Lily
written by:
Lady

Written by Lady

[Note from the author: This is a romantic story. Although, I hope you'll take the time to read it anyway. You may just like it. It's a good story if I say so myself. hehe]

~~ Lily ~~

[Prologue]

At the age of eight, Lily Ordanan knew very little about a funeral. That morning when she asked their cook Betty what a funeral was, her only reply was that there would be a lot of sad people there. The rest, Betty said, would be left up to her mother and father to explain. Only her mother and father hadn't been much help either. They only commented that she would understand when she got older.

Now standing in the corner of the funeral parlor, she was quite confused why the man sleeping in the box was the center of attention. She remained quiet and surveyed the room and wondered what in the world Betty must have been thinking. She had been wrong because everyone appeared happy. She looked down at the flower in her hand and sighed with disappointment. Flowers had always cheered her up, and that's why she had spent nearly a half an hour in the palace gardens that morning trying to choose the right flower in hopes to pass that feeling forward today.

I'm not going to make a good queen, she thought sourly, if I don't get these things right from the beginning. It was only moments later, when a man suddenly stepped backwards and pushed her that Lily got a glimpse of him. She ignored the man's apologies and stepped aside to get a better glance at the boy who stood on the other side of the room in a corner with his head down. She squared her shoulders and lifted her chin. Finally, here's my chance!

She crossed the room and weaved around a few people who stood in her way. The boy was still looking down at the floor when she stopped in front of him. His eyes were swollen. The redness of his eyes accentuated the deep, profound color of his eyes. When a tear threatened to roll down his cheek, she took the opportunity and moved her hand forward.

He looked at her for a moment before slowly moving his gaze to what she held in her hand. He moved his hand forward and took a hold of the flower. He smiled hesitantly, but Lily reassured him. "When I am sad I gather flowers. They always seem to cheer me up."

Upon hearing her mother's voice then, Lily turned. "Come dear. We must be going." When her mother caught sight of the boy, she leaned over and hugged him. She didn't hear what her mother whispered to him, but whatever she said made the boy nod. Her mother took a hold of her hand then and they walked away.

Lily glanced behind her one last time and it filled her with joy to see the boy still smiling warmly back at her.

Well, Lily thought, that's all I wanted to see. Mission accomplished!

* * *

[Thirteen years later]

"That's it Lily. From now on you shall travel escorted by a bodyguard."

Lily rolled her eyes and sighed. "Father, I'm okay. I was with my ..."

"No," her mother interjected, "the paparazzi have gone too far this time. A man being able to climb up a fire escape to peer into your apartment window to take a picture is not my idea of ‘being okay.' Even if you were with your friends, what does that have to do with you and your friends' security? The palace adds many more securities. When you aren't here, we are unable to protect you. What if that had been a man with different intentions? We have tried to allow you your freedom at the university but for the remainder of the month until you graduate you shall be protected."

"Indeed," her father added, "as you should have been from the beginning. I shall assign a bodyguard immediately."

There wasn't any use in persisting for when her mother and father both agreed and made a decision on something, it was impossible to convince them otherwise. "Alright," Lily sighed, "But could you explain to the bodyguard assigned that I will need my privacy? I mean, exactly how much protection is implied here?"

Her father was standing next to her mother who was seated on an armchair. He placed a hand upon her shoulder before looking back at her. "Your mother and I have already discussed that and we will still honor your privacy. Therefore, I shall arrange for you to move out of your current apartment into a new one that will meet both your and the bodyguard's needs."

"I see," Lily replied thoughtfully. Exactly what does that mean?

Her mother frowned. "What's the matter? Don't you think that's reasonable considering the new circumstances?"

Lily let out an inward sigh. "I just hope I get some time alone with my friends without her being able to listen and see everything."

"Do you have anything to hide from us dear?" her mother commented and immediately her father added, "I already have a respectable bodyguard in mind, and she is a he."

Lily nearly cringed at her father's comment. Andrew won't like that at all. "No mother. It's just, I like my privacy."

Her father chuckled. "Lily, you are going to have to get used to losing that privacy on many occasions. You aren't a commoner, remember? You'll be queen one day and people are starting to get curious about whom their future queen will be. You should be particularly worried about how bold the paparazzi have been lately and how they've managed to invade your privacy. You've picked up quite a lot of attention in the last year from the media. Almost every month, there's a segment in the newspapers about you."

