by Alex Tryst

Dedication & Author's Note: See Chapter 1.

Feedback: Drop me a line if you’d like at alextryst@e-scribblers.com.

Copyright © June, 2008 by Alex Tryst. All Rights Reserved.

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Early the following morning Alexa and George left to go on their military excursion. It was a tearful farewell between the prince, his wife, and their baby girl with promises to write and call. The queen also shed tears at the sight of both her children dressed in their military clothes leaving for service. She hugged each of them tightly but reminded Alexa to behave herself. Finally though the two Washington children got in their limousine and were taken to the airport.

Boarding one of the royal jets, they were quickly whisked away into the air for their several hour flight. Alexa looked over at her brother who was quiet. “Are you all right, George?”

“I am fine. I just do not like the idea of being away from Kelly and Morgan so long. My little girl is not even a year old.”

“I know, but we have so much to look forward to. There is the flight competition and all the partying on the weekends. I hope there are lots of girls hanging around.”

George cracked a grin. “Girls follow you wherever you go. You should not have a problem with that.”

“They follow you too, you know. You just do not pay attention anymore. Perhaps that can change this trip,” she suggested.

He shook his head. “I will look, but I have no interest in touching, not since Kelly had Morgan. I do not know what happened to me, but it changed me somehow. I do not even think about other girls now.”

“You cannot say that. You were one of the biggest womanizers that I know.”

“As are you, but my time has passed. I am happy with Kelly. I will go out and hunt women with you, but do not expect me to be taking any back to our quarters. You feel free, though, to invite as many as you want.”

“I will.”

“I am sure of it. After all, I get the notion that you will not be single much longer. Something tells me that Mother has decided that you should marry Lady Meredith Adams.”

“You would be right about that. I have agreed to proposing to her upon our return from training.”

“Are you sure you want to do that?”

“No, but what choice do I have? You know Mother. When she decides on something, it is done. She has decided I am to be with Meredith. You are fortunate to be in the position you are in, my brother. You have all of the opportunities to do as you please without much of the pressures I face. You are free to live your life as you see fit for the most part, and you fell in love with the woman you desired to marry. I envy that sometimes.”

“Well, I do not envy you, Lex. I would not want to be the first born in this family. I never wanted to rule a country. I am glad that responsibility falls to you. You are a natural leader, and I know you will make a fine queen when the time comes. Is there any hope that you might come to love Meredith?”

“I already love Meredith. Do not get me wrong on that point. I just do not love her in the way I feel I should love the woman I want to marry. I want to feel passion and excitement. I want to be enthralled by her very presence. Meredith is a beautiful, sweet, intelligent girl, but I just do not feel those things. We are close but not close enough to be married in my mind.”

“That is a start at least. Maybe in time you can come to be more.”

“We shall see I suppose. I do have consolation in the fact I may seek love somewhere else at any time. I may be married, but I still desire to seek love. If it does not come with Meredith, I hope to find it elsewhere.”

George shook his head. “Well, I am not jealous of the situation in which you find yourself, Lex. I just want you to be happy.”

“Well, right now I am happy, because I am away from Mother, doing what I want.”

“I cannot wait to get in the planes. It has been too long since we have been in the skies,” he agreed. “Of course I cannot wait to beat you in this competition either. I will be named Top Gun this year. Mark my words,” he gloated.

“Not if I have anything to say about it,” she said with a laugh. “I will be taking you down at every chance, Stryker,” she promised, using his call name.

“We will see about that, Flash,” he commented, returning the favor.

Several hours later when their plane landed on the base, they were immediately taken to the quarters they would be sharing. Most of the pilots were staying in the barracks together but being the royals that they were, they were segregated into the best accommodations on the base, a freestanding house that sat amongst a long line of homes for the top ranking officials. Still it was no palace, but Alexa was simply glad to be away from her life. Leaving their luggage, they were then escorted to where they would be spending a great deal of their time, a hangar next to the airfield that was equipped with a classroom and several planes.

Everyone was already there when they arrived. When they walked into the room, everyone stood, but no one bowed, because it was not protocol in the military, especially since the two of them were lowly officers at the present time, even though Alexa would automatically rise to the Commander-in-Chief when she became queen.

“At last our final pilots are here, Lieutenant Commander Washington and Lieutenant Washington. I am Colonel Pickrell of the United States Air Force, and I was just explaining the agenda to your fellow pilots. Please take your seats.”

George and Alexa sat in the back of the classroom. Several curious eyes peered over sunglasses at them, but no one said anything as they listened to their instructor. After a couple of hours they were ordered to change into their flight gear for their first test run. Being the only woman in the program, Alexa got a changing area to herself. Once in her flight suit, she grabbed her helmet out of her bag and smiled. It had been awhile since she had worn it, and it brought her such a good feeling to see the bold red and white stripes and stars against the blue field. The American flag helmet shown brightly in the light, and she turned to admire her call name, Flash, imprinted across the back. Pulling a photograph of Meredith and her out of her bag as well, she tucked it in her front pocket to take to her plane. Heading out to the airstrip, she was met by her fellow aviators. George had his helmet, a matching one to hers in his hand. Everyone was just standing around talking when several instructors appeared.

“All right. Let’s get up there. Lieutenant Commander Washington, we’ll have you do the honors being the most senior officer. You will be matched against Major Williams of the Air Force today. I should warn you, Lieutenant Commander, that he is the top flight instructor at this school. This isn’t going to be a cakewalk.”

“Thank you for the warning, Colonel Pickrell.”

“Beginning now, Officers, everything you do in the air will be counted toward your score in the Top Gun competition. Good luck. Lieutenant Commander Washington, to your plane. The rest of you to the observation deck.”

“Good luck, Flash,” George said with a smile, reaching out and patting her on the shoulder.

“I will not need luck. You know that,” she jested, putting on her helmet.

Climbing up into her plane, Alexa took a moment to get settled. She took the picture of she and Meredith from her front pocket and secured it against the instrument panel. Pulling shut the cockpit, she locked herself in and turned on the engines. The plane came roaring to life. Even though she would have normally checked her plane before flight herself, she knew it had already been done for her while she had changed. When she felt ready for her flight, she slowly eased her plane out from the others before pausing. With a thumbs up and a salute to her ground crew, she taxied toward the runway for her first flight.

Meanwhile up on the observation deck, the other officers stood around watching as Alexa’s plane took to the air. George stood amongst them hoping that his sister won her first competition. However, his thoughts were interrupted by one of the men asking, “Say, Washington, can she really fly, or did they just let her in because of who she was?”

The prince turned to the voice. A tall fit platinum blonde smirked in his direction. Even without seeing his eyes, he could tell they were full of arrogance just by the way the guy was standing. Reading the name of Barnes on his flight suit, George knew who he was. He had heard the stories of the Air Force’s greatest pilot. His skills were only surpassed by his cocky behavior. “Hollywood, is it not?” George questioned.

“That’s right. Heard of me?”

“As a matter of fact, I have. Your reputation travels far.”

“That’s what happens when you’re the best.”

George laughed lightly. “The best? That has yet to be seen. As for my sister, she can fly. In fact, she is almost as good as me,” he joked.

“That’s pretty good then,” the blonde conceded. “You have a rep too. Of course, so does the Lieutenant Commander. Although hers has nothing to do with flying.”

Hearing snickering from some of the other men, George crossed his arms across his chest in defensive manner. “I can only imagine what you might mean. She might be a military pilot, but she is still the princess, and one day she will be the Commander-in-Chief.”

“But for now she’s just Lieutenant Commander Washington of the U.S. Navy, which means she doesn’t get the same consideration she would in the civilian world. She’s just one of us as are you. You know as well as I do that even though they let fags in the military, it isn’t widely accepted by us career officers. We just put up with it, because we have to. That doesn’t mean we like it.”

“Well, that is just what you are going to do now. You do not want to cross Alexa, Hollywood. She will take you down.”

“Yeah, right. A woman, a dyke will never take me down, Stryker. Get real.”

“Mark my words, Hollywood. She will take you down before this competition is over, and if she does not, I will for the remark you just made.”

“Is that a threat?”

“It is a promise. Now does anyone else have a remark they would like to make regarding the Lieutenant Commander’s sexuality?” George questioned shortly. Everyone shook their heads. “That is what I thought. Now why do we not watch her teach Major Williams a lesson? Who knows? You might learn a thing or two.”

Over the course of the next several days Alexa and George spent their time in classes and flying. In the evenings when they were alone, though, the princess would sit watching TV and drinking while trying to ignore her brother’s verbal canoodling with his wife over the phone. The first Friday night they got though, the group of pilots decided to go hit the bars and enjoy their freedom of the next two days. Alexa was all for leaving the base, and since George didn’t want to be left alone, both of them agreed to go with their peers.

Dressing in their formal military dress as was required of their entire group when they left the premises, they all headed out to find fun. Even though no one noticed, Alexa and George knew that their security would be tagging along closely behind just in case even though the two large men blended in with the rest of the crowd at the bar. The ten rowdy pilots found a bar close to the base that seemed to be popular amongst all the other military personnel. Finding a table they crowded around it. Alexa saw her security take a spot at the bar, but she ignored them.

The place was packed with military people but few civilians with the exception of the staff. It wasn’t surprising considering the fact that the base was not close to any major cities. As a waitress came to their table, she immediately recognized Alexa and George. Taking everyone’s orders, she quickly ran to get their beverages. Alexa just drank her beer quietly and looked around the establishment. When her eyes got to the bar, though, her gaze locked on the woman behind it.

