1 comments/  21202 views/  10 favorites

It's Just a Business Transaction Ch. 01

By: Mythrana



"Aida Gonzalez!" barked the director. "You're up next. Get ready!" 

Steady now girl. Don't screw it! She scolded herself. The 5' 4" dark haired girl took a deep breath to steady herself. She watched for the director's cue. When she saw his hand signal, she walked on to the stage with her black pinafore and a white apron holding a tray with the usual mock-up stage props of tea sets. She set the tray down on the low table, "Would Madame want some tea?" She asked of the leading actress. 

The leading actress, Sonja gave a curt nod indicating a yes and she began to pour the make-believe tea into the cup. Sonja daintily reached out for the tea and pretended to drink it when she shrieked and threw the cup down. "What is this? You call this tea? It's cold and diluted! I can never depend on you to do anything right, can I?" With this said Sonja make a show to slap Aida but only it was for real. Palms connected with her soft cheeks, which she knew, would leave a print there for at least two days. 

"CUT!" shouted the director. "That was excellent Sonja. Good work. Everyone take five!"

Greg, another permanent but small time actor came forward to Aida, "You okay girl? Here, let me see that."

"Don't. I am fine...really. It's nothing." Aida choked back a sob trying not to cry but the sting on her cheeks was still smarting.

"Oooh... I am so (sorry) I hope I did not mar that pretty face. Well, I have to make it look real don't I? After all this is acting and if we don't rehearse it right, I don't want to think about the unthinkable when we go live, do we?" Sonja chipped in with that sickeningly sweet voice of hers.

Greg jumped to Aida's defense. "Yeah, right but do you have to hit that hard. Look! See that hand-print?" Greg asked accusingly.

"Oh well, if she can't take even a little pain, I guess we can always ask someone else to take her role. Not that it's very difficult playing the suffering maid." Sonja spoke nonchalantly.

"It's nothing Greg. I am alright. Miss Sonja, please don't mention anything to the director. Greg is just overreacting."

"Overreacting my a..." 

Before Greg could finish his sentence, Aida gave him a hard stare signaling that the conversation with Sonja was final. Sonja gave them a bored look and sauntered off back stage.

"Why did you stop me girl?" Greg said in frustration running his fingers through his hair.

"Look Greg. I know you meant good but I need this part. I need the money for my rent. I can't afford to lose this job." Aida tried explaining to Greg, tears smarting in her large expressive hazel eyes.

Greg looked at her sympathetically and gave a resigned sigh. "Come on girl, let's go for supper and NO argument. It will be my treat."

Aida looked at Greg with much relief, gave him a hug, "Ok, you win."

Ever since she joined the cast of La Broadway, Sonja was determined to make her life as miserable as could be. No matter how hard she tried she would receive insulting and scathing remarks from Sonja. Greg would often tell her that Sonja was just jealous of her natural beauty and of the attentions she was receiving from the crew and cast especially the males. Aida had only laughed it off saying Greg was only trying to lift her spirit. Nevertheless the crew and cast did like her a lot for her dedication at work and her bright smile no matter how bad a day it was. 

Greg was the first person she met when she first step off the bus in Philadelphia about a year ago. She was pulling along a huge suitcase on wheels with her right hand and was holding her handbag and a map with the other hand when someone ran passed her and grabbed her handbag. For a minute she was too stunned to react and then all off a sudden she was screaming, "Help! Someone help please! I've just been robbed!"

She saw a man in white crew top and a pair of jeans sprinted after the punk who must have taken advantage of her unfocused attention to relieve her of her handbag. He caught up with the punk and with the help of some alerted security officers, they over-powered the snatcher. She half ran half walked over to them panting and flushed.

"This yours ma'am?" One of the security officers asked her while holding up the bag for her to identify.

"Yes, it is and thanks for the help. You don't know how glad I am. All my possessions are in there." She sighed with relief.

"Please come with us ma'am to the office, we need to call the police and do the usual proceeding. And you too sir." The security officer looked at the man in white crew top and gave a smart nod at him.

While they were walking towards the bus terminal office, Aida took the opportunity to thank the stranger for helping her out. They introduced themselves. Greg Johnson, that was his name. Sandy brown hair and brown eyes, about six feet tall looking not much older than her 20 years. About ten minutes later, two police officers entered the small office, took down their statements and bundled the punk off.

"So this is your first time in Philly?" Greg asked her.

"Yeah," she answered.

"Business or pleasure?" Greg inquired some more.

"Actually neither. I am here on a visiting pass to see if I can get a job before trying for an EAD and then hopefully a Green Card. I am also an aspiring actress, well stage acting. I am actually from Mexico. My granny died two months back and since I have no one else back home I thought maybe if I can try my luck in America." Aida explained and added quickly seeing him creasing his forehead, "I entered your country legally if that was what you were thinking."

"No, no, I mean I was just thinking, I do stage acting too. I work part time. When I don't have any parts, I worked in a steak house as a waiter. I thought I could introduce you to my agent too, that is if you like?"

Aida could hardly speak seemingly stunned with her good fortune of meeting someone who happens to share her passion in acting and yet she was afraid. After all she just met this guy for less than an hour, hasn't she? Could she trust him?

Sensing her worries Greg took out two name cards and hand it to her. "Look, I understand how you feel standing here talking to a complete stranger. This is my card and this is my agent card. You can check him out first. No harm done. I gather you might need some help in that area if you are planning to stay and work in America legally. And you can check out the steak house I am working in. So where will you be putting up?"

Aida seems embarrassed as if he has read her thoughts, must have been written all over her face. "Tha...thanks for your concern. I appreciated that. I guess I will be checking into a B&B first but I will have to look for a place to put up soon. Can't be staying in B&B that long. I am not what you call well-off."

"Say, if you don't mind you can put up in my place. It's a two-bedroom apartment not the luxury kind mind you. I occupied one room and my..." Before he could finish his sentence, a cute brunette with freckles on her nose bounced up to him and gave him a hug.

"So that's where you are, leave you for a minute and you go flirting about. So who do we have here?" The cute brunette pouts prettily and flashing Aida a sweet smile while Greg rolled his eyes upward.

"No, I am not flirting. By the way Aida, meet my little pain in the ass of a sister, Wendy." Greg made the formal introduction and gasped out loud.

"Ouch! Don't pinch me you minx!" Greg scolded.

"Serves you right for calling me a pain in the ass!" Wendy bantered back

"I was about to tell Aida that she could put up with us, you know, sharing your room for a while till she finds her own place, that is if you don't mind Aida and that is, if Aida doesn't mind a chit like you for a room-mate!" Greg stressed.

Wendy playfully punched him on the shoulder, "I am not a chit, you bossy big brother you! And I certainly don't mind Aida bunking in with me at all. We can set up a cot for her in my room; it's big enough for two. Just hope you don't mind my snoring." She giggled at Aida. "So how did you guys meet?" she added with a twinkle in her eyes.

"Stop being so nosey. I will tell you when we are on our way, right now let's go home, that is if Aida is willing," says Greg while looking back at Aida.

"I could not possibly impose on you guys..." Aida started to object.

"Nah, it will be alright. Come on let's get a move." Wendy adds chirpily.

Aida could not possibly believe her luck to run into this pair of good Samaritans of a brother and sister the moment she step down the soil of Philadelphia. She could not possibly turn down this good opportunity and instantly agrees to it. So Greg took her luggage while Wendy linked her arms through Aida as if they were old friends and led her to the parking lot where a battered Toyota parked.

The apartment was not much but at least it will save her some money till she gets a job. In no time the brother and sister had a cot made up for her at the other side of Wendy's room and her luggage unpacked. Aida was feeling grateful with the pair and decided to cook for them instead of eating out. She raided the fridge, which consisted a packet of spaghetti, some cheese a bottle of bologna sauce and set to work. Since the kitchen was too small to fit in the three of them, they had their meals at the sitting hall. They talked for a while more and Greg related how he and Aida met to his sister before calling it a night.

That night while she lay on the cot oblivious to Wendy's snores she thought about her lives so far has not been that bad apart from being tight on cash. If only she could get a job soon it would be better. In just a day she has come to like Greg and his sister friendliness and openness in accepting her. She was determined to get a job as fast as she could so as not to impose on the pair. Tomorrow I am going to get a job. With that in mind she fell into a peaceful sleep.

The next morning she rose early and has gone out to check the neighbour hood. She bought the local newspaper from a convenience store across the street and further down was a mini market where she decided to buy some fresh meat and vegetables to help out if she was going to be bunking with Greg and his sister for a while. That is the least I could do, she thought. When she got back to the apartment Greg and Wendy were already up. While Wendy was making coffee, Greg was washing up in the tiny bathroom.

"Morning, I've got us some breakfast." She called to them.

"Be out in a min," came Greg's muffled voice.

"And I got the coffee. Sugar, cream or just black?" Offered Wendy

"Black will do and thanks."

While they ate Aida perused the job sections and circled the potential jobs with a pen. Meanwhile Greg emerged from the bathroom with just his pyjamas bottom and a towel about his broad shoulder and defined chest. Aida looked up and felt a blushed at Greg's half dressed situation and quickly averted her eyes.

Seeing Aida's awkwardness at Greg's half nakedness, Wendy scolded her brother, "Go put on some clothes Mr. Johnson and be decent!"

"You really are a naggy kiddo, you know that?" Greg glares at his sister but there was an amuse smile on his lips and retreated back to his room to rummage for something to wear. "So you found any suitable position yet, Aida?" He called from his room. Greg came out from his room again now wearing a singlet and yesterday pair of jeans.

"Well, there is a firm looking for typist, a hyper-mart looking for cashiers and a hotel looking for chambermaids. I figure I could give them a try. Seems like the cashier and chambermaid position would be more suitable for me as it says here flexible hours. If I am to pursue my acting career, which I really want, I can't really take on any normal working hours job. You know, like if they call you for auditions..." says Aida.

"Yeah good point. That is why I rather work at the steak house for its flexible working hours. Say, since I have nothing on today you wanna come with me to see my agent? He is a nice guy. Used to be my drama teacher too back in high school before he turns agent." Offered Greg.

"I'd love to but I need to go down to the hyper-mart to see if I can get that cashier job."

"Ok, let me give him a call first as well to set the appointment today. Would later in the afternoon be cool? That would have given you ample time in the morning to see if you get anything out from that hyper-mart. And what about you kiddo?" Greg turning his attention to his little sister now, who was munching on a piece of doughnut brought back by Aida.

Wendy swallowed the piece of doughnut she was chewing before replying, "Well, I have three assignments today. So I would be all tied up."

"What do you do for a living or are you still studying?" Aida asked of her

"I am studying art and also modeling for art to fund my art course," she beamed a smile at Aida.

"Haven't you noticed how plump she is Aida? That is what the art class need. Plump nude models." Greg interjected cheekily.

Wendy glared at her brother and threw a doughnut at him. "It's call RUBENESQUE, you twit."

Greg roared with laughter, caught the doughnut and stuffed it in his mouth. Aida only smiled seeing the brother and sister sharing such a close relationship. She wished she had a brother or a sister but her mother died giving birth to her and she had never known her father, just her granny who brought her up single-handedly. They were poor but her granny always instilled in her to be proud of whom she was and never be ashamed just because they were poor. Her granny worked hard to give her a decent education. But due to the constant slogging and her refusal to seek medical treatment because she does not believed in wasting hard earned money on medicines, she finally succumbed to illness. Whatever possessions were left, she bequeathed to Aida but it was really not a lot. Aida was already taking a night course studying stage acting so it took a chunk out of the small inheritance left by her granny. After her granny died she decided to come to America to try her luck to get into stage acting.

"Aida?" Greg startled her out of her reminiscence.

"Oh, sorry. I was just doing some thinking."

"Ok, I just called Rupert...that's my agent name and he says 2.30pm today. That be ok with you?"

"It's fine. Then I better get going to see that job, it's a walk-in interview. Would you mind taking me to the hyper-mart please? I...I don't..." Before she can finished her sentence, Greg interrupted her.

"Sure, yeah I will take you there, don't worry. I know you don't know Philly. If you are early and if we have time, I could bring you around a bit before our appointment time with Rup. Hey! Kiddo, want a ride to your class?" Greg called to his sister.

"Yeah, gimme a min. Just grabbing my stuffs." Wendy called back.

Five minutes later they were all bundled into Greg's battered Toyota and on their way to drop Wendy off. Next, Greg made a detour and head off to the hyper-mart. While Aida went inside the building, Greg waited for her reading some old magazines which he retrieved from his compartment. He was so absorbed in it that he did not realized Aida has returned.

"I did it! They hired me on the spot. Starting tomorrow. Seven dollars an hour!" Aida said that in one breath obviously exhilarated.

Hastily, Greg crammed the magazine back into the compartment and shut it. "Woah, girl that is terrific! Guess we can celebrate a bit huh? Ok we are still early for our appointment with Rup, what say you I take you about for a tour."

"Thanks so much Greg for helping me. Meeting you and your sis has brought me nothing but luck." Aida eyes misted over and in her emotional state she leant over and gave Greg a hug. Greg was taken aback and sort of returned her the hug.

"No problem girl. You look so lost and innocent when I saw you yesterday, I knew you might need some help and glad I could. Come on, I will take you to Philly biggest art center and theatres. You will love it!"

Greg showed her the famous The Forrest Theatre and The Merriam Theatre, The Borowsky Gallery and many more. It was an eye opening. Aida was so awed with the art scene in Philly. She thought this was what she has always wanted, to live and breathe in a place where constantly art never sleep. They grab some hotdogs and coca-cola to eat in the car. It's cheaper that way instead of sitting down in a restaurant or bistro. At about 2.15pm they arrived at a small building. Greg parked his car and got Aida to follow him up some flights to a glass door where a simple sign read 'Rupert and Company' and below that 'If you got the acting talent, we want you' Greg opened the glass door and a chime went off announcing to the occupants of the office that there were visitors. A buxomy blonde sat at a table with a computer screen and some telephones stood up when they entered.

"Mr. Johnson, good to see you again. Mr. Delaware is waiting inside. Shall I inform him you are here yet?" The buxomy blonde gave Greg and Aida a toothy smile.

"Hey Sally, how are you today, you look gorgeous and yes please tell Mr. Delaware we are here please."

"Aww... Mr. Johnson, you are such a sweet man." Grinned the buxomy blonde while she punched the intercom on her table informing Rupert about their arrival. A voice came back to tell her to send them in. "You can go in now, Mr. Johnson."

Aida and Greg entered another door and sitting behind a table was a thin wiry looking man with a neatly trimmed moustache who immediately stood up and grabbed Greg outstretched hand. The two men exchanged some pleasantries and then Rupert looked over to Aida, "This must be Miss Aida Gonzalez," and shook hand with Aida. "Have a seat. So... I hear you're looking for acting jobs too Miss Gonzalez?"

"Call me Aida please, Mr. Rupert." Aida offered

"Then you better call me Rup too. Greg and me gone back a long way. So tell me what is your specialty?"

Aida took out her credentials and some referrals letters from her portfolio and proceeded to give Rupert Delaware a rundown.

"Ok, so you have done stage acting back in Mexico. Says here you are twenty years of age and finished Drama and Theatre advance. Not too bad. But I have to be frank with you Aida, I won't promise you anything. Every year there are hundreds and thousands of would be actors and actresses seeking jobs and exposure here, it would be a long shot but since you know Greg, I might be able to arrange something. I just got off the phone before you guys came in. A decent acting company by the name La Broadway, I am sure Greg has heard of that and worked in some of their productions too, that right, Greg?" he looked at Greg for confirmation and Greg nod his head before he continued, "They are looking for some females actress for some parts. So you think you wanna give it a try Aida?

Aida was speechless. What could she say? Second day in Philadelphia and she might even get an acting part. She was totally overwhelmed. "Oh yes! Please Rupert, if you could arrange an audition for me, I would really appreciate it!" She looked over to Greg who was smiling at her and patting her hand reassuringly.

"That's settled then. Mind you don't get your hopes too high though. I will see what I can do. Now, I need you to go back out to Sally and fill in some forms and she will brief you on our company policies and fees. I still have something to discuss with Greg.

Aida thanked Rupert and went out through the door. Sally gave her some forms to filled up and also a booklet on the company policies to read. Twenty minutes later Greg came out of the room. Both men hugged and patted each other and Rupert gave a nod to Aida. On the way back to the apartment Greg seems rather preoccupied so Aida tried to make small talk but Greg doesn't seems to be interested so she dropped it at that.

That evening Aida cooked up some of her homemade Mexican dish to celebrate her good fortune. Wendy was chatting merrily away about her day but Greg still seems to be a bit quiet than usual. After their meal, while Wendy was washing up the dishes, Aida decided to ask Greg if anything was wrong.


It's Just a Business Transaction Ch. 01



"Is something the matter, Greg?"

"Oh, what... no, guess I am just tired. I think I will go turn in now. I will see you tomorrow morning." With that said, Greg gave Aida a strain smile and walk to his room. 

"Where is my handsome brother?" Wendy asked after she finished the dishes.

"Oh, says he was tired and has gone to bed."

"That early? Oh well. Say you wanna use the bathroom first? I need to use the bath a little longer. Need to wax and shave for my next assignment." Wendy grinned cheekily.

"Sure, I will go use now." With that said, Aida got up and went to do her toiletries. 15 minutes later she was finished and she called to Wendy, "All yours Wendy."

"Thanks." Came back the reply.

Aida took out her granny photo and looked at her smiling fondly. Gram, I think I am finally settling in here. I got a job and might even get a part in an acting production too. Gram, please don't worry about me. You rest. I am a big girl can take care of myself. She thought and tears start to brim at her eyelashes. She vowed not to let her granny down and most of all, vowed not to let herself down too. She decided to sleep early and to report to work early.

She settled into a routine. Going to work according to her shift, coming back to the little apartment which she now called 'home', cooked and cleaned for Greg and Wendy as both of them insisted on not accepting her monies till she get her first pay, so by playing house that was the least she could do to repay their generosity towards her. Sometimes the three of them would go down to the local flea market to browse or to Greg's steak house for late night supper where the prices were halved as they were getting rid of old stocks so they could replenished with new and fresh stocks. Or her favorite past time, to walk around the art galleries and theatres and museums which never ceased to intrigue her.

About a month later on a Thursday afternoon she received a call from Rupert's buxomy secretary to go down to the office on next Tuesday morning. Her heart was hammering very fast. Sally would not say what was it about but just that Rupert wants to see her and Greg too. When Greg got home later that evening she told him about the appointment. 

"Woohoo, girl. I think we are in for something." Greg told her excitedly

"You really think so, Greg?" She asked hopefully.

"Hey, you forgotten I know Rup pretty well and when he says he could arranged something ninety percent he would get something done."

"Oh, I sure hope so too Greg. I am so excited, I don't think I can wait for Tuesday to come fast enough."

Greg laughed at her. "Calm down girl. It could only be the initial audition."

"I know Greg but it's still something. This is what I have been dreaming of, coming all this way to America."

Aida was so excited and edgy for the next few days. On Friday when she went to work she quickly arranged with a co-worker to change her shift on Tuesday morning to that in the evening. Monday night she could hardly sleep. At last Tuesday morning came. She was up and ready, knocking on Greg's door.

"Greg, you awake yet?" She called softly half afraid Greg might chew her head off.

Greg opened his door blearily and mumbled, "What's the time?"

"It's 7.30."

"Hey, why didn't you wake me earlier. Let me go wash up." Greg dashed into the bathroom. Half an hour later he was ready. "Sorry girl, I over-slept. Good thing you knocked."

"Oh, I thought it might be too early for you and since you came back rather late last night."

"Our appointment is at 9.00am. Rup don't like people to be late and he looks into that. Punctuality to him is important says it shows whether a person is serious about his/her job. Good thing the traffic this morning is light, think we should be able to get there in forty-five minutes."

True to his words they got there with 10 minutes to spare. They waited at the visitor area for about 5 minutes and were asked to go into his office. Aida was sitting on nails all morning. Any minute now she might just burst out or do something stupid. She took deep breaths to calm herself and picture her granny smiling face in her mind. Rupert looked at them for a while and suddenly his face lit up.

"Good news guys. La Broadway wants you two down for an audition tomorrow. Think you two can make it?"

"YES!" Aida practically jumped up from her chair, which made Greg jumped up too, and she hugged him. Greg was also caught up in her infectious mood and hugged her back ardently too. Both did not notice the sudden frown on Rupert's face though. Then she turned to Rupert and hugged him as well. Rupert was taken aback and seems uncomfortable with her affections.

"Hey, hey easy now." He smiled but the smile didn't reach his eyes. "This is only the first step. The rest is up to you both now. So I gather you both can make it tomorrow?

"You bet Rupert! Oh, I don't know how to thank you." Aida cried happily.

"Well if you get the part, just banked the agent fees into the company account. That way you would have thanked me. Ok, now if you would go out to Sally and she will give you the details where to go and who to look for and all that. I need to talk to Greg. They would still have his details. Now if you will excuse us Aida." With that said, Rupert dismissed her with a wave.

"I will see you outside girl." Greg told her but it seems Greg's mood has changed to somewhat more sombre.

Aida took a quick glance at both of them and made her exit. Sally gave her the details and briefed her on what to bring along to her audition. Aida's mind was cranking fast. She has to go back to work to change her shift. Worse come to worse if she could not find a shift change, she might decided to call in sick which she was reluctant to do so, for the hyper-mart treats their staffs well and she would felt she cheats on them. Twenty minutes later Greg walked out.

Greg insisted on sending Aida to her workplace but on the way he did not talk much. Finally Aida could not hold her tongue any longer and asked Greg.

"Is everything ok with you and Rupert?"

"Wh...why did you ask? Everything is fine. What makes you think if something was wrong with him and me?" Greg sounded a bit more agitated.

"I am sorry Greg. I am not prying or anything. Just being concern," Aida answered apologetically.

"Yeah, yeah everything is fine. Look, I am sorry, I don't mean to jump at you but Rup wants a bigger cut this round if the audition I were to get would be meatier, that is all. Nothing to worry about." Greg explained. Again Greg clamped shut, indicating that the conversation has ended.

Aida accepted his explanation at face value and did not probe any further. At her workplace Aida manage to get a shift changed, for her audition was set in the morning tomorrow. She was so very excited that, that evening she could hardly sleep. Around midnight she heard the front door opened and closed. That must be Greg. She thought. She looked over to Wendy who was snoring blissfully away without a care in the world. She gave a silent pray that everything would go well for Greg and her tomorrow at the audition.

That was a year ago. She found a steady stream of offer continuously from La Broadway. Even though the parts she was getting were rather insignificant but she was nevertheless happy. Soon she quit her cashier job to fully concentrate on the acting job when La Broadway signed her up as their permanent staff and best of all they had even got her, her EAD! Although she found permanent employment with the theatre it could not pay her well enough yet to allow her to move out of Greg's apartment. But it was Greg who moved out instead. He did got a meatier role and his pay was increased thus affording him to move out of the present apartment. What better was, he moved into a small studio apartment just upstairs to the girls. Aida took over Greg's old room instead and now shared to pay for the rent and bills, which she was happier to do so, finally able to be able to pay her own keep. Wendy has access to her brother's studio too. Sometimes she would go up and clean up for him. Aida has only been up once to his studio apartment, that was the day when she helped to shift his things up. It was a nice little place. There was even a spare room for Greg's computer.

Sometimes her role required her to play the vixen, or a spinster, maybe a rape victim or like now an ill-treated maid but her own favorite part; Cinderella's ugly sisters. She believed the bad guy roles are harder to bring to life, which really test her acting skills. Not that she was ugly at all. With her mixed parentage background, she looked exotic. Her most beautiful features, her very expressive large hazel eyes surrounded by lush curly eyelashes. She has prominent classic high cheekbones. She detested her lips. She wished her lips were not that pouty and full. But Wendy loved her lips. Said her lips were so kissable and men would certainly want them wrapped around something, which she laughed notoriously to Aida's chagrin. "Wendy Louisa Johnson! You are incorrigible!" She scolded Wendy and blushed a deep crimson.

"Hahaha, oh come on Aida, don't tell me you have not done that before?" Wendy winked at her naughtily.

Aida's eyes wide as saucer staring daggers at Wendy's suggestive question. She wondered to laugh or to scold her some more for her bold suggestions.

"Oh, come on Aida. Do tell. So how far do you go always?" Wendy was sure not going to let her go that easily. "It's just the two of us!" Wendy egged her on cheekily.

Aida looked down at her hands remembering her inadequate experience in sex. Finally she blurted out, "I am still a virgin." She grinned sheepishly at Wendy.

It was Wendy's turn to be shock. "What???!!! My god! At your age you still a virgin? I gotta tell Greg this!"

"DON'T YOU DARE!!!" Aida warned her. "Don't even think about it!"

Wendy now was clutching her stomach guffawing away gasping for air. "Gee... heeheehee... haha... I lost my cherry when I was fifteen. Oh goodness! Aida, you are twenty-one and you are only two years older than me! You planning to run for the oldest virgin in America or what? I gotta give it to you. You're an actress! How do you manage to keep your cherry with all those pawing?

"I am not just going to give myself to anyone! Just...just because I am an actress doesn't mean I have to sleep around!" Aida argued furiously.

"You saving yourself for someone?!" It was more of a statement than question.

Aida got hold of a pillow and smacked it over Wendy's head. Soon the girls were having a pillow fight and rolling on Aida's bed laughing till tears dropped. Eventually the fight and rolling ended, both gasping for air.

"Well, I guess I am saving myself for someone. Who? I don't know yet. But when the times come, I think I will know."

Aida didn't know that her life will soon change and in a big way too. Something was certainly brewing for her without her knowledge. Something sinister. She was in for a big surprise.

To be continued...



It's Just a Business Transaction Ch. 02



His piercing opaline green eyes glanced sideway at his partner for the night with a bored drawn look. Artificial beauty he mused sardonically. She was perfect alright, too perfect. Sonja Matthias was one of the more successful stage actresses around Philadelphia arts and cultural front. Poised and polished, she was highly demanded for her acting skill. At the age of thirty-one she was an accomplished actress. He wondered how many times her face and body has gone under the knife to make her the perfect beauty she was. Their first time in bed has left a bitter taste in his mouth where he discovered she was nothing more than but a plastic doll, just like so many others before her. Yes, her breasts looked perfect but far from it. How wonderful science were. Ever since silicon implants were invented and perfected, unaccountable women has gone bonkers over it to have that perfect pair they always wanted but when you squeezed them they were nothing natural about it at all. It was like grabbing rocks. Hard and unnatural. It's a wonder if they feel anything when being squeezed.

Alexander William Jefferson, at the age of thirty-six, was one of the most sought after billionaire bachelor of the century. His great grandfather hailed from South Africa, made his fortune in mining diamonds. A year before the World War I he had shifted base to America, the great land of golden opportunity and make even greater fortunes by dealings in arms and ammunitions with various government 'legally'. When his great grandfather passed away, he bequeathed his wealth to his only son, William Richard Jefferson, and his son has even further enlarged their business, investing into states land developing and oil refineries. His own son William Jr. Richard Jefferson at the young tender age of twenty-seven has took over the helm and has proven to be just as successful in the business dealings as his father and grandfather. At thirty-four, he married Alex's mother whose family's wealth almost equivalent to theirs, the perfect union. A year later Alex was born. Even though William Jr. Richard Jefferson was a doting father but he also was a man with high libido, thus gossips about his philandering ways were by no means false and had many open secret love affairs outside his seemingly happy marriage. When Alex was seven, his mother had died in a car crashed leaving Alex's father a swinging bachelor again. A few months later he announced to the world he was remarrying, this time to a twenty-year-old model with a three year old son, whom he claimed vehemently, that the boy was his to the extend of getting a DNA done to prove the boy's paternity so to appease old man William Sr. and the hungry media. Obviously old man William Sr. refused to bless this marriage but there was nothing he could do. 

One day Alex came home after his usual football practice only to be told by his grandfather that his father had a heart attack and has been rushed off to the hospital. That night William Jr. Richard Jefferson passed away in his coma. Alex was still too young to run the family's mass business as he was only nineteen and old William Sr. had no intention of letting his young daughter to run it, for he had seen through her as nothing but a scheming cold-hearted gold digger. 

Alex requested to be sent abroad to study. So his grandfather had sent him to the finest schools all over Europe to complete his education. While he was abroad studying and adjusting to the wily ways of the world, his half brother Roderick has grown up to be the perfect spoilt-brat, drug snorting, womanizing son of a bitch. His mother gave him anything he desired. She was already instilling in him the calculating and scheming ways of life. In front of old William Sr. he tries to be the model grandson but once old William Sr. turns around he went wild. He would sometimes organized orgy parties at one of their many mansions where free flow of cocaine and liquor and all night partying away. Many a time his mother has to bail him out when he was caught drunk driving or getting caught having a blowjob from some hookers and his mother would pay the media to shut up as well. Old William Sr. knows of his daughter and his half grandson's debauchery lifestyles but he chose to turn a blind eye as long they kept it out of the media. He was only waiting for Alex to return to take over the family business. He was getting on in age. He was not as sharp as when he was young before. 

Alex finally completed his studying and training and has come home much to his grandfather's delight. In no time he was caught up in the business world. He was shrewd yet fair in his dealings. Older business rivals and friends have nothing but respect for young Alex. He was so caught up in the business world that he has no time to waste for such thing call romance. To him romances were for fools. When he sees a girl he want all he has to do was to raise an eyebrow at them and they would flock to him like bees to honey. What he wants he gets, business or people. He viewed relationships and marriages as merely some business transactions. Lately his grandfather has the habit of nagging him to get hitch up and provide him with some great grandchildren only to be brushed off by Alex.

Standing lean and trim at 6' 6" with lumberjack shoulders, snow skier's arms and legs, with narrow waist, muscular hips that hugs his clothes like a second skin and a head with thick gleaming blond hair. He was every inch a woman's dream man. His square jaw with a dimplelike cleft on his chin lent a sexy yet dangerous look to his already rugged handsome face not to mention that golden tan he had acquired while taking a well-deserved holiday at the Bahamas or skiing away at the French Alps. Women would quiver with desire by just looking at him and wet their panties should he even lightly touch them. He was seldom seen in the same company of a female companion more than three times at any given functions.

Tonight, he has come to this party out of boredom with Sonja after she has repeatedly begged him to. On the other hand he has come because of a pair of startling hazel eyes framed with long thick curly eyelashes that seems to capture ones soul, hair as black as the night, a slightly upturned nose and a pair of overly generous lips, begging to be kissed belonging to a particular female. He had bumped into her at the back stage where he has gone up to see Sonja after the play ended. When he looked closer she was actually the maid in the play where she had receive a slap from Sonja. He would not have agreed to go had he not heard the director announces to the other staffs that everyone that involved in the production must attend the party at his villa. So here he was with Sonja clinging to him like a leach. He coolly glanced about intending to seek out that pair of hazel eyes, and ... there she was! She was talking to a rather good-looking young man; they seemed to be in deep conversation.

He was rather surprise with himself that he could be so attracted to her. Unconsciously he pried open Sonja's clingy fingers on his arms, without realizing he was bending her fingers a little far too hard which made her winced in pain and walked towards Aida.

"Care for a dance, Miss Gonzalez?" He asked. He paid no attention or whatsoever to Greg as if he did not exist. Arrogant bastard. Greg thought. Much earlier after bumping into Aida he had took a quick glance at the play programme. Aida Gonzalez. That must be her. Gonzalez sounded Mexican and she looked like one, but far more exotic. Her features and skins tone hinting of mixed parentage.

Aida looked at the tall stranger then at Greg and Greg looked back at her with a mild amusement on his face. Before she could say anything he had put his big hands on her slender waist and steered her to the dance floor. By now Sonja's eyes have narrowed into slits, staring at them with such venom.

"Allow me to introduce myself," he began. Aida interjected before he could go on.

"I know who you are. Seen your face quite often on the people's magazines like Cosmopolitan and Forbes," says Aida. "And you are notoriously known." She added coolly. To her surprise instead of being annoyed with her for calling him notorious he threw back his head to laugh. His voice, strong and warm like aged whiskey that inexplicably sends a shiver down her spine.

"Miss Gonzalez, you must be mistaken, I am hardly anything but notorious. I would take that as a compliment though. So what makes you say that I am notorious? Or have you been following my news too?" His last sentence hinted a touch of sarcasm.

"Hardly. But I see you are too full of yourself Mr. Jefferson. Let just say, we, the commoners do read newspapers too. It so happened but one could not miss your face on the cover of those magazines at the newsstand when I go and get my morning newspaper. And as for your notoriety, I don't have to read it to know it. It's the talk of the town whichever way I turn, so I could hardly shut them off, could I?" replied Aida.

"So what were you referring to? My business style or my personal life?" Alex challenged.

"Whatever," Aida shrugged. "I make it a point not to nose into anyone else's affairs be it business or private since I wasn't involved."

"Would you want to be involved then?" Alex goaded further.

"What kind of question is that?" Aida raised an eyebrow at him.

He shook his head in amazement at her. Not only she was pleasing to the eyes but she also has fire in her. He was about to add on when his mobile rang. "Would you excuse me a second please?"

He led her back to where Greg was standing to take his call. He wandered off slightly to the side while talking on his mobile. A moment later he clicked of his mobile and headed back for her. "I must say I quite enjoy your company even though for such a short time but right now I have more pressing matter to attend to. I hope we will be better acquainted in the near future," he said with a smile

"I certainly hope not, Mr. Jefferson, since we have nothing in common," said Aida honestly.

"Oh you would be surprise, we have much in common." With that said he turned on his heels and strolled off. He did not even bother informing Sonja about his departure as she was chatting gaily away with some top producer from Newline Production. But he could not have known Sonja was staring with lust at his retreating back.

"I think he took a fancy to you Aida. Watch out for heartbreaks," says Greg.

"Puhleeze Greg, really. It was just a dance. What harm could it do? Besides, he would have forgotten about tonight."

"Do you want him to?" Greg asked questioningly.

"Really Greg! You should know me by now. I am not those kind of girls and he is arrogant." Aida scolded him.

Greg gave her a bemused smile.

"What is that suppose to mean?" Aida was now positively glaring at him.

"Nothing... come on let's go or do you wanna stay on?"

"No... let's go home. I am kinda tired, besides these scenes were not for me. I still feel uncomfortable about this kind of atmosphere."

"Hah! Call yourself an actress." Greg chided her.

"Hey that was acting, this is the real me. I am still entitled to how I feel when I am off stage, can I?" said Aida non-too happily.

Greg offered her his arms and she linked it to his and together they quietly slipped away. No one would have noticed them because they were nobody or were they?

_____

Alex reached the hospital in no time. He was met by his long time friend Ian Morrow the in house cardiac specialist. "How is he Ian?"

"He would pull through, but don't be too optimistic. I gotta warned you though, he won't last very long maybe a year the most or two or maybe shorter. Just stay calm AND no arguing with him, " his friend warned him.

"Can he be operated on?" Alex asked of his friend.

"Would be dangerous. He is ninety, Alex," he looked at Alex empathetically.

"Can I see him yet?" Alex asked with genuine concern in his voice.

"Sure, come on, follow me. He woke up a while back and the first thing he did was to ask for you."

Ian led Alex to a private area of the hospital where usually the rich and famous were housed in away from prying medias and paparazzi. Outside the private room were two burly bodyguards who immediately nod and greeted Alex. "Good evening Mr. Jefferson."

"Thanks for the quick action guys." Alex thanked his bodyguards.

"No problem sir, that is our duty," replied one of the bodyguards.

Alex went into the room and saw his stepmother; Marie and stepbrother Roderick or Roddy as his mother so affectionally refer him, were already sitting there. He gave them a look of disdain and turned his attention to his grandfather lying on the bed with tubes poking in and out of his nostrils and arms. He approached his side, looking down at him. He seemed so old and fragile all off a sudden. Alex reached out his hand to lightly squeeze his grandfather's hand. Old William Sr. opened his eyes. It took a while for him to adjust his focus on Alex face.

"My boy. You are here," croaked the old man.

"Shh... don't talk. You need to rest. Now be good and close your eyes. I'll be here," Alex said reassuringly to him.

Old man William Sr. gave Alex a feeble smile and closed his eyes. Soon he fell into a peaceful slumber knowing his grandson was next to him. Alex slowly eased his hand off his grandfather and motioned his stepmother and stepbrother to step outside.

"What are you two doing here?" Alex queried non-too friendly.

"What do you mean what are we doing here? Roderick is his legitimate grandson too! And in case you forgot I am still his daughter and that makes you my stepson legally whether you like it or not!" answered his stepmother haughtily.

Alex looked at them with distaste. God, she looked like a tart still after all these years and Roddy looked fucking stoned. Meanwhile Roderick was trying to light a cigarette. The bodyguard immediately stepped up to him and pulled the cigarette off his mouth. "I am afraid no smoking here Mr. Roderick." The bodyguards were hired by Alex to take care of his grandfather. They never addressed the pair as Mr. Jefferson or Mrs. Jefferson but by their first name. Roderick looked up at the bodyguard, muttered 'fuck' under his breath and slumped down on the sofa. Alex turned his attention back to his stepmother.

"Let me guess. You thought the old man would be a goner and you just want to know what was in his will." It was more of an accusing statement rather than a question.

"Don't you put words into my mouth! Who has been taking care of him while you were away 'studying' all those years? ME! So give me a little respect!" Marie snorted at him.

"I will give you your respect if you would be kind enough not to screw the gardener or the pool cleaner right under my grandpa's nose. Or were you trying to hasten him to his grave, so you and your no good of a son could get your filthy paws on the family's inheritance?" When Alex gets angry everyone cowered. Marie saw the flames in his eyes and knew not to argue any further. Besides what he has said was true. She tried not to be intimidated by his hard stare but failed miserably. She turned and dragged her cocaine stone son along. Alex gave orders to his bodyguards that his grandfather was not to be disturbed at all. There would be no visitors at all including Marie and Roddy other than the doctors and nurses that were appointed to. His long time friend Ian watched all these quietly by the side. He finally patted Alex on the shoulder and gave him a sympathetic look.

"I'll be fine," he assured his friend.

"I'll get a cot up for you in the room. If you need anything else, Kathy the nurse will attend to you as well. She was assigned to care for your grandfather. Don't think. She is a motherly figure, not your type."

Alex gave his friend a strain grin. "That would be the last thing on my mind right now. Thanks for the arrangement though. Appreciate that."

Ian gave him a smile. "Don't mention. I still need to do my rounds and get some reports up. Call me if you need anything else." Ian gave him an extra pat on the shoulder and walked off.

There were several reasons why Marie and Roderick still lived with the Jefferson. Alex's father drew up a will before his death that should anything happened to him, Marie and Roderick will still continue to live in the Jefferson Estates. And as long as Marie were not to remarry and still carry the family name, she will be treated as a Jefferson and she will have access to the main manor. Alex's father has also divided up his wealth to Alex and Roderick with the largest proportions to Alex but on condition that he was not to kick his brother out otherwise his part of the share would be forfeited. Not that Alex was bothered about the part of his share in properties would be forfeited but more out of respect for a dead person's wish.

Alex was of course disgusted to stay in the same house with his stepmother and stepbrother. So when he came back from Europe after completing his study has build an adjoining wing to the main manor. He took over the new wing thus affording him his own privacy but yet able to monitor the coming and going of the main manor with the so many security cameras that he has installed. His own bedroom was huge, almost the size of a tennis court. Beside his luxurious king size bed, there was a multiple colored LCD screens mounted on the high wall which he hides behind an electronic control heavy drapes. He could zoom in or out the images on the screens with a touch of a button on the remote control. Next to his bedroom was an additional room, half the size of his bedroom, which was converted into a mini office with all the usual hi-tech and latest gadgets. His grandfather has however insisted staying in the main manor because that was where he has lived almost all his life and he will not move out just to avoid the pair of 'freaks' as he called them.

Alex was by no means a saint, he was after all a hot-blooded male in his prime but he chose his bed partners carefully. You would not have caught him with his pants around his ankles shafting his rod in just any woman just about anywhere. Most of the women he dated were of high society and after a night of passion with Alex would keep their mouth shut. And never in his thirty-six years have he ever bought a woman back to his home. Although the hungry media would have guessed his sexual prowess but they could never so much of getting a picture of him sneaking out of a hotel or an apartment. He was always so slick and secretive with this movement. In actual fact, the editors of various newspapers company around Philly were warned to stay away from Alex Jefferson. Now, not only was he rich but he has the means to buy over the whole company if he so much desired it. One would think twice to meddle with him.

After making sure his grandfather was safely and snugly sound asleep he took off his jacket and lain on the cot that Ian had provided. His thoughts reverted back to Aida Gonzalez with the hazel eyes. A smile played on his lips remembering her spirit and sharp tongue. She was going to be a handful he mused and slowly drifted into a deep slumber.

To be continued...



It's Just a Business Transaction Ch. 03



It WAS a mistake accepting that dance from Alex Jefferson she realized. She thought it was only a dance but was she wrong! Ever since that night Sonja has treated her even worse than before. She would find means and ways to degrade and lashed out at Aida for the tiniest mistakes. To make matter worse the next couple of days she kept receiving roses from Alex. There were no messages just his initial, A.J on the cards. That made Sonja even more livid.

Aida suffered silently from Sonja's unreasonable behaviour. She was angry with Sonja yet she dare not retaliate. After all she was the hot property of La Broadway and she was sure even the director and producer would not want to antagonize her. She was angry with Alex Jefferson and his silly flowers and she has no way in contacting him to tell him to stop sending her flowers and mostly angry with herself for accepting that stupid dance. And SHE was angry with Greg because after that night and what with the flowers, Greg had seemed somewhat act cooler towards her. Sometimes she thought Greg might have like her a lot more than just a friend. But Greg has never really made any moves towards her or even expressed it. If Greg were really to like her then he was sure clever enough to hide it well from her. She does like Greg. He was funny, helpful, loving to his sister and decent looking. Come to think about it, the odd thing she noticed was he never actually had a girlfriend apart from her. He treated all the female crews and casts nicely but you wouldn't catch him flirting with one. He always seem to put the females at arm length should they even show a hint of liking him. Aida had even tried non-too successfully to get some answers out of Wendy. But Wendy would evade the issue about her brother's personal life and change the subject.

The following weeks there were no more flowers from Alex Jefferson and she heaved a sigh of relief and it seems that Sonja had cool down. A month later, this morning, like all other mornings, she and Greg has drove down to the theatre for their usual rehearsal. But something was not right. There were police cars in front and back of the theatre. Greg parked his car and no sooner both of them were out of the car, two police officers approached them.

"What is your purpose here?" asked one of the officers.

"We worked here. We are both actors," answered Greg.

"May we see some identification please?"

Greg handed over his driving-license while Aida fished out her EAD for the officers. After checking their credentials, the police officers nod to each to other. Greg was handed back his driving license but has kept hold of Aida's EAD. 

"Would you follow us please maam?" one of the police officer said.

Aida was confused and looked to Greg for support.

"What's going on, officer?" Greg asked.

Without answering Greg, the police officer grabbed hold of Aida's forearm and non-too gently pulled her back stage. There the director, crews and casts had assembled. She was being led to her dressing room, which she shared with some other girls. 

"Detective, this is she. Aida Gonzalez," the officer that was holding her announced to a large man with his back towards her seemingly holding some stuffs in his hand. He turned around and she saw a slightly balding man with sleepy eyes looking down at her small frame. In his hand he was holding a big packet of white substance that looked very much like flour. Cold spread throughout her body and she shivered slightly. She don't like any of this one bit. Her instinct told her something is very wrong here and it involved her.

"Miss Gonzalez, I am Detective Hudson. Is this your locker?" the large man asked her

Aida could only nod.

"We found this in your locker. You know what this is?"

Aida shook her head too afraid too speak. Meanwhile the officer who was holding her handed her EAD to Detective Hudson. He looked at it and handed it back to the officer.

"Have you made a run on her yet?"

"Yeah Burns made a run. No previous criminal records."

Upon hearing the word criminal record, Aida found her voice. She asked anxiously "Can someone tell me what's going on here please?" 

"Well, Miss Gonzalez. This...," Detective Hudson points to the packet he was holding with gloved hands, "is first grade cocaine. It's one kg and it's worth about two million US dollars on the street. Now you wouldn't mind telling me how you came into possessions of it?"

The world seems to swim around her. For a moment she thought she was going to faint. Cold sweats poured out from her skin. She could only shake her head. "I...I... don't know..." she choked on her words.

"It was in your locker..."

Greg rushed forward to try and defend her. "Hey, just because you found it in her lockers doesn't confirm it's hers. Someone could have planted it there to sabotage her or someone could have misplaced it there?!"

Sonja sickening sweet voice came through before the Detective could say anything. "Now why would someone want to sabotage her? Not that she is well known. Besides she IS from Mexico and we all know how well off she is? She would probably think the fastest way to make money is by selling some drugs. I mean look, how much can a small time actress like her earn?" Sonja was positively trying to kill Aida so to speak.

Before Greg could rebuke, Detective Hudson put up his hand. "Ok, that's enough and who are you?" he asked Greg.

"Johnson, Greg Johnson. I am her friend."

"Now don't make a scene, no pun intended. We have to bring Miss Gonzalez down to the office for questioning and I am afraid to say you might have to be in the lock-up as this is no small amount. It's one whole kg," he stressed emphasizing the amount. "I'm afraid in this case Miss Gonzalez is guilty until proven innocent."

He next turned to the director, "You will understand that everyone here will be asked to give statements and their utmost cooperation. So I don't want anyone going or leaving until all statements are recorded down." The director could only nod numbly at him.

Sonja on the other hand wasn't going to let this go that easily. "Huey, this is all your fault for hiring on third world citizens! Don't get me involved. I've got my reputations to take care of!" With a huff and a fluff, she walked out of the dressing room.

"Peachy isn't she?" Detective Hudson grimaced. Huey the director could only shrug in resignation. "Ok, let's go Miss Gonzalez." The police officers bundled her off.

Aida was numb. No, this is just a play. Which part was that? And what act? Her befuddled mind screamed. Oh my god! I forgot my line! What's my line?

At the downtown police headquarters, she was being questioned and questioned over and over again on how she came into the cocaine. Aida denied vehemently any knowledge of it, which was true. Since the sheer size of the cocaine, she was held in lock-up. She needed to set up a bail. Greg came later with Wendy to see her.

"How are you? You need anything?" Greg asked.

"Just get me out of here Greg. I am scared. So very scared," fear in her eyes.

"Ok, we are trying. Good thing is you are allowed bail. Bad thing is..." Greg hesitated.

"It's the money, Aida," Wendy continued for her brother.

Aida looked at the pair of brother and sister and blurted, "How...how much for the bail?" She was afraid to ask.

Greg didn't look at her when he said softly two hundred and fifty grand.

"WHAT! TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY THOUSANDS???!!!" She almost screamed. "Where am I to get that kind of money? She looked frantically at Greg and Wendy.

"I've thought about it. Maybe we could approach the company for a loan..." Greg suggested.

"That's it! I can ask Huey for a loan, can I? He will agree, no?!" Panic rising in her voice. Her face was pale. Her usually lustrous beautiful raven hair hung limp. She looked a total wreck now. How was it that in just a few hours could turn her life upside-down?

The next day, news of her, a small time stage actress, got arrested for suspicion in drug trafficking splashed across most major newspaper. She was instantly 'famous'. She had only three days to raise the bail. Her company has turned her down flat. There was no way she could raise that kind of money in such a short time. Greg and Wendy have been to see her again. Greg told her he even tried to get a loan from Rupert but turn up nothing. On the last day something unexpected came up. The warden announced she had a visitor. It wasn't Greg or Wendy. It was a bespectacled guy in an expensive classic suit that turned out to be a lawyer.

"Miss Gonzalez, My name is Dilbert Longman. This is my card. I am here to represent you and to settle your half a million-dollar bail. If you could follow me please." He stood aside to let her passed but she was rooted to the jail cell floor.

Aida wasn't sure if she heard him correctly. She took the card from the guy and looked at it. It was one of the top law firms in the whole of Philly.

"Miss Gonzalez?"

Aida was speechless. Who would have paid two hundred and fifty thousand for her bail? No wait, did he said half a million dollar instead??? And how was it no one inform her about the increased in the amount and WHY the sudden increase???

"Miss Gonzalez, do you still want to stay in the cell?" he asked of her.

"N...no..." uttered a bewildered Aida.

"Then come along now. Mr. Jefferson is waiting."

Something didn't make sense. Did he just mention Jefferson? "Jefferson? You mean Alex Jefferson?" she enquired sounding stupid.

"Yes, the one and only Mr. Alexander William Jefferson. Now shall we get going?" the lawyer clipped.

"Wh...where are we going?" Aida asked again sounding more stupid by the minute.

"To his office of course, the procedure of your bail was completed" he explained patiently.

Aida walked out of the cell, out of the police station and into the sunshine. She took a deep breath suddenly feeling alive again even if it seems unreal to her. There, outside the police station was a long black sleek Lincoln Limousine. A chauffer held open the door when he saw them coming out. Aida hesitated wondering what should she do, to board or not to board.

"Please, Miss Gonzalez," Dilbert Longman made a gesture with his hand indicating for her to climb aboard the car. She didn't know what else to do or think, guess the best thing was to follow instructions. So she climbed into the limousine twisting her hands in anxiety wondering what to expect next. Some time later they pulled up at the vast entrance of a tall magnificent building, Jefferson Plaza. The chauffer came around to open her door. There was no need to say anything. It looks like Mr. Dilbert Longman expected her to follow into the building as he was already striding towards the foyer and follow she did. The security officers tilted their hats at his direction. They walked towards the lift lobby and Dilbert Longman inserted a card into a slot on the wall and one of the lift doors opened. This has to be a private lift, she thought. She was not wrong. There were only five buttons on the lift panel and one of it read, Penthouse. It seems they were riding forever inside the lift. Finally after what feels like eternity, there was that ding sound to indicate they have reached their destination. The lift doors opened up to a very spacious lobby with blue plush carpet that sinks down an inch when you step on it. The lobby was tastefully designed with what look like a Renoir hanging on one of the wall and antiques on the other side. Further up a smartly dress yet slightly elderly lady with a neat bun came forth to greet them.

"Mr. Jefferson is expecting you, Miss Gonzalez. This way please," she said with a smile.

She was led to a massive handsome oak door behind her desk and opened it for her. Hesitantly she entered the door and watched it close behind her with a soft click. She felt as though she has entered the devil's den.

"Ah...There you are. Care to have something to drink perhaps?" Came a strong rich voice. Aida looked up and saw Alex Jefferson standing behind his huge desk. She shook her head but he strolled anyway to the large bar counter and poured out two drinks. He came forward to hand her one. She took it with shaking hands. Her fingers momentarily touched his long lean ones and instantly she recoiled as though being scorched.

Alex made a sign of a toast and sipped his whiskey while she hardly touches hers. Alex made a move and took her elbow guiding her to some white sofa. "Sit down," he said gently but firmly. She felt uncomfortable with his gesture and sat a little farther away from him not really knowing what else to do and all this while she had not even utter a single word. What to say? No words came out from her mouth.

"You know, for an actress you make a clam look more talkative," he said to her amusingly. Now he is making fun of me! She thought miserably.

"I...I don't know what to say," she stammered. He was right. She makes a clam look more talkative!

"How about starting with how thankful you are about the bail?" She looked at him startled. She forgot about the bail and suddenly she felt very ungrateful. He was right again; she had forgotten to thank him.

"Oh! I am so sorry Mr. Jefferson. Please forgive my rude behaviour. I never th... I was... I mean..." She was trying to explain about her behaviour and she thought he looked so serious but then suddenly he burst out laughing. His laughter sends that familiar shiver down her spine again.

"I was only joking. You looked so uptight. I thought of loosening you up a bit," he said amusement in his voice.

She stared at his face looking for any hidden message but there was none. There was laughter in his opaline green eyes that matched the smile on his lips. "I don't know how I could ever thanked you. It was so surprising." 

The past few days' ordeal suddenly rushed to the surface, which she had been trying to suppress and she felt so overwhelmed by the whole incident that she started crying.

She started babbling about what had happen to her even though he did not ask her. He did not stop her but just let her poured it all out. He handed her some Kleenex to blow her nose. She took huge gasp of breath to calm herself. Her nose was red and her eyes puffy with all the crying. She looked...sexy. He thought amusingly.

After taking control of her emotions again, she speaks calmly now. "Thank you Mr. Jefferson. I don't know what else to say."

"Call me Alex," he offered. "You understand your ordeal is not over yet, I am sure."

She nodded.

"So tell me what is your plan?" he asked of her. Plan? She never even thought of that. In fact her mind was still in turmoil, she could not think about anything let alone plan!

"I...I really don't know but I do know I am innocent. Whoever plants it there, plans to get rid of me for whatever reasons yet I could not think of anyone who could be so malicious. I have done nothing wrong to anyone. I swear it's not mine. You gotta believe me," she said a little strongly, her old fighting spirit back again.

"I believe you but what will the juries say? You need a good lawyer to fight your case. Mind you my dear, that thing is one solid kg and first grade," he stressed. He sounded just so like the detective emphasizing on the weight lest she forgets.

"BUT I did not touch it!" she replied a little more stronger and feeling hopeful.

"Oh? You haven't read the newspaper yet I guess?" he said not so much of a question but a fact. He got up and went back to his desk to retrieve the newspaper. He walked back and handed it to her. She looked questioningly at him then began to read the newspaper. Her face turned pale and then green. She felt almost sick.

"NO! It's impossible!" she cried this time loudly. She looked wildly around. "They made a mistake. It has to be a mistake!"

Then it dawned on her why half a million-dollar as bail and not two hundred and fifty thousand instead. She was so miserable that she had not even asked why there was an increased in the amount for her bail. Now she knew why. They found her fingerprints on the packet. But how could it be when she had not even touched it?

"Do you trust me?" Alex asked of her.

What kind of question is that! She thought. Does she trust him? She hardly knew him! She looked at him as though he suddenly has sprouted tentacles on his head with extra arms.

"Do you trust me, Aida?" he asked her firmly this time calling her name for the first time.

"I don't know. What do you want me to say?! I am so confused," she replied truthfully.

"Ok, listen carefully. I have a business proposal for you," he said, never taking his eyes of her.

"Business proposal?" Aida questioned, feeling weirder and weirder with the whole situation. "I don't know anything about business. What can I do for you? What kind of business are you talking about? I don't even have the means to pay my bail let alone to have the money to invest in any business plan?" A torrent of questions rushed out of her.

"Shh... shh... calm down and take a deep breath," he shushed her gently. She took a deep breath as he has suggested.

"I don't need your money in this business plan. I want you," he stated matter of fact.

She looked at him with her mouth open but no sound came out. She thought he would burst out laughing telling her he was only kidding like before but she realized he was serious.

"Yes, I am very serious," as though reading her thoughts. "When I am talking about business, I don't joke about it. To me every business is an investment be it small or large. I want you to marry me for the duration of one year. You will get a monthly allowance and enjoy all the perks as Mrs. Jefferson. On top of that you will get the US citizenship. Isn't that what you want? You wanted a green card and I am giving you more. At the end of the contract, you will receive three million dollars to do as you wish. The money will be credited into whichever account you choose once the contract expire."

It sounded like one of her rehearsed play; only it wasn't a play at all. He meant every word he said, she realized. Aida was shaking her head when he finished talking.

"NO!" Aida spoke loudly still shaking her head.

"No? You won't marry me or no you don't agree to the terms?" he queried her.

"No! I mean this sounds too crazy! So...so unreal!" she cried frustratingly. Suddenly she stared hard at him. "Hold on a second here! Did you set me up with... with this drug thing?" she asked accusingly.