* * *

Lily's friends considered Andrew McCarty unconventional and boring as he was much older and started studying at the university at much later age. But to Lily, she was overly drawn to him for his enthusiastic love for nature and his skill for the arts. Born and raised into a well-known family already settled into the arena of politics, she doubted very much Andrew would follow in his father's footsteps. Andrew had briefly commented that it had taken a few years to finally convince his father to pay for his tuition and let him study at the university. She knew Andrew much rather preferred the outdoors and painting anything that particularly caught his eye. And that's how Lily had come to know Andrew. She had been sitting beneath a tree studying for an exam a year ago when she had noticed him watching and sketching her.

Luckily when that man had taken the picture through her apartment window, Andrew had been going to the restroom. She had already scared the man off before Andrew came out into the living room. Amazingly, she and Andrew's relationship had not been discovered yet by the paparazzi in the last year.

"So what are you saying? We can't see each other anymore?"

Lily put a hand on Andrew's. "No, it just means that we aren't going to have the privacy we once had. The apartment will simply be off limits."

Andrew took a hold of her hands. "But why? You are twenty-one years old Lily. We aren't children. I sometimes think you are ashamed of me."

Lily leaned forward. "If I had told anyone that you were my boyfriend, I would have had a bodyguard way before now. We have had a long time to get to know each other and I consider that to be positive. Having someone breathing down our neck would have made our getting to know each other even more awkward. Be thankful of what we have gained, not what we are going to lose."

Andrew wriggled his eyebrows. "So you aren't getting rid of me yet darling?"

Lily giggled, "Of course not. I am willing to go on with the relationship."

Just then, Andrew pursed his lip and when he gave her that ‘look,' for some reason, it had always made Lily feel uncomfortable. She put the feeling down to being inexperienced with the opposite sex, but as always when Andrew approached the subject, she shifted uncomfortably and simply couldn't meet his gaze.

"Sooo," he cleared his throat and whispered, "just how far are we going to go in this relationship? I mean," his eyes made a quick sweep of her body, "Don't you think it's time we tried to go further?"

Lily shivered and withdrew her hands. "I told you Andrew, I don't feel it's the right time." She too lowered her voice to match his. "I'm not ready to take that step."

"It's not like I am talking about marriage Lily," he replied defensively.

Lily's temper got the better of her and she looked at him pointedly. "Well considering what you are talking about, we should be. You forget who I am and where I am coming from on this."

Andrew sighed and stood up. "I have to get to class. You said they are moving your things as we speak?"

Lily closed her eyes briefly and sighed. She felt sad by the way things had turned - again. She was always left feeling confused and Andrew's mixed signals were growing tiresome. How would she ever know he was truly serious about her if he can't even discuss the prospect of marriage?

She opened her eyes and glanced up at him. "Yes, and I've already given you my new phone number so maybe we can figure something out, okay? My bodyguard will be waiting for me after my last class."

Andrew shrugged and waved. "Well then, later babe. I'll call ya."

* * *

Lily exited Roberson Science Building and glanced around. She had been late in leaving her last class as her test had been a bit more complicated than she had expected. Most had already left for the exception of herself and a couple others, and she felt like kicking herself for not having reviewed her notes a bit more. But it had to do with Andrew. Everything lately had to do with Andrew. She could hardly concentrate and when she did, she and Andrew's conversation played in her mind over and over again.

"Your Highness."

Lily turned around and glanced up at the man who had walked up behind her. He removed his sunglasses and his eyes met hers. All thought of Andrew slipped from her mind as she quickly surmised that he was the most gorgeous man she had ever seen in her life. His thick black eyelashes accentuated his eyes - a sea green which reminded her of the color of emeralds. He was quite a big man - broad-shouldered and she guessed him to be a foot taller than her. Encased in a black suit and tie, and his thick jet-black hair neatly groomed, she could only imagine how beautifully sculpted his body was beneath.

Subconsciously, Lily took a step backwards. "Yes?" Had she truly been gawking just then?

"I'm Ethan Traygin, your bodyguard. I understand from your father that you have been informed about me?"

‘He' was going to be her bodyguard? Uh oh...

"Yes, Mr. Traygin. I'm Lily."

His mouth twitched. "Yes, I know," he replied softly. "I was asking if..."

She blushed. "Oh, yes of course. Yes, father informed me about you." She sighed nervously, "Sorry, I just took a two hour test and honestly my brain is fried. I could care a less if I see another chemistry formula in my life."

