Chapter 2
I clung onto Eisuke, as the boat moved up and down as it crossed the sea. I was scared that I was going to fall into the water. I was wearing a bikini and a sarong that was tied around my waist. My long blonde hair was tied up into a bun.
Eisuke wrapped his arm around my shoulders.
"Don't worry, if you fall in I'll just jump in after you." He said with a chuckle.
"Thanks. But why do we have to take a boat to your new house?" I asked.
"Because an island is going to be our new home."
"An island?" I gasped.
I just couldn't believe that we were going to live on an island together, it was something people only ever did in movies. The boat came to a stop, Eisuke took hold of my hand and led me off the boat. My feet were swallowed by sand and the sea kept moving back and forth, hitting my feet as it moved back.
"I bought this island, no one else lives here except you, me and the help."
"Really?"
"The boat that brought us here is my private boat, we'll use it to go back and forth from the mainland." He said.
"How big is the island?" I asked.
"The house has five bedroom, a kitchen, three bathrooms, and the island spreads around the house for about 5 – 6 miles." He said.
"What?!"
This was so amazing! But how could he make such a purchase? I suppose it was the benefit of being rich. Maybe being here wasn't going to be so bad. It was like living in a dream house or a holiday home.
"What's the matter? Are you disappointed because the island is too small?" He asked.
"What? No! 5 – 6 miles is plenty big enough! I'm just surprised. This all feels kind of like a dream." I said.
He took hold of my hand and squeezed it gently.
"It's not a dream, our new life together starts right now." He said. "And I won't let you say no."
He then pulled me into an embrace.
"It's just.. So surreal. I just keep thinking that I'll wake up back in my apartment in Japan."
"Silly girl." He said softly and planted a kiss on my lips.
I was captivated by the warmth of our skin touching, his soft wet lips on mine and the scent of his perfume.
"Was that a kiss a dream?" He asked in a deep voice.
"If it's a dream... I don't ever want to wake up." I said.
"Looks like you understand then."
He kissed me again but this time deeper.
I clung on to him tight and wrapped my arms around his neck.
"It seems I still need to show you that our life here isn't a dream."
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"I'm going to kiss you every morning like I just did, so passionately that it would wake you up from any dream." He said.
"I look forward to it. I'll have to do something for you in return."
"I'm sure I can think of something. Let's go inside, it's too hot out here." He said.
He pulled me by my hand, we walked along a beach that went slightly uphill before I heard him unlock a door.
The moment door the opened, I was greeted by the wonderful smell of mixed incense and a bright lights. Thankfully I was wearing my sunglasses. I also had hold of my white cane, I held it out in front of me and stepped inside. I kicked off my shoes and felt a wooden floor beneath me.
"It smells nice." I said.
I bet the house looked wonderful, I wished I could see it. He wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me onto the sofa. As I sat down, I sunk into the leather and sighed.
"Oh my god! This is probably the comfiest sofa I had ever sat on." I said and stretched out.
The leather was so smooth and soft, the sofa was almost as comfy as my bed.
Eisuke chuckled as I stretched out.
"If little things like this surprise you, you're going to have a rough day ahead of you."
"I do like a challenge." I stated.
I reached out and felt a soft cushion next to me, I picked it up and hugged it against my chest.
"I'm getting tired of seeing you looked surprise, can't you try another expression?"
I poked my tongue out "Better?"
"Try something sexier."
"No." I said.
"I was only joking, we'll save that for tonight. Anyway, I'll give you a tour of the house."
He took me by the hand and pulled me to my feet before leading me around the house. It was so big. We moved slowly so I could get my baring's, I had my cane out in front of me and moved it from side to side. It banged off bits of furniture, with my free hand I reached out and felt whatever my cane hit.
Eisuke described every room that we entered down to the last detail, it was going to be hard to remember where everything was in such a big house.
"This place would be a nightmare to clean."
"Good thing you don't have to; that's what the staff are for. All your needs will be taken care of here."
He said it as if it was the most natural thing in the world. It would be weird having people wait on me hand and foot.
That evening, the hotel chef came over and prepared us a lavish meal. I had gotten dressed into jeans and a halter neck top.
"When we have the chef come over, we don't even have to leave the house to eat." He as he sipped his wine.
I was sat across from him, it was so strong the sour, fruity scent burnt my nose.
"We could eat dinner whilst on the beach. It would be so romantic. It bet it's a lovely view." I said.
"Yeah, it's not a bad view."
It was so strange being here, being like this. If I was going to stay with Eisuke, this is what my life would be like from now on. It would be amazing but I was worried that I might lose myself in all this luxury.
