Reward and Punishment

As the night progressed, we indulged ourselves with the finest cuisine that the Trés Spades could offer. Hours had passed like minutes, as we continued to discuss the intricacies of the Italian culture. I found myself deep in discussion with Mr. Bucci, while Eisuke sat quietly, Carolina beguiled by his presence. I had found no harm in talking with Mr. Bucci now, as earlier in the evening Eisuke had been able to discuss business with Mr. Bucci while Carolina and I watched the performers in awe. It appeared as though he didn't mind either, considering he was not pushing his way into our conversation.

I stifled a yawn, as I continued listening to Mr. Bucci talk of the beautiful architecture of Rome. Glancing at my watch, it was no wonder I was so exhausted. I glanced over at Eisuke, in hopes he would be able to read my mind, and call this meeting to an end. A small smile tugged at his lips as he straightened in his seat, delicately pulling Carolina's hands off his other arm.

"Mr. Bucci, although this night has been astounding," Eisuke started, "I believe it is getting rather late, and Harumi and I must be retiring."

Mr. Bucci looked at his watch before releasing an enormous yawn.

"It is rather late." Mr. Bucci laughed, "It appears as if I had lost track of time talking to such a beautiful woman!"

"I'm very flattered Mr. Bucci," I began, "But I enjoyed hearing your incredible accounts of Italy. It truly made my night!"

"I'm sure you both have quite a busy day ahead of you tomorrow." Eisuke continued.

"We're sightseeing tomorrow Eisuke!" Carolina perked up. "Wont you show me around?"

"Carolina, Mr. Ichinomiya is a very busy man. He can't simply stop working to tote you around Japan!" Mr. Bucci scolded.

I stifled a giggle as I watched Carolina slouch back in her chair, pouting at her father's words.

"Mr. Bucci," Eisuke said as he began to stand, "I have time available in the afternoon, it would be rude of me not to give a little tour of our beautiful city."

"Very well," Mr. Bucci said standing. "If it's not interrupting your schedule."

"Yay! I can't wait for our date tomorrow Eisuke!" Carolina exclaimed.

Eisuke smiled, "Harumi and I will meet you in the Hotel Foyer at 1 p.m. Carolina, how does that sound?"

"That's…" Carolina paused, eyeing me suspiciously, "fine."

We stood watching as Mr. Bucci and Carolina walked away from the tables. A sudden wave of exhaustion washed over me causing a yawn to escape. I looked at Eisuke, who had watched as his guests continued out the main doors. I envied how he didn't even appear to be tired. His stamina was admirable.

"Well I suppose I ought to get going," I offered, grabbing my purse.

"You did a great job tonight." Eisuke commended.

"Thank you." I smiled. "I really need to get going now though, I have work in the morning."

I started walking away from the tables before Eisuke reached out and grabbed my arm. I looked back at him questioningly as he held me in place, walking closer.

"Eisuke, I can barely keep my eyes open and I still need to walk home." I argued.

"You're not going home tonight."

"What?" I asked shocked.

"You're my girlfriend now, you have to stay with me." He said getting closer.

"I do not. There are plenty of girlfriends and boyfriends who have their own places." I said indignantly.

He didn't say anything as he closed the distance between us. My heart raced uncontrollably with every step he took. I felt a blush creep up to my cheeks as I grew unsure of his next actions. He stopped with only a few inches between us, his right hand coming up to cup my cheek. Instinctively, I closed my eyes leaning into the warmth of his palm. Oh Eisuke, if you only knew. I thought to myself. His other arm slipped around my waist, his warm palm resting on the small of my back, pulling my body closer to his.

My eyes jolted open upon the contact of his body and mine. I couldn't see anything but Eisuke, as he leaned in to the crook of my neck.

"Bucci has men who are watching us." Eisuke said flatly.

"Oh." I whispered.

His face was so close I could feel his breath on my neck. Unconsciously, I raised my hand, placing it on his chest. I could feel his solid chest underneath the vest. His breath creeping up my neck, caressing my ear, and over my cheek sent chills through my body. It only left briefly before his lips unexpectedly pressed against mine. Stunned by the sudden intimacy, I froze. His lips were soft, gentle, and tasted bitter from the alcohol he consumed earlier that evening. His hand glided from my cheek, sneaking behind my hair, pressing into the back of my head. As my body relaxed, he released me, taking my hand in his. Though the moment only lasted a few seconds, it left me wanting more.

