Dangerous Love

CHAPTER 5 (The Deal)

‡Will Castillo ‡

I watched her over the rim of my glass. I couldn't stop myself smiling and bemused by her cheekiness. She's feisty and knows how to fight her own battle. She's stubborn and arrogant. It shows on her overbearing confident stance. but she's still vulnerable and delicate even she don't show it.

That's normal because she's a woman but I guess I still have more things to learn about this mysterious girl and right now, I'm so amused to tease her. She's adorable and amusing in a way that she didn't know I'm just riding on her sassy retort.

I smiled as we were down to our dessert. I watched as she picked the spoon and lifted it to grab a bite with the tartufo. She took a half spoon and lifted it to her mouth. My eyes glued on her lips, gracefully grazing the sweets inside her mouth. My pulse raised as she licked her lips seductively making me stir. I tried to look away and cast down my gaze to my own plate cursing inwardly.

I should be the one seducing her not the other way around. I drew a low hiss as my c**k starting to jerk up again. s**t!

"How long you've been member of this club?" She asked finishing her dessert.

It was a bite size anyway and she was refine enough to use a dessert spoon. Things that I rarely see on my other date. They all seem so graceful but when it comes to table manners, they flop. But not this girl. Something tells me, she's more than what she's showing. Only highbred aristocrat can be adept to French dining etiquette. She's good compare to average girls I dated.

"Hey!"

I cleared my throat. Hiding my disorientation. I took the last drop of my wine. "Why do you want to know?"

She gave me her dark look. Her gorgeous eyes reflecting brilliance, intelligent and power. It holds a lot of mysteries. Her brilliant blue-green eyes is captivating, mesmerizing, smart and hypnotic.

"Don't answer it, as if you will be honest with me." She muttered impatiently.

She has a short patience and quick temper.

I smiled, I can't help it. "I have my two good years, I've been introduced here when I was sixteen, on my birthday." I said squarely.

She got more curious. I got her attention. "Is this mandatory? To take girls every night?"

I straightened my shoulder. "No, in my point of perspective. It's not really necessary but since the pioneers want to vent the exhausting, cramming, choking pressure of society's life cycle, they built a sweet escape to paradise. I mean, the benefit is to widen the connection, build trust, make business and have fun. It's a bachelor club anyway,"

She became serious, a notion that she think deeply and sharply. She's smart, I already see that. But having this curiosity kinda makes me build suspicion on her. Why would she asks question like this?

"I don't know if you notice this but, do you think this club is running a clean business I mean, straight and honest business? What if it isn't what you think it is? It's legit club, right?"

"Why would you ask questions like these?"

She backed out, composing herself. Yeah, this girl hides something. I wonder what was that.

She cleared her throat. "I'm just wondering, it kinda bothers me how the girls are treated here..forget it,"

Okay, she's thinking about the incident last night. I should have guess. Damn it!

"If you're thinking about what happened last night, the council have handled everything. He won't be able to take his dirty hands on you. I'll make sure of that."

"What will happen to him? Is he going to jail?"

"His membership will be suspended but the punishment will extent if they find more prominent cause to do so." I said gripping the knife in my hand. "If he tries to attack you again or any of the girls here, he will be exposed to the public. He will surely land behind bars."

"Why? How can you say that? Is he corrupt official?"

I sighed. Her prattling making me uncomfortable and think she had other reason for her questions. "I don't think I have to answer that." I rose to my feet, dumping the table napkin on the table. "I think we're done here, let's go."

I took her hand, raising her and tugged her gently taking her back to the bedroom. She suddenly jerked, pulling her hand off. "What the hell––are you thinking of..."

"No, of course not here." I assured her pulling her gentle.

She eyed me suspiciously. She really don't trust me. As if I care that much but something urging me to earn her trust. Weird.

"I'm just going to get my shoes. Yours too. We can't go out with bared feet." I explained.

"But why here in your bedroom?" She pulled out her hand.

"Probably my wardrobe is in here." I walked to my walk-in closet. "Don't worry, we have plenty of time to know each other." Then winked. She rolled her eyes. So feisty.

"This room is yours?"

I glanced over my shoulder but I didn't answer. I was halfway the inner part. I put on my socks and chose my Salvatore Ferragamo, slipped it on and snatched her pumps. Then I walked out, with a matching coat clung on my crooked arm and her shoes.

