The Contract (COMPLETED)

Dinner

Max

I had watched her look at every dress and I hope she picked the black one. I serve myself and Vinny a glass of wine.

"Max are you planning to keep her prisoner here?" Vinny has served our family since I was an infant. His question would have bothered any other boss but I am actually glad he asked it to me.

"If I can," but I know I can't. She has a life outside of this house.

"She's a smart beautiful woman Max. I can tell she hasn't had it easy in life, just like you."

"I am not going to destroy her as long as she helps me out here. If I can have a wife by my side then I won't need to share anything with my father." The thought of the men who had part in my creation sends a bitter taste to my mouth.

The moment I hear her heels take each step down the stairs the taste turns into something else. She's absolutely stunning. She wears the black dress revealing every little part I had hoped it did. Her lips are colored red and her dark hair is pulled back in a low ponytail.

So simple yet so beautiful.

Nora

As I take the last step of the stairs I feel self conscious. I have never worn such an expensive dress or shoes. Vinny and Mr. Hamilton stand by the bar and gaze at me. Vinny excuses himself and walks out the door. That leaves me and Mr. Hamilton.

"That's why I choose you love. And for your smart mouth." He grins and it actually makes him look more handsome.

"I thought the judges decided for you?" I say moving next to him.

"They had a say but it was up to me at the end." This is new information that surely surprises me. Could he have been the dark figure in the theater?

"Where you there? In the theater?"

"I left as soon as you gave me your answer because there was no more thinking about it."

"Poor girls. You could have called it off then." I thought about Maya's disappointed face when the judges said I had won. Maybe she would have loved this role.

"We should go, I want you to meet some people." He moves. I stay.

"Meet people? As in billionaires like you? I thought this was dinner, just me and you? I am not ready to be socializing with billionaires yet." I am mostly scared that they will see right through me. They will see that this is fake and I am just under a contract.

"They're people like me Nora."

"And that's supposed to make it better?" He laughs showing his white smile and I want to laugh with him but this isn't funny. Not from where I stand.

"If you hate it we get out of there and do dinner your way." Now that I like.

"Deal." I let him walk me to the car where Vinny waits for us. Mr. Hamilton tells him to get lost when he tries to get the door for us, which makes me actually smile.

We end up in front of a fancy building which is filled with famous faces. Not singers and actors but wealthy men of business. Mr. Hamilton leads us inside waving at people who greet him from afar. I put on a smile at those who give me a quick glance.

"These men eye their friends woman. If any of them try anything with you let me know and I'll make sure my company never gives them a penny."

I wouldn't be surprised if he's telling the truth.

"So you're telling me you have no loyal friendships in the business world?" He points at a group of people who smile and call him over.

"That's the most loyal guys I've come across. They can be jerks but I trust they won't try to get with my woman." The way he claims me makes me feel confident. There are two men about his age sitting at the table.

"Hey Max." One says giving him a hug. He has wavy short brown hair and light brown eyes.

"Long time no see." Says the other one giving Mr. Hamilton a hug too. His hair is a dark blond color and his eyes are as blue as the ocean.

"Who's this?" Asks the blue eyes smiling at me.

"I am Nora Fray," I say extending my hand to shake both of theirs.

"Zack Lane," says the one with the light brown eyes as he shakes my hand.

"Cole Novak," says the one with the blue eyes taking my hand and kissing my palm. I can't help but smile.

"And he will find any excuse to kiss you," Mr. Hamilton says as Cole lets my hand fall.

"Not completely a lie my friend. You look absolutely stunning Nora. Sorry can't help myself." I like Cole. He has this flirtatious humor to his personality. "Hasn't Max told you how stunning you look?"

"No he hasn't," I take the empty chair beside Zack and Mr. Hamilton beside Cole. Obviously not liking our right off the bat friendship.

"I have plenty of time still left. Don't rush me." Mr. Hamilton says giving Cole a warning glare.

"So how long do you all know each other?" I ask turning the conversation into a new direction.

"4 years. We all met in college. Max and Zack where the typical popular boys and well they picked me up along the way. I am the artist with the emotional thoughts." Zack and Mr. Hamilton both laughed at this. Cole is obviously lying.

"Not entirely true. We did meet in college though and hard to believe but Cole here is an artist," Zack points out.

"What do you paint?" I ask Cole.

"How would you know I paint? I could be a musician artist?" He's right but even though he does have that harsh rock star look I can see the hands of a painter. The hands my father had.

"Lucky guess," I say.

"Hmm... well I like to paint woman. Specially bare flesh. Are you up for one yourself?"

Mr. Hamilton clears his throat beside me and places a hand on my bare back. Zack and Cole both chuckle. "How clearer do I have to make it to you? She's off limits." Mr. Hamilton's voice is like always serious but I hear a bit of humor which surprises me.

"I like you Nora. I like what you do to our Grumpy Hamilton here." Zack says to me and then to Mr. Hamilton, "keep her around Max."

The rest of the night goes better than I expect. After hearing stories of the boys I meet other people who don't seem to be as important to Mr. Hamilton as Cole and Zack are. They point me out to Mr. Hamilton as if I had been a good choice which brings me back to reality. I am not here as his actually date. This is all a pretenses.

"Are you okay?" Mr. Hamilton asks me moving us away from the couple we were talking to.

"The food is great but sadly they have no sweets." It isn't what was completely wrong with me but when I feel this way I need sugar.

"I can say something to-"

"Would anyone miss you if we escape?" I interrupt him.

"I doubt any-"

"Then follow me." I grab his hand, pick up the bottom of my dress and walk us out of the there. I want to say goodbye to Cole and Zack but I don't want to give any reason to Mr. Hamilton to back out of this. Once we are outside in the chilly day I take a right turn and we head East.

"Nora I could call Vinny. Where are we going?" He asks but still keeps walking with me. I have this smile on my face which I don't know if it's because of the sweets I will have melting on my mouth in a few minutes or because I am walking with Mr. Hamilton hand in hand.

"We have legs Mr. Hamilton. Plus Vinny needs a break." After a couple of blocks I round the corner on Fairies street and come into view with the little shop my dad use to take me too. I stand in front of the door and smile up at Mr. Hamilton. "My dad took me here every other Sunday. My mom thought it was a bad idea to consume so much sweets but sometimes we would convince her to come with us. They have the best sweets."

I don't know why I am telling him this, not even sure if he cares. I break away from his gaze and walk inside the shop.