A petite redhead was standing there pouring drinks to her security team. The princess watched the shoulder-length hair sway lightly as the bartender turned to grab a liquor bottle from behind her, giving Alexa a chance to see what the backside of the stranger looked like. Her jeans were tight as was her t-shirt, allowing the heir to take in the fit little body. When the bartender turned again, Alexa got a better look at her face, blue eyes and a pretty smile. The princess was mesmerized. The simplicity of the stranger’s wardrobe and makeup only made her more attractive. Alexa had never seen a woman so naturally beautiful in her opinion. Unable to tear her eyes away from the sight, she just sat there until a hard swat to her shoulder broke her concentration.

“Hey, Flash, you’re being too quiet,” Hollywood stated. “What’s the deal?”

“Nothing,” she stated, allowing her eyes stray once again.

“Oh, I see. The Lieutenant Commander’s got her eyes on someone. She’s not your type.”

“And how do you know my type, Hollywood?”

“Well, she’s not a dyke,” he sneered into his beer. “There isn’t any way that woman is gay.”

“How do you know?”

“Because I know. I’ll even bet on it.”

“Flash, do not get involved in this,” George warned.

“George, it is just a little wager. What are the stakes, Hollywood?”

“Bragging rights. The first one to fuck her wins.”

Alexa’s eyes went to the bar again. The small woman was standing in the corner of the bar with her head in a book, something Alexa found incongruent with the rest of the place. Nevertheless, she was intrigued. Casting a look at her brother, she saw him shake his head in disapproval. “I do not know,” she mentioned.

“Come on. You scared? You afraid that I’m right?” Hollywood taunted. “You mean to tell me that your reputation as a womanizer isn’t true? You think you’re God’s gift to women, but I’m here to tell you that you don’t stand a chance against me, Flash. No dyke will ever beat me in anything,” he snarled.

Feeling her temper rise at the name he had just spat at her, Alexa rose from her chair. She wasn’t used to being insulted. In fact, she couldn’t recall ever having been called a name like that in her life. The circle in which she had always surrounded herself was respectful of her rightful place. Wanting to exert her power over this man who was quickly becoming an adversary, she nodded her head slowly. Extending her hand toward him, she said, “All right. We have a bet, Hollywood. First one to sleep with her wins.”

He cracked a grin as they shook hands. “I look forward to this,” he stated, draining his beer. “Excuse me, losers. I have work to do.”

Taking her seat once again, she watched Hollywood saunter over toward the bar. Shaking her head, she turned back to her company. However, her brother scolded, “You should not have done that.”

“Trust me. Hollywood will never win this bet. She is not straight.”

“How do you know?”

“I just know.”

“The same way he just knows that she is? If Mother found out about this, you would be in trouble.”

“Then we need to make sure she does not find out. Promise me you will not tell her?”

“Never. This secret stays between us. Now how do you propose to keep Hollywood away from that woman? He seems pretty determined to undermine you by whatever means necessary. This is not about winning her but about insulting you, you know.”

“I know that, Stryker, but that is not going to happen. She is a woman’s woman. I just know it, and I look forward to the opportunity of being with her, especially after she puts Hollywood in his place. She is incredibly beautiful.”

“That she is,” George conceded.

For the next hour Alexa watched as her opponent tried to put moves on the bartender, but it was obvious she remained unmoved. Seeing that he was beginning to get a little more aggressive though, she figured it was probably time to step in. Putting her empty beer glass on the table, she walked over to the bar. She saw the way Hollywood kept touching the bartender, placing his hands in inappropriate places for someone he didn’t know and the way his advances were brutally rebuffed. Leaning into the bar two stools down from where he was, Alexa called, “Hey, gorgeous, may I get another beer?”

“If that is a line, I am not biting,” the redhead replied before she even turned around. However as she did, she came face to face with the heir to the throne. However, it didn’t look like the woman recognized her.

“Another beer perhaps Miss...”

“None of your business,” the redhead supplied shortly.

“Well, may I have another beer, Miss ‘none of your business?’” she inquired.

“Fine. What do you want?”

“Whatever you are inclined to serve.”

The redhead rolled her eyes. “Order please,” she stated irritably.

Seeing that things were not off to a good start, Alexa just ordered her beer. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Hollywood chuckling into his glass. “What a bitch,” he joked as the bartender went to the other end of the bar to get Alexa’s beer. “She didn’t take to you too well.”

“It did not look like she was taking to you either, and it is not nice to call people names, Hollywood.”

He waved her off. “You know the harder they fight they better in bed they are,” he quipped. As the bartender returned, she put Alexa’s glass down in front of her. “Hey, cutie. Another one over here too.” She nodded but said nothing. As she turned to go, Hollywood put out his hand and gave her a pat on the back of the jeans, earning him an incredulous glare from her.

“I already asked you to keep your hands to yourself,” she growled. “Do that again and you will be out of this bar.”

“Dyke,” he mumbled under her breath as she started to turn again.

Before Alexa could even register what happened, the bartender took a swing at Hollywood, but he had caught her by the wrist in midair before the slap had landed against his face. Gripping her tightly, he said, “Don’t you dare.” She struggled to free herself but to no avail.

Knowing she should step in, Alexa came to them and gave her adversary a shove in the chest. “Let her go, Hollywood.”

“Get out of my face, Flash!” he yelled, releasing his grip on the bartender and stepping to Alexa.

“Then stop manhandling the lady.”

“What’s it to you? You want to fuck her too!”

Pushing him back a few feet, Alexa boomed, “Get away from me!”

“Make me!” he challenged.

Unable to control her anger, the princess took a swing at him but missed. He connected though with a shot to her stomach. Retaliating she clocked him in the jaw. Before it could escalate further though, her security pulled them apart. Both of them were snarling at each other and throwing daggers with their eyes. “Are you all right, Lex?” the man holding her inquired.

“I am fine. Get him out of my sight.” Turning back to the bar, she was surprised to find the bartender glaring at her.

“You intolerable brute! How dare you interfere?” the redhead questioned.

“I was just trying to help,” Alexa defended.

“Some help. I could get fired for what just happened. You are as bad as he is. Different act but the same goal,” she grumbled.

“No, not at all,” the princess stated, but she could tell she was not believed. She knew it wasn’t the truth either, but it was worth a shot. “Allow me to make amends,” she proposed.

“Fine. You can make amends by leaving. My boss will not tolerate that behavior in here. Get out and do not come back until your brain is out of your pants,” she chastised. “You may be able to sweet talk other women but not me. I am not fooled by that nonsense.”

Feeling reproached but also somewhat impressed by the woman in front of her, Alexa just nodded. “For what it is worth, I am sorry,” she apologized before heading out the front door. One of her guards escorted her back to the base.

Later that night when George arrived back at the house, Alexa was lounging on the couch watching TV. “That was quite an eventful night,” he mentioned. “You certainly made an impression. I just hope the media does not catch wind that the princess was in a bar brawl.”

“It was not a brawl, only a few punches.”

“I cannot believe Hollywood actually struck you. Is he insane? Does he think that is going to go unpunished?”

“Oh, he does not think. That is his problem. He will not go unpunished. In fact, I have already thought of an appropriate punishment for him.”

“And what is that?”

“Hollywood wants to be a career military pilot, but after today, he will never see another promotion. He will remain a 1st Lieutenant as long as he serves. He struck a superior officer, and that is unacceptable.”

“He struck the crowned princess, Lex. Perhaps something a little harsher would be appropriate.”

“That is enough. He will be ostracized slowly and painfully for what he has done when all his friends begin to outrank him. His only option will be to resign his position with a dishonorable discharge, and that is not looked well upon in the civilian world. He has ruined his life, but he does not even realize it yet.”

“If you are sure, but I would like to see him kicked out of the flight competition as well.”

“You are the prince, George. Have him kicked out if you would like. I will not stop you from that pursuit.”

“Then it is settled. I will inform the Colonel tomorrow.”

For the rest of the night even after she had retired to bed, Alexa couldn’t get that bartender out of her head. The woman was so beautiful, so feisty and seemingly independent. She had given the princess a reproach like she had never received, not even from her mother, the queen. Even though she should have been upset over it, she wasn’t. In fact, she took more pleasure in seeing the woman’s fire in retrospect. However, she did feel somewhat bad that she was lumped with Hollywood as a miserable philanderer, even though there was some truth to the statement.

Saturday afternoon the princess decided she would go back to the bar in case the woman was there again, however, this time she went alone. When she stepped into the place, she was pleased to find the redhead behind the bar reading. It was fairly quiet. Going to the bar, Alexa took a seat. “Excuse me, bartender. Are you busy?” she asked politely.

Those blue eyes looked in her direction. She could see irritation already starting to grow as the woman headed her way. “Lieutenant Commander Washington,” she stated.

Quizzically Alexa asked, “How did you know that?”

“Your name tag. I am a military brat, so I know all the medals and bars.”

“Call me Lex or Flash. That is my call name.”

“A Navy pilot?” she questioned.

“Yes.”

“I should have known. All you aviators wear the same sunglasses. Why is that?” she questioned, picking up Alexa’s sunglasses that were resting on the bar next to her military cover.

“It is a secret in the order of pilots. If I tell you, I would have to kill you,” she teased with a bright smile. The bartender cracked a small smile but said nothing. “Do you have a name?”

“Of course I have a name. I told you last night.”

“I know. ‘None of your business.’ I thought you might have legally changed it between then and now by chance.”