"Why would I want to set you up?" he asked her back gazing at her intently, piercing her with his opaline green eyes. It was too distracting. She tried to out stare him but she could not. She had to turn away before she do something stupid like...like what? She was truly confused now. She thought the world would not get madder and weirder than this.

"It's perfectly normal to have this kind of business transactions in US. I am sure I am not the first to propose such a business plan," he told her trying to reassure her. "It's perfectly legitimate the whole thing."

"I know it does happen in US but it don't happen to ordinary people like me. It happens to celebrities like...like Ivana Trump or...or Anna Nicole Smith. Ok, you said you didn't set me up with this drug thing but why me. Why choose me as your business plan?" she asked of him more frustrated than ever.

"You have a clean record. You don't do drugs not even smoke. You don't drink, well hardly a drinker," looking at her still full glass he had handed her earlier. "You are in trouble now. You need help. You don't have a family. You are single. Technically you don't have a boyfriend here or back in Mexico. Let's just say I am hiring you for a year to be Mrs. Jefferson. More like a personal assistant. Will that make you feel better? You are to work for me. Just treat me as your employer. In exchange, your duty is to take care of my grandfather. He needs a woman's touch. You are to be my companion for all the functions I am to attend cos' I don't have time to arranged for companions and you are to become the perfect hostess should I need to hold any functions myself and I don't want any unnecessary gossips about my personal life, at least for a while. On top of that I don't want any complication, that's to say I don't want a real marriage that ends up in messy divorce where my properties will be contested or to settle a large sum of monies." That said he took a drink again from his glass.




It's Just a Business Transaction Ch. 03



"Woah, slow down. How do you know so much things about me?" she asked quizzically.

He gave her a faint smile, "Let's just say when I plan to invest in a business or project, I do a thorough extensive research on my potential project. I am a businessman and my main focus is profits. Of course I can't guarantee every business yields 100% profits but I will still give it my best. There will still prone to be risk in any kind of investment." He patiently explained to her while looking at her face for her reactions.

"Also..." he continued. "I can get you out of this mess. Now let me tell you, if you walk out of this door, you will be hounded undoubtedly. Your ex company would decide to sue you since the incident happen while you were under their employment. You will have to attend court sessions. I would not ask you back for that half a million. I will just take it as a bad investment on my part BUT you will be on your own. You will have to hire your own lawyer. I doubt any lawyer would take your case without any money. Of course you will be appointed a lawyer by the court of their choice since you can't afford one. I sincerely doubt they can do a good job in defending you. Assuming you lost, we are looking at; at least fifteen years jail time? By then you would be... thirty-six?" He was all business when he paints the picture to her.

"AND...I can tell you even if you were proven innocent, your company now would not take you back or most company would not as they would not want any future involvement. You would lose your EAD or any chance of obtaining a green card and you will have to go back to Mexico. Is that what you want?"

The picture he painted for her was getting bleaker and bleaker. Does she really don't have a choice?

"I'll understand you need to think about this business transaction. I'll leave it to you to think it over. I'll be in my other office. You have an hour starting now." He did not even wait for her to answer but got up and walk to another door and disappeared behind it.

Everything seems crashing down on her too fast for her to digest. She needed to talk to somebody and she wished she could talk to Greg now. He would at least help her out or could he? She felt so miserable and wished there was a hole she could crawl into. Maybe if she closed her eyes, all her problems would just go away?

Was that really so bad to be Mrs. Jefferson in name only? He said it would be like working for him, right? What so difficult with taking care of an old man, his grandfather? Wouldn't that make her a personal nurse? Come to think about it, she does know how to take care of old folks. Hadn't she done some social work back at Mexico at some old folks home when she had the time? Going to functions and arrange for functions sounds easy enough. All she has to do is to smile and as an actress, wasn't that what she was paid to do? To act? Oh wait; there is one very important thing. Sex! Was she expected to perform that on him? The thought brought a deep blush on her face. She doesn't even know how to kiss properly, let alone to have sex! Ok another thing, if they were to have sex, was she suppose to provide a child? So this business transaction thing is not actually that simple. 

She looked at the digital clock on the wall and realized she has only less than half an hour to come to a decision. She felt a throb coming on and she put her fingers on her temple to massage them. The truth was she actually has nothing to lose but everything to gain. It's only for a year and then she would be free again to pursue her life and her passion. She finally came to a conclusion, she would do it! Her mind made up and she stood up and walked to the other door. Once again she took a deep breath to calm herself and knock on the door. The door opened and standing next to it was Dilbert Longman. Alex was lounging in his chair, behind a table with his back facing a huge glass windowpane that oversees almost all of Philadelphia. It was certainly a beautiful view.

She tries to read his expressions but could not fathom out anything just a hint of smile on his sensuous lips. Did she just say sensuous? Why did she use such a word? They are about to enter into a business deal so quit the theatrical drama. She chided herself quietly. Neither man spoke. She realized they were expecting her answer.

"Mr. Jefferson. I have made my decision. I...I will accept the proposal," she announced trying not to quiver but it shows up in her voice.

"Excellent decision Aida. Now we can get down to business. Dilbert here will..." before he could finish Aida interrupted him.

"Please Mr. Jefferson, but I need to speak to you in private for a moment about...about some issues here before I sign the contract." Dilbert Longman took the hint and immediately left the room, closing the door behind him quietly.

"Well, it's just you and me. What other things are bothering you? Is the amount not agreeable?" he asked her questioningly.

"No, no, it's more of a nature issue." Shit, does she have to blush now? "It's about my duty as Mrs. Jefferson. You did say it's more like an employer/employee relationship but would you...would you...expect..." Damn, why isn't he helping her out now. Does he have to look at her so intensely with his eyes? He seems to be enjoying himself making her squirm.

"You were saying?" He was definitely not going to help her out in that area! She will have to come clean about it. Wouldn't he have guessed her meaning? She decided to put it another way.

"Ok, what if I break the contract mid way, what will be my penalty?"

"Glad that you asked that question. Ok, you know and I know you will not have the monies to pay back on what I would have invested in you, say six month down the road and you decided to call it quit. It would be very simple. I won't send you to jail. I have no intention to be that ruthless BUT you will not step on to the soil of America ever again. You will be stripped off everything other than the clothes on your back and immediately deport back to Mexico on the fastest available flight. HOWEVER, should you even try to enter by any legal or illegal means, my resources will know and they would not hesitate to haul you to jail without so much of a trial. I think that is fair enough, don't you think so?"

"Yes, yes that was quite...quite fair," she reluctantly agrees with him.

"Then that is settle. I will get Dilbert to..."

"Wait, wait a moment..." she interrupts him again. He raised an eyebrow at her.

"You have something else to add?" he asked.

"Yes, yes," she said hurriedly. "In fact I have two things to add." Oh god! She has to do this whether she like it or not. Damnit pretend you are on the stage rehearsing a play.

"There is this issue of consummation and procreation. Am I expect to...to perform them in line of duty?" Oh God! Please don't laugh at me! Please don't laugh at me! She prayed.

She waited for his outbursts of laughter. The minutes ticked away. He did not. Very slowly he stood up from behind his desk and walked behind her chair.

"You meant to ask me if I were to expect you to perform any sexual act and if by accident you happen to conceive, what would happen to the baby? Is that what you want to know?" His tone has dropped a quaver or two down. "Do you want to?" He asked her softly almost a whisper.

She tries to turn behind to look at him but he put his hand on her shoulder preventing her to do so. And she noticed his hand was very warm on her skin even though there was a fabric separating her skin from his hand. She shivered ever so slightly and would have been sure he felt it.

He asked her again, "Do you?"

"No! Of course not! But it's better to have every little details iron out now so as not to have any complications in the future!" she answered a little hotly.

"So what's the problem then? Everything is good. Right! Let's get this over and done with." He pressed the intercom on his desk. "Marla, could you send Mr. Longman in please?"

A second later Dilbert Longman entered holding what look like a large thick file beautifully and professionally bound followed by Marla the smartly dressed lady. This must be the contract. Businessmen sure acts quick. They don't waste time dilly-dally do they? Seeing the contracts now, would she get cold feet and chicken out? Anyway what is the point of chickening out when there is nothing for her out there but troubles?

"Mr. Jefferson, Miss Gonzalez, please read, agree and sign on the dotted lines," Dilbert Longman greeted them respectfully.

She watched Alex Jefferson efficiently and so business-like turning the pages, perusing and signing with a flourish of his pen while she was caught up in an emotional upheaval. It felt like as if she were selling her soul for some dark purpose. She closed her eyes for a second, gritted her teeth, steeled her heart and sign on the dotted line. Alex watched her from the corner of his eyes; the faint smile never left his lips. After what seems like an eternity, Dilbert Longman checked through the contract to make sure that everything was in order and announces in a formal tone that the business transaction between Alexander William Jefferson and Aida Mina Gonzalez was now sealed and consider legal binding taking effect as of today's date and time naming him Dilbert Robert Longman as first witness and Mrs. Marla Therese Josef as second witness. I have just been sentenced to death, she thought grimly.

"Mrs. Jefferson. Your presence is requested this Friday at 3.00pm at the Luzerne County Courthouse to solemnize the marriage. You may bring a friend or a relative to act as a witness to the union," Dilbert droned on and on. She thought she heard roaring in her ears.

It was Alex who snapped her out of her befuddled mind. "Aida, my chauffer will send you back to your apartment. I have a late meeting to attend to otherwise I would have send you back myself. Don't be late for your wedding this Friday," he added with a devilish grin. Should she shake hands with him? After all they just concluded a deal. She did not have to. He had walked out through the door leaving Longman with her.

"Mrs. Jefferson, shall we go?" It took her a moment for her to register that Longman had addressed her as 'Mrs. Jefferson'. How foreign and unrealistic it sounded. She just realized that she dreads Friday.

To be continued... 



It's Just a Business Transaction Ch. 04



"WHAT!!! YOU GOT MARRIED?? BUT HOW?" Wendy shouted unbelievably at Aida. Greg on the other hand looked at her as if she had just told them a sick joke. A terribly sick joke.

"It's not funny Aida," said Greg.

Aida looked at the floor, hands in her jeans, "I am not, Greg," said Aida with dead seriousness in her voice. Aida then related to both the brother and sister about her bail right up to the business transaction with Alex Jefferson.

"Aida, do you know what you got yourself into? Why does he want to help you? Who are you to him? You...you don't even KNOW him," says Greg hotly feeling frustrated. He runs his fingers through his sandy brown hair. Wendy could only looked at her brother than at Aida, back to her brother again, a worried look on her cute face.

"I really don't know, Greg. At that moment it seems like a pretty good solution!" said Aida distressingly.

"Void the contract Aida. Call him now to tell him the deal is off," Greg suggested.

"I can't Greg, I really can't. It's legal binding. I don't have money to pay him back and I wouldn't have money to pay for any lawyer to represent me!" said Aida a little too shrilly.

"Yeah, it's all about money isn't it..." said Greg giving her an ugly look.

"What is that suppose to mean, Greg? You don't think I really had anything to do with that cocaine thing, do you?!" said Aida, suddenly feeling very betrayed with Greg for doubting her innocence.

"Yeah, then why won't you break the contract?" said Greg angrily.

"Oh, what do you suggest after I break the contract prematurely? Hide in a hellhole for the rest of my life? As if being face with a potential lawsuit for suspicion of having cocaine is not enough and now you want me to get into trouble with the Jefferson??!!!"

Aida lashed back at him letting go all the pent-up frustration in her. 

Meanwhile Wendy put her arms around Aida to show her support and said to Greg, "Greg, I think you are overboard. With our incapability where the lack of monies are concern, do you think we could be able to help Aida with her problems?" Wendy stared at her brother. "Well, do you?" Wendy challenged.

Greg tries to think of something to counter Wendy, he opens his mouth to say something but no words came out. He knew what Wendy had said was true. No, they don't have the means to help Aida at all. Feeling ever more frustrated than he already was, he slammed his fist in his palm.

"I am sorry Aida, I don't really mean it that way," said Greg apologetically

"It's ok," Aida sniffed.

"So you want any help in your wedding?" Greg asked feeling sheepish.

"Greg, there will be no wedding but merely to get it legalised at the courthouse. This wedding is not the kind where there will be pomp or celebrations! Except, that I need you two to be there at the courthouse to support me. I can't do this alone. Well, and as a witness to solemnize this so call wedding, you know what I am saying?" said Aida looking dejectedly.

Greg could only nod. He could feel Aida's frustration yet he could do nothing about it. "We'll be there for you Aida," Greg promised her.

The three of them huddled together, hands on each other shoulders, head to head giving support to each other. Since the day Aida was brought in for questioning and was held in the lock-up waiting on bail, her company has dismissed her. They'd sent her a dismissal letter stating that the company has a reputation to maintain and they could not afford to have would be criminals working for them. Aida would have expected it already since Alex has forewarned her about it.

On Thursday morning, Aida had an unexpected visitor in the form of Mrs. Marla Josef and some messenger boys at their apartment door. She was smartly dressed in a navy blue blazer and skirt and black low heel pumps. Aida was surprised by her appearance. Perhaps Alex Jefferson has asked Mrs. Josef to come and inform her that he decided not to go through with the transaction after all? She thought hopefully. No such luck. Mrs. Josef came bearing gifts. She had explained to Aida, that Alex has instructed her to send some gifts over. One of the messengers opened up a long square box filled with tissue and drew out a beautiful cream-colored knee-length dress. The dress was sleeveless; straight cut with three thin straps criss-crossing at the back and the front dipped into a square cut. Along the hem were little pearls sewn on it.

"Mr. Jefferson wants you to wear this for the solemnization, we still have time for alteration should you need it, Mrs. Jefferson," she smiled at Aida. Next she took a small velvet box from another messenger and set it in Aida's hand. Aida looked at Mrs. Josef with mixed emotion on her face. She then opened the box. Inside the box was a huge square cut white diamond ring. It was exquisite yet extravagance. Wendy who was with her gave a loud gasp.

"Holy cow! It's as big as a pistachio nut!" she exclaimed in wonder, her eyes big and round looking at the ring.

Aida immediately snapped shut the box and handed it back to Mrs. Josef. "Tell Mr. Jefferson it's too...too expensive. I can't accept it," said Aida.

It was Mrs. Josef's turn to exclaim looking scandalized. "But you must accept it Mrs. Jefferson! Mr. Jefferson would expect you to wear it. After all it's still a wedding!"

"But Mrs. Josef, you know it's not a real wedding! It's only a business transaction where I offer my service for a paycheck, said Aida exasperatedly.

"Nonsense Mrs. Jefferson! How many wedding does a young girl have in her life? There will be press there too. So it would be advisable..." before Mrs. Josef could finished her sentence, a startled Aida jumped up from her chair.

"PRESS??!!! He didn't mention anything about the press would be there?!" Aida cried, panic rising in her voice.

"Come, come now Mrs. Jefferson. After all Mr. Jefferson is quite a prominent person in the whole of Pennsylvania. Would you think his wedding would not have caught the attention of the media by now? I even have to sneak up here just now," Mrs. Josef smiled warmly as though it was perfectly alright to be caught by the press getting married to one of the richest man in America.

Aida slumped back down in her seat and buried her face in her hand groaning, "Oh no!"

Wendy sympathetically pats her on the shoulders trying to show her support. Wendy wondered what would her brother have done if he were here? Thank God he left early to the theatre. Mrs. Josef seems delighted that Aida finally accepted her fate and continued showing her some shoes in various patterns and sizes. Mrs. Josef insisted her on trying the shoes out. "Whatever," she muttered and reluctantly chose a pair and stuck her feet in it just to appease Mrs. Josef, wishing she would go away soon. Mrs. Josef then reminded her about the time and told her there will be a car waiting for her at 2.00pm to bring her to Luzerne County. Finally Mrs. Josef departed feeling rather happy with herself that she has accomplished her tasks.

The phone rang and Wendy went to pick it up while Aida sat slumped back at the sofa looking at the ceiling not really focusing. Wendy then called to her "It's for you..." Aida look at Wendy wearily and then dragged her feet over to the phone.

She picked up the phone, "Hello..." her voice sounding unenthusiastically.

"Hi Aida." A deep low voice said. It was he! Alex Jefferson.

"Oh...h...hi," her voice trembled a little at the sound of his voice.

"I hope you like the dress..." he said.

"Erm... thank you, it's er...nice," she answered not really truthfully.

"So have you pack your things or would you need help in that area?" Alex asked.

"Pack my things? Why?" said Aida questioningly.

"You do realize you will be staying with me...no?" said Alex to her.

"Staying with you??" Suddenly it dawned on her that she was expected to stay with him! She knew it! She knew she forgot to add something in the contract! But if they were not going to have sex, (she shuddered at the word sex) why does he need her to stay with him?

"Mr. Jefferson..."

"Alex, Aida..." he reminded her again to call him by his name.

"Right... A...lex, I recalled in our contract that we were not to be involve intimately, so is there a need..." before she could finish he interrupt her.

"Aida, the contract says you are to act as a wife to me for a duration of one year. You are required to live under the same roof with me. Check that out. Anyway wouldn't it look weird for you to stay in your apartment and I at my own? Remember you are carrying my name now, so it's rightly YOU should stay with me. Don't worry, if you think, that you are to sleep on my bed, although I don't mind. My bed is huge enough for two," amusement in his voice.

"No...no...that is not what I meant. I was trying to..."

He interrupts her again, "No? You don't mind sharing my bed?" God! Now he is taunting her.

"NO! I don't mean it that way!" Aida feeling cornered.

He laughs into the mouthpiece. Something must be wrong with her. Every time he laughs in that manner of his, it never fails to send a tingly sensation down her spine.

"Relax, Aida. I fully understand your dilemma. You are to stay in the same house with me though in a different room." NOW he tells her after putting her through the suspense. Inwardly she heaved a sigh of relief and muttered 'thanks' to him. There was still laughter in his voice when he bid her good day and hangs up.

She and Wendy spent the rest of the day packing whatever belongings she had. She would imagine if it was someone she loves and to be married to, the mood would be different. There would be laughter and much celebration even before the actual day itself. Her grandmother would have been so proud and happy for her and beaming with smiles from above. Probably they would even arranged a stud party just for her and unlike now, somber and lifeless. Dinner was made up of two microwaveable pasta and garlic bread, which she could not even finish. All through the day Wendy had nothing much to say too other than pats and hugs to reassure her.

Around midnight, she heard some movements upstairs and decided it must be Greg just returning home. Since she could not sleep she decided to go talk to him. She put on a sweater and went to look for Greg. At his door, she hesitated a moment and then knocked on it. A while later Greg opens the door. He was surprised to find her at his front door at this hour. Also, Aida had not step into his apartment since the last time she helped him shift.

"Can I come in?" she asked Greg.

"Yeah, sure come on in," replied Greg and stepping aside to let her in.

For a guy, Greg kept his place clean. It may be a bit cluttered but nevertheless free from dust and dirty clothing.

"CAn I get you anything? Coffee?" Greg offered.

"Sure," says Aida.

"So you can't sleep?" Greg asked while busying in the little kitchenette. He came back holding a cup for her and sat down next to her.

"Do you think I really made a big mistake, Greg?" she asked.

"What is done is done, girl. No use crying or worrying over it now," said Greg in a resigned tone.

"I thought I had so much going for me. All of a sudden, I found myself gotten framed with some stupid drugs. Worst, I found myself getting 'married' at the age of twenty-one in less than twenty-four hours! Why...why is life so unpredictable?!" Aida laments. Greg could only looked at her.

Suddenly she asked Greg, "Do you like me Greg?" She looked at him questioningly.

Greg was taken aback with her question. "Of course I like you girl..." Greg looks uncomfortably at her.

"I mean do you really, really like me? As in...you know...[like]?" she emphasized the word 'like' a little stronger. Greg just looked at her but did not reply.

"Kiss me Greg..." she asked him.

"Wh...what?" Greg was shocked at her strange request. Instead of waiting for Greg to say anything else, she leant forward and placed her lips on his. Greg lips felt cool but unmoving. She draws back, shocked at her own brazen behaviour and started to apologize.

"I...I am sorry Greg. I don't know what's gotten into me to...to do that." She made a move to stand up. God, I need to get out of here, FAST! She thought embarrassingly, face heating up.

Greg was caught off-guard when she abruptly stood up trying to get away from him. He pulled at her arm.

"No, wait Aida! That's not what I meant! I mean it's not like what you think..." Greg was flustered, trying to find the right words to say to her so as not to hurt her feelings. He was waving his hands then cupped his mouth as no other words come out.

"Don't Greg. I understand. I know you like me as a friend...just a friend. I am sorry if I expected more," she said bitterly, looking at the floor sounding very sad.

Greg tried again, "No, really Aida, that's really not what I am trying to put across to you. Ahh!..." He put his hands on his hips looking at Aida's feet. "I can't tell you now, Aida. All I can say is I am sorry but some day you will understand why...why I can't reciprocate your feelings. But you'll always be my good friend. The first girl that I truly could call a girlfriend without getting involved."

Aida leant forward, put her arms around his waist, head on his shoulder and started crying, sobbing her heart out. They stood there like that hugging each other for a long while. She didn't know when she had fallen asleep but the next morning she woke up to find herself slumped partially on Greg's shoulder with one of his arm on her waist, both of them on the sofa. She lifted her head to look at Greg. He was still asleep. Very carefully she tried to ease out of Greg's hug but he open his sleep-laden eyes. Greg gave a yawn and asked,

"What time is it?" he asked giving another yawn and rubbing his stubble jaw.

"A little past nine," said Aida. Somehow this morning she felt rather refresh even though she had slept sitting on the sofa last night. "Want some coffee?" she offered.

"Might as well," said Greg sleepily. He closed his eyes, leant back against the sofa while Aida busied herself in the tiny kitchenette making some coffee.

"So what are you going to do this morning before two o'clock?" Greg asked Aida with his eyes still closed.

"I don't know. Maybe check through the packing if I have left anything out," her voice drifted out from the kitchen.

That woke Greg up. He sat upright. "Did you say packing?" He asked.

She did not immediately answer him but walked back to the sofa, handing him his coffee and sat down next to him. "Yeah, I have to shift to his place."

"Today?" asked Greg.

"Yes..." Aida clasped her fingers on her knees and gave a nod at Greg confirming her answer.

"So who is helping you with the things?" Greg asked in monotone.

"Well, he called me yesterday to just pack up and he will send someone later for it," said Aida. She was about to add something else when there was a quick succession of loud knock on the door. Greg immediately got up to get the door with Aida at his heels. It was Wendy. She charged in the room and went straight to the window.

"Hey guys, come look over here." Wendy's eyes never left the scene outside the window. Both Aida and Greg gave one look at each other and rushed over to look out. Across the street from their apartment there were about five or six what look like reporters with zoom lens cameras aiming at their direction, snapping away. Then Wendy points towards their building entrance. There, two extremely tall and huge burly black guys in black suits with equally black glasses like those in MIB standing or rather, guarding the entrance to their building.

"They sure got the news fast," said Greg shaking his head.

"I bet there are more behind the building," add Wendy.

Aida did not say anything but you could tell by her look she was disturbed. Just then Greg's phone rang. Greg went to pick up the phone,then looked at Aida and said, "It's for you. I think it's him."

Alex?! How does he know she was up here? She thought, feeling flabbergasted. Slowly she walked over and took the phone from Greg.

"He...hello?"

"Aida? Stay in the house and don't come down till the time comes. I have two bodyguards at your place to make sure you are not to be disturbed. By the way you are cleared of all suspicion on the drugs. They won't be any proceeding. They don't have enough evidence to charge you so the case has been dropped. Hello? Aida, are you there?" Alex called.

"I...I am here," she breathed a sigh of relief when she heard him said her case has been drop. "Thank you, Alex"

"You are welcome. So...I shall see you later," he said languidly.

She was still holding on to the phone when Wendy roused her from her reverie. Once Wendy got her attention, has suggested that they cooked some breakfast, as it's still some time before her 'wedding'. They all decided to go back down to Wendy's place to have their breakfast.

_____

Meanwhile back to Alex. The day Aida signed the contract he has started giving orders that his mini office were to be converted to a very feminine bedroom and cupboards were filled with Aida's size clothing. With his wealth, the order of converting the mini office to a bedroom was done in less than one and a half day. His friend Ian's wife has agreed to help out even though both she and Ian was shocked with his sudden urgent need to wed. Although they have been good friends for years but it's an unwritten rule that none would delve into each other personal affairs if either one did not want to speak or discussed about it. He also made a few calls here and there to the right person and Aida was free from all charges on the drugs. Sometimes money can really do wonders. Money talks and bullshit walks. How true were those words. He has gone to see his grandfather at the hospital and has gently break the news to him. To his surprise his grandfather had taken it very calmly. He would have thought his grandfather would be giving him a piece of his mind but he did not.

"Do what you think is right my boy. I am old now. I can't be meddling with your life and I trust you will do the right thing. You have proved yourself to be a worthy Jefferson exceeding beyond my imagination," he patted Alex on his hands. "So, when do I get to meet the bride or my personal nurse?"

Alex smiled, "Soon, when you are better and I will take you home. I am not going to let you stay here any longer than necessary." He helped his grandfather to lie down and fluffed his pillow making sure he was comfortable. "Grandpa, I need to go now. I will see you later. NOW you be a good boy and sleep and don't give Miss. Kathy anymore troubles.

"Bah! she is a bully. You better get rid of her. Too rigid with the rules," said old man William Sr. trying to look angry but lacking of fire. His grandson just laughed already feeling sympathetic towards Aida. He hope they could get along and he was sure Aida would make a good but unwilling granddaughter.

He too was even surprised with himself why he was so intrigued with Aida. He could easily get her out of the drug charges out of compassion but he wanted to know her like nobody else. There was a genuine innocence about her, her openness and honesty that you can't find in other females these days. And she was not taken in or intimidated by his status or massive wealth. One thing for sure he knows he wasn't in 'love' with her. He cringed inwardly at the word 'love'. He reminded himself again that love is for the die-hard romantic, silly fops or starry-eyed teenagers. He is a man of business, of substance. He doesn't have time to daydream. There is always that corporate for take over or that company to be listed or that business deal to be concluded. It was a heady moment when he could outwit his rivals in the business world. Even the most experienced feared his shrewdness.

He had truly wanted to just help her out with no condition attached but after reading about her in the news, he suddenly has formulated a plan to get her closer to him even if it's for a short time. I guess that is just me. Everything is about business and challenge. He mused. Besides his grandfather does need a woman's touch not just any woman. He could easily hire the best nurse in the whole county but it would not be the same to be taken care of personally by someone close to you like a family member. Ian had playfully suggested Marie and her son, Roderick just to irritate him and has earned the wrath of his handsome friend. Over my dead body. He had told Ian.




It's Just a Business Transaction Ch. 04



He checked the time on his IWC, The Grande Complication on his left wrist. Another hour more and he will be 'married'. How odd the word sound 'married' He mused. At least he didn't waste any time on more flowers or chocolates or mushy words declaring undying love just to get a girl to marry him. It was efficiently and professionally done. Very businesslike indeed.

For the first time in his life he felt he might just have did something reckless. Would this investment yield any profits or was it going to be just a bond he has poorly invested in? Nevertheless he would take the risk. After all he was a risk taker and if a business were to be without risk it would not be fun anymore! 

The black sleek Lincoln limo and some six BMW R1100RT-P police motorcycles glide to a smooth stop right at the entrance of Aida's apartment. The windows were so dark you have to get nose close to them in order to see the passengers inside. The reporters immediately surrounded the limo like hungry vultures determine to get their top story of the century. When news leaked out that the most sought after bachelor of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia was getting hitched the whole state was buzzing with rumours and stories. Of course no one knows the actual fact about his contractual marriage. It was rumoured that Mrs. Marla Josef had secretly called up a few top jewellers to Jefferson Plaza out of the blue. The lucky jeweller had inadvertently let out that Alexander William Jefferson himself has personally selected a wedding ring that was worth an undisclosed amount. From then on the words spread like wildfire. The Thursday evening papers even had pictures of a mysterious woman with scarves and dark glasses leaving Jefferson Estate which turns out to be the cook! Someone confirmed has seen Mrs. Marla Josef went to a rundown apartment bearing numerous gift boxes. Everyone wants to know who was this mysterious woman? How did they meet? How did she managed to capture the heart of the evasive billionaire? Was it a whirlwind romance out of Mills and Boons?

Finally after what seems like ages, a woman appeared in the doorway and was immediately ushered into the limo. Her face was blocked by the burly bodyguards and was immediately surrounded by police officers. The only thing they could make out of her was that long wavy beautiful raven hair that gleams in the afternoon sun.

Aida felt panic sinking in. She was whisked into the limo so fast that she has no time to catch her breath. The crowds outside were almost frenzied. Greg and Wendy was sent ahead much earlier to Luzerne County Courthouse as they did not want to get caught in the pandemonium. Immediately the police officers turned on their sirens and led the way to a private airport where a private helicopter was waiting. Alex has foreseen this entire situation and has arranged for his own private helicopter to pick Aida up. A while later they landed at Luzerne County on a helipad. Again she was quickly whisked off to somewhere.

Finally she found herself walking into the an imposing building from a private entrance with two bodyguards on either side, her legs felt like jelly and her mind hazy. She was quickly led into a chamber. She saw his tall frame immediately as he towered over almost everyone in there, his back to her. Greg and Wendy, Mr. Dilbert Longman, Mrs. Marla Josef and two unfamiliar faces, a man and a woman were there too. They must have heard her enter and they all turned to face her. She has the urged to run out of the courthouse as fast as her legs would allow but she did not. She could not even muster the strength to breathe let alone run. She recalled a movie where Julia Roberts has run away from her wedding not once but many times. If only she has the courage of Julia Roberts' screen character.

The only party that wasn't smiling was Greg, Wendy and she. He came forward to offer her his arm. Hesitantly she linked hers to his. He smiled down at her and gave her a pat on her arm. She felt as though she got jolted with electricity by his touch.

"Glad that you could make it. I was afraid I might have to kidnap you, if you did not make your appearance soon," Alex jokingly chided her but she sensed he meant every word he said. The little party, apart from Greg, Wendy and she laughed along with him. 

"Now shall we get this over with?" Alex asked. She could only nod. The next few minutes went through in slow motion. She thought she heard something like man and wife and someone put a pen on her fingers. Automatically she bent forward and signed on the dotted line, as she had done not so long ago. There, her doom was sealed. There will be no escape now and no way out for one whole year. She has just sentenced herself to jail for the next 365 days but it would seem like eternity.

_____________

Sonja was lounging in her spacious sitting room at her posh apartment, watching the live telecast news about Alexander William Jefferson sudden unannounced marriage to an unidentified woman. She too had caught wind of the news but unable to find out more till today's special announcement and there would even be a livecast. The images on the screen take them to Luzerne County Courthouse. The reporter in the news was rambling away but she did not hear a single word. Her eyes were glued on the screen waiting for Alex appearance. The camera zoomed in close to the Courthouse where Alex has finally emerged with a woman on his arm. The couple was immediately mobbed. They would have been torn asunder had it not for the bodyguards and the police officers that was surrounding them. Finally the camera managed to zoom in on the unidentified woman's face. It was SHE! Aida Gonzalez! How could this happen? Wasn't she supposed to be in jail waiting for trial?? What went wrong with her plan? How on earth did she manage to wheedle Alex to pay for her bail and EVEN marrying her??!!! She could not believe her eyes.

She flew into a rage and grabbed the champagne glass she was drinking from and hurled it at the screen. The screen did not break but the glass shattered. Champagne and pieces of the glass either stuck on the screen or fell to the floor but you can still see the images rather clearly. Alex was positively beaming, looking stunningly handsome and... and happy? Whereas the slut, looking somewhat sullen. She thought furiously. She was seething in anger. Her breath coming in huge gasps. She seized the cordless phone on the table and dial a number. After a while, someone must have taken her call as she was speaking rapidly into the phone. She threw the phone down and grabbed her car keys and a LV handbag. She threw on a scarf, then a wide brimmed hat over the scarf and donned a pair of huge sunglasses. She took the private lift, which took her right down to the basement. The lift doors open. Before she step out, she poked her head out to look left and right to make sure there are no others in the car park before she quickly make her way to her sport BMW. She got in her car and drove quickly off to her destination.

For a woman, Sonja was rather statuesque. About 6' 3" with long straight platinum hair. Probably weighs about 220 lbs. Not that she was anything but fat on the contrary she was surprisingly very muscular. She looked like one of those Miss. Olympia. She work out five times a week with a trainer that occasionally ends up in her bed. She was also well trained in Jujitsu and on top of that, an undisclosed sharpshooter. Nobody really knows her background. Rumour had it she might be a bastard child of an unknown actress with a famous politican but it was all so vague no one could really confirmed. All they know was some ten years ago a young, nobody actress appeared on one of a play written by a well known play writer and overnight was shot into instant stardom. No one dared to ask, even the reporters could not dig out her past. Everyone was aware of her temper and maliciousness. But she could turn on her charm just as easily. Her list of conquests easily runs into hundreds including some top shot names. Alex was one of her conquest, well almost. They were on her bed kissing and sucking and just before getting into the final act of raw fucking, when Alex had got up and left just like that. She had asked him to bend over so she could strap on a dildo to fuck him in the ass. 

"Sorry lady, I am not getting fucked in the ass," and has walked off leaving her frustrated and unfulfilled. She was practically shouting obscenities from her perfect, plastic surgery operated lips at his retreating back. But the next day she was all sweet-tempered again and fawned all over Alex asking for forgiveness. But Alex never went to bed with her again no matter how hard she tried to entice him. Alex could sensed there was an evilness in her.

About twenty minutes later she came to a seedy motel and park her sport BMW at a secluded spot. Just before she got out, she would make sure the coast was clear and quickly made her way to Room 1124 way off from the others. She gave a knock and the door was opened immediately. She let the brim of her hat almost down all the way to her face and spoke in a low tone to a flashy dressed guy with chunky gold rings on all his fingers. Next, she handed the guy some money and he left. She entered the darkened room and closed the door. She was getting out of her clothing already. Within minutes she was almost naked apart from the slinky leather bra and thong and her ridiculously high heel leather boots that came up almost to her thigh. From her handbag she retrieved a strap-on huge black dildo, which she puts on, a small sharp knife and a whip. Slowly she made her way to the open door bedroom. Lying on the bed was a naked girl with black hair not much older than Aida. Sonja has specifically asked for a Mexican hooker and to address her as 'mistress'. The hooker was blindfolded, her hands tied behind her. She was writhing slightly on the bed. 

Sensing someone was in the room with her the hooker asked, "Mistress, is that you? Your slave is waiting. Come please discipline me, I have been very naughty," she begged of her.

Sonja needed no further coaxing. Instantly she whipped the girl with all the pent-up anger. At first the girl was moaning wantonly as if she was enjoying the punishment, but soon she was practically shouting for Sonja to stop as she had sensed the bdsm were getting too painful to endure. Every part of the girl was now covered with purplish welts and blood streaks even her shaven pussy was not spared. Had the girl not been blindfolded, she would have been frighten to death. The look on Sonja's face was of a mad person, with a murderous look. There was a raw gleam in her eyes. She looked at the hooker on the bed with so much hate and spat on her. Next she took hold of the girl's hair and started slicing it off with the small sharp knife. The girl sensed what she was doing and started crying. She was frightened now, extremely frightened. "Please don't kill me!" she pleaded.

"SHUT UP BITCH!!!" For the first time she spoke to the girl. The voice was eerily low pitched oddly distorted. She continued slicing the girl's hair. Some short, some jagged totally uneven. Sometimes the knife would come too close to the scalp and nicked her too and the girl cried out in pain. The girl was still pleading her to stop. Sonja looked around and saw the girl's panties on the chair. She took it and stuffed it into the girl's mouth. She wanted so much to slash the hooker's face and breasts pretending it was Aida's so she could enjoy seeing the blood flowing out but knew better than to do it. Should the hooker dies, the pimp might just turned against her if the police managed to linked the hooker to him and him back to her even though the pimp was unaware of her identity and her secret would be exposed, she can't risk that. She will have to be patient. 

She roughly manhandled the girl and pushed her face down on to the bed while she pull the hooker lower half of the body up on her knees. Without warning she slammed the massive dildo into the girl's ass. The girl's ass has 'tasted' many cocks and dildos before but it was well lubricated then, unlike now. She was practically raped in the ass without any forms of lubrication and it hurts like hell. She could not scream, as her mouth was gagged and her face was press into the bed. She was almost suffocating. Her blindfold now almost soaked with her tears. Still Sonja fucked on savagely. She put her hand inside her thong and began to fingered her clit furiously all the while ramming into the girl's ass. She can feel her orgasm coming so close. She gave a final lunge and felt a powerful orgasm ripped through her body. She collapsed on top of the hooker panting heavily away like an animal. After a while she roughly pulled the dildo out of the girl's ass, which was now covered in blood and shit. 

The girl almost fainted from lack of oxygen and the pain. Sonja looked at the girl in disgust and wiped the dildo on the girl's hair and body. She got dressed quickly and stuffed her toys back into her LV bag then threw some money on the girl. She took another look at the girl coldly and quietly slipped away.

To be continued...



It's Just a Business Transaction Ch. 05



They had taken the private helicopter back to Jefferson Estates after their solemnization but not before Alex made a short statement to the press that were waiting excitedly outside the courthouse about his sudden marriage. What was even more surprising to the world was his marriage partner was none other than the small time stage actress that was supposedly charge with possession of cocaine! 

"Mr. Jefferson, would there be any wedding reception? Could we get an invitation?" one of the reporters asked him hopefully.

"I am afraid there won't be any. I have promise my beautiful bride to a quiet wedding but seems you boys has found me out!" he grinned devilishly for the many cameras. Aida was hiding behind, his back shielding her from the press. Inwardly Aida was grateful for his consideration towards her.

"Could you tell us, how did you two met? We understand just past week of her involve..." another reporter was determined to get to the bottom of the whole affair and had bravely asked a very sensitive question but before he could finish, Alex has interjected.

"My wife has been cleared off all charges. The police department has made a mistake and that is all I can tell you. If you will excuse us, we got a flight to catch so to speak," he gave them his most dashing debonair smile but indicated nonetheless the interview was over. 

There will be no more answers to any more questions. Obviously the crowds were not appeased with such feeble answers. They wanted more. But Alex's bodyguards would make sure no one could get any closer than necessary besides no one would want their cameras smashed. Alex's bodyguards looked like Amazonians. Big, burly and black.

The moment they touched down at Jefferson Estates, servants were running out and line up neatly in a row to greet them. Alex formally introduced Aida to the staffs and the staffs were to acknowledge her as Mrs. Jefferson at all times. Greg and Wendy have followed them to their house too. It was huge and magnificent. The house looks more like a castle. The house was build upon acres and acres of land as far as the eyes could reach. You could see sprinklers lazily rotating watering the lawn making them moist under the hot weather. Aida was indifferent to her new surrounding. Wendy was awestruck with the massive sight of the place even Greg could not help but kept looking around obviously admiring the view.

While they were still up in the air, Alex had introduced Ian and his wife, Nicole to Aida. The ladies exchanged a few pleasant but awkward words and nods. Alex noticed Marie and her no good son, Roderick wasn't at the reception to greet them, not that he missed them or anything like that. In fact he would prefer it this way it's not their business what he does with his own life anyway.

Alex led them all to a wide patio where a long table was covered with white expensive table cloth that was laden with all sorts of food, a big crystal punch bowl with pink looking content swirling inside and even a four tiered wedding cake! A small four men band dressed in Mexican was playing Mexican folk songs! Aida didn't like the look of it one bit.

"Alex, I thought we agreed not to have any reception?" Aida asked non-too happily.

Alex smiled down at this troubled-looking unwilling bride, "Relax, you can hardly call this a reception, can you? Even if you are not hungry, which I sincerely doubt so, your friends and mine would be already. Besides, I AM hungry myself," he softly told her.

"But still, I shouldn't think it's proper to have a wed...wedding cake? Don't you think it's a little out of context to our a...agreement?"

"Hmm...let me try and recall what was in the contract." He theatrically drummed his finger on his chin as though concentrating, much to Aida's annoyance. " It seems to say that there will not be any reception WHICH we are not having one now as there are no other guests! But it never says I can't feed my friends or yours. AND I don't recall that wedding cakes were not allowed!" he smiled at her wickedly.

Oooh, how could he act so cool about the whole thing and so...so cheeky when she was fuming mad. AND she didn't like the way he looked at her. He was making her extremely feeling uncomfortable with his stare. It was full of knowing looks. How come she had the feeling that she might just turned out to be his 'food' by the end of the evening? She looked away from him. She just prayed that he would honoured his words on the contract and that she was not expected to 'perform' on him. Alex then took her arm and linked it to his once again and turned to the little party as if to make an announcement.

"Friends!" he began. "I want to thank you all for coming to the courthouse to witness the solemnization and also for helping out to make this a memorable day. My wife and I would like to propose a toast as a gesture of gratitude to you all." He ended the short speech with a smile and gulped down his drink. Aida could only glared at him. How dare he!

Mrs. Josef was dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief, "I just so love a wedding," saying to no one in particular. While the small group shakes Alex and Aida's hand, Greg and Wendy stood aside not wanting to.

Alex left Aida's side and walked towards the brother and sister and said to them, all seriousness in his voice now. "I just want you to know, my wife and I are glad that you could make it to the solemn..."

"She is not your wife!" Greg interrupted him angrily speaking in a low tone.

"Oh? We have the contract and we have the marriage license to prove contractually and legally that we are married. If she is not my wife then is she yours?" Alex asked Greg coolly.

"I don't know what you are trying to get at, but I intend to find out. And believe me I will expose your scam!" Greg told him hotly.

"Let me ask you something, Greg...did you happen to carry a torch for her all this while? but too chicken to make a move? If that is the case, I feel so sorry for you. I, on the other hand always has a keen eye for good deals. If I think it's a good investment, I will go right ahead and get it. No holding back. Decision has to be made fast and sharp. And in this case, I see something in Aida that suits me perfectly well and I go for it. I don't see anything wrong with it. If there is demand there will always be supply." Alex lectures Greg. Wendy could only looked at the two men. She wonders when they are going to exchange blows soon.

"She is NOT a commodity or an object to be bought or sold" Greg retaliates.

"I don't remember forcing her doing anything against her will. It was her own decision, her choice. She agrees to it. She perfectly well knows what is in for her. I, just merely guide her along," said Alex, dangerously.

"BUT YOU DON'T LOVE HER!" said Greg forcefully but not loud enough for the rest to hear it.

Alex looked at Greg and then gave him a sardonic laugh. "You are still wet behind the ears, Greg. You have a long way to go. What has love got to do with business transactions? Do you feel love when you go to a supermarket to buy a packet of pasta? Or do you feel love for the taxman when he comes knocking on your door for your unpaid taxes? Or do you need to feel love to get your washing done? So tell me, what has love gotta do with life or business.

"You know something Jefferson. You are one cold-blooded bastard!" said Greg scathingly.

"OH, so NOW I am a cold-blooded bastard. Listen! When I do a take-over. I make sure that some people would still have a job and feed their families! If I don't buy over their company and revamped it, can you imagine how many people will be out of job because the company was closing down?! When I build a business, I create jobs. I, the cold-blooded bastard, happen to contribute vastly to our country GDP! Thousands of people working under me, depending on me for their livelihoods and I don't let them down because you know why? I deliver what they want! JOBS! AND unlike some morons like you who THINK, love conquers all!"

Alex is now clearly livid. Oh, no...he is not going to let Greg get away so easily without teaching him a thing or two. No, no, he won't let this happen. He won't let a small time actor teach him about life.

He relentlessly pressed on, "Let me tell you something Mr. Johnson, the shirt you are wearing now, happens to be manufactured in Africa by one of my subsidiaries factory by a poor little girl! WHO, was constantly worrying when was her next meal. SHE, works for me and I pay her US$00.20 for each shirt she sewed. WITHOUT that twenty cents, she would not be able to buy food to fill her empty stomach! WITHOUT that twenty cents she would probably be dead from starvation and no one, NO ONE could be bothered about her filthy corpse lying by the roadside! Or worst, becomes a child prostitutes and got infected with all sorts of diseases! You want that to happen to her?! So tell me again in my face that I am cold-blooded and I will tell you to take a hike! Grow up, Greg. Your world is too small. Love can't filled an empty stomach, business do and ALWAYS WILL!"

He ended that statement and stalked off. Greg's face has turned slightly pale upon hearing his speech. Perhaps he might really have misjudged his intention after all. Wendy could only gulped and look in awed at Alex's back. "Boy, he sure is something, big brother. Ding! Jefferson versus Johnson. One up for Jeffer...umm...sorry Greg, I umm...going to get something to eat," Wendy saw the murderous look on her brother's face and decided to shut up and walk over to Aida, whom by now seems to have relax and was chatting to Nicole easily.

The sun was now setting over the horizon of the vast land of the Jefferson. It creates a surreal feel to the scene before them. Alex announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, I am afraid my wife and I will have to take our leave. There are guests rooms prepared should you have the need for them. Or if you decide to leave our humble abode my chauffer will see you safely home."

Aida looked at him and frowned slightly. Where is he taking me to now? Aida decided to find out. 

"Are we going somewhere, I really want to be with my friends a little longer," she explained.

"I am afraid we have to go Aida. You can talk to your friends any time you want but right now I want you to meet my grandfather. We are going to the hospital. I want you to get acquainted with him. I am taking him home in the next couple of days," he said.

Aida could only nod. All of them decided to go back to their own place instead of staying overnight at Alex's place. Alex then made arrangement for their transportation. Before Greg and Wendy bid goodbye to Aida, they hugged each other. "I think you will be ok here, Aida. I have confidence you will like your new job and I think he will make a good boss," said Greg and indicating his head in Alex's direction.

"I will see you two soon," said Aida with a slight tremble in her voice, her eyes misted over. The pair of brother and sister reluctantly let Aida go and board the car that was waiting for them to take them back to their tiny apartment.

There were still some reporters milling outside the Jefferson Estates but that was as far as they could get. The high security made sure the Jeffersons were safe from the prying eyes of the press. The guests left the estate by the main entrance but Alex decided to go by another route to the hospital to avoid the hounding press. Aida sat next to him in an Aston Martin Vanquish, one of the many luxury cars he owned. The car engine was so quiet and smooth that it almost lull Aida to sleep. It has been the most harried and longest day of her life. She was half asleep when Alex leant over and unbuckled her seat belt for her. She jerked wide-awake. Alex was very close to her, too close for comfort. She can feel his body heat emanate out of him and she feels uncomfortable with their close contact. Alex was watching her with a slight smile on his lips. To break the ice, she asked, "Are we here yet?" averting his eyes.

Instead of answering her question, he said instead, "You look so beautiful and innocent when you were asleep."

Aida didn't know what to say. She felt embarrassed with his compliment? Why does she feel like an amateur who was attending her first audition with butterflies in her stomach? She may not be a lead actress but she WAS and IS an actress! So why does she feel so skittish. He knows he is making her uncomfortable. He liked making her feel uncomfortable, he decided and she does look beautiful. "Come on let's go," he said.

Aida was glad to get out of the car away from him. They took a private lift up to where his grandfather was. His two bodyguards as usual were standing outside the door and immediately greet them when they walked in. His grandfather was still awake and seems to be having some sort of a disagreement with a motherly looking nurse. 

"Mr. Jefferson, please take the medicine. I am under strict order that you are to take your medicine on time and regularly," coaxed the nurse a strain look on her motherly face.

"Nope, the medicine taste awful. Now why don't you flush it down the toilet, better yet why don't you take it yourself? I have enough of medicine. It's medicine in the morning, in the afternoon, evening and even when I was asleep! Oh no, I am not taking one more pill!" cried old man William Sr. adamantly. He closed his eyes and mouth tight. The nurse however noticed Alex was standing by the doorway looking amused.

"Mr. Jefferson!" she exclaimed happily with relief. "Oh...I am so glad you are here. Your grandfather simply refuses to take his..."

Alex smiled at her and held up his hand to indicate to her not to say anymore.

"Bullying Miss. Kathy again, grandpa?" said Alex teasingly.

"You are here! Thought you forgotten all about me and left me at the mercy of this witch!" retorts old man William Sr. He folded his arms on his chest with his head held high a signal to Alex that he was not to be bullied into doing anything he doesn't want to.

Alex could only smile and shake his head. He then sat down by his grandfather's side and took his hand in his, which the old man made a "Harrumph" sound, signaling him he was not going to make it easy for Alex.

"Grandpa, I want you to meet someone." Alex then looked over to the doorway where Aida has been standing nervously watching the scenario before her. Alex nod to her and Aida came forward standing on the other side of the bed instead.

"Grandpa, I want you to meet Aida. Now she is a very nice girl and I don't want you to frighten her off," said Alex sounding playful yet sincere.

"How do you do Mr. Jefferson?" said Aida in a clear voice.

Old man William Sr. turned his head and looked Aida up and down for what seems like minutes, "So you are the girl my grandson spoke about?" Aida didn't know what to reply and decided to just nod her head.

"I say, my grandson does have a fine eye for beauty. A natural beauty." Aida felt her cheeks reddened slightly at his remarks. But the next comment he said, made Aida absolutely blushed crimson red.

"And she got that child bearing hips, she will do Alex," he quipped.

Aida quickly tries to explain the situation, "Mr. Jefferson, I believe there are some misunderstanding here. I am merely just an employee to Alex here..." before she could continue, the old man interrupt her.

"Employee my ass! I'll wager you within three months and he will get you into his bed, you mark my word!" he said triumphantly seeing the stun look on Aida's expressive face. Aida was absolutely aghast at his blatant suggestions. She looked at him in horror! She can see where Alex got his character from. Alex on the other hand was clutching his side laughing hilariously. She glared at him.

"Really, grandpa. You are too much! You will frighten Aida off. If she runs off, I will personally hold you responsible for that. Then I will send Miss. Kathy back to you. Now you don't want that, do you?" warned Alex.

"Don't you dare threatened me young man. I will do what I like and say what I like! If I don't meddle into your affairs, you don't meddle into mine," said the old man. 

Anyone who happened to come across this pair of grandfather and grandson would think, they were having a serious argument but those who really knew them would know they were just bantering with each other.

"Mr. Jefferson! I'll have you know I take my job seriously! Whatever tasks or...or assignments I am being thrown at! And that including force feeding medicine down your throat if I have to!" said Aida a little hotly. "Now if you will excuse me, I will go get your medicine and when I return you will take it! No argument! No compromise!" 

That said Aida turns on her heel to look for Miss. Kathy the nurse.

"She will be the hell of me. What have you got me into?" said the old man, amusement in his voice.

"I told you so grandpa, she is tough! Anyway it's your fault for picking on her," said Alex laughingly. Alex continued to chat with his grandfather when Aida returned with the medicines and a glass of water in her hand.

Aida held out a thimble of medicines and water to old man William Sr. and said in a crisp voice. "Take!" It's not a request; it's more of a command.

The old man looked at her for a while then took the medicines and water from her. He popped the pills into his mouth then drank some water. 

"Swallow!" Aida commanded. He glared at Aida then swallowed the pills.

"Open your mouth wide!" Aida commanded again. He glared at her again but there was admiration in his crinkled eyes too. Never in his ninety years has anyone ever dared to go against him so boldly and now this little chili pepper was commanding him! He heaved a sigh and opened his mouth for Aida to inspect if he had really swallowed the medicines.

"Thank you!" said Aida. She took the glass and thimble from him and walked out the door smartly. I will show you two. I won't get bullied so easily. She thought hotly. After returning the glass, she stood outside the doorway to watch the pair. There was a striking resemblance between the two, apart from the age difference. She could see they shared a close relationship. Both are just equally strong-willed and shrewd. The old man may have mellowed through the years but it's still there. She wondered what kind of person was William Richard Jefferson when he was in his heyday. She was brought out of her deep thoughts when suddenly Alex appeared in front of her.

"Thinking about me?" Alex asked laughingly.

"NO! Of course not! I was just thinking your grandfather must have terrorized the nurses here with his attitude. I can see he is very bossy too but I won't let him boss me around," said Aida firmly.

"Would you let me boss you around then?" he asked of her. She looked at him for a minute before answering. 

"Alex, you are my boss. I will do what is required of me. If I can do it, I will. If I can't I will let you know too. And if I am given a task to do, I will do my utmost to get it done. I can assured you of my dedication," she replied truthfully.

Alex thought for a moment. "Ok, that is fair enough. Let's go home. I am rather tired. Shall we?" 

He walked ahead of her and she followed him right behind. They did not talk the rest of the way home. When they reached back at Jefferson Estate, it was already past midnight. Most of the households were already fast asleep other than the appointed securities by the electronic gates inside the guardhouse. There were no more pesky reporters in sight too.

Aida was getting tired too after all the hustle and bustle of the day. When they reached back to his place, he had showed her to her room. Earlier someone must have been to her old apartment to retrieve her stuffs as there were some boxes remained unpack which she had marked 'PRIVATE'. Alex did not talk much, neither did he wish her good night and walked off further down the corridor to his room. For a fleeting second, she wondered why the sudden change in his mood.




It's Just a Business Transaction Ch. 05



She looked around her own room and just realized this room was bigger than the whole of her old apartment put together. She needed a bath badly. There was a door on one side of the wall. She tried the doorknob but it did not budge. She wondered mildly what room was behind this door. She did not really bother to find out for she wanted a bath and sleep badly. She managed to locate her bathroom adjoining to her bedroom easily. It was big and stylishly designed. There was a shower stall and a counter top with all the usual females' toiletries and a huge oval-shaped sunken bath in the middle of the bathroom. She shook her head. Rich people sure know how to enjoy their lives. She filled the tub with hot water and found some lavender oil and sprinkled some into it. She undressed and sunk into the water. It was wonderfully relaxing.

She let her mind drifted back to the past week from her arrest leading up to today's event and wonder why things could change so fast without warning. Her thoughts flitted to her 'husband' and unconsciously wonder truly what kind of a man is he. She wondered which actress or high society females has ever slept in and used the bedroom and bathtub here. To her utter horror she suddenly had a picture of Alex in bed with some faceless woman! She quickly pushed that thought out of her head. That's bad of me. She scolded herself.

She realized the water had gotten cold and got out of the bathtub. She found some fluffy bathrobes at one of the cabinet and put it on. She gave a scream of terror the moment she stepped into her bedroom, for standing right there against the locked door was Alex's tall broad frame! What's even worse was, he was only wearing a pyjamas bottom! He looked freshly showered as his hair was still damped.

Instantly, she wrapped her arms tight around herself as though it would offer her some protection. If he thinks he is going to take liberty of her, well he would be so dead wrong! She would fight him tooth and nail for sure! She thought furiously.

"What are you doing in my room?! And how did you get in?! Please go!" cried Aida hotly.

"I seemed to recall I have yet to kiss my 'bride', so here I am. My room is just next door to yours. Incase you didn't know this door leads to my bedroom," he smiled lazily at her like a cat waiting to eat its canary.

"And you did say if you were given a task to fulfill you will do your utmost, is that correct? So, here is your first task," saying that he advanced on her.

In her mind she knew what he was referring to. She instantly bolted trying to run back to the bathroom but she was slower by 10th of a second. She found herself caught in his arms from behind. He pulled her back against his broad chest. His strong arms pinned hers in front in a criss-cross fashion, which makes it impossible for her to scratch or hit out at him. She struggled wildly trying to loosen his hold on her but of course she was no matched of his. He was so very tall and all male and dangerous. She screamed at him. "LET ME GO! LET ME GO!" She was breathing very fast now.

"Not until you fulfilled your task, Aida," he whispered in her left ear.

Expertly he turned her around, this time he manage to imprison her arms behind her back so that her body thrust forward at him in a position that was hard to evade from his grasps. He looked at her face as though he was an artist studying his sculpture. She turned her face sideway to avoid looking into his piercing opaline green eyes, all the while pleading with him to let her go.

