Hey, I was going to update this earlier today, but the Internet at UNF is being stupid.

FINALLY we get a chapter dedicated to best roommate and editor (even though at times I threaten to kill her) Robin (or as I call her ROBINA!)

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Chapter 4

I put on a smile and greeted Logan with a smile. He still looked as handsome as ever, his light brown hair cut shorter than I remembered, his eyes a light green. His Scottish accent is what had attracted me the first time we had met, my freshman year of college. I really wished I didn’t have to see him, especially here. However, I was cornered at the table with nowhere to go.

“So, you’re working with the royal family now? Impressive.” He commented and I nodded.

“Yes, my aunt is teaching me her ways.” I replied, dryly. Logan came closer and gave me a suggestive smile.

“Well, it seems we’ll be seeing a lot of each other then.”

“What do you mean?” I questioned nervously, taking a step back. I didn’t like the look of his smile.

“Well, the paper has me covering the royal family and their events. I’m guessing you’ll be there. It would be nice to become reacquainted.”

“Right, if you could call it that.” I muttered and he took another step toward me. I was now leaning against the table and he was very close.

“What about tonight? We could talk over some dinner?” He asked and I cleared my throat, looking around for someone to save me. I looked back at Logan and gave a nervous chuckle.

“Well, um, I can’t. Tonight, I’ll be working.” I stammered.

“Too bad. That’s all right though; we’ll go out another time.” He smiled and he gently stroked my cheek, causing me to pull back.

“Logan, we’re not going to start this again are we?”

“Well, who’s this?” I saw Ian walk up behind Logan. “I didn’t know you had a friend here, Lana.”

“Oh, Ian, this is Logan. We went to college together.” I introduced and Logan backed off me to look at Ian.

“Prince Ian, a pleasure to meet you. I’m Logan Howard, Lana’s ex-boyfriend.” I gave a flat look. He had to mention that part?

“Oh really?” Ian’s expression seemed to tense. “Interesting, Lana doesn’t seem like the dating type. She seems like she’s too driven and career oriented to waste her time with dating.” He looked at me and I smiled at him.

“That’s probably why she dumped me.” Logan chuckled. “She always had something she was busy with.” I cleared my throat.

“Let me correct you, Logan. You dumped me. You said you were tired of me blowing you off to do homework and papers. You didn’t feel like I dedicated enough time to you.” I snapped and Ian’s gaze shifted between the two of us.

“You dumped her?” Ian repeated, and I groaned. Did he have to say it again? “Why would you do that? She’s so cute!” Ian pinched my cheek and I slapped his hand away.

“Don’t patronize me.” I grumbled, rubbing my cheek.

“Well, I do regret it now. I would like you to give me a second chance, Lana. What do you say?” Logan looked hopeful and I narrowed my eyes.

“I say, go find a girl who has the time to worship the ground you walk on. I didn’t have enough time for you then, and that hasn’t changed.” I turned and walked away from him. I felt an arm on my shoulder and I looked up to see Ian’s amused expression.

“Remind me never to get on your bad side.” He grinned.

“Well, early warning, you’re close to the line, so tread carefully.” He laughed at that and pinched my cheek again.

“You love me. You think I’m too cute to put me on your bad side list.” I sighed, but laughed anyway.

“Stop making me laugh! It doesn’t change anything!” I demanded and he just shook his head.

“No, it’s too fun to mess with you. So, what happened with that Logan guy exactly?” A pained expression crossed my face. “Oh, it’s all right if you don’t want to talk about it.” He added quickly and I frowned up at him.

“Stop being nice again. You’re confusing me. One second you’re arrogant, self-centered, and spoiled. The next you make up for it by being charming and sweet. Then you ruin it by regressing to your other side! I don’t get you.” I said in an exhausted tone.

“I can’t help it if I’m too much for you to handle Lana.” He started and I bit my lip to keep myself from smiling. I felt another arm go around me and I jumped in shock, looking up to see Christine.

“Ah, I figured I would join you two since this is so monotonous.” She said, her expression one of complete boredom.

“Did you look at the items up for auction?” I offered and she nodded, heaving a sigh.

“I just want to go get ready to go out tonight.” She said, her voice perking up at the thought.

“We have hours until then, Christine.” Ian said flatly. “It’s not going to take you that long to get ready.”

“True, but I still have to dress up Lana.”

“What?” Both Ian and I stated in unison.

“Oh come on Lana. I never get to. I want to really doll you up. Let me try, oh please!” She begged.

“What’s wrong with how I look? I look fine!” I contended, and Ian gave me a doubtful look.

“All right, Christine. Do what you must.” He said and my mouth fell open in shock.