He nodded briefly. "I am parked on the other side of this building and we'll head to the apartment. Your car has already been taken care of."

They walked together along the sidewalk quietly. It wasn't until they were settled into the car and he put the car into gear that he spoke. "Shall I go over my duties now or should you like to wait until you have had some rest?"

Lily shrugged. "No, by all means, we can discuss it now." She quickly glanced over to get another look at his eyes, but he had already shielded them with his sunglasses.

"Good. The apartment complex I chose is usually occupied by the retired elderly but under the circumstances the landlord has willingly agreed to allow us to take the second floor apartment. I shall..."

"Our apartment?" she nearly stuttered.

He remained attentive and replied. "Yes. But understand that the apartment is divided into two sections which are joined by two sliding doors. The entrance to the apartment is accessed by those two sliding doors. There are two bedrooms, two living rooms, two restrooms, and so forth so we won't be actually living together. But easy access to your section is necessary which is why your father and I agreed on such living arrangements."

Lily sighed with relief. "Oh."

"I shall expect you to notify me of any visitors and how long they plan to stay. I will answer the door at all times and anytime someone leaves, I will be escorting them outside."

"Geez." she breathed.

If he had heard her, he didn't take note of it. "There are no problems with anyone calling or you calling them. I will also drive you to and from the apartment and to any place you wish as long as I deem it safe. Am I clear on this?"

She turned and gaped at him.

"Good. Last but not least, I shall be on campus but to give you some privacy, I will monitor you from a distance."

"I am surprised you didn't ask me for the time I eat, drink, go to bed and shower," she commented sarcastically.

His face was grim when he glanced over at her. "Actually, I didn't need to. Most of that information, and more, was already in this morning's paper."

She gasped. "What?"

His hands tightened their grip on the steering wheel. "That photographer you caught looking through your window apparently has been watching you for quite some time. In addition, there was," his jaw clenched briefly, "yet another intriguing photo of you this year. This time, you were caught kissing a man leaving your apartment, in front of your apartment door."

Lily felt the blood drain from her face. That meant her parents knew about Andrew. Oh god. She didn't know what was worse - being stalked for the last year, or her parents knowing about Andrew now. That means they know she lied about that night...that she hadn't been with friends, but with Andrew instead. Dammit! They didn't do anything wrong! They ate pizza and watched a movie. Of course, not that Andrew wouldn't have taken the opportunity had she presented it, but he had honored her wishes when she had said no.

Ethan interrupted her thoughts. "Exactly what is your relationship with this gentleman?"

Lily didn't hide the worried look upon her face. "He's my boyfriend," she answered softly.

What must her parents think of her now?

"I see. And," he paused, "does this mean I should be expecting this man at your apartment often?"

Her mind barely focused on the landmarks passing them as he drove. Do people think they are sleeping together now? It wasn't uncommon for youth to be sexually active outside of marriage, but as always her parents were constantly reminding her of her duties and their expectations. "Your Highness?" he grew agitated.

"Oh," she blinked, "On occasion perhaps."

The silence enveloped them and Lily was thankful for it. Thoughts continued to disturb her even when Ethan stopped the car and he got out and came around to open her side of the door.

She stepped out and glanced around the apartment complex. It was quite beautiful - tall trimmed green bushes arched in front of the entrance and a dark brown cobble stoned path lead to the double glass doors. Beautiful ivy vines weaved around the first and second floor round pillars and around the balcony gates. Spanish red roof tiles were designed elegantly and horizontally on top of the roof. There were several tall poles adjoined with unique lamp posts aligned with the shape of the building. As they began walking towards the entrance, behind the arched bushes, there was a small fountain and built-in pond with colors of goldfish that Lily hadn't noticed

"So far so good," she commented.

He opened one of the double doors. "Wait until you see the apartment."

Moments later Ethan opened the apartment door and as soon as they walked into the small parlor, there was a sliding door to the left and a sliding door to the right.

"They placed your things to the left. I'll be on the right."

Lily nodded and walked into her new living room. As always, splendid furnishings were arranged for comfort and when she walked into her bedroom, her clothes had already been neatly placed into a nine drawer dresser and into a walk-in closet. She glanced down at her queen sized bed and pondered whether she should take a nap with hopes of waking up to find out that this all had been a bad dream.

