The Royal Contract

He placed one of his arms across the backrest and crossed his legs, making himself very comfortable as he waited for her answer.

“I think you are a man of many secrets,” Haley responded, saying what was already playing on her mind aloud. It was out of her lips before she could stop it or even filter it.

There was nothing else she could do but stare into his eyes and hope he would not notice it. But nothing escaped him as his lips turned to a wide grin.

“I was asking what you think about the place. But that would work too.” He teased her, making her realize they were supposed to talk about the club.

He was earlier asking what she would recommend about the design of the place. However, she was too preoccupied with daydreaming, mistakenly answering what she thought of him.

His eyes focused on her face as if he was studying her. But she could still see the amusement on his face, probably finding her answer hilarious.

.....

“Oh, I only meant I did not expect you to own this place.” She tried to recover and get out of her slip-up. “Anyway, I don’t think we are here to discuss my career and services.”

She did not want to bury herself in a deeper hole, so she tried to divert back to their earlier topic. “But rather how you can help with the fundraising.” Getting back to the matter at hand.

She did not want to give him the satisfaction of knowing he was getting under her skin. In addition, she had to stop thinking of him as a man, an attractive man.

She was here to talk business, the Charity Ball, and nothing more. Again, she reminded herself that this was not a romantic date because she was not interested in him and the same with him.

“Honestly,” Gerald muttered as if contemplating his words. “I am not interested in talking about the Charity Ball anymore.” His smile grew wider as if he found their situation fascinating as he continued to observe her reaction.

She wondered what he was thinking and planning, suddenly growing concerned for her safety. What was she thinking coming up with him in this place and meeting him at this late of the night?

“What do you mean?” Now, she was confused as alarming bells sounded in her ears. But still, she did not want to jump to a conclusion.

She kept debating with her mind that he was a reputable man. He would not do anything that would jeopardize his career and reputation.

Yet, instinctively, her eyes darted to the door, ready to bolt at any minute if he tried anything funny. She knew a few moves that might disable him, and then she could make her escape.

But she doubted she could inflict much damage on him, seeing the bulkiness of his body. He might not even flinch if she punched him in the face.

“Before I met up with you, I already gave my donation to the foundation. I have my team arrange everything.” Gerald explained to her as he finally stood up and refilled his glass with alcohol. “Do you want more?” He offered to fill her glass, but she quickly declined.

She needed her senses intact and not clouded with intoxication. Luckily, she was still sober, or she might be unable to do anything if her host attempted anything untoward.

“What?” Haley was lost for words as she tried to process what he told her.

“I ask if you want more.” It seemed they were not on the same wavelength as he misunderstood her question.

“No, I don’t want a drink. I was asking about your statement. You already donated.” She stated incredulously. It was not a question anymore but more of a confirmation.

“Yes.” He quickly responded. “So there is no need to sell it because I already bought it.” He clarified further, hoping that would clear whatever she did not understand.

But his words did not ease her mind, not one bit. He might have helped with the fundraising event, but what did he want from her. Why invite her to this place? What did he need from her?

Why was she here now?

“Then, why am I here?” She finally repeated the question aloud, though she dreaded what the answer might be. Many scenarios were already crossing her mind, and none were appealing or calming.

But more importantly, why was she still sitting her ass on this leather chair and not running away as fast as her feet would take her.

But how far could she run with her high heels? Could she even get to the door without him stopping her?

It was either she was making excuses or could only mean she was still interested to know what he had to say while she remained sitting and doing nothing.

Stupid body, not listening to her mind.

“I can see you are panicking, but there is no need. In truth, I wanted to discuss the foundation but then again, what was there to discuss when I knew it was for a good cause.” Gerald drank half of the content of his drink. Before placing the glass on the side table to look at her.

“Then, why ask me to come? Why pretend that we have something more to discuss?” She asked, unable to believe that he duped her into joining him tonight. But for what purpose.

“Because I want to get to know you,” Gerald confessed, placing his two hands together in front of him as he sat across from her. “Let me start again because I did not want to sound creepy.”

He suddenly ran his hands through his messy hair, letting a few deep breaths escape his lips before continuing. “I thought you were not coming, so I asked my legal team to arrange the donations. But then, you called.”

“But, you can just tell me that.” She countered, not liking that he lied to her.

He took a deep breath before continuing as if he was uncomfortable. “Then, risk that you would decline my offer to see me. I don’t think so.”

“So, you lied, so I would come and have a drink with you.” Suddenly, Haley could not stop the laughter that escaped her lips. It sounded so ridiculous in her ears that she could not believe it.

“What is so funny about that?” Gerald looked at her as if she had grown horns.

How could she not find this funny when she was dreading that he was here to kidnap her and do terrible things to her when all he wanted was to date her.

“Because you could have directly asked if I want to go out with you. Like a normal person.” She added the last person with some more chuckles. “Why would I say no when you seem to be a decent person?”

Still, she wondered if she would have said yes if he had asked like any other guy. Because something about him intrigued her very much but, at the same time, scared her.

“I doubt that you would have easily said yes.” He still insisted that he could sense that she was not the type of girl who went out with men.

“Maybe or maybe not.” She responded with no affirmation. “Anyway, since we are now in this situation, shall we still call it a business date or something else.” She asked, still finding their situation unexpected.

“If you don’t mind, I want to call this our first late-night drink together,” Gerald said, putting a slight title to their night.

“Then, let us say it is our first date.” She did not want to pretend that this was anything but that. But at least she could try dating again. “Shall we see if we are a match?”

“Ok. But honestly, what do people do on a first date?” He asked seriously, but she could not tell if he was joking or not.

It had been a while since she was also on a date, but from what she remembered, it was dinner, wine, and a lot of talking. Of course, she was not about to think of what happened after that.

“Why don’t we start by telling something about ourselves.” She suggested, finally taking the drink that he was offering earlier.

Maybe it would be nice to pick his mind and learn more about his secrets. But there was a risk that he might also do the same. So far, he seemed better at questioning.

Well, he was one of the best litigators in the country. What would she expect? Suddenly, he doubted she would get much out of him.

“Ok. I like that. Why don’t you go first?” He said, giving her the floor. “What is it? Ladies first.”

He certainly did not waste time as he maneuvered the situation in his favor, giving her no chance to counteract. “Ok, what do you you want to know?” She asked, not knowing where to start.

Suddenly, she found herself in the spotlight.