"I want you to know, that no matter how our lifestyles might change, I will always be the same. Do you understand?" He said as if he was reading my mind.
"Yes."
"So do you know what I want to do right now?" He said.
"I can guess." I said and stood up and removed my top and bra.
He lifted me up in his arms and smiled confidently.
"We'll have a long night alone together."
I wrapped my arms around his neck,
"Then, what are you waiting for?" I asked.
"Good girl." He said with a hint of amusement in his voice, before he carried me off to the bedroom.
The sunlight woke me up, I felt the warm light heat up my face and burn my eyes. I rolled over and covered my eyes with my hand. My head hit Eisuke's firm chest, he was breathing softly. He must be asleep.
I couldn't believe that it was morning already. I could hear the sounds of the ocean, it sounded so peaceful. I could feel Eisuke's warm breath on my face, I reached out and traced his soft face with my finger. People always told me that he was handsome. I wished I could see what he looked like, just once. I then moved up to his silky hair.
How was his hair always so soft? It was softer than mine, I didn't understand. He didn't use any special shampoo or conditioner.
"Mm.. Is it morning?" He asked sleepily.
"Yes, good morning." I said and tenderly kissed him on the forehead.
He reached out and caressed my cheek, his fingers were so soft. He then pulled me forwards, kissing me passionately. When he pulled back, for a moment I was too stunned to move.
I wasn't expecting that.
"Did you forget my promise to kiss you every morning?"
Oh yeah.
"I think I'm just half asleep, you may need to do it again." I said and pulled him on top of me.
He chuckled before leaning down and giving me another passionate kiss.
"After breakfast, we'll go to the hotel together." He said.
"Ok."
An hour later, I was sat in the hotel meeting room and the general manager was stood addressing the room. It almost felt the same as Japan, I didn't anticipate any problems. It should be easy, only thing was I didn't know my way around the hotel yet.
"Today, is the first official day of work for everyone. I'm going to assign each of you a partner to train you, so you can learn the ropes faster." The manager, Mr Kenzaki said.
He then introduced everyone to each other before assigning partners.
"Freya, you will be with Hikaru."
"Yes sir." Hikaru said.
I smiled, it was the guy I met the first day I came to the hotel.
"We meet again Freya, my name is Hikaru Aihara. It looks like we'll be working together for a while."
"Can't wait." I said.
Everyone else was assigned their partners.
"Alright, now we'll have each department give their daily instructions."
I felt something be placed in my hand, it was long, thin and felt like it made of plastic.
"Huh?" I questioned.
Who gave me this?
"You didn't have a pen." He said
I smiled and put the pen in my uniform pocket.
"Thanks, but I don't need one." I said.
I heard him gasp "I'm sorry Freya." He said quickly and felt him take hold of my hand.
He had quite rough, hard hands. Not what I expected from him.
"It's ok. Thanks anyway." I laughed it off.
The manager continued the meeting. After, Hikaru showed me around the hotel. I tried to make a mental note of everything before we both went to the spa. He was in charge of treatments and I did what I did in Japan, just massages. It was quite a nice day.
After work, Eisuke called me and asked me to attend a party with him.
I sighed as he dragged me around the party, introducing me to guests. I wasn't wearing my glasses and I didn't have my cane, I could make out many guests all around me. The room was filled with the sound of soft classical music, I could smell a mixture of alcohol, food and women's perfume.
"What's wrong?" He asked.
"Nothing." I said.
I didn't understand how anyone actually enjoyed these parties, you never did anything.
"Are you bored of parties?"
"No, I'm just tired. First day of a new job. Plus, not many people here speak English or Japanese."
"I see, wait here I'll get you a drink." He said and walked away.
As I waited for him, I heard him start a conversation with an unfamiliar gentleman.
"Congratulations on your expansion to Dubai." He said.
"It's nice to see you again Mr Ozaki." Eisuke said.
"Freya, come over here." He called out.
I walked towards him, when I got close he took hold of my hand and guided me towards them. He then placed a glass in my hand. I held it up to my nose and inhaled the smell, it was my favourite cocktail. Long Island ice tea.
"Thank you very much for contributing the funds to build this hotel." He said to the man.
"Of course! I'm happy that it turned out so wonderfully."
"It wouldn't have been possible without you, Mr Ozaki."
Eisuke spoke with his normal charm voice, the voice he used to impress people. I assumed he wore a confident smile on his face.
So the man was an investor of the hotel?
"Freya, Mr Ozaki here works in Dubai. He owns that huge skyscraper, the Burji Khalifa."