She glanced over at one of the bedside tables and found a cordless phone. She walked out of her bedroom and into the living room. She slid the sliding door shut and walked back into her bedroom. She sat down on her bed and picked up the phone.

She had to call her parents and explain. Or at least, explain to her mother. Her mother would be the one upset the most.

On the third ring, her mother answered.

"Dear, it's the fact that for some reason, you found it necessary to lie to us. Your father and I don't approve of how we had to find out about him," her mother said minutes into the conversation. "I'm saddened by the fact that you don't trust us. I'm disappointed."

"I truly am sorry mother. I was very afraid that you and father would be upset if you found out I was dating someone. I wanted some privacy. Please forgive me."

Her mother sighed on the other end of the phone. "I cannot say how your father is feeling about this because frankly I don't think he even think he knows. You continue to forget dear that you are the future queen of this country. You still have a reputation to obtain and uphold. Unfortunately, it is all about image and I have told you that several times. When you subject yourself to questionable figures, obviously the media is going to take interest because they will stop at nothing to get a story that will sell."

Lily bit her lip.

"Besides," her mother continued, "you must be extremely careful with whom you choose to partner for all a variety of reasons. Should you ever decide to marry, be sure you keep one thing in mind at all times - is that man fit to preside as king?" Her mother sighed deeply this time. "Listen Lily, I want you to be happy. You may choose whomever you wish, that is, to romance, to love, and to marry. But you must remain selective and particular when doing so. You are quite young and have you even met this young man's family yet? Who is this young man exactly? And I want you to tell me. I don't want to have to learn all about him in another newspaper."

After Lily summarized her relationship with Andrew to her mother, her mother said, "My only question is, what would a man studying art be doing at the same university as a daughter-heir to a throne?"

Lily frowned. "I don't understand what you mean."

"Exactly dear. No person attends Felmont University to study art. Artists attend specific art schools, or at least highly recommended ones. Lawyers, politicians, and doctors attend Felmont including many of your ancestors. Something isn't right and I would have questioned his motives further. Also, suddenly this boy appears out of no where? Think about it Lily. I don't even know this man and I have many questions of which you have not been able to answer because you don't even know the answers for yourself."

When the conversation finally ended, Lily felt uneasy and disturbed by her mother's words. She had made some very good points and Lily hoped that for once, her mother was wrong. Andrew was different, yes, but at least she trusted Andrew not to hurt her. In addition, Andrew has never lied to her. Or at least, that she was aware of. Just because he felt uncomfortable and tried to avoid her questions about his family did not mean that he was being dishonest. Besides, it was obvious Andrew wanted nothing to do with politics; moreover, wanted nothing to do with following in his father's footsteps.

She nearly jumped when the telephone rang.

"Yes?"

"Hey."

Lily smiled upon hearing Andrew's voice. "Hey yourself. What's new?"

"Going to Freaky Fred's Club if you are interested."

Lily hesitated. "I don't know Andrew. I didn't like the last time we were there. You drank too much remember? Actually I was hoping we could talk privately somewhere."

"About what?"

"Does a picture being in the newspaper of us kissing in front of my apartment door sound like any concern to you?" She wasn't going to mention some of the other concerns she had on mind.

There was a moment of silence before he answered. "Don't let it get you down. Let's go to the club, have some fun and we can talk and sort things there."

Lily sighed with disappointment. "Alright. What time?"

"How about I come pick you up at 7:45?"

Lily grimaced. "Eerr...well there's a dilemma. My bodyguard has to escort me everywhere I go. So, I'll have to meet you there."

Andrew's voice held a hint of agitation. "Is there anyway for you to get out of there without being noticed?"

Lily grinned. "Well I am sure I could, if I go to great lengths."

"Hrm. Well, then come here, and we can ditch the place later when no one is looking."

"I don't know about the ditching part Andrew. He's made it rather clear that I won't leave his sight."

"I thought you requested a female?" Andrew said angrily.

Lily kicked herself for the slip. "I did, but father insisted otherwise."

"Fine. Will I be able to come there later?"

His voice grew serious when she didn't answer immediately. "I will be allowed over there right?"

"We'll see Andrew. I don't know yet." She suddenly felt the urge to scream at him.

"Alright, meet me out front of the club at 8:00, okay?"

"Fine."

When Lily hung up the phone, she heard a knock on her sliding door. She stood up and when she slid it open, she found Ethan leaning against the wall with his arms crossed.

"Going out tonight?"

Lily looked at him accusingly. "You were listening."

