The Royal Affair

Royally Charmed

Brandon's POV.

The estate agent has gotten back to us and now we have places of our own and as promised Thomas and I are neighbours. It's not my choice but what can I say? You can't choose your family.

My apartment on the other hand was exactly what I thought it was. It is huge. I had the whole top floor to myself. It had three beautiful and spacious bedrooms.

It has a grey metallic silver Kitchen, not that I'll use it but I still loved the fact that I had a kick ass kitchen. I had a huge living room with all white finishes.

There was also a dining area the best part was the roof. That's because I had a garden and an infinity pool. Now this is the life. I can even set up my office in here.

I still have to run my tech company. I create software and buy into small tech companies and invest in some. I still have to face the fact that I have to find a girl.

Thomas and I spoken about going out, it will be the first time in all the weeks that we've been here that we actually went out. I'm not looking for a girl though, tonight I just want to have fun.

First we said we'd try lunch at that restaurant he likes so much. I'm glad that May finally added real food on the menu.

Yesterday I had pancakes and I must hand it to the chef, they were great. I had a whole stack and I still wanted some. Thomas can't get over the muffins though, that's all he wants to eat in the morning.

I don't even understand where all the food he eats go, I mean he has barely gained a pound. I bet a lot of women would kill to have his metabolism.

I just had a shower and I'm once again having a problem picking out what to wear. I suppose I should think about getting a stylist out here.

I went with a white Lacoste golf t-shirt, navy blue chinos and white Gucci sneakers. I took my Ray ban sunglasses and my wallet and phone.

I found Nathan sitting on my kitchen island eating grapes.

"Are you ready to leave?" He asked.

"We're waiting for Thomas." I said and went to the fridge. I took out a bottle of water and had a sip. I was going to call him when I heard a buzzer.

I went to the monitor by the lift and saw that it was Thomas. I sent the lift down to fetch him. The lift came back up and Thomas walked into my apartment.

"What took you so long man?" I asked.

"I was talking to Mandy." He said with a smile.

"Don't tell me you shagged my agent?" I asked him.

"It's not my fault that I'm this irresistible." He said.

I guess it's true that a leopard never changes its spots. I guess it was too much for me to ask my cousin to keep it in his pants with the people around me.

"Whatever man, I'm hungry let's go get our lunch." I said.

"Finally."Nathan said.

"Don't tell me that you also like eating at that restaurant?" I said because Nathan is a snob.

"What am I supposed to do when you guys are eating?" he asked.

"He has a point." Thomas said.

"Whatever, can we just go?" I said and we all went to the lift.

By this time we didn't even need a navigation system to take us to the restaurant, we knew the way by heart. Nathan drove us to the restaurant.

As usual it was packed and May was there waiting for us.

"I kept a table for you two, come with me." She said as soon as she laid eyes on us.

"Now this is what I call VIP treatment, are you she doesn't know who we are?" Thomas asked me.

"No man, don't be silly, we're good customers." Thomas said with a smile as he followed May to the reserved table.

"You two take a seat, I'll be back with Sparkling water for Brandon and Orange juice for Thomas." She said with a smile.

Well I guess we really were good customers, she knew what we wanted before we even asked her. I suppose she would seeing that we always start our orders with that.

I just love drinking water in general where as my cousin Thomas is fond of orange juice and this place sells the best. Freshly squeezed every morning.

I know that my sister would love to eat here because she loves organic food and May told me that all their food is organic.

"Business seems to be going well." I said to Thomas.

"I know hey, I'm glad they added on their menu." He said. May came back with our drinks.

"So what will you boys be having today?" she asked.

"I want to try the Mac and cheese." I said.

"And I'll have that and some steak, I'll also have some slap chips. " Thomas ordered.

"Alright boys, I'll be back with your food soon." She said and went to place our orders.

" I wonder what her daughter looks like." Thomas said.

"Well if she looks anything like her mother, I'm sure she's pretty." I said.

