All or nothing

Chapter 4

All or nothing~

ALEXANDER

The moment I taste lilies and daisies, I know it is not Lydia or whoever was sent into this room to play Hockey's fantasy.

A stupid game Brian brought up, and we play it every time we win a game.

I pull back so fast that my shoulder hits the door behind me.

Evelyn stands in front of me, wide-eyed and breathing hard, her lips swollen from my kiss.

For a second, I forget how to breathe.

Out of every woman in New York, out of every female student in CrownFord, it had to be her.

For five years, I have imagined what kissing Evelyn Ashbourne again would feel like.

It was never supposed to happen in a dark room at a frat party. While playing a stupid game of push and pull.

I should open the door.

I should send her downstairs, and I should definitely stop looking at her mouth, but I can't.

"Is there a problem?" The door opens, and bright light floods the room.

Brian steps in, and Steve gasps, and I'm sure if Kai were here, he'd talk about how stupid these games were becoming.

"Evelyn?" Steve calls out, staring at her in disbelief.

I hadn't told any of them she was here.

"I don't understand. We thought you were....what are you even doing here?" Steve asks.

She looks freaked out, and I wouldn't blame her. I would be if I had been ambushed like that.

"I thought you checked who came into the room?" I ask, glaring at Brian, who glared back.

"How would I know it wasn't Lydia? The boys said they saw a pretty girl walk upstairs. So I thought it was Lydia. She did say she would wear something black and red." Brian says, and I turn to Evelyn, who was yet to say a word as she looks around nervously.

She is wearing a red top, black leather shorts and black long boots to match the dress.

If it wasn’t so revealing, I would have liked it.

"Where's my ring?" She suddenly asks, lowering down to find it.

I rush, my body running into action before I can stop myself as she bends.

Her shorts hike up, and I stand between her and the boys who stood outside to watch the scenes.

She picks it up and dusts herself off.

"If that'll be all, I'll leave you all to... whatever you have going on in here." She says and heads for the door.

"Well, this party is officially ruined," Brian mutters, rubbing a hand over his face.

"Little princess, I didn’t know you enrolled here. Are you not even going to talk to me? I thought I was your favourite nuisance.” Steve sighs. "Come on, at least hear me out. I promise not to waste your time.." I hear Steve's voice all the way until it fades, and I turn to find Brian staring at me.

"What?"

"You really didn't know it was her? Nothing happened, right?" He questions.

"I figured it was her before anything was to happen, and why are you interrogating me like a father would a son?" I glare at him, and he shrugs.

"We're supposed to head to Albion this week and clear some stuff out on that deal. I just want to know if your head is stable and right where it's supposed to be."

"I'm fine," I say, and he nods, nudging my shoulder.

~••~

The frat party lasted till midnight, until Brian was drunk and sodding every blackens hockey team out of the Mayor's townhouse, and Turner was feeding the fishes in the lake behind the house... beef, and Steve was talking my ears off about not telling him that Evelyn was in school.

I straighten my suit jacket and step out of the elevator.

"Good morning, Your Grace." Ms Seth greets me as I meet her halfway in the lounge.

"Always a pleasure to meet you, Ms Seth. Mr Windsor would do, please."

She laughs.

"I'll have that in mind. Are you headed for the interview with Nil's Media?" She asks.

"Yes, I am. And I'll be leaving for Albion this week for an important meeting that I can not reschedule no matter what, so please do not ask for any favours, Ms Seth." I tell her, and she sighs.

Brian, Kai and Steve meet us on our way for the interview, dressed in Suits also.

"I just want to know if you've had or seen anything disturbing for a few days now at your suite or close by."

I frown.

"No, I have not. Is there a problem?"

"No, Ms Evelyn. You know...the Lady Evelyn from Albion told me she felt uncomfortable and wants to change rooms." I stop walking, giving her full attention.

"She said she wanted a change of room?"

"Yes, anywhere that is not this part of the residence hall. I just wanted to know if you've felt or heard anything disturbing that could have caused her to say that."

Why would she want a change of room? Is it because of me?

"Wait a minute... Evelyn is staying at the Residence Hall of Desire?" Kai asks.

"I just found out as well," I say, and he sighs.

"Well, she can come stay in our hall. Residence Hall of Fame has many empty suites and also many females." Kai suggests.

I scowl, detesting the sudden feeling of anger brewing in me.

"That's not possible. Her parents chose this hall for her, knowing it's close to her faculty and classroom. It's easier for her and also has many of her departments."

Kai nods, convinced.

"That's true."

We climb the stage and sit, waiting for the interviewer.

The interview for the CrownFord best Hockey players.

"I'm so honoured and delighted to be given the opportunity to interview you, Your Grace and gentlemen. Please feel free to voice your opinions during this interview." The interviewer says, and we nod.

I hate interviews and most especially bright cameras and unnecessary questions, but being a famous Hockey star and a crown prince makes this unavoidable.

"First of all, we'll be asking questions from fans. And we have a question from a fan of yours. She says she loves you so much— aww- and she loves that you're always happy, Your Grace. And she wants to know: " If you've ever had a first love?"

I freeze, my eyes dilating for a second before I regain my composure and smile for the camera.

My fingers tap on the table....one, three, six. One, three, six.

I swallow my spit, my mouth dry as I try to think about the best answer to this question.

"Your grace?"

I smile and laugh.

"I don't have a first love," I answer.

"Ohhhhh....." The crowd bursts into giggles and hushed whispers.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see someone move, and I turn in that direction to see Evelyn Ashbourne walking back through the door and out of the interview hall.

TBC