"Please let me go, Alex. You don't want to do this! Remember our contract?" Aida tried reminding him about their contract.

"What has the contract got to do with me giving my beautiful wife a kiss? I don't remember reading it anywhere saying I could not kiss my bride, do you?" said Alex, his voice getting mellower. He slowly bends his tall frame and brushed his nose against the side of her face inhaling her sweet scent that faintly smelt of lavender. "You smell good to eat," he chuckled softly against her skin.

"Alex! Don't!" she tried again a little more forcefully this time. But he seems to have a different opinion to hers. This time he pressed his lips at the side of her face and slowly dragged his lips down to her jaw and further down to her neck almost to the collarbone before lazily dragging his lips back up again all the way to her ear. His action makes her shiver uncontrollably and she inhaled sharply at the exquisite feeling he was invoking in her.

"You like that?" Alex asked her softly, lips still pressed on her ear.

"No..." said Aida unconvincingly. Suddenly he let go of her hands from behind only to pull her small frame completely pressed tight to his broad chest while his arms totally wrapped around her arms and body. She is totally a prisoner now at his mercy. She opened her mouth to try and speak and he took this opportunity to strike. He bends forward and captured her lips in his, kissing her soundly, mashing his lips to hers, almost in a bruising manner. 

Aida was frightened, she had never been kissed like that before. In fact she had never even done any on-stage kissing but now this man, her contractual husband was almost raping her mouth in the most delicious way! She could never have imagined someone could kiss like that! It was demanding, intoxicating, wanton yet utterly sexual! She tried to keep her mouth closed but Alex was too experienced. He would nip at her lower lip, which elicits a soft cry from her. Alex right hand has somehow found his way behind the nape of her neck and wound his fingers into her lustrous hair to gently pull back her head so she was forced to tilt her face further up to him. He continued his sensual assault on her lips. His tongue had somehow snaked inside her sweet tasting mouth without her realizing it. He was probing every nooks and crevices of her mouth. He would run his tongue across her teeth, back and front, up and down. His tongue seeks hers out and it did a sensual dance with hers. He had her whimpering by now. His kiss was so explosive it's sending jolt after jolt of electricity through her body. Her own arms have crept up and lay against his chest with her little fists curled together.

He suddenly let go of her only to pull her instead quickly on to the bed. That brought her to her sense! "NO! ALEX!" she cried loudly her fighting spirit back. Of course Alex have no intention of letting her go. He lay on the bed and pulled her close. Both his arms and legs now imprisoning her whole body. His arms across her upper torso while his powerful legs drape over hers.

"Shh...shh...calm down. I am not going to force you to do anything you don't want. I just want to hold you to sleep now," he coaxed her.

"Alex, I feel uncomfortable in my position!" she argued.

"Find a comfortable position then, my little chili pepper," he said with a rumble of soft laughter.

Aida wriggled like a fish in this grasp trying to find a more comfortable position. The best position she could afford was her back to his chest. But obviously he had other intention. He would not let her bottom jut away from him. He pulled her close, her back to his chest and her bottom into the nook of his crotch! She could feel something hot and hard against her bottom and she faintly knew what it was. Although she has no experience where sex is concern, she knew better than to wriggle any further. Resignedly she settled at this awkward position.

"Go to sleep now my little chili pepper," he whispered in her ear. 

Hah! Easier said than done! How could she fall asleep in this position with him draping over her? A few minutes later, she heard his soft even breathing indicating he indeed has fallen fast asleep. His breath gently tickling her hair. His soft snore rumbling lowly in his chest. Oddly, she found herself getting used to this position and found her eyes closing voluntarily even though she tried hard to keep them open. She soon fell fast asleep in her 'husband's' arms.

To be continued...



It's Just a Business Transaction Ch. 06



Aida woke up from a restful sleep feeling extremely well rested. For a moment she wondered where she was. Then all thoughts came flooding back! Last night Alex had slept in her bed with her! And just as suddenly her anger returned by two folds. How dare he take liberty of her just like that?! She quickly pushed off the blankets only to discover she was still in her bathrobe. So she has not been taken advantage of. She heaved a sigh of relief and somehow felt bad for jumping to conclusion and for being silly. How could she not have known if she was being 'rape' unless she was being drugged! Still he has no right to treat her in such a manner. I am going to make him adhered strictly to the terms and conditions of the contract. She thought angrily.

She looked around her room and then her eyes came to rest upon the door that he had used to come into her room. She scrambled off the bed to the door and tried to twist at the doorknob again. Great! So, it could only be locked and unlocked from his side. She thought glumly. She thought of pushing some furniture to block the door from opening but every piece in the room was either too big and heavy or built-in type. She sighed and went back to the bed, threw herself down thinking what she should do when unconsciously she caressed the side of the bed that he had laid upon last night. Suddenly she was aware what she was doing and sat up abruptly. She could still feel his warm lips on hers, kissing her in wild abandonment that had left her breathless and to her dismay she had responded and like it too! She brought her fingers up to touch her lips and shudder involuntarily remembering the pressure of his mouth on her. Her face was blushing hot at the thought of it. She buried her face in her hand and groan inwardly. Why did I respond to it? She asked herself.

She was so absorbed with her thoughts; she did not realize there was a sudden ringing. The ringing brought her out of her deep thoughts. Quickly she looked about trying to locate the source of the ringing. It was the phone on a low table next to her bed. She slid over to answer the phone.

"Hello," she said.

"Did you sleep well my little chilli pepper?" Alex said over the other end.

She knew it had to be Alex calling her, so she wasn't surprised at all. "Thank you, I did," she answered truthfully and added coolly, "But it would be better if I had the whole bed to myself!"

He chuckled heartily, "Selfish, haven't you heard about the phrase 'share and share alike'. By the way did you know you look so sweet snoring away?"

"I don't and never snore!" Aida retorts.

"Oh yes you do!" he argued with her playfully. "Anyway that is not the only reason why I called you, did you see the computer over the far side of the room?" he asked.

She was so tired last night and what with his interruption that she hadn't notice the smart looking computer. By the look of it, the LCD screen has to be about 24", not that she was into computer stuffs, the truth was she could not afford one of her own but Wendy had one and sometimes she would play with it a bit. Her computer knowledge was very limited and she bet some kids know more about it than she does in this hi-tech age.

"I just noticed it. What about it," she asked.

"Go and switch it on," he asked of her.

"I can't reach it from here since I am on the phone with you," she explained to him as if he was a child.

"Silly girl, there is a hold button on the phone. Put it on hold and go switch on the computer," he gently chided her.

"I am not silly! I have yet had the time to do any exploring," she said a little defensively. She located the hold button and pushed it then replace the receiver. She went over to the computer on top of a mahogany table. She found the power-on button easily on the CPU and switched it on. The screen immediately lit up and Alex's smiling face came into view staring at her! And she was still in her bathrobe, which the neckline had dropped down her shoulder in a tantalizing manner. Quickly she pulled it back up making herself decent again.

"Should have told me you were using the computer for communication. I would have dress in something more proper," she scolded him.

He chuckled at her modesty. "I want to see how you looked like in the morning and you certainly look tempting."

"What do you want of me?" Aida asked.

"Ok, I have left a list of things for you to do today on the table," he said.

Aida saw the list and picked it up and perused it over. Then she turned her attention back to Alex with a frown. "Lunch with you at 1.00pm, tea with you at 4.00pm, dinner with you at 9.00pm. It's almost like I am to see you the whole day! Don't you have anything else to do?" She argued.

Alex laughed at her annoyance. He liked everything about her. He liked her smile, her temper, her eyes and oh! Her generous kissable lips. She tasted so good last night that he had a hard time controlling his raging hard-on and not to ravage her there and then even though he was tired. He did not want to frighten her with his aggressiveness although he was dying to touch her body. So he had merely satisfied himself by kissing her senseless and be contended with just holding her in his arms to sleep. He knew he wanted her but he would take his time, after all she was already in his house.

"Well, being my employee is not easy, I am a rather demanding boss. But I reward my staffs well if they do a good job," he teased looking at her lasciviously through the screen. "Now go and explore your new surrounding. If you need anything just let Mrs. Timont know. She is the head housekeeper. Just don't go out of your own without the chauffeur taking you. I am sure the reporters will be waiting for you should you even step one foot out of the electronic gate."

"Then I am virtually a prisoner here?" she pouts unconsciously without realizing she turns him on with her little gesture.

"Relax, not for long, eventually they will get bored if they can't get anything out. By the way, there are two people you might not really want to get acquainted with…" said Alex.

"And whom might they be?" Aida asked curiously.

"My stepmother and half-brother," said Alex unexcitingly

"Oh, I see…" Aida wanted to discuss with him about last night but thought she might talk about it when she sees him later. It's always better to do it face to face.

" I have to go now, so I will see you later," he winked at her, saw him leant over the screen and the screen went blank.

Aida looked at the clock to see that it has only just passed a little after nine. She decided to wash up and clear her unpacked boxes and maybe get some breakfast before she explores her surrounding.

Half an hour later, Aida stepped out of her room to the hallway and there were already some servants seeing to the daily chores about the house doing their work quietly and efficiently. A handsome woman in her late fifties approached her with a warm smile on her face to greet her.

"Good morning Mrs. Jefferson, can I get you any breakfast?" said Mrs. Timont before she added hastily. "We met briefly yesterday."

"Yes, yes… I remember now, you must be Mrs. Timont, and good morning to you too," said Aida returning the greetings warmly. Yesterday had been such a harried day for her that everything seems a blur. "Oh, by the way you can call me Aida," she said.

"Oh! I couldn't possibly do that. Mr. Jefferson would not be happy and you are the mistress of the house…" explained Mrs. Timont.

Aida realized that it would be pointless to explain anything to the servants, they were just like her, an employee, they wouldn't know about her contractual marriage. Aida decided to just go with the flow.

"Right, wouldn't want to get you into trouble with Mr. Jeff… my husband," said Aida with a strain smile. "Erm… so where can I take my breakfast?" asked Aida.

"Anywhere you like, Mrs. Jefferson. You can take it in the breakfast room here; the verandah, the poolside or you would prefer to take breakfast in the east wing…" said Mrs. Timont and added quickly seeing Aida confusion at the mention of east wing, "that's the main part of the house where Mr. William Sr. Jefferson lives. Would you like me to show you around the estate perhaps? You can have breakfast on the breakfast buggy too." she said helpfully.

Breakfast buggy? Aida thought. Whoever would have thought about taking breakfast on a buggy while being driven around the estate? She could imagine the size of the buggy if you were to fit a table and chairs into it. She could not help but wondered just how rich Alex was, to be able to afford such luxury. It's almost a sin.

"I like that very much Mrs. Timont, but I don't have much time and this place is…HUGE! I will just have my breakfast in the east wing then," said Aida, smiling warmly towards the friendly Mrs. Timont.

"Oh, don't you worry Mrs. Jefferson, take your time. Soon you will know this place like the back of your hand," she said happily.

The housekeeper then led the way to the east wing. Both wings were separated only by an Olympic size swimming pool. This must be where Alex takes his daily swim. She couldn't help but remember about his tall and tanned yet almost naked physique last night. In her mind she could see Alex's powerful strokes, striking out in the water in those strong arms… What was she thinking?! She scolded herself. Why was she romanticizing the situation? Good grief! She must be out of her mind! She had to remind herself that Alex was her boss!

Mrs. Timont took her to the breakfast room, chatting gaily all the way there about her employment with the Jefferson and general information about the house that she thought would be helpful to Aida so she could settle in comfortably. After serving what look like an army's worth of food to Aida, Mrs. Timont left her alone to enjoy her breakfast. Aida was biting into a piece of toast when she heard someone talking behind her.

"So ya the broad my brother married? Not a bad looking chick from this angle. Nice body and ass," said a very vulgar and rude male's voice.

Aida did not turn around but presumed he must be speaking to her or about her. She felt her temper rising and instantly she detested the owner of that voice as the words he used were crude and totally uncivilized, she decided.

The man came around to stand opposite her for a minute as though inspecting her before sinking into the chair. She had a good look at him in the morning sun. This must be Alex's half-brother, she thought. Had he been properly attired, shaved and clean he might passed off as good-looking, well maybe not as boyishly good-looking as Greg or as tall and ruggedly handsome as Alex but he looked stoned and he smelt rather unpleasant. It seems he went to bed without changing out of his crumpled shirt and pants. He was staring at her with the most lewd manner and it makes her skin crawled. Without taking his blood-shot blue eyes gaze from her face, he took out a small intricately designed gold box and clicked it open to retrieve a stick of cigarette and lit it with a gold lighter.

"Mind if I smoke?" He took a puff and blew it at her direction.

She did not fanned the smoke off for she didn't want him to think of her being rude but she could not help wrinkling her nose at the awful smell. It smelt…smelt like marijuana? She remembered some of her cast mates does smoke it but she never bother. Some even tried offering her but she always declined it politely.

"Want one? It really makes you feel good," he said while taking a long drag out of the cigarette.

Aida muttered under her breath "No thanks" and continued to eat her breakfast. 

"Oh, I don't suppose you know me. I am Roderick, Alex half-brother," he took a puff from his cigarette again.

"Nice to meet you," Aida muttered again refusing to look at him. She reached forward to take the coffee pot, when suddenly Roderick leant forward to grab her hand. Immediately she tried to pull back but he wasn't going to let her hand go.

"Kindly release my hand!" Aida said angrily.

"Hmm… your hand is very soft. I bet you are good at giving a hand job," he said while openly molesting her hand.

"LET GO! LET GO!" she tried twisting her hand from his sweaty ones but he was much stronger than her.

"Ooh, playing coy are we?" he said and forcefully pulled her hand to his lips. Aida saw his intention and without thinking, grab the coffee pot with her other hand and threw it at him. Her action threw him momentarily off-guard and instantly he released her hand.

"BITCH! You will pay for this!" he snarled at her through slightly yellowish stained clenched teeth. His eyes suddenly seem to come alive with a wild look in them. He made a move as though to advance on her when another voice called out.

"Darlin' Roddy! Is that the way to treat your half-sister? Shame on you my dear," said the owner of the new voice.

Seconds ago Aida was filled with anger but now she almost wanted to burst out laughing. The owner of the new voice belongs to a woman with hair like the lion's mane, bleached blonde and frizzy. Her eyes were painted in shades of rainbow hues and lined with thick black kohl liner and her fake eyelashes must have been a foot long. Her cheeks were painted extra red, which matched her equally red lips and long fingernails. Her clothes! Eww…it was a sight for sore eyes. She wore a leopard printed tube top that could hardly cover her humongous breasts teamed with low waisted three-quarter length skintight pants and Melanie B's kind of chunky style army boots. She even had a pierced belly button! And she wore assortments of jewellery. The jewellery looked genuine enough but it was outrageously loud. Aida has never seen anyone wore so much jewellery before, almost from head to toes. Aida could not help but stare at the woman. It reminded her very much of an overgrown Barbie doll and an overly decorated Christmas tree put together.

"What are you staring at?" asked the new comer testily. "Well, I suppose you have not seen someone as classy and beautiful as me? I am Roddy's mother. You can call me Mrs. Jef…" she was about to say 'Mrs. Jefferson' but decided not to risk the wrath of Alex, so she settled for her own name instead. "Marie," she concluded haughtily.

So, this was Alex's stepmother. Aida guessed her age to be around mid to late forties but could have looked older without the makeup by the evidence of the wrinkles around her overly painted eyes. Aida decided she didn't want to stay here any longer to chat with the oddest mother and son team. "If you will excuse me, I think I had enough of breakfast," said Aida and without waiting for a reply, she walked off.

After Aida was out of earshot, Marie turned towards her son who has been chain smoking and said. " Roddy darlin', you should know better than to touch your high and mighty brother's women. If she ever complains to him, we'll get into trouble."

"Chill it mum, he can't do anything to us, we still got 'it' after all these years. I could use a lil' of that ass, she is hot," said Roderick still puffing continuously away.

"Now you listen here, unless we get the bigger chunk of the assets, I ain't gonna move out, besides this place is nice to stay, so don't go spoil anything! AND…you seem to forget we don't have 'IT' anymore. Thanks to you while in one of your stupid orgy party, you have to be so arrogant to show it to your hooligan friends and had it destroyed accidentally. YOU and ME are living on a lie!" said Marie testily. "Damnit! Roddy, you stink like a skunk and look a mess with the all the coffee stain, go and take a shower!" Marie added angrily

"And you dressed like a whore! Why don't you go find an image consultant?" said Roderick nastily and sauntered off before his mother could throw any more insults at him.

God! Sometimes he wished his mother wasn't so stupid. The chances of the Alex finding out their little lie were almost close to zero. The old man wouldn't last much longer. In his mind he would still think they have 'IT' hidden all these years, which suits his mother and him fine unless his stupid mother blurted it out of fear and by the look of it, his half-brother wouldn't know anything about it. Roderick would not be surprise if his 'grandfather' did not breathe a word to Alex. He wouldn't want his favourite grandson to know the scandals of their late father. If only his mother would have had made copies of the original to keep as insurance, he would have used it to extort Alex too or spill the beans unless Alex pay him to shut up but his mother, stupid as usual never thought of that and he had indeed accidentally burnt it when Alex was still studying in Europe. So now his mother and him could only use the lie to threatened the old man and they could not afford to let Alex know about their deceitful lie. Alex was too smart. He would want to demand to see 'it' before he would pay up. His thoughts turned back to his mother. Sometimes he thought he hated his mother more than the Jefferson for making him what he was now. 

Marie was already a hardcore drug addict when she conceived him so it wasn't surprising he was born addicted too. It was a miracle his physical body was not damage by the drugs. Of course his father had promised to clean him up. The first few years of his young life were constantly on medication and injection to wean him of his drug addiction, which makes his body bloated and he would retched till there was nothing to throw up. He was clean for a couple of years but when you have a mother like Marie, it won't take long for him to get hooked up on the drugs again, this time on his own freewill and he decided he like it as it brings him an unnatural bliss and peace, well at least for a while till his next fix. He hardly knows his late father who was always not around and never seems to take any real interest in him. But he didn't care. Fucked the Jefferson! When he get what was rightly his, he was gonna screw them all to hell and screw his mother! 

Right now his focus was on Aida. His mind was reeling on how to get that Mexican bitch. The moment he laid eyes on her, he knew he gotta fuck her. He could imagine her scream when he takes her ass. He saw her nice juicy firm round ass when she had got up to leave the breakfast table. But that can wait, now he needed a fix bad. The marijuana does nothing for him. Cocaine was still his favourite, he thought as he hurried back to his room.

Aida heaved a sigh of relief, glad to be away from the pair and made a mental note not to be alone with Roderick anymore. He gives her the creeps and she does not want anymore trouble either. She went back to her room and decided to call Greg up for a chat.

"Greg? Hi it's me, Aida," she said.

"Hey girl, how are you? Is everything ok? Settling in yet?" said Greg from the other end of the phone.

"Not really, I miss you guys already," said Aida a little nostalgically.

"Listen, I am sorry I have to cut you short but I have to go down to the theatre, good thing you call though, you want to come down to the theatre and watch me rehearse?" said Greg.

"Not today Greg, I have a lunch 'meeting'," said Aida a little untruthfully. She hated lying to anyone especially Greg yet she didn't want Greg to think that there was something going on with Alex and her so soon or perhaps she just doesn't want Greg to know about last night little episode. She wasn't ready to tell yet.

"Ok, maybe I'll see you another day? Hang on; Wendy wants to speak with you. I gotta go now girl, so I will catch up with you another day. You take care," said Greg.

"See you Greg, and have fun at the rehearsal," said Aida. Greg just laugh and then silence then…

"Hey Aida! Did you two do it yet?!" came Wendy's bubbly excited voice over the other end now.

Aida knew perfectly well what Wendy was referring to. There was no point pretending not to know her meaning. So to prevent Wendy from poking she said, "WENDY! You really are a minx! God help the guy who falls for you! And to answer your question, NO! NOTHING! So don't poke!" scolded Aida gently. She could hear Wendy giggling over the other end.




It's Just a Business Transaction Ch. 06



"Honey, he was more gorgeous in flesh. He was absolutely to die for! Come on! How big is he? I wouldn't mind using him as my model for my next assignment," said Wendy outrageously.

Aida rolled her eyes and said, "Wendy, you are absolutely a lost cause you know that? Totally hopeless!" Aida scolded her again. "I already told you that it was merely a contractual marriage so nothing happened AND I am not going to talk to you ever again if you ask me those crude questions one more time!" Aida threatened.

"Ok, ok…heeheehee…so you getting bored with your job already?" Wendy asked.

"I wish there were things for me to do to occupy my mind, the thing is, I have nothing to do, it's boring!" confessed Aida truthfully.

"Relax, it's only your first day, morning. Here is a suggestion for you. You could wear yourself out by working on him every night and then you can sleep-in late the next morning so you don't have to wake up so early! Good suggestion huh?" said Wendy cheekily.

"Ok, that's it! I am hanging up now. Goodbye Wendy," said Aida firmly.

"Aww… lighten up Aida! Heeheehee…ok I gotta go too, see you around soon. Love you Aida," Wendy made a kissing sound over the phone and then hangs up.

Aida looked at the receiver and could imagine what Wendy's reactions would be if she'd told Wendy about what happened last night. She looked at the clock again and it's not even twelve yet. Suddenly she stood up from her bed. Hey, I could go visit my charge at the hospital! She thought. Her mind made up, she quickly changed into a simple blouse and jeans, grabbed her bag and went out looking for Mrs. Timont to arrange for her transport. Fifteen minutes later she was comfortably seated in a white Cadillac sedan and the chauffeur drove her to the hospital. On their way out, there were indeed a few reporters lurking about as Alex has predicted and immediately started snapping off in their direction when they see the Cadillac drove out. For once, Aida was thankful for the heavily tinted glass windows.

The two bodyguards outside William Sr. room stood standing guard, looking very alert and solemn. Whey they saw Aida approach, they greeted her respectfully, "Good morning, Mrs. Jefferson."

"Hi, good morning. I…Will it be alright if I pay a visit to Mr. Jefferson please?" Aida asked the bodyguards, a little unsure if she was allowed to visit William Sr. without Alex around.

"Of course Mrs. Jefferson. Please go right ahead," said one of the bodyguards.

When she entered the room, old man William Sr. was propped up on his bed reading some article on some magazine. The old man looked up to see Aida standing there with her hands behind her back and asked grumpily, "What do you want? Coming to hassle little old me again, have you? Aren't you supposed to be on your honeymoon?"

Aida blushed at his words. She knew she should not show that she was intimidated by him or he would take advantage of her weakness and bullied her, so in a clear cheery voice she said, "Well, I wanted to see if you have been behaving yourself or giving Miss. Kathy a hard time. And I wanted to see if you have taken your medicine on time. AND… since I would be taking the duty over from Miss. Kathy soon, I thought we should get properly acquainted! Last night was just too hurried."

"Bah, as if one witch is not enough now I have to deal with another. How would you like it, if everyday they popped you with fifteen types of different medicine and also those unappetizing meals? It's so bland and absolutely boring! If this keeps going on, I will lose the use of my taste bud pretty soon!" said the old man William Sr. huffily.

"So…what would you like to eat? You have strict order about your diets. Now you know you can't have anything that is high on cholesterol or high on salt," said Aida.

"Listen here young lady. I am ninety years old! I have seen so much and done so much even before you were born, so don't tell me what I can and what I can't! And it's not like I am going to live forever, so why not just live and let live? Not unless you are planning to give me some great grandchildren to play with otherwise there is no point living that long!" said old man William Sr. stubbornly.

Aida winced at the word great grandchildren. For a moment she felt sorry for the old man. She knew she would have to disappoint him greatly where great grandchildren were concern.

"Well, there are a lot of things you still can do and have fun, like…"

From behind her back she took out a small tub of vanilla swiss almond Haagen-Dazzs ice cream. The old man's face immediately lit up like a Halloween pumpkin. 

"I'll be damn, is that for me?" he asked Aida, his eyes shining, gaze never leaving the ice cream.

"That depends," said Aida trying to sound casual.

"What?" he asked her anxiously, smacking his lips in anticipation at the creamy ice cream. "I'll do anything you want me to, just let me have the ice cream," he plead.

"Well if you promise me to take your medicine regularly and not to bully Miss. Kathy AND to behave yourself, I might consider handing over this tub of sweet lovely yummy ice cream," said Aida tempting him.

"Alright, alright! I promise! Now can I have the ice cream please?" begged old man William Sr.

Aida knew he was not really such a fussy unreasonable old man after all. Willingly she handed up the tub of ice cream and spoon to him. Earlier Aida had found out from Mrs. Timont that the senior Jefferson had a sweet tooth for ice cream but he was put on a low fat and low sodium diet. So Aida had coerced the chauffeur into helping her getting the low fat ice cream. The chauffeur reluctantly agreed on condition that she was not to tell Alex that he had stop by the roadside leaving her in the car all alone and dashed off to buy the ice cream from the ice cream parlour and the game set from a toy store. Aida assured him when he gets back, she would still be inside the car with the windows up and the doors locked.

William Sr. dug happily into the ice cream like a little boy opening up his Christmas presents. Aida even managed to coaxed William Sr. into a game of Scrabble. Both of them were enjoying each other company having so much fun fighting over the game and digging into the ice cream. They were so caught up in their game; Aida even forgot her appointment with Alex, when suddenly Alex walked in interrupting their bantering.

"So this was where my new bride has been hiding," Alex said seriously but there was laughter in his eyes.

"Alex my boy!" cried his grandfather happily seeing his grandson. "You should come and join us, we are having a party here!"

"I can see that grandpa!" Alex said eyeing the half-finished ice cream and the scrabble board and even a dictionary.

"ALEX! OH! I am so sorry, I forgot our appointment!" Aida cried in alarm and feeling embarrassed at the same time for forgetting their lunch and for not informing him of her whereabouts.

Alex had waited for Aida for almost half an hour and when she did not show up, he had called back home but there was no answer from her room. For a moment there Alex thought she might have just ran off but after checking with Mrs. Timont and his bodyguards did he realized where she was. He had then drove to the hospital and while he was walking towards his grandfather's private room had heard laughter coming from it. The two bodyguards was about to greet him when he signalled for them not to. He stood outside the door looking in to see Aida and his grandfather were having a good time playing some tiles game. He had never seen his grandfather laughed so much since his father died years ago. There was a glow on his wrinkled face. He was reluctant to interrupt the happy scene before him and he wanted his grandfather to enjoy a little longer but he couldn't wait to get Aida alone again. After all they were still suppose to be newlywed and it's only a day old.

That morning he had woken up to look down on her small frame still sleeping soundly and snoring away at this side. He had bent forward to kiss her lingeringly and she did not even stir. What a sound sleeper, he thought shaking his head. She would have easily been rape when she was such a sound sleeper. No, he would take his time. He had one whole year to get her willingly to come into his arms. Meanwhile he would be patient and bid his time.

"I am afraid you are losing your charm, young man. Seems like our Aida has taken to me now, so shoo… leave us alone. I want to enjoy her company better than yours, boring me with your business reports and balance sheet. I am ninety and I want to enjoy my 'youth'," his grandfather gave Alex a wicked wink.

"Hey, she was married to me," Alex chided grandfather playfully. "Anyway, I want to let you know that I am taking you home tomorrow, grandpa. I wanted to surprise you but since I am here I might as well let you know."

"Really? You mean I am finally getting out of this prison? Get Mrs. Timont to cook my favourite dish. Oh… and tell her to bring out my favourite wine too. I have not had any since I came in here," said old man William Sr. looking absolutely happy and excited.

"Excuse me, Mr. Jefferson, I believe we did discussed earlier that you are to follow a strict diet when I take over the duty of looking after you after you discharge." Aida interrupted before Alex could reply to his grandfather.

The old man opened his mouth to argue but he realized he did promise Aida to be good and so he shut his mouth.

"What grandpa, no argument? That's so unlikely of you not to have a good debate over something so important like…your wine," Alex chided his grandfather jovially.

"You know something, I think I will take my afternoon nap before you two drive me to my grave. Out you go now!" said the old man pretending to be angry and lay down closing his eyes.

Alex and Aida just looked at him knowing fully well he was only jesting. Alex tucked the blanket around his grandfather lovingly and led Aida out.

"Hmm…how shall I punish you?" said Alex to Aida without looking at her. They were seated in his Aston Martin Vanquish driving off somewhere.

"Whatever for?" said Aida, knowing he did not really mean it or did he?

"Well for standing me up for our date and for not informing me of your whereabouts," said Alex.

"I forgot about the time and it's not a date. Anyway I was bored. It would be at least another two hours before meeting up with you, so I figure I could make myself useful by visiting your grandfather. Also I don't recall in the contract I have to inform you of my whereabouts," said Aida feeling proud of herself for the smart answer.

"Firstly, you are now Mrs. Jefferson and THAT makes it my business to know my wife whereabouts. Secondly it's dangerous to go anywhere without informing anyone but good thing you used the chauffeur because no matter how you look at it, you ARE Mrs. Jefferson and you could make an easy target for would be kidnappers," said Alex seriously.

Aida then realized the seriousness of the situation. He was right. Even though she was acting in name as Mrs. Jefferson but would be kidnappers would not know about their contractual business and what if she was really kidnap, that would bring trouble to Alex because of her thoughtlessness. They would demand him to pay a ransom of her because of her stupidity. Suddenly she felt bad.

"I am sorry Alex, I didn't realize that, it was inconsiderate of me. I won't do it again," said Aida apologetically.

"It's ok, Aida. I am not trying to limit your movement, just that…" 

"I fully understand Alex, no it's really thoughtless of me. I should have known. You are after all a rich and prominent man and anyone close to you or you yourself would make a potential target for kidnappers. I will try to becareful in the future," said Aida.

"Thank you for your understanding Aida," he turned to give her a sincere smile to assure her that he too understand her dilemma for it was still too soon for her to get use to the lifestyle of being a rich man's wife yet.

"So do you always go anywhere with a bodyguard?" Aida asked of him.

"Not really, depends on where I am going and usually I just stay alert," explained Alex.

"What about your stepmother and half-brother?" Aida could not resist asking.

"I gather you have met them already?" said Alex.

"This morning," said Aida omitting out the part where she had an unpleasant interlude with Roderick. She didn't think it was necessary.

"I would pay someone to kidnap them if I could, anyway would you think anyone would be in their right mind to want to kidnap them knowing I would be happy about it?" Alex said sarcastically.

She could only nod. Guess it's time to talk to him about last night. She thought.

"Listen Alex…about last night…" said Aida haltingly.

"What about last night?" said Alex, humour back in his voice.

"Please be serious Alex," said Aida

"I am serious, so what about it?" said Alex.

Why did he have to sound so…so smug? She thought angrily. She knows he knew what she was trying to discuss with him. Why was he trying to make it so difficult for her?

"Alex, I don't remember our contract said you could sleep in my bed and…and take liberty of me!" said Aida angrily.

"Was my kissing so bad? I thought all the women liked it. I guess you are the first that was disappointed with my kiss," he said casually.

"NO! That's not what I meant!" said Aida, frustration in her voice.

"Oh, so you do like my kiss?" said Alex.

"YES…I mean NO ALEX! You know what I mean. The contract said we are not to be involved sexually! That's what I am trying to put across to you!" said Aida angrily.

Alex reached over to the car compartment and retrieved what looked like their contract and handed it to Aida.

"Read page 8 on terms and conditions, Part 7, section 7.8," said Alex with all seriousness now.

"I've read that in your office the day we signed the contract," she argued.

"Read it word for word, Aida," he said.

Aida does as he said: - 

 Consummations   – YOU WERE NOT REQUIRED TO ENTER INTO ANY SEXUAL INTERCOURSE WITH SAID PARTY ALEXANDER WILLIAM JEFFERSON unless both party   mutually agrees to the act.  Definition of Sexual Intercourse – also called Coitus or Copulation, reproductive act in which the male reproductive organ enters the female reproductive organ.

"Have you finished reading?" Alex asked.

"Yes, I have," said Aida slowly. She now realized she had made a mistake, in fact two.

Firstly he was only merely kissing her; there was no actual act of the sex itself. Secondly her biggest mistake was she did not complete, reading the whole paragraph but rather the ones in capital letter and highlighted in bold only. So if he had kissed her senseless and had that led to sex that would have classified her under [mutually agrees] to the act, intentionally or unintentionally because she could not control her emotions.

"So I was really following the contract to a 'T'. The contract did not say I could not kiss you. I was just kissing you only, am I not? We or I did not do anything more than that," said Alex.

"You…you…" Aida tried to find the right words to say but no way could she win this argument. The only thing she could do was not to let him to have any chance of ever kissing her again in the future that might led to her 'accidentally' consent to the sexual act itself because she could not control her feelings. What does he take her for? A piece of wood? She would be lying through her teeth if she said she did not feel a thing when he kissed her last night. Who was she kidding?

"Well consider it a learning phase in your life. How many times in your life you have really sign a contract besides your former company in all your twenty-one years? I suppose not many. And usually when one, who was at his/her most vulnerable, it's always easy to make a mistake, " said Alex. "Don't worry, next year when we renew our contract you can thoroughly read it through," Alex added lightly.

"NO THANK YOU! There won't be a renewal! No matter how you look at it, you manipulated me!" said Aida fiercely. How could he! How could he act in such…such a boorish manner taking advantage of her vulnerability!

"Listen Aida, I mean it when I said I won't force you to do anything you don't want to. I did not force you to kiss me back last night. You responded, did you not?" said Alex seriously.

Instantly Aida felt her face flushed red. Oooh! The nerve of it! How dare he reminded her on how she reacted last night. She was coerced into it! She did not reply immediately. Her mind was in confusion. She was feeling anger, sadness, and hatred? And definitely DUMB! 

"You made me feel…feel so dumb, Alex…and I really feel dumb," said Aida quietly. One minute she was so angry with Alex for toying with her and the next she felt so sorry and sad for herself. Her emotions were like a runaway train. Total chaotic. She felt so embarrassed about her blunder she did not realized tears were rolling down her cheeks. Yet she only had herself to blame. She blamed herself for not staying calm in the face of crisis. She blamed herself to be so easily manipulated. She inadvertently open herself to attack and people had simply took advantage of her situation, people like Alex.

Alex looked over to Aida and his heart went out to her. "Not dumb, Aida. You are anything but dumb. You are just who you are. Trusting. Innocent, a little naïve. If I were not in the business world I would not have read through the contract so thoroughly too. Like I said, businessmen, ninety-nine percent of us would scan through the contracts with a sieve before putting down the signature. Sometimes even a lawyer themselves could missed out some fine prints or overlooked a certain clause, that was why we had to have a few lawyers where contracts were concern. It's legal binding. Once signed and that's it," explained Alex.

"In truth I did not cheat you but I admit I was unscrupulous using your innocence and your vulnerability at that moment against you," he added quietly.

"You knew I would bring up the subject about…about last night, is that why you have brought the contract along? To…to make me realize the mistake I had made?" she asked softly sounding sad.

Alex gave a slight nod. He did not want to hurt her but that's the way things were. In the business world there would be no mercy. They traveled in silence for a long while. She did not ask where they were going. She just let him keep on driving. Seems like he did not have a destination too.

After what seems like ages Alex said, "Aida, I like you…alot. I like us to start afresh on the right footing…to really get to know each other. If by the end of our contract expire and you still don't have a better impression of me, I would still stick to the part of our bargain. You would be free to leave. No string attached. And I will promised you during your stay with me, I would not coerce or manipulate you to do the things you don't want, against your will."

Aida did not immediately reply. Her mind was in turmoil. She looked out at the scenery that was passing by their car. Finally Aida took a deep breath and said, "I just want to ask you this again and please be honest with me…" she paused for a moment before she continues, "Did you or did you not set me up with the cocaine?"

"No," said Alex. 

That was all he said. A plain simple 'no'. No hesitation, no pausing, just no.

She realized he meant what he said. He was telling her the truth. " I trust you," said Aida slowly, clasping her hands on her thigh. "Thank you," Aida added not looking at him.

"You are welcome," replied Alex. They drove on in silence. After sometime Alex looked at his wristwatch to note it was well past dinnertime. He would have never guess they have sat in the car driving around for so long. 

"I guess you must be hungry by now, would you still want to have dinner with me?" said Alex his old charm returning. He turned to give her a quirky smile.




It's Just a Business Transaction Ch. 06



"I am a little hungry," Aida admitted smiling a little back at him. 

She had returned his smile tentatively and Alex knew everything would be alright now. She had finally come to an understanding within herself and finally accepted the fact of their transaction completely.

To be cont/-



It's Just a Business Transaction Ch. 07



Aida had finally come to terms with herself after that long talk with Alex. It was really no point crying or lamenting over her mistake. What was done was done, like Greg told her that night not so long ago. She would have to learn from her mistake, a learning phase in her life albeit an expensive one, with her own life.

She had come to accept her role as Mrs. Jefferson surely but gracefully. Being the wife to one of the richest and prominent man like Alex was not really an easy task. There were social and business functions or charities drives to attend. Sometimes the functions were not only limited to Philly County or even the other counties. Oftentimes they would have to travel by their private jet from one state to another to attend an important function held by one of the many mayors or senators or CEOs of another company, organizations or some associations. At times she had to organize dinner parties for over one hundred guests or more on their estate when Alex's business associates or friends came to town. She would play hostess to the wives or girlfriends of her 'husband's' many business associates, taking them for tea (which she hates but doing them efficiently so as not to embarrass Alex) or taking them around Philly while Alex discussed business with their husbands.

She had learned to dress up for different occasions or functions. She would dress in simple yet elegant gowns for some Black or White Tie functions or cocktail dresses for cocktails and smart blazers with pants or straight-cut skirts for charities or fund-raising events. Her makeup and jewellery were always at its minimal, nothing loud or ostentatious. Alex would want to buy her more jewellery but she adamantly refused them and Alex would respect her decision. She was natural, friendly and poised at those functions. She always had a genuine smile for everyone, be it from the bellboy right up to the CEOs of some big corporations. On Alex encouragement she had took up driving, computer lessons and even golf.

She loves charities; besides donating monies, she would actively take part in their activities by rallying to raise more monies for organizations, groups or associations. She especially loved doing charities for the old folks and orphanages. She liked going to auctions too with Alex. The first time she tried her hand at bidding for a 14th century China Ming vase, Alex had taught her to raise their number card up when the auctioneer shouted the price. In her excitement, she had raised the brochure instead of the number card, which had made Alex choked back a laugh and had earned him a jab from her elbow. 

But what she loved most was by spending time with William Sr. Richard Jefferson. They would be in his study playing games; scrabble (their all time favourite), monopoly or poker, which he had taught her, or listening to his many tales about his own father how he had made his fortunes in diamond mining or his life stories about his own childhood and his many romantic dalliance during his heyday or Alex's childhood stories. She, in turn would tell him about her day's work or her life in Mexico with her granny and a little about her granny's background as she herself did not know much for her granny rarely talked about herself when she was alive. But nonetheless she was a good and gentle granny.

Her days were always filled with activities that kept her occupied and happy. It was the nights she was worried of. Alex had yet to force himself on her after four months but would occasionally still kiss her until she was breathless and then simply hold her to sleep or after kissing her senseless, would leave her to sleep on her own. Yet, not once, had he touch any other parts of her body intimately enough to make her voluntarily to give her consent. His kisses would do funny things to her mind and body. It was like a powerful drug, which you could not wean off that easily but only wanting more. Not only would she feel breathless at the end of one of his long passionate kiss but it would make her feel tingly and good all over yet frustrated. Then when morning comes Alex would pretend as if nothing had ever happen the night before which, was quite true as nothing really happen between them just that his kisses were almost driving her crazy. He would also leave her alone for a long period of time by not kissing her. There was once he had not kissed her for a whole two weeks and secretly she had to admit she missed it very much. So much that she wanted to take the initiative to kiss him back whenever she was near him. Of course in the beginning she would protest of him kissing or sharing her bed but as the days goes by her protest began to lack conviction. Either she enjoyed his kiss so much that she didn't want him to stop or she simply could not be bothered anymore for Alex would always have his way.

On her part she had grown fond of Alex too. He was attentive to her need and he would lend an ear to her problems especially where charities were concern. She would proposed to him about changes for a certain orphanage or schools and he would carry out her planned immediately for he trusted her judgment. Once in a while, their pictures would appear as the golden couple in some magazines or the people's page in the local newspaper but that's about it. Of course Alex would made sure the newsroom and media keep their nose out of their private live.

She would also try to keep as far away as possible from the other two Jefferson. Roderick would still give her the creeps. Sometimes when he walked past her, he would 'accidentally' bumped into her or he would lick his lips in the most lewd manner when she happened to look up at him. Apart from an occasional chance meeting with the other two Jeffersons in the house they were rather invisible mainly due to their nocturnal activities where most people would be asleep while they were partying whole night through or vice versa. As usual Roderick would still had that stone look about him but at least his clothing were neater and Marie dressing has toned down too possibly due to the return of William Sr. back in the house.

Today as usual she had walked over to the east wing to look for William Sr. when she accidentally almost bumped into Roderick who was standing around the corner. She tried to avoid him but he put up his hand to stop her.

"Going to see the old man again?" he drawled.

"Why don't you come and keep me company?" said Roderick while licking his lips in the most licentious manner. He knew at this hour of the day Alex would have gone to the office, while the household staffs were busy outside.

"Get away from me," warned Aida.

"I hear you weren't sleepin' in my brother's room, now why would that be? You must be fuckin' horny by now. I could give you a lil' lovin'...I am sure you could like that, wouldn't you?" said Roderick while getting closer to her.

Aida was fuming with anger and her breathing has quickened. Suddenly Roderick pressed his body to hers and grabbed her breasts. She did the first thing that comes to her mind born of natural self-protective instinct. Swiftly she raised her knee so hard at his groin that for a moment he just looked at her with a daze look and then doubled over on the floor holding his jewels rolling in pain cursing at her.

"You fuckin' bitch...(pant)...I am gonna...(pant)...get you one of this...(pant)...fuckin' day," vowed Roderick all the while groaning. He broke out in cold sweats and his face had turned a deadly pale.

For a split second Aida felt sorry for kneeing him so hard but then she heard Alex's voice behind her.

"Alex?!" exclaimed Aida surprisingly.

Alex moved towards them looking down his half-brother foetus form without any compassion in his eyes and said in a low dangerous voice. "If she hadn't kneed you already, I would have come and kicked your fucking ass, Roderick. You listen carefully or God help you. If you ever...EVER...lay a finger on Aida again, I will personally see to it that you are castrated, you understand me?"

Just then Marie came upon them and when she saw the figure on the floor she shouted hysterically, "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO MY SON???!!! Oh baby! Are you alright? Mummy's here! Oh baby, talk to mummy."

Roderick was still in so much pain; the aftermath of the pain was even greater then when Aida had first kneed him.

"Maybe you should teach your son to keep his hands where they belong," said Alex coldly to Marie. That said he pulled Aida away from them and to his grandfather's study. 

They were almost near to his grandfather's study when Alex turned Aida to him. "Are you ok, Aida?" said Alex to Aida, concerns and worries in his piercing opaline green eyes. 

Aida was almost beside herself. She was torn between sorry and fright. Sorry, because she was afraid she might have done permanent damage to Roderick's manhood. Frightened because she was worried that Roderick would kept to his vow to take revenge on her but she did not want to worry Alex, so instead she said, "don't worry about me Alex, I am fine, really. I can take care of myself." She dares not look at Alex, as she did not want him to know that she was actually very frightened but of course Alex knew.

Alex knew Aida had a habit of going to his grandfather's study to chat with his grandfather every morning and then would bring him down for breakfast. Today he had decided to have breakfast with his grandfather too instead of going to work so early and had gone over to the east wing to look for his grandfather and Aida when he came upon the scene. He had wanted to rush over to help Aida but he saw Aida had defended herself well. He was very impressed with her and at the same time his fury knew no bound shooting out of his head when he saw his half-brother tried to take advantage of Aida. At that point of time he really wanted to rush over and strangled Roderick but seeing him rolling on the floor agonizing in pain was more satisfactory.

Alex cupped both his hands on either side of Aida's face and saw she had turned slightly pale and her lips were trembling too. Without a word Alex's mouth swooped down on hers kissing her gently at first and when he felt she had begun to respond he deepened his kiss. The kiss they shared was just a kiss, nothing sexual about it, no tongues involved. Just two persons sharing a lingering kiss. They were so caught up in their kiss that they did not hear the old man opening the door and now stood looking at them with a grin on his wrinkly face.

"I thought I heard some commotion downstairs, so I decided to come out to investigate. But what do we have here? Looks like I WILL be hearing pattering of little feet soon in this big house of mine," said William Sr. still grinning away cheekily.

Both Alex and Aida were so taken aback with the intrusion that they broke apart immediately. Aida's face was so red hot that you could fry an egg on hers while Alex grinned sheepishly back at his grandfather.

"Go on, pretend I am not here. Anyway my eyes sight failing me so it's a little blurring," said old man William Sr. giving them a cheeky wink.

"We...err...have come to fetch you for breakfast grandpa," said Alex smilingly.

"Why don't you two go back to your room and continued where you left off. I can ask Miss. Kathy to bring me my breakfast. You know, she had even learned poker from me! Another victim for me," said William Sr. his face beaming with smiles. Miss Kathy has come to work for them the day William Sr. was discharged from the hospital on his request. He said it would be too tasking a job for Aida alone to take care of him. The truth was he wanted Aida to have more time so she could get to know his grandson better hopefully something wonderful would happen to both of them and hopefully to see some great grandchildren soon, before he goes six feet under. Thoughtful indeed.

Aida had not uttered a single word, she was still too embarrassed getting caught standing there in the open brightly lit hallway unashamedly, brazenly kissing Alex. Alex did not want to embarrassed her any further and took his grandfather's advice and got her out of there. They did not speak another word till they reach back to their place.

"There will be a birthday dinner tonight. Be ready at 7.00pm," said Alex gently. He then reach out and caressed her left cheek softly with his right thumb. Aida dare not look at his face but just nod her head. Alex then strode off leaving Aida standing by her door. 

Suddenly Aida came to and called after him "What should I wear to the dinner?"

"Something nice and sexy," he called back without turning back to her.

She ran after him for she wanted to ask him about presents. He was already getting into his car, "What about presents?" she called.

"Don't worry, I will get it," said Alex and closed his car door before driving off...

Must be someone important and one she had not met before or someone he knew very well, so well that he didn't trust her in getting the presents but to get it himself personally. Since she did not have any agenda on for the rest of the day she decided to pay a surprise visit to Greg at the theatre. She called the theatre to confirm if Greg would be turning up for his rehearsal and got a confirmation he would. She had decided to drive the station wagon down instead of taking one of the family limo, as she did not want to draw too much attention on her. After checking with Mrs. Timont that the other two Jefferson has left the estate dare she go over to the east wing to call on William Sr. before heading out. One of the bodyguards had wanted to follow her but she assured him she would be fine on her own.

Half an hour later she was walking into the theatre. She could see Greg up on the stage playing out his role. They were rehearsing part of the scene from Merchant of Venice and Greg was playing Gratiano, Antonio and Bassanio's friend. Greg has been getting even bigger parts recently, which made Aida proud of him. She was absorbed watching his fine performance when someone spoke behind her.

"Well, well, well, if it's not our very own Mexican tramp turned Mrs. Jefferson herself," sneered Sonja. "So what brings you here to our humble theatre?" she added coldly

Aida does not feel intimidated by Sonja's scathing remarks anymore not that because she was married to one of the richest man in America, it's more of because she had matured over the last few months and that it's not right to just take things lying down from Sonja anymore.

"I've come to visit my friend, Greg," said Aida simply and politely.

"Oooh, that was so sweet of you. I mean I am really touched. You are now a rich man's plaything and you would still mixed with characters like Greg?" said Sonja, while putting both hands on her breasts theatrically pretending to be surprise.

"I think Greg has an upright character and I trust him, besides it's not your concern who I should or should not mixed with," said Aida coolly. She refused to take Sonja's bait and bring herself to Sonja's level.

"Tut, tut, tut, look who is talking here now. Well my dear Mexican slut, let me give you a piece of advice. Still water runs deep. Maybe you should really get to know your friend better. Good day Mrs. Jefferson, we shall very soon meet again," said Sonja silkily before sauntering off with her head held high.

Greg had just happened to finish his rehearsal when from the stage he could see Aida and Sonja talking. Immediately he jumped off the stage and walked quickly towards them which by then Sonja had disappeared to back stage.

"Hey girl, why didn't you call me that you were coming down? I saw you with Sonja, was she giving you trouble or said anything?" asked Greg a little anxiously.

"No, but you know how she dislike me. Sometimes I wonder why she disliked me that much. You know something Greg, just maybe, maybe she was the one that left that cocaine thing in my locker," said Aida matter-of-factly.

"Hey girl, that was months ago, let it go. Well at least you are alright now. So...how are you and Jefferson?" said Greg, changing the subject.

"Ok, we will be going for a birthday dinner tonight. Must be one of his close friends. He will pick me up later. Since I have no other plan on today, I thought of giving you a surprise. I haven't heard from you for what? Like three weeks?" said Aida.

"Let's not talk here. I'll go get changed and we could go down to that little bistro for cuppa, what say you?" said Greg invitingly.

"Sure why not, I drove today. I will wait for you at the front?" said Aida.

"Ok, give me about ten minutes?" said Greg.

"Take your time," said Aida.

Greg ran to his dressing room, which he shared with a few other crewmembers. The dressing room was deserted now though. He quickly changed back to his daily clothes when Sonja entered the room without knocking and locked the door. Greg saw her from the mirror and turned around to face her.

"What're you doing in here? Get out," said Greg a little hotly.

Sonja made a tsking sound at Greg and slowly walked around him at the same time laying a finger on his body drawing a full circle that ends back to his chest.

"Is that the way to talk to me?" said Sonja unhurriedly a hint of warning under that saccharin sweet voice of hers. She looked at Greg eye-to-eye, steely blue against sandy brown ones. Then suddenly she grabbed hold of Greg and crushed her lips to his in a brutal kiss. Greg closed his eyes and after what seems like a full minute, wrenched himself away from her, wiping his lips with the back of his hand heaving under his breath. He stared at her angrily.

"Aw...you don't like my kiss? Too bad, you will learn to enjoy it," said Sonja. She took out her mobile and gave a knowing smile at Greg, tapped a well manicured finger at it and then added. "Naughty, naughty, well...see you lover boy," said Sonja sinisterly and with a swish of her platinum hair left the dressing room.

Greg stared at her retreating back with silent fury then turned back to the dressing mirror and saw that his lips were smudged with her lipstick so he tore a piece of tissue and cleaned it off. He took a deep breath, checked himself in the mirror again and went off to look for Aida.

They went to the little bistro that they used to frequent almost after every performance back then. They found an empty table far back and sat down, each ordering a cup of coffee only.

"I see you are getting even bigger parts now Greg, I am glad for you," said Aida honestly.

"Yeah I am glad too, listen Aida, I have not told you this before but I might be getting some parts on TV. It's not really confirmed yet. I'm just waiting for news from Rupert. If I get it, I might move to LA...but just...just keep it to yourself girl, don't say anything or a word to anyone, will you?" said Greg, looking down at his hands.

For a few moments Aida was lost for words, then said excitedly, "That's...that's wonderful Greg! I mean...going on TV..."

"Nothing concrete yet Aida, it's...you know...maybe kind of thing, so all I am asking you is just don't mention anything about it..." said Greg, his voice lowered, eyes darting about.

"Ok, ok...so assume you get it, how soon will you move?" Aida asked excitedly.

"In about three months? Maybe four? I don't know," said Greg, not looking at Aida. Then he added quickly changing the subject, "Say what happen to your bodyguards? None today?"

"Not all the time Greg, besides the news of our 'marriage' were old news now, so...I don't need a bodyguard to protect me constantly from the reporters," Aida replied simply.

"Don't you feel creepy or uncomfortable that someone were to hang around you like a shadow?" Greg asked.

"After four months, I'm kind of use to it now, so how is Wendy?" said Aida. She really missed the brother and sister but since she got 'married' to Alex her schedules were so tight she hardly had time to interact with both of them anymore. Besides each time she called Greg up to meet, he would say he had assignments on. They could only talk on the phone and as usual Wendy would poke fun at her with Alex.




It's Just a Business Transaction Ch. 07



"So have you thought about what you were going to do after the contract was up or have you two...." said Greg trailing off.

"NO Greg!" said Aida a little defensively. "When did you become so nosey like Wendy? Nothing happens. We have different bedroom!" Somehow she felt she wasn't thoroughly truthful. "Anyway I wouldn't really know what to do after the contract expire. Maybe I would go back to do stage work? I love it Greg. But I would probably move too. Maybe I could follow you to LA?" she added mischievously.

"What about him then? Wouldn't it make sensational headlines again?" Greg asked

Aida just shrugged her shoulders. She had come a point in her life that was to take one day at a time. Make the best of each day. Who knows what would happen tomorrow? Who would have thought that a small time stage actress would end up as the wife of one of the richest and prominent guy in the whole of America, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. Even though it's just for a year. Right now she will just do her 'job' as required of her. As old man William Sr. said 'Live and let live'.

They chatted for another hour or so and then it was time for Aida to make a move back home to get ready for the dinner. Aida gave a lift to Greg and dropped him back at his apartment as he had sold his battered Toyota, said he would be getting another soon. He had continued staying in his own place and Wendy had found another roommate to split the rent. They hugged each other before Aida drove back home. Back at the Jefferson Estate she had once again gone over to the east wing to look in on William Sr. before going back to her room to shower and get ready. 

Alex has mentioned to wear something nice and sexy? Must be an important person. She looked through her wardrobe anyway and settled on a Bill Blass full-length, red chiffon gown with thin criss-cross spaghetti straps. The small of the back was accented by several strands clasped by a sparkling diamond brooch while the neckline in front was in a V-shaped that was low enough to show a hint of her sweet, full yet not overly large bosom. She decided to wear her raven hair into a French chignon, leaving a few tendrils to frame her heart-shaped face. She wore the diamond ring Alex has given her and a slim diamond studded Cartier 18k white gold band watch on her right wrist. She took a final look at herself in the full-length mirror and was rather please with the effect. Not too extravagance or under-dressed, she thought. She checked her watch to note she was on time.

Alex was already at the front entrance waiting for her leaning against a shiny black 6.2-liter Lamborghini Mucierlago. He was handsomely dressed in a dark maroon-colored silk shirt with Armani jacket and double pleated trousers. Alex may be a shrewd businessman but he was also a gentleman. He held the door for Aida when she came out of the house. Alex was so taken in by her vision that he wanted to take her in his arms and give her a sound kissing. That can wait, he mused.

"So where is this dinner?" Aida asked.

"You'll see," Alex smiled at her charmingly.

About forty-five minutes later they stop in front of an elegant restaurant with wide staircase and immediately a valet parking attendant came forward to open their doors. Alex handed his key and a generous tip to the parking attendant before taking Aida's arm and led her up the impressive staircase. The maitre d' showed them to a private alcove with lover's seat. Lover's seat? She thought.

The restaurant was beautifully designed with heavy gold and red drapes on the wall so that it cuts down loud noises, which makes it very cozy and intimate. There was soft music playing at the background too.

"Whose birthday is it anyway? I don't see anyone else beside the normal diners?" Aida asked curiously.

"It's my birthday," said Alex grinning at her.

Aida looked at him in disbelief. "Your birthday?"

Alex then took out his driving license and handed it to her seeing her doubts. "Oh! I am so sorry Alex; I didn't know...I wasn't prepared. I don't have a birthday present for you...well...you have everything you wanted anyway," said Aida a little embarrassingly. Some kind of a personal assistant she was. She doesn't even know about his birthday.