“I don’t understand!” I claimed.

“You don’t really think we’d take you out to a club in office attire, do you?” Christine argued and I pouted.

“Just don’t make me look desperate.” I gave in and Ian squeezed my arm.

“Sorry love. It’s too late for that one…”

The slap I gave him left a nice mark on his arm. He scowled at me but I could tell he wasn’t really angry. We met up with my aunt in the center who stifled a yawn. “So you’re bored too, hm?” Christine asked and Aunt Patty shrugged.

“There’s only so long someone can find a silent auction entertaining.”

“Yeah, Aunt Patty, that ended about five minutes in.” I joked and she sighed.

“Yes, well…the auction is almost done. After the announcements we can go.” She whispered.

It took another half hour before the end of the auction and I looked at my Aunt reproachfully. “Liar. A half hour is not “almost done”.” I said, doing air-quotes.

“Well, now it’s almost time to leave.” She smiled hopefully and I narrowed my eyes at her.

“You’re lucky I love you.” I grumbled. The royal family was seated up at the front, where the auction winners were being announced. When the Guarneri violin came up I smiled when I saw it go to a little girl, who looked almost more excited than I had been to see it. I hoped she would take care of it and play it.

“Happy?” I heard a voice in my ear and I squeaked in fear. Ian was standing right behind me and I scowled at him.

“How the hell did you get behind me without me noticing? You were sitting up at front?”

“I’m a ninja.” He said, in complete seriousness. But he couldn’t hold off his laughter for too long.

“Only idiots laugh at their own jokes when no one else does.” I teased and he smacked the back of my head lightly. “Ow! You can’t smack me!” I said, rubbing my head.

“Yes I can.” He argued.

“What the hell gives you permission?”

“You love me.” He smirked. I snorted in amusement.

“Yeah right.” I pushed hard on his chest, but his expression suddenly became very serious.

“Don’t deny your true feelings, Lana. Suppressing your emotions can be unhealthy, both mentally and physically.” He said, taking my hands in his. I pulled them back and looked down, trying to hide my blush.

“Stop it. I don’t like being teased.”

“You’ll get used to it.” He grinned and I felt my lips thin in aggravation. He just loved to get on my last nerve, didn’t he?

“Okay guys, Patricia gave us permission. We can leave.” I heard Christine say from next to me. I looked over at her to see her smiling brightly. I couldn’t help but smile back. “We can go ahead in the town car. Mother and Patricia have another ride back. Plus I don’t want to wait too long. I can’t wait until I dress you up!” She clapped her hands together and my smile faded quickly.

“Oh yeah. That.” I sighed. I felt her loop her arm through mine and drag me away. Ian followed behind us, laughing. I caught Logan’s eye as I left and he had his eyebrow cocked. I hadn’t even noticed him watching us. I hope he hadn’t caught that little episode between Ian and me. It could be taken in a completely different way than it was intended…

I pulled my gaze from him and looked back to Christine who was looking at my strained expression curiously. She didn’t ask anything, but I knew she wouldn’t let it go.

We got back to the castle and I ran up to my room, avoiding Christine’s gaze. I didn’t want her asking questions about Logan. I looked at the clock and sighed. It was already after five.

I jumped into the shower and let the hot water loosen my stiff muscles. I felt so relaxed throughout I had completely forgotten about having to go out tonight. When I got out I put on my robe and walked back into my room. I let out an aggravated sigh when I saw Christine rifling through my drawers. My wardrobe was open, clothes strewn across my bed.

“Ahem.” I stated, simply and she looked up.

“Ooh! You’re done! Okay, I’ve looked through your clothes,”

“I’ve noticed.” I murmured.

“…and didn’t really like what you had, so I brought over a dress of mine for you.”

“Lovely.” My responses were flat, fitting my expression. She stood and sat me down at the seat on my vanity. I looked into the mirror and sneered at my reflection. My wet hair was untidy and dripping on my robe. I noticed she had showered too, her hair was still wet and she was dressed in sweats. “When are you planning on getting ready?” I asked her.

“Right after I’m done with you.” She stated, pulling out a hair-straightener. By the end of the hair and makeup I could barely recognize myself. My hair was perfectly pin-straight, falling mid-back. She had curved my layers in toward my face to frame it. She had done dark shadow on my eyes and a pink color on my lips. I looked up at her and she looked smug. “Still don’t like me helping you?”

“All right, all right. You’ve convinced me. What are you having me wear now?” I was still a little scared by what dress she had picked out for me. I looked back and saw her with a short black dress which had one sleeve and the other off the shoulder. The entire dress had ruching. I put it on and it reached about mid thigh. I looked back at her and she handed me my black heels to finish the outfit.