"Really? That's so cool. I heard it's such a beautiful building." I said.
"Ha! There is nothing that makes me happier than a compliment from a beautiful lady." Mr Ozaki beamed. "Is this your girlfriend, Mr Ichinomiya?"
"Yes, she is."
"Freya, this hotel is lovely but the Burji Khalifa is a very fun place. You should come and visit sometime." Mr Ozaki said.
I smiled "I would love to."
Eisuke and Mr Ozaki launch into an enthusiastic discussion of their future business prospects in Dubai. I had got use to listening to Eisuke speak to his business partner and quite happily drowned them out as they spoke.
"Oh, you look bored Freya." A familiar voice said.
I recognised that voice, it made my heart freeze for a moment.
"Mr Hishikura." I said and turned to the direction of the voice.
"I see you remember me?" He said.
How could I not remember him?
"Have you been working hard?"
"Of course I have." I said firmly.
Why was here? Just to keep an eye on me or to annoy me?
"You sure turn up everywhere, don't you?" Eisuke said.
I felt Eisuke move in between me and Mr Hishikura, his back was pressed up against me.
"Yes, it's my job to make sure she's fulfilling her duties." Hishikura said coldly.
"You don't have to worry about Freya. Why don't you enjoy the party?" Eisuke said.
"I can't do that, now that I've seen her here, I'd like to discuss some things with her."
"I've asked the manager to report her performance at work." Eisuke said.
"Yes, I've received them and I don't think they're sufficient enough, because frankly, you seem like the type of person who has no problem being dishonest." He said smugly.
"Oh I see. So, you think I'm some sort of con artist do you?"
Hishikura didn't respond. I bet he was smiling.
"Freya, let's go mingle with the other guests." Eisuke said.
"Finished with your conversation with Mr Ozaki?" Hishikura asked.
"Yes, we had a short but worthwhile conversation. And just so you know, I hate it when people touch things that belong to me. Stay away from her when I'm not present." Eisuke said.
He sounded very confrontational, he then slipped an arm around my waist and held me close to him.
For once, his possessiveness was coming in handy.
"Oh, I see pardon me. However, if she's truly that important to you, it was a mistake for to you to leave her alone in a place like this in the first place."
BOOM!
Suddenly, there was a thunderous road and the entire ballroom shook. The impact of the explosion knocked me down.
I could feel heat against my face, my ears rang loudly. I could smell smoke, people were shouting and crying all around me.
What had happened? A bomb? A fire?
"Freya. Are you ok? Don't worry I'm here." Eisuke said.
I felt his slender fingers on my face as he held my face with both of his hands.
"I'm fine." I said.
I couldn't stop shaking, my heart pounded. He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me against his strong chest. I instantly started to feel calm as he held me close.
An emergency bell started to ring as everyone started to panic.
"What happened?" Eisuke asked. "Everyone please calm down!"
His voice rang throughout the ballroom.
The room fell silent.
"I want the hotel staff to immediately check to see if there are any injured or sick guests. We're going to do safety checks right now, so please remain calm and stay here." He ordered.
"Yes sir." The staff replied.
The room remained silent, I could hear people moving around me. I sat up, my head was pounding. For a moment, I thought I was going to faint but I didn't.
"Eisuke, can you come with me for a minute?" Kishi asked.
"Yes... Freya, will you be ok?" Eisuke asked.
"I'm fine, go." I said.
"All right, go with the other staff to a safe place." He said, I heard him quickly walk away.
Once my head stopped pounding and I no longer felt dizzy, I stood up and leaned on a nearby table to steady myself. Not long after, the guests were led out of the ballroom and taken to the hallway for shelter.
"There's a way up to the roof through this hallway, so please wait here." A staff member said.
I was leaning on a wall, patiently waiting for something to happen. I could hear Kishi and Eisuke talking nearby.
"Someone planted a boom in the ballroom near the party." Kishi said.
"What?" Eisuke said.
"I just happened to be near there when it happened and I ducked in the John to see if anybody got hurt. That's where I found this." Kishi said.
I heard the rustling of a plastic bag. He must have some kind of evidence.
I moved closer so I could hear better, I moved along the wall and stood next to a plant. I could feel the leaves against my arm as I strained to listen.
"What is it? A playing card?" Eisuke asked.
"Yep. The ace of spades, with a neat little bullet hole shot right through the middle of it."
The spades symbol on a card? But why?
"What's all the commotion?" Soryu asked appearing behind me making me jump.
I let out a cry of surprise and almost fell over.
"Hey Freya, I told you to get to a safe place, why are you here?" Eisuke asked.