"Not quite," Alex replied and slowly caught hold of her hand in his. His thumb caressing her fingers sensuously. This was the first time he had physically touched her so intimately and she immediately withdrew her hand to put it under the table but he easily captured hers again refusing to let go. Even when those times he had kissed her senseless, he had never touch her body intimately at all. The most he did was to cup her face and kissed her from the mouth right down her neck and to her ears but that's about it.

He was staring at her intensely with his piercing opaline green eyes now. She looked away to avoid his stare feeling the heat on her face even though the restaurant was air-conditioned.

"Shall we order?" Alex suggested.

"Sure, shall we?" said Aida looking at him briefly and turned her attention to the menu in front of her. It was all in French. Aida could not read or speak French so instead of embarrassing herself had asked Alex to order on her behalf. Alex then turned his attention to the waiter that had come by to take their orders and Alex spoke fluently in French to the waiter without even looking at the menu. He must have frequented this place often. She thought.

"There, that's done. Would you mind pigeon breasts and sweet baby asparagus for main course?" Alex asked her. He was still holding on to her hand.

"I am fine with anything, not really fussy with food," said Aida giving him a flitting smile.

"Have I told you how beautiful you looked tonight?" said Alex softly, almost a caress. He pulled her hand up from under the table and slowly brought it to his lips to kiss her delicate fingers. She felt as though a hot fire had seared her. She tried unsuccessfully to pull her hand back. It seems like he was trying to do a lot of things to her tonight, which caught her by surprise.

"Alex, please..." she pleaded with him. He just laughed at her softly.

"Are you afraid of me, Aida? Or are you afraid of yourself?" he asked in a low seductive voice. She did not answer him.

He then pulled her to him until she was in the crook of his arm. She panic and try to slide away from him but he had no intention of letting her go.

"Alex, not here. Someone will see us!" she hissed at him.

"So?" said Alex simply. She had turned her face away from him so he pressed his lips at the side of her face and planted little kisses along her face to her neck. The feeling was erotic and heightened her senses for fear of being stumbled upon by the waiters. She felt herself growing impossibly hot. The waiter came back with their orders and immediately Aida tried to pull away from Alex but he still refused to let go. He held her waist tightly to him.

The waiter doesn't seem to notice anything was amiss but continue serving the food and wine. The food itself was a state of art and it's only the appetizer. It was beautifully served on fine china and looked absolutely marvelous. Alex held up the glass of chardonnay with his left hand to make a toast to Aida.

"I should be making a toast to you instead," said Aida giving him a shy smile. Alex clinked his glass to hers and took a drink but his eyes never left her face.

"Shall we eat?" said Aida nervously. Damn! Why does he like making her nervous like that? Almost reluctantly Alex let go of her waist and turned his attention to his appetizer. They ate in silent enjoying the food. Aida could feel Alex's eyes burning into her skin. She had the feeling of being undressed! They finished the appetizer and the waiter cleared the plates away only to return with their main course. Alex had ordered white fish for himself and pigeon breasts for her. 

Aida cut a small piece of meat and was about to put it in her mouth when Alex said. "Feed me." She hesitated not sure if she should do it or not. Alex leant closer to her and said into her ear making her shiver. "Well, I wasn't expecting any presents from you but the least you could do is to feed me." He then proceeded to flick his tongue lightly in her ear, which made her jumped. She felt herself melting.

"Alex!" she hissed softly to look at him. He only raised an eyebrow at her and gave her a seductive smile. She frowned but then lifted the small piece of meat on the fork anyway and slowly fed it to Alex. Eyes still on her he slowly bit into the meat and pull off her fork just as slowly.

"Am I to feed you all my pigeon?" said Aida petulantly biting her lower lip.

"Maybe...don't worry I will feed you too," said Alex and immediately leant forward to capture her mouth with his then using his tongue he pushed the piece of meat from his mouth into hers! She felt desire coursed through her body. It was as though they were 'making love' out there in the public yet with their clothes on. She had never done anything so...so sensuous or so outrageously like this before. His hand had found his way to her back and was caressing her lower back with light feathery touch.

"Alex, could we don't do...do this...it's still a public...place," Aida said between a moan and a sigh.

"Hmm...they won't disturbed us," said Alex while still softly kissing her lips. "Does the piece of meat taste nice?" he added.

"I...I don't know...I never get...to eat it," said Aida, the piece meat still lodged in her mouth.

Alex grinned at her and suddenly let her go and in a cheery voice said. "Let's eat then."

Oooh, how dare he! He made her feel all soft and jellied and now suddenly he wants to eat! Aida attacked her pigeon angrily and she heard his chuckle but she refuse to look at him.

She doesn't even know what she was really eating. Would it have been a normal meal she might have given her opinion about her pigeon but after what he had just done to her, all she did was to stuff the meat in her mouth. After sometime and with much difficulty she managed to finish her main course. She had also somewhat relaxed again and decided the pigeon breasts tasted sweet and succulent.

Alex had made small talk with her asking her about her day after he left her that morning. She decided to tell him about her visit to Greg. She sensed he stiffened slightly and then it was gone.

The waiter came with their desserts, peach with lemon twist soufflé. It was fluffy and looked absolutely delicious. Aida daintily picked up her desserts spoon to scoop a piece of peach and was about to put it in her mouth when Alex caught hold of her hand.

"Feed me," he said simply. Not again! Aida thought. She had somewhat just cooled off and now he was asking her to feed him again?

"No!" she answered him defiantly.

But he would not take no for an answer. He slowly but easily pulled her hand holding the spoon to his mouth to bite at the peach then using his other hand he wrapped it around her waist and pulled her close before placing his mouth over hers. Like what he did with the pigeon meat earlier he pushed the piece of peach from his mouth into hers. She had only two choices. One was to accept the peach mouth to mouth, the other was to close her mouth tight and let the peach falls off. She chose the former. He did not stop there. He slipped his tongue into her mouth and pushed the fruit around the inside of her mouth. The juice from the now squashed fruit had somehow spilt out from the corner of her mouth and he immediately flicked his tongue out from her mouth to lick the juice up. Then his lips danced back on hers kissing her fiercely at times and then softly again. His action was making her toes curled under the table. A tight warm feeling began to spread out from her lower abs fanning all the way up and across her body. She felt flushed and hot at the same time.

Aida had yet to swallow the piece of peach and what Alex did next made her whimper softly. He sucked the now completely mashed peach back into his mouth and swallowed it.

"Now I will feed you," said Alex huskily. He was raging with uncontrolled desire and was trying hard to keep a tight rein on himself. Her lips tasted sweeter than the fruit and he just wanted to keep on kissing her, tasting her until he could be quenched. He looked at her swollen lips devoid of whatever lipstick she had on earlier. His own breathing was rather ragged. He scooped a small spoonful and slowly fed her. She accepted it without resistance. "Feed me again," said Alex hoarsely.

Aida did as she was told. Then Alex fed her again. They fed each other to and fro until both soufflé were gone. By now Aida was almost burning up, consumed with an unknown fire. She could feel moistness between her thighs. There was still her wine left. Without thinking she gulped down the wine in one go. Maybe she wanted to get drunk. She doesn't really know or care. Alex looked at her with his usual sly faint smile. 

He grabbed her hand and pulled her off the seat. They were leaving. When they came out of the restaurant there was a cool breeze and it somewhat cleared her mind but not for long. While they were waiting for the parking attendant to bring their car around, Alex turned her to him and on the steps had kissed her soundly again. She tried protesting as they were right in the open but Alex held on until their car was in sight. There was a smile on the parking attendant face as he opened the door for Aida. They drove silently home without much incident. Alex walked with her back to outside of her room. Slowly he pulled her to him and look down at her flushed face due to the wine. 

"You are so very beautiful," Alex said and bends his head again to kiss her. She drewback for a second and then she responded completely to his kiss with much ardour and passion. Her hands have wound themselves around his neck. No holding back. Tongues wildly on each other trying to out taste one another. Aida was making soft mewling sound behind her throat. Alex was groaning with desire too. His hands sweeping up and down her bareback and all of a sudden Alex pulled away from her. Both were breathing heavily. She tried to lean back on him but he held her at arm length.

"Thank you for such a wonderful evening Aida," said Alex. He gave her a soft kiss and walked back to his room leaving her standing there! What?! After kissing her completely utterly senseless, toying with her in the restaurant until she could not stand it anymore and now he just left her with a thank you? Aida was mad now. Oooh...she wanted to shout at him for being...being...being what? What does she want him to do? All these months she had been fighting to keep herself chaste and now what? She felt totally unfulfilled. She felt desire! She wanted him! She wanted him to...to make passionate love to her! To take her wildly! Oh my GOD! What am I saying? I want him!

There was no denying it any longer. He awoke in her a passion that only Alex could subdue. His kisses consumed her, burning her like molten lava. She wanted more. But how to tell him?! She can't just go knocking on his door and tell him 'Excuse me please, I believe your kiss has awoken me up so, TAKE ME!' right? She was now really frustrated. She entered her room and kicked off her shoes than slumped down on the bed. She did not realize she was crying tears of frustration. She cried because she wanted him. She cried because he left her unfulfilled. Now her crying turned to anger. To hell with Alexander William Jefferson! Angrily she pulled off her gown and decided to take a shower to cool down. Yeah, wasn't that's what they say? A cold shower should do the trick. 

She went into the bathroom and turned on the shower at full blast letting the icy cold water poured down on her. She stood under the shower for a full ten minutes before turning it off. She dried herself and looked into the mirror. Had she cool down? To her dismay she was still hot. The cold water had not douse the fire that Alex had started. In fact it's still burning more brightly than ever! She knew what she must do. She came to a decision. She rummaged through the cupboard and pulled out a peach-colored silk chemise with a sexy side slit and a pair of matching panties. The chemise was only held up by two thin straps. She let the soft material slipped over her body and felt it caressed her own soft silky skin. The chemise came down to just below her soft round bottom and the neckline was so low that it threatened to expose her lovely bosom. Her hair was still wet so she blow-dried it and combed her raven hair back letting it fall naturally to her waist. 

At that moment she could not care about anything else. She only wanted Alex now. She looked into the mirror and saw a girl, a girl who was about to be awaken from her winter hibernation to become a woman. She went to their connecting door. She took a deep breath and knocked on it softly then stood back waiting for the owner of that door to open it. It did not, so she gave another knock, slightly louder this time. She waited for like ten seconds again but feels more like eons before the connecting door flew open. There stood Alex in his unbutton pyjamas top that showed of his broad hard hairless chest which tapered down to a narrow waist. His well-defined stomach rippling with muscles. His boxer shorts, covering his hard-on, which was visible, even under the soft light in the room. He looked down at her small frame holding his breath. She whispered his name softly and the next moment she found herself in Alex strong arms. His lips crushed on hers, seeking, wanting, bruising, kissing her with all his need of her.

"I want you Alex," Aida whispered huskily into his mouth.

"Oh Aida, I thought you would never asked," he whispered hoarsely back to her between kisses. He scooped her up and carried her back to the bed before gently laying her down and he followed swiftly down to cover her soft yielding body with his. No words were needed now. They let their mouths and hands do the talking.

Alex, like Aida had taken a cold shower to try and calm himself down. Of course the cold shower does nothing to his raging hard-on either. His need for her was so great that it took all his willpower not to run over her side and threw her on the bed so he could ravished her and buried himself deep inside of her. Maybe he WAS losing his charm as what his grandfather had said. After four months Aida had still held off well from his kisses. Even tonight when he had gone all the way out to seduce her and he could still sensed her drawback. He wondered why he didn't just get her into bed whether she agrees to it or not. No, he would not do that. She was different. He wanted her to come to him willingly with no barriers and no regrets. The forbidden fruit when offered up freely would be always the most precious and sweetest. Aida was that forbidden fruit. Until then he would have to be patient.

Still feeling frustrated even after the cold shower he decided to go to bed. He was about to switch off the bedside light when he heard the softest of the knock at the connecting door. His heart gave a lurch. Did he imagine the knock, he thought. He waited for a while and there was that knock again, louder this time. He leapt off his bed and strode over to the connecting door to open it quickly. The vision of Aida standing there with just a sexy slip of a chemise that hardly covers her delicious body made his heart racing at hundred miles per second. She only had to whisper his name once and he was lost.

He immediately reached out to pull her soft pliant body to his and she offered no resistance. She had come to him willingly offering her ultimate gift to him. Herself. He crushed his lips on hers tasting her, devouring her. He had to seek her tongue out and dance with her like he did at the restaurant. He planted kisses on every part of her face before capturing her already swollen lips once more finally scooping her up and carried her to the bed. Expertly he pulled the chemise off her body with only her tiny panties still on. God! How beautiful and ethereal she looked. Many nights before he had imagined how her body would look and feel like. He was not disappointed at all.




It's Just a Business Transaction Ch. 07



Her hands came up to cup his face to kiss him back with much passion and fire. He pulled his lips away from her only to kiss her neck and shoulder then all the way down to her breasts. He cupped her left breast with his right hand and gave a sigh, luxuriating the feel of her flesh. It was so soft, heavy and luxurious. Definitely natural. Not overly large or small. It filled his palm perfectly as though she was tailored made for him. Her nipples were of a dusky rose color, small and beautiful like her. He blew gently on her nipple and it puckered up, making her shivering and moaning. He bends his gleaming blond head to sucked on the nipple, which made her gasp sharply from the exquisite pleasure he was invoking in her. He rolled the nipple in his mouth savouring it as though it was a fruit. Her hand was wound in his thick hair pushing him, urging him deeper on to her breast. He alternated his loving ministration between her breasts, sucking them, nipping them and kneading them, sometimes with gentleness and sometimes a little rougher but never too rough to make her feel pain. He lazily traced an areola with his tongue coating it with his saliva before capturing the nipple again and worrying it until it stood out proudly at him.

Aida's eyes were half closed laced with smoky passion. She was writhing wantonly underneath him murmuring his name. It excites him even further to hear his name on her lips. He kissed down to her stomach and dipped his tongue into her navel which made her squirmed deliciously.

"Oh, Alex. It tickles," she said, between a gasp and a giggle.

In her delirious state, she was half aware of Alex sliding off her panties that hides that secret womanly part of her and could hear Alex's murmuring, "Beautiful." She could feel Alex trailing hot kisses down her abdomen to the top of her Venus mound.

"No Alex! Not there!" she said gasping, her eyes shot wide open looking at Alex while trying to close her legs. He only laughed softly at her modesty.

"Yes, especially there. I want to taste you, all of you," whispered Alex. Without breaking eye contact with her, he lifted her bottom up baring her lovely pussy to his lustful gaze. His breath caught in his throat. He had seen many women's sex but none of them could compare to Aida's. Her pussy lips were creamy pinkish colored, plump and full and beautifully formed like a ripe juicy peach. Her thatch of black pussy hair was lush and soft, surprisingly short. He took a whiff of her pussy like a wine connoisseur. Her scent was intoxicating assaulting his every senses and fibre in his body. He gently parted her lips with two fingers to reveal two smaller darker hued lips like the rose petals. And located right between her inner rose petals were her treasure-trove, wet and yielding that would promise him endless pleasure he would soon seek.

"Aida you looked and smelled wonderful, I bet you would taste just as good," whispered Alex while licking his lips in anticipation.

That said he dove forward to capture her pussy lips in his mouth and suckle them. Aida gave a sharp gasp and shudder involuntarily, moaning his name. Her hands grasping into her pillow for support. She had never known pleasure could be this intense and wild. Alex continued to taste her, licking and probing her languorously. His tongue felt hot against the most intimate part of her delving inside her wanting to taste every inch of her. She was totally wet and slippery against his onslaught tongue.

"You taste so wonderful, like sweet peach, do you know that?" Alex said between licks.

What Alex did next completely brought her buttocks off the bed only to bury herself deeper on to his face. Alex had softly bitten down on her pleasure bud that elicited a cry from her. Then just as quickly he had speared back inside her hot tunnel. He felt her inner muscles closing in on his tongue and knew that she must be coming soon. He continued on with his sweet torture, sometimes licking and nibbling her clitoris and then just as quickly delved back into her love tunnel. Soon she came splashing all over his mouth, coating his face with her sweet womanly essence while screaming his name. She almost bucked him off but he held onto her thighs while continuing to lick her until her tremors subsided

He slid up to her and kissed her hard on her lips. She could taste herself on him and she flushed with the intimacy of their act. He pushed himself off her only to disrobe his pyjamas and then to kneel between her parted legs. He let Aida roamed over his naked glory noting her longing gaze on his body. He had never felt so proud. His previous conquests were merely done in animal gratification. But tonight it would be different.

Aida sucked in her breath at his golden body. She was alarmed at the size of him when she let her gaze traveled down. The only time she had seen a male organ was in her biology class back in Mexico and that was only just a drawing. But this was real. He looked so male and overpowering. She felt frightened yet wanted to touch him like he did to her, to return the favour. So she sat up to kneel before him and reach out for his shaft. It was so natural, guided by instinct; Aida wrapped her hands around his thick long shaft and slowly rubbed up and down.

"Oh Aida," hissed Alex closing his eyes, tilting his head back enjoying her soft hands rubbing him. He was controlling himself not to come in her hands. He could sense she was no expert but her naturalness overcame her clumsiness and that makes it even more wonderful and pleasurable. He caught hold of her hand. No, he would not allow himself to come on her soft hands. Not this time. It would be another time. Now he wanted to be inside her.

He gently shoved her back down on the bed and covered her body. He kissed her hungrily again wanting to heighten her sense so as not to hurt her with his size when he took her. Both of them were breathing raggedly. His thick hot shaft poised against her pussy. His tip found her wet opening easily. He slipped the head in an inch...and then another inch...letting her adjusting to his size.

"Alex...please don't tease me," Aida whispered against his lips.

Alex fused his mouth hotly over hers and at the same time plunged in all the way to the hilt. He felt a momentary resistant inside her but he was too far in to pull back. She immediately stiffened at the sharp pain that tore through her. She tried to wriggle, to push him off her but he held on tight and murmuring sweet encouragement to her.

"Shh...it's ok Aida, wrap your legs around me sweetheart," Alex urged her.

"It hurts Alex," she panted gasping for air.

"Trust me, I will make the pain go away," he whispered in her ear at the same time raining kisses on her face.

He let his hand roamed to her breasts again to roll a nipple between his thumb and forefinger. Slowly he pulled out of her almost to the tip and then plunged in again. Every time he does that Aida would moan and arched her bottom off the bed. He knew she was beginning to experience pleasure now instead of pain. Just how he had pictured her, warm, wet and willing. Well, warm was an understatement. Hot was more like it and so very wet. Her love tunnel was gripping his shaft like a vice. Fire seared through his body as he pounded into her. His rhythm more urgent now. Soon he could hear her moans getting louder and then felt her pussy squeeze him in an almost painful grip and came thrashing wildly on his shaft trying to draw him deeper. Her orgasm triggered his off almost instantly. He held on a few second longer before crashing through spilling his hot sperm into her womb. He doesn't feel powerful any longer. At this moment he would have given up his empire of wealth just to be inside her like this, to feel her hot tunnel squeezing and milking him dry.

He gave a hoarse animalistic yell and collapsed on top of her heaving chest feeling her fingers massaging his shoulder. He was still experiencing the aftershock of his powerful orgasm. He looked up at her to see her eyes were still closed; her lips were beautifully bruised from his kissing and a glow of perspiration forming on her forehead. If this were how she would look like after every bout of lovemaking he wouldn't mind doing it to her again and again just to capture this look of hers. He couldn't help but eased up to her and gently kissed her swollen lips. She opened her passion filled eyes to look at him and broke into a smile.

"Any regrets?" he asked her against her lips. She did not answer him but in kissing him back was her way of letting him know she had no regrets. He gathered her close and tucked her into the crook of his body enjoying the closeness of their skins touching each other.

"Sleepy?" Alex asked her gently. Aida gave a soft nod with her head and buried her face on his shoulder. She was soon fast asleep snoring softly away. He laughed to himself silently. Tomorrow morning he would tell her again that she snores and he wouldn't mind it at all and he would need to call Ian his friend for a confirmation. This was the best birthday present he ever had and he felt wonderful. He stroked her silky skin and before he knew it, he was fast asleep too.

To be continued...



It's Just a Business Transaction Ch. 08



Alex was thrilled to confirm Aida was indeed a virgin. Not that he mind if she wasn't one. Besides it was her life before she became Mrs. Jefferson, he had no control over that. He would have thought Greg and she would have shared a physical relationship seeing how protective Greg had been of Aida on their wedding day. He thought they might just had gone to bed more out of companionship. And even so if it hadn't been Greg it could have been any other guys back in Mexico. Aida was not ugly moreover she was a sensual creature; possibly she wasn't even aware of it herself.

So when he had took her that night to find his entrance being block and when she had cried out in pain, and also that morning after he had slipped out of her bed quietly back to his room to shower only to discover blood on his penis did he realize she just might have been a virgin after all. But then again maybe it could be due to his size he could have chafed her inner walls with his roughness? He might be an expert when comes to bedding a woman but he had no experience where virgins were concern. As far as he could remember from his first sexual escapade right up to the last before he married and bedded Aida, all the women were well versed in the art of sex and they had openly admitted it to him. After his shower he had decided to call his friend Ian to ask him about women in general.

"Ian, is it possible for a woman who is active in her daily life like doing exercises, you know, cycling, aerobics or even to the extend of doing gymnasts could still have their hymen intact?" said Alex, looking into the LCD screen at his friend who was still in bed in his nightshirt and right behind Ian, Alex could make out the sleeping form of Nicole.

"It's possible. The thickness and the depth of the hymen vary from woman to woman. Some women could break theirs easily, even if they were just to do running or light carrying and some women can still have theirs intact for years no matter how tough were their daily activities, unless they experienced direct penetration," said Ian professionally then added slyly, "You lucky bastard."

"Hey, you are supposed to be a professional, so no probing," chided Alex but nevertheless was please with the answer he got from his long time friend.

"Hey you yourself, I am also your friend. You wouldn't have called me up so early in the morning just to ask such a mundane question if it doesn't greatly concerns you when you know I would still be in bed, and took you long enough. Four months, you sure is losing your charm," said Ian, winking at him.

"Go back to bed, you sly old dog," scolded Alex. From his screen he could see Nicole must have had roused from her husband's voice and had groggily groped her husband's crotch without realizing they were on line with him giving him a free show. Ian gave him a salute and clicked off the button on his side and the screen went blank.

That was two months ago. After that night he had continued to share Aida's bed and Aida hadn't hold back anymore. She was sweet, passionate and giving in bed when he had finally broken through her. Now almost nightly he would take them to the highest peak of passion and then afterward would slowly sank back down to reality from their intense lovemaking, feeling completely sated and satiated only to start all over again hours later. His most favourite way of making love to her was when she was deep in her sleep. She was such a sound sleeper, a bomb could have exploded outside her room and she would still sleep on. As usual after a hot session with her, she would have gone to sleep soundly in his arms and somewhere in the middle of the night he would wake up only slipped his rock hard shaft inside her hot wet tunnel still filled with his earlier evidence of lovemaking and rocked her till she was wide awake again, moaning his name and writhing with unbridled passion.

Alex would have thought at the end of his chase of Aida he would have been satisfied in adding her name mentally as another conquests to his collection but he was wrong. He had to admit she meant more than just another of his conquests. He wanted to keep her forever. Perhaps now was the time to get her pregnant so he could propose to her another business transaction on a long-term basis. And he was confident she would accept it on his terms. 

At times he would flittingly wonder could he have fallen 'in love' with her, if not why such obsessions of her? The thought of falling in love seems so alien to him but he could not deny the fact that he does want Aida to be with him for a long time with a possessiveness he could not explain. He shrugged, what is love, wasn't he caring enough for her, he could give her everything she wanted apart from that four letter word. In any case she seemed contented with their arrangement as it was and has make no demands. His great grandfather right down to his own father had not married for love but more for the sake of business and it had work out fine apart from the usual extra marital relationships from the men but the women folks never complained. And why complicate a 'perfect' partnership now any further with mushy 'love'. He came to a conclusion within himself; he was ready to set plan B in motion, to get Aida to stay by his side forever by making her pregnant. Perhaps then he could try his hand in the political scene.

Alex would have never guess that things were about to change much to his dislike and that he might even lose something he prized most in his possessions, something so valuable even his massive wealth and status could not be bought with money, Aida.

The business empire of the Jefferson includes bottling of drinkable mineral water, Aqua 21 and was one the top supplier within America. Their bottling factory was situated in Napa Valley, California. Once the mineral water were bottled and cleared of quality control checked it would then be distributed to various states. Every day there would be shipments of mineral water delivered to their warehouse in Huntingdon Valley Industrial Centre. And every night truckloads would be out running all over PA distributing to the supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenient stores, restaurants and hotels.

Tonight as usual the trucks were loaded full of mineral waters and were ready to do their run. Mark, one of the usual deliverymen was seated behind the wheel waiting for another helper to help him with the delivery. Damn, where the heck is the guy? He muttered to himself. The sooner they get their job done the sooner he could get back home to his wife. Someone finally climbed into the passenger side. The guy was about 6' tall. Even though under the dim truck light Mark could make out the other guy's feature. He had long side-burns and a moustache and an overly large nose. He noted the nametag on the other guy's uniform as Travis.

"You new? Never seen you before," asked Mark nonchalantly not really surprise for the blue-collar workers turnover were always high.

"Yeah I got the job this morning, they ask me to report for duty tonight" said the new guy Travis.

"You done delivery before?" asked Mark as he gunned up the big wheeler full of mineral water.

"Yeah, use to do delivery back in Arizona," said 'Travis'.

"Alright then let's go," said Mark.

Half an hour later they came to the loading bay of a downtown superstore and 'Travis' began to unload the mineral water. Little did Mark know at their first stop there was another passenger that had quietly slipped up behind the truck and 'Travis' had arranged a corner big enough for the new passenger to hide in. 'Travis' closed the rear truck door; making sure it was secured before climbing back to his passenger side while Mark started up the engine again ready to go to another destination which he had been plying for two years. The schedule of his routes were always the same be it rain or snow at this time of the night.

Inside the truck the new passenger quickly and efficiently retrieved from his black overall pocket a bottle of Salicylic acid and a hypodermic needle. He inserted the needle into the bottle of acid, syringe it up full and then carefully injected a little of the poison into the mineral water bottle. The needle was so small and thin that it could not be detected with the naked eye under normal lighting and there would be no leakage too. He worked quickly and silently. He came prepared wearing surgical gloves that would ensure he would not leave any fingerprints. He felt the truck stop and immediately went back into his hiding place. The rear truck door opened and he noted it was 'Travis'. 'Travis' then unloaded the dozens of mineral water and delivered it to the store. Then they were off again. He then repeated the process, randomly injecting the poison into the mineral water until the poison finished. By the time the whole process of injecting the water and delivering them was done, it was almost dawning. Just before the second last stop, 'Travis' quietly let his accomplice out and he himself has returned to the compound of the warehouse but he never punched out his card for there was no card to punch out. There were hundreds of workers at the warehouse busy with their own work to notice he had quietly slipped off.

It was easy enough a job to do. They just need to trail the trucks that ply the routes for a couple of nights to see where they would stop for the unloading of mineral waters. Sonja had provided them with the company uniforms and nametags beforehand. How she managed to acquire them was not their concern and Sonja would not have told them so. Greg had easily obtained the make-up kits from the theatre makeup studio. Rupert was to hide in the truck and to do the necessary work. He was given a bottle of colourless, odourless liquid - concentrated Salicylic acid. Salicylic acid may be found in certain kind of herbs or plants and was use to administer such problems as headaches, warts or toothaches. Due to the very small amounts found in the herbs or plants it was not harmful at all but if it was processed into drug forms, which were very concentrated, it could prove to be fatal. The mineral water were only injected with one sixty-four of its concentrated strength so it would not be fatal but yet it's still able to do enough damage to the consumer even if it was diluted in the water.

Now as Greg lay on his bed, thinking back about what he and Rupert had done, it made him feel terribly ashamed, bitter and furious. Both he and Rupert had become the devil's pawn, Sonja's unwilling lackeys. He knew he had let down his sister and even himself but most of all he knew he had let Aida down but he could not help it. Sonja would not have let them off so easily and he had seen the evil side of her. She was too dangerous. Too many innocent lives were at stake. Someone had to be the ultimate sacrificial lamb and Aida would be that lamb.

With all his wealth and power, Alex would never have guessed he, Gregory Lyndon Johnson would be the one unwittingly bring disaster to the Jefferson but definitely not of his choice. He could not risk Rupert reputation. Other than the secret life they share, he was a good husband to his decent simple wife who knows nothing about his double life, a good father to his two daughters and an active churchgoer of his community. Not to mention he was quite respected as a good agent in the acting circle. Ever since his high school days when Rupert had introduced him to his world, Greg was hooked on it. He had come to acknowledge Rupert as his mentor, a lover and a father, which he never had. No one knows about their secret relationship except Wendy but his sister would turned a blind eye to her brother's private life not that she welcome her brother's kind of lifestyle but more out of respect for her brother's privacy. 

It was unlucky that both he and Rupert had to be caught in the act by Sonja. Rupert had gone to the back stage to see him when his play was over and they had thought the theatre would have been deserted by then but they hadn't noticed Sonja was recording their little 'performance' with her Motorola V551 when she happened to pass by Greg's dressing room. She had returned to the theatre that night to get her things when she had stumble upon them without their knowledge. Oh, she was very clever. She did not immediately expose them but had sent them each a copy of DVD the next few days. If their unnatural sexual affair comes to light he and Rupert would be finished. He wasn't really worried for his own safety or reputation. He was more worried for Rupert and his sister. And he definitely can't risk his own sister's life. 

He recalled a couple of years back before Aida came to Philly, there was another pretty aspiring actress that was with them and had openly clashed with Sonja many times. One day out of the blue she was found dead at the dumpster, sodomized and with a bullet in her head. Of course investigations were carried out but the police found no evidence to tie the case to Sonja as she had cleverly arrangement for an alibi. Besides, it wasn't uncommon to have rivalries between the actors in the acting field. Thus, Greg has to bid his time. He would have to quietly ship his sister off somewhere, where she would be safe from the claws of Sonja.

As for Aida, he had done her a tremendous injustice and prayed that Aida would forgive him should she ever find out what he had done to her. Sonja was livid when she had learnt that the arrogant handsome sought after billionaire, Alex Jefferson had taken a liking to Aida and she could not live with that. No small time actress was to steal her man away from her. She had then manipulated Greg to plant the drug in Aida's locker so to land her in jail or better yet to be deported back to Mexico. A few nights before the incident Greg had quietly obtained Aida's fingerprints through the use of Scotch tape and then had replanted it on the packet of cocaine before putting it in her locker.

Secretly Greg would have prefer Aida to be ship back to Mexico where she would be safer but it was the biggest surprise of the century when the wealthy Jefferson had took Aida's case in his hand by even offering her marriage. He would have never guess that Alex was so taken in by Aida enough to help her out of her predicament. Greg somehow felt jealous. Even though in all his twenty-six years of life, he had never been with a woman but he had felt very strongly towards Aida. She was so trusting and innocent. Greg was sure he had fallen in love with Aida even though he does not have the physical need to bed her. When Rupert thought Greg was drifting off from him because of Aida, Rupert had increased his visit to Greg more regularly than their usual rendezvous and it was during one of their tryst that Sonja had caught them.

Of course Greg had tried fighting back, to retaliate in physical force. But to his dismay Sonja easily overpower him. Sonja had beaten him up bad but not on his face and she had threatened that she would not hesitate to go after his sister, Wendy or Rupert's family if the need arose should he or Rupert even dare to sound anyone out or retaliate. On the other hand Greg had felt a momentarily relief when Aida had agreed to 'marry' Alex. At least she would be safe under Alex protection for a while. But seems he was wrong. Sonja's obsessions with destroying Aida and her obsessions with Alex was far greater than he have thought. Now there was really nothing he could do except to watch the news for the next few days. Someone out there would eventually drink the contaminated mineral water and get very sick and then news would spread like wildfire about the Jefferson's water. What was Sonja's real reason for committing this heinous act no one will know; only she herself would know the real reason. It's definitely not just an obssessions for Alex.

Right now he need to plan to get his sister out of Philly, preferably out of the country completely without Sonja's knowledge. He thought of Aida, she might just help him. He hate to ask Aida for help after what he had done to her but he doesn't have a choice and he gotta help Rupert's family too. Suddenly his mobile rang, he picked it up and look at the screen and noted it was an unlisted number. Must be her. Greg thought sickeningly. He would have to take this call whether he like it or not.

"Hello..."

"I presumed you boys have done what I have ask you to?" came Sonja's voice over the other end.

"Yes," replied Greg curtly. He was seething in fury but he had to control his anger. Can't antagonize the bitch.

"Wonderful, I shall see you both at the party tomorrow, usual place," said Sonja sweetly.

"I had an appoint..." Before Greg could finish, Sonja interrupted him.

"You will be there and on time!" said Sonja, her voice cold, sending a chill down Greg's spine. That said she hung up on Greg.

Greg was so mad he flung his mobile across the room. Both he and Rupert have no choice. Follow the orders or face the consequences. It took him a long time before he fell into a troubled sleep.

___________________

Aida was on cloud nine for the next two months. She felt no regrets of giving herself to Alex. She thought after that night Alex would leave her to be but he did not, instead he spent every night with her thereafter. He seems to have an insatiable libido. Each night he would take her again and again to the highest peak of ecstasy before letting her sleep. His sexual appetite for her does not confine to the nights or mornings only. At times he would suddenly comes home in the afternoon and make love to her before going back to the office. He played her body like a masterful musician with his instrument and in turn he would teach her to play with his body just as he with hers. 

Tonight they had gone to the mayor and his wife's fortieth anniversary dinner and dance. They were having a conversation with the mayor and he had hinted of an early retirement from the political scene and had jovially suggested Alex should give it a try, citing reasons that America need more young blood instead of way over the hills old men to run the country's affairs. Alex had politely laugh it off saying his business would keep him so busy to think about mayor-ship during the day and his night would be too busy entertaining his young wife which elicited whoops of laughter from the group much to Aida's embarrassment.

Soon the men moved onto more serious topics and the ladies were left to themselves. Aida was having a casual conversation with the mayor's wife a stately handsome lady in her late 60s, when a familiar saccharin sweet voice interrupted them.

"Well, good evening Mrs. Brooklyn," said Sonja sweetly then dramatically added, pretending as if she just saw Aida. "Oh! And good evening to you too Mrs. Jefferson, you look wonderful tonight!"

"Hello there, Miss Matthias, it's wonderful you could make it to our dinner," replied Mrs. Brooklyn cordially.

"Oh, I wouldn't miss it for anything," said Sonja flashing her brightest smile at them.

"I see you know Mrs. Jefferson too," said Mrs. Brooklyn.

"Oh yes, we were once colleague, weren't we, until her arrest...Oops pardon me, I almost forgotten, you were cleared off all charges! So how have you been Aida?" said Sonja, her voice had took on a slightly sharp edge when she addressed Aida. Just then Mrs. Brooklyn was called away to take a call leaving the two women on their own.

"So, I see you are still able to hold on to Alex's interest on you after six months. How time flies...you must be enjoying yourself getting your cunt fucked by Alex big cock. And a small thing like you, I am surprised he hadn't split you in two," said Sonja crudely, all pretentious gone. She did not even bother to hide the maliciousness in her voice any longer knowing everyone was busy in his or her own conversations but the bright smile was still plastered on her face.




It's Just a Business Transaction Ch. 08



"Oh, did you know Alex and I went to bed too, he probably didn't tell you. Want me to describe his cock to you? Or maybe you need a lesson or two on how to make Alex tick?" said Sonja malevolently. She was so much taller than Aida almost as tall as Alex and she enjoyed looking down at Aida small frame.

"Sonja, I believe you forgot to wash your mouth when you got up this morning. Would you like me to introduce you to some mouth gurgle?" said Aida coolly, staring up at her with her own hazel eyes. She was determined not to let Sonja get the upper hand of her with her vulgarities.

"Oooh, you are learning grasshopper. I guess being Mrs. Jefferson had its advantage. I wonder would you have spoken to me this way if you weren't Alex's plaything?" said Sonja cattily.

"I believe we have nothing more in common to talk about, so if you will excuse me," said Aida putting on her best cold demeanour but somehow she felt a pang of jealousy knowing Alex had shared her bed. She was about to walk away when Sonja gripped her forearm painfully.

"Don't think for a second you have won just because you were married to Alex. The show has just started!" said Sonja dangerously her face still plastered with the bright smile but it had somehow look rather grotesque.

"I don't know what you are talking about Sonja, now kindly let go before you make a scene. I am sure you would not want to lose your cool here with all the important people around," said Aida boldly.

Sonja glared at her for a second longer and release her hold. Aida walked away from her to look for her husband.

On their way home Aida had kept very quiet, her thoughts preoccupied with her earlier conversations with Sonja. 

"Something on your mind?" Alex asked.

"No, just a little tired," said Aida half truthfully.

"Don't worry, when we get home, I will give you a nice massage, guarantee that will perk you up," said Alex meaningfully while reaching over to squeeze her thigh sensuously.

Aida flushed at his touch and words knowing fully well what he meant.

"Keep both hands on the wheel," reprimanded Aida.

"If I promise I keep my hands on the wheel, would you let me keep my hands on you when we get home?" teased Alex with his usual charm.

Aida did not answer him but from the corner of her eyes she could see him smiling. She could not help but recalled the pleasure he wrung from her body with his hands and she felt herself getting moist.

Alex gunned down on the machine racing all the way home. Upon reaching their front porch, he strode over to Aida's side and scooped her up in his strong arms, making her squeal just as she was getting out of the car.

"Alex! Put me down! What if the servants sees us?" reasoned Aida.

"This is my house and you are my wife," said Alex huskily striding purposefully to her room. 

"Open the door sweetheart," he commanded her softly. He bends forward a little for her to reach the knob and Aida swung it open.

He strode in still carrying her and turned to kick the door close. Next he walked to her bed and dropped her non-too gently down. Alex was tearing his clothes off from his muscular form. There was a hungry look in his eyes as he stared down at Aida, which makes her tremble with anticipation. In a matter of seconds, he was standing naked in front of her, his turgid sex standing angrily at attention, evidence of his arousal. Soon his hands were on Aida's clothing tearing them off her. His lips and hands were one now, touching, feeling and glorifying every part of Aida's body urgently and Aida responded back ardently.

"No more foreplay tonight, sweetheart. I want you now!" his voice husky and ragged with the need of her.

Aida was a little frightened with his intensity tonight yet could not help but get caught up in his excitement of his need for her. She parted her thighs for him and with one thrust buried himself all the way inside her hot honeyed flesh making her gasped out loudly at the sheer pleasure of it. His kiss was hungry, almost animal in its urgency. His ass was grinding into her as if trying to get deeper in. He took her with such ferocity that the bed quaked with their lovemaking. Aida wrapped her shapely legs around his waist and he slammed into her again and again each time eliciting sweet moans from her lips.

"Did you miss me, sweetheart?" Alex asked her in between kisses. His hands had come to grab her ass up, lifting her off the bed completely while he stroke in and out of her impossibly tight tunnel. He thought he would go mad if he didn't bury himself inside of her soon when he had only just took her that very afternoon. And now he was feeling her wet hot tunnel gripping his shaft, almost killing him with exquisite pleasure. He knew he could not last any longer. Aida was squeezing him harder now when suddenly she arched up, her orgasm spilling over, spiraling her into a deep vortex and at the same time Alex spewed himself hard inside her with his white hot semen that triggered another strong orgasm in her. Both of them shouted out simultaneously with their pleasure, so great was their orgasms that it took three full minutes before they finally calm down their heartbeats.

Alex was still planting kisses on her face enjoying the feel of their body so close together but somehow he sensed there was some drawback in her. Then he remembered he saw Sonja was talking with Aida earlier at the party. He knew then it has to do with Sonja.

"There is something wrong, Aida. What is it? I saw you talking to Sonja," said Alex

Even though their lovemaking had leave her breathless and sated but she could not deny that Sonja's words were still haunting her. She knew she has no right to question Alex about his previous liaison with Sonja or anyone but she wanted to know.

"She told me about...about you and her before we...we..." said Aida haltingly.

"Jealous?" said Alex, still kissing her.

"NO!" said Aida defensively.

"Yes you are," said Alex matter-of-factly.

"It's just that...I wanted to know...well...she did say..." Aida tried again.

"Why don't you come straight out and ask me, if I had sex with her?" said Alex stiffly, now looking at her. His face rather set devoid of all expressions.

"I don't mean it that way, Alex. I am not prob..." Aida tried to explain but before she could finish Alex interjected her.

"If that is not probing, what do you call it? When we sign that contract, I wanted a wife and I don't expect a shrew!" said Alex icily.

There was a shock look on Aida's face. She was shocked in the sudden mood change in him. Suddenly Alex realized that he had spoken harshly to her. Aida eased herself off him and walked to the bathroom. Alex did not make a move to stop her but lay sprawled on the bed looking at the back of her small form, her deliciously swaying butt. He was angry with her. She has no right to probe into his affairs and moreover it was before he married her. Yet a tiny part of him was happy that she was jealous. He sat up and ran one of his hands through his gleaming blonde hair. Why did he have to be so harsh with her? What was he afraid of? Suddenly he noted to himself that he was afraid. YES, AFRAID! But what was he afraid of? Was he afraid she could smother him? Was he afraid he would lose his control? Was he afraid Aida would enslave him? Aida may not know or realize it that unconsciously she was enslaving him but he saw it and he dislike it. Maybe that was the reason why he did not want a real marriage but a contractual one. One that would not hold on to him. One that could not bind him forever. One that would not make him lost control.

Alexander William Jefferson for once in his life was afraid to lose his control over to a small woman. How ironic life can be. He was never afraid of his rivals or adversaries when in the business world. He would take them head-on and now suddenly here was a small woman who might just be able to do that to him. He remembered her passion just minutes ago and it stirred his loins with longing again. He sighed and padded to the bathroom and knocked on it. Aida did not answer. He tried again and waited. Still no answer. Fine! So be it! He thought angrily and stalked back to his room slamming the adjoining door shut.

Aida was silently crying in the bathroom. Gosh, she felt so embarrassed. He had called her a shrew! And she felt tremendously awful because he was right. She had acted like a true wife! She had forgotten her place, her agreement with him. He wanted a model 'wife' not a shrew. And suddenly she hated him! Hated him for bringing out the worse in her. If only Sonja had not taunt her with those words. If only she had not question him. If only he had not reminded her of her place. 'IF'. So many ifs. 

Ok, you gotta make this clear, she told herself. He didn't force you into his bed, so you can't cry foul over it. He didn't even coerced or manipulated you into having sex with him. It was all your own free will. So don't go do anything stupid again by accusing him of anything. God! Then how come she felt so depressed she wanted to die. How could she face him tomorrow morning? She looked into the mirror and saw a woman. The woman was talking to her, "You are in love with him Aida, that was why you felt jealousy and that was why you felt so stung by his words," her reflection told her.

Oh my god! I fell in love with him! She thought despairingly. How could she fall in love with him knowing fully well that their relationship was base on a contract? Hadn't she learned anything? There would be no room for love in their relationship; it's ONLY a business transaction. She can't let him know she fell in love with him and she has to get out of the feeling fast before she truly hurt herself. After the contract expired she would be free to do and love someone else who truly deserved it. Tomorrow she had to pretend nothing has happened. It will be just like the past two months. Just enjoying each other company, be a model 'wife' and if sex were involved then considered it an added bonus. Feeling somewhat calmer after a self pep talk she stepped into the shower. When she came back out of the bathroom, he had already long gone back to his room. Tonight would be the first night after two months he would not be sharing her bed. She would get use to it again like before. She went to bed with a heavy heart and fell into a restless slumber.

Alex had gone back to his room to take a shower still feeling angry and frustrated. Women! They were all the same. They only wanted to control you. And he thought Aida would be different. He thought bitterly. Just then his mobile rang and he went to pick it up.

"Hello?"

"Mr. Jefferson, we may got a problem," said the caller. It was his Executive Chief Operating Officer, Dan Edward.

"Explain," Alex commanded crisply.

"I think our waters may have been sabotage. I received a call from the police department that half an hour ago a man apparently had bought our bottle drink from a twenty-four hours convenient store from Hamilton Street and has fallen ill after drinking it. The man's wife is giving statement at the hospital," said Dan

"How is the man?" asked Alex.

"Serious but not life-threatening condition," said Dan.

"Was it our waters then?" asked Alex calmly.

"Not hundred percent sure yet. The water has been sent to the forensic department for analysis," said Dan.

"Have you put a stop to all deliveries yet?" said Alex.

"Yes sir, I have already alerted the rest of the counties and our plant in Napa Valley to have a full investigation. They will be having a report for you very soon," said Dan.

"Good, call Longman and let him know. Tomorrow morning I want to call a meeting ASAP. Meanwhile keep me inform on the situation," said Alex. He was about to click off the mobile when Dan immediately interrupted him.

"Mr. Jefferson! I think we just got another one, Steward St. this time," said Dan urgently.

"Damn," muttered Alex. "Make sure all stores and eatery outlets were alerted to stop the sales of our waters until everything clears up!" Alex commanded.

"Will do sir," said Dan and hangs up.

Alex looked at the time and it was already past 2am. He turned on his LCD screen to watch for any news alert. There it was. 'Aqua 21 a top brand mineral water, bottled and distributed by Jefferson Ltd. were suspected to be contaminated....' Tomorrow morning when Dow Jones open, their share would take a plunge of at least 20% depends if tonight any more new reports. In one night two case, doesn't sound good. Nothing of this sort has ever happen before in the history of the Jefferson business empire. He just hope that the guy who drank their water would be alright assuming it was their water.

His thoughts reverted back to Aida. Just when he thought things were working out with Aida, now he had to put it on hold to get to the bottom of this would be sabotage. He would have to wait for any calls for extortion now. Next couple of days would be crucial. Suddenly he felt tired. He decided to go to bed. He wanted very much to go to her to revel in her body warmth but after their little episode he decided not to besides he need to be alert for tomorrow's meeting. He turned off the screen and the bedside light and went to bed.

Early next morning Alex had gone to the office for an emergency meeting. Before he went off, he had quietly gone over next door to check on Aida. She was burrowed under the cover of the thick blanket. He went and sat down next to her bed to stroke her hair. As usual she was snoring sweetly away oblivious to his presence. He took another look at her and head off to the office.

By the time he arrived, his team had already assembled there in the boardroom. It would be another one hour before Dow Jones open.

"What's the situation?" Alex addressed his board of advisors and financial managers.

The team gave him a rundown on the problem. Their Napa Valley was cleared. No contaminated waters found anywhere except Philly itself. All the stores in Philly itself that carried their waters were found contaminated, not all waters though but random. The forensic department has determined it was Salicylic acid, which could be deadly if administered in concentrated form. What the forensic found in their water was of lesser strength and since it got diluted it won't kill but nevertheless extremely harmful to the body that would cause severe abdominal pain and burning of the mouth. They found very tiny pinprick hole that was made by hypodermic needles on the bottles. The waters in Huntingdon Valley were tripled check and confirmed was safe for consumption and had not been tampered with except those that were out of the warehouse.

Alex wasted no time in instructing his team what was to expect and the potential solutions to be. As expected by him their stock dropped by 20% the moment it started trading. Since they have not received any extortion calls yet, Alex would assume it was not for the money here but more on a personal vendetta. He also immediately called for a press conference to rectify the situation and also instructed his lawyer to get ready to settle out of court any claims by the two victims should they decided to sue.

Aida was at home and saw the news on TV. She was very worried for Alex but knew it would be inadvisable to call him any time now when he need to fully concentrate on the problem at hand. Her meeting with the Association for Battered Women was cancelled so she decided to go over to the east wing to look for William Sr. She made sure she would not run into the mother and son team. She found William Sr. watching the CNN about the news of their problem. She eased into the chair next to his.

"You saw the news already, I guess," said Aida slowly. "I am sure it was really nothing just some mischief makers. Don't worry about it," said Aida giving William Sr. an assuring smile.

"I'm not worried about it at all. I know Alex can handle it. You looked terrible; didn't you have a good sleep last night? Or did my grandson wears you out?" William Sr. asked of her and added cheekily with the last question.

"No, no, nothing of that sort. I just don't feel well. Must have caught a chill or something," replied Aida, feeling uneasy with William Sr.'s words.

"Well, you let me know if my grandson has been bullying you, young lady. I will get him for you," said William Sr. smiling fondly at her.

"Oh no, he did not. We are fine, really," said Aida giving him the best happy smile she could muster. "Would you want to go for a walk?" asked Aida.

"If you have the time for an old man, why not then," said William Sr. happily.

Aida then linked her arm to his and they walked down to the garden. The garden was huge. It was more of a park. There were all kinds of flowers and shrubs and mini fountains to rival the ones in City Hall parks. Miss. Kathy the nurse follows them from behind.

"Do you love your late wife?" Aida asked of William Sr. suddenly.

William Sr. was so taken aback with her unlikely question; it took him a while before he replied. "Well, I suppose so. Ours was an arranged marriage set by our parents."

"Don't you feel that you should marry someone you love?" Aida pressed on.

"Ours was more of a business marriage. My father saw that their business would greatly enhanced ours if the two families were to be united up so he had proposed to my wife's side and the marriage was agreed upon," explained William Sr.

"I remember you told me once you like a girl in your college, what about her. Weren't you disappointed that you were unable to continue with the relationship?" Aida inquired.

William Sr. thought for a while again before replying. 

"Sometimes you need to sacrifice something in order to achieve something better...I did what I could for the family," said William Sr.

"At a price by sacrificing your love and happiness?" Aida asked.

"My dear child, I was brought up to learn about power and business. To me, happiness is to see I was able to continue to uphold the family's honour and to protect the business.. When I married my wife, she was unhappy at first, so was I. But later on in life, we grew to respect, honour and love each other. We may have never spoken the word out loud. But I am sure it was love. I was worried sick when she fell ill. I was jealous when she danced with other men. I was overjoyed when she gave birth to our son, Alex's father. I would say I was a good husband and father to them both and never let them down. She had never complained about anything before. Ever since I married my wife, I stopped all my dalliances. Partly because I don't want to have any scandals and partly I want to be a good husband. So, I wouldn't know if you could call that love because I respect her," said William Sr.

Aida looked at him and knew the old man was speaking from his heart. The Jefferson's men were not just a bunch of coldhearted businessmen as the world had portrayed them to be. That is the way of the Jefferson, it's hard for them to show it openly. Just then the old man sighed.

"My dear child, I care very, very much for Alex. I would never allow any harm to come to him. I may be old, but if anyone was to harm Alex, I would not hesitate to protect him in any way I could, so wouldn't you call that love? And I have come to care for you too. I want to see my grandson be happy. I want him to have a wife who could take care of him when I was gone. And you are the one Aida. I see a kind of glow in him whenever you were around him. He is just too stubborn to admit it. I would have to blame it on the men in the Jefferson's family who never know how to express their true feelings," explained the old man.

"You make it sound like as though I am in love with Alex," said Aida casually.

"Yes, you are. Or else why would you ask me about love?" replied the old man.

"No, I am not. Ours was just a contract. He..." said Aida a little defensively.




It's Just a Business Transaction Ch. 08



"You can lie to me. You can even lie to Alex. But you can't lie to yourself. And you were afraid he would reject you," said the old man matter-of-factly.

"No, I really am not. Besides there is no place for love in a business transaction," said Aida little more assertively. Of course she knew she was lying. She could not let them know. Alex would only make a mockery out of her like what he did last night. The word 'shrew' still stung in her mind.

The old man shook his white head.

"Is it so important to say the word out loud? Many couples who went through a love relationship before settling down. In the end some divorced. Of course some lived happily ever after. Now, don't get me wrong. I am not saying it's not good to say the word 'love' out loud. But would hearing them makes you feel better when in truth he may not really mean it? Or would you prefer him to show you in his actions? I don't know what had happen between you and Alex. Yesterday both of you seem fine and today I see you looking distress and listless. And now what with the sabotage. Give him some time, my dear. I am just an old man. Ignore my blabbering. Shall we go for lunch? Mrs. Timont had promised to make my favourite dish, honeyed spare ribs," William Sr. concludes with a gleeful smile at Aida.

Aida pondered over the old man's words. She was sure it's not just because Alex was great in bed that made her fall in love with him. She loved the way he cared for his grandfather. She loved the way he honoured and respected their agreement by not forcing himself on her. She was sure if she had not given in to him freely even till today he would not have force himself on her still. Maybe it's a game to him? But would any hot- blooded male could do what he had done the first four months of their marriage. Just to be contented with kissing her and sometimes holding her to sleep? He must have had enough respect for her in order to honour his words. Why does this thing call love need to be so complicated? Why can't it be simpler? She realized she was a novice at love and she had a lot to learn. Right now she had to block out her feelings for Alex before it gets too deep. She was an actress, wasn't she? Just pretend this was a stage. Pretend that she was only playing the role. It's only another five months to go, she could do it. She told herself.

Little did Aida know, things were getting even more complicated. Her menstruations were never regular. She would have never guess that she would be pregnant and five weeks pregnant too. And very soon she would learn that she would even lay down her life in order to save Alex too.

To be continued...



It's Just a Business Transaction Ch. 09



"Let's celebrate on our very first successful partnership," said Sonja jubilantly as she handed out the champagne with her left hand to Greg and Rupert who were looking anything but jubilant. Her right hand holding a Magnum Desert Eagle, the muzzle pointing at them.

The guys reluctantly accepted her offer of champagne.

"A toast to our first successful partnership," said Sonja airily then added. "Drink up!"

The guys looked at her sullenly but down the champagne anyway.

"You don't know how happy I am with you boys, carrying out my orders so efficiently," said Sonja with a gleam in her steely blue eyes. "Oooh, I feel so confident with the success of our first partnership, I am already thinking of another. What do you say boys?" added Sonja with so much malevolence that she could wither the rose in front of her with just her words.

"You promise us that there would be no second time. I AM not going to do any more...any more of your...your mad bidding!" said Rupert vehemently, clenching his fists.

They were in a sitting room in a very secluded bungalow at the outskirt of Philly. It was Sonja's usual hideout where she would organize all kinds of abominable activities and was positive no one would be able to discover this place.

"Aww...Rupert, Rupert..." Sonja made a tsking sound while wagging her finger at him.

"Did I promise you anything? Any way promises were meant to be broken ain't that right sweetheart?" Sonja had moved forward catching Rupert's chin in her fingers in a deadly grip, which made Rupert, winced in pain.

"Leave him alone Sonja! We have done what you asked, what else do you want?" Greg said under his breath spitting with fire.

"You boys are no fun," she pouted her lips at them. Then seated herself on the sofa.

"I think I should reward you guys a bit," said Sonja licking her lips in a cat like manner. The guys froze upon hearing her saying that.

"Why don't you come suck at my pussy?" said Sonja looking at Greg. She was wearing a red crotchless lace teddy that pushed her twin peaks together so tightly that it pops up like two small hills. She doesn't feel embarrassed or awkward talking to the guys in her half dressed situation.

Greg went deadly cold at her words. He looked at her in undisguised hatred. He wanted to crush her long silky neck in his hands, to squeeze her till she gasped for air.

"I am not going to do it!" said Greg through clenched teeth.

"Ok then, maybe I will invite Wendy here now? What do you say good-looking?" said Sonja dispassionately.

At the mention of his sister's name, Greg could not contain himself any longer. He made a lunge for Sonja but she had expected him to retaliate for she was already one step ahead of him. She fired a shot close to his ear, so close that he could feel the bullet zinging past which made him recoiled immediately out of reflexes. Rupert had turned pale standing there and was breathing hard.

