Chapter 1
I am walking towards my parents' rose garden, with James my body guard on my tail. My parents' rose garden walkway is covered by an arched trellis overflowing with climbing red and pink roses. The structure is made of curved metal arches supported by concrete columns. Lush green vines wrap around the columns and stretch across the overhead arches, creating a natural canopy. I always loved the way the light hits it, giving it more of a dreamy look. It's my favorite place in this castle. It's where I go when I need to be alone.
I look back and look at James, my bodyguard, hot on my tail. His eyes are green, sharp but always furrowed like he's mad at the world. He's wearing a tight black shirt that hugs his arms and black tight fancy trousers. James has been with me since I left for college. My dad didn't trust that I could handle my own, especially being the a Winchester. I am going to inherit the company when or if my dad decides "I'm ready."
James is here to make sure I don't fuck it or ruin the perfect Winchester image. Not that I made it easy for him. One thing about me is I don't take lightly restricting my behavior. James calls me a princess because he thinks that I just act out for attention. He doesn't see that it's not all sunshine and rainbows being a Winchester.
"Come on, James, Lightening up," I called, he just narrowed his eyes at me. I threw my head back in laughter. I love getting on his nerves.
I turned back to take in the garden. "Look at all these beautiful flowers," I say as I look around. The rose garden had just been built and I haven't seen it yet because I was at college, but today is thanksgiving so it's dinner at the Winchester mansion.
I got to the middle of the garden which has long marble columns surrounding us and a white circle platform, which reminds me of the ones in Greece. James stands at the back of one of the columns farthest of me. He always keeps his distance from me, watching from the background when I'm home. Not to alarm my dad of our secret friendship.
I walked over to him, standing in front of him. He looked into my eyes, but did not move his lip to say anything. "Please, sit with me James, talk to me. I'm bored," I asked, but he didn't move. I have tried multiple times to get him to have some actual fun. Never works.
He's always brooding in public but in private of my house he's different. He's kind, funny, flirty. We have this kind of banter flirting happening.
"No." he replies in a firm tone.
"Come on. Do it for me," I begged, trying to give him puppy dog eyes to get him to agree.
"No," he responded again, firmly.
"You're no fun, James," I exclaimed, walking away making sure to swing my hips because I know for a fact he is watching. I have found James looking at me not as someone to protect, but a hint of lust in his gaze.
He wants me even if he won't admit it or allow himself to want it. The tension is high. I lift my hand and lift it to his biceps. I travel my hands up and down them and then, to his chest. He watches it, but doesn't stop me from doing it.
"Are you going to stop me?" I provoked. He looked up to him, his lustful gaze on mine. Then, it switches back to his brooding, neutral face. Like he remembers where we are. His hand grips my wrist to stop me. His hand on mine feels hot in mine. I feel hot.
"Stop, Juliette," he says in an authorized tone. I just smirk, knowing I had affected him. He lets go of me and pushes my hand away, but I don't stop.
"Why do you like it?" I questioned, batting my eyes at him. His jaw tightened.
"Juliette," he warned. I smirked. I love getting under his skin.
I rolled my eyes at him as I turned to back to walk away from him. He let out a breath of relief behind me.
I sat down on one of the corner of the pavilion and looked around to see all the different kinds of flowers. I basked in the glow of the evening before the sunsets and beautiful pink and purples painted the sky.
"This is beautiful," I say to no one in particular.
Before long, we're called in by Selena, our maid for dinner. I walked from the garden through our balcony into the dining room with James following behind me. Everyone was standing at their chairs waiting for my dad to take his seat at the head of the table.
My father walks in with two bodyguards at on his tail. "Hello, everyone let's sit," he greets. Everyone takes a seat immediately. The bodyguard's surrounds staying at every entrance as the maids bring in their food. This is an all the time thing growing up. My dad says we need the security because bad people might come after us.
I make eye contact with James all the way on the other side of the room and wink at him. He doesn't react. Looking stone, faced,
"James why don't you join us for dinner," my father says. My eyes snap to my father. Is he serious? My dad has his hand out pointing to the side next to me. I look at my brother who is giving me an I don't know shrug? Does he know James and I are friends?
"Yes, sir" James replies taking a seat next to me. What the hell is going on? I tap James he turns to me.
I mouth, "what the hell is going on?"
He shrugs. I try to relax and pretend it's nothing. It could be nothing and I could be over reacting.
We all start taking our food from the plates and plates of food at center the table. I start eating my plate in my front of me,remembering dinner etiquette.
I look at James next to me who is eating his food, cautiously. What the hell is going on? I put my hand in his lap, he's eyes snap to mine like he's asking what are you doing?
Then, my father calls out for attention. I knew it was something.
"Juliette. There is something we need to tell you," he states, What does he need to tell me that James needs to be a support for?
I take my hand away. I brace myself for impact digging my nails into my leg. Then, I feel his hand trying to hold mine. I look to James who is giving me a apologetic look. James is holding my hand. It must be really bad.
"Elle. You are a princess."
I spit out my food causing everyone to stare at me, but I don't care. I grab the napkin from next to my plate, wiping my mouth.
"I am fucking what?" I yelled, earning a look from my dad. I don't care what he said sounds ridiculous. Is this a prank?
"Watch your language, Juliette!" My father scorns.
"I'm sorry. you tell me I'm a princess and you expect me to just be cool with it? Like it's normal day?" I questioned. "That's complete bullshit."
I get up from my chair ready to storm off. Then, a hand grabs mine. It's James. I look into his green eyes turn soft and comforting. His hands feel warm and safe. He wants me to stay to hear my father out but all I can hear is his betrayal. Did he know is that why he grabbed my hand? I let go of his hand and ran far, far away
I hear my dad calling me, but I don't stop. I need to get out of here.
