He's the one ?

~COOLEY~

“Why do you want me to do that to your brother? Aren’t you related by blood?” I asked, surprised and a little shocked at the cruelty in his voice.

“Of course, we are related by blood. He is my older brother,” he said with a small smile. “And as for why I want you involved, that is something you don't need to comprehend at this moment.”

“Is he gay?” I asked because I needed to understand the situation I was getting myself into.

“Yes, he is gay. He likes men. I have caught him screwing the ass of different men several times, but in public, he acts as if he is only interested in women,” he gritted out.

“That’s weird,” I said softly.

“He is not just weird; he is a sick individual who enjoys hurting other people, and he is good at hiding it. Most people think he is a nice guy and very disciplined, but trust me, he is not.”

I looked at him and wondered if he heard himself. The way he talked about his brother was just as if he was talking about himself.

They have to be a bunch of crazies in their family.

“How can you be sure that I can seduce him?” I asked, trying to bring the conversation back to the point.

“I do not misread people. Your looks, both facial and physical, are attention-grabbing, especially from men who pretend not to be interested. That’s your advantage,” he grinned. “Also, you will sign a contract to be my secret lover for six months.”

My expression changed. “Why is that part necessary?”

“You’ll understand it later. For now, just remember that it will protect us both,” he said sternly

“So,what will I get in return if I agree to this?” I asked.

I was not going to agree to this very dangerous situation without having some concrete benefits guaranteed.

“I’ve already helped you with the Bato Brothers’ gang, as you know. If you can succeed with my brother, I will erase your fifty million dollar debt.”

Just that promise was enough to make my heart pound. It was the biggest problem in my life.

“Can you add one more thing?” I asked hesitantly.

“What is that?”

“I have a younger brother who is autistic.My uncle and aunt have taken him and are hiding him from me. I don't trust them to give him to me if they know the debt is cleared . He's their leverage over me. I need your help in finding him and bringing him back to me.”

He looked at my face for a quick second, then nodded. “Is that a deal?”

He stretched out his hand and I shook it.

He gave me a file and pen. “All that we have discussed is here except your brother's aspect but I won't forget. I have already signed.”

I opened it and read through it. It was all true, everything he said, even being in a secret relationship with him for six months.

I also signed.

“At seven in the evening tomorrow, my brother also will attend my grandfather's birthday celebration. I will bring you as my guest,” he uttered.

“Okay,” I replied.

“Buy an attractive outfit,” he demanded, putting a card in my hand. "An attraction that would capture the attention of a man who is interested in other men."

I didn't say anything. I took the card and left.

•×•×•×•×•×•

The shopping felt odd since I was aware I wasn't merely selecting clothes. I was deciding how others would perceive me and how his brother would respond.

I chose a red long-sleeved shirt made of mesh. The material was soft. It did not conceal my form. It highlighted the contours of my body without appearing tacky. When I put it on, I could see the shape of my chest and abdomen through it. It made me appear slimmer and more fragile.

I chose fitted trousers with a slight shine to them. They sat lower on my hips and followed my movements when I walked. Instead of making me look broader, they highlighted the natural curve of my waist and legs.

I placed delicate chains around my neck that lay on top of the shirt. I wore rings that appeared simple and tidy, not bulky. I also purchased small earrings that shimmered when I moved my head.

As I faced the mirror in the hotel room I booked, I barely recognized my own reflection. I didn’t return home. I didn't want my aunt and uncle to be aware that anything had shifted for me yet.

I stepped out of the hotel and people stared: some out of curiosity, some out of surprise, some just didn't care to repress their interest. I continued walking like this was something I was used to.

"Hey, Cooley," Harlan called when I reached outside to where his car was parked.

I walked over and got in. The driver started moving.

When we finally reached the Howells' house, I now knew why people talked about their wealth: it was a huge, tall house with lights everywhere and cars lined up in front of the house.

“Close your mouth,” Harlan said with a little laugh, nudging my shoulder.

I did not realize that I opened my mouth.

He took my hand and escorted me inside. We went up by elevator to the banquet hall. As the lift opened, I saw a huge hall filled with people in their finery; most were middle-aged men and women, and their clothes alone spoke of their wealth.

But some of them looked at me and Harlan with faces that were no easier to win over, and I felt my chest constrict with tension.

I was aware of Harlan's reputation. I had done my research, looked up his name before agreeing to this. I had heard the rumors of bribery, murder, and everything in between.

Of course, I was afraid of him, but the debts that my aunt and uncle had saddled me with had to be paid, and this seemed like a way out of a difficult situation that I had been put in.

“Wait here,” he said, leaving me near one of the walls while he went to an elderly man I suspected was his grandfather.

From my position, I was also able to tell that the old man was not happy to see him, judging by his forced smile.

Then another man came, and his presence was announced.

“Mr. Alfred is here.”

His grandfather warmly greeted him. “Thank you for supporting my grandson’s double promotion. Mr. Alfred.”

Harlan did not greet him. He started keeping a distance, with his jaw clenched. He came back to me and pulled me towards another corner.

“That man is Cruz Alfred, the police commissioner,” he said in a low voice. “My brother has been trying to get close to him. He is dating his daughter, Lily. If they get engaged, my brother will have strong protection and influence. That would make things very difficult for me.”

“So you want me to get close to your brother and ruin that relationship,” I said.

“Yes,” he snarled.

I let out a slow breath. This was bigger than just family drama.

At that moment, I noticed movement near the entrance. A tall man walked in with a woman holding his arm. He looked serious.

I froze when I saw his face closely.

He was Hansen Howell, the prison warden’s commander. My helper.

“That's my wild but pretentious brother, Hansen Howell,” Harlan murmured.

He was the one I was supposed to seduce?