This time there was a tiny chuckle. “Why do you want to know my name?”

“Because it is better to apologize using your name than just calling you bartender.”

There was a moment of silence before she replied, “Lauren. Lauren Fulton.”

“Well, Ms. Fulton, I just wanted to apologize for what happened last night. I thought I was helping when I stepped in with Hollywood. I should have known you would have been able to take care of yourself. I am sorry for any offense I may have caused you.”

“You stepped in to save me in hopes that you might get that invitation into my bed. Am I right, Flash?”

“What gave you that idea?”

“You pilots are all the same. You are all arrogant and conceited. You think you own the world and that it should bow at your feet. You think women should fall into your bed whenever you want.”

“Arrogance is what makes us who we are. It is what makes us great pilots. Insolence keeps us on the edge, one step ahead of the enemy.”

Lauren shook her head. “You only think that, but truly it is not what saves you. It is what kills your breed. How many military pilots do you know that live into their old age? Very few because you all think you are invincible. Arrogance does not amount to bravery. It falls more in line with idiocy.”

“Sounds as if you speak from experience.”

“My father was a military pilot. He died pretending to be brave. Sometimes fear can be healthy. He might still be alive. My entire life changed the moment his plane fell from the sky.”

“But he died chasing a dream I assume. We all are dreamers. We like the idea of being able to touch the clouds, if not with our hands our wings.”

Lauren shrugged. “Sometimes you have to postpone your own dreams for those of your family. It is the right thing to do.”

“Sometimes it is,” Alexa conceded. “So am I forgiven for last night?”

“Sure, Flash. Now do you want a drink?”

“Iced tea if you have it.”

“Of course we have that. Be right back.”

A few minutes later Lauren set a glass down in front of her. “Thanks. May I ask you something personal?” She waited until the redhead nodded before inquiring, “Why do you read while you are here? I have never seen a bartender read before.”

“I like to read. I actually work at the library just a few blocks down the street. That is my full-time job. I just do this for extra money. It can be slow, so I like to amuse myself with a book. It makes the time go by faster.”

“Full-time job? What do you do there?”

“I am a librarian. I work there Monday through Friday during the days, and I work here Friday nights and Saturday days.”

“That does not leave much time for yourself.”

“I do not need time for myself as much as I need the money.”

“What are you saving for?”

“My ticket out of this place. I have lived here my whole life, and I am ready to start a new one. I am almost there too.”

“Where do you want to move?”

“I have not decided for sure. Somewhere along the East Coast. I imagine a place with bustling people and culture like New York or D.C. I want to live in a place that has lots of history.”

“Well, D.C. certainly has that. That is where I call home.”

“How long have you been stationed here?”

“Oh, I am only in the reserves. This is not my career. I am just here for a flight competition.”

“I did not realize they had reservist pilots or officers. I thought only career personnel could do that.”

“I am an exception.”

“You must be special then. Who did you have to convince to get that?”

“My mother.”

“Your mother?” Lauren questioned with a confused quirk of her brow. “Is she a senior military officer or something?”

“As a matter of fact, she is.”

“So, what is your real job in life then when you are not serving your time?”

“I help her in the family business,” Alexa answered, sensing this woman really didn’t know who she was.

“And what business is that?”

Alexa shrugged. “Nothing exciting. Politics mostly. Mostly I just enjoy my freedom, at least for the moment. She keeps threatening to make me take on more responsibilities. After all, I am the chosen one to take over the business when the time is right.”

Seeing some recognition overcome the bartender’s face, Alexa just held the gaze. “Would I have heard of your mother, Flash?” she asked.

“Most likely.”

“What is her name?”

“Alexa Georgianna Faith Washington.”

“Queen Faith?” needlessly she inquired.

“That is the one.”

With her eyes widened with shock, Lauren said, “Which makes you...”

However, the princess cut her off quickly, saying, “Lex or Flash. That is all I am here. I am nothing but a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy.”

“Your highness, you were punched last night. A man dared strike you.”

“I know. He will serve time for that in his own way. I did not mind too much. What bothered me more was feeling as if I created an injustice with you. I did not enjoy being placed in a category with Hollywood in vying for your attention. I was merely trying to assist. Clearly I was out of line, though. I am sorry.”

The redhead shook off the comment with a shake of her head. “I never should have inferred that you had ulterior motives for trying to help.”

“Well, shall we just start again then by pretending it never happened?”

“I would like that.”

“Very well.” Finishing off her glass of tea, she stood. “I must go now. It was nice to see you, Lauren. I hope this is the beginning of a pleasant friendship.”

“It was nice to see you too, Flash,” she said with a smile.

Heading back to the base, Alexa was met in the foyer by her brother and Colonel Pickrell. “Colonel, what are you doing here?”

“Your brother and I were just discussing what happened between you and 1st Lieutenant Barnes last night. Perhaps we can have a talk?”

“Certainly. Let us go into the kitchen.”

When the two of them were alone, the Colonel turned to her and asked, “Is what he said true? Did Hollywood hit you?”

“Yes, that is true.”

“Your brother wants him disqualified for fighting. I agree with him. He can’t just go around hitting people.”

“I know that, and I agree with you. However, in all fairness I have to admit that he was not the only one that threw a punch. I hit him too.”

“I was told as much, but you are the crowned princess. There must be exceptions.”

“I disagree with you on that point. Colonel Pickrell, it would be discriminative to disqualify Hollywood unless you disqualified me as well. After all, I am the one that initiated the fight. I threw the first punch. He landed the first one, but I started it.”

“Why?”

“Because he was getting potentially abusive with the female bartender. I tried to step in to help. I lost my temper first and swung.”

“Still, being who you are, you are allowed some leeway in your behavior.”

Alexa shook her head. “Colonel Pickrell, I have designed a unique punishment for Hollywood for striking me. If you want to throw him out for fighting, then you must do the same to me. That behavior is unacceptable even for someone in my position.”

“You want me to throw you both out?”

“I want you to discipline two pilots that broke the rules. However, in doing so, there is a request I would like to make. Even though this is a flight competition, it is also flight training. Hollywood and I are both good pilots. We could benefit from this training. My request of you would be to allow to us to stay and complete our training. Disqualify us from the Top Gun competition if you must, but do not deny us the opportunity to hone our skills.”

The Colonel nodded his head. “You know, before you arrived here, I had heard that you were quite wise for someone of your years. You have just proven that to be true. You understand consequences for your actions. That is very mature, but you also understand putting the military’s needs above your own. You’re right about Hollywood’s talent. He is one of the best I have ever seen.”

“I know, so we must keep him in the force.”

“Very well, Lieutenant Commander Washington. I will take your request under advisement and let the two of you know on Monday. Right now I must visit him and get his side of the story.”

“Thank you for your time, Colonel Pickrell. Sorry to have bothered you on your day off.”

“I’m glad we got this out of the way. See you Monday at 0700.”

Monday morning when the pilots arrived for class, the Colonel was already there. After everyone was seated, he said, “This morning before we start class I would like to discuss the events that took place Friday evening. I got wind of the fact that two of my pilots were involved in a bar fight. Now I want to make it absolutely clear to you all that fighting is unacceptable behavior! These two ignored the rules, so I’m left with no choice but to impose the discipline that they could not impose on themselves! Lieutenant Commander Washington and 1st Lieutenant Barnes, both of you come up here to the front!” Alexa and Hollywood both stood and made their way to the front of the room to where the Colonel pointed. They didn’t even look at each other, only stood at attention with eyes on their superior officer. Pacing in front of them, Colonel Pickrell demanded, “Both of you drop and give me a hundred pushups now!” Both aviators did as they were told. Alexa focused on the Colonel’s words as she did as she was told. “Both of you have disgraced this program! Because of your actions, you are immediately removed from the Top Gun competition! Neither of you will be allowed to be named Top Gun this year! You will remain here to learn from your other fellow officers and trainers how to advance your skills, but you will not participate any longer in the contest! Do you hear me?”

“Yes, Colonel Pickrell!” they shouted simultaneously as they continued their pushups.

“And let this be a lesson to the rest of you! Any more fighting and you’re out!” The rest of the class just watched and waited until Alexa and Hollywood finished their punishment before returning to their seats.

When Alexa slumped into her chair, George leaned over and whispered, “They were not this hard on you in boot camp. I cannot believe he kicked you out of the competition. That was not supposed to happen.”

“I know, but I broke the rules. On the bright side, you will surely win now.”

That afternoon when classes and flights were finished, Alexa decided to leave the base instead of have dinner with her brother. She headed to where she knew Lauren would be, arriving at the library shortly before five. When she walked in, she did not see her behind the desk. However, there was another woman, so she questioned her on the redhead’s whereabouts and was directed back toward the children’s section. Alexa heard Lauren’s voice before she saw her, but as she came into the clearing, she noticed the librarian sitting on a small chair with several young children sitting around her on the floor. Lauren was reading them a story, so Alexa merely watched the scene until story time was finished. When the redhead’s eyes found her, Alexa gave her most charming smile.

“Flash, hi. What are you doing here?” she inquired pleasantly.

“I wanted to see you. I hope that is all right.”

“Well, I am flattered. Do you want a tour of the library?”

“Sure. Show me.” Alexa followed the librarian around the facility listening to her tour guide describe the different sections. However, her mind was really on trying to figure out how to truly be alone with the woman. Seeing an opportunity arise when they were upstairs, Alexa pointed toward the back corner of the library and asked, “What is back there?”

