Perfect

I was thankful when the rest of the day was uneventful. 

The girls and I quickly wrapped up our trip and they promised to join me the next day to prepare for the party.

When I woke up I felt a buzz of excitement and nervousness.

It had been years since I last attended an event like this and even then I stood by the sidelines, choosing not to draw attention to myself, unlike the other pampered princesses. 

"Are you really still going to the office?" Lex asked as he leaned against the frame of my room's door.

"I already missed work yesterday to go shopping. It doesn't take a whole day to get ready," I said, rolling my eyes. "The afternoon is enough. Now where is that damn phone of mine?"

"Right next to that crazy ring Alexander has been obsessing over, hmmm didn't know it was for you," my cousin said as he entered the room and reached out to grab it.

I didn't know what came over me. I quickly grabbed the ring on its gold chain and slapped my cousin's hand away.

Lex raised an eyebrow and laughed at me.

I could feel my cheeks burning in embarrassment, I knew exactly what I did and what it looked like.

"I just don't like other people touching my things," I grumbled as I stumbled to make an excuse. "I can't stand it after what happened with Jason."

It wasn't true, but I didn't want anyone touching the ring for some reason.

"Whatever helps you sleep at night, cousin," he said with a wink. "I'm off to work."

"You're taking me to the party tonight, right?" I called after him.

"Yup, we leave at 8," he answered.

"8? The invitation says 7!" I hated being late.

"It's 7 for everyone else, 8 for Alexander's fiancée," Lex called out as he turned down the hall.

Glancing at my phone, I frowned. I had to leave for the office or I wasn't going to make it in time to clock in.

One of the perks that came with being a Durfort was having a house filled with staff. So by the time I stepped into the foyer, a maid had a small breakfast packed for me and the driver had my car up front.

Unfortunately for me, traffic was hell today. 

Roads were closed because of all the VIPs arriving for tonight's party. I couldn't believe it was that big of a deal, but it probably was since I arrived ten minutes late to the office. 

Fortunately, I wasn't the only one that was late and there was a short line at the elevators. 

"Damn, I hate this time of the year," one woman in front of me grumbled.

"You don't hate it that much, I know you love watching the red carpet for tonight's ball," her friend teased.

"True," the woman shrugged. "I watch for the fashion and the gossip."

"Oooohhhh and the gossip this year will be extra juicy," her friend giggled. 

"Alexander Harris introducing his fiancée at the—"

"You thick-faced pathetic bitch!" Janet came charging at me.

Why did I have to deal with this pain in the ass at work as well?

"I bet that outfit you're wearing is all counterfeit," she spat.

People were starting to look, I wasn't embarrassed, more annoyed than anything. I needed to keep a low profile cause of my mission and Janet was making it difficult.

"I think it would be nice if your schedule was changed, or even your work location," I said, rolling my eyes.

I didn't want to do this, using my influence as a Durfort was the last thing I wanted to do, but Janet was going to be the reason why we ended up fucking this mission up.

I didn't have to line up with the other employees, I just enjoyed listening to the gossip.

"Let me pass, Janet," I told her in a cold tone catching her off guard.

Janet Young had gotten used to the meek pliable fake version of Lilibeth that I had been when I was married to her brother, but that wasn't who I was. That was a persona I had created so he would love me and even after that he still cast me aside and used me.

"Or what?" she asked.

I raised an eyebrow at her and tilted my head.

It seemed that today was my lucky day because as I was about to physically push her out of my way, the lobby went silent.

"Mr. Harris and Mr. Durfort…" I heard someone mumble.

Janet must have heard the same thing and her attention quickly turned to the people who had arrived.

I took advantage of her being distracted. I didn't need to see my cousin or my fiancée, I just needed to get out of here and do my job.

The VIP elevator was already waiting, probably for Lex and Alexander which was perfect for me.

I quickly slipped inside while everyone was distracted and waited for the two men to arrive.

"Well, well, well," Lex chuckled as he saw me tucked away in an obscure corner of the elevator. "Seems like my cousin couldn't wait for tonight to see you, Alexi."

I rolled my eyes, glad that no one else was within earshot.

"Get in, Lex," Alexander groaned, he seemed to be seconds away from shoving my cousin into the elevator with me. 

Lex chuckled and got in, Alexander on the other hand stopped and turned to someone outside. 

"Get on the next one," he commanded before getting in himself and quickly pressing the close button which just so happened to be right behind me.

I was about to move myself further away from him to the other end of the elevator when he pressed me up against the wall, caging me in with his arms.

"He won't save you," Alexander whispered as he leaned in, brushing my ear, his warm breath sending pleasurable shivers up my spine. 

"Who?" I asked, acting like he hadn't caught me looking to my cousin for help,

"Lex, he won't," Alexander said quite confidently. "Are you wearing it?"

"Wearing what? My panties?" I heard a cough from Lex as he tried to hide his laughter. 

"My ring," Alexander said, seemingly unbothered by my attempt to debase him, making him sound like some sick pervert. "Though I wouldn't mind the lack of panties when we're at home."

"I am," I declare as I look up to meet his gaze, I would not let his comment get to me. 

I'm drawn in by those obsidian eyes, I feel his fingers graze my cheek.

I can't help but close my eyes as I let myself enjoy the feeling of his skin on mine. His hand drops to my neck, for a moment I think he plans on strangling me, but he moves on to touch my collarbone.

"Are you guys going to fuck in the elevator, cause if you are I don't want to watch," Lex grumbles from behind him, breaking the spell between us.

Alexander lifts the chain, revealing the engagement ring that hangs on the end.

"Perfect," he says as he plants a kiss on the corner of my lips and elegantly slides out of the elevator leaving me pressed against the wall, my heart beating faster than ever.