The Royal Contract

But he knew that was a lie. He had barely performed his jobs since he arrived at his office. He was too distracted to concentrate on anything else.

“Can you get me an espresso?” He called out to his secretary, needing something to boost his energy and yank him out of his slump.

He had been very active last night, barely sleeping until the light had broken to dawn. Somebody had kept him awake, making it hard for him to get any sleep, not that he was complaining. He loved every minute of it.

He could still feel her body underneath him, writhing in pleasure under his touches and kisses. He could not get enough of her. Not even after all this time, he still craved for her.

He had told himself that this relationship with her was temporary. He only needed something from her family. After he had taken what he wanted, he would dump her and move on.

“Damnit!” He knew he had to get rid of her. Soon.

.....

It was dangerous for him and his business to get involved with a woman, not seriously, especially in his line of work, but he still could not let go of her.

It was insane.

He knew that it was not the truth.

He already had what he needed from her father and their company. Although it was not enough, he could already work on that without needing her. Yet, he was still obsessing about her.

“Sir, your next appointment is here.” His secretary knocked on his door, alerting him that he had been daydreaming about her while on the job. “Sir?” She repeated. “Should I send him inside?”

Finally, he turned to his secretary and told her to bring his guest inside. He needed a distraction from his thoughts. His next appointment seemed a good start.

“Gerald, I am sorry for the short notice. But I am glad you could squeeze me into your busy schedule.” The man in his impeccable suit strode into the room with a friendly smile.

He was an old friend of the family. He was a man who owed his father and still had a debt to pay. He got in bed with his father, wanting power and wealth. Now, it was his time to pay up.

He quickly walked toward him, extending his hand to greet his visitor. “It is always a pleasure to have you here, Governor.” He gestured for the man to sit on the long couch on the other side of his office.

But he did not offer his bodyguards a place as they continued to stand by the door until the Governor dismissed them to wait outside. They could not discuss any transaction with other people inside the room. That would not be good for the business.

In his line of work, discretion and respect for privacy were factors they always had to consider. Well, aside from the secrets they had to keep from spreading to their enemies.

“You probably have an idea why I am here.” The Governor accepted the drink he offered him, taking a sip of the expensive scotch delivered to him just this morning.

It was a gift from one of his partners in his other businesses, just another perk for being the big boss. But it was nothing compared to the millions he earned from all the illegal trades in his underground organization.

“Unless you spell it out, we might come up with two different things.” Gerald looked at the man who held one of the highest positions in their city. “I think it would be better if you tell me why you are here.”

He had no time to play a guessing game. Although, he had already heard rumors from the grapevine circulating in the political arena. He still would not dare to assume anything.

Rumors might have a fuel that started them, but it might not always be the real deal. Someone could have baited it, hoping to catch someone in a trap.

It would be better if he heard the truth from the horse’s mouth rather than believe an unknown source. Still, he could not wait for his intention.

“Ok. Fine.” The Governor shifted in his seat as if preparing for a grand speech. Then, he pulled a folded paper from his inside pocket. “I guess you have heard this is my last term in my position.”

He nodded in understanding. That was one news he had heard before, but he had been expecting that he would be running for a higher office. Still, he did not see the relevance of this to him.

The Governor in a higher position would only be beneficial for him. Was that why he was here? Was the man before him asking for support? Of course, he would gladly provide him one.

“I heard the Senate is in play.” He just confirmed the rumors. “That is a big move, but I think it is the right one.” He might not be a politician, but his organization had put politicians in their positions for decades. It was one way of securing their business had protection.

He believed that the Governor had the potential to win. He had the money, the power, the influence over the people, and the connection in the higher offices.

“Yes, I think it is time. I am not getting any younger. It is my last chance.” The Governor had that hunger in his eyes. He wanted this very much. “But that is not the only reason I am here.”

Suddenly, Gerald believed that he would be asking something from him. He had no issue giving it to him as long as he understood that nothing comes for free anymore.

“Whatever you need, my door is always open to you, Governor.” He never turned his back on people who knew how to return a favor.

That was how his father had built an empire. It was how he had created allies. It was also the way he would put his enemies at bay. Overall, it was weaving intricate connections with the right people and putting them on a leash.

As the saying went, you scratch my back, and I scratch yours. But if anyone dared to betray a man like him, he had a simple solution. A single bullet right between the eye would put them in line.

“About that. I have seriously contemplated this, but this is not just me who believed that someone we trust should take my place.” The Governor stood up from his seat and looked outside the window.

“We are talking about another kind of power that had this city bending on its knees.” The Governor continued as his eyes scanned the view outside. “We believed that should be you.”

He did not expect him to say that. He had heard that he had been grooming the Attorney General to take his place. He wondered what had changed his mind.

He was not exactly aiming for the position since he already had several obligations. Besides, he still had several issues he needed to clear with his organization before he could tackle another enormous endeavor.

“I am flattered that you would consider me for the position.” However, he was not about to take on another challenge that was not in his plans. “But...”

“Before you decline my offer. Give the idea some time to sink in.” The Governor stopped him from continuing his plan to reject the offer. “You don’t have to decide at this moment. Give me your answer in a week.”

The old politician stood behind where he sat with a wide grin on his lips. Then, he placed his hands on his shoulder, patting him on the back. “Trust me. It is for the best. It is what your father wanted for you.”

The mention of his father in the conversation brought a bitter taste to his mouth. He knew who the Governor was referring to, and that was not Ethan.

“Probably so.” He acknowledged, still claiming to the world that Joaquin was his father. “But I still need time to think about this.” He would never commit to something that he had not studied thoroughly.

“I know you will be the best candidate for the position. Your track records would help you secure the seat. We have no doubt.” The Governor moved away from him. “Just think about it.”

Then, he walked towards the door, carrying a satisfied smile on his face. His idea was not unsound. He believed the Governor had a point for choosing him to run with him.

His background would work in his favor if he decided to take on the added challenge. But that was it. It would be an additional workload on his part. But the benefits it would provide for his business were exponential.

However, he could not serve two masters at the same time. He would need a man who he could trust with his life. Someone who would take his place when he was unavailable.

“Hi, honey! I hope you can spare me a few minutes of your time.” Another voice came into the room after a few minutes that the Governor had vacated the premises.

“Haley, what are you doing here?” He was surprised by her sudden appearance. He was not expecting to see her until later tonight.

She quickly moved toward him, sitting on his lap. If people saw them, he had no doubt they would conclude that they were in a happy relationship.

But were they?

Because when he started this, he only had one thing he wanted from her. He would use her to get to her father. Everything she despised about men, he would admit that it was him.

He was a monster who would devour everything in his path. Take what he wanted without thinking about who he would hurt in the long process. He was nothing more but a beast who only possessed a black heart.