"So you find Mrs H attractive?" Thomas said with a smile.

"What was that about me?" May asked. I didn't even notice that she had come back.

"Brandon here was saying just how attractive you are." Thomas said.

"Well?" Mrs H asked.

"I think you're pretty Mrs H." I said with a smile.

"Well thank you, I think you're handsome as well, you too Thomas." She said with a smile.

"You know I once dated a woman your age?" Thomas said and we all laughed.

"Oh stop it Thomas, you're terrible." she said and we all laughed.

"It's true, he did." I said and we all laughed again.

A young beautiful woman came and spoke to Maya. She called her mom. I can't believe how hot she is. She's young, beautiful and she has gorgeous eyes.

Mrs H made introductions and told us that it's her daughter. She said her name is Karina. What a beautiful name for a beautiful girl. She's a gem.

I can't remember the last time I saw a woman this beautiful. Her beauty is cunning and I can't keep my eyes off of her. I see her talking to her mother and I wonder how it would feel to look into those beautiful eyes of hers.

After a few moments she makes her way out of the restaurant. I watch her with every step she makes. I see how poised and confident she is.

"Are you okay?" Thomas asked.

"Yes, I'm fine, what where you saying again?" I asked.

"I was telling him that she's the one who makes the muffins he loves so much." She said.

"I'm sure grandma is going to enjoy them, I told her that they're on the way." Thomas said.

Thomas loves them so much she wrote May a ten those dollar cheque for twenty four muffins, just so that he can fly them home to our grandmother.

"Now who's going to make our food? " I asked.

"Actually I think she has, let me go and get your food, don't tell the manager." She whispered and we both laughed.

That's because we know that she's not only the manager but she's also the owner of this establishment. She came back with our food and we had our lunch.

Whilst eating, I kept on thinking about Karina. I kept on hoping that she would come back and grace me with her beauty. We stayed longer than we should and when we left, I still hadn't seen her.

"What do you think about her daughter?" I asked Thomas.

"Who?" he asked with a puzzled face. I don't blame him. He has been talking since we left the restaurant and I haven't heard a word of it. My mind is on something totally different. I'm thinking about Karina.

"I mean May's daughter, what do you think about her?" I asked.

"Well she's obviously beautiful, why are you asking me about her?" Thomas asked.

"Nothing man, I was just thinking about her..." I said without thinking.

"What? You're thinking about that girl?" He asked with a shock.

"Why are you surprised?" I asked.

"Because I know you cousin and I know what you like, Karina is not it." Thomas said.

"What do you mean? Karina is a nice girl." I argued.

"My point exactly, you don't do "nice" cousin. Even more Karina seems like the "Forever" kind of girl, also not your type." Thomas said.

He was right about that. I have never wanted to be in a committed relationship before. I have always liked it with no strings attached. Karina seems different from what I usually go for.

"Well, I suppose you're right, mother would eat her alive." I said.

That's the thing with my mother. She's intimidating and it's like that woman can smell fear. She would tear Karina apart with her words. I wouldn't want to put her through that.

We got home and Thomas came with me to my place. He went to the fridge and came out with two beers. We up to the roof and sat in the garden chairs watching the pool.

"Brandon I saw the way you looked at her you know?" Thomas said and took a sip of his drink.

"I don't know what you're talking about " I lied and took a sip of my beer.

"You know what I mean, I mean that girl looks like she has a lot on her shoulders, I don't think it's wise to get into that." Thomas said.

"Why do you say that." I asked.

"Have you seen how busy that place is? She's too focused on her work to have time for anything else. I doubt if she even go on dates." Thomas said.

I hear him and I know that what he is saying makes sense but still, I can't help wonder how it would feel to be with a girl like that. She's definitely different and that's for certain.

"I hear you cuz." I said.

"That doesn't sound promising." He said.

"I don't know what you're talking about." I said and took another sip of my beer.