“It is a conference room.”

“I want to see it. Show me,” she insisted. Lauren obliged, unlocking the door and opening it for the princess. Alexa walked into the room. Seeing Lauren hovering in the doorway, she demanded, “Come in here and shut the door.”

The redhead hesitated for a moment before complying with the request. She moved to a table toward the front of the room and rested against it. “It is just a conference room,” she mentioned.

The princess shook her head as she came to where Lauren was. “It is more than that.” She stepped in closely, so they were only a few feet apart. “You seem like a wise woman, Lauren, interesting and well-read.”

“I am wise enough not to indulge in things that are not mine,” she mumbled, putting more space between them.

“What does that mean?”

“Flash, this is not a game. I know who you are. I know who has your heart. You should not be contemplating the arms of another.”

The princess shook her head. “My heart is my own, Lauren. No one owns it except for me. As for contemplating the arms of another, it is my right to seek the company of anyone I choose. That is all I want. I want company from someone who is intriguing. I spend my days with military men who share nothing in common with me except airplanes.”

“What makes you believe you and I share things in common, Flash?”

“I do not know. What I do know is that I find you interesting, and I would like the chance to get to know whether or not we share commonalities.”

“And if we do?”

“Then we can be friends.”

“And if we do not?”

“We can still be friends,” Alexa replied, coming toward her again. “Lauren, I like you. I have since that night you berated me. Your strength and intelligence are awe-inspiring. I just want to get to know you. I have no other intentions.”

Even though Lauren knew deep inside herself that it was probably a bad idea, she found herself nodding in agreement. She knew it could be dangerous to do so, especially with the way she felt whenever the heir was around, but she couldn’t help it. Alexa was one of the most disarmingly attractive women she had ever seen, but she figured she could be a friend to the future queen. She knew nothing more could become of it, but she thought she should not deny herself the fun of getting to know someone new even if it was only for a short while. “Very well, Flash.”

“Great. Would you like to have dinner with me tonight?”

“Certainly. Where would you like to go?”

“Wherever you want.”

“Should you be mindful of taking me out in public? After all, you are known to be involved with someone else. Will the media make this less innocent than it is?”

“You are probably right, but I would like to spend time with you. What shall we do instead?”

“Come to my place. I will make dinner for you.”

“Are you sure? I would not want to go out of your way for me.”

“I am sure. I get off work in just a few minutes. We can go together.”

“Where do you live?”

“Not too far from here, about a mile towards the beach. I have my car, so we can drive.”

“Wonderful. I will wait for you then.”

Minutes later both women were headed outside. Lauren directed them toward her car. Alexa had never seen anything quite like it. The car was well-worn, lacking paint on several sections and displaying rust in others. Nevertheless, she got into the passenger’s side without comment. Listening to the engine struggle to come to life, she inquired, “How long have you had this car?”

“Fourteen years, ever since I was sixteen. I bought it myself.”

“You are thirty years old? I cannot believe that. You do not look more than your early twenties.”

“A few weeks shy of it actually. I have a young face. How old are you?”

“Twenty-five.” There was a pause before the princess asked, “Have you thought about getting some other transportation? This car sounds like it is not going to make it much longer.”

“I know, but she is all I have and buying a car would only set me back from my goal of moving. I would rather just keep her until I am settled somewhere new.”

“If you could buy a new car now though, what kind would you get?”

Lauren shrugged. “I do not know. I am partial to the Volkswagen. After all this one has done well for me. She might be sore on the eyes, but she has never caused me major problems.”

“What kind of Volkswagen? The convertible Bug or maybe the Jetta?”

“No, I think I want a Passat wagon.”

“What color?”

“That funky dark blue that they have with leather seats, not black leather though. That would be too hot in the summers.”

Alexa nodded her head in agreement. A few minutes later they arrived at Lauren’s house. Pulling into the driveway, the redhead shut off the engine and flung open her door. “This is where you live?” the princess questioned, her eyes scanning around her. The librarian had a quaint little home facing the water. “This is a great house.”

“Thanks. It was the only thing my mother owned when she died.”

“When did you mother pass away?”

“About two years ago.”

“I am sorry to hear that. And you lost your father at a young age. That must be difficult.”

Lauren shrugged. “I had a step-father, but he went to jail when I was a teenager. He was a miserable alcoholic not worth anything. He was a mean man. He terrified me when I was a kid.”

“Any siblings? Other relatives?”

“None. It is just me. It was hard to move back in here when she died because of the memories, but then I realized I had to be practical. I was living in this little rundown house with some friends, and I could save more money by living in my childhood home. I will be glad when I can get rid of it, though.”

“I am sure it will sell for a handsome price. You have some prime ocean real estate.”

“The land is worth more than the house. The house needs work, but I just do not have the motivation to make improvements to something I will soon abandon.”

“Understandable.”

“Come inside. The bugs are starting to bite.” Alexa followed her hostess inside the home. The librarian had it sparsely but functionally decorated. “Would you like the grand tour?”

“Of course. Show me around your place.”

Slowly they wandered through the first floor before heading upstairs. Pausing in front of a door, Lauren looked at Alexa. “You will have to forgive the mess. I was not expecting visitors.”

“It is fine.”

Opening the door, the redhead said, “This is my room.”

Without waiting for permission, Alexa walked into it, stopping in the middle and slowly turning to take all of it into her mind. There was an antique full brass bed with the linens in a ball at the end of it. Clothes were draped over the one chair. There was a window that faced the water. The door of the closet was ajar slightly with a striped cotton robe hanging from the corner of it. “It is cozy.”

“I do not spend a lot of time in here. Most of the time I sit downstairs in my study. There is a view of the water.”

Alexa nodded her head. “The solitude must be nice. I do not have much time to myself, but there are times when I just want space.”

“I understand that. When I was living with friends, I felt the same way. Well, come on. Let us go back downstairs, and I can start on dinner. What would you like?”

“Whatever you want. Would you like some help?” Alexa inquired as they went to the kitchen.

Lauren smiled. “Thank you for the offer, but I hardly see you as the type to roll up her sleeves and cook. No, you just sit here at the table and keep me company. Would you like something to drink?”

“Sure. Would you mind if I made myself a little more comfortable? Sometimes this dress uniform can drive me delirious.”

“By all means, make yourself at home, Flash,” Lauren answered with a smile as she turned to the refrigerator.

Alexa hung her cover from the spindle of one of the kitchen chairs and then proceeded to untuck her dress shirt. Unbuttoning it she hung it from the other spindle, so she was only in her white pants and a white t-shirt. “Are you sure I cannot assist you in some way?” she inquired, moving across the room to where the redhead was.

The librarian turned to answer but found herself staring at the heir’s chest, which was suddenly much closer than moments before. Struggling to look upward, she met dark eyes and a charming grin. Her heart started pounding at the sight. Taking a calming breath, she answered, “If you keep offering, I may take you up on that. However, I really would prefer it if you would just sit down and drink some wine,” she replied, putting a hand on Alexa’s midsection and nudging her back to the table. However, the princess didn’t budge, compelling the older woman to use more force. Feeling Alexa’s stomach muscles flex under her touch, Lauren thought she would get lightheaded.

Alexa’s body quivered as Lauren touched her. It was a strange sensation, one that had never happened to her in her life. Hearing the uneven exhale from her company, she knew Lauren felt something as well. She went with her instincts and wrapped her arms around her hostess. Blue eyes met hers again. “It is okay, Lauren,” she whispered softly.

The librarian shook her head slowly. “Flash, I hardly know you.”

“I know, but I feel a connection to you, Lauren. I do not know why.”

“Neither do I. We are from different worlds.”

“Sometimes that can be a good thing.”

Breaking the spell between them, Lauren broke out of the embrace and requested, “Please sit down. I will bring you some wine.”

The pilot did as she was told, going back to the table. The rest of the time was spent in relative silence as Alexa drank and watched her hostess preparing their meal. When it was ready, they ate in the small kitchen. “This is delicious, Lauren. Thank you for cooking for me.”

“You are very welcome, Flash. Even you crazy pilots deserve to eat,” she teased. “The military men that come into the bar complain about that terrible food over there. Cooking for the masses is never easy.”

“No, I imagine it is not. I have never been to the mess hall, though, so I cannot not speak to the food.”

“Then how do you eat?”

“My brother George and I have a cook at our house.”

“You have a house on the base? You do not stay in the barracks?”

“No. That is the one accommodation we have been afforded. It was deemed unsafe for George and me to stay there. Security is easier to control by staying at the house on Officer’s Row.”

“Speaking of security, were those men at the bar with you that night on your detail?”

“Yes. They watch out for George and me. I feel sorry for them at times. The two of us are not the easiest to guard. Both of us crave adventure. We have interesting hobbies that make my mother cringe.”

“Such as?”

“Horse racing, stock car driving, sky diving, mountain climbing, swimming with sharks and alligators. Crazy things. If we can get an adrenaline rush off of it, we will try it at least once.”

“She must be beside herself with worry every time either of you leaves the house,” she said with a laugh. “Why can you not have normal hobbies such as golf?”

Alexa laughed as well. “You sound like her. She asks that question all the time.”

“Because she wants to instill some sanity in the two of you.”

“What about you? What are your hobbies?”

“Safe things like reading. I have been known to be a bit of a card and pool shark too.”

“Really? That seems unlike you. My little Miss Innocent hustles the tables?”

“Only in fun. I am not a gambler by any means. I just enjoy poker and pool. If I can win extra money at the same time, why should I deny myself the pleasure?”

