Flimflam double-dealing

In the old historic tavern Karmen glanced around her eyes traveled around the room fascinated with everything about the place. From the hand planed wide wood floors and wooden walls ,to the grand mahogany bar that stretched across the room.

Jackson walked beside her with his hand on her lower back, stopping occasionally to speak with some older vampires in luxurious clothing that were bellied up to the bar drinking expensive liquor out of heavy crystal glasses. All of them Jackson's neighbors and longtime friends of the Eddington family.

After a few minutes a lady a little older then them came out of the kitchen with a serving plater in her hand . She shouted out to Jackson . " Jackson do you want a table are you going to set at the bar?"

" A table " Jackson said, as the lady passed by the headed to a table where two older woman set drinking an expensive bottle of wine .

"Just grab you one " The lady said, as she walked past them.

Karmen found it kinda strange how casual this place was around a member of the Royal family. However she liked the casual atmosphere it was a refreshing change from what she was used to when she would go places with Lexi .Where everyone always bowed their heads and addressed her formally tripping over themselves to wait on her. While Karmen was taking in the relaxed friendly atmosphere of the old restaurant Jackson gave the barmaid their food and drink order .

After placing their order he looked around the restaurant and found them a small table close to the bar. He placed his hand on Karmen's lower back and guided her to a small table for two. And after a few minutes the barmaid who took their order brought them their drinks.

" Sorry we don't have a hostess for today as you can see everyone is waiting tables."She set the drinks on the table patting Jackson's shoulder " I think everyone in the neighborhood went out to the fall flower show and all that walking around made them hungry. " She winked at Jackson and chuckled slightly " You know how stiff the computation is among the ladies on your street is when it comes to winning the Fall house and Garden award."

"Yeah, I don't know if they want to run me out of the neighborhood for not planting flowers or if their just glad I'm not in the competition with them." Jackson grinned.

"Probably a little of both" she replied with a big grin " Well I better get back to work Mr. Welch is going to be ready for another bourbon and coke in a minute. Y'all have a great day someone will bring your food here shortly." She excused herself turned around and walk back to the bar.

After the lady from the bar left Jackson and Karmen set quietly ,drinking wine from vintage metal goblets .And within a few more minutes the older woman who spoke to Jackson earlier was placing a feast of pheasant and roasted potatoes in front of them . The lady spoke to Jackson with a cheerful voice " Prince Jackson it's been a few days since I have seen you here.I was getting worried , thinking I might need to send out a search party to look for you."

He chuckled," I have been staying at the castle with Alex for a few days. The older lady nodded towards Karmen, " Is that where you found this beautiful young lady with you."

He smiled , introducing them . " Roxy this is my girlfriend Karmen Boyett . Karmen this is Roxy Chapman her family is the original owners of this tavern."

Miss Roxy looked surprised ,but graciously greeted karmen " Very nice to meet you Miss Boyett, "

Karmen greeted her with a shy smile " Nice to meet you too Miss Chapmen,"

The older lady patted Jackson on the back, as a long time friend would do, she said "Prince Jackson if you two need anything else, Carter will be your waiter today." Immediately turning around she walked into the kitchen ,leaving the young couple to enjoy their meal.

Jackson picked up his fork and the large carving knife slicing off a small piece of the roasted pheasant. He held it in front of her mouth for her to take a bite " babe , you need to try this, it's truly delicious."

She opened her mouth taking a bite of the delicious food , everyone gawked in fascination. Prince Jackson wasn't the type of man to be attentive to a woman. Usually he would lean back in a chair, sipping a glass of wine ,in dimly lite night clubs ,with scandalous women doing unspeakable things to him.

But here he is acting like some Romeo, in a drive in pitcher show. Showering this impeccably dressed young woman with affection. The chatter and gossip spread throughout the whole tavern. Even the people in the kitchen peered through the door ,watching the unbelievable scene unfold.

Before they could finished their food,the paparazzi showed up flashing their cameras, yelling questions about their relationship .All of them asking when they were getting married. .

