The Cursed Pharaoh's Bride

Chapter 27: Rudely Interrupted

Carolina

I can feel my stomach drop. What did I do to deserve seeing David here of all places? And why tonight?

He still looks great: olive skin, wavy chocolate brown hair with matching chocolate brown eyes. A dark stubble used to litter his jawline but now he's cleanly shaved. I remember I used to tell him I liked a clean shave but he rarely ever went for that look. Thinking on it now, Elijah almost always makes a point to keep himself shaved. The few times he hasn't was because he must have forgotten to take care of himself. I'm not going to lie. David is an attractive man. He has a tall form, though nowhere near as tall as Elijah. He has an athletic build, but Elijah's body is packed with more muscle, making his already large physique look even more broad and imposing. David has pretty eyes because of his long lashes but everything about Elijah's face is gorgeous. Looking at David now, I realize I never saw him as beautiful the same way as I see Elijah. Except Elijah is more than just stunning. He's strong and caring and thoughtful and playful and warm and adorably curious. He makes me feel...wanted and even respected. The more time I spend with him and the more we get to know each other, the more I feel like he's interested in me, not just my body.

I feel David's eyes sweep over my form. "You look...wow," he says somewhat dazed. Well, he's never exactly had a way with words. He suddenly clears his throat. "I mean, I don't remember ever seeing you dressed like this."

Well, you never gave me a reason. That's what I want to say. "W-what are you doing here?" I ask.

"Oh, um, I'm here with my business mentor and a client. I'm learning the ropes on how to reel in investors for this company that I'm hoping will hire me," he says.

"I see," I say stiffly. "Well, it's been nice seeing you." I try to side step him but he steps in front of me.

"Wait, are you here with someone?" He asks.

"That's not really any of your business," I mutter as I try side stepping him again. He doesn't get in my way this time but he doesn't exactly back down.

"Carolina, please, you have to know I feel really guilty about the way things ended between us," he says as he trails behind me.

"You mean me finding you naked in bed on top of my other girl," I snap bitterly. I feel his hand grab my arm, stopping me in my tracks.

"Carol, you know me. It's not like I wanted to hurt you," he pleads as he tugs me towards him.

I yank my arm out of his grasp and push myself away from him. "Well, you did hurt me," I hiss, "And you're wrong. I thought I knew you. Clearly, I don't."

"Carolina-" Before David can make a grab for me again, Kaleb intercepts him.

"I'm sorry, is there an issue, sir?" He asks pointedly as he pushes David away from me.

David gives me a heated glance before looking at Kaleb. "No, there's no issue," he says before walking off towards his table on the lower level.

"Thank you," I whisper.

"Your thanks isn't necessary, your highness. We will always protect you," he says as he bows his head ever so slightly at me.

"You don't have to call me 'your highness'," I insist.

"Do you prefer Ms. Mercado?" He asks as he leads me up towards the upper level.

I try not to cringe at the formality. "We'll work on titles and formalities later," I whisper as we make it to the table.

Elijah gives me a concerned look. "What's wrong?" He asks. He gently takes my hand in his and pulls me towards him.

"W-what makes you think something is wrong?" I stutter nervously.