The Shadow Hunter's Contract

CHAPTER FIVE

The first light hit the Eiffel tower, the city was quiet. We were tangled up in sheets.We didn’t talk.

He just pulled me into his chest, his hand drawing lazy circles on my back, like he was afraid if he let go, this would be a dream. And the contract on his desk suddenly felt like the smallest thing in the room.

“Was that business?” he asked his voice quite like he was scared of saying it out loud.

I shook my head.

Jason, pulling the blanket over both of us. “Good. Because I’m done pretending too.”

“How long has it been?” I asked him.

“Since?”

“You said you were tired of pretending, so how long have you been pretending?” He was silent for little while before he answered.

“I don't know. I never really thought of it.”He replied quietly. “But,” he added softly while he kept quiet like he was in a deep thought. “It could be after you flew back from Italy or the day you fought those bully's in middle school, it could be the first day you walked through that door and introduced yourself.”

“Don't tell me…” I gasped “I am your first love.” I asked. More like I revealed it than a question.

I sat up on the bed to look at him. “But you said your first love…” I trailed in my words finally realizing. “It was me. I was the first and only girl you brought home.”

He raised a brow up while giving me a you just figured it out smile.

“Oh my God.” I slumped in the bed covering my face embarrassed.

He chuckled and pulled me closer to him.

“So…”

“So…”

“Are we officially dating?”

Never in my life have I thought something like this would happen. That i am being cuddled in his arms, naked. After a hot s*x. I would agree it to be anyone but not Jason, the man I knew since I was five.

But this is real. And it feels right, even when am not sure.

“Yes.” I replied. Though deeply I still have my doubts. Being with him means no more secrets but since it has reached to this point.

Let's see how it goes.

“What do we tell them?”

“The truth. That we’re getting married.”

“And this?” I asked shyly.

“This is ours. Not theirs.”

No contract. No revenge plan. No cameras.

Just me and Jason on his bed, tangled in sheets.

“Okay,” I whispered. “Okay. Us.”

He kissed my forehead like it was a vow.

While I lay in his arms, thinking about the past me that no one knows about.

Though Jason is my best friend, there are some things about me I never told him about. Even best Friends have secrets they keep from each other.

And for me, they are some things am not really proud of telling anyone. And would put him in danger if I ever did tell him.

I waved the thought off my mind. It's not like it really matters am not going back to that life again.

Later that day, I woke up to an empty bed and the smell of something warm.

Jason was already dressed in a suit, tie half-done, moving around his kitchen.

On the table, jollof pasta. My favorite. With fried plantain on the side.

The food my mom always made when there was something big to celebrate. And apparently, the first food he learnt to cook.

He saw me in the doorway in his shirt and smiled. That soft, dangerous smile that was only ever for me.

“Did I wake you up? Girlfriend”.

“Noo.” I whispered with a slight blush on my face.

“Eat. I have a board meeting in 20.” He crossed the room, kissed me. Slow. Real. Not for show.

“I’ll be late,” he murmured against my lips. “Save me some?”

“Save you all of it,” I said.

Then he was gone. The door clicked.

The apartment was quiet.

I ate in bed, propped on pillows, in his shirt. For the first time in six months, I felt… safe.

Normal.

Like maybe I could be Hazel Morgan, girlfriend. Not Hazel Morgan, the mess. Not Hazel Morgan, D’s asset.

I was halfway through the plate when my phone buzzed.

D. Apeard on the phone

I stared at it. My stomach twisted.

I’m not her anymore, I thought. I chose this. I chose him.

I almost didn’t answer. But on the third ring, habit won.

“Shadow Hunter.” D’s voice. Smooth. calm. And dangerous. “You really took your time to pick up my call.”

My blood went cold.

“Missed you. I just flew in from Italy.”

“What do you want.” I asked flatly.

“I just said I missed the little girl who begged me to save her life. Let's meet. Tonight.” calm yet ever so cold.

The fork clattered onto the plate. Down the hall, Jason’s cologne still hung in the air.

“You promised to let me go.”

“I never make promises Hazel.” he replied with a slight c

huckle.

Fuck you Damien. I thought.

“Where are you?”

“The address would be sent to you.”he said before hanging up.