Her Assistant

-CHAPTER TWENTY-

-❦︎-

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-KISS OF FIRE-

Alexander left the dining living room and followed Olivia through the crowd. He didn't want to call out to her to bring attention to them and make a scene. Alexander followed her outside of the double doors. 

"Olivia!" He finally calls as she ran across the bridge and onto the grass. "Olivia, wait!" His American accent cut through like a bush worker on grass. Alexander caught up to her and grabbed her by the arm. He was amused to see her run-in heels that fast. 

"Olivia."

"Leave me alone!" 

She shoved at him, but Alexander didn't falter within holding her firmly by her arms. "Olivia please stop. Whatever it is he told you but don't let it get to you. This is your moment and your chance to become the best artist in the entire world." He explains. She sniffed, not meeting his eyes.

She hated his American accent greatly, but she knows he only did it for her to understand him. Alexander wiped her tears. 

"You can do this, Olivia. Don't fight this battle with words, instead do it with your art. Show him who's the real boss. And I know you want this because if not you wouldn't have hired me, and he would be having his free ticket to becoming number one. Prove him wrong."

She finally looked at him and nodded. "Yeah?" He questions. Olivia nodded again and Alexander kissed her forehead. "I will be more than your assistant, Olivia, I will protect you as well. Like a soldier to his land."

Olivia sniffled again and nodded her head. Alexander smiled faintly and turned to his side, sticking out his elbow for her to hold. She returned his faint smile and held his arm, heading back to the castle. 

When they got back instead the Graces were still talking and greeting their important guests. They both knew that it was going to be a while before they get to the dancing and then the presentation to determine who's more fit to paint the royals.

The both of them went back to the buffet table, seeing that it had the best view of the entire ground floor. 

Alexander noticed that Olivia was still on edge and came up with an idea. He saw a passing attendant and grabbed two glasses of champagne. He gave her one and Olivia took it, tipping her glass as a way to thank him. He watched her as she gazed at the different guests and sipped on her glass slowly.

Alexander chugged his wine and set it onto another passing attendant's platter, grabbing two more glasses as quickly as possible. She gazed up at him, scrunching her brows in curiosity. 

"I thought you don't drink."

"I don't...but it's you, so I guess I could pass it."

"You shouldn't." Alexander ignored her statement. 

"Drink up." He handed out his hand as he finished his second glass. Olivia finished her first glass and Alexander took it as she took the full one from his grasp. Olivia also drank it all down like it was water and finally he gained a grin from her.

"I notice you're on edge, want to look around as we wait for the Graces to finish their introductions?" He asks, sounding more British than ever. Olivia glanced around. 

"Wouldn't that be rude?"

"It wouldn't. Trust me, we will be back in time for the dance." Alexander took her empty glass from her hand and set them down. He took her by the arm and lead her by the stairs. He stopped, watching the others. Olivia looked up at him and Alexander gazed at the stairs.