“Hello, Cindy. Thomas, I think it would be great to get to know the staff. My mother always knew everyone who worked with us, and since it’s a charity in her name, I would love to do the same thing.” And with that the whole atmosphere of the room shifted.
“Your Highness.” Thomas bowed.
“I’d be glad to show you anything you would like to see.” Eliza chimed in again, trying to cover up her disdain by adding a fake sweetness into her voice.
“Thank you, Eliza, I appreciate that, but I want this young lady to do the task.”
“Cindy is one of the best servers we have in the company. Cindy, you don’t mind taking a little bit of time with Alex here, do you?” Thomas asked.
“Your Highness, it would be my pleasure,” she whispered in that soft voice that had every part of me hardening.
Every. Part.
5
Cindy
My focus was fixed on the ground. I couldn’t move, let alone say anything. Alex Charming was standing right in front of me, his scent wrapping around me like a warm embrace, the smell sweet and masculine all at once. His voice was powerful and demanding, but coaxing and gentle, as well. I doubt anyone ever dared to say no to this man. I sure as hell wasn’t going to be the first one.
“Where would you like to start?” he asked, as if my opinion meant something.
“Your Highness, I believe that should be left up to you.” I looked up at him and saw he was smiling, a genuine one that had my heart beating faster.
“Well, I’d love to discuss this over a meal. Could you recommend a place for us to eat? We could go over all the finer details in a more intimate setting.”
I felt lightheaded. He wanted an intimate setting with me? The idea that my taste and budget could recommend a place that would even be possible for a prince to visit was laughable. I found myself chuckling uncomfortably.
“Did I say something funny? I know I’m prone to making jokes but I was rather serious at that moment.” With his words, my laughter seemed to automatically die out.
“Well, Your Highness, I don’t really have any recommendations for places like what you are probably used to, but I can recommend a place that makes a mean burger and the best milkshake you’ll ever have.” I felt my cheeks heat at the suggestion. He was a prince. No way he’d eat at a hamburger joint.
“That sounds wonderful, Cynthia.”
I felt my brows lower at him calling me Cynthia.
“I assume Cindy is short for Cynthia?”
Having to tell him my real name was going to be rather embarrassing.
“It’s Cinderella actually.” I felt my face heat from my humiliation. This time it was his turn to laugh and laugh.
“Really?” At my nod he grinned. “That’s beautiful,” he said genuinely. “Shall we?” He offered me his arm at the same time I saw Eliza foaming at the mouth. I prayed that this sudden interest from Alex wouldn’t cost me my job. But what was I supposed to say? Who could say no to a prince?
We walked outside of the restaurant where a black limo was waiting by the curb with a man in a dark black suit standing next to it. He quickly opened the back passenger door and Alex ushered me in with his hand gently placed at my lower back. That touch was electrifying, sending a jolt of lightning running through my body. It was a thrill that I’d never felt before.
In my entire life, I’d never had these types of emotions toward a man. There was something about Alex Charming that awakened a part of me that I had thought was nonexistent. There was a craving that was foreign to me but at the same time intoxicating.
“After you, Cinderella,” Alex said with a wink. At that moment, my incredibly embarrassing name, a name that I hated with every fiber of my being, sounded magical and almost hopeful.
* * *
Alex
I wanted her. The minute I’d set eyes on this woman, I knew I had to have her.
To claim her as mine.
I knew how insane it was. I knew how laughable and ridiculous it would all seem to someone looking in from the outside. I didn’t believe in love at first sight, or at least I had never thought it was true, that it could happen.
But I was wrong. God, I was so wrong where Cindy was concerned.
I didn’t understand this but every smile, glance, and touch from her made my cock ache and my head feel light. I also had this insane animalistic need to protect her, to shield her. The way Eliza dared talk down to Cindy was infuriating. She was like all the women I saw at court.
Arrogant, exhausting, and completely fake.
Cindy wasn’t any of those things. She was fiery, strong, willful, and God ... the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen. She was so radiant that she could make the sun seem dim.
“Where to, beautiful?” As soon as the words slipped from my mouth I felt the truth of it. She was beautiful. I watched her as her gaze turned to the floor and her skin became this gorgeous red again. As if my hand had a mind of its own, I gently grabbed her chin and forced her to look at me. I wanted her to see the sincerity in my eyes. I meant it. She was ravishing.
“Don’t look down or feel embarrassed. You are unique, and something very special. Own it. Know how beautiful you are.” She smiled in that moment and it made my heart so full.
“Thank you,” she murmured softly, the natural pink in her lips so delectable.
“We’re going to Fred’s Diner.” The driver nodded, and all I could think about was that this dinner was going to be the most important one of my entire life. I felt it to my very marrow.
* * *
Cindy
Fred’s Diner was a staple in my life. Every Sunday my mom and I would come here for the amazing burgers and double chocolate milkshakes. She worked so hard that getting the time together was special. But she always made sure we spent every Sunday here, sharing a plate full of fries and laughing at the silliest things. It was our time to talk about our week and catch up. I was worried about what Alex would think. I couldn’t picture a prince ever eating in a place so low brow, but it was important to me and for some reason I’d wanted to share this with him.
