Page 43 of X: Command Me through Alexander’s Eyes

Chapter Fifteen

Islip into my shell as we make our way through the lobby. There are friends and family and the bloody paparazzi everywhere. Keeping Clara’s hand tightly clasped in mine, I weave through them. I don’t bother pausing for photo ops. No one wants those pictures of us. They’ll publish whatever they take that looks scandalous, not some poised photograph of a happy couple.

Why the hell did I bring her here?

There’s some relief when we reach the ballroom, but it’s short-lived. I survey the people gathered there. It’s the usual crowd—dignitaries and four-times removed cousins and politicians and celebrities. All here to pretend my father isn’t a giant bastard for one night. I can’t help wondering who picked the safari theme or how much it cost. Jungle ferns and birds flying overhead? It’s beyond ridiculous.

“Are you okay?” Clara murmurs in a low voice.

“I’m fine, Clara,” I say, spotting Norris. “Excuse me one moment.”

My goal this evening is to keep Clara at a distance from my family. She’ll have to meet them, of course. I can’t get around that, and it was the point of bringing her here. I chose a public event on purpose—there’s less chance of a scene.

“Alexander,” Norris greets me coolly. He stands casually, but I have no doubt he’s sweeping the room for security concerns. The man never rests.

“Keep an eye on my family, and I’ll keep an eye on her,” I say. “It’s best we control all interactions.”

“And do you know where she is?” he asks, each word as sharp as a knife’s tip.

I turn to my side, my stomach flipping over when I realize she’s not there. I turn and stare at the crowded room, searching for her. I left her. I remember now. What am I doing? How am I fucking this up already? I can’t think clearly when she’s near me—that point’s been proven again and again—but this is a new low. “I told her I’d be right back,” I say wildly.

“She’s not a dog, Alexander. You can’t expect her to stay put,” he advises me quietly. His chin tilts to the corner. “She’s with her friend.”

I follow his gaze to find Clara laughing with Belle and another woman I don’t recognize. Clara obviously knows her, though. The sickening pit in my stomach shrinks. I know it won’t be gone entirely until I have her within reach again.

“I won’t let her out of my sight again,” I mutter.

“Is that wise? There are a few warnings you should deliver yourself,” Norris says. “You can’t expect everyone here to behave without a little incentive.”

“I shouldn’t leave her alone.”

“She’s not alone, and she’s perfectly safe here. No one will touch her inside.” His certainty is reassuring.

Clara is safe—physically. But she’s not in physical danger here. The wounds those closest to me will inflict are more of the mind-fuck variety. It’s how my entire family communicates. Sticks and stones might break bones, but the old nursery rhyme fails to realize that words can be poison.

“I’m going to check on her first,” I say. I owe her an apology at the very least.

I’m halfway to her when Pepper accosts me. Tonight, she’s motherless and not playing the demure lady. She’s on the prowl, and I’ve inadvertently stumbled into her trap.

“I’ve been looking for you.” She makes a show of brushing some invisible speck of dust off my shoulder.

“I can’t imagine why?” I bite out, still managing a smile. I brought Clara here to avoid a scene, but that means I must play by the same rules as well.

“Why are you acting this way?” She pauses and brings her gaze up to mine. “We’re practically family. I was your sister’s best friend.”

“And you’re fucking my father. Don’t forget that,” I say pleasantly, nodding to an old school acquaintance as he passes.

Her false smile shatters. “Don’t be vulgar.”

I know Pepper would like to remove the practically from this sentiment—it’s why she’s shagging my father. What I can’t figure out is where I play into it? Why bother with me when she’s got his attention? I know she wants to secure a place in the royal family. I don’t know why she thinks either of us is a viable option. I’ve made my feelings on marriage clear: I’m not about to continue this charade of a family any further, and I won’t be adding to its number by marriage or otherwise.

“I’m sorry, I need to see to my date.” I move away, but she follows at my heels.

“I want to be introduced,” she says hastily.

“Why?” I stop in my tracks. No good can come of that.

“Alexander, no matter what you think, we are friends. We’ve been through so much together. We both lost Sarah.” She blinks, and I swear she’s near tears. “I don’t want to lose you, too.”