The Royal Contract

"Haley is what?" Two varying tones expressed the same question, making Gerald look at Dani and seek the newcomer.

He recognized the voice immediately, especially when he was the one who requested the man's presence when he called his sister.

He wanted him to hear what he had to say as well. After all, his plans and decisions would likely affect Haley and her family, that included the man who stood before him.

"Marcus, I am glad that you came." He greeted Haley's half-brother, who was a big part of Haley's life.

Based on her, Marcus was the person she could count on, more than her father. She respected and loved him, despite only sharing a connection through their father's blood.

Therefore, he needed to consider his opinion on their present predicament since their goal was the same. They both wanted to protect Haley.

"Should I be glad to see you?" Marcus could not contain the contempt in his voice as he faced the man that made his blood boil.

His body shook in anger as he heard the news. Of course, he was furious. He could not help it since this was not a surprise but a shocking revelation.

His friend, Alex, asked him to come over but failed to mention anything about meeting with Gerald. Although Alex did not say anything, he guessed he assumed it might be about business.

He would admit that was the last thing he expected to discover from this unscheduled meeting, hearing that his missing sister was with a child.

"You bastard, what have you done with my sister?" He did not give Gerald a chance to say anything else as he grabbed by his collar and pushed him.

However, Gerald was quick at his feet. He avoided toppling down but immediately regained his footing before he fell on the floor. Stay connected with m-vl_em|p,yr

"Where did you take her?" Marcus was about to punch him when Alex stopped him, holding by his arms before he could throw his fist and land it on Gerald's face. "What did you do with Haley?"

He wanted to pulverize this man's face since he believed Gerald deserved it after what he had put Alex and Dani through.

And now, hearing about his sister's fate, he could feel the need to exact revenge on this monster before him. He could not fathom what possessed his sister to associate herself with this man.

"Stop it, Marcus." He heard his friend's voice in the background but did not heed it as he lunged his big body for another attack.

But stopping was the last thing on his mind as another thought developed. What if Gerald forced himself on his sister, leaving her with no choice but having an affair with him?

However, Alex blocked his path before he could reach Gerald, stopping him from beating the crap out of him.

"Marcus, I know how you feel. But as much as we want to beat the leaving daylight out of him, we should listen to him first." Alex calmly spoke to him, but his eyes spoke volumes to him.

And just like him, Alex did not trust Gerald or believe his bullshit about changing his ways. However, he was right.

He had to be wise about dealing with a man like Gerald. He could not allow his emotions to rule his judgment. Instead, he had to use his mind to get inside the head of a criminal like him.

"Fine." He hissed with barely controlled anger as he reluctantly stepped back.

He fixed his clothes, allowing his friend to guide him to an empty seat while he watched from his peripheral view as Dani assisted his half-brother off the floor.

Then, he watched as everyone settled in the large living area, quietly assessing the situation. It was the only time he noticed another man that sat on the other chair.

"I hope you will allow my friend to explain his situation. I know this is not easy for all of you, but I guarantee this is not easy for Gerald too." Mike finally broke the silence that enveloped the room.

He wanted to help Gerald when Marcus attacked him. But Gerald signaled for him to stay put. He knew Gerald could handle himself, but he could tell that his friend would not lift a finger to hurt Marcus.

Therefore, he would help in the best way he could. He would try to convince them to listen. He might have had no idea what Gerald had planned, but he could tell this was important to him.

"You have my word that we will let you tell your story and explain whatever is going on with you and Haley," Dani responded to his statement as she stared at her brother.

Then, when she heard a grumble from Marcus, she immediately turned to him and her husband, giving the two other men a silent warning not to interfere.

"Tell us, Gerald, what you want to say." Dani reclined her back on the sofa as she focused on the man that shared her blood.

She wanted to give Gerald the benefit of the doubt in memory of her father's last request. After all, he was now part of her family.

If her mother had been here, she would want her to at least listen to what he had to say. It seemed her mother had grown a soft spot for this man.

"Thank you, Dani, for giving me a chance." Gerald also fixed his clothes and settled on his chair. "You don't know how much this means to me."

Honestly, saying thank you was never part of his vocabulary. He grew up believing that the world owed him. At least, that was what his father made him think.

He only used those words as he pretended to be the nice guy, but he never meant it, unlike today. Since he met Haley, he had learned that his life had been meaningless.

"Just don't waste this chance," Dani told him as she smiled at him, encouraging him to continue. "I only want is best for Haley and her baby. So, don't mess this up." She warned him this time.

She could not imagine what her friend was going through now that she learned of her condition. She had many questions but wanted to give Gerald his chance to explain himself.

Where was Haley? That also crossed her mind after hearing Marcus's concern. What was her condition, especially after hearing she was pregnant?

She knew how difficult it was to carry a child, remembering her experience. Who was taking care of Haley?

"Of course, I am here because of her. I only want what is best for her and our baby." Gerald could understand her concern and Marcus's anger.

After all the things he had done in the past, he knew that accepting him in their lives was never easy. Still, he had to try for Haley. He had to show them that he deserved to be with her.

He changed because of her. He wanted to be a better man for her. If not for her, he would still be in the world of darkness, trapped in a life he never wanted, living a life of crimes.

"You don't know how much Haley meant to me. And I only want to protect her. I need to keep her and our baby safe." Gerald would give his life for her if need be.

Thankfully, Haley saved him and gave him new hope for a better future. This time, he would not waste the chance for something he did not even imagine possible.

"Then, tell me where you have taken her." Marcus tried to keep his voice down. But the hint of anger was still traceable in his tone.

He could not take this man's word that his sister was safe. He needed to proof. He had to see Haley with his two eyes, that she was safe and sound.

He would go to her to guarantee her safety because he would never trust Gerald with her life.

"I am sorry, but I can't disclose her whereabouts for safety reasons." Gerald shook his head, denying Marcus of his demand.

The lesser people who knew her whereabouts, the better. He was not taking any chances by revealing her hiding place, even to her brother.

He could not risk telling anyone about her location for fear that his enemies would find her and use her against him. And he would never endanger her life and his child, not if he could help it.

"You dare to refuse to tell me where my sister is." Suddenly, Marcus exploded again.

He could feel smoke steaming out of his ears and nose as he stared at the man who had taken his sister. He could not believe he would not tell him the whereabouts of Haley.

He abruptly stood from his chair, ready to pounce at him, but Alex was quick as he held his arms, stopping him from walking to the other side.

"It is for her safety. But I assure you that she is safe." Gerald knew his word meant shit to these people but would not risk Haley's life by putting her in danger.

If looks could kill, he guessed he would be dead again. But he would stand his ground. He would not back down from his decision.