"Brandon I know you, stay away from this girl, she's a nice girl, she doesn't need all the drama we left behind." I said.

"What does she have to do with my deal with mother?" I asked.

"Everything. She's everything you know your mother won't approve of and what better way to block the marriage than to take her home with you?" Thomas said.

I must say that the thought did cross my mind but I would never use Karina like that. I mean she's too precious for the trouble back home, she wouldn't survive it.

"I would never do that to her." I said.

"So you actually like her?" Thomas asked. I know what he's doing. He is playing mind games with me.

"Of course I don't, I mean I've only seen her once." I said and drank my beer trying to hide the shame behind the lie I just told.

"Good, because I really love her muffins, I can't imagine her not being able to make any because of you." Thomas said.

"Me? What did I do?" I asked.

"Brandon we both know you can't commit yourself to any woman, I doubt if she'll be the first one, especially since you have a fiance waiting for you at home." Thomas said and reminding me that I was living on borrowed time.

"I hear you, I'll stay away from her." I said.

It's funny because I'm always the one telling him to stay away from girls, how quickly the tables have changed.

We stayed and chatted a bit more and then we asked Nathan to take us to the club. It was called Midnight Apple and it was supposed to be the hottest club in New York City.

There was a long line outside, a line which made me want to change my mind about this whole thing, I don't do lines to get in anywhere.

"Man I don't know if I can stand the line." I said as we got out of the car.

"Relax man, I've got us sorted out." He said and we went passed everyone there and straight to the door where a bouncer was waiting.

"Thomas Hardy..." He said to the bouncer.

The bouncer looked at the paper in his hand, I guess he was looking for the name.

"Here it is, your hostess is Monica, you'll find her waiting for you." He said and let us into the club.

"Okay, that was impressive." I said to Thomas.

"I told you I've got this." He said with a smug smile.

We went in and we found a beautiful lady waiting for us. She introduced herself and told us that she was our host for the night. We followed her in and the club was packed.

There was three dance floors and all floors were packed. Monica took us straight to the VIP booth.

"Here we go gentleman, the room is sound proof and if you want to hear music from the club you can just switch on the speakers. I'll be near by for anything you need." Monica said.

"Thanks Monica, we'll take it from here." He said.

The VIP booth was cool, it was all glass so we could actually see the whole club.

We already had our drinks at the table. As usual Nathan was keeping his distance looking at us from his own booth.

"I think I like this place." I said as I mixed myself a drink.

"Me too, I can't believe that we've never been here before." Thomas said.

"Hey, isn't that Karina?" Thomas said pointing at the booth next to us.

I turned my head and I see her. She was with some guy and they were laughing. They looked like they had fun.

"I thought that she didn't go on dates." I said to Thomas with sacarsm.

"How was I supposed to know what she does after hours?" Thomas said.

"Who's that guy she's with?" I asked Thomas.

"Her boyfriend maybe? Look man we came here to have fun remember?" he said.

"Yeah, I know." I said and took a sip of my drink looking at her and the guy she was with.

He didn't look too bad. He was wearing the t-shirt I had which means that he might be loaded. I mean he looks rich. I took out my phone and called Nathan.

"Nathan do you see that booth next us?" I asked.

"Which one? The one on the right or left?" He asked.

"The one on the left." I said.

"Yeah I see it." He said.

"I want you to find out who that guy is." I said and hung up the phone.

I had to know who this guy is and I need to know if he's going to be a problem. I know I promised to stay away but I can't.

I look at her and she stands to dance, they must have switched on the music in their booth. I can't believe she got dressed up for this guy.

I see how gorgeous that dress she's wearing is on her. She looks sexy and nothing like the girl I saw back at the restaurant.

I now see that with a little work, Karina can be exactly what I need to stop the marriage to a princess I don't know.

I just have to get to know her better. Which is why I want to know who that guy is, I can't have him interfering with my plans. I have to have Karina. This I know without a doubt.