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."

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.