The Royal Contract

He stared at the old man to beat it. He did not want to make an issue of something that did not happen. He knew that he almost kissed her, but he did not.

Besides, he was not even sure if he wanted to date her. He had sworn never to go out with anyone from the media business. He just never liked how they operated.

He believed that the press used their massive influence and social reach to create money, exploiting other people’s lives. Then, denied any responsibility when they made mistakes.

“Thanks for the help.” She finally found her voice before she stepped out of the car and landed her feet on stable ground.

Her muscles might be a little soar after the few bumps, but she felt ok, much more than she expected after the joyride. However, she felt a little uneasy, finding the place too quiet.

She noticed that everyone was watching them. She wondered if they saw their little scene. She would have been embarrassed, but she was used to being in a compromising position. It would take more than that to lose her composure.

.....

Then, she observed that they had been carefully watching her as Rick stood by her side. It was as if they were waiting for something to happen as they whispered among themselves.

“Don’t mind them.” Rick finally told her as Lance finally showed up and moved to her side.

Then, something clicked in her mind. “How much?” She asked out of the blue, directing her question to Rick.

She could see in his eyes that he was hiding something. The entire team was too quiet. It was unnerving. It was as if they knew something that she did not.

“And who won?” She was not definitely sure if her suspicion was correct. But judging from their faces, she might be onto something.

She could see the conflict in his eyes as if he was thinking deeply. She was positive that he was guilty of something, and with a little more push, he would finally spill the beans.

“What?” Rick looked at her as if he had no idea what she was asking. But she already saw through his facade.

“How much did you bet?” She tried to spell it out for him, so he could stop pretending that he did not understand her question.

“Was it how many laps I could take before I puked my guts out? Or, how long before I fall into your boss’s charms?” She asked Rick, who was clearly turning red in embarrassment.

She turned her head to the other man who had never spoken a word yet. But his face remained impassive, neither admitting involvement nor denying it.

“It was the first one.” Rick finally admitted as he scratched the back of his head, knowing there was no use denying it. “We are sorry. We did not mean to disrespect you or any woman in that case.” He continued with an apologetic smile.

“It was just a friendly game to pass the time and entertain ourselves.” Rick quickly added, hoping that would help plead their case.

He and the crew did not see a problem with making a bet on her since they never thought she would find out about it. Then again, he remembered that she was a reporter. She was good at investigating and reading people.

“Then, who won?” She asked Rick again, who never answered her first question. Returning her attention back to him.

She was curious if someone would bet on her or, at least, put some faith in her ability. Usually, men and even women would look down on women who tried their luck in a men’s world.

This was what she was talking about. They had easily assumed that she would fall on her ass and cry like a little girl. Well, she had proven them wrong. It would take more than that to make her give up.

“He did.” Rick gestured to the man that was standing quietly beside her. “He bet that you would do just fine. All of us had bet that you will puke or faint after the first lap.”

He felt slightly ashamed for his behavior, participating in such nonsense bet against her. Well, only because they were caught doing it. He felt bad after seeing her accusing eyes.

But if he was honest and this situation would ever happen again, he would probably join once more because it was fun as long as nobody was hurt.

“I am sure that you can see the humor in it. We really meant no harm.” He tried to defend his action and his team. As the leader of the group, he felt he should be responsible.

“It is just friendly jesting among the crew. Don’t take it personally.” Lance finally spoke after a while of listening to them.

He did not see the point of making a big deal out of a simple matter since it was just a nonsense bet among peers. He did not want his team to feel bad and break their morale because of this tiny incident.

“Of course, you will defend them. After all, you were the one who probably started this all.” She pointed her finger at him, poking them on his muscular chest.

She could tell that he was as guilty as the rest of them. She could only wonder how much did he win after the stunt he just put her through.

However, she could tell that he was not sorry, one bit. She was fuming that he had dismissed the issue as if her concern was nothing.

If this was all a joke to him, she was not laughing. She could not tolerate his behavior towards her anymore. She thought that he was different, but he was just the same as the rest of them.

“Wait, Miss. You...” Rick was about to tell her something, but she cut him off.

He did not get the chance to explain anymore. He decided to keep his mouth shut instead, afraid to be caught in the middle of the fight.

“No, you don’t get to defend him. He should take responsibility for his actions.” She said before raising her hand at him as it quickly landed on his cheek. “That is for making a fool of me.”

She did not know what came over her as she stared into his face. She could not understand the rage that overtook her. But she could not stop her hands from flying in the air and landing on his face.

“Will you at least let me explain?” Lance said, holding on to his cheek, still burning from the impact. He could not blame her for being mad, but she should still at least listen first to his explanation.

“No need.” She said to him. “As for you, you should know better to listen to him.” She pointed to Rick, who had been silent on the side.

She could see the shocked faces around her, but she did not care as she turned around and walked in the direction of the building where she had left her clothes.

She was fuming, and her body was still trembling in rage. As she was walking away, she could feel her heart was beating loudly, as if she was still inside the car, traveling at high speed.