I laid the coat on the bed and looked for her. I just left for five seconds and she was gone again? She got issue with patience I can see it. Wait, why am I bother to care that much?

I looked at the next room and saw her massaging her heel. She was bending over so low that I could have a nice peek on her cleavage. Damn, if I wasn't this so physically attracted to her, I would think she's teasing me. And it's working so damn well. I cleared my throat. She looked up and saw her shoes. She stood up from the stool and went over me. She was not wearing my coat and if I wasn't a man of decency, I will be thankful to see her showing off her gifted body but I'm not that kind of man. I still have gentleman fiber in me. I took her hand and led her back to the stool.

"Stay here." I said and walked back to my wardrobe. I snugged a plain white shirt and went back to her. I still have her shoes on my other hand. "Wear this," I held out the shirt.

She gave me a surprise look. "You don't have to be so nice to me, I can carry on with this."

I shook my head. "It's not for you, it's for me. I would love to even see you naked in front of me but I wouldn't want to share even a glimpse of your flesh with some other guy. Just for once, can you be so compliant with me?"

She screwed her face, giving her defiant glare with matching pouty lips that I would want to wash with my kiss. Damn her, she's making my blood boil with lust.

After a while of her resistance, she accepted it and wore it. Then I bent down just to reach her feet.

"What are you doing?" She bolted in alert. Why is she so edgy? I'm not a r****t!

"Doing your shoes, obviously." I sighed as I put to the task. Slipping her onto her shoe one at a time. When I looked up I saw her staring at me. Surprised? Shocked then she looked away.

I stood straight and offered my hand. "Let's go, I'll take you home."

‡Quinn ‡

I cherished the silent ride together with this overrated, self-indulgent bastard beside me. His predominant vibe filled every corner of this black shiny, full-leather upholstered backseat of his limo. A Cadillac, 2015 series with bullet proof, solar Wi-Fi, computer operated compact system with certified durability tested, recommended to every statesman in this country but this service car was his car or probably just one of his car.

What's new? He was an A-list member of Ryder's Club, bought me for whooping one billion dollars just to beat the crap out and humiliate that pervert public official who probably had so many dirty laundry. He owned a suite at that bachelor's club and now this, I wouldn't be surprise if he own a place in Manhattan, have some shares in Waldorf Astoria or own a meatpacking company in Soho. He seemed overly, undeniable rich not to mention, famous. Just to see the looks of every girls when we left the Golden Palace.

I sidled on my left where he sat beside me. His eyes was on his phone texting. He crossed his long leg and slouched his back against the black leather backseat. After fiddling his phone, he put it back to his coat's chest pocket and looked at me.

I glanced away trying to busy myself with the view outside his dark tinted windshield. I heard him smirk. That smirk that makes you think he's making fun of you or you look ridiculously odd. I felt like he was snaring at me.

"So, miss one billion dollar girl, when we will going to meet again?"

"Please don't call me that," I flatly chided, not looking at him.

"Okay so, what should I call you?"

He's teasing me and he's doing great annoying me, in big time.

"I gave you my name. Marilyn Monroe." I said sarcastically.

"The ultimate fling. The President's mistress. Is that what you want me to call you?"

I rolled my eyes and glared at him. "Call me names all you want. I don't f*****g care, you can call me b***h too, I can accept that as an endearment." I spat.

"You don't look like them, well, if you say so. I'll call you honey or darling."

"Haha, funny."

"Just gave me your name. I won't tease you anymore."

"Are you having fun making fun with somebody?"

"I'm not playing around, I'm serious here."

I sighed. "What are we going to do now?" Facing him.

He gave me a indolent shrug. "Don't ask me. 'Cause if would be the one to decide, I will take you to my place and have s*x with you all day long." He spoke honestly and ridiculously winked.

I gave him a disgusting glare. What a rakehell he is! "So, what are you planning to do with me? Mr. Christian Grey?"

"I will not make those silly contract like in the movie or one of those silly books. I'm more capable to pleasure you without those painful foreplay and silly roleplaying character or shower you with love notes whatsoever." He became serious and grabbed my hand pulling me closer to him.

"I'm just going to use you, whenever, wherever I want. If I want to kiss you and get some love from you right now, you have no choice but to give in. Let me remind you, you want to earn money that's why you went to Ryder's Club so bear the consequence. It's not me who put you into this, it's you alone." He whispered as his face only inches away from me. I held my breath and stared at his hungry, magnetic gaze looking straight to my soul.