“You have a point there. Perhaps we can play sometime?”

“That would be interesting. I would have everything to win and nothing to lose. You on the other hand would have everything to lose.”

“Sounds like you should take me up on that offer then.”

“I have a sneaking suspicion that you might be a decent player.”

“You will never know unless we play. We can play after dinner. Do you have any cards?”

“Of course I have cards. I will think about it. In the meantime though, you need to eat.”

Half an hour later both were finished eating. Alexa ignored Lauren’s protest and helped clean the kitchen by washing dishes while the redhead put away the food. As Lauren watched the princess at her sink, hands immersed in a sink full of sudsy water, she found herself bewildered and fascinated by the woman in her home. Alexa was nothing like she would have imagined her to be. In fact, the princess was incredibly real and seemed genuinely interested in cultivating their friendship. Eyes straying down the aviator’s strong back, they came to the white fitted pants. Lauren ogled for a minute but then realized it didn’t appear as if the Lieutenant Commander had bothered to wear any undergarments under her pants. Struck with that thought, her pulse began to race as she chugged the rest of the wine in her glass. Coming to the sink, she slipped a hand on Alexa’s hip as the other hand eased her empty glass into the hot water.

Alexa felt the petite body against her back. It felt incredibly good, but she didn’t say so in case it was not Lauren’s attention to be alluring. Slowly as if unconsciously though, she pressed her body back toward the one against her. She felt the hand that was resting against her hip tense at the action, even though neither said anything. For the rest of the time Alexa was doing dishes, Lauren lingered near her. Neither spoke, both too afraid to voice what could possibly be in their minds. Instead both pretended it was perfectly natural to be acting the way they were.

Finally the princess turned around as she wiped her wet hands on a dishtowel. “Well, thank you again for dinner. It was a pleasant surprise.”

“You are very welcome, Flash. I am glad you enjoyed it.”

“Perhaps we can play cards now or maybe go for a walk on the beach?” she suggested.

“A walk sounds nice.”

“Good. Let us go then.”

Heading outside to the back porch, both of them discarded their shoes and socks before walking out onto the sand. Lauren took the lead in the direction they were going. Strolling closely along the water’s edge, they would have looked like any other couple out there, but Lauren knew the truth. The woman next to her was one of the most powerful women in the world even though right then she looked just like anyone else. Taking in the scenery, Lauren glanced back over her shoulder. She was surprised to see Alexa’s security detail trailing behind at a distance.

“It must be difficult for you to have any privacy,” she mentioned, sparing a glace at her friend. “Security is right behind us.”

Alexa nodded. “They have been with me the whole time. They followed us back to your house and have been sitting out on the street.”

“Why did you not tell me? I would have invited them inside. They probably have not eaten. I should at least offer them dinner.”

“That is sweet of you. When we return if you are so inclined to extend that invitation, feel free to do so.”

There was a pause in conversation and then the redhead inquired, “Will you tell me how you got the name Flash?”

“You mean it is not obvious?” she asked with a sparkling smile.

“Do not tell me you got it for your beaming grin alone.”

“Of course not. That was just an added bonus. The real reason is because I am fast.”

“Fast in what? Your plane?”

“In everything, planes, cars, horses, women,” she whispered. “I like speed.”

“So does that mean you like easy girls?”

The brunette shook her head. “I would not call them easy as much as I would determined. They know what they want, and they cut to the chase. No pretending to be something they are not. You strike me as that kind of woman.”

“Do I? Why do you say that?”

“Because you are a thoughtful mature woman. I think you understand the potential consequences of any action you might take. You impress me as someone who knows what she wants in life and exactly how to go about getting it in all aspects, including sex. To me that is not being easy. It is practical, and I have a great respect for that.”

“Are you saying you think I sleep around? Because that is what you seem to be implying,” she countered with an edge to her voice.

“Not at all. To the contrary, I do not think you sleep around. However, I think you are the type that when you find someone you are interested in that way, you do not dally in child’s play. You do not allow yourself to fall foolishly in love. Instead you glean what you need from that person and allow them to do the same to you, and then you make an amiable parting without the complication of emotions.”

“You have derived all of this from me over one dinner?” Lauren asked with a chuckle. “How interesting.”

“We are kindred spirits in that way, Lauren. I know this much of you only because I am the same. I never complicate sex with feelings either. Although I do know when a woman wants me, I also know when a woman wants me to fall in love with her, and that has just never happened.”

“You have never been in love?”

“Never. Have you?”

“No,” the redhead confessed.

An hour later the women returned to the house. Lauren did in fact take the initiative to offer Alexa’s security dinner, to which both men gratefully accepted. The librarian left Alexa in the study and then took her other guests to the kitchen. She returned ten minutes later to find the princess looking out the window.

“Thank you for feeding my men. You are quite gracious,” the taller woman said.

“It is a pleasure to cook for people. I enjoy it.”

Turning to her hostess, Alexa smiled. “I believe you owe me a card game now.”

Lauren shook her head. “I do not think that is the best thing we could do at the moment.”

“Why not? Are you afraid I will beat you?”

Lauren didn’t answer for a moment. She was afraid of playing cards, for she didn’t know what the stakes might be in such a game. The princess could bet anything and everything at her disposal, and Lauren feared what she might lose. However, she didn’t say that. Instead she answered, “We must set the ground rules if we are to play.”

“Fine. Whatever you want.”

“First of all, what game do you want to play?”

“Poker,” the princess suggested.

“What about Texas Hold’em? Have you ever played that?”

“Yes, I have played that. If that is the game you want, Lauren, that is what we will play.”

“All right. That is what we will play then. I have some chips we can use.”

“Good. Where would you like to play?”

“Let us go into the den. We can use the coffee table.” Grabbing the chips and the cards, the librarian led the way into the other room. She took a seat on the floor, so Alexa copied her.

The brunette began to divide their chips as Lauren shuffled the deck. “We have to decide what the stakes are. What do you want to play for, Ms. Fulton?”

The older woman shrugged. “What are you prepared to lose, Flash?” she inquired with bravado.

Thinking on that for a moment, Alexa replied, “If I lose, I will buy you that new car you want. How is that for a wager? What are you prepared to lose, Lauren?”

Lauren sat there mute for a second as she thought about what had just been put on offer. Alexa had just staked a new car in their friendly game of poker. That was hardly what she had expected, and she didn’t know how to respond. There was nothing she had that could even equal it. “That is a high stake, Flash. I am not sure I have something to rival that.”

“Sure you do. You just have to think on it.”

“I have my entire savings, but I do not wish to gamble my hard earned money away now that I am so close to reaching my goals.”

“Money has no meaning to me. I would not take it anyway.”

“This house will fetch a good price, but I will need it until I move.”

“I do not want your home either.”

“Then what do you want, Flash?”

Giving a sly grin, the princess inquired, “Can you think of nothing enticing to me?”

Seeing the heir make a dramatic sweep with her eyes over Lauren’s body, Lauren realized what Alexa had in mind. The unspoken request made heat suffuse her skin as a knot formed in her stomach at the very thought of what the princess was proposing. It made her wonder if she would rather win or lose, because both rewards were equally tempting. Nodding her head, Lauren answered, “Very well, Flash. If I lose, I will give you one night.”

“No deal. I am wagering a car, Lauren. You have to put up more than a night.”

“Fine. A week.”

“The rest of the summer,” Alexa bargained.

“This game could take the rest of the summer, Flash, if you are as good as I am.”

“That is true. A month then. Surely one of us will win within two months.”

“A month. We have a deal,” Lauren answered, extending her hand.

Alexa shook it. For the rest of the evening the two fiercely played cards. Neither spoke except to deter the other, but it was clear the game was still in fun. When it was close to midnight, Alexa mentioned that she had to get back to the base. Lauren consulted her watch and agreed. Both of them stood and stretched from being on the floor so long.

“Should I trust that you will not steal any of my chips?” the princess asked in jest. “Or should I count them before I leave?” Neither had made great progress of winning over the other’s chips in their game so far, Lauren only having a slight advantage.

The redhead laughed. Moving to her guest, she put her hands on Alexa’s waist. “Please, Flash. You have made me unsure of whether I want to win or lose our wager. I will not touch the chips. They will stay exactly like that until we can pick it up again.”

“Tomorrow?” the pilot proposed, bringing her arms around her hostess.

“I look forward to it. Come around for dinner. I will fix you anything you like.”

With a smile Alexa cupped the redhead’s cheek in her hand. “You are a sweet woman, Lauren Fulton. I am in grave danger around you.”

“Surely not, Flash. A woman of your power and strength could resist even the most alluring of wiles if you wanted to.”

“I am not sure I want to,” the princess whispered, leaning in a planting a kiss on Lauren’s cheek. “Thank you again for dinner.” With that she wandered into the kitchen where her men were sitting involved in conversation. The princess put on her dress shirt again and picked her cover up off the table. Her security stood and headed for the door ahead of her, stopping to thank Lauren for their meal again. When Alexa got to the front door, she waved her men off saying she would meet them in the car. She placed her cover on her head and then smiled at the redhead. “This has been a wonderful evening.”

Lauren nodded in agreement. “Tell me, Flash. Has anyone ever mentioned how sexy you look in your uniform?” she teased, her hand lazily drawing a circular pattern over the pilot’s stomach. She felt those muscles twitch again under her fingers.

“You are the first,” Alexa answered, leaning into the touch. She lowered her head and kissed the redhead’s cheek, lingering for a moment to take in the scent of her hair.