At that moment, I felt stupid for even bringing him here. If he made fun of the place or looked down at it, I would be crushed.
“I hope the burgers here are good. I haven’t had a proper greasy cheeseburger in years.” To my shock, Alex took off his jacket and removed his tie and placed both in the limo before we entered the restaurant.“In my experience jackets and ties seem to make me look stuck up.” He winked at me and offered his arm, which I took gingerly.
I was about to eat dinner with Alex Charming.
If only my mother could see me now.
6
Cindy
We sat across from each other in the diner, and I felt my nerves grow higher. I was making things uncomfortable by staying silent and not looking him in the eye. But I could feel Alex’s gaze, this heavy weight that settled over me. It was comforting as much as it was setting me on edge.
I glanced up at him and saw he was leaning back in the booth, the plate in front of him empty. I looked to the side and saw two burly guys in black suits standing quietly, their big, stiff bodies speaking of lethal power. Although I had no doubt that Alex could handle himself, I wasn’t stupid in thinking a prince would go anywhere without security, especially to a little hole-in-the-wall burger joint.
“You’re probably not used to this kind of food,” I said and smiled, moving my finger around the napkin beside me.
“Kind of food?” he asked and lifted a brow, the corner of his mouth kicking up in a smile.
“Yeah, the cheap, greasy kind.” I chuckled awkwardly and cleared my throat, shifting on the seat. I felt my cheeks heat, had no doubt my face was red. This was uncomfortable, but I was the one making it this way. I could tell by Alex’s demeanor that he was cool and in control, probably wondering why the hell I was acting so off.
“I’ve had plenty of cheap, greasy food in my lifetime,” he finally said and rested an arm
on the back of the booth. “Being a prince doesn’t mean five-star dining every time, at least not for me.”
I felt my face heat even further from embarrassment. “Of course, I didn’t mean anything by it.”
“I’m embarrassing you,” he said and I glanced up at him, seeing him smile, flashing straight white teeth at me. “You have nothing to be uncomfortable about. I wanted to spend some time with you because you seemed like the most real person in that room.” He cleared his throat, as if he were embarrassed as well.
His words took me aback and I found myself blinking several times, not sure what to say.
“The people who surround me don’t see me as a person. They see me as a dollar sign and royalty, someone to tiptoe around. They kiss my ass and butter me up. But even though you wouldn’t even look at me, say anything to me back in that kitchen, I could tell you were genuine. I can feel it.”
“That must be a lonely life, not being able to know who’s in your corner or not.” I glanced away. I didn’t admit that I actually did know how that felt, with only my mother on my side and seemingly the world against me.
“That’s what I’m talking about,” he said. “I like that you speak to me like I’m just a regular person. It doesn’t matter who I am, or my bloodline. I feel like you see me for me. I know it sounds crazy because we just met, but that’s the truth. Nobody has the balls to do that. It’s refreshing.”
I glanced away, feeling awkward but strangely enough I kind of liked it.
“Tell me a little bit about yourself,” he asked.
I wasn’t sure what he wanted to know or what I should divulge.
“How did you get your name? Your mom must be a fairytale lover.”
This was the part where he would think I was insane, that my family belonged in the nuthouse. But I wanted to be honest with him. “I got the name because my mother was obsessed with the royal family. I’m pretty sure she loved your mother as much as she loved me.” I chuckled softly, being serious. At the look of his soft smile I could tell that bringing up his mother was something that he enjoyed, or maybe it was a little bit sad for him. I cleared my throat and looked down at my hands, which were in my lap. “She loved watching your mother on TV, following her philanthropy works, teaching me how to be a strong, independent woman like she was.” I looked up at him again and he had this sad expression on his face. I immediately felt bad for saying anything. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you.”
He smiled and shook his head. “I miss my mother, but I love talking about her and hearing how other people loved her just as much as I did.” A moment of silence passed between us. “She was a wonderful woman and very strong and independent. I looked up to her. I still do even though she’s gone.”
The emotion on his face and in his voice squeezed at my heart. I’d always been leery of men, my mother’s history with them leaving a bad taste in my mouth. It had me staying away from them, focusing on myself and my goals. But then there was Alex, a man whom I’d only met face-to-face an hour ago, a man who was so out of my league it wasn’t even funny. He was genuine as he spoke to me, looked at me. He made my heart beat faster, had everything in me calming and relaxing. It felt right being in his presence, like I was supposed to be here all along.
I was insane. I had to be to feel this way about a man I hardly knew.
But he looked at me like I had all the answers in the world. I could see myself falling hopelessly for him. Which, if I let myself think realistically, was the stupidest thing I could’ve ever imagined.
I was a nobody.
He was royalty.
It didn’t matter how well we got along, how comfortable I felt with him. Nothing could ever happen between us.
“Come to the charity event with me, not as an employee, but as my date.”