Then he cupped my face gently with his other hand making me back away and sank deeper to my seat.

"You're beautiful and different from the bunch. I can't let anyone tainted you or break your spirit. I want you to myself, I won't let anyone touches you but me." He murmured as he sniffed, nuzzling his nose on my cheek and nose making me in terrible red and speechless. What happen to the feisty Quinn?

"I want to kiss you," he said as if asking for permission.

"I––" I mumbled as he claimed my lips, gently and caressing. Testing if I will resist. I didn't, so he slowly adjusted to caressing, into hot, ravishing, demanding kiss. He's a good kisser. I answered to his kiss and matched him. He groaned inwardly as he thrust his tongue forward inside my mouth, exploring, caressing my inner cheek and wrestled with my tongue then he shifted to wild getting mild. He even bit my lower lip.

I felt my hand was on his nape, pulling him in and others was on his jaw, smoothing his clean-shaved jawline. I swallowed his taste, mingled with our breakfast and hint of mint. He stopped and kissed me again, teasing me, luring me to want him back.

Damn, he's good. He's so f*****g good and he tastes so good. I felt my n*****s went rigid poking out under the layers of fabric of my clothes. He just give me a reason to really see him in a new light. He's a dangerous man to love.

He withdrew slowly, licking my lips and smiled. That oh-so-not-getting-old smile.

"You taste so sweet, darling." He uttered under his deep sigh. We were both breathless. Oh boy, this man is a player, a libertine.

I didn't reply, didn't look at him either. I couldn't believe that I let myself indulged to his sweet, torrid kiss. He just gave me a starter of what he can do. Damn, I'm in serious trouble knowing he can control me. That's right. He's a mind manipulator.

"I promise, in our first s*x, I'll be easy on you. Just don't bite me or you won't like to see the animal in me." He whispered to my ear and pulled away leaving me there with this silly heart attack and reddened face.

He smiled knowing that he won. And that was the moment I woke up. This is not right, I shouldn't let him think I'm an easy game. An easy lay. I'm better than that!

He touched my cheek, I slapped it. He frowned and looked at me with what the hell look.

"You think you can get me that easily? think again bastard. I'm not gonna be your slave and I'm not gonna be your personal entertainment. If you try to jump on me, I swear, I will kill you,"

"Really?" He incredulously spoke and propped up his elbow on the armrest of the backseat, resting his chin on his palm "I can't wait."

Ugh! I want to punch him! I want to kick him! I want to strangle him but there's a part of me saying no. Why would I even bother to think about him if he only treat me as his...fling? Aside from that, why would I let this bastard get the upper hand over me?

"If you think you can kill me with that stares, I will not sue you. You can stare all you want, I won't mind. I'm gorgeous, right?"

"Will you stop that? You're freaking annoying you know that?"

"Admit it to yourself, you like me."

Huh! The nerve of this guy!

"I don't like you, period."

"You're blushing."

Ugh! He's starting again. I didn't look back at him.

I'm not going to reward him a response to his another buffoonery. I'm so used to his trick.

"You're blushing, darling."

"Don't call me that!" I was so angry with him.

"I'm glad you love that, darling."

I faced him ready to slap him. But he anticipated that and held my arm. "I love your spirit, so feisty."

I withdrew my hand but he held it tightly. "Let go," I said with serious warning hanging above my face. I will really kick his balls again.

"I just want to know your name."

I searched his face. He really knows to hide his intention. He's unreadable.

"I'll let you go, if you just give me your name. I'm not a mind reader, I need that in case I want you beside me."

I laughed sarcastically. "You sounds like a lonely fool, what are you? A baby?"

He gripped my arm. I winced. "You're hurting me!" I untangled his hand on me by removing his fingers using my other hand. But he captured my other hand and pushed me down, pinning me against the long seat.

I panicked and started to flail my legs trying to hit him but it was no use, he's too strong.

"Get off me! Asshole!" I spat and thrashed my body away from his wide and sturdy body. He's too physically fit for his age.

"Get off! I can't breathe!" I cried out.

He seemed to be deaf and ignored me but when my tears fell, he smoothened and gave way. "I'm sorry," he said unapologetic.

I didn't take it and spat at his face. He grimaced but he let go. He even tried to help me get up but I turned it down, slapping his hand. He really don't seems like it but he can break my bones if he wanted to.