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Actually, I assumed you would be. I am asking for a confirmation so I know when to get ready."

Lily grated, "Be ready at 7:30."

When she made motion to turn, he said, "And where are we going?"

"Freaky Fred's Club." This time she did turn and walk away. "And don't be late in getting ready," she added over her shoulder.

"I am sorry Your Highness, but we're not going there."

"What? Why?" She turned to face him and placed her hands on her hips. "There's nothing wrong with going there. I've been to that club several times before."

That actually wasn't true. She had only gone one time and indeed it had been enough to make her leave after an hour of being there. But she had to see Andrew and needed to talk to him.

Ethan didn't move from where he was leaning. He shrugged his shoulders. "Maybe so, but part of my job is keeping you safe and I thought I made that clear when I went over my terms and conditions earlier. That club has a very bad reputation which you should already know if you have been there. I am quite disappointed by the fact that you want to go back."

"Excuse me," Lily grated, "Let's get one thing straight here. The whole point of my father assigning you was so that you would escort me to wherever I wished to go. I am going, and that's that. If you won't drive me," she smiled sweetly and crossed her arms to mockingly, "I'll go myself. You won't be able to stop me."

Ethan's mouth twitched, only when his mouth bloomed into a smile, it wasn't a friendly one, but rather dangerous. He straightened his form and the sparkle in his eyes made her curious.

"Want to bet?" he challenged.

"Yes," she replied smoothly. She turned around and walked into her bedroom. She took a hold of the door and slammed it as hard as she could.

If the man wasn't going to take her, she would get to the club herself.

* * *

Dressed and ready for the club, Lily smiled with satisfaction. Ethan Traygin had sorely been mistaken if he thought he had won this little battle. With the bed sheets weaved and tied tightly to the leg of the bed, she lowered the handmade rope over the side of the windowsill. She had considered jumping off the balcony but she didn't want to risk injuring herself.

She began lowering herself over the side of the balcony. When she had reached about halfway to the ground only then did she safely jump. She landed soundly on her feet and walked around the back of the building. She glanced at her watch. It had gone passed 7:40 and if she was quick, she could run to that bus stop around the corner that they had passed earlier on.

Sure enough just as she walked up to the wooden stall, she saw a bus pull to the side. After confirming with the bus driver where she was headed, she was disappointed to find out that they were a good thirty-five minutes from the club. Hopefully, with no traffic she wouldn't be too late. By the time they had reached the club, it was heading on to 8:20. She rushed out of the bus and towards the entrance to the club. She sighed irritably when she didn't spot Andrew right away as planned. She wondered if he had already paid and went in.

She walked up to the door, and a rather large burly man turned and winked towards her. She paid him and when she opened one of the double doors, music blared so loudly that she thought about covering her ears. She tried to weave in and out of the crowd of people, but her efforts remained futile. The place was so jammed packed that it occurred to her that it wasn't safe.

After what seemed like an eternity, she managed to get to the stairway leading to the second floor. Her eyes roamed over the crowd and the main bar and when she didn't spot Andrew, she began walking around the second floor balcony. When she finally spotted him, she rushed forward to greet him.

"Andrew!"

He turned with a jug of beer in his hand grabbed a hold of her waist. He drew back and laughed, "Hey, I was getting worried you wouldn't make it." He snickered, "Where's your bodyguard."

"I know," Lily replied irritably, "sorry. I had to sneak out. He wasn't going to let me go." She glanced around, "Hey, could we go somewhere where the music isn't so loud?"

"What?" Andrew leaned towards her.

"I said can we go somewhere where the music isn't so loud?" she yelled.

When Andrew withdrew, Lily could smell the alcohol emitting from his breath. Just how much had he been drinking already?

Andrew got a boyish look on his face, and took a hold of her hand. They went to the bar and he ordered another beer. Lily sighed impatiently and sorely reminded herself that the reason she hadn't liked this place was because Andrew had drunk too much the last time they were here.

He led her to a back hallway to a small room where sofas aligned the walls. When they approached a sofa, Lily wiped her hands on the back of her jeans nervously and turned and sat down.

Andrew took another swig of his beer and handed her the other one. When she tried to hand it back, he shook his hand. "Drink it. Lighten up."

When she took a sip, he placed a hand around her shoulder. He leaned towards her and jokingly said, "So I'm famous huh?"

