The Royal Contract

He had lived an extreme balance of fame as a celebrated defender of the weak and anonymity throughout his career, hiding his secret life from the world. A life not acceptable to society but a life of wealth and power.

“I am Haley’s date for the night.” He answered Dani truthfully. He had nothing to hide because he had done nothing wrong.

He could not see anything inappropriate with him dating a single woman. He was a single man, after all. “Why is there a problem with that?” But he could see that this did not sit well with his sister, judging from her stare.

She had that look that said she disapproved of him going out with her friend, like a mother, not liking the boy her daughter was dating. Well, he had news for her. It was not his problem.

“I don’t think that is a good idea. I think you should stay away from my friend.” She told him, clearly showing how much she objected to the idea of his association with her friend.

But could he blame his sister? Many would tremble in fear if they knew who he was and his connection to the underworld criminal syndicate. Only a person with a criminal mind would understand what he did behind the shadows of the law.

.....

He was not a good man, not by the social standard. Still, he did not choose this life. He was thrown into this situation the moment he came into this world. He was not making excuses for his actions, but he was the person he was today because of his circumstances.

“I think Haley is more than capable of deciding that for herself.” Gerald stared at his sister, amused at how she protected her friend against the big bad wolf. Now, he just confirmed how she still saw him.

Still, he could not allow anyone to dictate what he did with his life. She might proclaim that they were family and had shared the same genes, but she still saw him as the enemy. The outsider that almost ruined her life.

Anyway, Haley was a grown woman who made her decision to go out with him. He did not force himself on her. In addition, Haley was not in any form of danger with him.

He just wanted to get her off his system because, at the moment, he had to admit, he was craving for her. Despite his barrier, this woman managed to creep into his defense.

He was not saying he could see a future for the two of them. But it would not take long before he had tired of this woman. Then, he would move on, and so would she.

No harm, no foul.

At the moment, he believed the feeling was mutual. Therefore, why not explore it and have some moments of fun while on it? He could not see anything wrong with that.

“Not when you are not telling her the big picture.” Dani looked pissed at him. But as he said, it was not her business.

If Dani was so concerned about her friend, she should talk to her. She should warn her to stay away from him. He tried to scare Haley away, but she would not listen. Haley came to him of her free will.

He was just a man who could not say no to a woman who also wanted his attention. Truthfully, he liked her. She fascinated him. Not many had tickled his interest before. So, why would he turn her away?

“Just hold your horses, my dear sister.” He looked both left and right, just double-checking that they were still far from hearing distance from any other guests. “I am just dating her. I am not planning to marry her.”

Still, even if he was showing interest in her, it did not mean he was seriously contemplating a lasting relationship with her. He doubted that it was her intention too.

For him, this was just like any date between two consenting adults. They both wanted the same thing at the moment. When it was over, they would go on their separate ways.

“That is precisely my point.” Dani hissed at him, unable to contain her displeasure about this entire idea of him dating her friend. “You are just playing with her. She does not deserve that.”

He was about to respond to that, but he noticed Alex was on his way back to the table. The last thing he wanted was another confrontation with his brother-in-law. They did not do well being in the same space.

“I am not taking advantage of your sweet friend if that is what you are implying. I am not making false claims and promises. I enjoy her company. I believe she feels the same way.” With that, he said goodbye and left.

As he walked away from his sister, he wondered if he should heed her word for him to stay away from her. In other circumstances, it would be easier to walk away from Haley.

It would save him the trouble of dealing with his sister and its complications. Besides, she was not part of his initial plans. She might only become a distraction that he did not need.

“Hey, where have you been? I was looking for you.” Haley stood before him, wrapping her arms around his neck. “I thought you might want to dance.”

But having her in his arms like this, he knew he was far from getting over with her. He already had a taste of her, and his body loved it, remembering how her body entwined with him between the sheets just a few moments ago.

Then, her lips covered his, coaxing him to respond to the intensity of her kiss. How could he say no to this? He could not deny that his body wanted it as much as she did.

“I am here now. Come on, let us dance.” But there was only one thing he wanted to do. It had everything to do with body coordination but had nothing to do with dancing. But, of course, that would have to wait for later.

At the moment, he had to keep up with his appearance in this glamorous event. He still had big plans, and this event had everything he needed to accomplish them.