I sat up straight and chose to sit far from him. He have a quick impulse tendency to act violently. I can see from his eyes how he wanted to devour me, I just don't know what stopping him to do so. I looked back at him. He was facing the window looking searchingly to the view outside the car.

We went on silent ride until we reached the boutique where I left my things. I tried to open the door but it was lock. I looked back at him. He didn't move nor speak. I sighed. God! He's temperamental person. A severe one of his kind.

"Can you open the door? I need to get out."

He cast a side glance then went to his own world. I really wanted to punch him.

"I need to get out." I repeated, reining my anger.

"Password."

"What?!"

"Say the magic word." He did look serious but I know he's playing on me.

"This is ridiculous!" I snapped. My patience was hanging on a tiny thread.

"You can't get out if I want to."

"So childish you know that!"

"I'm waiting."

"Okay! Fine," I sighed. "Please," I tried to restrain my raging temper.

I shot him a dagger look when he laughed out loud. I'm really dying to kill him now.

"Okay," he tried to suppress his laugh. "I think that will do."

Oh I love to scratch that smile on his face. "Open it."

I heard a click, the door's lock finally gave in. I put my hand on the handle but he stopped me. "I will see you again,"

"Hailey,"

He gave me a surprise look. "Excuse me?"

"Hailey is the name." I said flatly, shoving his hand then climbed off the car.

He also went out, circling towards my direction. He stood right across me with two hands buried on his pockets.

"I'm going inside." I announced.

"I'll see you tonight, seven pm. Continental Pearl."

"What?"

"I'll expect you to come," he suavely smiled then turned to go back to the backseat door.

I was turning to go inside the establishment when I heard him call out.

"Wear something to entice me, and don't forget to return my shirt."

I glanced back shooting a baffled look.

"Or maybe, come tonight in my pad wearing only that shirt. It will be fun, I can imagine, we will have a great time."

That's it! I can't stand him anymore! I hurriedly unfastened the shirt and took it off then marched towards him and threw it to his face.

"In your face! I'm not gonna be your b***h! You hear me! Never!" I turned away storming out of his face.

‡Will Castillo ‡

I was surprised, baffled and stunned with her another repulsive stunt. I didn't expect her to be submissive but this is way too far than I imagine.

I was left there stuck like statue holding the shirt that she rubbed on my face. Is she just blind or have some hard time to understand her situation?

I tried to think comprehensively on what reason or why is she acting against her contract? I mean, from what I know, The escort girls should be compliant to their client whether they like or not. She must be new, I guess but she shouldn't be this, defiant.

I didn't know if I should be thankful or regret buying her out of that auction. She's a hellcat. Damn her! No one dare to contest me with my will!

I clenched my fists crumpling the shirt in my hand. Next time I'll see her, I'll make her submit to my term. My own branded term.

I mindlessly hopped out the car and went on my deep, brooding.

Maybe she thought she can get away from me that easily, that she can sashay her way out of it. Well, she's terribly mistaken. I will make sure she will pay this time. I'll use her, play with her and f**k her until she submit to me. I'll make her mine.

Determined and made up my mind. I smiled viciously, thinking about the things I will do to her. I'll make sure she will never forget everything. She made a wrong move when she crossed me. I still remember what she did to me in Vegas, how she tricked me and robbed me. If she really thinks she can fool me, she's deadly wrong.

I sneered as I cast down my eyes on the shirt she shoved on my face. I sniffed it and closed my eyes. Who could have thought I'll have fun screwing her up.

I took my phone out and dialed a number. It picked immediately. A smooth voice from the other line spoke up.

"Hello, Mr. Castillo. What a pleasant surprise! Is there something I can do for you?"

"I want the records of someone who's working for you. Someone who's name is Hailey."

"Oh, the newbie. Yes, I have her hired last night. My assistant told me she showed up. Why so important?"

"I need her information. Haven't you heard? I bought her last night?"

"Oh! That's.. That's great sir! I've never heard it yet. I haven't talk with my floor manager yet but I'll call him right away."

"I want the true certified copy of her contract, her payment will be half of the price right? Half for you."

"Actually no, it's 60/40. Ten percent for the club, fifty to her handler and the rest will goes to her."

I grimaced in disgust. "That's not a fair trade. Make it fifty/fifty. Forty to you, ten to the club and to her fifty."