Lily leaned forward and his arm dropped behind her. She turned towards him angrily. "Andrew, is that all you have to say?"

Andrew frowned and shrugged. He blinked his eyes as if he were trying to focus on her face. "Well, what's done is done. Who cares? I'm not ashamed of being seen with you."

Maybe he was right. Maybe she shouldn't be ashamed of it either. After all, they were in a relationship and other than upsetting her parents, what had been wrong with them kissing in public? But, Lily reminded herself, she had more pressing matters to address and she realized that her mother's words still plagued her mind.

She took a sip of the beer in hopes to put him at ease with her questions she was going to ask. "Andrew? Why are you studying at Felmont University?"

He took another swig of his brew and laughed. "What?"

"You heard me."

Andrew chuckled, "I told you. I am studying art. You've seen my drawings."

"Yea but. Felmont isn't really a place for artists. Why did you choose Felmont?"

Andrew rolled his eyes. "Does it matter?"

Lily looked at him pointedly. "Yes, it does. I find it strange that you would want to study at Felmont when there are so many other good art schools out there. You're good at what you do Andrew, but why here? I know what you've told me, but for some reason, I get this feeling that you never really told me the truth."

Andrew glanced around as if he were searching for someone. "Felmont offers art. I love art. Simple."

Lily thought about that for a moment. "Who's your favorite professor?"

Andrew looked sharply at her. "Why? What's with all the twenty questions? We've discussed this when I first met you."

Lily smiled, "I've only asked a few. And when we discussed it, it sounded rehearsed now that I think about it. And you shied away from discussing any further since then. So? Who's your favorite art professor? "

"Burgison."

Burgison. Hrm, Burgison? Wait....

"Burgison isn't an art professor Andrew. He's a lawyer."

Andrew snickered and took another swig of his beer. "I should have known you would know that." Andrew's smile faltered. He shrugged and looked down at her beer. He finally let out a long deep sigh. He chuckled suddenly and shook his head. "Honestly? Why did I come to Felmont you asked?"

"Well," Lily bit her lip, "the truth is all I expect."

Andrew grew serious and his eyes met hers. "You kiddo. I came to study you."

Lily frowned. "Me?"

Andrew lifted the jug to the brim of his lips. "Yeppers."

"I don't understand."

Andrew smiled and for a moment Lily got the feeling that things weren't as what they seemed. The look upon his face disturbed her. He was looking at her as if....as if...he were disgusted with her. A strange, broad smile spread across his face. He began to ramble then. "You're just too smart aren't you? You figured me out. I told him this would get too complicated. But he wouldn't listen. But then hell, I thought I had a chance with ya, but you know, I never had a chance in hell to have you did I?"

"What? Andrew...he...what ...Andrew I do not understand."

"You will," he winked. "But first, I want a dance." He stood up so suddenly that some of her beer spilled down the front of her white blouse.

He wiggled his eyes when he saw the wet spot. He grinned with satisfaction. "Perfect.You're going to look great honey." He took her hand and pulled her up from the couch.

"Andrew! What...?" she looked up him angrily.

"Cheers!" he lifted his glass to hers. Subconsciously, she lifted her glass in the process of trying to figure out what the hell was wrong with him.

He placed his right arm around her shoulders with the jug of beer still in his hand. Then suddenly, he moved his left hand to her breast and yelled, "Now!" He quickly leaned down to kiss her.

Lily would have reacted, but she didn't have time. A bright light flashed just then followed by a series of clicking noises. The man from her window stood but not five to six feet from them on the other side of the room snapping pictures. Andrew turned sharply and pulled her roughly against him taking a hold of her rear with his free hand.

Snap, Snap. Snap. Snap.

She placed her hands upon Andrew's chest and pushed him so violently away that his beer hit her shoulder blade and fell forward, in turn, spattering more beer all over her blouse before it fell to the floor.

Just then, as Andrew turned towards the photographer, Lily saw a hand flying towards his face. Andrew flew backwards onto the floor and before Lily could scream, she saw Ethan run over to the fleeing photographer and take him by the lapels of his leather jacket and lift him up against the wall. The camera fell to the floor with a crack.

"You fucking go as even a mile near her again and I will personally shatter every bone in your body. Then you'll sit your ass in prison while you wait for them to mend. You got it?"

"Dad. Stop." Lily turned to hear Andrew say softly as he wiped the blood from his mouth.

The angry tears that Lily had forming in her eyes finally spilled down her cheek. "What did you say?" she whispered vehemently.

