The Royal Contract

"Cassie, do you like butter or cheese?" Jacob shouted over the counter, making sure his voice would be heard all the way to the living room.

He was preparing some popcorn that he bought from a nearby grocery before coming to her apartment. Fortunately, he had an early shift, and there were no emergencies tonight. 

It allowed him an opportunity to visit her and enough time to prepare dinner. Something he enjoyed doing for her in exchange for a good companion and a movie.

"Can we have both?" She yelled back at him, switching from one movie to another, searching for the perfect one. "Jacob, how is work?" She added.

It was a routine between them to make idle conversation about their day. It broke the awkwardness of not seeing each other for a while. Since her minor mishap and his rescue, he had frequented her apartment. 

She also appreciated his coming by to visit, checking up on her, confirming she was not in trouble. At the same time, making her prison a bit acceptable and livable. If not for him, she might have gone insane from boredom. 

"Same as always. Many kids still love to stick things in the holes in their faces." He jokingly responded to her question.

He loved his job and loved taking care of kids. He enjoyed treating simple cases like today. It meant that there were no kids seriously ill.

He would always be there for those who needed special attention. He had worked hard so that he could help them get better.

"What is going on with your brother? Have you heard from him lately?" She asked, wondering about an update on his whereabouts and plans.

Although she understood that Alex was working hard to take down the man who wanted her dead. Still, she could not wait to get free. She was dying imprisoned in this apartment.

She could go out anytime she wanted, but she would be risking her life from being spotted by Nick's men. That would surely put her six feet under the ground, literally.

"He flew out the other day for some conference. So, don't worry, you are safe. For a week at least." He assumed it was her reason for asking.

He knew his brother was shady. But lately, he was learning the extent of what he could do for money and power. He would stop at nothing to get what he wanted, maybe not even for him.

Not that he believed Nick ever considered him a real brother. But still, they had half the same blood. To him, he was his brother despite what he did with his life. That should have counted.

But he would not condone his illegal activities. At least he believed he would not involve himself in it. He was raised better than to put dirt and blood in his hands, unlike his brother. 

Although in his profession, he had no choice but bathed his hands with dirt and blood all the same. It was not from taking a life but by saving one.

"That is great." She shouted, at the same time, relaxed on the sofa with the movie she had chosen. While Jacob sat right next to her, cradling two bowls of popcorn in both his arms.

That was one problem she did not have to think for the meantime. Nick was distracted, and his concentration was not on her. It would give her time to breathe.

Maybe an opportunity to have fun for a change. She needed a change of scenery. This would be perfect for the plans that were growing in her head.

"I think I know what you are thinking." Jacob placed the other bowl of popcorn in her arms as he turned to face her. "I can see the spark of mischief running through your eyes." His eyes narrowed to a slit as if he was studying her.

He shoved a handful of the white fluffy, cheesy stuff into his mouth, waiting for her sassy remark from his statement. Judging from her expression, he could assume he was right.

He returned his attention to the movie, hoping that she would do the same and forget about going out. He could not seriously consider what she was implying.

"Would it be nice to walk around, feel the night breeze and breathe the fresh air?" She said, knowing too well that he understood what she was implying.

She could not let this opportunity for a good time outside of the confine of her home without fear of being caught. She had been cramped in this room that she felt like she had lost her connection to the world.

Now that Nick was busy with the wedding, which she believed was what Nick was referring to as the conference. She could assume that the men looking for her were also called off to assist him with his other scheming plans.

"You know that Alex strictly said that it is not safe for you to go out. But you still keep sneaking out." He put the bowl out of his arms into the table before him, then did the same with hers.

He pulled her hands in his and stared at her in the eyes. He was afraid that she was being careless when he was not around. But he had seen hints and evidence that she had been going out on her own.

"I don't know what you are talking about." She denied, looking at him as if she had done nothing wrong. 

His suspicion was correct, she admitted in her mind. In her defense, she was very cautious every time she was out. So, it should not have been a big deal.

She could not rely everything on Alex and what he was sending her. She had to go out to deal with her other obligations. And, she had enough of looking at the different corners of her apartment.

"Stop lying." He smiled at her, telling her with his eyes that she still could trust him. "Come on, come clean." 

He was not about to spill her secret, but he was more concerned about her safety. It was the precise reason he kept coming by to check on her.

"Fine. I am dying here." She finally confessed. "Not literally, but I feel like my brain cells are almost lifeless."

She pulled her hands off him and jumped out of the sofa. She stood in front of him and waved her hands, pointing to the corners of the room.

She was not the brainless bimbo she always portrayed to be, but weeks of being trapped in this apartment or more, she would be one.

"But, you have everything you need here. If you need anything else, all you have to do is ask." Jacob looked up from his seat and watched her have a slight meltdown.

He could see that this entire situation was not helping her mental well-being. She was physically healthy. But psychology, being locked up in this room, was starting to have a toll on her.

He understood her wishes, but he had to consider also the danger that was waiting for her outside.. One false move from her and her life would be over.