"The next time, the bullet will go through your ear," warned Sonja coldly. "Now! Where were we? Ahh...yes. I am suppose to reward you by letting you suck my pussy. Come on now you will love it. I clean her well everyday," said Sonja while she spread her legs. Her clean-shaven cunt in full view now. It looked like Greg was about to throw up any time soon. Greg still stood rooted on his spot.

Greg had never even remotely kissed a woman's lips before much less to suck a pussy. The only time he had ever touch a woman's lips was when Aida placed hers on his. You couldn't call it a kiss because there was no movement. Just lips place upon lips and it was so quick before he could react Aida had moved off. He finds the act revolting, to suck a pussy, especially it belongs to the mad bitch in front of him. She seems not to be bothered with Greg's dilemma and turn to her attention to Rupert now.

"Drop your pants and start jerking off," commanded Sonja. When both men did not do as she bid, she fired another shot this time close to Rupert's feet making both the guys jumped back in terror.

"Get on with it NOW! I am not a very patient girl!" threatened Sonja. "And don't think about biting me Greg, you won't like it if I put a bullet through your skull," added Sonja silkily.

Greg fell to his knees in front of her parted thighs. Gingerly he put his face close to her crotch when Sonja grabbed his head and pushed him into her gaping cunt and commanded Greg harshly. "SUCK ME!"

Greg's face was forced into her pussy. The bile immediately rose up to the back of his throat. He forced the bile back down into his stomach. God! How he had wanted to bite down on her cunt to draw blood from the bitch, to hear her scream in pain! Her smell assaults his nostril. Although she don't smell bad but he was not use to it. He could hear Sonja urging at him to suck her, so he did what she instructed. The sooner she come the better for him to get over with the demeaning task. He shuts off his mind and will himself to lick her. She tasted oddly funny. Was this how a woman taste like, he wondered briefly. After some time Sonja's breathing was getting laboured. He must be doing it correctly. Greg thought bitterly. Her left hand was still on the back of his head pushing him deeper in, grinding her pussy onto his face. He pulled back a little because he was almost suffocating. He managed to have a close up look at the cunt. He thought he saw what looked like tiny scars around the pubic region. 

Rupert was trying to make his cock stand but no matter how he rubbed, his cock would not cooperate. He was totally aghast with the scene in front of him, Greg's face completely in the bitch's pussy. Luckily he was spare the job of licking her. His wife was a decent simple pious woman who was heavily into church activities. Never one to demand for sex and she dutifully fulfilled her role as an obedient wife and a good mother to his two sweet gentle teenage girls. He knew he was gay when he was in his puberty but he was brought up in a strict Roman Catholic family and at every meal he had to give grace, so he grew up hiding his true identity. Then one day his father had brought home another Roman Catholic family for dinner and he was introduce to their simple daughter. Three months later they were married. And so he had dutifully fathered two daughters. He did not fully express his gay side until he met Greg at his high school. Greg was only then a teenage. He saw himself in Greg. From then on he and Greg were always together till they move to Philly and he brought Greg along. Rupert's wife never suspected a thing between her husband and Greg. She thought it was because Rupert yearned for a son and has taken Greg as his surrogate son he never had.

As Greg was slowly growing up to be a man, Rupert noticed Greg began to look at woman but has yet to go out with one. He guessed Greg was going through a phase of life questioning his own true identity. Was he really a gay or was it because he was introduced into the gay world? Rupert got especially jealous when he noticed Greg looking at Aida with that strange look. A look that said being more than just a friend. Rupert was worried he might lose Greg to Aida and so he had took the initiative to visit Greg more often, to the extent of going to the theatre and made out with him. It was unlucky they had to be caught by Sonja. When he first received the package containing the evidence of his liaison with Greg he was petrified. He could not let his wife know or even the church know. They would be so thoroughly shamed and condemned and he had to take into consideration his two daughters feelings too. And so he had no choice but to abide to Sonja's mad scheme.

Even though Greg had never eaten or fuck a woman before, he could feel Sonja must be getting there for she was grinding even harder onto his face, her moans getting louder but she still had the gun trained on him. Suddenly she screamed out loud and clamped her thighs tightly over Greg's head and came in a rush all over Greg's face. Greg could not hold down his bile any longer, the moment Sonja's juice hit him in the face he frantically wrenched away from her crotch and threw up on the floor. He retched until he could not retch anymore. He sat on his haunch clutching his stomach trying to catch his breath while Rupert has stop his own jerking. Sonja was cackling away like a witch gasping for air too. 

"Oh God! Greg! You were a wonderful licker! We should do that more often," said Sonja laughingly but her laugh was devoid of all warmth. It was a cold and evil laugh.

"And you Rupert, you are fucking disappointing. You can't even get a hard-on. I wonder what Greg sees in you. Tell you what, come kiss my pussy now!" said Sonja malignantly.

Rupert stared at her in horror and refused to move. She couldn't possibly be asking him to do such a vile thing! He, like Greg had never ever licked another woman not even his wife. Sex with his wife was performed for the sake of procreation. He started to protest. Without another word Sonja raised her gun and shot Rupert on his left foot shattering his metatarsal. Rupert immediately fell to the floor writhing in indescribable pain. Greg had somewhat recovered and immediately rushed over to Rupert trying to help him while shouting curses at Sonja.

"You fucking bitch! Why the fuck did you do that for? Haven't you humiliated us both enough?!" 

"I have said in the beginning, I don't like to repeat myself. When I ask you to do something you do it. Relax it's only one of his little bone. A clean shot. The rest were still intact. Oh! By the way in case you didn't think I meant business. I want to show you your daughters and remember to smile," said Sonja without emotion.

She then took out her mobile and dialed a number. A while later someone must have picked up her call when she said into the phone. "Put them on." Next she turned her phone to Rupert and Greg. On the mobile screen they could see Rupert's daughters were having fun with a man at what look like a circus. His daughters were screaming and waving happily at his image too excited to be aware of their father's painful demeanour. Then Sonja clicked off the mobile.

"You see it's all very simple. We told your wife and daughters that their daddy had wanted to surprise them. You know how simple-minded your wife can be. All we did was just show up in a nice big limo with a chauffeur and a representative and they bought the story. And I had just showed your face to them so there is no reason for them not to believe their daddy, right? Said Sonja, pure evil in her voice.

Rupert was still grimacing in pain. His lips had gone white and beads of perspiration formed on his forehead. Greg was trying to stamp the blood flow from the gunshot wound with his sleeve that he had ripped off from his sweater.

"Oh, I am all heart too you know. There is a doctor at the east end who will treat anyone without any questions as long you pay him. Here is the address," Sonja threw them a card and got up from the sofa stretching herself.

"I really enjoyed myself tonight. I hope you boys had fun too," said Sonja while smiling at them.

She was throwing on her fur coat now and slipped the gun into her handbag. She walked to the front door and turned around to address them one last time.

"See you boys soon and remember to lock the door. Oh clean up the blood and vomit please, I like my place to be pristine clean," said Sonja, making a face at the mess on the floor.

That said, she blew them each a kiss and walked out. Few minutes later they heard the sound of her car started up and slowly faded off.

"I'll be back with some bandage, Rup. Hang on," said Greg to Rupert.

Greg ran off to the kitchen and pulled open the cupboards. Finally at one of the cupboard he found a first aid kit. He was about to run back to the sitting room when he remembered his face was still covered with Sonja's revolting dried cum. He ran over to the kitchen sink, turned on the tap and stuck his face under the running water. When he was satisfied that her cum had been washed off he ran back to the sitting room where Rupert was lying against the wall holding his leg. Greg tried his best to wrap the gauze he found in the first aid kit around Rupert's injured foot. When he was satisfied with his handiwork, he held Rupert up and led him to the sofa. Then he went back to the kitchen to look for a pail and a mop and started to try and clean the blood and vomit off. Don't take any more chances. Just do as the fucking bitch asked. He thought grimly. Satisfied that the mess was completely mop off he went back to Rupert and held him up.

"Let's go. Let's get you to the doctor before infections set in," said Greg gently.

"I am sorry Greg. It's my fault. I should not have gone to the theatre to look for you..." said Rupert still wincing in pain.

"Let's don't talk about it anymore. Now we gotta get your foot clean up, then we gotta planned how to get Emily, your daughters and my sister out of here the sooner the better," said Greg.

Greg helped Rupert stand up on his good foot and made Rupert lean on him so he could get him to their car.

"She is a fucking psycho..." said Rupert gritting through his teeth. "But I don't have a lot of cash at hand. All my money is tied up in the agency and the stock market and the house. I can't liquidate them so fast. How are we going to get the girls out of the country safely? She doesn't seem to act alone. She had accomplices."

"Leave the money problem to me, Rup. I can get that fix. I need you to get out of the country with the girls too," said Greg with urgency in his voice.

"What about you?! I can't leave you here with that psychopath!" Rupert protested.

"We can't all go together Rup, she meant what she said. Don't worry leave it to me. I will think of a plan," said Greg grimly. He doesn't have a plan but he could not let Rupert worry. He will figure a way somehow.

___________________

Sonja felt satisfied with herself tonight. Alex would need to be taught a lesson. He was given that chance and he had threw it back in her face. Well nobody said no to her. She would make Alex look when she carved the Mexican slut face. By marrying Aida was an ego blow to her. She can't let that happen. For twenty-four years she had been planning for revenge, slowly bidding her time. She thought back about the night where Alex almost fucked her. It was her oversight and over eagerness. She should have realized Alex was too much of a man to want a woman to control him even in bed. He would not be the submissive one. She had so much wanted to fuck him in the ass and had taken the risk to suggest it. Not only he had turned her down flat, he had even walked out on her. She never regained his trust anymore. So she had to have a change of plan. Instead of using the soft approach she had to tough up and by ruining his reputation in the business world. It would be a better way to get back at him and his family. She would make the Jefferson pay dearly for what they have done to her family.

She had arrived back home in her living room. Over to the corner of the living room was a red door hidden from view. She went over and inserted a key into door, which was always kept locked. She swung the door open and step in then reached for the switch on the wall. The light came on illuminating the room. It was not really a big room but the room was designed to look like a small shrine. On the far side of the room against the wall hung a huge poster size gold gilded framed picture. In the picture stood three figures. One was an average height slightly overweight bespectacled man. Standing next to the man was a tall woman, taller than the man with long platinum hair almost like Sonja's. A rather odd looking mismatched couple. And in between them was a small boy about seven or eight years old with steely blue eyes smiling at the camera. Underneath the picture was an altar. Sonja went over and lit the candles and incense. The rest of the room was also filled with pictures in various sizes of the man, the woman and the little boy in different places and time captured in happy moments. She looked up at the picture and smile. Rest, rest my family, victory will be ours soon. On the altar was a copy of a picture exactly like the poster size picture. Sonja reached up and lovingly touched the face of the little boy looking at him longingly. He would have been so handsome if he had grown up but no he was not allowed to grow up to be the man he was suppose to be. It was cruelly taken from him and the Jefferson will pay for it. Time to plan the next step. She took another look around the room and walk out shutting the door quietly locking it.

She went back to the living room and took her mobile out of her Prada bag. She pressed a number and waited a while. The little LCD screen lit up revealing Roderick's face.

"Send the girls back to the house," Sonja said to Roderick.

"Aw...come on. Can't I have a little fun with them?" said Roderick pleadingly.

"I said send them back, you will get your fun soon," said Sonja commandingly. Then added. "Be patient, one more mishap will shake your big brother up. He used to be so cool, let's see how cool he will be when we have fireworks in his oil refineries. You got the uniforms and the bomb?"

"Yeah piece of cake. Money sure can do a lot of things," said Roderick smugly. "Tell me why do you want to use those two goons, we could easily hire some mercenaries to do it," added Roderick.

"Because it's fun. By the way try not to snort too much coke. I don't want you to be too stone and mess up the job. Be a good little grandson will ya? Just for a while till this is over," cajoled Sonja.

"Yeah, yeah, I know. Jesus...you sound like my mother," said Roderick looking miffed.

"I have a lot more class then your mother if you don't mind. And tell her to continue to watch the house. I gotta go for my play now and remember to send the girls back," said Sonja reminding him once more about the girls.

"Yeah, yeah," said Roderick and he clicked off the phone over his end. Another bitch. He thought. But this bitch is not stupid. He would have to play it cool. At this moment he knew he needed her more than she needed him. 

They had met at one of his cocaine snorting buddy's party. Of course Roderick knew who she was but Sonja doesn't know him for he and his mother were never pictured in any of the newspaper anymore ever since his father died. They soon got talking and only then did he found out that Sonja had wanted his high and mighty brother and when Sonja had eventually hinted to him about her plans after a few more meetings later, he jumped at the chance. Finally the chance came to completely get rid of Alex and his grandfather once and for all with the help of this woman. And then he would get Aida that stuck up Mexican bitch. She thought she was too good for the like of him? Well, he would show her. And he would of course get rid of Sonja too. But Roderick was in for a big surprise.

He now turned his attention back to the girls and his mother sitting between them. They were so pretty and lively. He could imagine taking both of them together. The thought of it made him had a hard-on but he had to control the urge. After the circus was over he would dutifully send them home. The little money he and his mother had invested in now would be returned a hundred times, a thousand times more. Then he could do whatever he wanted. He would make his dream come true. To start a sex theatre, like those in Amsterdam. And he could have a buffet snorting cocaine all day and night long. Soon, soon, it will come. He thought. He straightened his chauffeur uniform and put his cap back on and joined the girls and his mother who were squealing and screaming in excitement when the clown threw confetti on them. 

__________________

By the time Alex had recalled all the mineral waters it was already a little too late. Two more incidents came in the next day right after the first meeting. Seems like some people don't read the newspaper or watch the news on TV at all when he had urged the public to return any mineral waters they have purchased the past two weeks. But luckily there were no more reports of anyone else being poisoned following the last two incidents. Their stock had continued to slide the next few days but it was still holding out well, after all their company's name was a pioneer in the business world and so far the other businesses were still striving well without incident. The four victims had also gradually recovered well and had agreed to settle out of court instead. His team of advisors, spokesmen and lawyers had work around the clock for the next three weeks to regain public confidence in their waters. The packaging of the waters had been changed. Instead of using plastic form bottles they had it all changed to glass bottle. Tighter securities were enforced in all their warehouses. Alex had even flown over to California for a couple of days to meet with his researchers and various head departments. And so far there were still no calls from any party mentioning about extortion or claiming responsible for the sabotage act. 




It's Just a Business Transaction Ch. 09



Alex was so busy with the meetings with the boards and all that he would go to work early and would return home late way after midnight. He had not seen Aida for almost twelve days already and he realized he missed her bad. Every night he wanted so much to go over to her room and hold her and then drove himself into her warmth but each time his ego would get the better of him and hold him back. Also he had tons of reports to read each night so by the time he finished reading them he would be so tired to do anything else. He was also still smarting over her questioning him about his intimacy with Sonja. If only she had known there was nothing between him and Sonja. He smiled sardonically. Even though the sabotage and all the meetings had taken a large part of his attention, nevertheless he would allow Aida's image slipped into his mind off and on. And he does genuinely feel bad about his harshness with her that night. I'll try to make it up to her once all these problems were settled. He promised himself.

Aida had also missed him very much and she guessed it would probably because of the sabotage that was why he did not share her bed for so many nights and in her mind she thought he was still angry with her for asking about him with Sonja. She had to remind herself time and again it was only a business transaction, a contract with Alex so everyday she had channel her energy by throwing herself into charity works, wearing herself out every day. She would still find time to visit William Sr. every morning and evening before she retire to her bedroom. Lately she could not seem to reach Greg. When she eventually got hold of him, he would always seem to be hurrying and their conversation would not last more than a minute. She needed to talk to someone badly. Wendy was also busy with her art classes, as she would be taking her finals very soon. 

Today as usual she woke up and went over to check on William Sr. and to have breakfast with him. After that she had drove to Germantown Chestnut hill to attend a fund raising for the disabled. By the time the event was over it was already 4.30pm. Too early to go back home and too late to do anything else. Since she had no other programs she decided to pay Greg a visit. She had tried to contact him on the mobile and at the theatre but was unable to reach him. Aida then made a call to Wendy and Wendy had told her that Greg would probably be in Rupert's office. It's been a long while she had last seen Rupert too so she decided to drop by his office and give both men a surprise visit if they were there.

Aida was walking up the stairs to Rupert's office when she ran into Sally; Rupert's secretary. 

"Oh hi Mrs. Jefferson, how are you? Good to see you again," said Sally, immediately recognizing her.

"Hello Sally, I am fine. I see you are off early today. Guess Rupert is not in?" asked Aida a bit disappointed.

"Oh Mr. Delaware is in and with Mr. Johnson too. I was given the afternoon off, it's my boyfriend's birthday," said Sally excitedly.

"That is nice. Then I will just go up to the office," Aida said with a sigh of relief.

"I've locked the front door but let me get it for you," offered Sally helpfully.

"Thank you Sally," said Aida.

Together they walked up the rest of the way and Sally unlocked the front office door for her then went on her way. Aida pushed open the door and step in but did not see Greg or Rupert at the visitor area. Must be in Rupert's office, she thought. 

She decided to go knock on Rupert's office door instead. Just as she was about to knock on the door she noticed the door was partially ajar. Aida heard some moaning noises inside the office and out of curiosity had pushed the door open slowly when an unlikely sight greeted her. She saw two figures were on the couch. Well one was sitting on the couch while the other one was kneeling down between the other's legs, both seems to be in the throes of passion without realizing that they had been intruded upon. Aida stood rooted there with a shock look on her face, her mouth opened but no sound came out. She felt her heart constricted and her breathing became difficult. Suddenly she felt the bile rushing up from the pit of her stomach. Without thinking she ran out of the office down the stairs and threw up all over the pavement. Her sudden abrupt movement must have interrupted the men in the office when both jerked up seeing Aida turned and ran off. She kept on retching replaying the earlier image in her mind. Suddenly a hand holding a wet towelette was held out at her face. She slowly tilted her head up to see it was Greg holding the wet towelette for her. She took it from him to wipe her mouth and mumbled a 'thanks' to him.

"You feeling better?" asked Greg.

"Yes thanks," replied Aida avoiding his gaze. She felt slightly dizzy after her retching and was leaning on the wall for support.

"Here, let me help you," said Greg while grabbing her arm gently to support her. "There is a park ahead, would you want to walk with me there?" added Greg.

Aida gave a small nod and allowed Greg to support her while she took his arm as they walk towards the park in silence. They found some stone seats further in and sat down. The park at this hour was starting to fill with joggers while some were roller-blading about. They sat in silence looking around the park not really observing anything or anyone in particular. Finally it was Greg who broke the silence.

"Wanna talk?" asked Greg pensively.

Aida did not reply immediately but look over to a mother pushing a pram coming their way. She looked pale and she felt a little clammy.

"I'm sorry Greg. I didn't know...I don't mean to..." said Aida, her voice wobbly.

"Guess we will have to fire Sally for not locking the door as being told," said Greg, smiling sadly.

"It's not her fault. I...I met her downstairs and I asked her to unlock the door. She didn't know...she didn't see any..." Aida tried explaining but her sentences were punctuated with pauses in between.

"You look terrible, are you sure you are ok?" asked Greg when he noticed how paled Aida was.

"I am alright, guess I have not been sleeping well..." replied Aida glad that Greg changed the subject. Just then she suddenly threw up again. Tears stung her eyes.

"Gee, you sure don't look well. Let's get you to a doctor," said Greg full of concern while he fished for another towelette for her.

Aida put up her hand as though to stop him. She was trying to calm her breathing. 

"Stay right here, I'll go get you a drink," Greg immediately moved off running towards the vendor across the park. A few minutes later he returned holding a cup of coffee and hand it to her, which by then had, seem to recover a bit.

Aida took the coffee from him and muttered thanks under her breath. She peeled the cover off and took a sip of the hot coffee slowly and immediately felt much better.

"How long has it been going on?" asked Aida.

Greg knew what she was asking about.

"Since my high school days," said Greg without looking at her.

"Are you full...?"

"Yeah, I guess I am a full gay," answered Greg easily. He feels much relief to be finally able to talk to Aida about his gayness so openly.

"But Rupert has a wife and two daughters..." said Aida.

"I know...he was one too. He knew it since he was in his teens but then he grew up in a strict god fearing family and so he got married for the sake of his family. No one knows about us except Wendy and now you," said Greg giving Aida a tight smile. Then Greg changed the subject seeing Aida does looked terrible.

"Beside looking terrible, you looked troubled too, want to tell me about it?" asked Greg genuinely feeling concern for Aida. "Was it because of the waters?" added Greg.

Aida shook her head.

Have they caught any suspect yet?" said Greg sounding a tinge more anxious.

Aida shook her head taking another sip of the hot coffee.

"Didn't Alex tell you anything?" Greg pressed on.

"He...don't discuss his business with me," said Aida looking at the coffee.

Greg weighed the situation before he asked Aida. "I need your help Aida," said Greg in all seriousness. 

Aida looked up at him.

"I need to borrow some money from you...cash. But I am not sure when I can pay you back," said Greg.

Aida looked surprise now. She stared at Greg as though seeing him for the first time. He looked different. He looked much older and a little haggard.

"How much? Are you in some kind of a trouble yourself?" asked Aida.

"Half a million," said Greg looking at Aida with a kind of lost look.

"What?! Half a million and in cash? Why do you need so much money? You ARE in trouble, aren't you?" asked Aida rapidly looking worried now.

"Please Aida, I need the money urgently, just...I'll tell you another time," said Greg desperately.

"I don't have that kind of money...I could borrow from Alex though..." said Aida slowly.

"No, no, don't tell Alex or...or anyone for that matter. Is there any way you can raised that sum for me?" asked Greg more persistently.

"I suppose so, when do you need it?" said Aida uncertainly.

"ASAP, the sooner the better," said Greg.

"I'll see what I can do, would next week Friday be fine? No promises though. Whether I get it or not...I will still let you know," said Aida earnestly.

Greg put his right hand on Aida's as a gesture of thanks and found her hands were cold as ice.

"Your hands are cold, you ARE not feeling well," said Greg looking worried.

"I am fine Greg, just must be something I ate at the fund-raising event earlier," said Aida reassuringly but actually she really don't feel that well. Recently she had been feeling queasy and vomiting a lot.

"Here, let me warm you up, the coffee is getting cold," said Greg. He covered both her hands in his sharing his warmth with her. "Feel better?" 

"Much better," said Aida honestly. This was the first time Greg had held both her hands together in his. His hands felt warm nothing sexual about it though. Just a warm friendly gesture. Then she noticed discoloration like a bruise on his left hand.

"Did you sleep with Alex yet?" Greg suddenly asked. 

Aida was startled with Greg's unorthodox question. Usually it would be Wendy who would be asking her this sort of questions. She never expected Greg to ask her such an intimate question, well apart from the one he asked her about two and a three quarter months ago and that wasn't even an outright question. She played the question over her mind and decided to come clean with Greg. She nodded her head.

"When did it started?" Greg asked, his voice tight.

"When the last time I saw you...it was his birthday," said Aida.

"So you made yourself a birthday present for him?" asked Greg sounding bitter.

Aida looked at him. Did she detect a hint of jealousy in his voice? Greg refused to look at her. He looked at their cupped hands then looked away.

"Greg, it's not like what you think..." Aida tried to explain.

"So I suppose the whispers were true?" asked Greg.

"What whispers?" asked Aida curiously.

"That he was good in bed," said Greg, matter-of-factly

"Greg!" said Aida, shocked at Greg's words.

"I guess you can't wait to have a taste of his sexual prowess or did you fall in love with him then?" Greg asked persistently.

Suddenly Aida was furious with Greg. Why was he trying to interrogate her? Yeah he was a good friend but he has no right to question her like as though she was a criminal!

"What is it with you?! It...it just happen ok?" replied Aida angrily.

"So it was purely sex?" Greg asked of her refuse to give way.

"Greg, if you are going to make me feel bad because I went to bed with him, then I don't want to talk about it. I may be young but I am still an adult and at legal age. And I am made of flesh and blood! Sometimes...sometimes I do crave for physical touch too!" said Aida hotly. Angrily she pulled her hands off his refusing to look at him.

Greg realized he was overboard and immediately apologized. "I'm sorry Aida...I don't know what's gotten into me.

Aida did not reply to him immediately still feeling upset with his accusations. Instead what Greg said next startled her even further.

"I guess...I guess I fell in love with you myself..." said Greg looking at Aida smiling sheepishly with a tinge of sadness.

Aida could only stare at him, her eyes wide with surprise at his revelation.

"But I thought you said...you were a full..." replied Aida haltingly.

"I don't know, I thought I was too until I met you. Sometimes I was so confused. To tell you the truth I felt jealous when you said you were marrying Jefferson. That was why I was rather opposed to your marriage," said Greg resignedly.

"But that night when I went up to your place and ask if you have like me more than just a friend and you said..." said Aida, her sentence trailing off.

"I was confused. Also I have nothing to offer you. I can't help you with your problem and would you accept me for who I am if you have known then that I was gay? I have never had a sexual relationship or even kissed a woman before! I would not know how to treat you! But I do know I like you a lot so much so I think it's love which I still think it was and is," said Greg feeling extremely relief to be able to talk to her about his feeling yet frustrated at the same time. Frustrated because he had betrayed her trust in him. If only she had known what he had done to her, he doubt she will even accept him as a friend let alone his strange love.

Aida thought to herself, maybe if she had not met Alex? Maybe if she had not had gone to bed with Alex? She might have then accepted Greg as who he was? Would they be able share a pure love without having sex? And then knowing your 'lover' would be sharing his body with another man instead with you? And you can't confuse the two subjects. Love is love and sex is sex right? Can one have great sex but without love and vice versa? Now she begins to question herself. Does she love Alex because for the past two and a half months he could bring her to the highest passion or because she really love him as a man not the wealthy Alexander William Jefferson. Could she subsist without love?

"What are you thinking?" asked Greg.

"I don't know what to think Greg but I want to thank you for your honesty," said Aida sincerely.

The sun has set on them and the park was slowly getting empty of joggers and visitors. The air was getting colder. You could distinctly see the first evening star up in the sky. Greg reached out to touch her cheek, then tenderly held her hand in his. Aida does not feel anything like what she had felt for Alex. She only felt friendliness in Greg's touch but she would tremble in anticipation with Alex's touches. She was really in love with Alex. No doubt about it. But she knew it would be only a one-way street with Alex. Her one-way. Alex would not love her and now she was even more determined not to let herself to continue to fall in love with Alex and she had to get out of her feeling fast.

"Care to join me for dinner? Let's pretend it's a date, that I am not gay and you are not married," said Greg with a little humour in his sad voice.

"Sure why not, let's pretend. After all we are both actors and that was what we are good at. To be great pretenders," said Aida smilingly.

She linked her arm to Greg's as they got up and slowly walked across the park back onto the street. From a distance someone was snapping their pictures with a zoom lens. He would then pass along the pictures to Alex. He was paid to do his job so he must do a good job by reporting back to Alex about Mrs. Jefferson's daily activities. He then followed them on foot where they have gone into a cozy restaurant. From the outside window he could see them sitting there having their dinner and he took more shots. Satisfied he had more than enough shots he left the scene and drove back to Jefferson's Plaza to hand over his homework.

To be continued... 



It's Just a Business Transaction Ch. 10



Alex looked at the pictures on his huge desk. Nothing really special about it. Just two good friends catching up with one another. However there were a few pictures that caught his attention though. There was one showing Aida throwing up all over the walkway near an entrance of a small building and another one showing her throwing up while at the park. And another two, which he doesn't like the look of it; Greg caressing Aida's cheek and holding her hands. In the picture Greg seemed rather concerned and too attentive towards Aida. It makes him feel uneasy. Could a male friend show this much concern to a female friend? He wondered briefly. 

Alex looked at the picture again, the one of Aida throwing up. She looked pale in those pictures he noted. Slowly Alex broke into a smile. So his little chilli pepper might just be pregnant with his baby. He thought with satisfaction. He doubt Aida would know about her condition yet.

While he was busy trying to rectify the waters problem for the past three weeks, his bodyguards had reported to him that Mrs. Jefferson had always driven to all the days' functions and events on her own, without taking any bodyguards along or even using the chauffeur. So he had one of his bodyguards followed her quietly to keep an eye on her for her own safety. 

What really worry Alex were potential kidnappers. Lately kidnappers had been using the diversion tactics. By causing mischief to an important and wealthy family's business, then kidnap a family member when they least expected it. Demanding for ransoms in return for live hostages proved to be more lucrative then extorting money.

After looking through the pictures, Alex turned his attention to the pile of financial reports on his desk. Although the sabotage did not do any permanent damage to their business's image nevertheless it had stir up some unrest over the past three weeks which drove their stocks further down but seems it had now bottom out and investors were slowly regaining their confidence in their stocks and were buying them up again. He was looking through some reports when one particular page caught his attention. 

It was rather common for rich investors to purchase stocks of a certain 'blue chips' listed company up to 5% in total and then declared to the SEC as a substantial shareholder. Almost weekly he would receive reports on who and who were their new substantial shareholders and usually the companies that bought their shares were within America or in countries that the Jefferson has investments in.

What makes this particular report interesting was the company that purchased their stocks was all the way from Poland by the name of J.M. Mendelssohn The report further says the company was established some twenty or so years ago dealing in cosmetics with not much growth. Alex doesn't remember that their business empire has ever tapped into Poland market yet nor do they have any business dealing directly or indirectly with cosmetics. Also their stocks were under the DJI category, which makes it very expensive even to purchase 1% of it unless you have a lot of money. And this company J.M. Mendelssohn doesn't show any sign of being an active company, so where do they get so many funds to buy his stocks? Besides, Alex found the name Mendelssohn oddly familiar. He vaguely recalled seeing or heard of this name before but he could not remember exactly from where. Perhaps he would ask his grandfather about this small company since it existed during his grandfather's days and also way before he entered into the business world.

Anyway tonight he had more important things to attend to; like Aida. He had missed her very much and he did not like the fact that Greg was holding her hands, caressing her cheeks and even going dinner together. He reminded himself they were just holding hands. It was nothing more to it right? Then why does he feel jealous? Did he say jealous? It was perfectly alright to be jealous right? Aida was his investment; his property and he got to protect his investment. He looked at the time and noted it was already 9.50pm. He would read the balance of the reports by tomorrow. Tonight he wants to go home early and he wants Aida, he decided.

__________

Aida was in the bathtub with her eyes closed soaking her weariness off when she felt her bathroom door opened. Her eyes immediately flew wide to see Alex's tall stark naked body standing by the doorway. Her breath caught in her throat seeing his hard imposing figure and could not help but noticed he was in full arousal already. For a moment they just stared at each other.

Then Alex slowly walked over to the bathtub like a predator waiting to pounce on its victim and slid in next to her causing little ripples in the water and splashing over the side with his large form. Aida immediately pulled her legs up to her chest. Her heart was racing up fast now. Alex then leant forward and lowered his head to kiss her on the lips. It was a slow languorous kiss, moulding her lips to his. Soon his kiss becomes more demanding almost devouring her. Aida was kissing him back now giving in to what he wanted. Both their breath became ragged with want and desire.

Alex slipped his tongue into her honeyed mouth to taste her, which he had missed for three agonizing weeks. He ran his hands over her back, down the side and up again and finally closing in on her heavy waiting breasts. He cupped them lovingly while his thumb caressed back and forth her sensitive nipples, which made her moaned hotly into his mouth. Lazily he let one of his hand drifted under the water following the curve of her contours to find its way to her treasure trove. She parted her thighs to let him have easy access to her core. He found her clit easily and began to stroke back and forth, round and round making her dizzy. Her head tilted back in sheer pleasure while moving her hips under the water trying to get closer to Alex's experienced fingers.  

"Yes, sweetheart come for me, that's it," urged Alex between kisses. He bent his head and suckled her neck, biting it making her shudders deliciously. Her movement was getting more frenetic - her hips moving wildly causing more water splashing over the side. She had to grab on to the side of the bathtub for support. Alex slid one finger into her molten core, which immediately made Aida jerked her butt off the bathtub moaning wantonly. She was so slicked and sticky with her juice even in the water. Alex then slid in another finger pumping her faster while his thumb brushed back and forth her clit. 

"Come baby come on my fingers!" Alex urged her more harshly now. He felt her muscles clenched hard on his fingers and her wetness spilled forth with a powerful climax. Aida let out a long cry of pleasure holding onto Alex for dear life still sawing herself onto Alex's fingers. Alex continued to pleasure her with his thumb and fingers. She was breathing hard, her body spasming with the aftermath of her climax. 

Finally she went limp in Alex's arms. Alex eased his fingers out of her to lay her back against the bathtub then stood up and got out of the tub before bending down to scoop her up. Gently he put her down on her feet and she swayed slightly against him still feeling tingly from her orgasm. He grabbed a big fluffy towel to wrap around her body then scooped her up again to carry her back into the bedroom onto her bed. He rubbed the towel all over her softly giving extra attention to her lovely breasts then used it to dry himself off too.

Alex threw the towel aside and looked down at her hungrily. He climbed onto the bed and parted her legs, then pushed them up, bending her knees and planting her feet firmly on the bed exposing her plump pussy to him. Without missing a beat he bent forward and flicked his tongue fast over her still damp flesh. Aida jerked up at his touch and hissed a sigh of moan.

"Did you miss my tongue?" Alex asked her between licks. Aida could not reply to him even if she wanted to. She was in so much pleasure she could only moan and sigh. Alex stopped his licking and looked at her. She opened her stormy hazel eyes to look down at him questioningly.

"Alex..." she moaned lustily at him wanting more.

"I said... did you miss my tongue? If you are not going to say anything, then I would stop what I am doing," said Alex, his own voice tight with desire.

"You...you know...I do," Aida replied looking down dreamily at his face between her thighs.

"I don't know, you didn't say what I want to hear. If I don't hear it, I presumed you don't miss my licking your sweet pussy," said Alex taunting her with his words. "I'm going to ask you one more time. Do you want me to fuck you with my tongue? SAY IT!" he commanded.

"Yes, YES! I want it!" cried Aida desperately wanting him to continue with what he was doing to her.

But Alex refused to fulfill her desire yet. He wanted to hear every word from her lovely lips even though he was dying to dive back in and devoured her with relish. He realized he had missed her taste and smell just as bad as she had wanted him to taste her.

"Yes what? What did you want?!" urged Alex.

"YES! YES! I WANT AND MISS YOUR TONGUE! I WANT YOU TO SUCK ME BAD! DO IT PLEASE ALEX!!!" she pleaded loudly, frustrated with his cat and mouse game.

Alex smiled with arrogance that he, only he could make her so vulgar. Only he could get her to say what he wanted to hear from her lovely lips. He dove back into her sweet molten core and fucked her with much ferocity making her shout with wantonness. His tongue delved into every nooks and corner of her pussy tasting every single inch leaving no territory unexplored.

Aida returned with much ardent passion pushing her butt off the bed to get as close as she could onto his lashing tongue and burning mouth. She felt Alex sucked in her plump lips, chewing her as though she was a peach making her gasped out loud. His tongue and mouth were everywhere as one feasting upon her sweet flesh. Alex grazed his teeth on her clit while his tongue work in and out of her hot tunnel. Aida could not take his erotic racy assault anymore. She let out a high-pitched scream, shouting Alex name at the same time climaxing all over his face. Her thighs clamped tightly on either side of Alex's head. Her body arched up like an over strung bow. So great was her orgasm she felt as though she was falling through a bottomless chasm. Wave upon wave of orgasm crested over her silky body, beads of perspiration pouring out from every orifice of her body. She could still vaguely felt Alex slurping her up and nipping at her now sensitive clit, making her twitched. Her heartbeat pounding erratically from her orgasm while she tried to catch her breath.

Alex was almost out of his mind with want. But he wanted to pleasure her and to hear her screamed his name. It makes him feel proud that only he could have the power to make her come like this. Slowly he felt her thighs loosen her hold on his head and he climbed up to kiss her letting her tastes her own essence. She greedily lapped at his mouth. He smiled inwardly at her unabashed lust. He pushed her legs open meaning to claim his prize with his turgid sex when Aida suddenly squirmed below him pushing herself downward to his lower abs until she comes face to face with his hard-on.

Without waiting for him to say anything, Aida closed her mouth around Alex's cock sucking him in. "Oh God!" he hissed sharply. His size stretching her mouth wide. Over the past two and three-quarter months since they had sex, Alex had taught her how to use her mouth on him bringing him more pleasure than he thought he could ever receive from anyone else. Aida now was returning his favour by sucking and licking him. At times she would take the whole length of him deep into her mouth and into her throat and at times would just nibble around his cock head and then slipped her tongue into his slit. She loves the feel of his texture and smell in her mouth and hands. It was an awkward position for him. He was forced to be on his elbows, palms flat and toes dug into the bed like a plank elevating his body off from her so she could easily manouver him without him crushing down on her.

Aida made sure she gave equal attention to his scrotums; lovingly sucking in one at a time letting it lolled about in her hot mouth. She would then cup his scrotums while her mouth went back to slurping his cock. She did what he had done to her earlier. She grazed her teeth along his length eliciting moans from him. Then holding on to either side of his hips she had him pumped in and out of her mouth. Alex could only groan in pure bliss. Aida decided to give him back a taste of his own medicine.

"Did you miss me sucking your cock, Alex?" said Aida between licks and nips around his cock. Two can play the game, she mused dreamily. Then she stopped what she was doing when Alex did not answer her. She lets her hands lingered on his hard-on stroking it gently.

"Well?" she asked again. Alex still did not answer her, so she tilted her head back to look up at him. Alex was smiling down at her lasciviously. Her heart began to beat erratically again. Very slowly Alex climbed down her body coming face to face with her.

"You think you can play my game?" he asked while biting her lower lips. She did not answer him but closed her eyes to his sensual assault. He kissed over to her ear and whispered hoarsely, "I am not going to come in your mouth tonight sweetheart. I want to come inside of you to let you feel my hot sperm deep inside you. You like that?"

"Not fair," Aida whispered back, her eyes still close with the pleasure he was eliciting from her.

"Who says anything about fair play, nothing is fair. The one with the ultimate control emerge the winner," said Alex while he rubs his chest on her breasts and flattening them. "Now open your shapely thighs for me," Alex coaxed.

"No!" said Aida passionately with less conviction. Nope, she would not abide to him so easily. He won't get her to conform so easily after neglecting her need of him for three weeks. But her body was betraying her. She rubs back up at him sensuously feeling his hard chest and rippling muscles on her.

"Very well then," said Alex and abruptly got off her making her open her eyes wondering why he had got off her. Alex easily flipped her onto her front and brought her up on all fours. His hands holding onto her hips.

'Alex, what are you doing?" she queried hotly trying to wriggle away. But he held her firmly. Without answering her, he slammed his angry cock into her hot, wet tunnel from behind making her squeal in delight. "ALEX!" she moaned his name.

Alex pounded into her hard and fast for a while then suddenly pulled out of her completely. The sudden loss of his cock in her made her whimpered in frustration.

"Now tell me, who is in control?!" Alex asked threateningly. She refused to answer him.

"Fine! So be it!" said Alex hotly. He pushed just his cock head into her wet opening and began to fuck her in short strokes. He refused to slam in all the way this time, just working around her wet opening. She tried to push back onto his cock but he prevented her by firmly holding onto her hips. She was getting so turned on and even more frustrated. Alex closed his eyes enjoying the sensation of her wet opening gripping on his cock head. He wanted so very much to just pound into her recklessly to fill her with his come but he would not let that happen. He got to show her who is the boss here.

"Alex, please don't do this to me," she sobbed pleadingly. The pleasure was getting too intense to bear but there was no way she could come without his full length in her and even if she could come she doesn't want to come on empty air.

"Then tell me, who is in control here? Who is the ultimate winner?" said Alex hoarsely with rein-in desire.

Aida could not deny it any longer. She wanted him to fuck her hot and fast. To slam into her so she could come with the joy only he could provide.

"You are Alex, you are!" whimpered Aida. Still Alex pressed on meanwhile just letting his cock head worked on her soft hot opening not letting her getting his full length.

"So if I asked you to open your thighs for me, are you going to deny me?" Alex asked.

"No!" promised Aida. She wanted his cock deep inside her now. She would not have cared if the world ends now.

Alex flipped her onto her back again with a triumphant look on his desire-filled face.

"Open your thighs now, Aida. Open them wide for me!" he commanded.

Aida let her thighs fell away from her offering her pussy up to him. With a growl he drove into her. God! How he had missed her! He thought. His brains were only filled with thoughts of her pleasurable body, her hot tunnel clenching him tightly onto his cock. Again and again he plundered into her invoking exquisite pleasure for him and her. His fingers found his way to her clit and began to pull at it, pinching her lightly, stroking her until she gasped his name loud. He could feel she was on the verge of another powerful orgasmic journey as her inner muscles were tightening around his turgid sex getting tighter and tighter. Her body muscles went tense for a split second before screaming out his name loudly, wrapping her legs around his hips bringing him closer still. Once again she crested over the tidal wave that threatened to slam her into a deep vortex, spiraling her out of space.

Alex felt his own orgasm fast crashing down on him like the raging waterfall of Niagara Falls, throwing him around in its strong current promising to drown him in this sheer bliss. His heart was racing hundred miles per second, his breathing coming in huge gasp. Her tight, hot and wet tunnel still relentlessly drawing him in. Finally he collapsed on top of Aida's heaving breasts. His own heart thumping against his own heaving chest, his breath coming in short raspy gasps. Fuck! She would kill him with her hot pussy and body before the end of their contract. He thought amusingly.

Much later they lay in each other arms while Alex lazily trace his finger around her areola still feeling satiated with their intense lovemaking. During their throes of ecstasy Aida had unconsciously scratched Alex's arms when he was holding on to her hips. His arms now bore the marks of her fingernails and Alex had bit her on her breasts after he collapsed on top of her. This had to be one of their most passionate lovemaking until they had marked each other. He thought satisfyingly. 

Alex looked down at Aida's soft form noting the contentment on her face with her eyes closed. He felt worried and uneasy. Damn! He muttered to himself. He did not realize he could miss her so much it almost pained him. And he doesn't like it at all. No doubt she had surrendered to him naming him the ultimate winner but it was he who was the real loser. He had wanted her so much that he had to force his pleasure on her and out of her. Aida of course would never have realized it. She was still too inexperienced where sex was concern. And he was sure he was enslaved sexually by this hot small woman much to his chagrin.

Tonight, she had been so sexually passionate it almost sizzled her bed; their bed and he wondered if it had anything to do with her meeting with Greg. He felt an overwhelming possessiveness of her. Was she thinking of Greg when he was sliding his hard rock cock into her? He felt an unnamed fury inside him. How dare Greg touch her when she was married to him? If Greg doesn't know how to appreciate her before she was married why suddenly now his interest on her grew. Maybe Greg like experienced married woman? He thought angrily. Damn! Why was he conjuring up all this baseless thoughts? She was HIS investment! HIS property! NO ONE was going to have a stake in his investment. He owned her for a year! 

Tomorrow morning he would make Aida go and see Ian's wife. Nicole works in the same hospital as Ian but she was an OBGYN. When Aida finds out about her pregnancy she would have to sign another contract with him to stay by his side. That would bind her to him forever. It would only be him to issue her freedom should he wish so! He looked down at Aida again and gathered her closer to him. Aida only shifted a moment before settling back into her deep slumber.




It's Just a Business Transaction Ch. 10



Next morning before Aida was awake, he had gone back to his room to take a shower and checked on his fax machine as usual for any faxes. A fax came in which had him wondering. Then he went over to the east wing to look for his grandfather. He had not seen his grandfather the same length of time as he had not seen Aida since the incident. His grandfather was having breakfast at the verandah. 

"Morning grandpa," Alex greeted his grandfather.

"Morning Alex," beamed old man William Sr. "Glad you could come to have breakfast with me. I gather everything is back on track now?" his grandfather continued.

"Everything is almost back to normal. I have something to..." before he could finished their conversation was interrupted by Roderick.

"Well, well, well... the golden boy of the family. How are you big brother?" asked Roderick casually.

Their grandfather did not say anything. William Sr. does not even bother to look at Roderick but concentrates on the Financial Times in front of him while he sips his cup of tea. Roderick took a seat opposite them and was about to help himself to a piece of toast when Alex said, "do you mind? I have something to discuss with grandpa," said Alex coolly.

"Sure, I don't mind. Go ahead," said Roderick pretending not to understand Alex meaning. Alex just stared at him.

"What I am going to discuss with grandpa are not for your ears. Your brains probably won't have the capacity to absorb any business talks other than cocaine," said Alex sarcastically.

Roderick looked as though he was about to retaliate by shouting at Alex as his face was scrunched up but then he relaxed. He gave a shrug and walked off. Their grandfather don't seem to notice that Roderick was ever there for that short time but continue to read through his Financial Times and casually carry on with his conversation with Alex.

"You wanted to discuss something with me?" said the old man.

"Have you ever heard of J.M. Mendelssohn, grandpa?" asked Alex. The old man stiffened for a split second then continued to drink his tea before replying. It did not escape Alex's sharp eyes.

"Why do you want to know?" asked the old man.

"They were buying our share from the open market up to 5% and had declared to be a substantial shareholder to the SEC," Alex explained meanwhile looking at his grandfather's face for any reaction. Alex sensed his grandfather knew something but was trying to hide it from him.

"Nothing out of the ordinary about that. Lots of individuals or companies would hold 5% shares of our company," said old man William Sr.

"Yup, that is true but the interesting part is the company is all the way from Poland, and were established twenty years ago. Beside, I find the name Mendelssohn very familiar. Can't quite put my finger on it where I have heard or seen this name before and I thought you would know. And also I received a fax this morning..." said Alex but he kept his eyes trained on his grandfather while handing over the fax to him.

William Sr. took the fax from him and glanced at it. The fax was from their accounts & finance department reporting to Alex the various investors standing. This particular fax was about a new investor J.M. Mendelssohn from Poland. It reports about the company growth and background. It further goes to say that he, William Sr. had investment in the company twenty years ago. He only ceased to be a shareholder after ten years later about the time when Alex had took over the family business. He realized he was cornered. Alex was too smart. He would eventually find out about his past investments so it was better for Alex to hear it from him directly. His grandfather sighed.

"It happened so long ago. You remember when you were about twelve or thirteen your father used to bring back a portly guy with his beautiful wife and a little boy, whom you love to bully?" said his grandfather trying to jog his memory.

Alex let his memory carried him far back to when he was a young boy starting into puberty. He vaguely recalled his father used to bring home some friends and even his subordinates as guests for dinners. 

He was sifting through his memory and suddenly he remembered. He recalled once his father had brought back a very tall beautiful lady with platinum hair. She was soft spoken and he finds her English funny with an accent. Alex being at that age where he was about to discover his sexuality had often fantasized about the tall lady every time they came over for dinner and he would go red when the beautiful tall lady patted him on his shoulder. He also remembered her son about seven or eight rather skinny with intelligent steely blue eyes. And he would climb up the tree in their garden and pelt the little boy with water-filled plastic bags because his father and grandfather confiscated all his replica airsoft guns.

One day the little skinny boy finally caught him red-handed. Instead of complaining to the beautiful tall lady he had kept quiet and had given Alex a toothy grin. From that day on whenever the beautiful lady with her portly husband and her skinny son came to visit, Alex would share his computer games with him. Come to think about it he don't remember the little boy's name at all. But after about five months off and on visits they stop coming altogether and eventually Alex forgot about them.

"Yes, I remember now but what is the connection here? Grandpa, I am not trying to meddle in your affair but the fax says here you deposited two hundred and fifty thousand to the company's account every month up until ten years back..." said Alex.

His grandfather put up his hand signaling Alex to stop. 

"Let me go on Alex," said his grandfather. Alex nodded his head.

"They were the Mendelssohn and were from Poland. The portly guy was our Senior Financial Executive Accountant back then. He would take care of all our businesses accounts. Then one day your father found out that he had been embezzling the company funds. Your father wanted to give him a chance to own up so one night he had gone over to their house to look for him..." William Sr. paused for a while before continuing.

"Your father and Mendelssohn got into a tussle and Mendelssohn pulled out a gun when things turned nasty. During the fight the gun went off accidentally shooting Mendelssohn. His wife saw what happened and had taken their little boy into the car. She had wanted to go to the police. Even though your father did not kill Mendelssohn but your father got scared. So scared that he had chased after them. His wife probably was scared out of her wit with your father chasing them and drove at high speed - so when she came around a sharp-bend she lost control of the vehicle and had crashed into a tree. She died instantly and the little boy was in massive haemorrhage..." sighed the old man before he went on.

"Your father then called me asking me what to do. Of course I called the police. We sent the little boy to the hospital as fast as we could but he went into a coma. I then arranged to send for his next of kin, an aunt, Rebekah Mendelssohn from Poland to come see his nephew. A few days later she came and we told her exactly what happen. She felt embarrassed with her brother's behaviour for the embezzlement and insisted on bringing the boy back to Poland," he paused again.

"I had them sent back by first class and sent the boy to the best hospital in Poland hopefully he would regain consciousness. I had also arranged that every month a two hundred and fifty thousand dollars to be credited into his aunt account for the boy's medical fees and expenses. A couple of years later she had called to say that her nephew had finally passed away and had asked me to stop sending the money but I insisted she should continue to use it in anyway she saw fit out of guilt on my part. 

She then told me she had just started up a little cosmetic company in memory of her sister and her nephew and would appreciate if I could channel the money into the company as an investment instead. I thought that was the least our family could do for her since indirectly we wiped out her brother's family. It wasn't really an investment but more...more of a compensation for what your father did. After ten years later Rebekah Mendelssohn...that's the aunt name... passed away and I have stop sending the money since. And the company was defunct by then since there wasn't anyone to take over the business. How the company had revived was beyond me. I have no idea about it and I don't want to have anything else to do with the Mendelssohns anymore," William Sr. concluded the story with a long sigh.

"What about the shooting incident? Didn't dad have to go to court? I don't remember seeing anything on the news about the Mendelssohn's embezzlement or demised? I mean I was still young then but I had already begun reading the news following our business progress," Alex queried.

"Well, we didn't want to blow things out of proportion and your father was really innocent. It was an act of self-defense, so we had a close door court proceeding and the court had ruled him not guilty and of course we didn't want the press to know that the Jefferson got cheated of millions by a mere accountant so we had a bit of help from the then Police Commissioner – Arthur Bailey to keep things away from the press. It would make us looked like fools as though we were incapable of hiring the right people to run our companies. The public would lose confidence in our businesses," said the old man.

Alex did not buy his grandfather's story one bit. It was too far-fetched. He could sense his grandfather was lying but why? What was he trying to hide? Alex would not have been interested in this had he not come across the name Mendelssohn in the reports. And when he had received the fax stating his grandfather had business dealing with the company that really intrigued him to find out more from his grandfather. And if it was a genuine self-defense act why the need to have a close door court proceeding? And if his father were really as innocent as his grandfather had portrayed why the need to go at length to hide it from the public?

In fact this morning he had only wanted to come over just to have breakfast with his grandfather as he had forgotten all about it until the fax came in. But for now he would pretend to buy his grandfather's story. It's too coincidental. Their shares dropped and out of the blue someone from Poland buying their stock and it so happened the firm that was buying their shares had some kind of a connection with his grandfather and late father. Alex decided he would investigate but of course he would not let his grandfather know.

"Well, I guess that clears things up now. Maybe this present owner has nothing to do with the Mendelssohn but merely using the name," said Alex casually.

"I am sorry Alex, would you forgive me for not telling you about the shooting incident?" asked the old man.

Alex gave his grandfather a smile. "Grandpa there is nothing here to forgive, you and dad had to do what was right back then."

Old man William Sr. smiled back at him seemingly please that Alex was satisfied with his explanation. Alex could see his grandfather was making an effort to pretend everything was fine now. Alex would pretend he had accepted the story too.

"I'll see you grandpa and behave yourself, don't give Miss. Kathy any trouble," said Alex giving his grandfather a pat on the shoulder and went off to look for Aida.

He found her in the bathroom retching into the toilet bowl. She was throwing up so badly she did not even notice Alex had entered the bathroom until Alex put his hands on her back stroking her back.

"There, there it's ok," he said soothingly to her. Alex took a towel from the towel rail; wet it with warm water before pressing it gently on her face. He helped her over to the sink as she cleans her mouth.

"I looked terrible," groaned Aida when she saw her reflection in the mirror. To him she had never looked more beautiful. He felt sorry for her though but the morning sickness would soon passed. He promised her silently.

"Must be something I had yesterday at the fund-raising event. I have been throwing up so bad," Aida said weakly after she finished washing out her mouth.

Alex scooped her up and carried her to the bed and lay her down gently. He only smiled at her.

"You think it's funny to have food poisoning? Wait till you get it," said Aida grumpily. Alex only laughed.

"Stay here, I'll go get you some tea," said Alex gently. He then gave her a quick peck and went out. About ten minutes later he was back with a tray. Aida was still lying on the bed with her eyes close. At least it seems her vomit motion had settled for now. He put the tray down beside the side table and sat next to her. Aida opened her eyes and noticed the tray.

"Wow, this is what I call good service. Breakfast in bed," she joked, her colour had returned to her cheeks and lips.

Alex poured her a cup of tea and she accepted it gratefully.

"Hmm...chamomile tea! Nice," she took a sip of the hot tea and felt much better.

"Feels better?" asked Alex.

"Much," she replied still taking sips of the tea.

"Here, have some wheat crackers. It's good for your condition," said Alex knowledgeably while handing her a plate of crackers.

"Wheat crackers good for food poisoning? Never heard of that before," queried Aida.

She must be hungry after all the throwing up. Aida almost finished the plate of wheat crackers and had two cups of tea.

"Hmm...I think you are right. I don't feel so bad now. My stomach seems to have settled down too. Thanks," said Aida. There was a piece of cracker stuck on her lower lip and Alex leant over to lick the cracker off her making her blushed.

"Haven't you had your breakfast yet?" Aida asked trying to make light of the situation. She could see his pupils had enlarged, which took on a hungry look.

"I am hungry for something else now," Alex said meaningfully. He caught hold of her hand and brought it to his pants letting her feel his arousal. Her face went a shade redder.

"You are so dirty Mr. Jefferson," scolded Aida and pulled her hand back. He only laughed and as usual his soft laughter would send a delicious shiver down her spine. He bent forward to nuzzle her neck, nipping her lovingly.

"That's because of you, Mrs. Jefferson. Now up you get, we are going to pay a visit to Nicole, unless you want to stay in bed. I could always oblige," said Alex cheekily while pulling her up.

"Why? I feel fine now and why Nicole, she is an OBGYN," argued Aida.

"We are going to get you a little check-up and Nicole is a friend, you do want to know why you threw up so bad right," said Alex looking at her strangely.

"I suppose so, I can go on my own though. Don't you need to work today?" asked Aida meanwhile looking through her closet for something to wear. She decided to settle for a long sleeve blouse and a three quarter knee-length skirt. Alex had lounge on her bed with his hands behind his head looking at her.

"Are you going to sit there watching me change?" said Aida, pouting her lips.

"This won't be the first time I'm seeing you in all your naked glory," Alex drawled and then licked his lips.

"Stop being so lecherous," said Aida with mock anger. She turned her back to him and was about to walk into the bathroom when he bounded out of bed and made a grab for her turning her around and crushing her to his chest.

"Change here," said Alex huskily.

"No!" said Aida firmly.

"Ok then," said Alex lightly. But his hands were already pulling on the sash of her robe. He slipped a hand inside and moulded her breast, kneading it and then held a nipple prisoner between his thumb and forefinger. Aida heaved a sigh and leant against him.

