The Royal Contract

Well, Jacky was not yet drunk, but she might as well be if they continued with their conversations. She was getting bored of them, talking about the business, stocks, and others, relating to their profession.

They were here to celebrate Troy's birthday. That meant having fun. And as of now, she only had one game she could think of, and they would play it no matter how lame it was.

"Aren't we too old to play that game?" Dani questioned Jacky's recommendation. She felt silly that Jacky would even suggest it.

She had not played that game since forever. But she did not think it would be a good idea to do that now. But knowing Jacky, she would be insisting on it if she was already ready to play the game. 

Nothing would stop Jacky from getting what she wanted. The question would be if she would be willing to join the game. And if Alex would also be open to taking part in it.

"Are you all afraid of the truth or not up to a challenge of a dare?" Troy asked playfully, challenging not only Dani but everyone on the table.

He did like the idea of having some fun. It was the whole concept of his bar, for everyone to enjoy themselves.

Jacky and Troy waited for the others to agree as both of them were ready to light up the party.

"Fine, I am in," Sebastian answered as he gulped down his drink.

He, too, would like to try to live up a little. It was a rare occasion that he could be free to enjoy himself. Besides, he believed it would be nice to get some truths out of Jacky.

"Ok. I'll join," Alex stated as he too waited for Dani, who was still yet to answer. He placed his hands on hers, assuring her that they would be playing the game together.

Under other circumstances, Alex would not join in such silly games, but he did not want to look like he was killing the fun for everyone. He could also sense that Dani was only waiting for his decision before she made hers. 

So far, Dani had endured his surprises and embraced his ways, so he might as well try to do things her way. Although this was more of Jacky's idea, he believed that Dani wanted to make her friend happy. 

By joining her friends, he was making her happy. If that even made sense.

"Ok. I am also in." Dani said, feeling a bit excited that they were doing something together again. Something new to experience, although it was a bit weird to be playing this game. She appreciated more what Alex was doing. 

She had a clear notion that this situation might not be Alex's idea of a good time. But she could see that he was making an effort to enjoy it with her.

For the first time, after a very long time, she wanted to be young again and let herself loose. For this one night, she wished to forget all her responsibilities and enjoy life. And party the night away with her friends and the man by her side.

"Rules?" Jacky asked the group. When no one immediately answered, she raised her hand excitedly as she came up with something.

"Ok, I got one. If you chose truth or a dare and you don't want to either do it, you have to drink one shot of tequila." Well, she was sure that if the bottle stopped at her and she had to dodge a bullet, she needed an escape. Drinking would not be a problem with her.

"That is a nice one." Sebastian agreed with Jacky, followed by Troy, making the rule official.

Dani was about to complain since she was not a strong drinker, but they outvoted her, consisting of Jacky, Sebastian, and Troy. It would seem it was her and Alex against the three.

So the game began as Troy had the table cleared and ordered a series of tequila shots for those who wished to take the punishment. Then, Jacky was turning the bottle, hoping that it would not land on her first. The bottle kept turning until it finally stopped, pointing at Troy.

"Ok. I guess the birthday boy is first. I choose truth." Troy immediately said, excited to know what his first question would be.

"Ok. I am curious, do you have a girlfriend? I meant a current one." Jacky could not help her nosiness since she never saw him with a girl, not even in this club.

Sure, she noticed that he had friends he talked to, but she did not see him get intimate with any of them. But she discerned that from the very start, he had his eyes on her friend.

"No, I don't have a girlfriend now. But I am looking for one." Troy truthfully answered since it was the game. "My turn." He let the bottle turned until it halted on Dani.

"Ok. I choose dare." Dani said, not wanting to answer any question. She figured it would be easier to do a dare. If not, she could pop the alcohol instead.

Since it was Troy who did the last truth, he got to say his dare. "I dare you to dance with me as my birthday gift." He told the group.

Troy knew that everybody would not have any problem with his dare, but one person might fume on the side. He extended his hand to her, and she accepted.

He led her to the dance floor, where a light beat was blasting to the speakers. "Thanks for coming to my birthday, he whispered to his ears without touching her." 

"Of course, we are your friends. We would not miss this." She told him.

She did not mind dancing with him for three minutes since that was the time limit for the dare. She would prefer it than to put the alcoholic drink in her system.

A minute was over, and they made their way back to their table. She could see that Alex was looking at her, but his face was unreadable. But when she sat down next to him, he smiled and reassured her that nothing was amiss.

The bottle spun again and pointed at the next victim.