The Royal Contract

He was curious about the person that his brother was hiding from him. He did see some telltale signs that someone was living with him in this apartment. He liked to know why Jacob was keeping that a secret from him.

"We still have an early duty tomorrow. I don't want to disturb my friend. She also needs her sleep." Jacob also placed his hand on top of his, stopping him from twisting the knob.

He just hoped that his brother would not insist on it. Because if he did, he was afraid that Nick might discover what he was hiding from him.

"Just a peek. I won't make a sound." He did not heed his brother's words.

Despite his brother's hand stopping him, he continued to twist the knob open. Jacob had no choice but to let him go. He slowly opened the door to look inside and inspect the room and its occupant.

He noticed that there was nothing much to look at inside the room. It was relatively dark except for the dim light coming from the small window. He could make out some of the things that filled the room.

"Fine, but just a quick peek," Jacob reiterated, giving in to what his brother wanted. He would be more suspicious if he kept fighting him. He just hoped that Cassie covered herself in a blanket from head to toe.

When their eyes landed on the center of the room, his guest was lying, immobile on the bed. She appeared to be in deep slumber. Thankfully, she covered herself with a blanket, but still, a large portion of her legs was left exposed to their gaze.

He could see that Nick was intrigued. He knew that his brother was a womanizer. From the way his brother appreciated the view, Nick was interested. He just hoped that Nick did not recognize her with the shape of her legs. 

"Nice," Nick stated with enthusiasm as he continued to stare at the sleeping form. He wished he could see more of her, but Jacob was a spoilsport, ruining his fun.

But he was satisfied that it was a woman sleeping in his bed. He would have been disappointed if he found out that his brother was rooting for the same sex.

"I think it is time for you to leave. I need my sleep." Jacob grabbed the handle and closed the door when his brother stepped out of the way. 

He led the way to the door, hoping that Nick would follow. He did notice his brother's contented smile as if he had just come up with a great idea. 

However, he was not interested in whatever it was, Nick was thinking. He was sure that it was something he would not like. All he wanted at the moment was for him to leave. 

"Ok. I am leaving." Nick sported a smirk on his face, reluctantly trailing after him to the door. "By the way, if you ever remember or hear something about Cassie, please tell as soon as possible." Nick reminded him before stepping out of the door.

Jacob leaned on the door when he finally closed it on his brother, relieved that Nick appeared convinced with his lies. He did not want any harm happening to Cassie. He did not want his brother to have his hands on her.

"That was close." He thought to himself, thankful that he managed to fool his brother this time. He was not sure if Nick stayed a little longer, he might catch him with his deception. 

He believed that he was doing the right thing of helping Cassie because she did not deserve the wrath of his brother. Despite what she did in her past, he believed she was seriously trying to change her ways.

On the other side of the room, Cassie still hid under the covers. She strained her ears to hear if someone was still around, but all she heard was the sound of the street outside the window.

"Please, make him leave." She silently prayed as she struggled to keep still, not wanting to move unnecessarily. 

She slowly inhaled and exhaled, still afraid that he might be standing on the side of the bed, waiting for her to show her face. But she believed that she heard the creak of the front door as it opened and closed. 

She slowly lowered her blanket just below her chin, still searching the dim room for any sign of another life. But nothing moved around her, not even the shadows.

She released the heavy air that she had been holding on her lungs, relieved that she was finally alone. Then, gradually she slid out of bed to check on the door.

"No one is out there." Her subconsciousness was trying to convince her as she continued to listen to the other side of the door.

She finally dared to open the door and peeked through the tiny slit. She let her eyes wander through the small living room just outside her door and found it empty. As she searched the room, her eyes finally landed on Jacob, who stood motionless by the door as if in deep thought.

"Is the coast clear?" A tiny voice echoed in the silence, making him turn to face the other door.

Jacob saw her peeking at the slit at the door, making sure that his brother had already left. He could not help but smile, then laugh at their situation. They barely made it unscathed.

"Yes, he already left." He would check the corridor for any signs of him, but he knew his brother. He would not lurk in a building like this. He would want to be as far away from a dirty, stinking place like this.

"I'm sorry." She wanted to laugh with him, at the same time, cry. She somewhat found the situation a little confusing.

She was glad that Jacob was there to help her. Then, another part of her regretted putting Jacob in a complicated situation. He was, after all, a family of Nick. His loyalty should remain with his brother.

If his brother ever found out that he had been lying to him and harboring the enemy, he might probably disown him and declare him enemy number one.