Lauren felt a shuddered breath leave her at the feeling of a nose nuzzling against her ear. She was acutely aware of her own state of growing arousal and furthermore knew the princess was cognizant of it as well. However, she felt empowered by the fact that Alexa was not shy about displaying her own mounting desires. Emboldened by the need she felt coming from the brunette, the smaller woman let her hands wander up around Alexa’s neck, her fingers running along the edge of dark hair. Her lips pressed against the aviator’s jaw. “Flash,” she murmured.

“Yes?” Alexa whispered, bound by the suddenly sensuality of the moment.

“You better go.”

Alexa chuckled and pulled back, knowing Lauren had intentionally broken the spell. She nodded her head and took a deep breath. “Good night, Lauren.”

“Night, Flash. See you tomorrow.”

“I am looking forward to it. Shall I bring anything?”

“Just yourself.”

“I will see you then. Sweet dreams.”

“You too.”

The following day seemed incredibly slow to Alexa. Class was dull compared to where her reflections were leading her. A certain redhead with blue eyes dominated every spare moment of her thoughts. As she got into the cockpit of her plane for her flight that day, she knew she had to focus on her job. She took a deep breath in order to regain her senses, but her eyes were drawn to the photograph pinned to the instrument panel. The picture of she and Meredith made her heart sink for a moment.

She had forgotten about her girlfriend completely after only a matter of a week. Meredith had not entered her thoughts once, but as she stared at the photograph, she remembered that the woman staring back at her was to become her bride. She sighed as her world came crashing back into reality. Being with Lauren had a way of making her forget whom she was, and she loved that about the librarian, but she knew she couldn’t truly deny her destiny. Putting the picture in her pocket, she knew she had to forget about the women and concentrate on her flying.

When her flight was finished and she had returned to the observation deck with her fellow pilots, George looked at her in concern. “Are you all right, Lex? That was some of the worse flying I have ever seen from you. You barely won your match against a mediocre pilot.”

“I am fine. I was just distracted.”

He grinned. “By a certain person you spent time with yesterday?” he questioned lightly.

“No, by Meredith if you must know.”

“What about Lady Adams?”

“I was just thinking that I should bring her down some weekend. I miss her,” she lied, but she knew to say her thoughts were with Lauren would not be appropriate, even with her brother.

“Well, you can always invite her. I am going to have Kelly and Morgan come see me in a few weeks. Perhaps she can join us then? We can have some family time.”

“Mere is not family,” Alexa mentioned.

“It is only a matter of time,” he responded. Changing the subject, he asked, “Do you have plans again this evening?”

“As a matter of fact I do. I am having dinner at Lauren’s again. We have a bet to settle.”

“What kind of bet?”

“That is between us. I will be home late again hopefully.”

“When do I get to meet this woman?”

“What is the point in that?”

George shrugged. “You seem interested in her. I thought you might want me to meet her.”

“You can see her at the bar all you like. There is no need for more of a relationship between you unless you are looking for company outside your marriage, George.”

“Do not be ridiculous. I am looking for no such thing. I merely was asking to meet the woman who seems to have charmed you. What is the harm in that?”

“There is no harm. I suppose I just feel strangely about it.”

“Why is that?”

“Because I feel things with her, George, that I have not felt before. I do not know what is going on with me.”

“What do you mean?”

Alexa looked around, but the rest of the pilots were looking skyward discussing other things. Looking at her brother, she leaned to his ear and whispered, “She touches me, and I...”

“You what?” he asked softly, leading them further away from the group.

“I cannot say.”

“I am your brother, Alexa. You can tell me anything.”

“This has never happened to me, George. A woman has never affected me so.”

“What happens when she touches you? Why is she even touching you?”

“It is innocent touching, but my reaction is not. She makes me...tremble,” she breathed as if she was afraid to voice it.

“What?” George asked in apparent shock.

Alexa nodded. “I know it sounds crazy, George. I do not even know if she knows what she does. No woman has ever made that happen.”

“Listen to me, Lex. You are the most powerful woman in the world outside of Mother. You are strong and confident. A little woman like that is no match for your strength. You can resist her if you want.”

“That is just it. I like the feeling. I want to indulge in it. Meredith does not make me feel this way. No woman has ever made me feel this way.”

“Lex, you have one of the most beautiful women in the world as a girlfriend.”

“I know.”

“Look, you can have anyone you want. I am not trying to talk you out of having a relationship with someone else. My concern is that you might fall in love with someone else. You are talking nonsense about this woman. Sleep with her if you want but do not under any circumstances fall in love.”

“I will not fall in love with Lauren. I am just anxious to sleep with her. Having her touch me innocently just reminds me of that fact. I am sure that is all.”

“Are you?”

“Yes. I am sure.” However, she was not truly, but she decided she did not want to discuss it further with her brother. She knew she probably shouldn’t have brought it up in the first place. Going back to where the other pilots were, she closed the discussion.

That evening her security team drove her to Lauren’s house. They had done her the favor of getting her flowers for the redhead that afternoon while she was in class, so she took them and the bag of clothes she wanted to change into up to the door and knocked. The smaller woman answered with a smile after just a moment.

“Good evening, Lauren. How are you?” she inquired extending the flowers to her.

Lauren smiled and flushed slightly. “Thank you. These are beautiful. Come on in. Bring your men in as well. They need to eat too.”

“Are you sure?”

“Of course. I fixed enough for all of us.”

“All right. Thank you. You are too good to them.” Retrieving her two bodyguards, they all went inside. “If it is all right with you, I would like to change clothes. I am tired of wearing this uniform every time I see you.”

“Whatever you would like. Suit yourself. We will be in the kitchen when you are ready.”

While Alexa was gone, Lauren took her other guests into the kitchen. “What can I get the two of you to drink?” she inquired. Both of them answered politely but then just stood there somewhat awkwardly. Gesturing to the table, she said, “Please sit down. Make yourselves at home.” They did as they were told. The librarian poured their drinks and then moved to the table to set them down. However, seeing the look on her guests’ faces, she inquired, “Is something wrong?”

The older man, Roger, shook his head. “Ms. Fulton, on the contrary, you are a gracious hostess. We just aren’t used to being treated this way by her highness’s company of friends.”

“Oh, I see. Well, you are always welcome in my home. I enjoy the company.”

“Well, we enjoy coming here, Ms. Fulton. You are a pleasure to be with, and you make Lex happy. She likes coming to see you.”

“That is good to know,” Lauren answered. “I like spending time with her as well.”

When the princess came to the kitchen, she was dressed in casual khaki pants and a button down shirt. She smiled as she saw the table set for four. Even though she wanted some time with Lauren alone, she was pleased that the older woman treated her men as well as she was treated. Taking her seat, the four of them had their meal together before security made their excuses to take to their stations around the house on guard while the two women had time together.

Looking across the table at her hostess, Alexa smiled. “Thank you for dinner. It was wonderful.”

“I am glad you enjoyed it.”

“And thank you for being so good to my men. They do not get that often.”

“I know. As I told them, they will always be welcome in my house, Flash. All three of you will.”

“We appreciate that, Lauren. Now let me do these dishes for you,” she said, rising from the table with her plate and heading to the sink.

“You do not have to do that, you know.”

“I know, but I want to in order to show my gratitude,” the princess said with a smile. She started the water and poured in soap like she had done the previous night before going to the table for more dishes.

Lauren just sat there for a moment and watched the heir being so domestic. Finally, though, she made a move to put away the leftover food. She finished before Alexa, though, so she had time to watch her uninterrupted. Lauren gazed over her guest’s frame. Alexa looked fabulous to her in her chosen outfit. Moving closer to her, Lauren put her hand on the pilot’s hip and questioned, “How is that coming?”

Feeling the hand on her body, Alexa forced herself to take a normal breath. She wasn’t used to the way she felt yet when Lauren touched her, but she didn’t want to let on that it made her feel anything other than neutral quite yet. “All is fine.” She felt the librarian’s hand slowly move from her hip along the belt of her pants until it reached her lower back before it started to stroke lightly. She couldn’t help a quiver at the touch, but she still said nothing. The light petting continued through the rest of the dishes.

When Alexa was finished, she slowly turned around to face the woman behind her. Lauren remained where she was, so the two women were standing closely together. Smiling into dark eyes, the shorter woman could see that her touching had affected the heir, but she wasn’t sure how to act on the information. Not knowing quite what to say just then, she said softly, “Rumor has it that you like visiting me.”

“Rumor, huh? I could only imagine who might start such a rumor,” Alexa replied with a chuckle, knowing her men probably said something to that effect to Lauren.

“Is it true?”

“How could that be anything but true, Lauren? You feed me. You play poker with me. You help me forget myself for a while, and I like that. I like you,” she added quietly, slipping her arms around the woman’s waist.

“I like you too, Flash.”

After a moment of just gazing into each other’s eyes, Alexa whispered, “If I were to kiss you right now, would you be upset?”

“Why would I be upset? After all, you kissed me last night for my dinner efforts,” she teased lightly, her arms tightening their hold around Alexa’s waist.

With that permission the princess cupped Lauren’s face. Her thumb grazed across her cheek lightly. A moment passed in silence before Alexa leaned down and kissed the redhead’s soft cheek sweetly. Her lips lingered longer than necessary, but when she pulled away it was only a few inches. Their noses grazed for a moment before Alexa murmured, “I want to kiss you again.”