"But that's not the contract––"

"You brought her in the club without giving her the insight about what she's entering. Without giving her full awareness about the club's term and conditions. Do you have any idea what happened last night? I would not charge anything against you or bother you for questioning, in fact, I don't want to prolong this conversation. Give me what I want, entailing that condition and with that exact amount. I want it at my door asap."

"Oh, alright sir. I will send it to you."

"One more thing, I don't want anyone knows about this, hide this to everyone including my cousin."

He sounded shock but cleared his throat. "Of course. I will process this in silent. You can have my words Mr. Castillo."

"Then this conversation didn't happen." I hung up.

I never knew where I get this kind of feeling but upon hearing this table agreement about the handler and the girls kinda made me think about what Hailey said.

There's something going on, she was right. I just don't want to accept that she saw that before me or us. I have no intention to delve on it, but I have to be watchful.

‡Quinn ‡

I gave out a derisive huff. I can't believe he's such big incorrigible jerk! What an asshole!

I tried to calm myself. I have to think other way to get him out of my way. He don't seems a threat but I sense that he will be a huge distraction. Very intimidating, handsome, dangerous distraction.

I sighed, as I made through the glass door of the boutique. A lady receptionist greeted me giving me a pleasant smile.

"Good morning, do you have an appointment miss..." Then gasped and looked at me in surprise.

"Hey, I'm looking for Dianne." As I mentioned the name, Dianne emerged from the inner hall. She arched her brow but smiled at me that looks a fake one.

"Hailey, you came back." Then gazed on the receptionist who was giving a questioning look. "Agnes, you can take your break, I'll handle this." Dismissing the lady.

"Okay, Miss Dianne." She nodded and left.

"So, you must have a rough night." She said with a side glance. I could tell she was giving me a mocking remark.

"Where's my thing? Need to go home now." I flatly demanded. I don't have time for her. Think whatever she wants I don't care.

"At Meriam's office. You know the way right?" She spoke in cold tone.

I rolled my eyes and went to the direction I have in mind.

"Ah, Hailey!"

I glanced back over my shoulder. She was not looking at me and busy with her nail filing it.

"Good job."

I gave her my glare. I stormed my way down to the hall.

She really think I laid with some guy. Huh! I leave her that thought. I don't have to explain myself to anyone.

Well Quinn, you look like being hurled down and wrestled with someone in bed.

Indeed, that's what happened minus the intercourse. I hate to think that I have to see him again. I sighed.

I knocked on the door. I heard a woman moaned. What the hell?

I stepped closer trying to hear from the door, eavesdropping.

I heard some voices. Man and woman. Damn, that Meriam was getting busy.

I stepped back not bother to hear more of it. It's so easy to guess what they were doing. God this place is forsaken. No rational morality in this place.

I waited a few minutes before I knocked again. I sighed. "Can I come in?"

She cleared her throat. "Later, come back in a while."

I turned to the hall. After five minutes, a guy went out from the door. A man of thirties, strong built, burly chest, beefy arms and sun tanned skin. A model.

He gave me a look then smiled and left. I walked inside the office. I saw Meriam checking herself in the mirror. She hastily smoothed her dress slightly crumpled. She gave me a trained smile.

"So, how's it goes? You got picked?"

"You didn't tell me about the bidding. All about the selection."

"Well, I forgot, My apologize. You did great, I presume." She gazed me from head to toe.

"I need to leave, where's my things?"

"In the drawer right to your left."

I walked to drawer and pulled out the paper bag. "I'm in a rush, where's my paycheck?"

"You'll get that at the end of the day after we process your bank account. We will send your first paycheck on your account, you have your phone right? I'll call you later to get your card. The manager will still send us his report about your performance last night." She said matter of factly and eyed me again, disdainfully.

I clenched my jaw but dropped the idea confronting her. She's demeaning me.

"You got a rough s*x? Did he look satisfied?"

"What?!" I snapped loosing my cool.

"You look like you've been r***d. I bet this guy was so enamored to your beauty. Continue that."

My jaw dropped, almost raging to talk back but I have to hold it back. She's not worth it.

"I need to change, where's the restroom?"

"You can change here, as if you have something to hide. Don't mind me, I used to examine the bodies of our girls after their recent conquests. We values and care enough about their welfare. You are our investment so don't be shy."

I should be grateful, that's what she want to say. But I didn't feel she has any genuine care on us at all.