I heard footsteps approach me, I could smell Eisuke's scent in front of me.
"I just happened to pass by." I said.
"Don't lie to me, you're voice is shaking." He said firmly.
"I was just curious about what happened." I said.
"She's pretty brave for a kid, eh?" Kishi said. "Anyway, the fact that I found this card so close to the scene of the crime, makes me think it ain't no regular prank, or some kind of jokin' around." He said in a low voice.
I could feel the tension in the air rise, so someone purposely did this? But why? Who would do such a horrible thing?
"All right, I'll increase the number of security guards in the hotel." Eisuke said.
"Good thinking. This is a pain in the ass, I gotta turn this card over to forensics." Kishi said.
"No, I'll hold onto it." Eisuke said.
"Don't go losin' it." Kishi warned.
"Are you sure it's ok to hand over evidence like that?" I asked.
"Mamour doesn't want to do it, so I'll investigate it myself. What's wrong with that?" Eisuke asked.
I forgot who I was dealing with, Eisuke and the guys lived by their own rules.
"Hm, what's everyone doing here?" I heard a cheerful voice ask.
It was Baba's voice.
"Hey Baba. Hey Ota." I said without turning around.
I assumed that Ota would be with him plus I could smell his girlish perfume.
"We heard there someone fighting in the lobby, and we were bored so we came to check it out." Ota said.
"Oh, is it over there?" Baba asked.
"You two don't have a care in the world, do you?" Soryu asked.
I then heard raised voices nearby, I moved over to the right and felt for a rail. It as the balcony that looked over the lobby.
I could hear Mr Kenzaki in an argument with someone.
"Hey, isn't that John Lu, the movie director?" Ota asked.
"The famous director of all those spy movies?" I asked.
"Oh you're right, I didn't know he was staying here." Baba said.
"Now we're about to have even more trouble." Eisuke said.
He was stood behind me, I assumed that he was looking down at the lobby. It couldn't be good that an important guest was having an argument with the manager.
"Is it really that bad if the guest doesn't stay here?" I asked.
"I suggested that John should shoot one of his movies here. I thought that would be good publicity for the hotel." Eisuke said.
"That's true. It would be good for the hotel." Baba said.
"I'm going to make whoever planted that bomb wish he'd never been born." Eisuke murmurs in a frightening voice as he walked away.
"Where's he going?" I asked.
"To the lobby." Soryu answered.
We followed him to the lobby and heard the argument continue.
"Mr Lu, I'm sorry but-"
"I can't stay in such a dangerous place. I want to be checked out at once." Mr John said.
"Hey John, you're going home already?" Eisuke asked.
"Eisuke, this is a beautiful hotel but there is no way I can shoot my film here after an accident like this. Sorry, but you'll just have to forget about our agreement." John said angrily.
No! That's terrible, this was such a good opportunity for the hotel. I wished there was something I could do.
"I haven't seen you in a while John." I heard Hishikura say.
"Hishikura." Eisuke said.
"Shuichi! I didn't know you were staying at this hotel too." John said.
"Oh no, I just came for tonight's party. Are you leaving tonight?" Hishikura asked.
"Yes, safety is my number one concern." John said.
They seemed to be good friends? John's voice seemed calmer than before.
"I'm rather fond of this hotel, so I was thinking of staying here for a bit." Hishikura said. "Do you still feel unsafe, even with me staying here?"
"It does make me feel better knowing the ambassador from England is staying here."
"Actually, I bet it would make a great story that you filmed a movie at a hotel where a bomb went off." Eisuke said.
"Hmm, now that you mention it, that's a good point." John agreed.
"So then, it's settled. Do you think you could arrange a room for me Mr Ichinomiya?"
"No! You can't stay here!" I interrupted before Eisuke could answered.
"One of the penthouse suites is available sir." The manager said.
Eisuke was hesitant before he replied.
"Fine. Can I look forward to you staying here for a while Mr Hishikura?" Eisuke said.
"Yes, it would be my pleasure. John, I'll be staying for a while, so I'd love to get together for dinner when you have time."
"Of course. Talking with you always gives me such inspiration. Eisuke, I think I'll be able to shoot a great movie here." John said. I heard him walk away humming to himself.
Well, that's one problem solved.
"Thank you Mr Hishikura." The manager said.
"It was nothing." Hishikura said.
I didn't know why but I had the feeling that Hishikura was up to something.
"I didn't know you were a friend of John's." Eisuke said.
"Yes, we met once back in New York. After that, we became friends."
"It seems you ended up helping me out, I should thank you." Eisuke said.
"No, that's not really necessary." Hishikura said sounding smug.
