Gypsy Lover

Harman's Romani driver, Pali, was awed when he opened the door for them a little later when they got out of the gate of Alodia's employers' residence. Pali had been serving Harman for quite a long time now, he had said. "Would you believe he was a pickpocket before he met me?" Harman informed Alodia in a whisper.

"Serios?" She almost could not believe it that her eyes rounded. "Good that he has changed!" she exclaimed softly.

"Well, old habits die hard. He once pickpocketed one of my employees. When she learned about it, she wanted him in prison. But I took pity of him. It would be an additional case to his police records. So, I talked to the victim before she could go to the police, gave her some money and then I talked to Pali to not do it again. If he wanted to have a good life ahead of him, then he had to stop what he was doing. And, to top it off, I also told him not to offend any of my employees or whosoever that knows me. Or else, I'll send him to prison myself. After a while, it was fine. He did change."

She smiled at him. She knew that threat was not only a threat. It was a hard warning but friendly. She believed that Harman could be a hard man if he chose to. Somehow, deep inside, she just knew it. But she knew that he had a kind heart. And that proved her right enough when he still had Pali in his care until today.

"So, what's this party all about?" she asked to change the topic. He had not told her on the phone what the party was for. Now, she had that chance.

"It's actually a sort of celebration because the company has done well on the first half of the year and a welcome party after we gained a couple of new investors. Our VIPs tonight are those new investors," he replied almost nonchalantly. "So why did you ask me about the other option instead of inviting me to your party straight away?" She was a bit confused and surprised at the same time. She even raised an eyebrow at him.

"It was like a test question for you." He grinned, showing his even and white teeth. He looked dazzling because of it.

She burst into laughter. "A test question for me? Why?"

"I was hoping you'd choose the formal party instead of the disco club. By that, I'd know that... we're... compatible," he answered slowly as if weighing every word he said as he held her hand.

I didn't know he's this corny! But I like it, she thought. Her heart even skipped a beat before it continued to drum inside her chest.

She looked deep into his eyes. No one wanted to look away. His eyes reflected desire that she'd never seen before in a man. His face went a little more closer to her that she very well knew he was about to kiss her. She even anticipated it, making her breathless. But then the limousine pulled into a stop. And they slowly broke off and peered outside through the tinted window of the limo.

"We're here," Harman murmured like he regretted they had arrived at the hotel where the party was being held.

She smiled up at him and nodded, feeling the regret as well. He assisted her after he got out of the limousine. Everyone looked at them especially when they walked on the red carpet toward the hotel lobby and into the big hall where the party was held. The place was filled with people dressed formally. She obviously did not know anyone around when she looked at their interested faces, as they looked at her and Harman together. The latter held her possessively by the waist as he greeted some on their way.

She noted the sound of Connect-R's Burning Love song played in the background. The artist from what she knew in her limited Romanian knowledge was one of the country's popular ones.

Camera flashed here and there as pictures of them were taken. She could not tell how many there were and which of her best angle was captured. Well, she did not care anyway. She just smiled toothlessly while Harman still had his hand around her waist and continued to greet the people. She was then introduced as his special friend, not a girlfriend, to her dismay.

And why am I feeling this way? What do you want, Alodia? You wanted to be introduced as his girlfriend? one part of her mocked. They weren't on that level anyway. So why was she grumpy about it?

Why? Wouldn't it be possible? Besides, I have to start my game plan now, the other part of her stubbornly said.

Why? Aren't you playing already? Didn't you want to be kissed by him back there in the limo earlier? Just that you arrived at your destination. And now, are you disappointed?

Fine! I'm really disappointed! I should enjoy this moment already. And perhaps, the sooner the better so it's over and done with! Or else, I'm going to fall for him for real especially that he's my type. But I don't want it to ever happen!

The other part of her laughed inwardly. Her thoughts were reeling. She was afraid now. It was all sudden. But would she step back as early as now without playing with Harman as she thought she would?

Excuse me, I will stand my ground. And I promise to see this through. I'll win this game even though I have to admit that I like him very much. And I've already promised myself that I won't end up like Alyanna. No fuckin' way! Okay? Well, we'll see about that. The only thing I want is that you're going to be happy with your decisions and not just any superficial bliss. You know that, right? Perhaps you might need to fall in love for real and don't care if you get hurt in the end. Loving means you're ready to get hurt. If you're a coward, then go ahead with what you think is right.

She sighed inwardly and shook off all those thoughts away. She did not wish to be distracted by those, not even by her own conscience.

"And our VIPs tonight, Mr. Clark and Mr. Oh." An American and a Korean were the new investors at Harman's company. They shook hands and greeted each other with a genuine smile.

"I must say that your friend is the most fine-looking woman tonight, Harman," the American told Harman with a wide smile. His green eyes regarded Alodia with an open admiration, which she did not mind at all. Harman looked at her and nodded at the investor. Then, he whispered in the older man's ear that made the latter raise an eyebrow.

"I should say it's a challenge then, Harman." And he excused himself to join the others.

Alodia wondered what it was all about. But she could only guess it was all about her.

Harman was talking with the Korean who was in his middle age like Mr. Clark. He was a complete opposite to the American. He was slim with an average height whereas Mr. Clark was a stout and tall man. The Korean wanted to carry Harman's software brand in Korea as a franchise, as well as his games and other apps. Alodia postulated it was another matter aside from the investment.

"We'll talk about that some more in private, Mr. Oh. Your offer is very interesting indeed... and very tempting... I have to consider it." Harman nodded and tapped the Korean's shoulder in a friendly manner. Mr. Oh nodded and walked away.

Harman was about to say something to her when a woman in an off-shouldered long black gown came up to him.

"Hey! It's so good to see you, Harman!" she said in Romanian.

Now, she could say that she was Romanian and not like the other guests who were of different nationalities such as French, British, Australian and others whom she met earlier. And everyone was Harman's investors, whom she was specially introduced to.

He looked at the black-haired Gypsy woman, and Alodia could see his polite smile at her when she kissed him on either cheek. Alodia suddenly felt something stab her heart. The woman looked at Harman with open sexiness and desire. She seemed not to notice her or even did not care that he was with someone else.

Who is this beautiful woman to Harman?

"I never thought you could come." Harman began talking to her in English. "Oh, let me introduce you first to Alodia..."

"I'm his girl-friend," Alodia said as well in English, almost purring. She conveyed it with the intended double meaning and saw that the other woman raised an eyebrow and looked at Harman for confirmation.