Chapter 2

The elevator pinged, and we walked into the lounge, now that I had made sunglasses on I could finally be comfortable here. My eyes didn't hurt anymore.

The room was filled with chatter, I could hear Soryu and Kishi but not Eisuke and I couldn't smell his perfume either. So he wasn't here?

Just as I was about to ask what was going on, I heard footsteps come down the stairs and then I got a whiff of Eisuke's perfume. He walked so heavy footed, it was like he was stomping on the ground with every step.

"Where's your guest?" Ota asked.

"Left." Eisuke answered.

"Already? That's a shame, I was going to say hi." Baba said.

Who were they talking about?

I just shrugged and walked forwards, in front of me was a large square blurry object. I assumed it was a sofa. As I approached it, my cane bounced off it. I reached out and felt a leather cushion, I moved around it and happily sat down. The others soon followed.

"Let's start." Eisuke said.

"Did you gather us all here because of something that happened at the auction?" Soryu asked.

"No, I've decided how I'm going to use this woman." Eisuke said.

"Oh yeah? How?" I asked.

"She's going to be my girlfriend."

I let out a laugh but stopped when no one else joined in.

"Oh wait, you're serious?" I asked.

The others must have been just as shocked as there was a long pause before they reacted.

"Are you serious?" Soryu asked.

"Yeah." Eisuke said.

"I knew you had a thing for Freya boss." Baba said.

"I hope you don't have an ulterior motive." Ota said.

"Of course he has one." Kishi the cop said.

"No no no. There is no way I'm going to be your girlfriend, no way!" I said loudly and banged my cane on the ground to make sure I had their attention.

"What makes you think you have a choice? I bought you, I can do whatever I want with you." He said in his normal cold tone.

He was clearly used to getting whatever he wanted, he was such a spoilt little brat.

"I can't be your girlfriend. What about my job and my apartment?" I asked.

I heard the sounds of phone keypad before Eisuke started talking.

"It's me, come to the penthouse lounge immediately." He said.

About two minutes later, someone entered the room.

"I'm sorry for the delay."

"Mr Kenzaki?" I questioned, what was the hotel manager doing here?

"For the time being.. What's your name again?" Eisuke asked.

I didn't answer at first as I assumed that he was talking to Mr Kenzaki.

"Hey, girl." Eisuke said loudly.

"What?" I asked.

"What's your name?"

"Freya Wells." I answered.

He heard Baba and Ota call me my name, how could he have forgotten so quickly?

"I'll be using Freya here for the time being. She'll have to be excused from work occasionally."

"Of course sir." Kenzaki said.

"Also, I'll be taking Freya to the boutique downstairs to do some shopping."

"Of course, it will be ready in five minutes." Kenzaki said.

"Good."

"I'll be leaving now sir." He said before he left the room.

"Wait, you can't do that. How- why was Mr Kenzaki like that?" I asked.

He was so obedient, surely he should be angry that I was being dragged away from work.

"You didn't tell her yet, Eisuke?" Soryu asked.

"There was no reason to." Eisuke said. "I own the Tres of spades."

"So you're my boss?" I sighed heavily "Great..."

"Whoa, you are? I can't believe it!" Baba laughed.

"Eisuke, it's not nice to lie." Kishi the detective said.

"Why didn't you guys tell me sooner?" I asked.

"Because if you knew, then you'd start acting differently. And that wouldn't be any fun." Ota said and laughed.

I didn't know how to reply to that, was this just some kind of game to them?

"Freya, come with me." Eisuke ordered. "We need to get ready to the I.V.C tonight."

"What? Really?"

"Have a good time, Cinderella!" Baba beamed.

"Byeee!" Ota said.

Eisuke grabbed my arm, pulled me up off the sofa and started to drag me along with him.

"Get off me! I can walk perfectly fine on my own." I hissed and pulled my arm free.

I pushed him aside and walked off ahead. The hotel shops were on the fourth floor, me and Sakiko often went shopping there. According to Sakiko, the clothes were really nice.

We took the elevator down to the fourth floor, Eisuke led the way to the first shop.

As we entered the shop, all of the boutique employees greeted Eisuke all at once. I couldn't hear anyone else, the shop was oddly quiet. At this time of the day, the shop should be full of people. Did they close down the shop just for him?

"Good evening Mr Ichinomiya!" An employee said as we entered the shop.

