The Royal Contract

It made him more and more aware of her presence as the elevators moved downwards. He knew he should let go of her hand since there was no more need for him to do so. But he could not, enjoying it while it lasted.

“Can you let go now?” Ria looked down at their entwined hands, reminding him he was still holding them firmly. “I don’t think I am going anywhere.” Looking at the four metallic walls around them.

Zach wished he had some other reason not to let go of her, but unfortunately, he had none. Regrettably, he had to abide by her wishes and do what she wanted. “Oh! Sorry. I hope I did not hurt you.”

Although he avoided holding her too tightly, he still gripped her firmly, not wanting her to escape his grasp. He still could not understand what forced him to act impulsively, dragging her along. But he could not say he regretted it one bit.

What was it about her that had him obsessing about her? He had tried to forget her, avoiding her after the incident in her apartment. But he could not stop thinking about that kiss.

She had a kid, for fucking sake.

.....

He did not date a woman who already had commitments. It was not in his book. It meant trouble, spelled with a capital T.

“No, you did not. But you could have asked nicely.” She told him as she pulled her hand to her side, tucking it safely away from him.

Yes, he could have, but here he was. He could not even take his eyes off this woman. What was he doing? What was she doing to him? He believed there was nothing special about her.

Indeed, she was beautiful, but he dated much more attractive women than her. So, what was wrong with him? Why did he still want her despite what he had learned about her?

Was he ready to commit himself to this messy situation? Of course not. He was not that responsible. How could he even consider it, even silently in his mind?

“Well, I don’t think you would have come willingly.” He pointed out. “And truthfully, we are running out of time.” That was not a lie. Then, the elevator doors opened,

He ushered her out this time without holding any part of her body, leading her to a clothing shop on the other side of the lobby. He would have accompanied her into a boutique, but it would take them several minutes to get there. At that moment, this small shop was their only option.

“Go on. Pick what you like, and I will pay for it.” He suggested, pointing her to the women’s section of the store. “Don’t worry. I will reimburse it in the company expense.” He told her when he saw her frown at him.

No, he was only helping her out. After all, they were a team. Whatever he felt for her was nothing more than just confusion. Eventually, he would wake up, discovering she meant nothing to him, and then move on.

He was only going through this phase in his young life as he figured out his priorities. After all, since working for this company, many things about him have changed.

“I can pay for my clothes if you just let me get my purse.” She protested, not wanting him or the company to buy her anything. “But just give me the receipt, and I will gladly reimburse you the amount.” She suggested instead.

That surprised him since most girls he knew would jump at the chance to get a free expensive gift. Was this girl for real? But then again, he remembered where she lived.

Either she was a wealthy heiress, disguising herself as a commoner, or she might have someone else financing her bills. But from the wage they received from their internship, he doubted she could afford a luxurious apartment.

Maybe the father of her child was still in the picture. He had not considered that before since he never saw her with anyone. He only assumed she was single since no one sent her flowers or came by to show interest.

“There is no need to pay it back. It is part of our expense account. If it would make you feel more comfortable, I will buy something for myself to make it even.” He offered, but in truth. There was no expense account.

He planned to pay for them with his money. It still baffled him why he was doing this, but he had already said it. He could not back out of it now. He did not want to appear like he was lying, even though he was.

“I still would like to pay.” She insisted as she finally found a sundress on a rack that was perfect on a hot day.

But when she went to try it on inside the fitting room, she was shocked by the staggering amount on the price tag. It was just a piece of clothing, but it screamed extravagance.

She never actually bought anything in an expensive boutique. Most of her clothes came from a thrift store. Then, the beautiful and expensive ones were gifts from her few friends.

“Hey, are you done in there?” His voice reverberated outside the small room. “I think you should also try this one.” He knocked on her door, waiting for her to open up. “I believe we may go swimming.”

She partially pulled the door wide enough to peek at him. Then, she finally saw what he was dangling in his fingertip. It was a pair of red bikini suits that barely covered her private parts.

“I am not wearing that.” She answered him, slightly embarrassed that he was picking her undergarments. “And I am not going swimming.” She added as she closed the door at him.

Besides, she never learned how to swim. She barely remembered going on vacation or even going to a swimming pool. So, there was no opportunity for her to learn.

But now that she thought about it. Maybe it was time that she changed that. She should plan a vacation or even a swimming lesson for her and Edison.

It would be a nice bonding moment for the two of them. It would be a way of making it up to her son for being away for a long time.

“It might be rude to decline their offer. After all, we are here to please our clients.” He argued with her, breaking her reverie. “I would not want you to end up in your underwear because you came unprepared.”

She did not bother to change into her original clothes, deciding to buy the sundress. It might be pricy for her taste, but she had no other option. Then, she went out to face the man with his flimsy idea of a swimming suit.

“I think you are right about that, but I am not buying that.” She pointed at the skimpy bathing suit.

Instead, she walked back to the swimsuit section and chose a decent one-piece suit that she might be more comfortable wearing if necessary. It was again another expensive piece of clothing, but it was something she could gift herself, remembering her plan.

“I think this will do.” She took it out of the rack and checked the size. After careful inspection, she was satisfied with what she had chosen. She mentally calculated the cost of the two clothes she bought and planned to pay for them afterward.

“Aren’t you even going to try it? I can tell you if it looks nice on you.” He proposed as he gestured for the fitting room. “I promise I have good taste.”

“I don’t doubt that. I can tell that you are an expert in anything perverted.” She turned away from him as she scanned for anything else. But it was the best choice she had.

“Ouch! That hurts. I was merely offering my expertise.” He said, but she could tell he was only teasing her. “Are you sure? I think this is way better than that.” He lifted the bikini in his hand, arguing his case.

“Then, you wear it.” She answered him, taking the suit she had chosen into the counter. She did not need to try it on. She knew it would fit her just fine.

However, she had no choice but to wait for him since he was paying. Then, she was surprised to see that he still held the undergarment in his masculine hand. “I said I am not buying that.” She reiterated when he shoved the material together with her clothes.

“And you are not. I am buying it for me.” Zach responded with a devilish smile. “Don’t you think red is my color?” He continued, acting playfully.

If she did not find him ridiculous, she would have ignored him, but she could not help but smile. What was he planning to do with them? Wear them?

But it was those rare moments that made him more attractive. That boyish grin with his playful banters and silly sense of humor. He was dangerous when he worked on his full charm.

“Maybe after you tried it on, I can tell.” She replied, looking at the red bikini and picturing him in it.

It was a thought she did not want to explore as she pictured his body almost naked in her mind. That was dangerous territory, branding it as off-limits.