"I don't like anyone watching me strip. If you don't mind," I rein my temper. God! I could hardly accept this kind of treatment.

"Okay, if you say so. Two doors to left. Don't touch my body soap. It's my favorite." She said dismissively.

I went out her office, disgusted, angry and wearing tired. I had a long night, I want to sleep all day long.

I located the restroom with two paneled cubicle. A shower and toilet. I took off my tattered clothing, discarded them in a bin and took a shower. I didn't heed her and used her soap. It's lavender with argan oil essence. I lathered it to my body then used her shampoo.

Then I hurriedly dried myself and donned my clothes. I rushed out of the establishment not caring to greet back the receptionist who bade me good bye.

I raced to the street, hailed a cab but a man swiftly stole my cab. "Hey!" I shouted trying to outrun him. He ducked in and closed the door.

"Such a gentleman." I huffed then walked out. I waited in the gutter for the next taxi.

I tried to stay sane to tackle with all of the bad things that landing on my feet. I was sold in an underground, secret market for prostitution, bought by a self-centered bastard, almost r***d by a pervert, face the atrocity of those bitches and just right now, some nice guy stole away my service back home.

"What's next?" I said to myself. I'm building a wild guess that Fate is bitching on me. Indeed, life is always and sometimes, a capricious b***h.

I spotted the next cab. I was going to raise my hand to catch its attention when a black, Maserati sports car stopped in front of me. I looked at it suspiciously and made a stride away from it.

Its convertible hood retracted, folding it on its back making me see the driver. He gave me a smile. "Want a lift?"

*****************

I found myself in a cafe, scrutinizing the guy who dragged me out of the street. Well, technically, he asked me out for a simple chat though I doubt it will be as simple as he wanted to make me believe.

"Who are you? Why do you know my name?" I fired the first burning question.

He gave a quick glance before he made an order. "Espresso, half cold with two cubes of sugar, light cream and whiffed. And for her––"

"Flat white." I answered quickly.

When the waiter left, he became serious and grimly. "Look, you might be surprise where I got your name. But it's not important. I want to ask you a favor,"

"I'm not a hooker sorry," I was about to rise from my seat when he stopped me and tugged me down back to my seat.

"I'm not talking about me. Listen, this may sound weird and ridiculous but I want to hire you for a task." He begun.

I looked at him with furtive eyes. "I'm not for hire for some odd job." I shoved my hand and decided to leave. I've wasted enough time here.

"I will pay you a huge price, just hear me out." He called out.

I gave one last look before I made another step.

"I can help you get out with your mess, if you will just listen to me."

That made me pause and turned around again. "What do you know about me?" Suddenly, I became alert.

"I know you're been sold last night. I can help you get out of the contract if you will help me in returns. Now, are we talking?"

I shot him a suspiciously look. "What do you mean?"

He gestured me to take a seat. I folded my arms then took a seat. I furtively observed him from my best vantage point.

"I know you're working for Black Widow. I have to be honest, you are in deep trouble. Black Widow is wise and shrewd. He won't let you go if he knows he can use you to extort or get something from you. He's a high profiled swindler, he will use the contract against you."

"What do you mean about the contract? I haven't sign nor see any of it."

"Really?" He said incredulously.

"But tell me about this contract, if I heard it right, he sell woman in the club, have his profit share and have a contract to each of them as leverage to his girls. As a bondage for his girls?"

He nodded. Half surprised and half confused. "Seems like you have more sense than I thought."

"Okay, let me hear this. How will you help me then?"

He leaned forward and urged me to lean too for me to hear him whisper.

"I'm a member of Ryder's club, I can have an access to the get that for you. If you agree, I'll hand it over to you so you can be free."

"And what's the deal?"

"Simple." He leaned back to his seat. "One simple task."

"What is it?"

He gave me a hooded eyes. "Date with my cousin."

I gaped then closed it primly and searched his face if he was f*****g kidding me.

"Are you serious? I expected to hear a huge or maybe do something illegal but this, date with someone? Are you...nuts?"

"I knew it sounds crazy but that's my condition. Just date him."

I gaped then laughed out loud. Every people around us gave a flustered look.

"Sorry, I just can't help it." I tried to stop it, boy that was a good laugh.

"Okay, are you done? Are you going to accept it? I'll pay too, he's a hard case."

"What does he look like? Is he that bad not to have a girl or someone to make him feel loved?" This is ridiculous.