"We'll start with the dresses." Eisuke said.

I followed closed behind, I was following the sound of his footsteps and the blurry figure in front of me as we walked into the shop.

"This way sir." The employee said.

"Show me all of the dresses from here... to here." Eisuke said.

I assumed he was pointing to dresses on some kind of rack.

But why make me wear a dress? Dresses were so annoying and so easy to trip over.

I stayed where I was stood, waiting for Eisuke to bark his orders. I never really took much notice about how I looked, as far as I was concerned I couldn't see myself, so why should I care? Sakiko always bought my clothes and made sure I looked good at work.

"Yes sir." The employee said. "Here you are."

I heard the sound of coat hangers being banged together, the employees walked all around me. What were they doing? They seemed to be moving things around, I heard the coat hangers being placed on a rail.

"This, this, this, this." Eisuke said as he walked along.

He must be picking what dresses he wanted me to wear.

"Try them on." He said.

"Whatever." I said and held out my hand for the salesgirl to take me to the changing rooms.

We both went into a cubical, I heard to close the curtain before she started to help me get changed into one of the dresses. I assumed Eisuke would be sitting outside waiting for me.

"Try them on in order." He said.

We tried on the first dress.

"Not sexy. Next."

"Try this one." The employee said.

"Trashy, next." Eisuke said.

This was going to be a long night. I tried one dress after another.

"Colour doesn't look good on you. Next. Makes you look fat. Next."

He turned down ten dresses in a row. Then finally;

"Not bad."

"Finally!" I said with a sigh.

The dress felt tight and hugged my curves perfectly. I ran my hands down the dress, the material was so soft and silky smooth. I had never worn a dress like this before. I wondered what it looked like? Shame Sakiko couldn't be here to see this, she was always trying to get me to wear dresses.

"Don't just stand there, let's go to the next store." He said.

"We're not done shopping yet?" I asked.

"You think you can stand by my side looking that shabby?" He asked.

"Ooh! You son of -"

"You need to wear more than a dress." He said.

He grabbed my elbow and started to pull me along again.

This was starting to piss me off now!

"You don't need to drag me so stop it!" I shouted and pulled my elbow free.

He took no notice, didn't even apologise. He just kept walking. I followed, and we walked into a jewelry store across the hall

Just like before, they closed down the entire store just for him.

"Bring me all the diamond jewelry you have." He ordered.

"Yes sir." The employee said.

He was going to buy me diamond jewelry?

I heard a woman walking in heels as an employee approached us.

"These are our most expensive items." The woman said.

I assumed she was showing Eisuke their choices in jewelry.

"I'd like a ring with a coloured stone. Show me one with an emerald." He said.

Oh my god! How rich was he?

She returned minutes later.

"Hold out your hand." Eisuke said.

Before I could comply, he grabbed my right hand and slipped the ring onto my ring finger.

I ran my thumb over the ring, I could feel the big square stone in the center and many tiny stones around the outside of the big stone. Also it was so heavy, I had never worn a ring like this before.

Wow, it must look so pretty.

"Looks like the size is just fine. Even you look passable in this outfit." He said.

He was such a jerk!

I smiled and held my middle finger up at him "It wouldn't hurt for you to be nice to me, you know."

"All you have to do is keep quiet and attend to me and I'll make sure you get more attention than any other girl at the party." He said.

He ordered the employee to place all of the jewellery on me. I felt kind of like a Christmas tree or a present that was being wrapped up.

"The worse something looks, the more fun it is to dress it up." He sniggered. "We'll finish you up with some shoes and a purse." He said.

I was still wearing my work shoes.

"And then, you can get your hair and makeup done at the salon."

"Whatever." I said, I didn't have the energy to argue with him every time he was jerk.

After the salon, we arrived at the party. I could hardly believe how I was dressed, I actually felt kind of.. Girlie. I had never dressed up like this before, even for my prom. I wore trousers and only allowed my mum to style my hair. I wondered what I looked like? I probably looked quite beautiful. I bet my family wouldn't even recognise me right now. As we entered the party together, I had my arm through Eisuke's as he escorted me in. He didn't want me to use my cane or wear my sunglasses. I had them both in my purse.

The room was filled with loud noise and chatter, it seemed quite lively. I could smell cooked food, all kinds from fish to chicken. Someone walked past me and the harsh scent of champagne rang up my noise.