"You are so insatiable. I bet you would turned into a dirty old man by the time you hit fifty," Aida murmured against his chest.

"Does that mean you are going to renew your contract with me next year and stay with me till I am fifty? But I could always show you now how insatiable and lecherous I am, you don't need to wait until I was fifty," said Alex as he bent his head biting her earlobe.

Aida went taut at his words. Could two people without love but only in lust lived until fifty years of age together? Wouldn't sex then become boring and a chore? Maybe Alex could but certainly not her. She doubted she would even last till end of their contract and by then Alex would probably gotten tired of her, she thought sadly. Suddenly a fury rushed through her and she pushed hard at Alex's chest.

"I'll go change in the bathroom," she said with tightness in her voice and disappeared into the bathroom.

Alex was taken aback with her sudden mood change. He could see that she was upset. He let her walked off to change anyway. Hormonal changes perhaps? He shrugged.

"I'll wait for you out at the front," Alex called after her. He waited for her to reply but she did not. He went over to the bathroom and knocked on it.

"Aida, are you okay?" he asked.

"Yes," came her muffled reply.

"I said I will wait for you out at the front," said Alex.

"Ok." Was her only reply.

Alex tried the knob but it was locked. He decided to just go outside to wait for her.

Aida was crying silently in the bathroom again. She felt very hurt. Why does she have to fall in love? And of all the people it had to be him. Quickly she dried her tears and changed. Ten minutes later she was seated next to him and on their way to the hospital. During the journey, Alex was chatting happily with her all the way to the hospital and she had to put up a front to entertain him replying cheerily back at him. When they reached the hospital Alex insisted on waiting for her while she had her check-up. Aida was wondering why he was being extra attentive to her. It could be just stomach flu. Why all the fuss? She thought.

_____________

Aida was sitting on the patient's chair opposite Nicole, refusing to believe what Nicole had just told her. She had grabbed the side of the chair so hard her knuckles gone white. Nicole noticed her shock expression.

"Are you alright Aida," enquired Nicole gently.

"There must be a mistake Nicole," Aida blurted out. "I can't be pregnant. It has to be a mistake. I...my menstruations were never regular so...so how could that be," continued Aida, almost on the verge of hysteria.

"Nicole please, please help me! I need to do an abortion! Could you do it please?" she begged, her lips trembling.

Aida was blabbering now and looking helplessly at Nicole. Nicole looked back at her sympathetically.

"What's wrong Aida, don't you want babies? And it's Alex too. I am sure he wants them too? I don't mean to intrude...but has something gone wrong with you two?" said Nicole gently.

"No Nicole, you don't understand. I can't have a baby or any babies with Alex!" said Aida, her voice getting shrilly.

"Calm down Aida, should I give you something to calm you down?" said Nicole firmly.

"NO! I don't want anything to calm down. I want this...this THING in me out!" She was hysterical now.

"Aida...if you are not going to calm down, I'll have to give you an injection to calm you down," said Nicole assertively. Her tone must have got through Aida for she was now focusing back at Nicole's face.

"Now take a deep breath, come on...there you go," coaxed Nicole gently not taking her eyes of Aida.

After a while Aida seems to have recollect herself and calmed down for she was now looking dejectedly at the floor tears pooling in her eyes.

"You want to talk about it?" Nicole asked.

She shook her head. Then she jerked up quickly looking at Nicole with a wild look on her face.

"Promise me not to tell Alex, will you?" Aida pleaded.

"What we discussed here will stay in here, you are still my patient," Nicole assured her. Then added. "But you won't be able to keep it from Alex for long. He is not your average Joe, he would find out and I have a feeling he already knew."




It's Just a Business Transaction Ch. 10



"How could he have known? It's impossible!" Aida argued.

"You did mention he had given you chamomile tea and crackers this morning..." Nicole reminded her.

Yeah and he had seen her throwing up this morning too. No, Alex was not stupid. He was too smart.

"Maybe you want to discuss this with him?" Nicole tried again.

"I'll have to go now. I can't stay in here too long. He is outside waiting for me," said Aida, her voice quivered. She took out a small mirror from her handbag to check her appearance.

"How do I look?" Aida asked nervously.

"A little pale, otherwise you are fine. In another few more months you will be glowing with health," Nicole smiled at her. Nicole reached over and gave a squeeze on her hand.

"Thank you Nicole," said Aida managing a weak smile.

"You are welcome. Here are some vitamins and some motion sickness pills for you can take. It will do your foetus and you good. Now I want you to promise me if you need any help or even someone to talk to you can call me. Alex is my friend and so are you," said Nicole sincerely.

Aida could only nod her head. She thanked Nicole one more time before heading out the door. Alex was sitting at the visitor's lounge on a plush sofa reading a magazine – a baby magazine! She thought despairingly. When he saw her came out he immediately went to her.

"So...are you alright?" Alex asked looking intently at her.

"Yes...yes...everything is fine. Just stomach flu," she said brightly giving him a big smile. Don't overdo it! Don't overdo it! She told herself.

Alex narrowed his eyes slightly as if expected her to say something else.

"Nicole said I am a little tired because of the virus. I just need to have some rest, that's all," said Aida trying to sound normal.

Alex looked at her again but did not pursue the matter. So she was trying to hide it from me. I will get it out from her somehow. He thought bitterly.

"Come on, let's go home and I will tuck you in bed for a late afternoon nap," said Alex perfunctorily.

Alex took her back home and had tucked her in promising he would look in on her later as he was needed back in the office. Then he gave her a peck and left.

Aida was feeling very miserable inside. She knew what Nicole had said was true. She would not be able to hide it from Alex for long. They had just entered into their seventh month contract and there were still five over months to go. By then her stomach would show. The more she thought about her situation the more miserable she gets. She knew she could not pretend not to love him if she was to continue to stay on. She would wither and die. And there was this baby business. What was she going to do? She would love to have the baby – his baby but then the baby would not grow up normal healthy in a loveless marriage. Their marriage was a sham right from the start. Moreover she would not be allowed to keep her baby if she chose to leave at the end of their transaction. One of the agreements on the contract was, should she acquire any properties or investments during her role as Mrs. Jefferson, it would remain the properties or investments of Alex unless he said otherwise. She would be sure that Alex would claim the baby as his property.

She should have never given in to temptation and gone to bed with him. And now she is carrying his baby. God! Why can't she control her desire or...or lust? Why can't she resist his charm? Why must she be such a...a bitch in heat? Maybe she should have insisted on him wearing a condom! She laughed sadly at her own idiocy. She looked at the clock by her bed and noted it was at 3.18pm. She does feel tired. Too much thinking and no solutions to her problems. She closed her eyes and tried to take a nap. Surprisingly she fell fast asleep.

______________

While Alex was still waiting for Aida to finish her check-up at the hospital, he had received a call from his Executive Chief Operating Officer – Dan Edward to go back to the office immediately as something had happened and had quickly filled him in with the details. 

On his way to the office he briefly wondered why he hadn't rushed back to the office immediately to attend to the situation first but instead had continued to wait for Aida to finish her check-up and even sending her back home. Was he getting soft? He thought uneasily. And he had been bitterly disappointed with Aida for not telling him she was pregnant, which he doesn't like it at all. Hadn't he made himself clear to her that over the last two and three-quarter months since they had sex he had wanted her to continue her role as Mrs. Jefferson even if her contract with him were up? Well he did not actually say it out loud but hasn't she got his meaning? No matter, he would make her stay. She could not possibly have the baby on her own. It was his property.

By the time he reached his office there was a small group assembled at Mrs. Josef's area already. Mrs. Josef was sobbing on the couch of the visitor's lobby up at the penthouse. She immediately stood up to acknowledge Alex.

"Where is it?" the first thing he asked when stepped out of his private lift to his office at Jefferson Plaza.

"Sir, over here please, " said his ECOO and pointing towards Mrs. Josef desk.

On her desk was an 8x8 inches box with a Jack-In-The-Box in it. However pasted on the Jack's face was a picture of his grandfather and him from the cutting of a newspaper. And there was a message printed out on a normal A4 size copier paper – BOOM! YOU'RE DEAD – on it.

"How was it send here?" asked Alex his face set without emotions.

"By hand according to the receptionist down at the foyer," explained Mrs. Josef tearfully.

Usually the daily posts and packages that were addressed to Alex were received and scrutinized by the receptionist down at the foyer of Jefferson Plaza first before sending it up to Mrs. Josef. And only Mrs. Josef were given the permissions to open up all Alex's personal posts, letters, packages and such. Today as usual the pretty receptionist had sent up the daily posts and what looked like a gift box beautifully wrapped addressed to Alex. 

Being Alex's PA for almost ten years this was her first time encountering such threats. Mrs. Josef had looked around the box and seeing nothing unusual about it had proceeded to tear of the wrappings and open the box when out sprung the Jack. She almost fell out of her swivel chair with fright. What made it worse was a picture of Alex and his grandfather were pasted on the Jack's face. She had immediately called the Chief Security Officer of the building and Dan Edward despite the fact she was trembling badly.

Three minutes later the CSO and Dan Edward arrived up simultaneously and Mrs. Josef quickly showed them the box. After looking through the box without touching it the CSO announced it was safe as there were no wires or liquid attached to it. Only then does Dan Edward called Alex to inform him about the incident.

Now as he looked at the box, he realized someone was definitely out to get him and his grandfather. He came to a conclusion that it definitely had to do with the water poisoning incident and highly possible linked to this Mendelssohn too. But at the moment he can't get the real story out from his grandfather about Mendelssohn and he would not want his grandfather to know about this threat.

"I do not want anyone to leak out what has happened up here, not even the police. Is that understood?" said Alex to the small team.

Everyone nodded for they understood the grave situation here. Alex then turned to Mrs. Josef.

"Marla, take the day off. Go home and have a rest," said Alex gently. Mrs. Josef was still rather shaken with the incident and gave a nod.

Next he turned to his CSO and instructed him to go back down to the surveillance room and to get ready all the recorded tapes from the time the box arrived for his viewing. And finally he turned to Dan Edward.

"I want you to discreetly checked out if the newsroom received any tip off about this incident and get Dilbert. Make sure he keeps the newsroom quiet if they smell anything about this. The water problem has just slowly settled down and now this. If this leaked out it will be a big blow to our company's image," said Alex.

"Right away sir," said Dan Edward reaching for the phone already.

He took the box and the message into his room and made a call to his two bodyguards to instruct them to watch his grandfather and Aida closely and not to let them out of their sight should they went out of the house. Next he placed a call to his P.I whom he had engaged under his service for many years to check on this Mendelssohn's company.

He poured a drink from his well stock bar counter and then paced back and forth in his office when there was a knock on his office door. It was his CSO returning to inform him that the recorded videos were ready for his viewing. He went back to his desk and press a button on a panel and a large LCD screen drop down from a hidden slot between the ceiling and wall. He pressed another button and the blinds in his office slide close plunging the office into semi-darkness. From his office he could get access and control to the CCTV Security Surveillance Systems to view the videos.

On the LCD screen he saw a man in a grey uniform and cap was handing over the gift box to the receptionist. He stopped the video and zoomed in on the courier.

"Do you recognize the uniform the courier was wearing and from which company?" Alex asked his CSO.

"Not from any of the company that I know of..." said his CSO.

Alex then zoomed right in close-up to the messenger's face.

"What do you think of the guy's face?" Alex asked again.

"Looks very weird to me like he was in disguised," observed his CSO who used to work with the PPD-Special Unit before being lured by Alex high offer to take up the position as Chief Security Officer in his service.

"Ok, Let's try and strip him down," said Alex fiddling with the keys on his computer keyboard now.

The man's face was fully blown up on the LCD screen and turned to a full frontal view. Using the hi-tech features of the computer system, Alex was able to digitally remove the moustache, his bulbous nose, the side-burns even his cap. Although the facial features were digitally removed and looked slightly distorted now, there was no doubt as to whose identity that man on the screen was. It was Greg.

To be continued...



It's Just a Business Transaction Ch. 11



It’s Just a Business Transaction-11

Aida was not sure how she would be able to raise a half million in cash for Greg.  He had called her yesterday about the money again. He really seemed desperate but he would not tell her what was wrong. But had promised her he would in due time. The only person she could try asking for a loan from would probably be William Sr. But how to convince him to loan her the money? Would he tell Alex? Should she have been more assertive with Greg as to why he needed so much money? What if he used the money for something illegal?

Alex’s attitude towards her seemed to be cooler too after the day he had sent her home from the hospital, and he had not shared her bed again for the past few nights but he would look in on her in the morning before going to work. He seemed to be angry and each time when he looked in on her it seemed that he wanted to ask her about something but at the last minute he would hold it off. Did he want to ask her about the baby? Was he angry with her for not telling him about the baby or was it something else?

The vitamins and pills that Nicole had prescribed her had lessened her vomit motion. She would still throw up but it wasn’t as bad as before at least she could hold down her food now and her appetite had increased tremendously. 

She now stood naked in front of the full-length mirror in the closet to look at her figure.  She cupped her breasts and hadn’t noticed any changes in them yet. She ran her hand lovingly on her still flat tummy and wondered quietly. Are you going to be a handsome little boy like your father or a precocious little girl? She asked her stomach dreamily.

She remembered how she had wanted to abort the foetus the very same day after Nicole had told her about the pregnancy. But now she felt a very warm close maternal feeling towards the tiny little life in her, and could not help, but to feel a wonderful happiness spreading through her. But it also brought her back to the present situation. She wouldn’t dare hope Alex would love her as she had loved him. She knew his coolness towards her had got to do with she not telling him about the pregnancy but she needed time to think over the situation, the best way to resolve the matter. Would he still want her to stay on after the baby was born? Most of all would she bear to leave her baby and her love for Alex behind after the baby was born? Running away with his unborn child now would be out of the question. Knowing Alex, he would make sure she stays and give birth to the baby even if he had to tie her up physically. And yet to stay on without love would be just as miserable.

She sighed dejectedly at her situation. I will think about it later, meanwhile let me help settle Greg’s problem first. She gave a sigh. She made up her mind to try and ask William Sr. for a loan. She got dressed and went over to the east wing looking for him but would make sure the other two Jeffersons would not be in her way. Ever since that morning she had kneed Roderick in his groin, she had even seen less of him and his mother.

Sometimes Aida would still run into Marie and she would glare at Aida but said nothing. And the most surprising news was, apparently Roderick had taken to working out in their well-equipped home gym according to the servants. Not that she was eavesdropping or anything. This is a huge house, and no matter how discreet things were ran, servants were bound to gossip to one another but they knew better than to gossip outside the house. Besides, they were well paid and fairly treated.

As usual Aida found William Sr. in his study with Miss. Kathy the nurse playing a game of poker. The old man’s face immediately lit up upon seeing her.

“Aida! Come and join us for a game,” exclaimed the old man.

Then added victoriously. “Miss. Kathy here has been losing steadily. I am afraid she would have to sell herself soon to repay her gambling debt.”

“Oh dear, I am afraid so too,” laments Miss Kathy looking to Aida for support.

“That’s because he cheats Miss. Kathy!” said Aida laughingly. “I don’t suppose you check inside his sleeves, do you?” added Aida slyly still laughing.

“Aida! How could you give away my secret? Now I’m gonna lose the stake!” sulked the old man. Miss. Kathy looked shockingly at him. Then suddenly burst out laughing too.

“Alright, alright you may have your two glasses of Bryant Family Cabernet Sauvignon 2000 or however you pronounced that for dinner. No more than that and that’s final!” said Miss. Kathy firmly.

“But you said I could have three glasses if I win!” argued the old man.

“I did but I didn’t know that you cheated! Two glasses or nothing! Your choice,” said Miss. Kathy with a curt nod of her head.

Old man William Sr. glared at both the females and muttered under his breath. “Women!”

Miss. Kathy then excused herself and left the study leaving Aida with William Sr. alone to their conversations.

“So, how are you today young lady? You were positively glowing compared to the past few weeks. How was the morning sickness?” beamed William Sr. knowingly.

Aida was dumbfounded at his words and stared at him with her eyes big and round. William Sr. just smiled at her. Finally she found her voice.

“Did Alex tell you?” said Aida questioningly.

“Miss. Kathy did. She saw you throwing up a few days back and reported it back to me,” said William Sr. happily.

“Well, actually Alex doesn’t know it yet…I meant he knew but we did not discuss or rather I did not want to discuss with him yet,” said Aida unhappily.

“You will have to discuss it with him my dear, you only have five more months left. And I would love it very much to see my great grandchild and of course I would really love it if you could go on as Mrs. Jefferson,” said the old man softly eyes misting over.

“I know,” sighed Aida. “Could we not talk about it? I…err…I needed to discuss something else with you,” said Aida hesitantly.

The old man just looked at her waiting for her to continue.

“I needed to borrow some money,” said Aida and added quickly in a rush. “Not for me though but my friend - a very close friend. I think he is in some kind of trouble but he won’t let me know but he needed the money urgently and I don’t have it and I didn’t want to ask Alex for it cos’ both don’t seems to be very fond of each other…”

“How much is the sum?” said the old man calmly staring at her.

Aida took a deep breath and said quietly. “Half a million dollar.”

The old man seems to be doing some thinking and then reached for the drawer on his desk. He drew out a chequebook and wrote out the sum then handed the cheque to Aida. Aida took the cheque with trembling hand, staring openly at him in awed.

“You trust me? I mean don’t you even want to know who was my friend? What…what if I run off with the money?” queried Aida.

Old man William Sr. gave her a fond smile.

“I trust you my dear. Besides, it’s only half a million dollar. I used to bet one million dollar for each card I called in poker when I was younger,” said William Sr.

“Thank you,” said Aida, looking at him gratefully.

“Run along now and do your thing. Oh, could you called Miss. Kathy for me? I’ll have to find another way to cheat her out of another two more glasses of my favourite wine,” winked the old man.

Aida kissed William Sr. on the cheek and left the study. She was on her way back to her room when she crossed path with Roderick. He was in his gym gear. Guess he had indeed been working out by the look of it and he does look different. He doesn’t have that stoned looked about him anymore and he looked fitter too. But he would stare at her still with that licentious look of his, which still make her feels uneasy. He did not say anything, merely leered at her and walked past her not even touching her. That’s a first! She thought with relief.

She reached her room and looked at the clock, 2.28pm and more than enough time to bank in the cheque. She looked at the cheque and noted it was from First Union National Bank with branches all over the town, and it was written out in her name but crossed. That means she had to bank into her account first, but that would take about two days to clear the cheque, and only by Monday would she be able to withdraw the cash for Greg. She decided to give Greg a call on his mobile. There was no reply so she decided to leave him a voice mail.

“Hi Greg, it’s me. Listen, I got the money but I can’t give it to you by tomorrow. The cheque would only be cleared by Saturday the latest.  So could I see you on Monday say about 1.00pm at your place to hand you the cash? Well, give me a call back if you receive this message.”

Aida then drove into town and banked in the cheque.


____________


“YOU ARE FUCKING OUT OF YOUR MIND! I AM NOT DOING IT! KILL ME THEN! I AM SICK OF YOUR FUCKING SCHEMES!!!” Greg shouted angrily at Sonja.

They were at Sonja’s hideout as usual. She looked at Greg for a moment then shrugged her shoulder and gave a toss of her platinum hair. Greg was breathing harshly staring maddeningly at her. He had enough of her. If she was going to kill him so be it. He thought. There was no way he would do it. Poisoning the water was bad enough. Sending him in broad daylight to Alex’s office with that stupid gift box almost freaked him out despite the disguised. And now she wants him to plant a bomb in the Jefferson’s oil refinery! That was the last straw. If he was caught it would be no different than putting a bullet in his skull now. Planting a bomb was an act of terrorism. No he can’t do it, he won’t do it. It would be better for her kill him now then later. And Greg realized he and Rupert were getting deeper and deeper into the shit hole and very little chance of getting out of it clean.

“Calm down Greg, I never insisted on you doing it. I was just asking you. I can always find someone else to do the job. I know it’s a bit tough. I really do understand the problem you are facing,” she said with exceptional sympathy.

Greg could not believe his ears. He could not believe Sonja could take it so lightly with his protest. Knowing how malicious she could be, it was impossible to believe she had a change of heart.

“Oh yeah! I suppose you would use my sister to threaten me again? You listen here bitch, I don’t fucking care about my life anymore! But if you touch a single hair on my sister, I am going straight to the police!” warned Greg.

“Dear, dear, dear…come on now hun, you don’t think I would really harm your sister? Do you? I mean... I am not as bad as you have portrayed me! I promised you ok; I will not touch your sister. Scout’s honour,” she put up her right hand and made the scout sign.

“Now why don’t you go home and take a good nap, we have a play tonight! And you want to look your best, don’t you. Go on now, I will see you tonight,” cooed Sonja and sat down on the sofa. 

Greg looked at her warily. The bitch was toying with his emotions. He thought worriedly. He slowly eased up to the front door. Without turning his back to her he groped for the doorknob and twisted it opened then slipped out as fast as he could move. Well she did not opened fire or chased after him.

“You are not going to let him off that easily are you?” came Roderick’s voice. Apparently he had come from upstairs.

“What do you think?” Sonja said coldly.

“So what’s the plan?” said Roderick and came to sit next to her.

“Well…I think Rupert is going to have a long holiday sooner than expected, and then we invite Wendy for the party…and it’s time we invite our slut too,” said Sonja evilly.

“ You mean Aida? And we’re moving up the plan too? Now we are talking. Thank goodness for that!” Roderick rubbed his hands with relish. He then leant over to try and kissed her but she moved off him stealthily like a cat.

“You’re not my type,” said Sonja looking at Greg coldly.

“Oh come on! I did what you asked. I go to the gym. I tried smoking less coke for the time being. I behave properly; I didn’t even touch that bitch when I walked past her this afternoon! At least give me a kiss,” said Roderick angrily.

“Working out is for your own good. You gotta build up your strength. You know how possessive your brother about that slut that he had to have a bodyguard around her almost 24/7. In case you need to fight off the bodyguard at least you got the means to do it. Just hope you can manage,” said Sonja.

“But don’t you want to test out my strength personally? You can tell me if I still need to improve if I don’t reach your standard,” replied Roderick slyly.

Sonja thought for a moment and looked at Roderick. He was not that bad looking truth to be told and she could not afford to lose him now when the plan was so close. Besides, it’s only flesh no big deal. When this whole messy business was over she would get rid of him too. Slowly and seductively she shrugged off her slinky one piece revealing her body to him. Roderick did not need to wait for an invitation and lunged at her groping and pinching her everywhere at once. At least his breath doesn’t stink like before, she mused. She let herself succumbed to her animal need and let Roderick used her body.

Marie was upstairs listening to her son and Sonja’s animal cries of wild coupling below. She was getting turned on and started to rub herself seeking her own release too. 

Marie had never really warmed-up to Sonja. She was very wary of the younger woman. She had tried to warn Roderick about getting mixed up with her but Roderick was drawn to her. When Roderick told her he was going to join forces with Sonja in getting rid of Alex and his grandfather, she had opposed to the idea. Her son had coaxed her into their plan laying out all the dreams that they would finally achieve if they get rid of the other two Jefferson, and Roderick had also promise his mother that he would deal with Sonja when the whole thing was over. Marie eventually agreed upon it. 

Marie found Sonja’s stares very unsettling. Even though Marie often seen Sonja’s face in the media she found Sonja oddly familiar. Finally the first time Marie saw Sonja in person, it gives her an unknown fear. She was very familiar, too familiar. She looked like that woman of twenty-four years ago but she was long dead and she does not have a daughter if she remembers correctly. In fact her late husband wiped out her whole family in a single night. 

Marie may be a tart but she prided herself with a good memory and sometimes a burst of brilliance when the time required. She was still rubbing herself when she slowly let her mind drifted back to that fateful night so very long ago; she just had a heated argument with Roderick’s father, William Jr. about their sex life. William Jr. was fucking her less and less. It seems lately he was distressed over something. He lost interest in the business. He even lost interest in her anally, which pissed her off greatly. 

William Jr. had slapped her, threatened to divorce her and cut Roderick off his will if she was going to continue to be a whining bitch. He had then walked out of the house angrily. But Marie wasn’t going to let him go that easily. She knew where he was going to and had followed him in her own car. True to her own prediction William Jr. had indeed gone to seek out that tall Mendelssohn bitch with the platinum hair at their house.

The Mendelssohns had lived in a very luxurious double storey house at the outskirt in another part of the town. The ground floor of the house was of glass paneling apart from the massive oak door, which made it easy to see from the outside to what was going on inside the house. The surrounding of the house was planted with tall fern trees and shrubs. And the nearest neighbour was two miles away at least-thus the Mendelssohns were able to enjoy their quiet solitude without being disturbed. 

Marie had parked her car far off from her husband’s, away from the driveway in some thick undergrowth and had walked the rest of the short way to the house. She then sneaked around to the side of the house and hid in some bushes and look inside the house right into the living room. She could make out her husband half undressed figure on top of a woman, humping her on the living room rug but it seemed to her that the woman was struggling. Marie inched closer to the window and could see the woman was actually crying. Oh no! Her husband was raping the woman! So the woman wasn’t interested in her husband at all. She was disgusted with her husband’s behaviour but yet oddly the scene in front of her made her horny and she had slipped her fingers under her thongs and began to play with herself. 

She was so lost in her own pleasure she did not notice a car had driven up the driveway. A slightly balding, short portly man got out of the car and strode up to the front door to open it. Neither did the occupants in the house realized that the woman’s husband – Jeremiah Mendelssohn had suddenly came home and had seen them on the rug. Mendelssohn took one look at them and gave a roar from the doorway, which brought the three of them out of their action. He immediately lunged for William Jr. who was still buried in his wife’s pussy and punching him in the face while the door shut off by itself cutting out the sound once more. William Jr. lost his balance and fell over with his fast shrinking cock bouncing about now. Mendelssohn’s wife immediately clambered away clutching her torn dress to her body. Mendelssohn had then tried to kick William Jr. in the crotch but being younger and more agile, William Jr. had been quick to recover his movement.

Even though William Jr. was on the floor flat on his back he was quick to grab hold of Mendelssohn’s leg before it made contact with his groin to do any damage. Just as quick, William Jr. twisted Mendelssohn’s leg and he fell over too.  While William Jr. was trying to rise up to a standing position with his pants around his ankles, Mendelssohn had reached inside his vest and pulled out a gun and took aimed at William Jr. Marie looked on in horror from outside the window, still rooted to the spot hidden behind the bushes. She could not hear what they were talking about as the glasses were soundproof but judging by their action Mendelssohn must be cursing or yelling at William Jr. telling him not to move for William Jr. had froze, putting up both his hands as if to surrender. 

Slowly Mendelssohn got up, his face a masked of fury mouthing rapidly at William Jr. Marie could only guessed Mendelssohn was about to fire at William Jr. for his wife had suddenly jumped in and made a grab for his gun. That gave William Jr. the opportunity and rushed forward to try and wrestled the gun off Mendelssohn. The three occupants inside the house were in a mad tussle now as to who would be able to get the gun first. Marie heard a soft bang and saw Mendelssohn’s wife keeled over slowly, eyes glazed. Both men were shocked but still holding onto the gun. William Jr. was the first to recover. He wrenched the gun off Mendelssohn and now looking triumphantly at him. Mendelssohn was scared now. He tried to wave his hands at William Jr. as if begging to be let off but William Jr. just cocked the gun and fired at Mendelssohn in the direction of his heart. Again Marie heard a soft bang and this time it was Mendelssohn’s turn to keel over lying next to his wife’s body.

Marie was standing there scared out of her wit. She was trembling badly. She had just witnessed her husband cold-bloodedly killed another man over a cunt.  She knew now what her husband was capable of when provoked. She would have to becareful with him. To get into his good book, she would have to pledge allegiance but she would have to let him know too that she saw everything so she decided to make her appearance. Just before she came out of her hiding place to go into the house, she saw a little boy aged about seven or eight in his Spiderman pyjamas jumped out of nowhere and had flung himself at William Jr. beating and kicking him with his little fists and spindly legs. William Jr. easily caught hold of him. What William Jr. did next almost make Marie cried out in horror. She stuck her fist into her mouth to stop from crying out. 




It's Just a Business Transaction Ch. 11



Effortlessly William Jr. turned the little boy around then stripped off the little boy’s pyjamas bottom and proceeded to sodomize the kid. The little boy must be crying in pain for he was trashing about wildly. After what seems like eons, William Jr. must have come in the boy’s ass for his humping motion had stopped. The little boy’s trashing had also ceased. William Jr. then pulled himself out of the little boy. Marie could see sperm and blood oozing out of the little boy’s ass but surprisingly the little boy suddenly turned back and clamped his little teeth on William Jr.’s cock. William Jr. punched the little boy in the face and the boy immediately let go. 

William Jr. was holding his cock and seemed to be cursing at the little boy. The little boy was moaning on the floor, and Marie saw the murderous look in her husband’s face coupled with pain. What he did next really made Marie cried out in terror this time. It was too gruesome a scene to stomach. He executed a vicious kick to the little boy’s groin. That made Marie came out of her hiding place. She rushed to the front door, wrenched it open, and ran straight into the living room for the little boy. William Jr. was shocked to see someone rushed by him. It took a minute to register it was his second wife, Marie! He was stunned for the moment.  

“What have you done?” screamed Marie hysterically. She was trying to feel for the little boy’s pulse and detected a faint beating. The little boy’s penis and testicles were swelling to an ungodly size and was very very red almost turning purplish now. His face was covered with blood due to the punch he received from William Jr.

“What…what are you doing here?” asked William Jr. bewilderingly his own pain forgotten. It seemed that his anger and madness had subsided for he was now looking wildly about with fright.

“Damn you! You just massacred the family! And how could you do that to the little boy! How could you???” shouted Marie accusingly. Her heart went out to the little boy because Roderick was about his age too.

William Jr. must have realized the damage he had caused. He ran his hand through his thick blond hair very much like Alex and drop to his knees.

“Why?! Why did you do this?!” screamed Marie again.

“He…he was blackmailing me! Oh god! What have I done?” he cried desperately. Then he turned to Marie with a wild expression on his face.

“MARIE! Search the place for the tapes! Search the place!” He grabbed hold of Marie on the shoulder and kept shaking her, shouting incoherently about some tapes.

“What fucking tapes?!” Marie shouted back just as scared as he was with the situation.

“Mendelssohn! He…he told me he…he recorded down my…my activities!” He cried loudly.

“Ok! Ok! You search down here, I will go up and check!” said Marie urgently. Without waiting for a reply from her husband she had ran upstairs from room to room to search the tapes her husband was talking about. Finally in the master bedroom under the bed she pulled out a suitcase. The suitcase was locked and Marie looked frantically around for an object to pry it open. She found a screwdriver in one of the many drawers there and jammed the screwdriver into the lock to pry it open. After a few try she managed to get it open. Inside the suitcase were indeed filled with tapes. Marie did not have time to view them but had shouted for her husband to come up. William Jr. rushed into the bedroom to kneel next to her and sifted through the tapes fast.

“Are these the ones?” said Marie hurriedly breathing fast now.

“I…I think so. I’m…I’m not sure,” said William Jr. His handsome face pale and bloodless now.

“Damnit! Play it and see! There’s the VCR over there,” said Marie hotly.

William Jr. hesitated, for he doesn’t want his wife to see the content of those tapes. And that was when Marie sudden burst of brilliance came in.

“Fuck it William! You have to trust me now! I am your wife! I would not sell you out!”  She half shouted and half cajoled.

Without another word William Jr. plugged in a tape and turned the VCR up. The images immediately came on the screen. There! It was all there in the tape. Marie was horrified to discover her husband’s dark secrets. But that did not stop her sudden burst of brilliance still at work. She quietly slipped one of the tapes into her jacket secret pocket when her husband’s eyes were on the screen still. She hoped this would be the right tape to give her the freedom she craved and her insurance to make sure her husband or her father won’t get rid of her and her son.

Marie had seen enough and quickly ejected the tape and started destroying them. Her husband just looked on.

“You wanna help to destroy them instead of sitting there dumb?” said Marie exasperatedly.

William Jr. came out of his stupor and hurriedly helped his wife with the tapes and then search the rooms one more time to see if any more tapes were hidden before they moved back downstairs. Both the adults were definitely dead but there was still shallow breathing in the little boy. Marie by now had lost her sudden burst of brilliance and was frantic once again not sure what to do with the dead bodies or the little boy. This time it was William Jr. who was able to think calmly. He decided to call his father. He knew he had no choice.

William Jr. briefly explained the grave situation and also given the address to his father. Forty minutes later his father arrived at the house. He took one look at the scene and knew it would be very costly price to pay. William Sr. quickly set to work. He instructed his son to take the destroyed tapes and burned them. When the tapes were completely burnt he instructed them both to return home.

He saw the little boy was still breathing and it soften his heart to see the boy suffering so much. He wrapped the little boy in a blanket, which Marie had brought down earlier from one of the bedroom and then had rushed him to a private hospital. The private hospital of his choice was one that he had been donating generously over the years, and the current Chairman of that hospital was indebted to him for getting him his post, thus will not ask any questions about the little boy William Sr. brought in.

During his time William Sr. was a very powerful and influential man in the political arena although he never held any position. He would secretly and relentlessly funds a lot of expensive and dirty campaigns for the many elections for the politicians of his choice, which he knew would be useful to him and even the President himself had benefited from William Sr. in some ways back in those days.  Therefore, many of the top shots owed William Sr. favours and would willingly give him a helping hand should he need so. 

William Sr. was furious with his son’s unspeakable behaviour but he was still his only son and he would make sure his son would get away with murder. After pulling many strings and using up lots of monies, William Jr. was cleared of all charges. They had a close door court proceeding. The court had ruled him not guilty, as he was only acting in self-defense and had only fine him to thirty-one days of community service for not reporting the incident immediately. Of course William Jr. need not served out his duty in the community service but had paid off with more monies again. 

As for the little boy nothing was mention about him at all. William Sr. had continued and secretly paid for the boy’s medical bills. William Sr. indeed found a living aunt of the little boy in Poland and had sent for her. He had told her what had happened but of course only partial truth of the real story. The aunt being a pious woman herself and a Jew was totally aghast with her brother’s behaviour and had begged to bring the boy back to Poland. It was a relief for William Sr. to be able to wash his hands off the little boy but the guilt in him remained and had continued to send monies to the aunt. A few years later the aunt called to let him know the little boy had finally passed away, which he thought would be the best for everyone.

Of course it was not that simple, some of the Jefferson’s rivals caught wind of what his son had done and were trying to dig up the dirty linen but because of William Sr. strong connection in the political scene, there was no way they could even dig up a bone. As the years passed, his rivals conceded defeat and gave up the notion of ever knowing the truth or what had actually happen and also William Sr. had made sure his only son toed the line or else, he would not hesitate to send him to jail for sure the next time if such incident ever to occur again.

Marie came to know about the little boy’s death too from her husband. Although her husband was grateful to Marie for not owning him up nevertheless their relationship did not get better. Marie was already an unannounced cocaine user even before she married William Jr. and after the incident she had blatantly used it in the presence of her husband and William Sr. because she knew her husband would not dare to stop her since she had help him. 

She was getting so wild until William Sr. put his foot down. He told her to either tone down or shipped out which made Marie very angry and that was when she took the tape out to blackmail them. Of course William Sr. wasn’t one who would get intimidated so easily by a mere cocaine snorter. But Marie had further threatened them saying that should anything happen to her or her son, someone out there would take the copies of the tapes to William Sr. business rivals who would dearly love to see the Jefferson’s name dragged through the mud. It was of course actually a lie. There were no extra copies of tapes or anyone out there who actually knew about the secret as she was enjoying herself so much with her new found freedom she forgot to make any copies.

Marie really had them by the balls now. Her demands were very simple. She would be allowed to stay in the house for as long as she like and Roderick be included in the will. She knew the old man never like her son and her so she wanted to make sure of her son’s safety and welfare being taken care of. And Marie knew when to stop to be overly demanding and not to over antagonize the old man. He could easily got rid of her if he really wanted to but as long as she and her son stayed with him in the same house they would be safe. Besides, the incident was still fresh in William Sr. and her husband’s mind and they would not want a repeat performance that soon that would aroused anyone suspicions.

And so Marie had continued to live in the Jefferson huge house over the years without much incident until her husband passed away from a heart attack. At first she was worried that William Sr. would still want to get rid of her so she had used the tape once more against him, but William Sr. by then had mellowed down, feeling extremely grieved with his only son’s early demised. His only consolation was Alex, and had channeled all his energy on his favourite grandson. He left Marie and Roderick alone but before making Marie swore they would disappear from the limelight forever. Slowly the public forgot there was even a second wife or a second son of William Jr. in a few years time. 

Marie had slowly let Roderick into the secret of his late father and had asked him to use the tape against the old man should the need arose. But during one of those orgy parties organized by Roderick he had accidentally burnt the tape to cinder because he was so stoned to know what he was doing. Thus both mother and son were actually living on a lie and thank god William Sr. did not ask to view the tape or mention anything about it again.

Marie was brought back to the present for she was now fast approaching her climax. Everything in her mind went blank as she allowed herself to fall into the deep abyss, letting her body experienced that first spark of intense orgasm, which she craved and then prolonging the pleasure by sticking the 10” dildo into her wet cunt.


____________


Alex was in cold fury when he finally discovered the identity of the courier. And he was sure that it was Greg who had poisoned his water. Coincidentally that very same day his ECOO had brought in a driver from their warehouse claiming that he might be able to identify the man that might just be the saboteur. Alex had asked his ECOO to bring the driver up to his office so he could identify the man on his LCD screen.

Mark the driver then nodded his head in agreement after seeing Greg’s disguised face on the screen. Alex had then wondered why Greg had not asked for any extortions yet, if he was really the one behind the water poisoning. His CSO had asked if they should turned Greg over to the police yet but Alex had decline, saying he would deal with him personally. Also Alex was certain Greg was just a pawn, possibly being used but by whom? If Alex were to be patient Greg would eventually led him to the mastermind. He would ask his P.I to trail Greg now once he comes back from Poland.

Alex also received a report from his P.I. Indeed there was a J.M. Mendelssohn company in Poland but the company was now almost a shell company. There was only an elderly man working there as an accountant. The business itself was almost non-existence. What the P.I found out was every month for the first ten years since the company started operation, William Sr. had indeed been depositing money into the company’s account. And then the money was re-deposited into a Swiss account. Whose Swiss account, he had no way of finding out for the Swiss bankers were prided as one of the most top reliable bankers around the world and would not let out who and who were banking with them. The salary of the elderly accountant was being credited into his account through funds transfer from the Swiss account every month. 

The elderly accountant was a simple man who lives quietly by himself and has no other relatives. He told the P.I who had went over to Poland and had posed as a government official that when he first got the job - the company was indeed selling cosmetics by a Miss Rebekah Mendelssohn but she passed away about ten years back and that was when William Sr. stop depositing into the company’s account too. The company was then taken over by another woman, a very young woman. He had only met her once but could hardly remember her face, as his memory was rather poor now except that she had beautiful platinum hair. 

The new owner was also known as Mendelssohn. However there was no pictures or photos of the woman. And the accountant had continued to work on since he was assured of his salary and besides it was really an easy job, nothing much to do. Only just recently he had received instruction to purchase a certain stock from US using the company name and do the necessary paperwork. But the identity of this Mendelssohn woman remained a mystery. The P.I had even further tried to trace if any of Rebekah Mendelssohn’s relatives were still alive but it seems she was the last of the Mendelssohn after the death of her nephew Jason Mendelssohn. 

Jason Mendelssohn! Now he remembers the little boy’s name.

He was still lost in his thoughts thinking about last week events about Greg and the mystery Mendelssohn woman when there was a knock on his office door. It was Mrs. Josef.

“Excuse sir, I received a call from the branch Manager of First Union National Bank at Roosevelt Blvd informing me that Mr. William Sr. had issued a cheque of half a million dollars to Mrs. Jefferson. But they just discovered that the date was wrong, and they could not get hold of Mr. William Sr. himself to rectify the mistake but wanted to know if they should go ahead with the clearance,” said Mrs. Josef briskly.

Alex was mildly surprised that his grandfather had given Aida a half a million dollars cheque. Why would Aida want half a million and why didn’t she come and ask from him? He knew his grandfather very well. Even though he may be at ninety but he was not one to make such a careless mistake by getting the date wrong. His grandfather must be trying to tell him something indirectly. He was still pondering when Mrs. Josef interrupted his thoughts.

“Sir?”

“Tell them I will get back to them by tomorrow meanwhile hold the cheque,” said Alex.

“Sir, apparently Mrs. Jefferson is waiting right now at their office as she was intending to withdraw it and the cheque needed to be cleared first,” said Mrs. Josef.

Alex was in full surprise now. Why would Aida want to withdraw it out now and in cash? He thought for a moment.

“Clear the cheque then,” said Alex a little sharply.

Mrs. Josef gave a nod and went to carry out this instruction. Alex then made a call to his bodyguard that was assigned to protect Aida from a distance.

“Has Mrs. Jefferson gone anywhere else yet as of this morning?” said Alex into his mobile.

“No sir, but right now Mrs. Jefferson is in the bank and has yet to come out,” replied his bodyguard on the other end.

“Immediately inform me when she stop at her next destination,” said Alex and snapped of his mobile. 

Alex was simmering now. Why was Aida trying to hide something from him? And most importantly, where and who was she taking the money to? Suddenly he had a premonition as to where and to whom she would take the money to. He prayed he was wrong but his worst fear were confirmed. An hour later his bodyguard called back to inform him that Mrs. Jefferson had gone back to her old apartment. Alex questioned him further if he saw Aida carrying anything, and the bodyguard said she was carrying an overnighter carrier up and came down empty-handed an hour later. Alex’s face had turned dark with anger. He was determined to get to the bottom of this matter by tonight.

Meanwhile Alex looked at the contracts on his desk prepared by Mrs. Josef. This time there won’t need any witness for the signing ceremony. Whether Aida agreed to it or not she would have to sign it even if he had to use force.

___________


Greg had received her voice mail last Thursday after he left Sonja’s hideout and was relieved that Aida had managed to get him the money. Tonight he would be able to set his plan in motion. He had called Rupert and had told him to just take his passport, his wife and his two girls and to meet him at 9.00pm at the airport. Preferably his wife and his two girls went separately ahead of him first. They would not contact each other anymore until tonight after this call. Greg reminded Rupert again not to have any luggage to avoid suspicions.

When Greg left Sonja the other day he does not like her tone at all. It was too unlike of her to let him get away so easily. Something was definitely brewing in her foul mind. It was timely when Aida had turned up with the money today as promised. Aida was very persistent in questioning him about the money.

“Greg, why can’t you tell me why you needed so much money? If I can trust you enough to lend you so much the least you could do is let me know what has happen to you?” said Aida while trying to make Greg to look at her. But Greg avoided her questioning look and busied himself around the little apartment.

“I’m sorry girl but I swear. I promise you, give me a few days time and I would tell you. Meanwhile please don’t say anything at all to anyone…not even Wendy” said Greg pleadingly.

“I won’t tell but I hope you know what you were doing and not…not using the money for anything illegal,” said Aida.

“I’m not using the money to do anything illegal. Let’s just say I am trying to save some lives,” said Greg but avoiding Aida’s questioning gaze.

There was no point in trying to grill Greg for an answer. He was very determined not to tell her yet. She thought resignedly. Aida left his apartment and drove to In Community for the homeless at Chestnut St. where she had signed up as a volunteer two months ago without Alex’s knowledge or so she thought..




It's Just a Business Transaction Ch. 11



Meanwhile Greg had stuffed the bag containing the money into the laundry basket and covered it with some dirty clothes. He had to get back to the theatre, as there was a rehearsal and would last until 7.00pm. At least it could take his mind off from the problem at hand for a while. And he had to remind himself to be calm when he sees Sonja at the theatre. He doesn’t want to give her any hint that he was planning something. At the theatre Sonja had acted normally as usual snapping and bitching at anyone that crossed her path. Seems normal alright. Thought Greg. He just can’t wait till tonight. 

He had called Wendy to tell her to keep her mobile on today at all times and make sure she doesn’t let her mobile out of her sight. When Wendy queried him, he just brushed her question aside but made her promised to do as she was told. 

His plan was to drive back home immediately once the rehearsal ended. Then at about 8.00pm he would leave the apartment through the back to catch a cab to the airport and wait for Rupert and his family to arrive, hand him a portion of the money and send them off immediately Then he would call his sister about 9.30pm tonight to get to the airport right after her class as he had a surprise for her. He would bring along her passport for her. When his sister arrived at the airport he would then give the balance of the money to her and tell her to get out of the country as well. The mad bitch would not have suspected anything if he was to play it calmly. Looking over his plan, Greg was sure it would work. But he did not realize Rupert had made a mistake in taking the day off. Sonja had called Rupert’s office to pretend to want to speak with him but the secretary said Mr. Delaware would be off today. Then Sonja had called his house but his wife said he had gone to the office instead. Rupert had in fact gone to the British Embassy to check out some information on emigration to Britain.

Sonja slowly smiled to herself. Definitely Greg and Rupert were up to something. But she won’t need to beat Greg up to find out. She would know very soon. In fact she won’t even need to know what they were planning. Tonight she would go and fetch Wendy personally from her night school.

Greg was sitting on edge all afternoon. After the rehearsal ended he immediately tried to leave to carry out his plan but Sonja stopped him. He had to feign of a flu coming on to get out of her way and he make sure to kicked up a fuss, as there were still people at the back stage. Sonja just shrugged and let him off. Whatever he was planning it would not come to fruition and Sonja had made sure of that.

Little did Greg or Rupert realize that Roderick was watching Rupert’s house in a truck. He saw Rupert’s wife and daughters left the house in their family car. Sonja had instructed him to watch Rupert but since no one else was in the house now he was about to make a move to drive off when he saw a cab drove up to the house and Rupert alighted but the cab did not drove off. It was waiting for Rupert. Another ten minutes or so passed by and Rupert reappeared and boarded the waiting cab. Roderick had then followed the cab and it had ended at the airport. On his way following the cab to the airport Roderick had called Sonja to update her. When the cab stopped in front of the departure gate, Roderick had got out of his truck and walked to the cab casually. While Rupert was getting out of the cab Roderick had put a hand across Rupert’s shoulder and jammed a gun behind his back.

“Don’t make a sound and follow me or a bullet goes in and out of you,” Roderick hissed at Rupert. Rupert would not have run for his foot was still in bandages after Sonja shot at him about a month back. He broke out in cold sweat. He tried to turn back to look at Roderick but Roderick kept his gun pressed to the small of his back. They walked normally back to Roderick’s truck and got in from the passenger side while he pushed Rupert over to the driver’s seat.

“Drive,” commanded Roderick. Rupert tried to protest but Roderick cocked his gun to warn him he meant business. Rupert had no choice but to drive even though his foot was hurting.

Meanwhile Greg and Emily and her daughters were at the airport-ticketing lounge waiting for Rupert but after an hour he had not turned up still. They had tried calling Rupert on his mobile but it was switched off. Emily kept asking Greg what happen and why they were here. Greg tried to explain that Rupert wanted to surprise them with a trip. Even though Emily was a simple woman she did not buy his story for Greg was acting strangely He was having a strain smile on his face and his eyes were darting furtively about as if he was expecting something bad to happen soon.

“Why would Rup wanted to surprise us with a trip at this hour? What’s the occasion? And no luggages?” she queried.

“Give me a min Emily, I am sure Rupert must be caught in a traffic jam?” Greg tried to give a feeble excuse.

“There was no congestion when we were on our way here,” said Emily.

Greg did not answer Emily but now tried to call his sister but her phone was not ringing either. Damn! Why did she not listen to him and had to switch of the phone. He thought angrily. He kept trying to call Rupert and his sister but both phone were switched off. Greg was growing anxious. The bitch should have not suspected anything right? He acted normally at the theatre right? And he had used the back door to leave the house and he made sure no one was following him in his cab. Just then his answer came through the ringing of his mobile. He moved away from Emily and her daughters and looked at the screen. It was Wendy’s number. He quickly clicked on the phone.

“Damnit, where are you?” he asked into the phone immediately.

“Hello Greg hun,” greeted Sonja sweetly over the other end.

FUCK! Greg froze.

“What? No greetings? Surprise to hear from me? And do look at me when you are talking darling,” said Sonja.

Greg pulled the mobile from his ear and looked into the screen. Sonja was smiling at him.

“I am having a little party here but you are not invited but I love you to watch a performance,” said Sonja and disappeared from the screen and now was focusing on two figured tied around a chair each. It was his sister and Rupert both gagged. He could see fear in their eyes and struggling against the ropes. He could hear Sonja speaking at the background.

“Well, tonight performance is call ‘Russian Roulette’,” said Sonja. Then she pulled the mobile off Wendy and Rupert and back to her again and continued. “But there will be only one participant tonight and I have chosen…Rupert,” she smiled malevolently at Greg.

Then the scene shifted back to Rupert again. Greg saw Sonja’s gun pointed at Rupert’s head. By this time Greg was screaming into the phone.

“NO! NO! NO! STOP IT! STOP IT!” Greg was past caring of the people around staring at his outbursts and Emily and her daughters were also staring at him open-mouthed.

Greg ran outside the airport to the parking lot where there were less people, his eyes never leaving the screen. Sonja knew what Greg was doing and was toying with him. The scene on the mobile shifted back to Sonja’s face.

“YOU FUCKING BITCH! STOP IT! GODDAMNIT! I WILL DO ANYTHING YOU WANT!” Greg screamed again.

“Too late darling, you have to be taught a lesson. Nobody defy me. I do…I do really like you but you see you have to understand that I meant business. Say goodbye to your lover boy darling,” Sonja cackled gleefully and shifted the scene back to Rupert.

Then she pointed the gun at Rupert’s head again and started firing. Greg wanted to tear his gaze away from the screen but he could not. He would not believe that Sonja would be so cold-blooded. But of course he was wrong. At the third round, the bullet shot out puncturing into Rupert’s skull and embedded itself deep into his brains. Rupert gave a muffled scream, his eyes wide with shocked for a moment then shut off and his head drooped down. Wendy’s horrified screams and cries were muffled due to the gag. Then Sonja’s face came back on the screen.

“Go to the house and you will find the things that I wanted you to do. Do it good or it would be your sister’s turn and I would make sure she thoroughly enjoyed herself first before she follows Rupert. Oh and try to keep Rupert’s family quiet,” she finished with that sentence and clicked off.

Greg was crying hard now. He cried for Rupert. Rupert is dead and his sister would follow soon if he doesn’t do what he was being instructed to. And what could he tell Emily? That he just witnessed her husband being cold-bloodedly murdered? And the bitch wants him to keep Emily quiet?! He cried for a long time. He had to think. But first he had to get back to Emily and tell her something. He went back to the ticketing area and looked for Emily. She and the girls were sitting at some chairs very quietly with worries on their face. When Emily saw him, she immediately approached Greg.

“Had something bad happen to Rupert?” Emily asked anxiously. Greg was numbed but he had to tell her something and he can’t let her know her husband had just been murdered and he could not afford to let Emily alert the police yet. Not until his sister was safe. Not until he could find a way to find her whereabouts and to rescue her.

“Emily…” Greg began with much difficulty. Emily just looked at him waiting for him to continue.

“Rupert…Rupert has left town. He called to say he was sorry but he needed time to think about…about the marriage,” Greg made it up as he went along.

“What do you mean he left town and needed time to think? I don’t understand!” said a confused Emily.

“That’s what Rup said. He…he did not have the heart to…to tell it in your face and that was why he called me…” said Greg, halting every now and then.

“Was that him on the phone?” Emily asked wide-eyed.

Greg only nodded.

“So…so where is he now?” Emily asked feeling more confuse now.

“I…I don’t know Emily,” said Greg untruthfully.

“You are lying Greg. I know it. I can see you are lying. Where is he? What has happen?” said Emily her voice rising to a shrill now. Greg had to think up something fast before she started making a scene here.

“Emily listen! I meant to…to tell you this for a long time but Rup prevented me. Rupert had a lover outside. And…and it’s a man!” said Greg cruelly.

Emily stared at Greg for a moment-shock registered all over her face.

“What are you telling me? That…that my Rupert was a gay???!!!” Emily asked getting more shrilly now.

“Yes, that was why he wanted to try and make it up to you and the girls. That was why he asked you to come on this trip but…but it seems he can’t leave the other guy and he wanted a few days to think it over. He wanted me to tell you he was sorry,” Greg continued to lie.

“Oh God! I knew something was wrong with him the past eight months or so when he had acted so strangely. Oh God! I didn’t know and I have been sleeping in the same bed with him and he had done such…such an abhorrent and…and God forbid act!” cried Emily. Then Emily demeanour’s changed. Instead of horrified she was angry now.

“Well you can tell Rupert to stuff his trip. And…and tell him he don’t have to come back to the house anymore! I am going to file for divorce! I will get a lawyer to serve him with the divorce paper in his office so he don’t have to contact me ever again!” Emily finished up and went to grab the girls.

Greg just let her go. At least it would stop her from going to the police if she found out her husband was missing or even dead. That would have thwarted his plan to rescue Wendy. He then immediately rushed to Sonja’s hideout.


_______________


Aida had reached home a little late tonight. By the time she finished her shower and got into bed to begin to read some files on In Community for the homeless, it was close to 11.00pm. She was still reading through the files when she heard the adjoining door opened. Alex was standing there looking at her. Aida smiled at him.

“Not going to bed yet?” she asked, feeling butterflies in her stomach. Alex was only in his pyjamas bottom.

“And why are you still up? Waiting for me to come and make love to you?” said Alex a little sneeringly but that hungry look was in his face.

Aida blushed at his remark and pulled her own silk pyjamas top lower to cover her exposed thighs. Alex stalked over to her bed and looked down at her small frame. No doubt he was hungry for her but he was angry with her too. How dare she secretly gave his money to Greg! She belongs to him! The baby belongs to him! The contract said so! He knew where she was for the rest of the day but he just wanted to ask her. He sat at the edge of the bed his eyes still on her.

“So how was your day? What have you been doing?” he asked.

“Good, I went to the In Community to do some voluntary work and the place needed a lot of work,” she said feeling uneasy with his piercing stare.

“Was that all?” he inquired a little sharply.

Aida gave a pause before she reply. “No…”

So she was going to tell him about her meeting with Greg after all. But what she said next made his blood boiled. He did not find it amusing at all.

“I had lunch at the center and the voluntary workers bought me dinner later!” she smiled happily at him.

Alex sprung up from her bed and scooped her up in his arms scattering her files about.

“Where are we going?” said a bewildered Aida.

“To my bedroom,” said Alex and stalked with her back to his bedroom. To his bedroom?

In all her seven months in his house, Aida had never once stepped into his bedroom. He never offered to show her his bedroom and she had never asked. But tonight he wanted her in his bedroom, which was very odd.

His bedroom was huge nearly twice the size of hers and masculinely decorated. Very beautiful with an earthy feels to the décor and colour. His bed was even bigger than hers. There was a huge oak desk, which stood his laptop, fax machine and the usual computer related equipments. Everything in his room was big and everything about his room said he was a man with taste and power. Not just expensive bawdy taste but quality taste. She noticed diagonally across the far end of the bed against the wall was a thick velvet dark blue coloured wall-drape.

“Your room is so huge and everything you own were equally huge,” she commented in awed.

“Not really, I like small exquisite things too…like you,” he smiled down at her.

“I am not a thing,” said Aida sounding a little peeved at his remark.

“No…you are not,” replied Alex. You’re my property. He thought fiercely.