He cleared his throat. He was starting to look serious. Indeed he is serious with lack of any emotion to his voice but what he was telling is really hilarious.

"I think you wouldn't laugh like that if you see him. But I'm warning you, don't...just don't let him know this conversation or this agreement. He's a smart ass. He wouldn't like to know that I've been setting him up."

"Why are you doing this? You don't seems a concern cousin or a silent matchmaker."

"I have my reasons. If you will accept this, I might tell you. Now, are you going to accept the offer?"

I thoroughly examined his face. He didn't look like kidding around with his deadpan, grim face. "Okay, let me think about it."

I stood and gave him a look. "However, I have no guarantee that you're doing business with Ryder. Give me a day to think." Then I decided to leave.

"Wait! here." He rose and smoothly swayed out of the table. "Give me a call."

He handed me a business card. I eyed it and back to him. "Ash, hmm, nice name,"

"I'll wait for your call."

★★★★★

We both exited the cafe after that clandestine conversation. I have to admit. His offer is so good. So good to be true. How would I even know that he's mentally sane and serious? Maybe the guy he appointed to me is heartbroken or just a nerd who don't know how to get a girl's attention or maybe he has a confident issue.

Anyways, I didn't accept it. Not yet. I have no time to spare for other's problem. I have crisis on my own. On the other hand, I might take that as a way to delve on the suspicious case or just a gateway to run a check on this mysterious contract and the system of the club itself.

I sighed as I entered the door. A loud shriek from my alarm suddenly rang from my unit.

"What the hell! Alice, it's me!" I yelled out loud.

The alarm finally halt in an eerie silent which made me hear a reverting after effect in my ears.

"What was that? Do you already forget my image recognition? Why did you activate the alarm?"

"I am so mad at you."

"Yeah, I can see that." I almost forgot. She always do that whenever she's mad at me. Her form of scolding me. Activating the siren.

"So, what happened to you? You look strangely tired."

She noticed. Of course, she's an AI.

"I ran into trouble. Got into a sticky situation. But I managed to get out of it. Though I got messed up with a guy. I have to think a way to get him out of my mission here."

"Sounds a little intriguing. But first and foremost, why do you not answering me? I lost you in a location near lower west side. What happened?"

"Actually," I heard someone knock. "Long story, I need to check on that. Will you just hold your tongue for a while, need to talk to her."

"She looks so mad."

"She always have that face."

"Okay, I'll be on my hatch. Just call me after your talk."

I rolled my eyes then headed to the door. I met the deep frown of my landlady.

"What was that?"

"False alarm. Sorry, I pressed a wrong combination." I reasoned.

"I never allow you to put an alarm in your unit."

"You didn't, I just did. Besides, it's in the contract of agreement." I said nonchalantly.

She was taken aback. She didn't expect that I would have time to read the four pages term and condition for the rental engagement.

"Oh, I..yeah, umm. I would check on that." She was turning her back but swayed. "Just make sure it won't happen again." Then she walked out.

I closed the door and went to my bed. I sat on the edge and threw my back on the mattress.

"Alice, we can talk now."

"Is she gone?"

"Yeah. Try to remind me to put cameras on this floor."

"Why?"

"Just for security measure," I closed my eyes. I wanted to sleep. God! I'm so dead tired.

"I have the full list profile of what you gave me. I have it filed in a shortcut on your laptop. Also, I include some relevant connection to them. Do you want to check on them?"

"Later, I have to sleep first." I drawled sleepily.

"Oh, there's a matching sequence on my data to your phone." She blurted out.

I'm about to chasten her for disturbing me but it rang something when she asked.

"You have the same number that I got in one of the profile. I never knew you already know Ash Castillo?"

"What? How do you––" I sat up straight.

"Asher Mathew Castillo Jr. 19 years old, born in Upper east side Manhattan, he's currently living now in Midtown, a penthouse worth––"

"Hold it Alice!" I stood and reached my laptop. I checked the shortcut that she made as she said earlier. I scanned the in depth profile checked for the people that connected to Project Nero. I clicked the clip and read some articles about his rush and scandalous wedding, a viral video and few disturbing social media bits about the couple. I also checked his wife's background who had a huge connection to the Beau Corp. I sat back. Damn it! I have my lead now.

"Alice, can you tap this call?" I snatched my purse bag and took out the phone. I dialed the recent number I saved on my phone. "Hey, I'm in. I accept your proposal."