"Eisuke's here!" A woman shouted.

A crowd of women surrounded us in no time. They all shouted and stank of perfume.

"I already have a guest for tonight." Eisuke said to the women coldly.

Hearing this, the women gave up and backed away.

"What am I supposed to do at this party?" I asked. "I've never been to one of these before."

"We're not here for the party tonight. We're here for this." He said.

"This?" I questioned.

He pulled me along and we were greeted by a man.

"Rabbit." Eisuke said.

"Huh? Rabbit? You talking to me?" I asked.

"I'm speaking to the bartender." He said.

"Good evening Mr Ichinomiya. What can I get you tonight?" The bartender asked.

"Bol's Rhapsody." Eisuke answered.

"Very well. This way, please." The bartender said.

Bol's Rhapsody? Was that some kind of drink?

I heard a door open before the bartender said;

"Welcome to the Mad Hatter's Tea Party."

Eisuke continued to pull me along and we came to another room. It was dead quiet, we were the only ones in here.

"Where are we?" I asked.

"The hall of mirrors. It leads to the basement. The rabbit's hole." He answered.

He moved forwards, I heard something click before a door slide open.

"It's a hidden elevator. Get in." Eisuke said and pushed me in.

"Would you please stop pushing and pulling me? Just tell me to move and I'll move." I said with gritted teeth as we got into the elevator.

He ignored me and I heard him press a button.

"We're at the auction." He said and lead me to a seat.

There were not bright lights and I could hear people talking below us. I reached forwards and felt an edge of a wall. I could hear chatter below us, we were obviously up somewhere high and the auction was below us, were we on a balcony?

Eisuke sat down next to me. Being here just brought back the memory of me being kidnapped and sold.

Why did he bring me here? To brag or prove a point? Maybe just as a mean joke?

"And now for the main attraction of tonight's auction. A certificate of Allons citizenship." The auctioneer announced.

Allons? That country was famous for being a tax haven.

All of Eisuke's men were sat with us. I instantly recognised Ota and Baba from their perfume, Soryu greeted Eisuke as we arrived. But I didn't think the police man was here, he normally smelt of cigarette smoke.

"I bet it's hard to believe you were up on that stage, huh?" Ota asked.

I didn't answer. They were clearly trying to tease me.

"When you were in that cage, you looked so adorable when you were shouting out abuse." Baba said and chuckled.

"Oh shut up, it's not funny. Why did you bring me here Eisuke?" I asked.

"You ask too many questions. Instead of talking, try thinking for yourself." Eisuke replied using his normal cold tone.

"You know, it's a wonder you have any friends at all. And I would love to know why so my girls run after you. I don't see the appeal of a rude guy who can't treat people with respect." I said.

I hoped that my comment upset him, shame I couldn't see his face to admire his expression. I heard Ota and Baba snigger but Eisuke didn't respond. He remained silent for a minute. I hoped he was glaring at me or something.

"I brought you here so you can learn about the auction. If you're going to be my woman, you'll be coming here more often. So, you need to know the basics. The only ones allowed to participate are those who have been personally invited by one of us. Or an approved referral from a current member."

"A three day pass is $100,000." Ota said.

"Really?" I asked.

"Because there are goods worth millions up for bids." Baba said.

Yeah like people.

"Do any of the hotel staff know about the auction?" I asked.

"Only the manager." Eisuke said.

"So who are the people working here? I mean I assume you have staff here." I said.

"Members of the mafia community." He replied.

The mafia? Oh great. Though I shouldn't be surprised. Every minute, my current situation seems to get worse and worse. First, I'm kidnapped, then bought and now I find out they work with the mafia.

"Those on the first floor, people wear masks to conceal their identities." Baba stated.

"What's after the Allons citizenship?" Eisuke asked.

"Ten donors." Soryu replied.

"There always up for auction. I'm getting tired of it." Ota said.

"Some people come here just to bid on that." Eisuke said.

Donors? As in organ transplant donors? I wondered what other kind of stuff they sold here? I'd imagine guns, weapons, drugs etc

The auction continued, I didn't pay my attention. I simply sat in the chair and waited till Eisuke told me that the auction was over.

The I.V.C party ended as the auction ended, all of the guests filled the hotel lobby. I had my white cane out and followed Eisuke to the lobby, where all of the hotel staff are lined up welcoming all the party guests.