He gently laid her on his bed and followed down. Then very deftly he flicked the buttons on her pyjamas off one by one baring her ripe breasts to him. Aida’s mouth went dry. He bent his head and suckled on a blossoming nipple. Aida closed her eyes to the exquisite sensation and moan softly, clutching his head in her hands urging him on. He shifted his attention to the other nipple and lavish equal love to it. Then he left her breasts alone and kissed down to her flat stomach. He was paying extra attention to her stomach, kissing it, rubbing it and running his tongue around her stomach lazily before dipping into her navel. Aida felt uneasy. She wondered just when he would be asking her about her pregnancy and what would they be doing about it. But then his mouth and fingers now were making her feeling sexual and wanton momentarily making her forget her problem. 

He had slipped his finger into her lace-trim boy shorts and slowly pulled it down her hips. She lifted her ass slightly off the bed to let him pull it off easier. He gazed at her pussy openly for a long while not doing anything, which makes her feel very vulnerable and embarrassed. She tried to draw her thighs close but he would not allowed it. He held her thighs apart with his strong fingers.

Did Greg fuck her with his tongue like he used to do? Did she enjoy it and moan Greg’s name instead of his? Did she clamp her thighs around Greg’s head when she came fast and hard? He thought angrily. His bodyguard had reported to him that Mrs. Jefferson had spent a good full hour up in Greg’s apartment! Why the need to spend one full hour in his apartment? You don’t need one hour to hand him the money right? What else can two people do in an hour besides talking? Well he would show her who would be the better lover! And he would soon send her lover’s ass to jail!

He dropped his head down and plant little kisses around her mons pubis and then dropped lower to nip at her already dripping flesh. God! How he loved her taste and smell and how he hated himself for loving it. He glides his tongue along her slippery folds and nudged her clit with his nose. 

“Ahhh… Alex, more please!” she pants hotly grinding closer to his assaulting mouth.

He smiled satisfactorily that he could make her moaned with lust. Alex doubled his effort. He sucked in her right labia and chewed on it then alternated it with her left. Alex then slide his tongue right into her boiling core making her squirmed even harder. Her wetness coating his probing tongue. He pistons his tongue in and out of her hot tunnel and then latched his mouth onto her clit suckling it ferociously but each time when she draws close to her peak he would back off and stare at her pussy making her feeling frustrated.

Suddenly Aida scrambled up and pushed him onto his back against the headboard straddling his chest.

“You wanted to tease me yeah, Mr. Jefferson? Fine! Let’s see who can last the longest,” whispered Aida menacingly. Alex was shocked she would turn so aggressive but he let her be.

She moved lower to his body and pulled his pyjamas bottom off him. His cock standing up aggressively daring her to tame it. Aida then changed position again straddling his chest one more time, her back now to his face and his cock to her front. Slowly she slid her butt backward almost to Alex’s face and flattening her body to his. Then grabbing hold of his cock she began to pumped up and down first slowly then quicker. Her rhythm keeping up with his moans. Alex grabbed her hips and pulled her pussy onto his waiting mouth again. He clamped on her flesh and suckled ferociously. 

“Yes!” she hissed with pleasure enjoying his oral loving.

Aida sucked Alex full length all the way into her mouth till it could go no further and then slowly pulled out letting her teeth grazed around him. Alex twitched under her and jerked his ass off the bed causing him to pump himself back down her throat. She pulled it out again till his cock head were lodged in the cavern of the mouth and began to suck on it. Alex was groaning against her pussy. Each time she sucked on him he would return the favour. Suck for suck and lick for lick, neither one wants to give in completely to the ultimate pleasure. One of Alex’s hands left her ass for a moment and seems to be groping for something beside his bed.

Suddenly Aida was aware of a low humming sound in the room as though something were gliding off a rail. She tilted her face slightly towards the sound with Alex’s cock still in her mouth and saw that it was the huge wall-drape that was being drawn back electronically, revealing a huge multi-screen LCD Displays mounted on the wall. Instantly the screens lit up with their images on the bed. Now she could see Alex’s face smiling at her without even the need to turn back to look at him. Their images were being projected onto the multi-screens.

“Like it?” Alex asked sensuously. His voice was even resonating around the bedroom.

Apart from the many hidden cameras that Alex had installed, there were even hidden highly sensitive microphones that could capture even the faintest sound that played out through the hidden speakers.

Aida was so stupefied at the blatant display of their sexual act yet could not help but to feel a sense of erotism at their sixty-nine position. Aida looked at the screens on the wall and slowly lowered her head down again to suck in Alex’s cock. Her eyes locked on to Alex ones on the screen while she suckled him. Alex sighed then broke away from their eye contact and return to his task. She could see Alex’s head was bobbing up and down between her spread legs. Then one of the screen image changed angle. Now she could see Alex’s face right between her thighs and her ass waving on the screen. She could even see his tongue delving into her pussy! There must be a hidden camera at the headboard to capture this display. She thought feverishly. The erotic images of what Alex was doing to her were too much to take. She instantly grinds down on his face and flooded him with her come.




It's Just a Business Transaction Ch. 11



“Oh fuck! I am coming Alex!” she screamed loudly, her voice now seems to bounce off the walls at once giving it a ghostly echo. Aida wanted to close her eyes to the sexy images but she could not. She was too drawn to it. She could see Alex lapping furiously at her folds and she could see almost right inside of her pussy, her muscles twitching and clamping on Alex’s tongue. She came again even before her first orgasm could completely subside. Still she could not tear her eyes away from the screens. One screen showing her face covered in light perspiration, eyes dilated and mouth slightly opened gasping for air. And another screen showing their full display from the top down. While other screens would freeze up their images only to unfreeze again and changed angles.

Alex pushed Aida off him and flipped her on her back covering her with his body and staring victoriously at her. He grabbed both her hands and held it above her head.

“Still wanna play, Mrs. Jefferson?” said Alex smugly. “As I have told you before, you can’t win and it didn’t take you long to come into my mouth,” he added.

He bends his head and captured her lips in a bruising kiss, sucking out her tongue to duel with her. He let go of her left hand and allowed his hand to travel down to her left breast and started kneading her. He pinched her nipple harder than usual and Aida let out a hiss.

“Ow!”

“Does this feel good? Or you want more,” taunted Alex and pinched her nipple again.

Aida cried out again and arched her back up. Alex let his lips do the traveling now all the way to her right breast and nipped around it. Just when she was moaning in pleasure again he bit down hard, which made her cried out in pain. He felt nasty. He wants to mark her so when Greg sees the marks on her he would back off her. He thought angrily. But his need for her now was getting more impossible to control. His cock was screaming for flesh-to-flesh contact.

He flipped her on all fours and turned her to face the screens again.

“Look at the screens. Look when I slide my cock into your hot pussy sweetheart,” he growled.

Aida whimpered with anticipation wanting to see too.

Alex shifted his position so the hidden camera inside the headboard would capture the most intimate act of their coupling. Agonizingly he pushed his cock head into her wet opening just hovering there. And the cameras around them captured every intimate movement they were engaging in. It even zoomed close up and then the image dispersed into tiny fragments only to zoom in again, repeating the whole process once more. 

“Did you see that? Can you see my cock nudging your hot pussy open?” Alex asked demandingly.

Aida was almost beside herself with pleasure when he pushed his cock into her a bit more. It seems each time they made love it gets more intense and more daring than the last. Did he use to do that with the women he brought home previously and used the hidden cameras to heighten their pleasures just like what he was doing to her now? She wondered briefly before Alex pushed himself completely into her driving out her breath making her forget what she was thinking about.

Alex grabbed her hair and pulled it back forcing her head up to looked at the screen while he slammed into her over and over again. Aida could see Alex was almost losing control as his movement was getting more erratic but his eyes continued to pierce into hers while he stroke her. He let go of her hair and grabbed her hips instead, pushing himself in to the limit.

Aida whimpered at each stroke he made. It was getting too hot for her too. She felt her orgasm was just at the tip now. Then it happened. Alex gave a shout and lunged into her spilling his hot white sperm into the hungry womb triggering her orgasm, sucking her into a vortex of carnal bliss. Her last image of Alex was when he collapsed onto her pushing her completely flat onto the bed. 

Alex lay on top of her for a long time but she doesn’t seem to feel his weight. He could still feel her pussy muscles pulsing around his cock. Just then he realized he was lying atop of her and quickly shifted onto his side bringing her to him together. He was reluctant to leave her hot tunnel.

“Are you ok sweetheart,” Alex asked planting a kiss at the back of her head. She only made an ‘hmm’ sound, still too exhausted to talk.

She gave a yawn and stretched herself causing him to finally slide out of her. 

“I love you Alex,” Aida murmured sleepily.

Alex’s heart gave a lurch at her confession. She loves him? She loves him! Did she mean it? Or was it said in a moment of passion? He wanted to ask her to say it again to tell him again but noticed she was already snoring away.

“Sleep then, tomorrow you can tell me again and we can sign your contract, and you will be mine forever,” murmured Alex with mixed feeling while pulling her closer into the crook of his body.

Alex would never realized tomorrow was not going to be a normal day at all. And before the day was over Alex would have wish tomorrow had never come at all.


To be continued/-















It's Just a Business Transaction Ch. 12



Greg had gone back to his apartment after he had retrieved the stuffs Sonja had instructed him to get in a blue sports bag and had told him to wait for further instruction. When he first saw what was in the in the bag it almost freaked him out. He was no bomb expert but had seen one of these things before at the Firearms and Explosives Exhibition. There inside the bag was the infamous C-4, which could easily weighs about 3kg, more than enough to make a big dent in the Jefferson's oil refinery plant situated in Passyunk Avenue. And included in the bag were a detonator, a remote control device, uniform and a fake nametag. There was even a piece of paper with instruction on how to fix the detonator onto the explosive. He studied the instruction carefully. Looks easy enough to fix. He thought bitterly.

Fuck! What does she expect him to do? Just walked up to the guardhouse and announced to the guards – "Hi I am here to plant a bomb, could you let me through without checking my bag?" How was he going to get through without the guards searching his bags of stuffs? It's almost impossible! And he was really reluctant to go through with this mad scheme of hers but what choice does he have when his sister was in her hand. He was at a loss feeling extremely frustrated and he still mourned the loss of Rupert. He could never forget the scene he witnessed just hours ago. Rupert had looked into the screen at him pleadingly before that psychotic bitch snuffed out his life. And there was no guarantee that the bitch would let his sister off even if he followed exactly what she had ordered. He paced back and forth in his apartment feeling totally trapped. He decided to go to bed to recharge his energy for what may come tomorrow. He slept fitfully that night.

_____________



"Abuelita! What are you doing here?" cried Aida excitedly seeing an elderly lady with silvery white hair on the opposite end of the bridge. She had then tried to run across the bridge but no matter how she runs, the bridge seems to go on forever, never reaching the other end. Yet the elderly lady just stood there smiling and waving at her. Aida stretched out her hands trying to reach for the elderly lady when her face changed to that of Sonja's! She was now smirking at her. A gun was waving in her hand. Aida was petrified; she was about to turned around wanting to run back to the other end when Alex materialized in front of her - smiling at her. Then she saw Sonja raised her gun and opened fire at the back of Alex. Aida screamed, "NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

She felt someone shaking her and shushing her trying to calm her down.

"Wake up Aida! It's ok…it's ok. I am here. It's only a dream," said the voice.

She was still struggling when she finally opened her eyes and saw that it was Alex holding her. She was trembling all over beads of perspires peppering her face. She was relieved and immediately held on tightly to Alex.

"Oh Alex," she groaned burying herself in his arms.

"Shh…it's alright. You were just having a bad dream," said Alex soothingly meanwhile rocking her against his naked chest.

"Guess I shouldn't overtire you with our lovemaking," said Alex chuckling softly. "Want to tell me what were you dreaming of? Was it me chasing you around wanting to make love to you again?" he added cheekily.

"No…" said Aida softly feeling safe in the crook of his arms as she rest against his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat. "What's the time now?" she asked.

"A little past 11.00am," said Alex.

Aida was alarmed. She had never slept-in so late before. She almost forgot where she was then remembered Alex had carried her back to his bedroom. Maybe she was not used to sleeping in another bed. Was that why she had such a dream?

"I better go wash up," said Aida.

She was about to make a move to get off the bed when Alex scooped her up and carry her to his bathroom into the shower stall. As expected his bathroom was bigger than hers. His bathtub was actually a Jacuzzi. His shower stall could easily fit in four 'Alexes' and still with room to spare. 

"I can wash myself Alex," she protested.

Alex just laughed at her and turned on the tap. A strong jet of cold-water shoots out from the powerful nozzle drenching her making her squeal before the water started to get warm. Alex poured some shampoo in his hand and began to work the shampoo into her beautiful hair. Next he poured some body shampoo in his hand and soaped her body lovingly making sure every inch of her was completely washed and cleaned before rinsing her off thoroughly. He grabbed a big towel and wrapped her up then carried her back to his bedroom. 

"Alex, I am not a baby! I can dry myself," she said petulantly.

"It's not like I get to washed you everyday and dry you off," Alex argued back and proceeded to rub her all over paying extra attention to her breasts before dropping down on his knees lavishing kisses on her tummy and dropping his head lower to lick at her mons pubis. She squirmed deliciously at his oral loving.

"Don't you think it's a little too early for this," said Aida breathlessly, protesting half-heartedly.

"If you say so," murmured Alex softly against her hot flesh. Ignoring her soft protest, he continued to pleasure her until she came in a rush screaming his name unabashedly in the broad daylight that shines through the wide glass windows. She would have collapsed had he not held on tight to her hips and thighs. He finally let go of her thighs and came up to kiss her letting her taste her own essence. She lapped at his mouth greedily. Alex slowly backed her up against the wall only to bend down and pull one of her legs up to wrap around his hips. He found her hot and wet waiting for his invasion. He plunged into her depth making her shut her eyes tight and gasping in ecstasy.

"Oh, yes Alex!" cried Aida satisfyingly feeling his cock speared open her pussy walls, invading her most intimate part conquering her soul.

Alex agonizingly pulled out of her to the tip and quickly plunged back in, savouring her tightness, loving how her muscles gripped onto his cock like a suction pump. He grabbed her ass to lift her higher and deeper onto his thick hard cock He bent his head to kiss her hungrily, tasting her delicious mouth and she responded back fervently. 

With her back against the wall as support, she clasped her hands behind Alex's neck then wrapped her other leg around his hips as well and started to pump her ass, trying to get him deeper into her pussy. She could feel her climax coming on soon. Her clitoris gliding, grazing back and forth on his cock each time he pushed in and out of her. Her eyes closed, her breathing coming in huge gasp, perspiration pouring out from every orifice of her body now. Suddenly her body went rigid for a moment then gave out a sharp high-pitched cry, screaming Alex's name over and over again.

Alex was so turned on with her fiery passion that he could no longer hold on to his own desire and came crashing through, right behind her intense orgasm. He could feel her pussy sucking him in deeper making him forget his purpose for a moment.

She was limped as a newborn babe, resting her whole weight onto Alex, almost sliding off him. Feeling totally spent and sated himself, Alex slowly heaved her ass up and carried her back to the bed before gently laying her down and in the process had slipped out of her hot pussy. He grabbed the towel that had been thrown carelessly onto the floor and proceeded to mop off his sperm that was oozing out of her.

Alex lie down next to her and put his right hand on the left breast tweaking gently at her rosy nipple. "Aida…there is something you need to do for me," said Alex softly against her ear.

"Hmm…what is it?" Aida asked dreamily, loving the feel of his fingers and hand on her breast.

"You need to sign the contract…" said Alex.

Aida's eyes shot wide-open. Then turned her head to look at him. There was no expression on his face but his right hand was still on the left breast pinching her nipple.

"What…what contract," she blurted out confusingly, frowning her brows.

Alex got up from the bed and pulled her up too, then brought her to his desk and made her sit on his leather chair. In front of her on the desk was the oh-so-familiar file that looked like the one she had signed seven months ago in Alex's office. Her heart had sped up its pounding, rapidly hammering against her chest. She felt as if she could not breathe.

"Wh…what is the meaning of this?" she questioned him, her eyes now reading every single words on the contract.

It was a contract giving Alex the right to keep their baby or babies if any were born. In the event of any mishap should she be unable to carry the unborn child to terms, she would have to continue her role as Mrs. Jefferson till another child was conceived and born. 

Also should any baby or babies be born; she would be given a choice to stay on as Mrs. Jefferson and be given a monthly allowance of one hundred thousand dollars to spend till the child reached the age of eighteen. At which point she would be free of her obligation as Mrs. Jefferson and a lump sum of thirty-five million dollars would be deposited into an account of her choice OR she would be relieved of her position as Mrs. Jefferson with immediate effect once the baby or babies were born and no compensation in whatsoever form would be paid to her. All visitation rights to the baby or babies would be forfeited as well.

The more Aida read into the content of the contract the more incensed she had gotten. She was trembling with an unknown rage now. And she was still naked. Alex was of course watching her all this while for any reaction. He could see she was angry. He just did not know the degree of her anger but he would soon find out. 

Aida stood up from the chair, a naked flaming beauty and looked at Alex with fire leaping in her hazel eyes. Her face filled with rage and contempt.

"Alex, I just came to realize beneath that handsome, charming and…and passionate exterior of yours were merely nothing but a pathetic, selfish, egotistical son of a bitch. So now you are trying to contract me as a breeding vessel?! Was that how you see me? A…a sow?!" her voice rising to a crescendo and getting more agitated by the second.

Alex knew she was angry but never expected her to be THIS angry. He thought she would just sign the contract like before in her vulnerable state, and she was vulnerable after their soul consuming lovemaking not so long ago, but guess he was wrong. He had underestimated her after all. Seems like she wasn't going to be so easily bullied into putting her signature down now.

Alex tried to reach for her; she flinched away from him instead.

"Don't you touch me!" she spoke in a low dangerous voice.

"You don't have a choice Aida," said Alex without emotion but inside of him he was churning with worries. Looks like she was going to put up a fight after all.

"I don't have a choice? You seem to forget. The baby is inside of me! It is my will if it lives or dies! Oh right! I can't get a legal abortion right? It's ok you know! There are staircases in this house. I can't guarantee you that I won't roll down from one them these days. It was really an accident. The baby is your property right? I wholeheartedly agreed too. You can most definitely collect the foetus from the hospital trashcan! So don't tell me I don't have a choice!" Aida was practically shouting at him now.

"Maybe this would change your mind," said Alex calmly. 

He bends over his computer keyboard and began to type very fast. The multi-screen LCD Displays lit up while a picture of a man with long sideburns, moustache and a bulbous nose appeared on the screen. Aida could make nothing out of the picture of the man.


"What are you trying to tell me?" said Aida coldly and a little confused.

"Maybe you could ask him for me," said Alex.

"What do you mean by that? Don't play anymore games with me Alex," warned Aida.

Alex began digitally stripping away the man's moustaches, sideburns and bulbous nose with his sophisticated computer just as he had done in his office yesterday. And staring back at Aida was Greg's face.

"I see Greg's face now or the likeness of Greg. What has that got to do with me?" said Aida confusingly, now her anger seemed to have ebbed a little.

"Maybe you could start telling me why did you give Greg half a million dollars and why did he sent this…" From the drawer on his desk he drew out the gift box with the jack in it and placed it on top of the desk for Aida to see, "…to my office," Alex continued.

"Were you two planning to elope together with my baby? Did you two plan this all along? You sure half a million is enough for the three of you to live happily ever after? Or maybe it's just the two of you only? Did you plan to abort my baby once the two of you reached your destination? Did you?" said Alex accusingly his voice rising too.

It was his turn to be angry now. How dare she give HIS money to Greg? How dare she threatens him about their baby, HIS baby! She and the baby belong to HIM! And no one else is going to take them away from him! And how dare she stand there pretending that she was innocent when her lover has set out to destroy him?

Aida stared at him as though he had gone mad. He was now trying to accuse her of having an affair with Greg? How dare he insult Greg and her? It was too absurd! Too preposterous!

"You can insult me all you want Alex, but YOU HAVE NO RIGHT to say that about Greg. He is more honourable than you are! At least he doesn't manipulate me like you did! And you have no evidence that I was having an affair with Greg! And…and what has that gift box got to do with Greg or you?" Aida spat back at him.

Alex reached into the box and retrieved the message and threw it down in front of her. Aida looked at the paper, on which was typed in bold big words -BOOM! YOU'RE DEAD- and together with the paper were Alex and his grandfather's picture stapled on it.

Something snapped inside Aida's mind. Oh God! Don't tell her Greg was trying to save her from Alex thinking she was being ill-treated by Alex? Don't tell her that he planned to take the money and ask her to run away together with him? She thought fearfully. Why would Greg want to do such a thing? She wasn't being treated badly by Alex at all! In fact she thought Alex might just… might have just have fallen in love with her too given the way he had made love to her the past months.

Of course she was wrong about Alex having any feelings for her after he had just asked her to sign another damn contract. And what if Alex said was true - that it was really Greg in disguise and the one to send that note to him? It certainly looked very much like Greg. There was no denying about it. Greg had indeed been acting very strangely of late. She was still brooding over these thoughts when Alex interrupted her.

"You want proof of you two having an affair?" said Alex angrily. Again he reached into the box and drew out the pictures of Greg and Aida at the park and threw it down in front of her once more.

Aida took one look at the picture and flared up again. This was getting really ridiculous! A few pictures and he was already accusing her having an affair with Greg. It doesn't proof anything but she was not going to argue on that.

"You had me followed? So all these while you never trusted me? You…you thought I would do something… something so low-down behind your back?" said Aida angrily looking at him in disbelief.

She had had enough of his madness. She walked away from him intending to go back to her room when he grabbed her and crushed her to him. Alex would not let her walked off from him just like that without teaching her a lesson. She could have been unfaithful to him but he still wanted her. He realized he was aroused even though both of them were having a heated argument. He made a move to kiss her but he never anticipated that Aida would have anticipated his move. Quicker than he could blink his eyes, Aida had raised her right hand and slapped him so hard on his face that his head spun to one side. He immediately let go of her and then slowly turned his face to look at her again.

"Don't you ever touch me again! I won't be taken of advantage anymore!" said Aida through clenched teeth. Suddenly he looked so despicable. Aida thought.

Alex gave her a dastardly smile and rubbed the side of his face where her palm had landed. Subconsciously Alex did notice Aida had a very strong right hand.

"I did not take advantage of you but I recalled you were moaning my name when I last fucked you," said Alex savagely.

Aida looked as if she was going to hurl herself at him when she calmly said. "You were right. I was moaning your name but it WAS Greg I was thinking of and it was his body I imagine I was fucking. Not yours! You forgot I was an actress, I was only playacting," said Aida bravely not caring about anything else or the consequences of her words might provoke any unwanted responses from him. She wants to hurt him back just as he had hurt her with his baseless and groundless accusations and also his damn bloody contract. She would have willingly stayed on without the contract IF only he had asked her nicely.

Upon hearing those words from her lips, Alex launched at her and pulled her to the bed before throwing her down. Aida was fighting him tooth and nail now, trying to scratch, punch and kick at him.

"LET ME GO!" she screamed. She felt very frightened with Alex sudden rough handling. And she felt vulnerable too, without a stitch of clothing on her and he - just as naked as she was. She could see he was highly aroused and that makes her even more scared. She tried to struggle and twist away from him but he was so strong and big. Alex easily grabbed both her hands and pinned it above her head while he covered her lower body with his strong legs.

"So you like fucking him don't you? So you imagine it was his cock sliding into your hot pussy, did you?" Alex spoke in a low ragged reckless voice. 

"Well, I will show you what I can do to you and you will moan MY name! I will fuck you till you forget about him! And if I have to fuck you a thousand times to make you forget him, I would do it!" promised Alex, his voice getting more excited.

He was going to rape her! Aida was terrified now. She doesn't feel sexual at all now unlike much earlier. She felt fear spreading through her body.

Still pinning her hands above her head, Alex had pushed himself to a kneeling position and using his knees had nudged her thighs open. Aida was screaming at him to let her go. She was even begging him not to.

"STOP ALEX! STOP! PLEASE DON'T DO THIS TO ME! PLEASE DON'T ALEX!" she cried loudly begging him to stop.

Alex did not seem to hear her cries of panic. All he care about now was to be inside her; to pound into her flesh so she would forget Greg but only remember that it was he who could make her scream with ecstasy. She was still wet from their earlier coupling when he burrowed himself into her. Fuck! How good her pussy felt around him. He must have gone mad to feel so possessive about her. He thought flittingly. But right now her pussy felt so good it made him forget that she was being rape by him. He drove himself relentlessly into her again and again not hearing her scream. After a while Aida had stop moving and had even stop screaming. And that was when he suddenly snapped out of his madness. He looked down at Aida's face. She was still crying but it was silent tears.

OH MY GOD! WHAT HAVE I DONE?!" He thought, horrified at his disgusting behaviour. He managed to find his voice.

"I'm sorry sweetheart! I'm sorry darling! Don't cry…don't cry. I don't mean to…I was so angry…" coaxed Alex. For the first time he had said the word 'sorry' which he had never use before in his life to anyone and he did not even realized it.




It's Just a Business Transaction Ch. 12



Alex released her hands and pulled her close, his cock still embedded inside of her. She did not move but just let her tears flowed. Then her silent cries turned to heart wrenching sobs. She beat at him with her fists and pushed herself away from him. She ran back to her room and slammed the door shut. Alex did not pursue her. He sat up on the bed and ran his hands through his hair. He sat there for a long time replaying the scene over and over again in his mind of what he had done to her. Instead of improving the relationship he had destroyed it.

Oh God! Why did he behave like an animal? Never ever in his life had he ever force a woman to bed and now not only had he raped Aida, he made her lost her trust in him too and she might even leave him now! 

He got up from the bed and quickly walked over to their adjoining door and was about to open it when he hesitated. He was afraid she would scream when she sees him. So he decided to knock on the door.

"Aida, will you let me come in please? I am sorry for what I did. Let me make it up to you please?" he called through the door pleadingly.

There was no answer. He knocked louder and called again but still no answer from her. Suddenly a cold fear ran through him. What if she really went to throw herself down the stairs and kill the baby and in the process injuring herself too? Shit!

He wrenched open their adjoining door and step through it but she was not in the room. He ran over to the bathroom and she wasn't there either. He ran back to his room and typed on the keyboard. Greg's face disappeared from the screen and the images were replaced that of his house now. He clicked through every single spot that was with a surveillance camera and she was nowhere to be seen. She must have left the house!

Alex quickly picked up his mobile and called his bodyguards' number. The bodyguards at this time were usually at the guardhouse.

"Did Mrs. Jefferson drive through the gate?" said Alex anxiously.

"No sir," replied his bodyguard.

Alex clicked off his mobile. Alex realized she had taken the other secret route, which he had used to go to the hospital with her sitting next to him when he had first brought her to see his grandfather seven months ago. He quickly called her number hopefully she would answer his call. Of course she did not. He was getting frantic now. There was only one place she would go now - Greg's apartment. Alex quickly changed to go after her hopefully he would be able to intercept them before they ran off.

He can't let her go. He can't let her run off with his baby, THEIR baby! Why not? Because they had a business dealing. A transaction! He owned her for a year! And their contract has not ended yet. No! Because he loved her! OH GOD! I LOVED HER! He thought with sudden realization.

That was why he was so consumed with jealousy and accused her with baseless so-called evidence! Damn! Why was he so arrogant to see that? Hadn't he heard her say she loved him last night when she was falling asleep? Why was he so stubborn, refusing to believe it could be true and was not said in a moment of passion?

Alex felt exhilarated yet at the same time scared. He was exhilarated because he had fallen in love for the first time in his adult life to a very small beautiful woman. Scared because of his blindness and arrogance, he might lose her. Damn! He had never been to Greg's place and he doesn't know Greg's address. The last time it was Mrs. Josef who had called on his behalf. He called his bodyguards to get the address; hopefully he could make it in time to stop them and then had instructed his bodyguards to look for Aida at all the places she usually frequented in case she was not at Greg's.

_______________

Aida had indeed gone to Greg's place. She ran up the stairs two at a time. By the time she reached Greg's floor she was slightly out of breath. She walked to his door and was about to knock on his door when a man in a jumpsuit that looked like a uniform came out of Greg's apartment carrying a blue sport bag and a cap.

"Who are you?" asked Aida surprisingly.

The man seemed surprised to see her and did not answer her but was trying to evade her. Suddenly Aida remembered the guy with the moustache, bulbous nose and long sideburns on Alex's screens.

"Greg!" she exclaimed. "It's…it's really you! Oh my god!" said Aida shockingly.

Greg quickly opened his door and pulled Aida inside before locking it. Aida was getting furious again, this time with Greg.

"You better have a good explanation Greg," threatens Aida.

"I…I can't Aida. I am sorry," said Greg trying hard not to look at her.

"Don't you sorry me, Gregory Lyndon Johnson. I want an explanation now! I am sick with all of you people hiding things from me and…and LYING to me and MANIPULATING ME!" said Aida fiercely.

Greg did not answer her but look uneasily at her. Just then Aida saw he was still holding the sports bag and she snatched it from him. Her abrupt action made him lose custody of the bag momentarily. Greg tried to snatch it back but Aida was hell-bent on looking inside the bag and was already unzipping the bag. Greg dare not really fight over the bag for he was afraid of the content inside might explode even though it was not fused together yet. So he just let Aida have it. Aida took one look at the content and almost screamed.

"What are you doing, Greg?!" Aida question Greg shockingly.

"It's…it's nothing!" said Greg evasively.

"I'm not stupid Greg! These…oh my God! These are some kind of an explosives isn't it?!!!" Aida was alarmed now.

Greg knew he could not hide anymore. He knew he had to tell her now.

"Yes! It's C-4. A kind of explosives! It's for your husband's oil refinery! Satisfied?" Greg screamed in frustration.

Aida looked at him confuse and speechless then blurted out.

"But…but why? Why are you planning to blow…blow up his refinery…if…if that was really your intention," Aida said haltingly getting more confused with Greg's behaviour.

"BECAUSE SHE HAS GOT WENDY! AND RUPERT IS DEAD! DEAD! OH GOD!!!" Greg shouted and broke down crying.

Aida was shocked at Greg's outbursts and his crying. Suddenly she felt sorry for Greg but she had to know what was going on.

"Who's got Wendy? Greg you are not making sense. Did you and…and Rupert have anything to do with the waters too?" said Aida but she was praying Greg would say no.

Greg did not answer her. He just stood there, hands in his face crying away. Aida's fear was confirmed. Greg did it. But why? And who was the 'she' he was talking about?

"Greg tell me, what has happen?" urged Aida.

"Sonja had killed Rupert and kidnapped Wendy…" said Greg still sobbing like a little boy. He took a deep breath and related the whole story to Aida leaving out nothing even how he had been manipulated by Sonja to plant the cocaine in her locker.

Aida felt herself trembling uncontrollably. Dear God! She had never ever thought Greg would betray her this badly and had used her. She did try to reason the part where he had to do it because of his sister. But she could not accept the fact that Greg; of all people would betray her too. She felt numb. Too stunned to say anything.

"I am sorry Aida. I don't mean to hurt you at all. You would be the last person I would want to hurt. I do love you!" said Greg still crying.

Love? Was this what you called love? Betraying someone you care so much was love? Aida shook her head in sadness and disbelief.

"Greg, thank you for your cruel honesty. It makes me see things more clearly now. Take care," Aida said dejectedly and made a move towards the door.

Greg had stopped crying and was looking at her. "Where are you going?" he asked.

"I'm leaving…"

Greg tried to say something but she interrupted him quickly.

"Don't say anything and don't try to stop me. You do what you must to save Wendy. I don't want to have anything to do with you or Alex or…or anyone else anymore. You want to blow up Alex's refinery. Fine go ahead! I don't care. But a word of caution, Alex already knew it was you. Goodbye Greg, thank you for taking care of me when I first step off the bus at the terminal. I really like this place you know…but I guess this place is just not for me…" said Aida sadly and turned to go.

Greg did not stop her. He wouldn't dare. He really had betrayed her. The least he could do for her now was to let her go gracefully without hurting her anymore.

Little did Alex and Greg know that Aida was taken against her will while trying to get into her station wagon.

Aida was feeling so disheartened and betrayed with the men in her life that she did not notice a truck had stop beside her and someone had made a grab for her until it was too late. She tried to scream and to twist off from the grabbing hands but the assailant was too strong. She felt a heavy blow below the base of her skull and she lost consciousness. 

Roderick has driven to Greg's place as a lookout for Sonja to make sure Greg carries out her order. It was a surprise when he saw Aida drove up to Greg's apartment and without any bodyguards. He and Sonja had been planning on how to lure Aida away from her bodyguard so they could get a chance to kidnap her but seems like that won't be necessary anymore. She has delivered herself right into his lap. He was sure Sonja would be very pleased with him when he gets the bitch to the warehouse today. He just could not believe his luck. It was too good to be true. For months he had been waiting to get that bitch and the timing couldn't be more perfect. At last, it's pay back time. Roderick thought excitedly, his adrenalin pumping.

It would be really easy to snatch her off the street as this neighbourhood belongs to the lower class folks, and most likely no one would bother or care about what goes on right under their nose for fear of getting into trouble themselves. He told himself she would come back down soon and then he would strike. Sure enough after half an hour later Aida had emerged from the building looking crestfallen. Roderick checked the surrounding one more time noticing there weren't many pedestrians or motorists about and immediately swung his truck in the direction of Aida.

Roderick brought the truck to a halt beside her and took advantage of her despondent state and ran out to grab her quickly. He knew she would start to scream the minute she realize what was happening to her and had immediately clamped his hand over her mouth. He pretended to loosen his hold on her for a second only to bring down his other hand behind her neck. She gave a muffled scream and slumped forward. Roderick was really excited now to be able hold Aida in his arms. He wasted no time in dumping her behind the passengers' seats and quickly drove off but not before he had a feel of Aida's breasts – pinching and mauling them, which he had wanted to do for so long.

If only Alex had came earlier by fifteen minutes and he would have witnessed his half-brother kidnapping Aida and would probably be able to prevent Roderick from getting to her.

____________



Meanwhile Greg still has a job to do. He still has to get to Passyunk Avenue and get into Alex's oil refinery to plant the bomb. He was still wondering how he could get inside the refinery when his mobile rings. He looked at the LCD screen and noted it was an unlisted number. Must be that psychopath. Greg thought bitterly.

"Hello," answered Greg gruffly.

"Ah glad you answered my call sweetie. Ok let's get down to business. Now go down to the 34th train station at Market St. There will be a truck that picks up workers to go into the refinery. Once you are up in the truck with the other workers find a place to hide the stuffs. The securities at the guardhouse will go through the usual routine in checking everyone. So make sure you wear your nametag and try to act normally. If you slipped up too bad then. Don't forget I still got Wendy here who would love to see her brother to come and fetch her. Now hurry along, you have half an hour to get to the station before the truck took off and good luck with the job," said Sonja with pure evil in her voice and clicked off.

Fucking bitch! Thought Greg.

He hurries off to the station as was being instructed, still holding the bag with its deadly contents. He was so absorbed in his own thoughts that he did not noticed Aida's station wagon was still parked below his apartment when he came down. He decided to take the local transport instead of driving his new Toyota which Sonja had bought him two months back even though he had adamantly refused to accept it but Sonja had insisted, saying it was her way in thanking him for a job well done. Greg was more worried with his colleagues questioning him on how he managed to find so much money to buy a new car.

__________



Alex was late in coming and missed Greg too. When he drove into the compound he could see Aida's station wagon parked there. His anger rushed forth like the raging water gushing out of a broken dam. Without even bothering to switch off his engine he ran up to Greg's floor. On the landing he looked at all the apartments number and found Greg's apartment. He banged on the door loudly for a long while but no one answered. He heard the other tenants on the same floor shouting from behind their close doors at him to shut up.

Shit! Don't tell me they have left already. Alex thought grimly. He quickly called his bodyguards to check with them if they have any news on Mrs. Jefferson but the bodyguards told him negative. 

Alex was still feeling frustrated when he received a call from his PI saying he had dug up some new information regarding J.M. Mendelssohn company. Alex was not really in the mood to know more about the company other than trying to locate Aida but what the PI said changed his mind. Apparently J.M. Mendelssohn actually owns La Broadway the theatre where Greg and Sonja worked. And the most startling piece of news was Sonja was an unnamed shareholder of La Broadway until several months back where she had quietly sold off her share. On top of that the initial J.M does have a meaning. It was known as Jason Matthias Mendelssohn Pte. Ltd. before it was changed to just J.M Mendelssohn Pte. Ltd. ten years back. It took a while for the PI to dug out this information as Poland back then was still rather behind times in using the computer systems to updates their data and was still recording data by hand.

Jason Matthias Mendelssohn? Matthias…wasn't that Sonja's surname too? Could Sonja really be the owner of J.M Mendelssohn? And if she was, what was her role in this whole thing? What was her relationship with the Mendelssohn family? He decided to go home to ask his grandfather. He intends to get to the bottom of this affair. Unknown to him Aida was being tortured at that moment in an abandon warehouse somewhere along Delaware River.

_____________

When Greg got to 34th St. station in Market St, there were already about twenty or so other workers whom were wearing the same uniform as his waiting to be pick up to go to the refinery. Seems like most of the workers were on part time basis as it was not a prestigious job cleaning waste from oil drums therefore no one really spoke to one another. He was so nervous holding his bag sitting at the kerb waiting for the truck. About five minutes or so had passed and a big truck came by. All the workers got into the truck and so did Greg. Hurriedly he looked about the truck and there were empty oil drums and crates about. He went right into the deep end of the truck and quietly stowed the bag into a crate and covered it with some gunnysacks. Soon the truck moved off.

It was not really far from the train station to Passyunk Avenue. Another ten minutes or so they came to the guardhouse and everyone was asked to alight for clearance. The guards at the guardhouse went through a monotonous motion checking their ID and for formality sake went up to the truck to poke around a bit and then declare it was clear. Greg and the workers piled back into the truck and went through the gate barrier.

First step accomplished. Greg heaved a sigh inwardly. Now for the next step. Greg pulled the bag out of the crate and alighted the truck with the rest of the workers. There was a foreman waiting for them there and was giving them instruction as what to expect or do. Greg looked around the area and noticed the distillation columns over at the north side. Looks like a good place to plant the damn bomb, thought Greg. By now he was sweating profusely. The other workers were busy hauling the drums of fuel wastes onto the truck now. Greg pretended to help out for a bit and when no one was really paying attention he slipped off quietly and edged over to the distillation columns. 

He found a very secluded spot far away from the busy workers minding their own business and set to work. He pulled out the C-4 and the detonator. C-4 was one of the most flexible and easiest explosives to use and also one of the safest. Without a detonator the C-4 would not come alive. He was so absorbed in fixing the detonator onto the explosives that he did not notice the guards doing their round and saw him crouching between the columns.

"HEY! What are you doing there?!" shouted one of the guards.

Greg was so shocked being shouted at that he almost dropped the detonator. The first thing that comes to his mind now was to run for his life before he was caught. He ran still holding the detonator but the explosives was left plastered on the oil column. By this time the guards had alerted the rest of the guards in the refinery and they had blocked off every exit. Greg just kept on running not sure which way he was heading for. Finally he saw a tall barbed wire fence ahead of him and he ran towards it. 

He tried to climb over the fence but it was too high and spiky at the top. The guards were right behind him now and were shouting for him to freeze. Greg was still attempting to break free. He made a last effort to scale the fence only to be pulled down by one of the guards. He tried struggling to break away from their hold but he was easily outnumbered.

"Please…please don't call the police! I want to see Alex Jefferson!" Greg pleaded with them.

"Don't worry we will notify him. Let's get him to the office," said one of the guards.

They then escorted Greg to the office while one of them notified the personnel in charge of the refinery who in turn called up Dan Edward – Alex's Executive Chief Operating Officer. 

_____________

Alex reached home and went over to the east wing in search for his grandfather. He found his grandfather at the garden with Miss. Kathy the nurse.

"Miss. Kathy could you leave us?" said Alex commandingly.

Alex's grandfather looked at his grandson's odd behaviour wondering what was wrong.

"Something wrong Alex?" his grandfather asked.

"Aida has gone missing," said Alex, looking disconsolate and a little disheveled.

"Missing? How? When?" enquired his grandfather looking baffled.

"Since…since about four hours ago," said Alex.

"She could have gone to attend some functions?" his grandfather offered trying to reassure him.

"We…we had a fight and…and she ran off," Alex said haltingly.

"About what? Come, tell me about it," coaxed William Sr.

Alex finally told his grandfather he had forced Aida to sign another contract so he could keep her and the baby forever and because he suspected Aida was having an affair with Greg because of some stupid photos and the half a million his grandfather had issued to Aida and she had given the money to Greg instead.

"But you made a mistake on the cheque. You had the date written wrongly. I thought you might wanted me to know why Aida wanted so much cash from you," said Alex looking at his grandfather for confirmation.

"Yes I did write the date wrong on purpose. She did mention she wanted the money for a friend. But I thought you should still know about it as she said you were not on friendly terms with her friend and since she is your wife, I thought you have every right to know whom she was giving the money to. So did Aida say why she needed to lend this Greg so much money?" William Sr. asked.




It's Just a Business Transaction Ch. 12



"No…I was angry. I jumped to conclusion and thought…" 

"You thought she was going to run away with this Greg and started accusing her? What else did you do or say that makes her run off?" said his grandfather looking intently at Alex.

"I…I was so angry…I force her…"

"You forced your attention on her," his grandfather finished the sentence for Alex with a resigned look.

Alex could only nod. His grandfather gave a sigh and shook his head.

"It's the same with all the males of the Jefferson. We had this hidden anger in us. If we had it under control it would be fine. But once we let it loose it can create hell," said his grandfather.

"What are you saying, grandpa?" Alex asked, a little confused with his grandfather's incomprehensible explanation.

"The males in this family had this syndrome called Dysinhibition Syndrome. It's hereditary and it's a psychological disorder. It happens to the males only…well so far we have no girls on our side so I wouldn't know if it would happen to them too. When we were being provoked we forget who or what we were doing and unleashed this uncontrollable anger within us. Thank goodness we hardly expressed it and seems to be thinning out as the bloodline goes further down. So far I have not displayed any of the syndrome before. Maybe I was lucky. I wasn't provoked to the point that I had no control over my anger and to unleash it outwardly," explained his grandfather.

Alex remembered he was so angry this morning he could not see reasons. All he wanted to do was to teach Aida a lesson. And it was the first time he had ever lost his temper so badly and it scared him. It was like he was outside his body witnessing the scene but he had no control over the situation.

"There is something else you wanted to ask other than telling me Aida had gone missing?" said his grandfather, seemingly reading his mind.

"Grandpa do you know the stage actress Sonja Matthias?" asked Alex.

"Seen her on the people's magazines and such. Said she was an accomplished actress. Why do you ask me that?" said the old man sounding confuse.

"Because her full name was Sonja Matthias Mendelssohn and I just found out she was the owner of J.M. Mendelssohn for the past ten years the company you invested in twenty years ago," said Alex.

"You think this Sonja was related to the three dead Mendelssohn in some way?" said the old man getting more confused. "But how were they related?"

"That, I have to ask of you grandpa. I think it's time you tell me the truth what happen that night twenty-four years ago," said Alex looking steadily at his grandfather. 

Then he added. "Grandpa, I need you to tell me exactly what really happened to the Mendelssohn. Father would not have accidentally killed them. I am sure father was totally incensed over something until he displayed this…this anger behaviour that he went into an uncontrollable rage and kill," said Alex looking at his grandfather for an explanation.

The old man looked at Alex for a while before he said in a neutral tone.

"Your father was a paedophile," said the old man, matter-of-factly.

Alex was stunned at this piece of news. His father a paedophile? He knew his father was a ladies' man but a paedophile? It can't be.

"Your father was a brilliant man and a promising candidate for the senator post but he has a sick interest in children. I knew that long ago and so does your mother. I did try to send him for therapy sessions but it was useless. At that time his career was taking off so well. I wanted him to join the political scene so much but with his sick mind it was rather impossible. Our business rivals would love to see us rot in hell if they ever found out about your father's unnatural liking. We would be finished. Public don't take likely to paedophiles. I would not be surprise if our assets would be confiscated and the family persecuted," said his grandfather sadly.

"Let me guess then, Jeremiah Mendelssohn found out about father's interest and blackmailed him." It was a statement rather than a question.

"Not only that, it was Jeremiah himself who arranged those kids for your father and he had your father's activities secretly taped down then he wanted your father to make him a shareholder of our business empire. He wanted 50% of our shares. So one night in a fit of anger your father had gone over to his place. He wasn't home yet and your father raped his wife. Just then he returned home and saw your father on his wife. They got into a fight and his wife was accidentally killed then your father killed him. The worst thing was your father even raped his son and tried to kill him," said the old man, his eyes now red as tears were pouring.

"Then it wasn't an accident that Jeremiah got killed? Anyone else know about this incident?" Alex asked agitatedly getting aghast at his late father's behaviour.

"Your father shot him point blank in rage and Marie - she saw everything that night," said his grandfather. "But what has all this got to do with this Sonja Matthias Mendelssohn?

"Because I think they were very closely related," said Alex.

"Related? It's impossible! Our company records showed Jeremiah Amos Mendelssohn had no other relatives except his sister Rebekah Mendelssohn and his wife was an orphan and they only had a son by the name Jason Mendelssohn. And that night there was only three Mendelssohns in the house. Two dead adults and one almost dead young boy!" said his grandfather.

"What was Jeremiah's wife name? Can you remember grandpa?" asked Alex.

"No…but I remember her surname was Matthias…" his grandfather stopped in mid-sentence then continued. "That's the second name of this actress!"

Alex nodded.

"But they don't have any daughters. I am very positive about that!" said his grandfather adamantly.

"Were you positive that the boy died in Poland?" said Alex.

"That was what Rebekah Mendelssohn told me!" said the old man.

"So you did not actually see the little boy's body?" Alex pressed on.

"No! I was in a way glad that he died. Not that I wanted him to but he was suffering so much! Even if he were to regain consciousness he would not grow up to be a real man. Your father…your father…I saw the little boy's private part. It was beyond…beyond repair!" cried the old man. He could still vividly recall the gruesome sight of the little boy's penis and testicles. Kicked beyond recognition by his son.

"Thank you grandpa. I think that is all I needed to know. I am sorry I have to put you through this agony and I am very positive Sonja was trying to take revenge on us for the dead Mendelssohns. Only thing is, I wonder how closely related she was to the Mendelssohns," said Alex.

"You seems to know this Sonja personally?" said his grandfather.

"Went out a couple of times with her before I married Aida, not my type," said Alex.

"You bedded her?" asked his grandfather while narrowing his eyes.

Alex gave a sardonic laugh. "Almost. She wanted my ass and I said no."

His grandfather looked at him shockingly.

"Grandpa, I need to talk to Marie if that was alright with you and I need to find Aida," said Alex.

The old man nodded his head.

"Do try and keep your anger. By the way Marie secretly took a tape from the Mendelssohn's house that night to blackmail me. But she hasn't used it on me since the last time. Frankly I am not sure if she still have it or just calling it a bluff," said William Sr. giving that extra piece of information to Alex.

Alex knew now why his grandfather had continued to let Marie and his half-brother stayed on with them for so many years. Alex decided to go looked for Marie and asked her if she had seen anyone else in the house that fateful night.

Just then Alex's mobile rang. He answered the phone while going in search for Marie and his half-brother. It was the first time he had taken the initiative to look for his stepmother.

"Hello," 

It was his ECOO – Dan Edward informing him that they had caught a suspect with some explosives at their oil refinery and was asking for his advice if they should call the police yet. It didn't take a genius to guess who the suspect was.

"Was his name Greg Johnson?" said Alex into the mobile.

"Yes sir and he insisted to speak with you first," replied his ECOO from the other end.

"I will be there in an hour, meanwhile don't call the police yet," Alex instructed of his ECOO.

He was still looking for Marie and her son but it seems they were not in the house. He got hold of Mrs. Timont the head housekeeper only to be told by her that Miss Marie and Mr. Roderick hasn't been home since last Thursday afternoon.

Finally he decided to call La Broadway theatre to look for Sonja only to be told the theatre would be closed for renovations therefore there won't be any shows on for another month or so. Alex was very sure now Sonja was in some way related to the three late Mendelssohn. And there was still no news about Aida. Even though it was still too early to call the police to report for a missing person but he was not going to take chances. Alex knew the Police Chief Commissioner personally. He decided to call the PCC for help to locate Aida.

After giving details to the PCC he had gone to his oil refinery to deal with Greg. He would drill Greg for information before he hands him over to the police.

____________



"Well, you wanted to see me? I am here now so talk before I send your ass to jail?" said Alex coldly to Greg.

They were in the Branch Manager's office. Greg's hand was tied behind his back sitting on a chair. Most of his props make-up had fallen off during his scuffles with the security guards.

"You have to believe me, I wasn't given a choice," said Greg looking desperately at Alex.

"First thing first, where is Aida? Her station wagon was still parked below your apartment when I went there earlier," said Alex glaring at Greg.

"I don't know where she is!" said Greg firmly.

"You better start talking Johnson, I don't have time to play games with you. Who asked you to do all these things to me?" said Alex in a low voice. He was controlling his anger.

"I won't talk unless you promise to help my sister!" said Greg angrily.

"You don't bargain with me Johnson, you can either talk now or I'll send for the police right now! And I won't lay a finger on you but I can't promise you would be treated the same courtesy you received here when at the police station. I heard they are rough, so think about it," threatens Alex.

Greg thought over his situation now. Either way he was as good as dead. He failed to detonate the C-4, which he was sure Sonja would notice by now as there was no news on the TV mentioning any oil refinery going up in smoke. He could only pray Sonja would delay in killing his sister off and buy him some time so he could ask this arrogant bastard in front of him for help. After all he was the cause for all this shit. Sonja's target was Alex not him. He and Rupert were just in the wrong place and at the wrong time.

"It was Sonja your old flame who were behind all these incidents. I am merely a pawn. I don't have a choice. She got my sister and she killed a friend of mine just yesterday to prove a point to me that she meant business if I don't carry out her order. It was you she was after! Don't ask me why…I sincerely don't know," said Greg truthfully.

"Let's make one thing clear. Sonja was NEVER an old flame. Now where is Aida? And why did you asked her for half a million?" 

"I swear to you I don't know where she is. She left my place after…after she found out about what I was intending to do. I thought she might have told you about me already, I guess she didn't. As for the money, I was planning to run away from this madness but Sonja seems to have found out about my plan and had intercepted my move one step ahead of me and kidnapped my sister. You don't looked surprise to know it was Sonja behind all these," said Greg.

"I have my sources and I think Sonja wants me to know," said Alex. "How do you contact Sonja? And you weren't planning to run away with Aida?" 

"I don't contact her. She called me through an unlisted number when she wants me to do something for her. And who gave you the idea I was going to run off with Aida?" said Greg.

"Did you know La Broadway used to belong to Sonja?" Alex asked.

"No!" Greg was surprised at this piece of news.

"Well used to but not anymore," said Alex. "Do you know if she have any other accomplice with her.

"Yeah, a man and a woman but I never really get the chance to see their face. They were always hiding behind the background," said Greg. "You gotta help my sister. The mad bitch will kill her." 

"She will call eventually because you failed your mission. And then I will deal with her," said Alex.

"So what are you going to do to me now?" Greg asked.

"Right now I would like to smash your face in," said Alex, matter-of-fact.

"Why?" questioned Greg.

"Because you lied and used Aida," said Alex.

"Look who is talking? I used and lied to her? What about you? You treated her like an object! Your so-called investment! Business transaction my ass! Just because you are rich you think you can buy anyone you want?! Greg retorts at him.

"I married her. I gave her a name," said Alex calmly but inside of him was boiling.

"Oh come on Jefferson. You don't love her. She is just a plaything to you! You just wanted to fuck her!" said Greg savagely.

At this point Alex had got up so fast from his chair and smashed his fist into Greg's jaw. There was no way Greg could have avoided Alex's blow and his hands were tied. He fell off his chair from the blow.

"Don't you insult Aida! She is not a plaything! She is MY WIFE! Mother to my unborn child and I LOVE HER!" said Alex through clenched teeth.

Greg shook his head to clear the pain and broke out in laughter. "What? The arrogant Jefferson fell in love? Now that is news!"

"Now tell me why did you allow Sonja to use you in her schemes?" Alex asked trying to keep his cool again before settling himself back into the chair.

Greg just sat on the floor staring at him with dislike then gave a sad smile.

"Sonja caught me making out with a man," said Greg without any emotions.

Alex looked at Greg as though he had sprouted horns on his head.

"Why are you looking at me like that? Haven't you heard of gays? Faggots? Yeah, that's me!" Greg spat the words out.

"So…so you didn't go to bed with…with Aida?" Alex asked, holding his breath, afraid of what Greg might say that would dash his hope.

"Didn't you hear what I just said? I am a gay not a bisexual. I don't go both ways. I like screwing men only!" Greg hissed at him.

Alex's heart was soaring with relief. It was his mind that has been playing tricks all along. His Aida hadn't slept with this faggot. She must have said all those things just to spite him. At that moment he wanted to jump up and shout with joy.

Just then there was a knock on the door. It was Alex's ECOO; Dan Edward informing him the police were here. Alex instructed him to bring them in. Meanwhile Alex groped around Greg's uniform to get his mobile. Alex knew Sonja was bound to call soon and he would be waiting.

A large man with sleepy eyes and receding hairline came in with two police officers and turned to acknowledge Alex.

"Mr. Jefferson? I am Detective Hudson," said the detective while flashing his badge.

Alex gave a nod and pointed to Greg. "That's the suspect and his stuffs."

The detective unzipped the blue sport bag and peered inside.

"Take him in boys," said the detective to his officers.

The police officers put a pair of handcuffs on Greg's wrist but before they could lead him out, Greg rushed to Alex. "I beg you save my sister. She is innocent!"

The police officers bundled Greg off leaving Alex and the detective in the room.

"The Chief called me to inform me about your missing wife. She has been missing for how many hours now? About six give and take?" said the detective casually.

Alex nodded. "I believe she was kidnapped. There is still no call yet but I think it won't be long. By the way your PCC highly recommended you for this job."

The detective gave Alex a polite smile. This is the first time he had come this close to the rich billionaire. The man was more handsome in flesh and there was certainly an authoritative aura about him. He remembered about seven or eight months back when the department had received a mystery call informing them someone was peddling cocaine in La Broadway and they had gone down to arrest the suspect. It turns out the suspect was a small lovely Mexican woman. Personally he felt Aida was innocent but then looks can be deceiving and the forensic department did found her fingerprints. But three days later her bail were fully paid up and another two days later she was married to Alex Jefferson. Definitely sounds like a modern day fairy tales. Damsel in distress rescued by handsome rich billionaire. The PCC had called him to drop the case against Aida much to his dislike. What could he say or do? He was just a Lieutenant. Maybe if he was a Police Commander he might have more say in the case but then again when you were pitting against filthy rich people like the Jefferson what were the chances of him coming out the ultimate winner?

" So what can I do for you Mr. Jefferson?" said the detective.

"Help me to find my wife of course," said Alex, raising an eyebrow at him.

"Look Mr. Jefferson, your wife has only been missing like six hours. It's still too early to…"

Before he could finish, Alex interrupted him. "I understand from your PCC that there is a Police Commander vacancy waiting to be filled. Now I understand too that there are a few potential candidates eyeing for the post. From Lieutenant to Commander are two jumps not to mention the competition involved…" said Alex briskly, looking coolly at the detective.

"You're trying to patronize me?" said the detective.

"Detective Hudson, I believe I made it very clear to the PCC that I wanted someone whom I can trust and capable of handling my situation efficiently and quietly without letting the world know, and as I have said you came highly recommended. And I did not say you would be made Commander immediately but if you find my wife, I am sure we can work something out. I am sure Mrs. Hudson would be thrill with all the perks that comes with being the Police Commander's wife," said Alex authoritatively.

