A Contract Marriage.

Drystan paced the floor restlessly. He raked his hand through his hair in frustration. A chuckle escapes his lips, and he points the gun at her head.

"You're a bloody liar." Drystan put his finger to the trigger to instil fear, but Rose wasn't fazed. She glared at him with a determined glint in her eyes. 

"You're not scared of me, are you?" Drystan put the gun away and make a squat to look at her.

"I've been in tougher spots than this." Rose replied calmly, a smile gracing her plump pink lips. 

He scrutinised the test result one more time. With his fingernail, he scratched at the hospital logo, and it didn't peel off. The result had declared her 2 weeks pregnant. And this was exactly around the same time he last saw her.

He fixed his gaze again on the lady whose knees kissed the floor. "So what do you want?" 

Rose took to her feet, facing him. "I'm glad you asked."

Drystan was amused by her attitude. She saw one tough nut. "It better be within my power." 

Rose tilted her head and smiled. "And what is within your power, King Drystan Riley?" She walked round him in circles. 

"Why do I have the feeling that you're a dangerous woman?" Drystan looked left where she had previously stood, but she showed up in front of him, throwing her arms around his neck.

Rose giggled. "Am I a dangerous woman? No, I'm not. If I were truly a dangerous woman, that night we spent together should've been your last night alive."

Drystan rolled his eyes, taking her arms off his neck. "Say what you want. I haven't got all day. I've got a party to run."

The smile on Rose's contorted to a frown and she set her lips. "I want protection for me and my baby." 

Drystan couldn't help but scoff. "You're out of your darn mind if you think I'll send my men to watch you 24/7."

"Fine. Then how would I like it if I tell the whole world that I'm carrying your child." Rose put her hands on his chest. "Just imagine the headline it would make : Drystan Riley Kingpin of the biggest crime syndicate in X city involves in a scandal." 

When Drystan was silent, she went on. "Imagine me all alone in my apartment with my child and the FBI come along demanding information concerning you. What do you think will happen?"

Drystan grabbed her wrist off his chest, giving it a wicked squeeze. "Are you trying to blackmail me? ! "

Rose barely flinched nor winced in pain. "It's not a blackmail, Drystan." She equally raised her voice. "I'm only telling you what will happen if you don't do what is necessary. The decision is yours to make, king. Tick-tock."

She pulled her hand away from his and sauntered out of the room. 

Drystan had a look at the paper for the umpteenth time that day. 

"This is silly." He said to himself but when he remembered Rose's threat. He knew it wasn't. 

It's been 2 days since Rose's visit and Drystan is still worried. Vladimir knew his brother to be secluded when he wanted to, but this time was different. Drystan would adjust his tie for no reason, scratch his nose when spoken to, even nibble the temples of his glasses while working on his laptop. His emotions were all over the place. 

One day, he decided to discuss the matter with Drystan in his study. 

"Yo. I've gotta talk to you." Vladimir took a seat opposite his brother's desk. 

"I'm busy." Drystan massaged his temples, not meeting his brother's gaze.

"Come on, spill it. What is it?" Vladimir poked and prodded for answers but Drystan was giving none.

Finally, Drystan spilled the beans. He took off his glasses. "It's the woman from your birthday party."

"I knew it. What die she wants? Money?" Vladimir snapped his finger. 

"She said she's pregnant." Drystan said quietly.

V sat up, leaning forward. "What? How?"

Drystan narrated to Vladimir what happened with Rose at Meow Meow and at his party. 

"I think you should get her to retake the pregnancy test. I wouldn't trust her if I were you." Vladimir advised. 

"You're right." Drystan nods his assent. 

Dark Rose had quit Meow Meow after Jonathan's funeral. Her location had been traced to a small town house in the suburbs. Drystan had his men bring her from her home to his.

"Finally agreed to what I said?" Rose crossed her arms over her chest when she was taken to Drystan's office.

"Not yet. You're gonna take a pregnancy test," He pocketed his hands. "I suggest you do as the doctor says."

Vladimir came out with a young woman dressed in green scrubs. Rose chuckled and followed the doctor out the room.

"This test will determine her fate and yours." Vladimir tells his brother who heaves a sigh.

"The odds better fall in my favour." Drystan said.

The doctor comes out of the examination room and peels off her gloves. 

"Yeah?" Drystan anticipated her answer as he asked.

The woman smiled at him. "Congratulations, sir. She is indeed 2 weeks pregnant."

"Tough luck." Vladimir nudged his brother's arm playfully.

The door was pulled open and Rose came out with a smile on her face.

"You must be loving this." Drystan had a smug look on his face.

"Why wouldn't I?" Rose winked at him, smiling playfully. 

"Come on." He grabbed her arm, leading her to his study.

When they got in, he slammed the door shut.

"So? You will consider my offer now?" Rose asked with her hands at akimbo.

Drystan walked to his desk and pulled the drawer open. He took it out, walking to where she stood. 

"The only way I can protect you is when you belong to me." He gave her the paper.

Rose looked at the paper and smiled. "A contract marriage? Well, you should've said that first. Where do I sign?"