The Royal Contract

Throbbing lights glittered through the dark room. Loud music filled the air, making it impossible to hear conversations audibly.

She squinted her eyes to adjust to the dim light. She never liked going to these kinds of places. She always preferred a silent night in her apartment with mellow music playing in the background.

But a group of the people she worked with insisted on celebrating tonight, and they would not take no for an answer.

"Hey, loosen up, girl. You just earned your spot on the leaderboard." Her boss announced, tapping her in her arms while shoving a glass in her hands. "Now, let us drink up."

It seemed she had sold one of the priciest properties in their listing. So, her boss gave her and the rest of her teammates a treat as a reward for their hard work.

"To Rosella." Another of her workmate raised her glass, signaling that she should do the same. With a slight hesitation, she tipped the glass to her lips and drank the clear liquid.

She guessed she deserved the attention and the accolades for working day and night to sell a piece of land, an apartment, or anything with great value.

"I could not have done this without all of your help." She acknowledged her work buddies, who had been very supportive. "And the opportunity." She also showed her gratitude to her boss for believing in her.

"You have proven to all of us that you have what it takes to be part of this team." Her boss nodded in approval, demonstrating she was proud of her employees.

Another set of drinks flooded their table. Soon, she was drinking more than her fair share. She was not lightweight, but her tolerance was no match to the alcohol circulating in her system.

"Hey, girls. It seems like you are celebrating something special." She heard an unfamiliar man join them at their table.

Suddenly, she felt uncomfortable when she saw him up close. She had noticed him earlier, looking in her direction. But she ignored him, thinking that she might be mistaken.

Nonetheless, this time, she could confirm her suspicions might be correct, seeing his eyes gravitating in her direction once again.

"Yes, we are." Her boss enunciated, appearing to be tipsy as well. "And thanks for the drinks, Mr. Anderson."

She suddenly realized that her boss might know this man. Was he a relative, a friend, or a client? But then again, why was she interested to know?

"It is the least I can do for your assistance with one of my important clients." The man responded with a charming smile. "He loved his last purchase with you." He continued to talk to her boss while she attentively listened.

Frankly, she could not look away as she stared at him, loving how his lips curved into a smile while his cheeks produced those adorable indentations on both sides.

"Well, you can always come to us." Her boss answered the client with a satisfied expression.

"I might need another assistance soon. Can you recommend me someone who could help me?" Mr. Anderson expressed an interest.

Suddenly, she could not help but wonder if his interest was with a property they were selling or her as his eyes fixed on her.

It was like she was possessed. She felt an attraction that she never felt before when their eyes finally connected.

Was it because the man looked like a God? Or could it be the alcohol circulating in her bloodstream, lodging in her brain, and distorting her reasoning?

But her clueless boss suddenly turned to her with a wide grin on her red lips. "I think you will love Ms. Sheldon to show you some of our new promising properties."

Her boss introduced them, telling him more about her work and informing her about his trade. "The two of you should set an appointment." Her boss suggested.

A part of her brain told her this was just a business transaction, but her body told her otherwise when their hands finally touched for a handshake.

It was like electricity flowed traversing through her nerves until it fried all her brainwaves. She was speechless, unable to move or say anything.

"That seems a lovely idea." Mr. Anderson held on to her hand, gripping it firmly but not too tightly. "I would love to set up a meeting with you, Ms. Sheldon."

The other part of her brain warned her as it sounded alarming bells. She had always been a rational thinker, avoiding danger at all costs.

But now, a tiny part of her wanted to rebel, nagging her to unleash some of her wild sides. Again, she attributed this to the alcohol that clouded her judgment.

"Why don't you give her your card, Rosella?" Her boss recommended, thinking not much of what was happening between them. To her boss, this was business.

"Of course!" Hearing her name in her boss's voice seemed to snap her out of her trance. She finally pulled her hand from his grip, freeing her from his spell.

She rummaged through her small bag for a piece of cardboard with her name and number printed on the surface. Then, she handed the card to the enigmatic man.

"Rosella!" He repeated her name as he stared at her card, letting the letters roll on his tongue.

The way he said her name sent shivers down her spine. Goosebumps spread across her skin, liking how his voice caressed her ears.

"Damn! That was sexy." She mumbled to herself, unable to control the effect of his seemingly innocent action on her. Nevertheless, she could not deny that her body was overheating.

For God's sake, he just said her name. It was not like he touched her or kissed her. She chastised herself for overreacting.

"Pardon?" He leaned closer, pretending to be clueless about what she said.

However, the way his eyes sharpened into a slit. Then his lips stretched into a devilish smile. She knew he had heard her.

"I said I can prepare a few property listings you might like. But I will need you to send me specific details of what you might be looking for." She elaborated, shifting into her work mode.

She had no idea how she said all those words. But she was thankful she did not stutter or slur. She did not want to humiliate her boss after giving her an important client.

Yes, he is a new client.

She should remember that.