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“I think once we are out of the palace grounds we should get a taxi.” Erin said. “To turn up in a taxi will be the most discreet way. We don’t want to be seen getting out of a vehicle like this.”
They drove towards security on the palace gates. The good news is it is easier to get out of the palace than to get in. They pulled up towards the barrier and Alexandra raised a hand to the guard and smiled. God only knows who he thought was in that Range Rover but he raised the barrier and let them out. They were free in the city for the night. Erin felt exposed without any form of back up. She had worn her weapon underneath her leather jacket, just in case, the polymer body of her Glock cold against her skin. Alexandra was buoyed with confidence in Erin, but Erin knew that no bodyguard is effective alone. No bodyguard works alone without even a driver. She would be foolish to think she could offer any reasonable protection. If she had to defend them, she was limited as to what she could do.
They parked a few streets away and walked on the street together as they waited for a taxi.
“I’m excited Erin. I feel so free.” Alexandra smiled as they walked. “Thank you so much for this. It is the greatest gift anyone could give me. I haven’t been anywhere without security in my whole life. Well, I’m not without security, I have you. But, I feel so free. Thank you.”
“You are welcome! I hope Soho lives up to your hopes!” Erin waved down a black London cab and it pulled over for them, they got in the back and sat next to each other. Alexandra’s slim thighs in black denim, so close to Erin’s own thighs. Erin’s thighs longer and so much more muscular than Alexandra’s. It began to feel like a date. A night out. Not like work. Erin’s mind flew between desire for Alexandra and desire to keep her safe. Scanning for danger, scanning her body and her face.
They pulled up in Soho, the heart of the London underbelly, and as they stepped out onto the street Alexandra stood mesmerised, taking it all in. The hustle of the people on the streets, pavements busy with tables and chairs, with front of house staff trying to draw people in to their businesses. Erin knew their biggest risk was not so much being recognised, but being pickpocketed or mugged. She walked glued close to Alexandra, ready to defend her at any moment. Alexandra wandered aimlessly.
“This place is amazing Erin. There is such a life to it. Such a heartbeat. Can we go in this bar?” Alexandra took her arm and dragged her into the first bar with a rainbow flag hanging proudly outside of it.
Saturday night was busy and suddenly the people up close pressed in the busy bar seemed to surprise Alexandra.
Erin took the lead, took her hand, felt it warm in her own and lead Alexandra to an upstairs bar. It was quieter. There was a balcony overlooking the downstairs area. Alexandra was like a child in a sweet shop, watching everything as though in a trance.
“Can I have a cocktail here?” Alexandra asked.
“Sure,” replied Erin. “It might not be as good as you are used to though.”
“Surprise me.”
Alexandra pushed a bundle of immaculately pressed bank notes into Erin’s hand.
“Please use this to pay for everything tonight.”
Erin wanted to argue. Her pride wanted to argue, but she didn’t. She took the money and went to the bar. No further than five feet from Alexandra and with one eye on her the whole time.
She returned with cocktails for them both. She made sure her own was non alcoholic. Alexandra was delighted with the sweet taste on her tongue. Her face lit up as Erin handed the vibrant red drink to her. Erin couldn’t help noticing Alexandra’s lips tight around the straw.
“I can’t believe I am actually in Soho. It’s like the heart of the London gay scene right?” asked Alexandra.
Erin smiled at her childlike enthusiasm. “Sure is!” responded Erin.
“Do you come here often?” asked Alexandra.
Erin laughed. “Is that a chat up line?”
Alexandra laughed, her eyes bright behind the contact lenses.
“I mean, I literally just meant, you must come here all the time. It is such a magical place.” She sipped her cocktail thoughtfully.
Erin had never thought of Soho as magical. When she had been here with her friends, fun nights often ended in dirty kebabs and staggering around trying to find the night bus home. Looking at Soho through Alexandra’s eyes was refreshing. She felt the risqué vibe of the streets. She felt the beating heart of the small village nestled inside a big city.
“Not so much, I mean now and again, but I’m no party animal.”
Alexandra finished her cocktail and grabbed Erin’s arm dragging her down the stairs and out of the bar.
She walked ahead of Erin along the street, fascinated by everything.
“A tattoo shop. I had no idea late night tattoos was a thing! I could get one!” The princess was dangerous in her excitement.
“Wow! Er, no.. You definitely can’t! Can you imagine if anyone found out?”
Alexandra’s face was up close to the tattoo shop window as she saw a woman inside getting tattooed. She opened the door and went in.
“Excuse me, I was just wondering if you would mind if we watched?”