I hobbled behind, my feet were killing me. I wasn't used to wearing high heels, I only ever wore trainers.

"Follow close behind me." Eisuke said.

"Yeah yeah, I'm coming." I said.

I couldn't take the pain in my feet anymore. I stopped and removed the shoes. The minute my bare feet touched the floor, I sighed with relief.

As soon as Eisuke entered the lobby, we were surrounded by people. I heard voices of women, men and young children. They were all calling out to him. As I walked forwards, I started to bang into people.

"Its nice to see you again as always, Mr. Ichinomiya." A man called out.

"You too Mr Saionji." Eisuke said not sounding like his normal cold self.

He stopped walking and I banged into him.

I recognised that man's name. He was the grandson of the founder of Yotsuyoshi Heavy Industries.

"I don't think I've had the honour of your guests acquaintance. Will you introduce me to this beautiful woman?"

He was talking to me. I hid my shoes behind my back and smiled.

"Oh pardon me." Eisuke said. "This is my girlfriend, Freya wells."

"Eisuke has a girl friend?" I heard a woman ask from the crowd.

Everyone gasped at once the moment they heard Eisuke announce that I was his girlfriend.

"I can't believe this." A woman gasped.

The moment of silence turned into a huge commotion, everyone started chattering among themselves.

It felt as if everyone was looking at me. I could hear them all muttering and whispering amongst each other. The women especially were saying horrible things like;

She's blind.

Why would Eisuke trouble himself with a blind girl when he could have me?

I just shrugged, I didn't care what they thought of me. They were welcome to have him.

"I don't believe I've ever met one of your girl friends, Mr. Ichinomiya." Mr Saionji said.

"Is that so?" Eisuke asked sounding surprised. "Well, I'm pleased to be able to introduce her to you. Freya, say hello to everyone."

He sounded so nice and normal, I was unsure of how to act at first. I had never heard him speak to me like that before. It took me a moment to even realise that he had spoken to me, for a second I didn't even recognise his voice.

I pulled myself together and put on my best smile "I'm Freya wells, it's nice to meet everyone." I said.

I then felt Eisuke slip his arm around my waist.

"Let's go Freya." He said and pulled me away.

"It was nice to meet you." I said as he pulled me away.

The moment the elevator doors closed, he removed his arm and stood away from me. The elevator took us to the penthouse, Eisuke stepped out first.

"Meet me upstairs in the living room." he said as he walked away.

At least he didn't grab me and pull me along like he always did. Did he listen to me when I had a go at him?

I walked through the penthouse lounge doors, I threw my shoes to the floor and then turned left and headed for the stairs. I took 16 steps, reached out and grabbed the banister and slowly walked up the steps. I used my cane to feel where the next step was. When I reached the top, I turned right down a hallway and took five steps. To the left, was the wooden doorway to the living room.

Eisuke was already there, I could smell his perfume and hear his soft even breathing.

"Sit down." He said.

I moved forwards, using my cane to feel where the sofa was. I then sat down. The moment I sat down, he grabbed my hand and placed a card and a small device in my hands. I put my cane down and held the device in both hands, it was quite small. Small enough to fit into my hand, rectangle in shape. I couldn't feel any buttons on it.

"These are the penthouse pager and a key card for the elevator. The elevator won't work without this key card, so don't loose it. When I page you, you need to be here within five minutes."

"What? Don't be ridiculous. I have work plus a life, I might not always be in the hotel or what if I'm with a client?"

"Take a break from work. Don't go places where you can't make it here in five minutes." He said.

Was he serious? How could be so unreasonable?

"Yeah, that's not going to happen. Don't be so selfish."

"You still don't seem to understand the situation you're in. You don't have a choice. If I don't have a use for you, then there's not point keeping you around is there?" He said coldly.

"Is that a threat? You can't expect me to be at your beck and call." I said.

"Don't worry, you can live here for the time being. Make sure you fulfil your duties as my girlfriend." He said.

Live here? So he could summon me whenever he wanted?

I heard him stand up and leave the room.

Fulfil my duties as his girlfriend huh? How was I meant to do that if we weren't actually dating? But then he clearly wasn't interested in the physical side of the 'relationship' so I just needed to be nice to him. Act like his girlfriend in front of people and then be as mean to him as I liked when people weren't watching.