Chapter 2
Chapter 2
O n the dance floor Princess ZsaZsa Adannaya Ashro thought back to the moment she saw James walking towards them. A burst of energy sparked through her veins. His posture was regal, almost graceful in the way he moved. Yet, there was a power in his stride. A stealth-like danger similar to the powerful animals in her country of Emure. He was very pleasing on the eyes. She had heard her roommates call men like him… fine .
She noticed his eyes were scanning every corner of the room as he came closer. In her mind she concluded he was a warrior. She wondered if her face was showing her blushing, because that was exactly what was happening inside. She tried to control those feelings when she shifted in her seat. It was hard to be cool, as her roommates said one should be when meeting a boy. Be cool , she said to herself, even though she wasn’t certain what being cool meant. When she shifted in the seat again she realized those around her could see. So she took a few deep breaths to calm down. Then when she looked up, she knew it was a mistake. That was the moment their eyes met. He looked directly at her. That’s when her mind went to Oshun, goddess of beauty. He was simply beautiful. Could men be beautiful, she wondered, but she could not think of a better way to describe him. From his medium brown skin to the wonderfully chiseled chin, to the delightful, thick, kissable lips, and those eyes that called out to her. She could feel them seeping into her veins the closer he came to her.
By the time he reached the table, she was lost in his gaze. As he spoke to Phire, her heart raced a beat faster at the sound of his voice. She simply could not take her eyes from him. Each time he glanced her way, ZsaZsa could feel him pulling her into a spell. One she could not, and to be honest, did not wish to break away from. His voice had a sincerity to it when he spoke. Somewhere along the way, he touched her hand. She could feel his strength and wondered if he could feel the shockwaves rushing through her body. She could only pray he did not. Be cool, she said again to herself, and she would as soon as she was able to figure out what that meant.
And, oh, my goodness, her heart began to beat faster as he sat down to talk to her. Everyone else left the table, but he stayed. She was so nervous, she looked around trying to calm herself down. When she did, a commotion happening a few tables down from them caught her attention. He said something to her, but since Phire was involved in what was happening, it distracted her. Once he looked over his shoulder, he immediately got up to see to his friend.
She followed him to the table but stood back. She watched him scan the room, probably looking for more troublemakers, she guessed. To her it seemed like he was ready to strike at any minute if needed. She liked this James, she thought, as the situation was brought under control. There was something special about him. When Phire asked him about the rally, ZsaZsa found she was very anxious to hear his reply. To her surprise she asked him, herself. The minute the words were out of her mouth, Deirdre had something to say. It seemed, to her, Deirdre was now interested in him. That irritated ZsaZsa, because Deirdre always wanted all the boys. Why couldn’t she just let this one go? To her surprise, James turned to her and asked if she wanted to dance. That shocked her, but not enough to say no. Before she could answer, Deirdre announced she didn’t know how to, which was true, but still, ZsaZsa thought it was rude of her to say so. James surprised her again with his response. Then she almost squealed out loud but caught herself. She wanted to turn back to see the look on Deirdre’s face, but the presence of James next to her took all of her attention. She didn’t feel really nervous until they reached the dance floor, and she realized the truth, he was about to discover Deirdre was right. She really did not know how to dance.
ZsaZsa’s thoughts came back to the present when put his hand around her waist.
“Just step side to side with me.” He said as he smiled down at her.
Those words eased ZsaZsa’s nervousness. While she did not know how to do the latest dance steps like the college kids her age did, she had rhythm and could learn any dance. She had no problem allowing James to teach her what he was doing. The music was wonderful and ZsaZsa was enjoying dancing with him. By the time the first song ended, she was following him step by step. Every move he made, she followed. Dancing with him on the fast songs was just as much fun as the slower ones. She was having a ball learning his moves. All the nervousness was gone, and she was simply in another world with him. She could not remember the last time she laughed so much. They had danced to a variety of songs, then the tempo changed to a love song. It was one her sister-in-law would play often at home, Stop, Look, Listen To Your Heart , by the artist Will Downing. She loved the song and its words. They spoke to her heart just as James was doing. It was easy to dance to, so, let her inhibitions go, and did exactly what the song said. She knew how to dance when a man was holding her. She had to attend royal events all the time. Following his steps, as regal as a queen, ZsaZsa swayed in James’ arms as if she had done it a million times before. In that moment, she knew this was where she belonged.
James pulled her a little closer. There was something about this girl that made him want to hold her in this way forever. That can’t be, he thought. You just met this girl, and you don’t know anything about her. But he wanted to. He needed to talk. They had laughed at the dance moves as he gave her instructions, but he still didn’t know anything about her, other than her name. Why in the hell was he so nervous around her. He had been around movie stars, pop stars, politicians, hell the president of the United States, yet he found himself at a loss for words with her. If he wanted to keep her around, he’d better start talking.
“You’re a good dancer.”
She smiled up at him. “I am not familiar with some of the dance steps here in the United States. However, I am a quick learner.”
