A mermaid's fake love

ONE

The morning breeze was alluring, a perfect weather for two in bed. But not James Daniels who had no time for romance and always puts work first before anything.

James was in a hurry heading towards his car. He had just finished concluding a conversation with his client and needed to visit his office that morning when he heard a familiar voice from afar.

"James!"

Sir Daniels turned with a grumble but couldn't locate the one calling his name.

The voice seemed to flow with the wind but disappeared as he turned.

Then he reasoned - no one dared call his middle name apart from his friends. All his life, even as a kid, he had just been addressed as young master Daniel, a boy guided by the wealth of his parents.

He felt as though his middle name was forgotten. He was from a prestigious family and his late parents had a renowned business and usually took part in high auction sales in the country. That being said, he was stinkingly rich. Even his skin smelt like money. He had high connections and at the mention of Crystals alone, people made way. He owned the Crystal company.

Due to his personality, he wasn't very open minded and acted rude even without knowing.

So how dare whoever it was, call him with no epitome of respect?

He ignored the voice and briskly walked towards his car. Pulling the handle, he grumbled "maybe I should let this slide..." He shrugged as he decided to forgive whoever it was.

The annoying voice came again but this time, closer and deeper. Annoying because he thought so.

"James!!"

Adjusting his tie in an attempt to control his anger, he turned with a perplexed look. He was stunned as he watched the eyes that caught his gaze.

Nickolas hugged him with smiles. 'Nick? I should have known that all these while.....' James thought.

Only his childhood buddy could defile his name. But where did he come from?

"So... you're not gonna ask about me? It's been like 3 years right? I'd go back if you didn't miss me," Nickolas joked, giving him a little punch on the shoulder.

Nickolas Bernard was more like family. His childhood buddy who once dyed his hair gray in an attempt to please his crush. He has a sexy masculine figure which he always used to his dirty advantages. His bright golden eyes added charms to the innocent dimples that sprang up on his face whenever he smiled or chuckled.

They've known each other since childhood, although they reunited after college. Nick was someone you could refer to as a lucky jerk - since he was so good with girls. He used them anyhow and trashed them like toilet rolls.

"When did you arrive? Oh my! I assumed it was some sort of wench or something, I'd sue them for lack of acknowledgement.... It's fine if it's you." James replied confidently like a peacock while giving him a tight hug.

"You can never change. Money is good. It brings respect but girls are better, they bring pleasure," Nick joked tapping James's shoulder.

'Nice suit!' He smiled.

"There you go again! How many girls did you ditch? Please tell me you weren't there for girls?" James knew his friend too well. Nick did date more than 10 girls at a time.

"It's like a contract deal - I give them money in return for pleasure. Simple, That's what rich guys do."

"Not this guy," James defended himself, "How did the contract go anyway?"

"Fine. It took almost half a year to convince them. But the deal is done. Lots of money are coming in,"

They entered the black BMW.

"That's good to hear, I still can't believe you actually spent the rest of the 3 years as a holiday. Who's your boss?" James inquired and shamefully shook his head upon realizing he was the boss.

Yes, Nick worked for him.

Since James owned a major company by name crystals, he offered Nick a job after the college reunion.

"You should treat me to a meal, for being a perfect boss."

"That's fine. You should really see the girls in Africa and their pussy tastes just great. With large boobs and all..."

James knew what was up - his crazy buddy was back in town!

"Please shut the door and your mouth. You are disgusting. Girls would kill you," James ordered with irritation as they drove out.

"How is Crystals doing anyway? And her affairs too?" Nick asked, looking at the rear view mirror while dressing his front hair.

"You sound weird when it's about business. Check your mail, I sent you an update already." James replied as he displayed his driving skills.

"I see...." he nodded, "And Mr Clinton?" His face wasn't showing any sign of concern to his question.

Mr Clinton is James's Godfather and mentor too. He raised him after his parents death and helped him establish his father's business.

"Being as supportive as ever. His daughter is back." James replied with nonchalance.

"You mean Suzanne? The one that has a crush on you?" Nick asked with a surprise look.

James nodded.

Suzanne is a pretty figure who has eyes only for James. But sadly, James could only consider her a friend, though he feels this deep connection with her - Someone he would love to protect. Suzanne can be very bitchy and a badmouth but she has a nice heart and can't entertain injustice.

The trio - Nick, Suzanne and James are childhood friends.

"wow. Finally you have someone," Nick concluded shining his pretty teeth.

"We ain't dating, never!" James declared, slightly provoked.

Like I said earlier, James doesn't acknowledge his feelings for her and usually fooled himself saying It's just an attraction and besides he had to be good to her, since her dad spent most of his life polishing his (James's) mess.

"But she has been crushing on you for like nine years, if I'm not mistaken." Nick fired him a Sharp stare. He too was tired of James's stubbornness. 'Why can't he just admit it?'

James increased the gear, "So? I don't love her. She is a good girl and we can only remain friends."

Nothing more, Nothing less.

"Mr Clinton might bring up a marriage proposal since you two are close. Don't raise her hopes with your charming smile though," Nick warned as he searched for the water bottle.

He knew his friend had a unique way of attracting girls just like him. The only difference was that James did it unintentionally while Nick used his charming smiles on purpose.

Every girl could fall at his feet and James didn't like that aspect of Nick. They were the exact opposite. One was a playboy and the other, serious minded and hated hurting girls.

"He won't, anyway it's good to have you back."

Nick smiled.