yawned.

"Are you tired?" he asked her

"Tired and sleepy" she answered, closing her eyes and leaned her head on the wall.

"Don't sleep here" he chuckled

"I won't" she opened her eyes and chuckled.

"I am going to a bar with my friend. I will let Omar and two of the bodyguards bring you back to the palace." he told her

"Oh, I will just take a cab back to the palace. You need your chauffeur with you." she said.

"Omar and two of the bodyguards will bring you back to the palace. That's an order. " he said.

Kashmir pursed her lips when she heard the tone of his voice. What he said is already final and there is no point to argue.

She saw cars parked at the entrance. Five cars including the limousine and a Lamborghini Sian Roadster.

Omar was standing by the limousine, when he saw them approaching, he opened the door at the passenger seat. She climbed into the car and sat down without taking a glance at Amaro. Omar and one of the bodyguards climb into the car. The limousine was tailed by a car where a body guard was driving.

Amaro got into his car and drove followed by his bodyguards.

Kashmir arrived at the palace, she went straight to her room. She had freshened up and went to her bed. Again, three red roses are lying on her bed. She is bewildered, who would be this person who gives her flowers everyday. She took the flowers, smelled it and placed them at the night stand. She thought about Amaro, had he arrived yet? She could not sleep so she decided to read a book.

At the bar, Amaro entered the private box where Rashid was already sitting with two ladies accompanying him.

"Hey, what's up mate?" Rashid asked Amaro

Amaro did not answer but just sat at the opposite side. Rashid introduced to him the two ladies with him, they coquettishly shook hands with him. While they were drinking, one of the ladies sat next to him. Amaro never glanced at the woman as his mind was on Kashmir.

'What is she doing now? Maybe, she's sleeping now' he thought

'I should have brought her here with me, but I don't want Rashid to see her' his debating with himself.

When he was tipsy, the woman beside him started to touch his arms. He jerked his arm and looked at the woman with disgust. He moved away from her, the woman was deeply offended and went back to sit beside Rashid. 

Rashid then said, "Hey buddy, you should not treat a lady like that."

Amaro did not answer, he only glared at him. He went on drinking and kept on thinking about Kashmir. He wanted to see her, and with that in mind he decided to go home.

Kashmir put down the book she was reading, she was thirsty so she went near the fridge and got a bottle of water. She was gulping the water, when she heard a knock on the door. She put down the water at the counter top and answered the door.

A bodyguard is standing outside.

"Ms. Kashmir, his highness is a little bit drunk. We need your assistance because he doesn't listen to us"

Kashmir went to the princes' room, she saw him sitting on the floor; his back leaning on the bed with his eyes closed. She kneeled in front of him.

"Amaro" she called him cupping his face.

"Kashmir, why are you here?" he asked her.

"A guard called me because you aren't listening to them," she said.

"Look, you need to change your clothes, it's not comfortable to sleep in those clothes" she spoke while taking off his suit and then she untied his tie. She helped him get up off the floor and sat at his bed.

"I'm going to make coffee for you, it will help  you sober up."

She was about to leave to make coffee for him but he held her wrist.

She turned around and looked at him. She could see the sadness and pain on his face.

"Are you alright Amaro?" she said worriedly.

"I will lend you a listening ear," she added.

He did not say a word. She sat beside him and Amaro held her hand. They silently sat there for almost half an hour.

"Amaro you have to freshen up and take a rest. I'll prepare a bath for you"

When the bath was ready, she went back to Amaro. She helped him to go to the bathroom. When he was inside the bathroom.

"Ok I will leave then, I know you can still manage to take off your clothes and go into the tub. Good night Amaro, have a good rest." and she left him.

She spoke to the bodyguard concerning Amaro who is in the bathroom before heading back to her own room.