FIVE

***

JAYDEN ALEXANDER

An appreciative whistle grabbed my attention while I entered the college premises. Gracelyn.

"Dear Cousin, couldn't wait to see your betrothed." She chuckled receiving my glare.

"Nice to see you too."

"I'm so happy now that you are finally here, I can let go the responsiblity of protecting Rosaleigh from male attention." She gestured towards the group of boys seated in the middle of the campus grounds.

"Gracelyn, keep your voice low. You dont want to blow your cover." I whispered smilingly.

"I'll see you around. Rosaleigh is in the Library." Gracelyn shrugged ignoring my comment before making her way to the cafeteria.

Gracelyn was my cousin, daughter of Aunt Raphael, Mother's only sibling. Her father was King Albert of Asmaria. Apart from her rebellious nature, Grace has proved to be a great support. I had persuaded her to study at Nashville so that she can keep an eye on Rosaleigh's condition. Uncle Henry was reluctant about this arrangement but agreed when Father assured that their identities wouldn't be revealed.

Along with Gracelyn, my most trusted men Adam and Luke disguised as students accompanied her. All these years they had protected both Gracelyn and Rosaleigh.

The moment in the library I saw Rosaleigh my heart fluttered with happiness. She took her sweet time to study my appearance while I studied her.

These past years have done a wonderful job on her. My Bellé has gained weight in the right places that only enhanced her beauty. Her chocolate brown hair that were long years back, now reached just below her shoulders. Her crystal clear deep blue eyes focused on me noting my flaws and faults.

She was occupied with assignments and I kept on disturbing her, atlast she gave up and paid heed to me. The way Rosaleigh smiled made my heart jolt as it did back then, proving that I was still affected by her charm. I introduced myself with my middle name Alexander, I was to study here under the same name.

Trying to make small conversations with Bellé was the soul goal of my early arrival at the University. It had been only three hours since I landed on the American soil. According to what my parents planned I was to meet her again for the first time at dinner but I dragged myself to college, all I wanted was a glance of my betrothed but it seems that luck was on my side.

Rosaleigh's voice calmed the inner turmoil that was running in rages before, ringing over my ears like a mother cooing her restless child to a peaceful slumber.

If I wasnt mistaken I saw flecks of recognition in her eyes. But before I could point a finger at the particular emotion it dispersed into thin air. Bellé closed her eyes for longer than a mere minute, when she opened them all I could decipher about the emotion was pain, confusion and something like yearning? Who was my Bellé longing for? Was it me? Just the thought of her yearning for me makes my heart flutter and dance to unknown tunes.

Aunt Kate had informed Mom about the gradual changes occuring in Bellé's health. She have started recollecting minute details through dreams and glimpses. And by the look on her face it was evident that she had another glimpse. Before anymore memories came back to haunt her I decided to leave the library. Eagerly waiting for the night.

I got to speak to her after four long years. More precisely I couldn't satisfy myself by a mere glance and demanded to hear her silk like smooth voice that was melodies to my ears.

How would it be like to hear her moan my name in that sweet voice of her? I shook my head chuckling at some explicit pictures that raided my mind.

A soft knock on the door brought me out of my sweet sinful imagination. I looked around, realisation stricking me like a professional's punch.

I was at the Bloemen's!!

Last night I had a great time with my family. Glancing on the side table clock my eyes turned into the size of saucers. 7 am!? Had I not even blinked the entire night? Love really does things to you! I smiled to the thought of it.

Before I could deepen myself with Rosaleigh's thoughts‚ the person on the other side of the door knocked again ‚ a bit louder this time. Getting up I flung opened the door, alas I wasnt expecting the unexpected. Stood there on the door was the person who kept me up the whole night.

Rosaleigh. Isabellé. Bloemen!!

Raising an eyebrow at her I tried to reason her being at my doorstep. Her beautiful eyes raked over me as her peaceful demeanor changed to one that of shock then to a deep scarlet. Gasping, she immediately turned over not before raking her eyes over me for once again.

Confused seeing her blush in such a dark shade of red, I glanced at myself. All my confidence and arrogance was thrown out of the window comprehending the cause of Bellé's blush. I'd answered the door half naked in my underpants only.

The boner not going unnoticed!

Shitt!! I muttered under my breath and slammed the door shut.

Yesternight after settling in the room, I stripped to my underpants which was my regular sleeping attire.

What a way of starting my first day at Bloemen's!!

***

ROSALEIGH ISABELLÉ

My room was situated upstairs with the other two guest rooms, one of which was now occupied by Alex. Our rooms were just a door apart. The start of my day was not so happening.

Mom had made a point that I should befriend Alex as he was to stay with us till our graduation and internship. Now that I counted the total span of time, I knew he was going to be our guest for more than a year. 

Mama had assigned me a task of waking up Alex as an initiation for our friendship. Grumbling I got up and walked straight to his room, not that I was expecting him to receive me in nothing but his blue underwear. I rushed to my room finding him half naked. Blood rushed to my cheeks while my heart was hammering against my chest.

What a way to start my day!!

Trying to avoid any further encounters with Alex, I went to college without him. Alex could join later.