Lauren could only nod before she felt it. The mouth of the sexiest woman she had ever known pressed against her own. Her lips instantly began to tingle at the sensation, and she instinctually opened her mouth to gasp in surprise but found the sound transform into a muffled moan as their tongues met. She felt her knees begin to weaken and wrapped her arms tighter around Alexa for support as the methodical onslaught continued for several moments.

Alexa felt the connection all the way through her body. The energy and attraction that had passed between them unvoiced for the past several days was becoming apparent in that moment as their embrace became tighter. Neither woman wanted to break the contact. Finally, though, Alexa could feel herself getting lightheaded and pulled back, bracing herself against the counter with her hand.

The older woman just smiled demurely. She had no idea what the aviator was thinking just then, because her face showed a plethora of emotion. Not knowing what to say, she teased gently, “That was some thank you kiss.”

“Wow,” the tall woman mumbled. However, after a second she said, “I can honestly say that is the first time that has ever happened to me.”

“What?”

“I feel.”

Lauren stepped in closer, sensing the vulnerability Alexa was feeling. She slipped her arms around the princess’s waist. “You feel what, Flash?”

“Just that. I feel. No woman has ever made me feel before. Well, made me feel anything other than ardent,” she joked.

“Are you saying you do not feel ardent with me?” Lauren joked.

“I did not say that. I just mean that I feel much more. I like being with you so much, Lauren.”

“I like being with you too, Flash. And I certainly do not mind being kissed that way,” she jested.

Nodding her head, the princess gazed into blue eyes. The emotion held within their depths told her that Lauren was being truthful. “Perhaps we could do that again then?” she proposed.

“Perhaps,” Lauren replied with a shy smile. With that both women pulled each other closer and continued an unhurried exploration of each other’s mouths. Lauren felt like she was in ecstasy in the arms of such a charming woman. Alexa was much more than she had even imagined. The pilot enraptured her with her very presence, and the feeling of the taller woman’s kiss made her forget everything for a moment, even the magnitude of the woman who held her. Right then Alexa was not the crowned heir of her country but a simple Navy pilot whom she found herself adoring more each time she was with her.

Emotions swirled within Alexa as she clung to the redhead tightly, their lips communicating what she couldn’t express just then. No woman had ever stirred her so much as Lauren did, which surprised her given their short acquaintance. The princess found the librarian beautiful but also intelligent and interesting. When she had bet Hollywood in the bar that she could bed the redhead, she had no idea how much treasure rested beneath the pretty exterior. Alexa was completely captivated by the smaller woman. She could sense strange feelings wrapping themselves around her heart but had no idea what they were, only that she didn’t want them to leave.

Finally pulling back, the brunette smiled at Lauren. “Shall we go for our sunset walk or do you want to skip right to the poker game?” she inquired teasingly.

“How about our walk?” Lauren answered, taking Alexa’s hand. Together they made their way to the beach. Removing their shoes, they took each other’s hand and strolled along the water’s edge. Both of them knew Alexa’s security was behind them, but they ignored them in favor of each other’s attention. Through their entire stroll, neither woman would let go of the other’s hand.

Back at the house once the sun had gone to bed, the two women sat on the floor in the living room playing cards. Alexa spent most of her time that night gazing across the coffee table at her company rather than concentrating on her cards. Likewise Lauren appeared equally distracted and not many hands were played. Instead the two women just looked deeply into each other’s eyes under the pretense of trying to read each other’s tells, but both of them knew the real reason. At that moment both of them would have rather been in each other’s arms continuing what had started in the kitchen.

Finally when it was late, Alexa mentioned that she should probably be going. Lauren nodded her head in agreement. Both women stood from their spots on the floor and headed toward the door. However, Alexa lingered for a moment as her arms came around Lauren’s waist. “Do you have plans for tomorrow?” she whispered, nuzzling the red hair.

“Actually, I do. I am having dinner with some friends,” she answered quietly.

Not expecting that response, Alexa pulled back to look into the librarian’s eyes. Trying to play off her disappointment, she inquired, “Oh, well what about the next night?”

Lauren shook her head. “I have plans every day until Sunday, Flash. Perhaps we can get together Sunday afternoon?”

Alexa nodded her head in agreement even though the thought of being without the redhead’s company that long was disheartening. “Sure. Sunday afternoon then. What would you like to do?”

“Whatever you want.”

“Well, I will think on that then. I will call you Saturday if that is all right.” Alexa proposed, releasing the older woman and stuffing her hands into her pockets.

Looking at the pilot, Lauren sensed that something was wrong. However, she wasn’t sure bringing it up was the best thing to do at that moment, so she merely nodded her head. “Great. I look forward to it, Flash.”

“Well, good night, Lauren,” Alexa said, leaning and kissing her on the cheek.

The librarian’s heart sunk at the contact, for she was hoping for something else, but she didn’t say so. Instead she just smiled pleasantly. “Good night, Flash. See you Sunday.”

When Alexa arrived back at her quarters on the base, she saw that George was still awake. He was lounging on the sofa watching TV when she plopped down next to him. “You look like you had a bad night,” he mentioned.

Alexa shrugged. “No, on the contrary, it was fine. I just am not used to being brushed off I suppose.”

“She brushed you off?”

“I asked if I could see her tomorrow, but she said no. She has other plans. She has plans for the rest of the week,” the princess grumbled.

“Sounds like you are jealous. Lex, just let it go.”

“I know I should, but I like being with her, George. She is like no other woman I know.”

Her brother shook his head. “You should be careful with this one. Sounds as if you might be falling for her.”

“No,” Alexa denied. “I merely have carnal interests.”

“If you say so. How is that going by the way?”

“We kissed tonight, but that is all.”

“Are you going to give me any more than that? Come on. I have to live vicariously through you these days.”

Shrugging her shoulders, the heir was silent for a moment. She wasn’t sure if she should tell her brother how it felt. “It was nice. She is a good kisser. I cannot wait to see what else she can do,” she jested with a sly smile.

He laughed. “That is more like it. That is the sister I know. I was beginning to worry this woman had put the squeeze on your heart.”

“No, she is just another girl, George. I will sleep with her and move on.”

George gave her a friendly knock on the shoulder and mentioned, “Let me know how good she is, will you?”

“Of course I will. Right now though I am going to go up to bed. Good night.”

“Good night.”

Heading up the stairs, the princess went into her bedroom and flopped down on the bed. Looking up at the ceiling, her mind drifted to a certain redhead. Being with Lauren made her feel things, new things, exciting things, but Alexa also had started to feel something else, a gnawing in the pit of her stomach at the thought of being apart for several days. She had never felt it before with any other woman, and she knew she didn’t like the feeling.

Back at the librarian’s house, Lauren had settled down in her bed for the night. As she sat there reading her book, her thoughts kept straying to Alexa. She could tell that the pilot was upset as she left that night. Even though she didn’t say it, Lauren felt it in the distance of their good bye. Part of her felt bad for evoking such emotion in the taller woman, but at the same time there was a sense of power that came with being able to dictate someone else’s feelings. It made her feel as if she and the aviator were becoming closer emotionally, something that pleased her, although her heart was just as intrigued with Alexa’s sexual interest. The few kisses they had shared had started a smolder deep within her, and she knew it might overtake her if the princess continued to be so sensually alluring. It had been a long time since she had allowed a woman to be sexually close, but there was something about Alexa that completely put her at ease and captivated her. She couldn’t help herself. She was drawn to the dark-haired woman in a way she never had been to anyone. Settling herself down to sleep, Lauren sighed. She wondered what might happen between them.

Over the next few days Alexa didn’t leave the house after flight school. Instead she just hung around watching TV and doing what George considered moping. However, by Saturday he had convinced her to join him and the fellow pilots on the beach for some beer and volleyball. Alexa spent the first part of the day sitting watching the water, but George dragged her into a game against two fellow aviators. Given that they were so good at it though, they continued to play on the same team. After awhile Hollywood decided to get in on the game with another pilot, and the fierce competition began. The two royals played their hardest, not wanting to be bested by their nemesis, but the game was close though.

A little ways down the beach Lauren was walking hand in hand with her best friend of many years, Mary Johnston. She had just recalled the details of her first kisses with the sexy pilot as the redhead noticed a volleyball game in progress. Three gorgeous shirtless men in swim trunks and one woman in a tank top and tiny shorts greeted her eyes. Her breath caught a little when she realized that it was Alexa. However, her thoughts were distracted by Mary’s voice.

“Good Lord, do you see what I do? I’ve never seen men with such fine bodies!” Mary exclaimed with a giggle. “Look at that one playing with the woman. Does he have a washboard stomach or what? Oh, I could just faint.”

Lauren smiled but didn’t respond at first. She just watched as they continued to walk a little closer. However, she suddenly sensed that the princess saw her, because Alexa seemed to look right at her and freeze. It made Lauren’s own feet stop. The moment was brief though as Hollywood suddenly went for a spike and sent the ball flying right into Alexa’s face, so hard it knocked her sunglasses off into the sand.

Grunting in discomfort Alexa immediately touched her nose with the back of her hand. When it came away stained red, she realized she was bleeding profusely. George rushed over to her. However, she brushed him off as she continued to stare down the sand toward Lauren.

Knowing she had been spotted, the librarian dragged Mary along with her up to where the pilots were standing. “Flash, are you all right?” she inquired in concern.

Alexa frowned at Mary but replied, “I am just fine.” She sent a scowl in Hollywood’s direction but said nothing to him.

“I think you might have a broken nose, Lex,” George mentioned. “We should take you to the hospital. I will have security bring the car down to the beach.”