And with just a few softly spoken words, an invitation that changed the chemistry between us, I was left opening and closing my mouth like a fish out of water. It turned my world upside down.
“Just say yes. My mother would have loved having someone with a good head on their shoulders standing beside me during an event in her honor.”
And how in the world could I say no to that?
7
Alex
The ball
Hearing Cindy’s voice made everything settle within me. I remembered my mother telling me that one day I would meet the woman I was meant to be with. And as I looked at Cindy, spent this short amount of time with her, I knew.
She made me feel alive. With her I felt like anything was possible as long as she was there beside me.
And I wanted to claim every part of her as my own.
Cindy was strong, hard working, and kind. I got all of that in just the short amount of time I had been in her presence. Those were all traits that I wasn’t used to seeing every day in my position. Women like her were gems, and I was not about to lose that when I’d just found it.
I was nervous about tonight, about making a good impression on Cindy, about hoping she could look past the rules and formalities of the life I led.
Because the truth was, Cindy had the power to break me, a power that no one else had ever held over me.
* * *
Cindy
“I have nothing to wear. Why did I agree to this?” I murmured to myself as I stared at my closet and the sadness set in. I literally had nothing. The closet was filled with jeans and T-shirts. Work clothing.
“Why don’t you go through my closet and see what I have?” my mother said from behind me. I looked at her and smiled, while I inwardly cringed at the idea of wearing one of her belly shirts or tacky sequined dresses.
But then before I could move, I heard the doorbell.
My mom was up and heading to the door before I could answer it. I turned back toward the closet, huffing out in depression. God, I couldn't do this.
“Cindy, there’s a giant package here for you,” my mom shouted from the other room.
I walked into the living room and looked at the massive, gift-wrapped box. “Where’s that from?” Confusion settled in me. My mother shrugged and brought the box over to the kitchen table, setting it on the chipped laminate top and smiling, obviously eager for me to open it.
I saw a white card tucked between the ribbon and grabbed it, opening it and feeling my breath catch.
“What does it say?”
I tried to keep my grin in control. “I wanted to give you a little something for you to wear to show that you look like the princess you are. Promise me you won’t turn into a pumpkin.” My heart pounded hard in my chest. “It’s from Alex,” I finally said and looked at my mother. I opened the box and saw the most beautiful light blue dress with Swarovski crystal embroidery. The dress was heavy, no doubt costing a fortune. And then there were the shoes.
I placed the dress down and gently picked up one of them. They were made from glass, delicate and beautiful and making me feel like a princess indeed.
Alex had gone to a lot of trouble to make sure I felt like Cinderella tonight.
* * *
Alex
I was early, but I hadn’t been able to help myself, not when it concerned Cindy.
“Sir?” Robert, my driver, said from the front seat of the limo.
“I’ll do this alone,” I said and climbed out of the car, making my way into her apartment building.
Cindy.
My girl.
God, I was nervous.
From the moment I’d left her I couldn’t stop thinking about her. Her soft porcelain skin, her long blond hair. God, she was enough to drive a man insane with her curves, making me wonder how she’d feel under me as my passion consumed her and made her forget everything other than my name on her lips. My mind was a fog of need and desire, and my heart was so full that I thought it would burst.
I stood in front of her door and exhaled slowly. I lifted my hand and rapped on the wood three times, then took a step back. When she finally opened the door after what felt like an eternity, I felt my br
eath catch at the sight of her.
The realization set in. In my entire life I’d never seen anything or anyone as beautiful as her.
“Cindy,” I said on a breath as I looked my fill of her. “You're so damn gorgeous.” I looked at her face and saw her cheeks turn pink. She tucked her head and I saw her smile.
“Thank you.” She looked up at me again. “Thank you for the dress and the compliment.”
“I should be thanking you.” She smiled wider and her cheeks turned pinker. “There has never been a woman on this earth who has been more beautiful.” I leaned down and kissed her on the cheek, although I wanted to kiss a hell of a lot more than just that. “I hope you’re ready for this,” I whispered, my lips lingering on her cheek still.
“I’m as ready as I’ll ever be,” she said softly. Cindy smiled and took my arm.
Damn, I was one lucky bastard.
8
Cindy
The ball was spectacular, with silk and crystals draping the ceiling, this ethereal atmosphere making me feel like I was Alice and had dropped down the rabbit hole.
We’d been here for the last half hour, and Alex had gone to grab us another drink. He hadn’t left my side since we got here, and although I saw he’d been hesitant to do that now, my need for something to help give me a little liquid courage had seemed to override his possessiveness.
Even now, just thinking that had me smiling.
I walked around the room and looked at the art on the wall. Part of the charity event was auctioning off these pieces. The prices alone would no doubt be astronomical.
“Cindy?”
The sound of Eliza’s voice had my body tightening. I clenched my teeth and turned to face her. Her eyes widened as she took in my appearance. I probably looked a sight to her for sure. I lifted my hand and touched the chignon my mother had done up for me. Aside from the elaborate dress I wore, I probably looked out of place.
Cinder Royal: A Fairytale Retelling Page 2
