The Royal Contract

Chapter 21 - To Take Action

As she finished her first drink, a man came to her side and offered to buy her a drink. She easily declined without even looking in his direction. She stopped looking for a quick fix. There was just no use. Her mind and body only wanted one particular man and this man was not him.

After her second drink, she waved for another one, but a voice stopped her. "Let me get this one." He ordered two drinks for them, while he settled on the vacant seat next to her. She never bothered to turn. She knew who he was without even looking, her mind and body were all too familiar.

"You don't have to." She tried to decline. It was like déjà vu, but opposite. She must be drunk and her mind was playing tricks on her. She shook her head to clear her hazy thought, but he was quite real.

"I insist." He took out his card and paid for the drinks. "I hope you're not thinking of getting drunk because I'm not in a habit of saving a damsel in distress." He jokingly said as he tried to lighten the mood.

"Not funny." She replied unamused. "That part of my life was over. I would appreciate it if you never mention it ever again." She swirled her drink before downing it all in one go.

"Sorry. I was just trying to be funny, but I'm glad to hear that." He followed suit and he chugged his drink. "Another one?" When she nodded, he signaled for another round.

When she arrived at her apartment after her long day, it suddenly felt cold and lonely. This was the first time that she would be alone in her new place. Since they moved more than a week ago, Jacky was a constant presence in the apartment, making the place bubbly and full of life.

However, knowing Jacky, she would be probably be spending the night with Marcus tonight. So, it would be just her in this new place. She decided that a few hours out should kill some time until she felt that it was a good time to go home.

"What are you doing here anyway? Picking up on susceptible girls." She suddenly realized that it was a low blow. They both knew who took advantage of who.

"Are you sure you want to go there?" He asked, amused at her words. He understood that she did not mean what she said and he was not taking it against her. "Now, why don't you tell me why you're here drinking alone?"

"I guess it was not funny too. I'm here to unwind after a very busy week." She picked up her new glass and made a salute towards him. "Thanks again."

"Where's Jacky?" He suddenly realized his mistake. He wasn't supposed to know that Jacky was with her.

"Where do you think?" Luckily, she did not notice. She was probably starting to get a buzz from the fast pace she was taking all that alcohol.

"Of course. Marcus." He said, knowing very well where her friend was.

"How was your new job? I bet it was everything you ever wanted." Making light conversation about the neutral subject. He did not want to spook her by asking any personal questions. He vaguely remembered what happened during their dinner.

"You can say that." She said. "It's quite challenging, but I'm managing just fine."

"I'm sure you'll do great." He looked at her with a genuine smile. She felt lighter knowing that he believed in her work.

"What are you doing here? Are you out with someone?" She asked, remembering the last time that she saw him in a bar. Moreover, he might be waiting for his date.

"Just me. I need to unwind too." Mimicking her excuse. She could not help but smile at his very creative response. They talked more about her new job, finding it easier to share things with him. Maybe the alcohol was loosening her reservations, but she was becoming comfortable around him.

She was about to signal for another drink when she accidentally knocked out the drink in Alexander's hand and spilled its content all over his shirt.

"I'm sorry." She instinctively grabbed a tissue on the counter and wiped out the liquid in front of his shirt and down to his pants. Frantic to get it under control.

"You need to stop." His voice a bit strained. He suddenly stopped her hands from moving any further. When she realized where her hands were rubbing, she automatically felt embarrassed and quickly removed her hands away from him, dropping them down on her lap.

"I'm sorry again." Too aware of the tension between them. The easy banter going on between them was gone. "I think I have enough drink for the day. I better go home." She grabbed her bag and marched out of the bar.

He immediately followed her and stopped her from getting into her car. "I don't think you are in any condition to drive." He took her keys and held on to her hands.

"I'm sorry for what happened. It was just an accident. I think I could still drive myself home." She said with slight irritation. She tried to get her keys back. However, he put her keys inside his pants pockets and dragged her away from her car.

"Where are you taking me?" She tried to pry her hands out of his grip, but he only continued on his pace before stopping beside his car.

He opened the passenger door. "Get in. I'm taking you home." He commanded, holding onto his temper. When she did not move from her place, he stood over her and tilted her chin until he was staring into her eyes. "Come home with me instead."

This time, he was looking at her differently. All the tension was gone. His eyes were begging her to agree with his request.

"I can't." She whispered. Trying to clear her head from the haze his stare was creating in her mind.

"Why?" He said as he moved impossibly closer until there was almost nothing in between them.

"Because… because…" She was unable to finish as he sealed her lips with a smoldering kiss. In truth, she could not come up with a reason to deny him. Her mind was stunned with the turn of events and her body was thrilled with his words.

The effect of the alcohol and his nearness was slowly making her bolder. Wanting something that she knew she should not have. She responded with the same intensity and more.

"I want you." He said as they both breathe heavily. "Do you want me?" He was tired of waiting and letting things happened. It was time to put matters into his hand and take action.