“You are doing just fine,” James said as he glanced down at her. While holding her in his arms the struggle for words was real. He had to remind himself to keep it simple.
“ZsaZsa is an unusual name.”
“It means God’s promise,” she replied.
He smiled, thinking that was a perfect name. That was also when he noticed her accent was one that he had heard before. However, his did not sound as smooth or as silky as hers. He could listen to her talk forever. There was that word again, forever. He cleared his throat.
“You are not from here?” He asked.
“No. I am from Emure, Africa.”
That surprised him. “Are you related to Prince LaVeré Ashro?”
“Yes.” She smiled brightly at him. “He is the youngest son of my father. Do you know of him?”
He looked into her smiling face. It touched him in a way he could not explain. “Yes. He is a close friend of my father, James Brooks. Since he is a prince, that means you are Princess ZsaZsa.”
“Yes.” She bashfully smiled. “I did not know Mr. James had a son as old as you. I am aware of your mother Ashley and the younger children.”
“I am from his first marriage. My mother is Katherine, Ashley is my stepmother.” He explained feeling some kind of way about saying that out loud. To some it made him sound like an outsider, which was nowhere near true. “We are what some people call a blended family.”
“I know of Mr. James. I very much like him.” She nodded.
“He’s a good guy,” James nodded with pride. Liking how easy the conversation was going, he smiled to himself and continued. “How long have you been in the United States?”
“Since I was sixteen years of age.” She glanced away as she replied.
He saw a sadness in her eyes for a moment before she looked away. Thinking he had touched on something wrong, he changed the subject and looked around. “Where is your security detail? I am certain LaVeré has one for you.”
“I am rarely aware of their presence. However, I know they are here, watching my every move.”
“Does that bother you?” James asked, sensing a little tension from her.
“At times. My roommate teases me about them, the way I speak, dress, and eat. There are times when it bothers me.”
“Phire teases you?” James asked, a little surprised at the thought.
“No, our roommate Deirdre takes great joy in teasing me about everything. I do not think she likes me very much.”
“Oh. There are times when people tease you because they are somewhat jealous.” James leaned in to whisper in her ear as he spoke. The touch of his cheek to hers jarred him. Volts of electricity shot through his body. He took a deep breath trying to calm the shock and wondering why this girl affected him in this way. “Ignore her. Be true to who you are. If she cannot handle that it’s her problem, not yours.”
“That is what Sapphire tells me all the time.” ZsaZsa whispered.
“You should listen to her,” James replied as he hesitantly put a little distance between them. “Are you a freshman?” He asked just wanting to keep her talking.
“No, I am a sophomore seeking a double degree certification in International Public Relations and International Affairs. There are things I need to understand about issues that impact my country.” She stopped talking then exhaled. “My apology. I speak when I am nervous.”
“No, don’t stop talking. I like hearing your voice.” James replied thinking why in the hell did he say that. There was an awkward moment of silence.
“Are you interested in Sapphire?” she asked.
“Interested?” James frowned at the question then realized what she was asking. “No, not at all. She is a friend.” He explained then smiled. “You have an unusual way of speaking.”
“My roommate Deirdre tells me that quite often. She says I should stop talking.”
“I think it makes you unique.” James smiled as they continued to dance. “Are you interested in someone?”
“No, my time does not allow for such things.” she replied.
“Why not?”
“I cannot say,” she shrugged. “I have not had any reason to since I have come to this country.”
James found that hard to believe. First of all, the woman was gorgeous. So much so, he was finding it hard to concentrate on his steps because he kept stealing looks at her. He wondered if the reason was because she had a boyfriend in her country.
“Do you like it here?” he asked.
There was no response for a long moment.
ZsaZsa was really trying hard to keep up with the conversation. Being this close to him was literally taking her breath away. She had to concentrate on breathing. She thought for a moment, “I feel safe here.”
“You don’t feel safe at home?”
“No,” she replied. Then tried to think of something else to say. Her reply had been so blunt, she felt it was important to say more. But then, he pulled her a bit closer. She could feel his thighs against hers. This cannot be proper, she thought, but could not find the strength to step back.
“Do you feel safe now?”
She looked up at him. His smile was teasing, and his eyes seemed to have changed to a very light brown. It felt as if she was transfixed into another world with no desire to be anywhere else. She had once said she never wanted to be anyone’s captive ever again. The thought filled her mind that James Brooks Jr. could capture her anytime he liked.
“It has been a while since I have been able to say this, but yes, I do.” ZsaZsa smiled.
“Good.” He nodded. “I want you to feel that way around me. I hope you don’t mind me asking, but how old are you?”
“Nine and ten years.” She replied.
He smiled down at her. “Nineteen.”
“Yes,” she chuckled. “I am learning more of the speaking ways here. How old are you?”
“Twenty-two.”
“Oh, that is not much older than I,” ZsaZsa said then thought better of that. “Not that your age is old…only older than I am.” He laughed and she liked the sound.