Detective Hudson had been eyeing that post for months now and his wife had been pestering him to do something about it. He was a good cop just that he wasn't that clever in buttering anyone's ass and had been stuck as a Lieutenant for like donkey years without much changes. He always believed to do things by the book. No hiding, no hanky-panky but then he was not young anymore. He was now forty-five and he could not afford to miss any more good opportunities. Besides the chances were rather slim as there were too many younger candidates who were just as good as him if not better to fill the position. And now this Jefferson has offered to help him to realize his dream in return for finding his wife but keep things under wraps. Why not? He was still a cop. Finding missing person was his duty too.

"Mr. Jefferson, you have to give me something to work on your case. I can't just go blindly looking for your wife when I don't have a clue who was the kidnapper and you want me to lock up that Johnson kid without charging him yet when he was trying to blow up your refinery?!" said the frustrated detective, feeling annoyed with Alex secrecy.

Just then Greg's mobile rang. Alex made a sign to the detective to be silent while he took the call. He looked at the LCD screen and noticed it was an unlisted number. Must be Sonja trying to contact Greg now. 

"Hello…" said Alex calmly into the phone.




It's Just a Business Transaction Ch. 12



There was a ten seconds of silence before the caller finally spoke.

"Well, I didn't expect you to pick up this call Alex," came Sonja's voice over the other end. "I guess my little messenger boy got his ass busted."

"You shouldn't have sent a boy to do a man's job. So what can I do for you Miss Matthias or is it Miss Mendelssohn?" said Alex sarcastically.

"Very clever Alex. Impressive detective work," said Sonja sounding delightful with Alex discovery.

"I have a good P.I. You forgot I could afford the best. So shall we get down to business? What is it you really want from me? Did I offend you so bad because I walked out on you the last time without fucking your brains off or because I would not let you fucked me in my ass that you have to take your stupid revenge this far? Oh! Were you the long lost daughter of Jeremiah Mendelssohn or the fraternal twins of little Jason?" said Alex, his voice rising slowly and angrier by the second.

Detective Hudson was standing there listening to his crude conversation with someone on the phone. He never expected sophisticated billionaires would talk this way too. Guess billionaires were just as human as the rest of them after all. Mused the detective.

"Alex, Alex…I am so happy you could remember little Jason. Anyway our bad blood doesn't just involve you and me. It goes back a long long way. By the way I have something here that I am positive you want very much. Oh, I better call you with the other phone. Be with you in a minute," said Sonja breezily and clicked off the line without giving any chance to Alex to continue talking. But instantly his own mobile rang. He looked at the phone and notice it was Aida's number. Alex quickly clicked on his own phone.

"Aida?" said Alex but deep down he knew it was not Aida but he was just hoping against hope.

"Sorry to disappoint you Alex but it's still me," said Sonja sweetly.

"What have you done with Aida?" said Alex while gritting his teeth.

"Relax lover boy, she is still alive if that is what you were asking. Oh by the way, please look at me when you talk. I don't know why you men like to indulge in fancy hi-tech gadgets but never fully utilize its functions," drawled Sonja.

Alex immediately pulled the mobile from his ear and stared into the screen. Instead of Sonja's face he saw Aida only in her bra and panties gagged and tied to a chair. Her face was covered with fingers imprints. There were welts on her silky skin.

Alex's face was contorted in fury and was having difficulty in controlling his rage. He must stay calm for the sake of Aida and their unborn baby. Alex told himself.

"Don't you touch her Sonja!" Alex warned through clenched teeth. "What do you want with me?"

"I think it's time we end it all Alex. You want the little Mexican bitch back? You do as I say. Come alone and don't mess with me. I mean it. If I even heard a single siren, I am going to pop the cunt off!" said Sonja her voice as cold as ice.

Sonja gave an address to Alex and with a last warning. "Remember come alone. One siren and off she goes. Oh by the way I heard your little cunt is expecting so don't make me kill the unborn babe," that said Sonja clicked off the other side of the phone.

Detective Hudson has heard enough to know what's going on.

"We'll take your car so she won't suspect anything. Let's go," said the detective already reaching for the door.

The two men dashed to Alex's car. In the car Alex briefly filled the detective in the rest of the story omitting out his late father's debauchery act and enough for the detective to plan what was to be expected when they reached the warehouse. Detective Hudson knew he was not dealing with just an ordinary woman who has been rejected in love but a calculated scheming psychopath. 

Daylight was slowly fading towards the western sky. Another thirty minutes or so they pulled off the highway and was trundling along some dark, bumpy streets. The area was abandoned. Through the window they could see empty broken down warehouses with long weeds sprouting up here and there. The further in they go the darker and gloomier the place looked. Finally they saw a high huge single warehouse with peeling faded red paints close by the river.

"Stop here," said the detective. "I will go on foot the rest of the way."

"Be careful, according to Greg she has accomplices with her and his sister is in there too," warned Alex.

"You be careful yourself. Go now before she suspect anything," urged the detective.

Alex drove right to the front door of the warehouse. He got off his car and walked the last few steps towards the door. He took a deep breath and pulled open the iron door and step through it.

To be continued /-



It's Just a Business Transaction Ch. 13



She looked at Aida's unconscious form and broke into a satisfied smile. She could hardly believe their good fortune to have gotten Aida so easily. With Aida as hostage, Alex would have no choice but to bow to her whims and fancies. She would let him sweat for the next few days first before calling him about Aida. That would definitely weaken his state of mind.

"So, what do you plan to do with her? Can I have a go at her first?" said Roderick looking eagerly at Sonja.

Sonja turned to look at Roderick now. Idiot! I'll soon send you to hell. Then I'll send the rest of your family members to join you. Sonja thought with great satisfaction. 

She could see it now -'The Jeffersons' secrets revealed! Late father a paedophile. Brothers killed over a former actress.'- What a perfect headline for the media. 

Sonja gave Roderick a cunning smile. "First, let us wake up our little whore."

"Sonja, this...this whole thing is getting out of hand! You... you never said there would be innocent lives involved!" Marie stammered, wringing her hands nervously.

If only Marie had known Sonja would be killing off so many people, she would never have agreed with Roderick to join forces with Sonja in getting rid of Alex and his grandfather.

"Mum, you agreed in the first place that it was ok to get rid of Alex and that old man! You're not backing out now, are you?" Roderick glared at his mother.

"Yes I did! When you said getting rid of your big brother and grandpa, I thought you meant through their business! Not...not to the extent of committing murder! Marie argued fiercely.

Roderick was about to give his mother a piece of his mind when Sonja stopped him.

"Marie, don't be stupid. A crime is a crime! Whether you poison their waters or killing someone, it's still a crime. Do you think the Jefferson would let you off so easily if they'd known you were trying to destroy their reputation in the business world? And whether you like it or not, it's too late to back off now. Alex and his grandfather would never let you or your son off. Let us tie up all the loose end and then we can live happily ever after. Just give it a few more days, ok?" said Sonja airily.

"Now, I'll let you have the honour in waking up our little sleeping beauty. Splash the water on her face," Sonja instructed Marie commandingly.

Marie bit her lower lip, not sure if she wanted to do it but then Sonja barked at her. "DO IT!"

Marie gave a start and inched over to where Aida was sitting tied to a chair then took the bottle of mineral water and gingerly splashed some on her face. Aida did not stir.

"AGAIN!" Sonja barked louder once more.

Marie jumped then splashed the rest of the water on Aida and she finally groaned. Marie retreated far back refusing to look at Aida anymore.

Aida felt something cold and wet on her face and slowly opened her eyes. Instantly she felt a numbing pain at the nape of her neck. She tried to reach a hand to rub her neck but realized she could not move only to discover she was tied up. That woke her up fully. She looked around frantically and her eyes fell on Sonja! She gave a gasped of horror.

"Why am I here? What...what's going on?" cried Aida desperately. Then she focused her gaze on the man standing next to Sonja. It was Roderick! And Marie too!

Wendy, who was tied sitting next to Aida, was making noise behind her gag to get Aida's attention. "Hmmff! Hmmff! Hmmff!

Aida turned her head painfully to see who was making the sound. Greg was telling her the truth; Sonja was indeed holding Wendy hostage here. Then her eyes fell upon the figure next to Wendy, it was Rupert but he was long dead. She let out a loud gasp and turned back to Sonja, "What do you want with me, Sonja? I have done nothing wrong to you. Why are you doing this to me?" Aida asked, her voice rising in panic.

Sonja was smiling maliciously at her. She sauntered over to Aida then suddenly lashed out her hand at Aida's face - repeatedly and viciously slapping her. Aida's head spun from side to side from the force of the slaps. Instantly she could taste blood on her lips. Sonja then grabbed her hair and stuck her face close to Aida's.

"That! Is for taking Alex away from me!" Sonja whispered harshly at her. Roderick was grinning at her while Marie's gaze was elsewhere, looking jumpy and scared.

"My turn to have a little fun with her yet?" Roderick rubbed his hand zealously.

"What do you want to do with her?" Sonja asked as an unholy smile lit up at the corner of her mouth.

"I've been wanting to have a taste of that round juicy ass of hers..." said Roderick full of intent.

"Go ahead, I like to watch too," Sonja said encouragingly.

"No! NO! Don't touch me!" Aida screamed in revulsion.

Roderick approached her and ran his hands over her breasts, mauling them through her blouse. Then with a rip, he tore her blouse down the middle, scattering the buttons about. Aida was screaming on top of her lungs now, telling him to stop. Wendy could only cried into her gag, looking helplessly on, as Roderick crudely molested Aida.

Marie ran to her son and grabbed his right hand, yanking off his painful grip on Aida's left breast.

"Why the fuck did you do that for mum? If you can't bear to watch just get out of here till I'm done! I've an old score to settle with the bitch!" Roderick shouted angrily at his mother.

"Stop it! Stop it! She is pregnant!" Marie shouted back. She didn't have the heart to see Aida being violated by her son. Moreover, she knew Aida was pregnant, and how fragile pregnant women were in their early pregnancy stage. She was afraid Aida might go into shock and miscarried the baby.

Sonja found Marie's behaviour amusingly pathetic in her effort to stop her son from committing a heinous act and was immensely delighted when she heard Aida was pregnant.

"What did you say? The slut is pregnant? How about that? Two! For the price of one! Now this is gonna be real fun!" said Sonja excitedly. She reached into her bag and drew out a long whip, her eyes gleaming at Aida with hatred.

"Wha...what are you going to do? No! Leave me alone! Leave me alone!" Aida screamed again.

"Hey! It's my turn to have some fun!" Roderick protested loudly at Sonja.

"Get away Roderick!" warned Sonja. Something in her voice told Roderick not to argue with her. Marie looked horrifyingly at Sonja now. Sonja looked so cruel. There seemed to be an evil aura shrouding her, so thick you could almost reached out and touched it.

Without another word, Sonja brought the whip down on Aida, whipping her body with all her strength. Aida was screaming in agony, pleading with her to stop. She stopped whipping Aida long enough to tear the skirt off her and then proceeded to slam her fist into Aida's stomach a couple of times, making her cried out in excruciating pain.

For a moment even Roderick felt revolted by Sonja's cruelty. Marie ran over to Sonja and pulled at her arms. Sonja turned back and shoved Marie effortlessly onto the floor.

Wendy was whimpering piteously behind her gag, her eyes now pouring with tears.

"Please don't hurt my baby, please don't..." Aida pleaded weakly at Sonja. 

Marie got up from the floor and ran to stand between Sonja and Aida.

"NO! NO! Don't Sonja! You wanted Alex not her. Don't do this please! It's not easy carrying a child. Roddy! Say something!" Marie began to plead on behalf of Aida.

Marie only wanted a good life for her son and herself. She had never wanted to kill anyone in order to achieve her goal. She was once a pregnant mum too and she knew the feeling of being pregnant. That wonderful, wonderful feeling knowing a miracle was growing in your body. In fact Marie had a miscarriage once before she had Roderick and it broke her heart to know her unborn baby had died. It took her months to recover from her anguish, and that was why she had turned to drugs. And now seeing Aida might lose her baby prematurely it brought back sad memories to her.

Sonja was about to hit out at Marie when Roderick interrupted them.

"Hey! Hey! Knock it off you two! Mum stopped it! And Sonja, don't you think it's time we give a call to Greg and asked him how he was doing, instead of bickering over this little bitch?" Roderick was trying to divert Sonja's attention away from his mother.

Sonja glared at Roderick and his mother then threw the whip down and reached for her mobile to call Greg.

She dialed Greg's number. She stood stock still for a moment when she heard it was Alex's voice instead of Greg over the other end. She knew then Greg must have been busted. Well, might as well. Sooner or later she would've contacted Alex, which was her intention all along. Get this over with and then she could return to Poland and start a new life for herself.

Sonja exchanged some ugly conversations with Alex before giving him the address of the warehouse and had warned him against going to the police or she would not hesitate to rip the foetus out of Aida. She then turned to Roderick and Marie,

"The plan has been move up. Let us prepare ourselves. We have an honourable guest coming, it's...SHOW TIME!" she announced with a wicked grin.

Meanwhile she decided to have a little bit more fun with Aida while waiting for Alex. She asked for a cigarette from Roderick and smiled at Aida like a snake. Aida was looking back at her with pain-horror filled eyes feeling very fearful for her unborn child.

God! Please let the baby be alright! Please! She said a silent pray.

_________________

Apart from the center of the warehouse, which was brightly illuminated with eight standing fluorescent lights, the rest of the area was empty and dark with a musty smell of decay hanging in the air. Alex could only guess the lightings were generated from a powerful portable generator since no electricity ran through this area. His eyes were still trying to adjust to the darker part of the warehouse when Sonja's voice rang out loud and clear at him.

"Welcome, welcome Alex. We are indeed honoured with your presence. Please, make your way over here," said Sonja dramatically.

Alex was about to run to where Sonja was standing when someone stepped out quietly from the shadows and kicked at the back of his knee, forcing him into a half kneeling position.

"Hold it right there!" said his assailant menacingly. 

Alex, recognizing the voice had turned back immediately to face his assailant. "YOU!" cried Alex loudly. Before he could recover from his shock yet another figure stepped out from the shadow. It was Marie, but she averted Alex's glare and she looked nervous.

"Hello big brother, surprise to see me?" sneered Roderick, his eyes gleaming with evil satisfaction to see the shock on his half-brother's face. He was holding a gun in his left hand. "If you've paid more attention to my mother and me, maybe this wouldn't have happen to you...but you prefer not to acknowledge our existence as if we were trash."

"YOU ARE TRASH!" said Alex angrily.

Roderick was about to make a punch at Alex with his free hand when Sonja's voice rang out again.

"Stop it! Don't you dare hit him without my permission. He is mine!" said Sonja loudly.

"Bring him over here," commanded Sonja.

Roderick was pissed that he was not allowed to hit at Alex, which he had wanted to do so for a very long time. But he could afford to wait a little longer and then he would get even with Alex. His grandfather would certainly die from a broken heart if he knew his favourite grandson had died and since he; Roderick would be the last of the Jefferson, undoubtedly all the assets would automatically go to him. After all he WAS a Jefferson.

"Get up and move over there," ordered Roderick. He pushed hard at Alex's shoulder blade to shove him forward while pointing his gun at him.

Alex could clearly see now at the center of the warehouse there was a white screen and a projector and of course; the figures that were tied to their chairs – Aida, Wendy and a dead man, and standing between the girls was Sonja - the mad woman that was behind all the mishaps that had happened to him for the past few months.

___________

Detective Hudson had sneaked over to the warehouse, and was trying to locate a spot where he could look inside without being detected by the occupants. He found the fire escape at the west side of the warehouse leading up to the second level. He looked at the iron stairs and noted it was still rather sturdy. Very quietly and stealthily he climbed up the iron stairs one at a time to avoid any crunching sound. He reached the top with the fire escape door. He tried the handle of the door and discovered it wasn't lock. Slowly and surely he pulled open the door just big enough for his frame to creep in. He was afraid the door might squeak but it didn't. He could hear muffled voices coming from below, from where he was standing. He had to edge close to the landing to look down. He could see the stairs in front of him but no way would he be able to walk down without alerting the kidnappers as the stairs were facing them. It was a good thing though; he had worn his darker jacket today, which blended him in well with the shadows.

Detective Hudson quickly sized up the situation below him. There were a total of seven people down there – three men and four women. One was Alex, with his back facing him. Another man was standing a foot behind Alex holding a gun. Yet another was tied and gagged sitting on a chair but looked to be lifeless. Out of the four women, two were tied sitting on the chairs. One was conscious and gagged while the other one was almost naked in bra and panties, her head drooped to one side with the hair partially covering her face. That must be Aida, thought the detective.

There left two other women - both in standing position. One was holding a gun facing him, while the other woman's back was to him standing next to the guy with the gun. Although he couldn't see the woman's face that was without a gun, he noticed she was fidgeting badly. Shouldn't be a threat, he made a mental note. But the other woman with long platinum hair that was holding a gun looked mean and nasty even though she had a smile on her beautiful face. The man with the gun would be no match for Alex if they were to fight barehanded. 

Detective Hudson was never a fan of stage play but he knew who the woman with the platinum hair was. He had seen her at the theatre the last time he was there to arrest Aida. He recalled her bitchiness and haughtiness enough to leave a bad long-lasting impression on him. Most men would find her irresistible with her curvaceous and toned body but the detective found her too...too perfect. She looked almost artificial to him. The detective was contemplating whether to make known his presence but decided against it as the hostages were just next to Sonja. His cop instinct was to protect the innocent first.

With his experience of more than sixteen years as a cop, he had seen thousands of faces. He understood how the mind of a criminal worked especially psychopaths. They would rather kill off the hostages, and then turned on themselves than to surrender. He would have to bide his time and find the right opportunity. One wrong move and it would be over for Alex and the hostages down there - not to mention his career too.

________________

Sonja was standing between the girls, waving her gun as though it was a toy. She was dressed in a tight-fitting black leather catsuit that zipped up in the front to just below the curve of her breasts, and a pair of equally black high-heeled ankle boots. Her beautiful long platinum hair tied up high on top of her head into a ponytail.

Alex looked at Sonja for a moment then briefly over to Wendy, whose eyes showed great fear and then to the male body that was sitting stiffly next to her with his head drooped to aside. Then his eyes focused on Aida's half naked form.

He was churning with rage inside of him - his heart beating rapidly as he could see Aida very clearly now. She was alive by the steady rise and fall of her chest. She must have fainted due to the pain inflicted on her. Alex could not see Aida's face as her hair had fell forward. But there were welts on her silky body. Oh God! There were even burnt cigarette marks on her breasts! What kind of animal was Sonja to do that to another human being? Then he returned his angry gaze back to Sonja.

"Hello Jason," said Alex slowly.

Marie's eyes popped wide-open, while Roderick looked confusingly at Alex for greeting Sonja as Jason. At first Sonja looked startled too but then slowly her beautiful face broke into a huge smile, which turned into an uproarious laugh.

Even Detective Hudson was surprise as to why Alex had addressed Sonja as Jason.

"What did you call her? Jason?! Who the fuck is Jason?!" asked Roderick.

"Damn you Alex! I wish you weren't so smart. Now you've spoilt all my fun," said Sonja sweetly still laughing away.

"Fun? You called this fun?" said Alex while pointing to Rupert's lifeless body.

"Alex, Alex...in a play you had to have a hero and a heroine! You have the good guys and the bad guys. And then you have the plot and the extras to help out the bad guys in taking down the good guys! Well, sometimes the extras have to die. And Rupert was an extras!" Said Sonja breezily.

"So this is all a play to you now? You are one sick person, Jason!" Said Alex clenching his teeth.

"Woah! Hang on! Why do you keep calling Sonja as Jason?" Roderick was adamant to know what was going on. Alex and Sonja had ignored him long enough and he refused to be ignored any longer.

Marie was looking extremely fearful now. She didn't want to think it was possible.

Sonja was getting really annoyed with Roderick constant interruption now. She decided to kill him first but she would let him know who she really was. At least he wouldn't have died in vain for his effort in her plan.

Just then Aida seemed to have regain consciousness. Alex wanted to run to her but knew better than to do that.

"Ahh... the sleeping beauty awakes," said Sonja delightfully.

Aida's eyes came into focus after the haze cleared from her pain clouded mind. She could see Alex standing a few feet in front of her.

"Alex," she rasped hoarsely.

Sonja grabbed her hair painfully in her hand to pull her face up in the open so Alex could see her battered face.

"Let her go," said Alex, slowly advancing on them.

"Stay back Alex or I'll pop her now," Sonja warned in a singsong voice, "Looks like some of you here are rather confuse with my identity other than you, dear Alex so I'm going to give everyone a little entertainment," with that said Sonja pulled at the ropes around Aida till she was free, and then she curled her left arm around Aida's neck to pull her up and they moved over to the makeshift table where the projector were standing.

"Press the play button slut." She commanded of Aida. Aida painfully lifted her hand and pressed the button as instructed.

In a very clear crisp voice Sonja announced to the occupants in the warehouse.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to introduce you to the BEFORE...and AFTER...of ME!" she said exultantly as if she was giving an opening speech on stage.

While the projector played the slides, Sonja was giving them a running commentary each time the images changed. The screen showed a naked young boy about twelve with a very grotesque penis and testicles lying on a surgery table with his legs on the stirrups. Then the image changed to that of the young boy being operated on. First his testicles were surgically removed, and then his penis was sliced open from the underside. Next it showed how an anterior flap was developed from the skin of his penis. The images went on to show how the skilled surgeon professionally created a urethra from the shaft of what was left of his penis. The images kept changing, until finally the young boy who once had a penis and testicles was now technically a young female with a vagina. By the time 'she' had a completed vagina and breasts the projector showed of a young lady around sixteen or seventeen years of age now.




It's Just a Business Transaction Ch. 13



All the occupants in the warehouse, except Alex were stunned at Sonja's real identity. She was a transsexual! Marie covered her mouth and gasped and kept mumbling, "Oh my God! Oh my God!" Her worst fear had been confirmed. The little boy that she thought had died was actually still alive and standing in front of her! Only that he was no longer a he, but a she. 

Roderick's face had gone pale too. Fuck! I fucked a transsexual without knowing it! He thought disgustingly then he remembered something else too. He remembered a little squirt of a boy whom he used to bully by pulling down his pants and squeezing his penis whenever the little boy came over their house.

"Arrgghh! You're THAT little Jason?!" cried Roderick as reality set in.

"Correct Roderick, so glad that you could remember," Sonja smiled and gave him a wink.

"If my grandfather had told me much earlier about the incident, I would've put a stop to you, once I figured out your true identity. Sonja is Jason. I should have known," said Alex shaking his head.

"Well I guess your grandfather thought I really have died. Can't really blame him. Why would anyone who has something to hide like your grandfather, would want to dig up the past?" replied Sonja.

"Tell me, why didn't your aunt do something about it? Why didn't she go to the police then? You might as well tell me everything," said Alex. He was actually trying to prolong the conversation so Detective Hudson could figure out a way to help them.

Sonja looked at him and gave a long sigh.

"My aunt was too pious for her own good. I regained consciousness a few months after we returned to Poland. So I told her everything and asked her to seek justice for my parents and me but she refused. She wanted me to forget about it! She wanted me to forgive your father and grandfather!" Sonja gave a cold laugh.

"She told me to pray to God for peace and strength, to help me through with my life! God? Where was god when your father was raping me? Can God give me back my penis and my parents and my childhood? NO! I knew then what I must do! I went back to school to get myself educated. And discovered I've a remarkable mind. I was a genius with an IQ of 197; tested and certified when I was nine. I began to research about transsexuals. I read up everything I could get my hands on about sex change." She paused for a moment before she went on.

There appeared to be tears in her eyes as she spoke,

"When I was twelve I approached a well-known surgeon to perform the surgery on me without my aunt consent. The surgeon took one look at my private parts and he agreed readily. He even offered to do the surgery for free but I was already a rich little freak. With the money your grandfather sent to my aunt it was more than enough to cover the expenses of the surgery. It took four long painful years to complete the transformation and another few more years for my postoperative care."

She gave a short laugh, "Of course my aunt didn't want me to have the sex change. Said it was against nature and all the crap, which wasn't true at all. She wanted the money for herself. I found out my aunt was screwing some pastor and I took some photos of them together. She had no choice but to do as I say then. I had her called your grandfather to say that I have died and to channel the money into our new company instead. Also my father had left a huge sum of money for me in a Swiss account. Why do you think I was able to purchase La Broadway when I was at twenty and recently your company stocks?"

With the same hand that was holding the gun Sonja pick up something else from the table, "By the way...my father left a little of your father's legacy to me as well."

Alex instantly knew what it was in the disc. Even though his father was long dead but if the disc were to fall into the hands of their business rivals, the Jeffersons' reputation would still be tarnished.

Alex took a deep breath, "So what do you want with me or my family now? I doubt it's money you are after. An apology would be too insignificant for what my late father had done to you and your parents. And I can't let you harm my grandfather or Aida. So what's left for me to do?"

"I wanted your father for pay dearly for his crimes but your father cheated me! He had to die at such an early age even before I can complete my transformation. So I guess it was up to you to atone for your father's sin. And so I set out to ensnare you but you avoided me all those years until last year, when I finally thought you were mine for the taking. I wanted you to romance me and marry me but you have to marry this little bitch instead when you've only met her for just a few short weeks! That was certainly and ego blow to my self-esteem. If you've married me instead I would've let bygones be bygones and nothing of..."

"HEY! Can we get on with what we've set out to do, Sonja?" Roderick interrupted them angrily. "OK! We now know who you really are but I don't give a fuck if you are Sonja or Jason! You want your revenge. Fine! But I want mine too! Can we just bump this basta..."

Roderick had yet to finish his sentence when Sonja had pointed the gun at him and opened fire. Everyone was shocked Sonja had just shot Roderick. Marie was stunned for a second and then gave a sharp cry before running to her son. 

Wendy whimpered loudly into her gag again. Aida was clawing at Sonja's arm. It was getting too tight and she could hardly breathe. Detective Hudson was taken by surprise with Sonja' action too. Alex had jerked aside as Roderick was only standing a foot away from him.

"Why the fuck di...did you do that for? I thought...we were...in this to...together?" said an equally shock Roderick before dropping to his knees. He looked down at himself and placed a hand on his stomach where Sonja had shot him.

"That's for interrupting me and for being a Jefferson. And also for pulling at my penis!" said Sonja coldly looking at Roderick almost lifeless body now.

Alex saw Aida was trembling badly in Sonja's arm and her lips had turned bluish from the lack of oxygen.

"Let my wife go Sonja! You're suffocating her!" shouted Alex.

Detective Hudson realized he had to make his move now or more people would die. He came out of his hiding place and shouted down, "FREEZE!"

Sonja lost her concentration for a split second when she heard a loud voice shouting from above. She tilted her face upward and Alex took this opportunity to lunged at her grabbing for her gun. Sonja had no choice but to let go of Aida to grappled with Alex. Detective Hudson ran down the stairs trying to get a shot at Sonja but it was difficult as Alex's body was in the way.

Detective Hudson then ran to Wendy to untie her and pushed her away. Next he tried to pull Marie off her son's body but she refused to budge, just sitting there holding Roderick's body crying and muttering incoherently. He could not get to Aida because she was too close to Alex and Sonja. Both of them were still grappling with the gun and Aida was too weak to crawl away.

Alex never realized how strong Sonja was until now. Her strength was equal to that of a man. And her reflexes were fast and fluid. She executed a powerful move, jamming her elbow into Alex's nose making him loosened his hold on her hands. Sonja immediately grabbed Aida again, curling her arms around Aida's neck once more and held her close to her own body like a shield, while swinging the gun back and forth at Alex and the detective. Her face was screwed up with fury seeing another man there and then she realized it was the detective that she had met at the theatre.

"Stay away from me or I'll pop her right now!" shouted Sonja. She looked like a cornered wild animal trying to make its desperate escape, totally out of control.

"Drop your gun Sonja. It's over!" shouted the detective.

"NO! YOU DROP YOUR GUN!" Sonja shouted back at the detective.

She turned to Alex now who was bleeding profusely from the nose and said. "So you like to defy me eh? I told you to come alone but you brought in the police? Oh...I will make you regret for your action, Alex! I wanted to kill her first so you could experience the pain of losing someone you love dearly and for bruising my ego for marrying her. But now I've changed my mind! Don't worry, I will send her and your baby right after you. One happy family reunion coming up soon! Goodbye Alex!" Sonja laughed insanely.

She took aimed at Alex and was about to fire when Aida suddenly slammed back onto Sonja with all the strength she could muster, slightly off-balancing her and then dashed in front of Alex. Sonja's gun went off still and the bullet had race towards Aida's back instead. The bullet pierced through Aida's flesh, shattering the lower part of her left scapula. The scapula had acted as a shield absorbing much of the force, thus slowing down the speeding bullet's momentum before it could continue its journey into her left lung to do any further damage. But the impact of the bullet was still strong enough to catapult Aida's small frame onto Alex's body. Alex on reflexes had opened up his arms to catch her. Aida looked up to him once more before her eyes closed down, slumping completely onto Alex.

Detective Hudson at the same time had snapped off a shot in Sonja's direction just when she lost her balance after Aida had slammed back into her. The bullet had zinged its way through the air, spinning at maximum speed and lodged itself cleanly between Sonja's eyes. There was a surprise expression on her too perfect sculptured face. Her arms flailed wide - dropping backward to the floor with a loud thud, never even uttering a sound. She twitched for a second or two before lying still.

Detective Hudson carefully eased over to where Sonja was lying and nudged her body with his foot. Dead as an Egyptian mummy. Then he ran back to Alex where he was holding Aida. "Get her to the hospital fast! I'll take care of the situation here."

Alex was trying to rouse Aida. "Wake up Aida! You're NOT to leave me! You hear me! You've not fulfilled your contract yet!"

Aida opened her eyes briefly and whispered, "Save the baby...save the ba..." and her eyes closed down again.

The front of his shirt was already soaked with her blood when he had flipped her back. Alex took off his jacket and covered Aida's body before carrying her up and racing for the door. Wendy ran after them despite she was still trembling and held the door open for Alex. With Wendy's help Alex placed Aida into the rear seats. Her body was very cold to the touch and blood continued to ooze out from the gunshot wound. Her breathing was very faint. Wendy got in the car with them and cradled Aida on her lap. She could now see blood was also seeping out from Aida's thighs from the interior light.

"Hurry Alex! I think Aida might be losing the baby!" Wendy alerted him, her voice quivering with fear.

Alex immediately stepped on the accelerator while reaching for his mobile to call Ian. 

"Ian! Aida got shot! I am bringing her in! Get ready!" Alex shouted into the mobile before clicking it off.

"Please don't die sweetheart! Please don't leave me! You're going to be fine!" Alex kept talking to Aida. He had never felt so frightened in his life. And for the first time he had prayed, which he had never done before.

The traffic at this time of the night was light and very soon they reached Ian's hospital. Ian was already waiting at the entrance for them with the stretcher. Very quickly they got Aida out and gently laid her down on the stretcher before wheeling her straight into the operating room.

______________

Detective Hudson looked over to Marie who had stopped crying but was still holding her son's body as though he was a baby and was singing a lullaby. He had to call for his colleagues now and the paramedics too. There was no way he could keep this quiet what with three dead bodies laying here. What a night. He heaved a sigh and reached for his mobile.

_______________

She was floating along a very bright passageway. She felt safe, light and warm. She looked down at her body but couldn't seem to find it, yet she wasn't worried about not seeing it. She looked up again, and in front of her, a beautiful white bridge had materialized. So white was the bridge that the light emitted from it should have blinded her but she was not affected by the glare at all. Should she cross the bridge? What's on the other side of the bridge? The other side looked rather misty with white fluffy clouds swirling gently about. She edged closer to the bridge to look down. Underneath the bridge was a river with swift flowing white foamy water beckoning her to jump in. She edged back from the riverbank.

Suddenly an unnamed force compelled her to look up - to walk across the bridge. She hesitated, and then she walked slowly across the bridge. But something stopped her. Once again she looked down only to discover the bridge had no bottom! She could still see torrents of water rushing underneath the bridge - underneath her. She appeared to be suspended in the air. Then she heard someone called her name. She looked up again.

At the other side of the bridge was an elderly lady with silvery white hair. She had a very compassionate crinkled face. She gave Aida a warm smile full of love and joy.

"Abuelita?" Aida called.

She tried to walk the rest of the way over to the other side of the bridge but no matter how fast or slow she walked, she could not reach it. The bridge seemed to go on forever but the distance between her and her grandmother remained the same.

Her grandmother smiled again. "How are you my little flor?"

"Where is this place? How is it that I can't reach your side? Can you come and get me please?" Aida asked.

"We are not ready for you yet. You have to go back my little Aida. You still have unfinished business," said her grandmother gently.

"But I don't want to go back. I want to be with you. This place is so peaceful...and I miss you," Aida said.

Her grandmother looked at her beloved granddaughter. "I miss you too my little flor. But he misses you more. Look beneath you!"

Aida looked down the bridge again. In the water she saw a man partially slumped forward on a bed, sobbing beside a woman with an oxygen mask and tubes running in and out of her arms.

"Who are they?" Aida asked her grandmother with mild curiosity.

"Don't you recognize that man? Take another look," coaxed her grandmother.

Aida looked down again at the man. He looked oddly familiar. Suddenly Aida felt sadness washed over her and also a sense of longing. She tried to reach out for the man but she has no form. She was only an incorporeal being. She couldn't explain why but she had this urge to touch the man, to hold him and to comfort him from his sobbing.

Her grandmother seemed to read her thoughts, "No Aida, you are not a spirit yet. Do you want to go to him my little flor?" her grandmother asked.

She thought for a while. "Should I?"

Her grandmother smiled. "Follow your heart. All you need to do is just step off the bridge...take the plunge as the Americans says."

Aida looked at her grandmother and she winked at her granddaughter as if to reassure her. Aida felt herself falling through the bridge into the swirling water below. She could hear the gurgling sound of the water and suddenly the water surrounded her. She looked down once more and noticed she had a body now. She was now in a whirlpool and it was spinning her around faster and faster. There was a bright light around her too. Unlike the light emitted from the bridge this bright light was getting stronger and it hurt her eyes now. She had to squint her eyes to see where she was. Suddenly she felt she had hit solid ground and instantly an excruciating pain tore through her. Her body ached all over as if a Mack truck had hit her.

In her dream-like state, she could hear someone talking even though she could hardly open her eyes. At first the voice sounded distorted like a broken record but slowly she could make out the words and the voice. It was Alex talking to her. Her eyes were still too heavy to open up so she laid very still listening to him.

"Sweetheart, can you hear me? I'm sorry for doubting you. I don't really mean to. I wa...was just so jealous. I've never told you this. But I fell in love with you since the first time I saw you on that stage. I should have asked you out on a normal date but...but you don't seem to have a good impression of me when we met at the party. So...so I thought..." he gave a little laugh and then continued as if Aida could hear him.

"When I knew you got arrested, I was...was very happy."

She frowned a little when Alex said he was happy that she got arrested.

"I thought my opportunity has come. I could make you do what I want, so I manipulated you to sign the contract with me, to keep you close by. But over the months I fell deeper in love with you yet I refuse to acknowledge the feeling. I was afraid...afraid that I might lose my own identity. And when I was young my father used to write up these little pieces of paper and made me signed on them, if I wanted something so that I won't break my promise. I never knew how to ask nicely for anything that I want. So I grew up thinking everyone has a price that I can buy. I guess I was wrong," he paused.

"Let's start all over again. I promise you, no more contracts. Give me a chance. Give us a chance," he broke down crying.

Aida was moved by his words. He did love her after all. Her eyes fluttered opened slowly. Alex was sitting next to her bed with his hands in his face.

"Alex," she rasped hoarsely into her oxygen mask.

Alex was jolted from his crying when he heard his name being called. Aida tried to smile at him but even that proved to be a painful task. So she contented herself by just looking at him. He looked haggard and unshaved with shadows under his bloodshot eyes.

"Thank God you are awake sweetheart!" cried Alex and grabbing her hands in his gently. He couldn't remember when was the last time he had cried in front of anyone and now he was letting Aida a glimpsed of his softer side. His tears were flowing down his cheeks and he didn't feel embarrassed at all. He wept freely. He was overjoyed to see Aida had finally awoken up from her deep sleep.

"I thought I've lost you!" he whispered softly to her. "I'm so sorry sweetheart. Please forgive me?"

Aida brushed her fingers against his. She didn't know what to say. He was asking for forgiveness. Aida coughed spasmodically into her oxygen mask.

"I'll go get Ian!" Alex said urgently.

Aida held on to his fingers and shook her head a little, "I'm fine. Just that my throat is a little dry," she whispered softly.

"How long was I out?" she croaked.

"Eight days but shh...don't talk. Let me get you some water. Wait! Let me get Ian first," he pressed a button by Aida's bedside.

A few minutes later Ian came in. One look at Alex's smiling teary face and he knew Aida had finally awoken up from her deep sleep. She had passed the critical stage.

"How do you feel Aida?" Ian asked professionally yet gently.

"Awful, as though I've been ran over," said Aida slowly trying to give him a smile.

"Can she drink anything, Ian?" Alex asked anxiously.

"Yes but just plain water and in very small sips," said Ian as he gently removed the oxygen mask from her face to allow Alex to feed her with some water. Then Ian fixed the oxygen mask back on her and turned to Alex.

"She still needed more rest so don't tire her. I'll come and check on her later," said his friend reassuringly before leaving them alone again.

Alex sat down on the chair next to her bed and held her hand in his. He gave a silent pray to someone up there for giving him back his wife. He could still recalled what Ian had told him when he came out of the operating theatre after ten hours in there with Aida. He almost choked his friend if it weren't for the intervention of the other doctors and nurses there.




It's Just a Business Transaction Ch. 13



"NO! YOU PROMISE ME SHE'LL BE ALRIGHT! GIVE ME BACK MY WIFE!" Alex screamed at Ian while his hands had gone to his friend's throat.

The other doctors and nurses hurriedly pulled Alex off a choking Ian. "Alex!" Ian wheezed between words. "It's all...all...up to...her. If she comes...comes out of her...coma she will be...fine."

Eventually when he had calmed down he knew his friend was right. It was really up to Aida now. So for the past eight days and seven nights he had stayed by her bedside and had kept talking to her.

Now as he looked at Aida, he felt his tears welling up again and he gave a silent pray of thanks once more.

"Go to sleep sweetheart. I promise I'll be here when you wake up next," he kissed her hand gently.

Aida gave a smile and a nod and fell into a peaceful slumber. 

The next time she woke up, Alex was sleeping soundly with his head on her bed. She looked at him lovingly. How vulnerable he looked in his sleep. She thought.

She lifted her hand and gently stroked his hair. Alex immediately woke up from his sleep. 

"Hi sweetheart, sorry I fell asleep. Hope you didn't mind I share your bed," said Alex, his old quirky charm back a little.

"How are you feeling?" Alex asked while pressing kisses on her fingers.

"Better but still tired," she replied softly. The oxygen mask was still around her nose and mouth. "Alex, I am sorry I lost the baby."

Alex looked at her for a moment. She knew but how? Of course she knew. She is a woman and women were sensitive creatures unlike men. Anyway it did not matter. As long as Aida was willing to continue to be his wife and to love him again they would have more babies. But he could not help it, a surge of anger rush forth to the surface. It was because of Sonja that they lost their baby. He wished he could witness her dying all over again.

Even though Aida was still weak just after regaining consciousness, she could sense his emotion. Was he angry with her for losing their baby? She could not help but to blame herself for the loss of the baby. If she hadn't acted recklessly and ran off she might not have gotten kidnapped, might not get shot at and might not have lost the baby.

"Let's not talk about it," said Alex, avoiding her eyes. He felt angry with himself too.

"Wh...why did you save me that night?" Alex asked her hesitantly. He was hoping to hear that three little words from her again. Hoping she would say she had did it out of love for him.

"I don't know...it seemed to be the right thing to do at that time. Your grandpa would be very sad if anything would happen to you. How is he anyway?" Aida whispered softly.

Alex felt his heart would break into pieces when she did not tell him what he had hoped to hear. Had she fallen out of love with him so soon? Had she changed her mind after that night?

"He is fine. He came by this morning to see you," said Alex.

"Alex, I am tired. You don't mind if I go back to sleep?" said Aida tiredly.

"Of course not sweetheart. Go ahead and sleep," He got up and kissed her forehead.

_________

Over the next two months her health had improved tremendously. The gunshot wound on the surface had healed up nicely but the tissues beneath her skin were still raw and needed a longer time to heal. The cigarette burnt marks were slowly fading off too. But she still needed to wear a splint for the next four weeks or so as her lower scapula were shattered when the bullet had penetrated it. Ian had told her another two more weeks stay in the hospital and she could go home and Nicole had assured her, she was ready to conceive again as there was no complication to her miscarriage. 

Alex was almost by her side 24/7. Although Alex was very attentive to her, somehow she felt there was a changed in him. He had treated her politely; so polite it was as though he had only known her recently. He didn't touch her like he used to do before the shooting or kiss her like the way he used to. Was he feeling disappointed or angry because she had lost their baby? So did he really meant those words he said when that night she had regained consciousness or was it said out of guilt? So what would happen to him and her now? And then she remembered Greg and those that have died? She would ask Alex when he came by later.

____________

"How are you today?" Alex asked politely and bent forward to kiss her cheek lightly.

He had brought her flowers today; in fact he had been bringing her fresh flowers every day.

"I am feeling much better, thank you," Aida replied with equal politeness.

"Is there something you want to ask me?" said Alex as he noticed she was looking at him intently.

"I...I just want to know what...what's going to happen to Greg," said Aida hesitantly not sure if Alex was still angry with Greg or not.

Alex didn't answer her immediately but had arranged the flowers in a vase and set it next to her bed. Then he went to sit next to her. He didn't look angry. Aida thought with relief.

"He will be charged in court soon," and added quickly, "But I'm doing all I can for him. I've got Dilbert to represent him."

Aida looked at him with tears hovering on her lower lids, "It was my fault. I should've called you that day to let you know and might've prevented him from going to your oil refinery but I was too distraught with my emotions that I couldn't think..."

"Don't blame yourself, it wasn't your fault," said Alex.

"And how is Wendy? Is she alright? She hasn't been to see me..."

"She is fine. Just that she felt bad with what Greg has..."

Aida nodded her head in understanding. "So what's going to happen now? Did the disc..."

"No, the disc has already been destroyed. I hope it will be the last one. Since you are feeling better now, I'll tell you everything about that night after you...you got shot," said Alex.

He told her Detective Hudson had dropped by later that night to pass the disc to him. He felt it was not necessary for the world to know what Alex's late father was really like. Children should not be punished for the sins their father had committed. Of course with three dead bodies it would be hard to keep it from the media. The very next day the Jefferson's rivals had caught wind of the incident and had wasted no time in digging into it hopefully to bring the Jefferson down. His grandfather had secretly sought the help of the President, whose own father, was also a President back in the early 90's and who had benefited greatly from the Jeffersons' support. The truth about his late father was covered up again.

The public received partial truth of the story only. Roderick and Sonja's pictures made headlines the first week after the shooting naming both of them as the mastermind of the kidnapping of Mrs. Jefferson. Sonja was being portrayed as the spurned lover while Roderick was the black sheep of the Jeffersons' family; a forgotten disgruntled second son of the late William Jr. and together had teamed up to seek revenge against the Jeffersons. As for Greg and Rupert, Sonja and Roderick were manipulating both of them with the promises of riches. There was no mention of Greg's involvement with Rupert physically. 

"What about Emily? Emily was Rupert's wife. And Marie? Surely..." said Aida.

"She still didn't know it was Greg that was having a relationship with Rupert. But she was devastated when being told about Rupert's death. And she won't talk to the press about her husband's role in the kidnapping, as she really didn't know anything about it. Of course the media hounded her just the same but I had arranged for them to hide away for a while in one of my mansions where they would be safe. As for Marie...she never got over Roderick's death. I've arrange for her to be taken care of in one of the mental institution," explained Alex.

"Then there was no mention about Sonja's real identity?" said Aida.

"No, it's for the best. Besides, my family owed her that much. I know what you're thinking, sweetheart. I know you think we are distorting the truth but we really can't afford to let the public know the truth about my family. It won't be just my family's name that will be involved. Those who had helped my grandpa to cover up years ago would be involved too and some of those who had helped us back then still held very high positions in the White House and alive and..." Alex tried explaining to Aida.

"I do understand Alex," said Aida sympathetically. "But with your power can't you let Greg go?"

Alex felt his heart gave a painful lurch. Even now, knowing that Aida and Greg were never together he still felt jealous. He was jealous that Greg had a good friend in Aida who cared so much for his well-being. 

Aida caught Alex stiffened up slightly when she mentioned about letting Greg off.

"Even though Greg was very much a victim himself in this case because his sister was being held hostage, nevertheless he will still be charge for obstructing justice and for withholding information. He will most likely get the maximum three years jail sentence with parole," explained Alex.

"His future would be ruin with a criminal record," said Aida sadly.

"Is he really that important to you?" Alex blurted out before he realized it. The words sounded a bit harsh and accusing.

"He is still my friend. He was just an innocent bystander. Why do you hate him so?" said Aida agitatedly.

"No! I don't hate him! I'm sorry Aida. It's just that...ok! I feel jealous. I hate myself for feeling such...such...when you...when I..." Alex felt extremely frustrated and angry with himself.

"Jealous of Greg? Why?" Aida asked. 

Alex looked at Aida, and then took a deep breath and looked her in the eyes.

"I love you Aida!" There, he finally said it. He had wanted to say those words to her ever since she had regained consciousness but had yet to build up enough courage to say it out loud to her.

"I know," said Aida simply.

"You know? But I didn't..."

"That night after I came out of my brief coma. I heard everything. Thank you," said Aida.

That was it? Thank you? What else was he expecting her to say to him? To profess her undying love to him when he had acted like an animal and a jerk to her that morning where he had drove her from the house? Not to mention it was because of him that she got shot in the first place and it was because of him that she had lost their baby.

"Aida, I've something to discuss with you if...if you are up to it and if you are not that tired?" Alex said hopefully. No, he couldn't let her go without a good fight. He had to try to gain back her trust and he knew just what to do.

"What is it that you want to discuss with me?" Aida's heart skipped a beat, when he mentioned the word 'discuss' he sounded so business-like. She hoped he was not going to ask her to sign another of his bloody contract. And if he was really going to do that no matter how much he said he love her, she would leave him. She couldn't stand looking at another contract for the rest of her life.

"Give me ten minutes. I'll be back," Alex said a little excitedly.

He ran out the door then ran back in, gave her a quick peck before running out again. He startled his bodyguards and the nurses around when he dashed out so quickly. 

Ten minutes later he was back, a little breathless. Aida almost screamed at him. In his hand was that oh-so familiar file! Another one of his bloody contract! Her face had taken on a very angry look. Alex saw her expression changed and knew he had to explain fast before she burst out at him and hurt herself again.

"No, no sweetheart. It's not what you think! See? This is our old contract. I meant to tear it off. See?" Alex quickly opened up the file and pull out the papers. Then he tore it in half, in quarter, in one-eighth before throwing them into the wastebasket.

"You...you are voiding our...our contract?" Aida asked, astounded with his behaviour. Not only he had confessed his love to her and now he even had their contract destroyed! She felt her heart singing with happiness. Tears were leaking out of her eyes now. She was so choked with emotions she could hardly speak.

Alex was confused with Aida sudden crying. Why was she crying when he had destroyed their contract? He went to her and held her gently. She did not pull back but had clutched to him, crying even harder.

"I am sorry sweetheart, what...what did I do wrong? Please tell me. Don't cry," he coaxed her feeling totally perplexed now.

"Thank you, Alex. You don't know how...how I hated that bloody...bloody contract!" she was crying her heart out now.

He let her cry while gently rocking her. After a while, "So what will happen to us now?" Alex asked hopefully.

"What do you think will happen to us?" Aida asked him back. She was still clutching to him resting her cheek against his chest, feeling safe and warm in his arms.

"Well...even though the contract is null and void now but we are still legally married...but...but if you want a divorce right now, you can always serve me with the papers immediately if you can no longer stand looking at my face for another munite..." he hated to say the word 'divorce' but he had to give her a choice. She was entitled to her own decision after what he had put her through. As much as he wanted to keep the marriage but he knew he should not impose on her.

"Who says anything about wanting a divorce?" Aida pushed away from him to look into his face. She cupped his face in her hands, her eyes shining with love, "I love you Alexander William Jefferson!"

Alex couldn't believe his ears. She loved him still! She loved him! If she didn't have the bandages and the splint on her, he would have crushed her to him and kissed her soundly.

"Thank you sweetheart," he cried happily and leant forward to kiss her lingeringly. Their first lips to lips kiss after so many weeks, "I never thought I would hear those words from you again."

"When did I ever tell you I love you before? This is my first time," she said blushing a bright red.

Alex smiled and kissed her again before replying.

"That very first night on my bed after we had made love so passionately," said Alex unabashedly.

"No, I didn't!" she cried petulantly.

"Oh yes you did! I wanted to ask you if you truly meant it but you were already snoring away. But it doesn't matter; I mean not that I mind. I am so happy! Can you tell me again?" Alex whispered against her lips.

NO! You first!" Aida cried, pouting her lips.

"I love you Mrs. Aida Jefferson! I love you very much!" said Alex, his heart soaring with happiness.

"And I love you too Alex. Not because you were rich, or because you were handsome but because I love you!" Aida whispered softly back.

"You mean I am losing my good looks?" said Alex pretending to be hurt.

"Well...even if you were fifty, old and wrinkle, I will still love you," whispered Aida, kissing him back.

They sat on her bed hugging each other for a long time basking in their love.

"Alex, were you angry that I lost the baby? I don't mean to," said Aida sadly. 

She felt very sad about losing the baby even though it was only a seven and a half weeks old foetus but she had felt a very close bonding with it already.

"How could you say that, sweetheart? I was never angry with you for losing the baby. It was because of me that you lost the baby. I am solely to be blame for this," Alex assured her. "We could always try again sweetheart. I am still very virile. I could show you if you let me. We don't have to do any moves that are strenuous," said Alex lasciviously trying to make light of the situation.

"Alex! You are incorrigible!" Aida blushed profusely.

"I love you sweetheart," said Alex and bent forward to kiss her again.

Aida murmured back before surrendering to the sweet assault of his lips.

"Ahem! Anyone has any love left for an old man?" cried William Sr. by the door.

Both were taken aback at William Sr. sudden intrusion and Aida tried to pull away from Alex but he held on to her.

"I'm so glad you both have finally kiss and make up. I think a wedding would be most appropriate now," said William Sr.

"Wedding? But we're already married," said Aida feeling the blood rush to face again.

"I think grandpa is right. We never actually had a wedding ceremony just a solemnization. So what do you say Mrs. Jefferson?" Alex asked.

"But won't it be odd? A wedding ceremony..."

"I want to see you in a real wedding gown and I want to see you walking down the aisle..."

"Ahem! Excuse me. Am I an invisible being? Can I get a little respect?" William Sr. chided.

"Sorry grandpa," grinned Alex before turning back to kiss Aida again much to the chagrin of his grandfather.

"Bah! Love-struck fools!" William Sr. pretended to grumble and walked off with a smile on his wrinkled face.

______________

Two and a half months later on a beautiful sunny morning, Aida, dressed in a gorgeous strapless pure white Italian satin & lace gown; with soft pleats at the back; hand embroidery on the sweetheart neckline and a long train, walked down the aisle to a waiting beaming Alex. There were four bridesmaids and Wendy was one of them.

A week before the wedding, Alex had used his connection to get Greg out of the low medium security prison for a few hours to attend their wedding, much to the delight of his sister and Aida before he was escorted back to his cell. Alex had made sure that Greg was to be treated well while he served out his sentence. Although Greg was grateful to Alex for saving his sister, nevertheless the two men still treated one another coolly.

There were close to five hundred guests that attended the much talk about wedding of the year. Among the guests was the newly appointed Police Commander, the former Detective Hudson. After the traditional vows were exchanged, the bride and groom and the guests were driven back to the Jefferson Estate. The celebration had begun. Rows and rows of beautifully decorated buffet tables were piled full with exquisite and delicious cuisines prepared by well-known chefs. Smart looking waiters in black tuxedos with gold trimming on their lapels were busy moving around serving expensive wines and champagnes. The celebration went on through out the day till sunset.

Alex and Aida were so busy mingling with the guests that they could hardly find a private moment to really seal their union apart from the kiss they had shared in the church. Finally it was time for the bride and groom to dance their first dance. Alex expertly waltzed his radiant bride to the lovely music until the guests started to join them. Very quietly, Alex waltzed Aida to a secluded spot far away from the guests, where he had proceeded to kiss her until she was breathless. It took all his will power not to ravish her right there.

"Thank you sweetheart for accepting me for my faults and flaws. Thank you for making me realized love is not a business proposal or a mere contract. And most importantly, thank you for loving me again," said Alex, looking passionately at Aida.

"Hmm...are you trying to bore me with your speeches Mr. Jefferson?" Aida teased.

"I mean every word I say, sweetheart," said Alex earnestly.

"I just want to hear those three words from you, Mr. Jefferson. Think you can do that for me without the flowery phrase?" cooed Aida.

"I love you Mrs. Jefferson," said Alex with much passion.

"Tell me again," said Aida.

"I love you Mrs. Jefferson," and Alex said it again loving the sound of it.

"I love you too Mr. Jefferson," said Aida bursting to the brim with happiness eyes shining with tears. "There was something I wanted to tell you yesterday, but you were so busy..."

"What is it sweetheart, tell me?" said Alex while nuzzling her ear making her squirmed.

"Well, I think I am pregnant again," said Aida smiling up and him.

Alex looked so surprise that he was speechless for a few seconds, "Since when? Are you sure sweetheart?"




It's Just a Business Transaction Ch. 13



"Since that night you tore off the contract and you insisted on staying the night when you know I was still in splint and bandages and knowing the night nurse would come by and check on me, you lecherous man," Aida playfully scolded him. "I know I have irregular menstruation but I have all those symptoms again. Vomiting, dizziness and..."

"So you are about two months pregnant?" he asked.

Alex didn't even wait for her reply when he scooped her up and was about to carry her back to the dancing guests when Aida stopped him.

"Where are we going? Put me down darling!" said a startled happy Aida.

"To look for Nicole! I need her to give you a check-up!" said an excited Alex.

"You silly man," laughed Aida, "It's our wedding today! Let Nicole enjoy herself! We can always see her next week. Besides, I could be wrong!"

"Oh Aida! I love you so much. Whether you are pregnant or not I will always love you," said Alex.

"Don't just stand there then. Show me how much you love me Mr. Jefferson," cooed Aida.

Show her he did. Alex claimed her lips in a long languorous soul-consuming kiss, while the guests danced away the night merrily under the brightly lit starry sky.

THE END.

P/s I've researched quite extensively that a male can have a Vaginoplasty (SRS) as young as ten but it will be a very delicate operation and it will need long period ofpostoperative care and constant injection of estrogen till the young female stop growing at a certain age. Of course I've not spoken to any real SRS before, so if I've offended anyone who has the operation before and thought my research was wrong please forgive me.

___________

Footnote: Thank you all for reading my story that was full of grammar errors, wrong usage of verbs and tenses and incomprehensible sentences. Since this is my first story, I thought I would like it to be in the raw form without using an editor. That way I could receive real feedbacks. As was mentioned in my bio, English was not my first language, so that gives you an insight to my bad writing. Nevertheless I had fun writing this story. I never actually preplan the plot. When I came to the 3rd chapter I realized I could play around with Sonja's name and had came up with the idea of a transsexual psychopath. Once again thank you.