"I will show you to your room sir." The manager said.
"Yes please." Hishikura said and they both walked off.
"Who is that guy?" Kishi asked.
"Shuichi Hishikura, the Japanese ambassador. We met him the first day we came to Dubai." Eisuke answered.
"Oh, the scary guy. So, he's staying here?" Baba asked.
"Yes, he's serving here in Dubai but apparently he has greater political ambitions." Eisuke said.
"Seems likes John Lu has a lot of trust in that guy." Kishi said.
"I don't like it one bit. " Eisuke said in a low growl. "I can't tell what he's thinking. Anyway, you can all get lost now."
"All right, we'll get out of your hair. Ota, this place is too hectic. Let's go to the bar." Baba said.
"Yeah, I feel like drinking." Ota said.
"I'll go talk to the investigation team. Even though it's the last thing I wanna do right now." Kishi said.
"Let me know if you have any info." Eisuke said.
"Roger." Kishi said.
"What are you going to do Eisuke?" I asked.
"I'm going to take charge of the scene." He said.
"Ok, can I help in anyway?" I asked.
"No, I want you to go home."
"What? Why?" I demanded.
"Soryu. I hate to ask you this, but can you please stay with Freya until I get home? I know you'll be able to protect her at your place if anything were to happen."
"You want me to take this woman to my home?" Soryu asked.
"You don't have to pay attention to her. Let one of your subordinates tend to her instead." Eisuke said.
"You owe me."
"Yes, I'll make sure to repay you very handsomely for this." Eisuke said.
"Don't talk about me as if I'm not here. I want to help." I said.
"No, go with Soryu." He hissed.
He must be really worried to talk to me like that.
"Fine." I agreed.
"Good." Eisuke said and then walked off.
I sighed and folded my arms, this wasn't fair.
"What are you thinking about?" Soryu asked as I walked alongside him.
I had my arm linked through his as we walked.
"I bet he's doing this because I'm blind. I know I'm not much help but I could at least do something, I'm not helpless."
"He's just too worried to let someone so important to him be here right now. I wouldn't worry about it too much, it has nothing to do with you being blind." Soryu said.
I smiled and gently squeezed his arm, I found his words comforting but I still felt annoyed that I couldn't do anything to help. A limo took us to Soryu's home. I had never been in Soryu's house before, even back in Japan. It smelt heavily of cigar smoke.
"Welcome home! Miss Wells?" A young voice said as we walked into Soryu's house.
I recognised that voice. It was Inuni, he was one of Soryu's underlings, I met him before when he brought Yukari's fiancé to the penthouse.
"Something happened at the hotel, and Eisuke wants her to stay here until he's done with work." Soryu explained.
"Oh! I see. I'll get some tea right away." Inuni said and rushed off.
He seemed so nice and normal, you wouldn't have guessed that he was a mobster. He sounded so cheerful and happy.
"Sorry for the commotion." Soryu said.
"It's fine, I don't mind." I said and smiled.
Soryu led me by the hand to a chair, he pulled it out and I sat down.
My head still pounded, I probably had a mild conscious. I felt a huge bump on the back of my head, it was tender to touch.
I heard a chair being pulled out next to me.
"How's your head?" Soryu asked as he sat down.
"It's fine, thanks." I said.
I wondered what Soryu's house was like? He was a mobster, so I imagined it was quite a dark, scary house.
*knock knock*
"Excuse me, I've brought you some tea." Someone said, it was a new guy. I didn't recognise his voice, he must be another one of Soryu's underlings.
"Oh Samejima. Go ahead and set it down." Soryu said.
He brought us both tea and left the room. I heard him place the tray down on the table, the crockery rattled as it was set down.
"Does he work for you to Soryu?" I asked.
His name was Samejima, he seemed different than Inui. He spoke with a monotone, he didn't seem friendly or upbeat like Inui.
"Yes, unlike Inui, he's a man of few words but he's very reliable." He answered.
Reliable? As in mafia terms? I probably shouldn't think too deeply about that.
I reached out and felt for a warm cup and took a sip of the tea, I sighed as the hot liquid ran down my throat. Nothing calmed me down more than tea.
We sat in silence, I wasn't quite sure what to say to him. I finished my tea and sighed again, I really needed a stiff drink. Tonight had been horrible.
"May I ask a favour?"
"Sure." He said.
"Do you have any alcohol?" I asked.
He stood up and walked away. When he returned, he placed a glass in my hand. I held it up to my nose, it smelt like vodka. I took a small sip and smiled.
"Cheers." I said as we clinked glasses before I downed the drink.