I looked into the floor length mirror and gasped. “What did you do to me?” I asked.

“You never wear things to show off your long legs. You look hot.” She giggled excitedly. “Okay! Come with me while I get ready!” She dragged me into her room to watch her get ready. She curled her hair and put on her makeup while I sat on her bed, kicking my legs. She put on a pastel pink dress that stopped just above her knees and flowed at the bottom. It had a sweetheart top and thin straps. I smiled, she looked great. I only hoped that the magazines didn’t see her, and if they did, I hope they didn’t think it was too risqué for a princess. As her friend I loved how she looked. As her advisor, I was worried.

“How do I look?” She asked, spinning.

“I love it, it’s just…”

“Here it comes…” She groaned.

“No, no. I’m not going to tell you to change or anything. Just be careful. I know the paparazzi are out for your neck along with your brother’s. In that dress, just…no dancing on any tables please?” I giggled at the thought, and she joined in.

“Okay, I’ll play it cool.” There was a knock on the door and I walked over to answer it. Christine attacked me with perfume before I got too far though. I coughed and looked back, her smile seemingly innocent and she spritzed herself with the same bottle. I rolled my eyes and went to open the door, surprised that I actually liked the fragrance.

Ian stood there looking very sexy in all black, with a leather jacket thrown over his arm. He looked dressy and casual at the same time, though I wasn’t sure how he accomplished that one. Ian glanced at me and gaped, his eyes widening. I smiled to myself. I had managed to shock Prince Ian by my appearance, in a good way. He cleared his throat and grumbled, “You both are taking forever.”

“Well, we’re ready now.” Christine huffed, pushing me out the door into Ian. I stumbled and he caught me. I quickly steadied myself and looked back to Christine who was still sporting that innocent smile of hers. I felt the heat rise on my cheeks as Ian’s hands disappeared from around me. We started walking downstairs and I caught him watching me.

“What?” I snapped. I didn’t like to be stared at, it made me nervous. It was why I liked being behind the scenes and not in the picture.

“You know…you should wear my jacket. It’s cold out.” He shoved his jacket in my face and I took it, confused.

“Why?”

“Because it’s chilly out, and your dress, well…you’ll be cold.” He stammered and I shrugged.

“We’re going straight into the car, and then right into the club. I’m sure I’ll be fine.” I assured him, and he frowned.

“You’ll be cold in the car. Just wear it.” He insisted, his brows furrowed.

“Okay, thank you?” I said, putting on the jacket. It smelled like him. I inwardly scolded myself. What was I doing, smelling his jacket?

We walked out to the car and they stuck me in between the two of them. “What’s that? Perfume?” Ian asked, wrinkling his nose.

“You don’t like it? It’s Lancome’s newest fragrance.” Christine explained, inhaling the scent at her wrist.

“It’s not that, it’s just…overpowering.” He held his nose and Christine smacked him, also hitting me in the process.

“Hey! Don’t hit me for his insensitivity!”

“Sorry Lana.” She apologized with a pout.

“I forgive you.” I said, and then I turned to Ian with a huff. “And you need to learn to not say stupid things. A prince should be more thoughtful than that.”

“But she’s my sister. I can say whatever I want to her.” He argued and I narrowed my eyes at him.

“If that means I can say whatever I want to him, then I don’t mind.” Christine butt in, and I laughed.

“Once you two are perfect loving siblings in public, I really don’t care.” I laughed.

When we got to the club, there were all ready paparazzi waiting in front. I suppose it made sense since a lot of celebrities tended to come here, but it still made me nervous. “Okay guys, before we leave. Ground rules.”

Christine’s shoulders slumped and Ian cocked an eyebrow. “Don’t give me those looks!” I snapped. “No more than two drinks! I don’t want to have to haul anyone’s drunk ass home.”

“Lana! I’ve never heard you swear before!” Christine exclaimed, her hand over her mouth. I couldn’t help but laugh.

“Shut up! Ha ha ha…okay other than that, no dancing on the tables, no seducing anyone, and no making out with anyone. Understand?”

“You ruin all our fun.” Ian pouted and I smacked his arm.

“Follow them or I don’t let you guys party anymore.” I threatened and they sighed.

“Fine.” They both agreed unanimously. We got out of the car and I let out a sigh of my own.

I really hoped this wouldn’t bite me in the ass.

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I have this whole thing finally planned out now, soooooo that means writing will go faster since I know exactly where I'm headed. Please vote guys, I know that only 3 of you are voting :/ which makes me really sad...ANYWAY, i still love you all.

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