Ethan threw the photographer so hard that the man fell with a thump and slid right next to where Andrew was laying. The man grunted in pain.

"Oh my god. Why?" Lily whispered brokenly.

"Why?" Ethan stared coldly towards her and then down at them. "I'll tell you why. Your so-called boyfriend here is named James Cory and his father here is Howard. They're paparazzi and had you stayed at the apartment like I told you to I would have been able to prevent this from happening. I just received information on this when I found out you had gone."

Six royal agents stormed into the room and pulled the men to their feet. Lily glanced around at her surroundings and found many people up against the corner wall staring wide-eyed at the scene. Onlookers passed the room curiously and quickly ran off so not to draw attention. Meanwhile, the guards pulled the Cory's from the floor and handcuffed them.

She faced Andrew and she wiped a tear from her face. For a moment, she saw the regret upon Andrew's face when he said, "I shouldn't have let it go as far as it did. But then again, like I said, I never did have a chance in hell so what do I care anyway?"

Lily stared blankly at him. "You lied to me from the beginning Andrew. Deceived me. How did you ever expect to?"

Four of the guards took James and Howard away. Meanwhile, Ethan leaned down to quickly grab the camera. He walked back over to her and placed his jacket around her shoulders. "Let's go."

She was escorted out of the room and ironically the crowd parted when they reached the first floor. In the mist of things, she hadn't realized the music had ceased playing, and there were several other guards there monitoring and motioning for the people to move aside. When they left the building, there were several parked military cars out front, but Ethan led her to the side of the building where his car was.

He opened the door and when they were settled inside, neither one of them spoke on the ride home. It wasn't until they were back inside the apartment complex that she finally heard Ethan sigh. "I'm sorry."

Lily turned and the tears began falling again. "Oh no. I am the one who is sorry." She waved a hand carelessly into the air. Her eyes darted to anything and everything in the apartment. "I was so...god so stupid to not have seen the signs. And I saw them, god I saw them. My mother was right." She sighed and sat heavily down on the sofa. She placed her head into the palm of her hands. "So stupid," she finished in a whisper.

"No," Ethan said softly. She heard him approach and felt the shift in the sofa cushion as he sat down. "He was a con-artist Lily. He knew what he was doing."

Lily lifted her head and stared at the blurred television. "What must my parents be thinking right now?"

"Nothing. They don't know yet. Intell gave me the information. Your parents have yet to be notified. Tomorrow will be the time to break the news to them. That is, in your words. I don't think the story will reach the media."

Lily shook her head. She felt like dying.

"Lily?"

"Yes," she whispered.

"Come," he stood up and extended his hand.

She blinked and wiped the tears from her face and he took her hand in hers. He led her to his side of the apartment and when they were about to approach his bedroom, she withdrew her hand.

"No," he reassured, "my intentions are good. Trust me."

She followed him into the bedroom and she waited at the door. She watched him walk over to the dresser and pull out a little black box from the top drawer. He walked towards her and smiled knowingly. He opened her hand and placed the box on top of the palm of her hand.

"Open it."

She frowned and lifted the lid of the box. Inside was a flower made of glass. The blossom was yellow and the stem was green. It looked like a lily.

She opened her mouth to question but he cut her off. "I believe it's my turn to return the favor."

His eyes searched hers and when she still didn't make the connection, he chuckled, "A little girl once taught me that flowers make you feel better. I think her exact words were ‘they cheer you up.' Only this one," he nodded towards the flower, "won't have to die."

Lily's mouth parted with surprise. She searched his face for confirmation and when she saw it, she whispered, "That was you."

Ethan leaned against the wall and crossed his arms. He smiled down at her. "Indeed it was."

Lily looked down at the flower and traced the smooth surface of the glass with her fingertips. She couldn't find the words to express how she was feeling. She felt humorous and elated all of a sudden. "Wow, that was you," she whispered. She stood staring and admiring the gift for several minutes. All those years, she wondered what happened to that little boy and if she would ever get to meet him again. And now, that little boy - now a grown man, was standing next to her. She had often fantasized about meeting him again one day, to find out whom he was, his name, what he ended up doing with his life. And now, he was here, with her, Ethan Traygin, protecting her. Saving her. Making her own sadness go away....he was her bodyguard.