However, Lauren offered, “I can take you. My house is just down the beach a little ways. My car is right there.”

“No thanks. I would not want to interrupt your date,” Alexa grumbled, leaning down to pick up her broken sunglasses.

Mary giggled at the statement as her eyes roamed over George’s body. “We aren’t on a date. Lauren is the only one between us that likes the women. In fact, she just can’t shut up about you,” she teased.

“That is not true,” defended the redhead as a blush rose to her face.

“Come on, Lauren. Don’t deny it now. Weren’t you just telling me how lightheaded you got when this sexy aviator kissed you?”

Unable to form a response to the question, Lauren just shook her head at her best friend and mumbled, “You do not know when to shut up, do you?”

“I’m just trying to get you two lovebirds together. After all, who can resist such a fine specimen?” Mary joked putting her hand on Alexa’s arm. “You need to come with us now, Flash. Lauren will take good care of you.” Alexa didn’t say anything but looked at her brother. Mary also looked in George’s direction. “As for you, handsome, you should come with us as well.”

Smiling at Mary, George answered, “Yes, I should probably come but to protect Lex’s interests.” Going to where their belongings were, he put on his shirt and gathered their things. Coming back to Alexa, he mentioned, “Lex, I have not gotten a proper introduction to these ladies.”

The princess who had not taken her eyes off Lauren since that adorable blush had appeared gave a shake of her head. “Right. I am sorry. George, this is Lauren Fulton. Lauren, my brother, the prince, George Washington.”

Lauren bowed her head at him as she said, “Your highness, it is a pleasure to meet you. May I present my best friend Mary Johnston. Mary, this is Princess Alexa and Prince George.”

“Lauren, you never said she was the princess! You’re in love with the princess?”

“I tend to forget that Flash is a royal,” she said to her best friend before turning to the Washingtons. “You will have to forgive her. She gets these romantic notions sometimes,” Lauren stated, obviously trying to downplay the comment.

“It is all right. George does that too,” Alexa joked. “Shall we go? My nose really hurts.”

“Lex, I really think security should take us. After all, you know what will happen if the media catches hold of this.”

The princess nodded her head. “You are right. If you would not mind getting them to fetch the car then, George.”

“Certainly. Ladies, it was a pleasure meeting you,” he said with a smile before taking his leave.

“Would you like us to go with you, Flash, or will you be all right?” Lauren inquired.

“If you would like to come, I would certainly enjoy the company, but do not feel as if you need to. George will see to me.”

Mary didn’t even look at Lauren as she answered for them, “We would still like to go with you. Lauren will be worried otherwise. You wouldn’t want her to worry, would you?”

“Of course not. It is my life’s goal to put Lauren’s mind at ease,” Alexa replied with a flash of a grin at the object of discussion.

Lauren blushed again but said nothing. As the three women started up the beach toward the awaiting car, the redhead fell a few steps behind Alexa with her friend. “Mary, please whatever you do, do not make such a big deal out of things between Flash and me. She is the princess, and she has a girlfriend. Do you not read the papers?”

“Who needs papers when I can see for myself what is between the two of you? Talk about a woman with feelings. Lauren, please tell me you see it. Can’t you see the way she looks at you?”

Lauren didn’t respond as they reached the car. All for of them rode quietly to the hospital. Alexa tried to maintain a passive face, even though her nose was in pain. In her mind she couldn’t let go of the comments that Mary had said on the beach. She wondered if it was true, if Lauren did have feelings for her. She felt fairly sure they were by the flush on the librarian’s cheeks as her friend made the remark. It gave Alexa hope, because as soon as Mary had mentioned it, she realized her own feelings. She understood, only just then, what her emotions were. She was falling in love for the first time in her life.

At the hospital, she was rushed right in to see a doctor while her brother and the two women were given a secluded place to sit out of the sight of the rest of the public. Lauren was silent as she just flipped through a magazine. Even though she knew Mary was probably dying to discuss Alexa more, she didn’t feel comfortable doing so in front of the prince. She was interrupted though by his deep voice saying, “Lauren, tell me about yourself. Flash likes to keep her time with you to herself for the most part.”

“What would you like to know?”

He shrugged. “Whatever you would like to share. I know you work at a bar. How did you start working there?”

“Oh, that is just a part-time job. A friend of mine owns the bar. I am a librarian really. I have lived here almost my entire life. There is not much to tell other than that.”

“May I inquire as to your age?”

“I will be thirty in two weeks. Why do you ask?”

“Just curious.”

There was a pause in talk but then Mary asked, “Your highness, could I ask you something personal?”

“Only if you call me George,” he replied with a smile.

She nodded. “What do you know about Alexa’s girlfriend?”

“Meredith? You are interested in knowing about her? What about her?”

“How serious is the relationship?”

“Mary, that is awfully personal,” Lauren admonished, even though she knew her friend was daring enough to ask the questions she wanted to know.

George looked between them for a moment before responding, “Lady Adams will most likely be queen some day. Of course that decision would be more of my mother’s doing than Alexa’s. If it were left up to my sister, she would probably remain unmarried for quite some time. She is in love with her freedom more than anything else in this world.”

“What does that mean? Doesn’t she love her?”

“Lex love Meredith?” he questioned. Seeing the look on Lauren’s face, he shrugged. “She does not discuss her feelings with me, but if I had to venture a guess, I would say she has them elsewhere.”

“Really? Isn’t that a bit of a conflict for her then?” Mary asked.

He shrugged again. “I suppose that is something that most people do not understand about her. She was born to be queen, and with that comes a great deal of responsibility. Her life is not her own. From birth she has been sacrificed to the people, and it is her duty to care for them. Her own will does not matter. She is to serve others, not herself.”

“That does not sound much like an existence,” Lauren mentioned.

George nodded in agreement. “I do not envy her. I would never want to be king. The pressure is too great. Lex, though, will be a great ruler. She understands her place, and she is a natural leader. My only wish for my sister is that she love someone as greatly as I love my own wife.” His eyes stayed on the librarian’s long enough that she understood his point.

For the next hour the two women chatted amongst themselves as George read a magazine. However, even as Lauren talked with her friend, she knew something had changed. It seemed as if the prince was encouraging the relationship that seemed to be so obviously blossoming between her and the heir. It didn’t quite make sense to her though, because at the same time he made it clear Alexa would marry a woman she didn’t necessarily love.

A little while later George and Alexa’s security team came into the room. “George, a situation has developed. Somehow the press got wind of Alexa’s accident. They are outside. Do we know what is going on with her yet? Maybe I can get them to leave if we have a status report.”

“No word yet. We will send a doctor out when we find out something. That will save you the headache. You just concentrate on the best route out of here.”

“Not a problem. Even if they hang around, we’ll just take you straight out the emergency room. Hospital security has been helpful in keeping them at a safe distance. What about the ladies?” he questioned.

“What about them?” George inquired.

“Do you think it is wise for you and Alexa to be seen with these women?”

He contemplated the point for a moment in silence before replying, “We are all friends here. I do not see the harm in it. Besides, I think Lex would like to spend some time with Lauren. I am sure there will not be rumors circulating about these ladies and myself.”

“I was only thinking of Alexa’s relationship with Lady Adams.”

George dismissed the notion with the wave of his hand. “Meredith is used to the press making something out of nothing. She knows fact from fiction when it comes to Lex. The arrangements will be fine.”

“Very well, your highness. Just let us know when you are ready to leave.”

Almost as soon as they had gone, Alexa appeared with a doctor. She gave a small smile at Lauren. “Nothing is broken,” she announced.

“She was fortunate. It is just a lot of blood, but we’ve stopped that by now. She just needs some ice and aspirin for the pain. She’ll have black eyes for a few days, but then all will go back to normal. If you don’t have any questions, she’s free to go.”

“Wonderful. Thank you. Now if you would not mind, could you go make that announcement to the press and then alert our security team of our pending departure?” George asked the doctor.

“Of course, your highness.”

When the four of them were alone, Alexa asked, “I do not suppose anyone has an extra pair of sunglasses? I hate the idea of walking out there like this.”

“You can borrow mine, Lex,” George replied, handing them over to her. She slipped them gingerly on her face.

“Thanks, Stryker,” she replied. Looking around for Lauren, Alexa held a hand out toward her. “I might need a little help getting into the car. It hurts to even try to focus on anything,” she explained.

Lauren just nodded her head as she slipped an arm around the heir’s waist. “I will take care of you, Flash. Do not worry.”

Curving an arm around the librarian’s shoulders, she whispered so only Lauren could hear, “I would like it if you would take care of me.”

The decidedly sexy tone of Alexa’s voice made her shudder slightly, but she didn’t comment. Instead she just looked up into Alexa’s face, trying to see the eyes behind the dark sunglasses. When security came to retrieve them, they had to move quickly through a growing crowd. As soon as they stepped outside, Lauren felt blinded by camera flashes as she, Mary, and the royals were ushered into an awaiting limousine. Alone once again, Alexa took off the sunglasses and sighed.

“We are going straight to the base, Alexa. I figured it would be safer for the ladies not to return home directly. I thought you would not want the media outside their houses. We will take them home later.”

“Great idea. Thank you.” Turning to Lauren she apologized, “I am sorry you were dragged into this mess. This is for the best, though. Trust me. You do not want cameras in front of your house.”

“It is fine. Whatever you feel is best is what we will do,” she assured, patting Alexa’s knee.

Continued in Chapter 3

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