“It’s okay. I am older. You seem older, like Phire. I know she just turned twenty, but she has a mature outlook on life. She thinks about the events going on in the world and how it impacts us.”
“We have to. There are many issues happening around us,” ZsaZsa stated. “It is incumbent on those of us who are young to ensure there is a future world for us to grow into. We must protect what we have in order to preserve our history, our culture, and our desire for democracy for all.”
He stopped dancing. ZsaZsa wanted to kick herself. She did it again. She was talking about things no one wanted to hear about. At least no one her age.
“I am sorry,” ZsaZsa rushed out. “I have a tendency to speak of things no one is interested in.”
“There is nothing to apologize for,” James replied.
“Is it not why you stopped dancing?”
He smiled at her. “No. The music changed.”
ZsaZsa looked around to see people were dancing to a faster song. “Oh.” She blushed.
“Let’s get out of the way,” he guided her from the dance floor. “Not many people our age think of the future. We live for what is happening today and in our own little world. It’s refreshing to talk with someone who thinks on a higher level.”
She watched as he glanced around.
“It’s kind of nice outside. Would you like to take a walk with me?”
ZsaZsa thought her heart was going to bounce right out of her chest. “Yes.”
He took her hand, then led them back to the table. “Phire, ZsaZsa and I are going out for a walk. We’ll be right back.”
“Would you do me a favor and walk her back to the dorm?” Phire asked. “I’m sure she’s ready to go.”
“I can continue the celebration with you,” ZsaZsa said, not understanding why Phire was asking him to do that.
“Excuse me for a minute James Jr.” Phire gently pulled ZsaZsa to the side and whispered. “Do you like talking to James Jr.?”
“Yes, very much,” ZsaZsa stated.
“Then go talk to him alone, on the walk back to the dorm, without Deirdre around,” Phire said then turned back to James Jr. “She’s ready.”
ZsaZsa frowned, then her eyes widened. “Oh…I understand now. Thank you.” She smiled over her shoulder as James guided her away.
“Where are they going?” She heard Deirdre ask but did not bother to stop.
James chuckled once they stepped outside of the club. “Are you sure you are okay with me walking you back to your dorm?”
“Yes, very much so.” ZsaZsa replied then hesitated. “I have never been alone with a boy. There have always been chaperones in my country whenever a male figure was around.”
“I am certain we have a few eyes on us,” James said as he moved to the outside of the street walkway, placing her on the inside.
“Why did you do that?”
“Do what?”
“Move your position as we walk?” She asked.
“It is the gentlemanly thing to do when walking a young lady home,” He replied. “If a car were to venture onto the walkway, I would be able to cover your body with mine, to protect you on this side while the wall of the building will protect you on the other side.”
She looked around to take in what he stated. “That is very noble of you.”
“Thank you,” he chuckled.
“Are you laughing at me? Deirdre does it all the time. She says I need to speak like everyone else instead of around in circles. I do not feel I speak in a circle. To be honest, I am not very clear on the meaning.”
“No, you do not speak in circles. In fact, I rather like the way you speak. You should always be yourself. You are a unique person and I like that about you.”
“That is very kind of you to say,” ZsaZsa beamed. “You are what we would call a warrior in my country.”
“A warrior? Am I fierce?” James asked with a twinkle in his eyes.
“No,” she smiled. “You are a quiet protector. One who will hunt down a predator without it being aware you are on the prowl. Your eyes are all seeing, you observe all that is around you. Therefore, you are not fierce, but one who could be dangerous, for you are always prepared to strike.”
He stopped walking and stared at her.
“Did I say something to offend you?” She looked up at him startled.
For a long moment, he just stared at her. ZsaZsa was about to speak again but he spoke.
“No. You did not offend me. It seems it was I who offended you. I underestimated your ability to read people.”
“Read people?” She wasn’t sure what he meant. “Is that bad?” She watched as his eyes danced with mirth. “I see you are laughing at me again.”
“Yes, but it is a delighted laugh.” He began walking again with his hands behind his back to keep from touching her again. If he was being honest with himself, he really wanted to do more than just touch her. He had been itching to kiss her from the moment they met. That was odd for him. He was usually very measured before getting involved with a girl. “You are not what I would expect of a princess.”
“Have you met many?”
“No,” he laughed. “Only a few who thought they were. You are truly a princess. If that wasn’t proven by your mannerisms, it is evident by the security detail following us.”
ZsaZsa exhaled. “It is a price I must pay for being born into the royal family. I am afraid there will never be a time when we are truly alone.” She stopped walking to clarify her statement. “Not that there would be a need for us to ever be alone. I only say that to emphasize the security presence.”
He smiled, looked off for a second then turned back to her. “Oh, I think there will come a time when we may want to be alone. When that time comes, we will figure it out. Tell me about your country.”
The two turned and continued walking towards her dormitory. It turned out to be one of the most consequential nights of ZsaZsa’s young life.