As he escorted me out of the I.V.C., I couldn't help but touch my fingers to my lips. He continued escorting me through the foyer of the hotel, and called the elevators. Although I could feel the eyes of all the employees on me, I didn't pay any attention. Eisuke just kissed me. The inner fan girl in me screamed with glee. As we got into the elevator, he let go of my hand and distanced himself a bit. Even though I know it was just an act, a realization set in that I couldn't refute: I wanted more.

"I only kissed you because we were being watched." Eisuke said as if on cue.

"I am aware."

"So, we are clear, I have no feelings for you." His words were cold.

"It's just a job, Eisuke." I bit back. "I'm a mature woman, I can handle myself just fine."

The ride up to the penthouse was silent. He was consumed by his phone, while I stared at the floor. I couldn't help but replay the night over and over again in my head. Despite the relaxing classical music playing in the elevator, my mind was flooded with a waterfall of thoughts. I felt flustered with the fact that Eisuke was having such an effect on me. At this stage of the game, I knew so much more about him, than he did about me, yet I still was stunned by his demeanor and actions. No matter what I do, how I act or how I dress, Eisuke will always act and say the same things. That is what I love about him after all. He's consistent and persistent.

The elevator doors opened, the familiar smell of the penthouse wafting into the elevator, as Eisuke strolled out through the foyer into the lounge. Hesitantly, I followed suit, walking through the empty room. I thought the other bidders would have been here waiting, but realizing how late it truly was, I suppose even the bidders need rest.

The whole penthouse was incredibly silent, which was pleasant in its own way. As I followed Eisuke up the stairs to the more secluded common area, I came to the realization that this was Eisuke's home. Regardless of the extenuating circumstances, I was slightly charmed by the fact that he invited me into his home. I chuckled inwardly at the thought.

Eisuke walked down the long hallway to his bedroom and office, in doing so he casually slipped off his blazer. I hesitated, for a split second, the gesture of slipping off his blazer, I sensed his exhaustion. The weight of being a CEO of a multibillion dollar corporation has taken its toll on his body, even if it hasn't taken a toll yet on his mind.

I headed to the kitchen knowing exactly what I needed to do. I slipped off the beautiful iconic Louboutin heels admiring their sophistication for a moment, before turning to the Keurig. While the water was warming, I reached up into the beautiful wooden cabinets, pulling out the largest mug I could possibly find. It only took a few minutes to brew the incredibly aromatic roast and finishing off the mug with his desired sugar and milk servings.

Satisfied with my work, I humbly carried the coffee to office, where he was propped up at his desk, fervently typing away on his computer. I stood at the end of his desk, gently putting his coffee down in the corner, away from any seemingly important documents. Exhaustion setting in, I didn't intend on outstaying my welcome, so I bowed and headed toward the office doors. Turning my back to the office doors, I surveyed his room. Although Eisuke had instructed me to stay in the penthouse, there were no other rooms that I was aware of, as 'guest rooms'. The other rooms in the hall were occupied by the other bidders. I couldn't sleep in the lounge, as that would just be disgraceful, and I'm sure Eisuke wouldn't have intended for me to sleep there. I couldn't possibly sleep in his room, so I proceeded to walk out of his room into the hall. I contemplated sleeping on the couch in the private common area, but when I passed the kitchen, I remembered the room beyond the wine cellar.

Having made my decision, I gathered my heels from the kitchen, and headed through the wine cellar to the piano room. When I entered a light flickered on in the corner, startling me. It's probably motion censored. I thought, observing there were no light switches on the walls. I walked over to the French windows where I pulled back the silk curtains. The light from the moon shone through casting silver streams of light through the curtains. As I looked out, I could see there was a balcony overlooking the city. Tempted, I opened the doors, allowing the crisp summer night air to flow into the room. Taking a deep breath, I walked over to the railing, gazing out to the horizon.

Even though it was already so late, the city seemed vibrant with life. I peered down, watching as people crossed the road, couples walking hand in hand, cars passing by slowly. The lights from the city seemed to stretch for miles to the very end of the horizon. Buildings were lit, both large and small, yet here in the penthouse, I felt as though I was taller than all of them.

Although it was dark, I could see a faint outline of the mountains on the horizon, because of the beautiful moon that hung overhead. A humbling feeling washed over me as I took a step back. Although I had been thrown into a new reality, I had dreamed of this moment for years. I had been blessed with the opportunity to work for the most prominent and established man in Japan. Having played the games, I know Eisuke is not a bad man. At most he is just misunderstood, hiding behind this façade of a cold and heartless CEO. In reality, all of the bidders are incredibly caring, kind and thoughtful. I smiled, accepting this as my new life.

Turning around, I walked back to the room, closing the doors behind me. I laid down on the couch, resting my head on one of the plush pillows, allowing the exhaustion to consume my body and mind.