Jackson stood up ,pitching money on the table, grabbing her hand and making a dash for the door. They jump in the car driving away, from the restaurant with the paparazzi chasing after them on foot. Taking pictures of the young couple out in the parking lot through the car window . Jackson speeded away leaving them standing in the street still taking pictures of the taillights and personalize lesions plates on Karmen's car.. He picked her hand bringing it up to his lips kissing her finger tips , apologizing , "babe , I'm sorry about that."

Unaffected by the event that just took place, she said" no need to apologize, I'm use to it, remember Lexi is my best friend. And you know ,where ever Lexi goes the cameras follow."

"I know babe, but Evanston isn't usually like that. Most of the time, I walk around freely, I eat at that Tavern about three times a week, on my way home from the office. Hell even Alex can walk around town with out getting hassled."

Now that he mentioned his office ,she takes the opportunity to ask about him about his job."Uh, Jackson you said,you stop at that tavern on the way from your office, what do you do?"

"Babe, I'm a real estate developer and I also have a investment firm in the city. But I still have Royal duties as an advisor to Alex." Mostly I work with Alex to insure growth of the northern part of the country. I guess you could call all three of them my Royal duties."

"So your the reason the northern part of the country has so much industry and wealth." She ask, a little curiously also a little bit impressed with his talent and intelligence.

The northern part of the country is a powerhouse, Jackson's economic strategy is phenomenal, his abilities to attract power and wealth are through the roof . His parents knew what to do ,with both of their sons talents. While Alex was learning how to be a powerful fighter, a military leader and the future King .Jackson was going to school learning how to build wealth. In the modern world wealth is a Powerful weapon .

He nonchalantly answered

"I guess you could say that, babe."

They pulled down a historic tree lined street. Gilded Age Mansions and perfectly manicured yards the size of a golf course adorned each side .She was a little taken aback to say the least. She was expecting Jackson to live in a modern penthouse apartment overlooking the city, he just seemed like that type.

They pulled through a big iron gate and drove down a long driveway that circled around a water fountain in front of the huge mansion . He opened the door and as they walked inside he told her " this is my house babe, I don't have a butler, and I only have one maid, but if you want to live here with me ,I will hire as many people as you need."

She looked around at the spacious luxurious mansion that looked more like a museum then anyone's house she doubted Jackson every used more then just one or two of the rooms. She replied, "Jackson I'm used to taking care of myself, I live in a two bedroom apartment beside the University. I do all my own cleaning and cooking. But we need to talk ,before I move in with you."

Taking her by the hand he leads her into a spacious sitting room ,with large windows overlooking a beautiful garden, and ask her" babe what do you want to talk about?"

Determined to never be a victim to another shady man she put her hand on her hip, waving her finger in the air. laying everything out on the table, telling him what she expected from a relationship, "Look , I expect you to treat me the same way I treat you. I don't want any flimflam, double -dealing ,deception,trickery or lies.

Laughter filled the room ,his chest heaved up and down as he sucked in deep breaths as he tried to speak. He gathered her tiny body in his arms holding her tight , "what the fuck are you doing to me babe ,trying to make it impossible for me to live with out you."

Shocked by his reaction , she spouted "No , just telling you the facts ."

" How the hell could I ever risk losing you." He grinned pulling her even closer kissing the top of her head.

Pulling back away from him ,she said " now if you don't have any questions for me, you can show me to the bathroom ,so I can change my clothes."

Taking her tiny hand he lead her through a luxurious living room, to a wide hallway with a small powder room. Before she stepped inside the small powder room he put his hands around her waist giving her a gentle lingering kiss.He pulled away and smiled "babe when you get changed wait for me in the living room."

Quickly stepping She inside the small powder room she closed the door behind her..Changing into a pair of black jeans and a white cold shoulder shirt with lace sleeves. Keeping the same four inch high heel shoes on her feet. She stepped into the living room, making herself comfortable on the black leather sofa to wait for Jackson.

After a few minutes he struts back into the room, wearing a pair of black jeans and a white button up shirt with the sleeves rolled up. She chuckled "did you look in my bag."

He looked at her then back down at himself a wicked little grin curled on his sexy lips "No , but I guess we can leave now that we look like a yuppie married couple."