When she finally looked up, he was staring down at her lips. His gaze was so penetrating that her tongue had an accord of its own as it moistened her lips. She didn't know if it was on account of the events of the night, the excitement, or the fact that he was standing so close, but either way Lily felt the tension between them.

Ethan made no motion to move, instead, his eyes fell upon her mouth again and he simply stared. The thought of him standing there, imagining him wanting to kiss her, made her body tingle. When seconds felt like minutes and he still made no move, Lily's breathing steadily increased to the point that when Ethan's eyes fell upon her blouse and watched her breasts rise and fall gently, she inhaled sharply. His eyes darted upwards looking into her wide open eyes yet again. She wanted him to kiss her. She wanted it more anything she had ever wanted in her being.

"So there is," he abruptly said.

"Is what?" She was trembling. She had never been so aroused in her life. How could two people simply stare at one another and become so sexually aroused?

"Chemistry," he whispered thickly. "Between us. I've always wondered if there would be."

Lily swallowed hard and backed up against the doorframe. She licked her lips again. "Are you just going to keep staring at me like that?" she breathed unsteadily.

He nodded slowly.

Her heart was beating so swift that she felt the oxygen rush to her head. "Why?" she nearly croaked and then closed her eyes.

"I want you to feel it," he cleared his throat, "to know it's me making you feel this way, and not him. Did you feel this with him?"

She jerked her head and opened her eyes. "No. Never."

His eyes wandered down to her nose. Then to her mouth again, and he had such a look of hunger just then upon his face that it made her knees go weak. She was breathing so heavily now that she thought she would faint.

"Do you want me?" he asked seductively.

How could he ask that? The aura of emotions she was feeling...couldn't he see that? Feel that himself? He had to see it because she was ultimately terrified by it.

"Do you?"

She squeezed her eyes shut. "Please...stop this," she nearly moaned.

"Look at me," he urged impatiently.

Her eyes flew open.

"Desire me. I want you to feel it."

"Yes dammit!" she lifted a hand to her chest.

"Goodnight Lily." She almost hadn't heard him until he straightened and made motion for her to leave.

"What?" she breathed.

He let out a small sigh. "You've had a lot of emotions tonight. You need to get some rest."

"But - "

"I don't want you regretting anything," he interrupted, "and when you are truly ready to come to me, then we'll finish what we have started here."

When he saw the look of hurt upon her face, he took a hold of her roughly and pulled her against him. He hugged her and moved his hand down and squeezed her rear. He brushed the evidence of his arousal against her and he whispered harshly, "Believe me. I want you. If I kiss you now, I'll take you and yes, you'll go willingly I know. But I want to give you some time to think about what happened tonight. Okay?"

He grazed his lips along her neck and muffled a moan. When she hesitated, he pleaded, "Go now. Please. If I take you now...I'll hurt you."

She withdrew, and promptly returned to her side of the room. She slid the connecting door shut and leaned her back up against it. She closed her eyes and let out a long sigh. She moved a hand to her breast and squeezed, and let out a small moan.

‘If I take you...now...I'll hurt you.' He had been talking sense, but his words had nearly sent her over the edge. He had been right. She would have allowed him to take her but they were so consumed by the moment and she a virgin, that she wasn't naïve enough to know that he would have hurt her physically. Hell, right then and there against the wall and she wouldn't have minded actually.

And no, she had never felt anything like that with Andrew. With Andrew, she had been withdrawn, but with Ethan, she had nearly begged for it. Lily had never felt the raw urge to mate like that ever before. The carnal urge - the need to release. She already knew about the fulfillment that would have come, she was not foreign to masturbation and the need to do so now was so strong that she began walking towards her bedroom in anticipation. But not before she heard Ethan get into the shower. She paused. Her mind raced a mile a minute as she imagined him feeling the urge to release too. Stroking. Striving for that one moment of blissful release.

She walked to the sofa and kneeled down on the cushions. She spread her legs and quickly placed the palm of her hand inside. As soon as she touched her hand to her mound, her hips began rocking urgently. It didn't take long for the orgasm to hit as she slipped a finger deep within and rode out her climax. She whimpered as the pleasure blossomed and bloomed and prickled its way from her abdomen to her thighs. The relief was pure ecstasy.

When she stood up, she heard Ethan turn off the shower. She imagined his orgasm having been just as swift and intense. She shivered from the images.

She smiled knowingly to herself and walked to her bedroom. What would tomorrow bring?

[Part ½ - Be sure to stay tuned ;)]