The fall of our secrets

Chapter9

"Do you know how sometimes - when you are riding your bike and you start skidding across sand, or when you miss a step and start tumbling down the stairs - you have those long, long seconds to know that you are going to be hurt, and badly?"
― Jodi Picoult 

Ethan:

It was a smart decision hiring a driver to take us to the hotel. I was so tired I didn't know what I would have done if Nate wasn't here to pick us.

It was night time in Tokyo, and I rested my head against the seat's headrest. Nina beside me was silent and staring at the lights and busy streets. I was glad she seemed a little more comfortable this time around in a car.

Twenty minutes later, Nate pulled in front of our hotel. After registering at the front desk and taking our room's card, we headed to the elevator.

It took us to the presidential suite, and I was satisfied when Nina stared in awe at the luxurious suite. It had one master bedroom with a king-sized bed, a walk in the closet, and a bathroom, a spacious living room, and a kitchenette.

She directly went to the wall made of glass and looked out at the night sky. The hotel was in a secluded area of the city where the lights were dimmed, allowing the stars to shine and draw a beautiful picture.

I opened the door for the bell boy, who put our luggage in the door's entrance and left after I thanked him in Japanese.

"I am going to take a shower. You can have one after I am done. Your clothes are in your bag." I said to Nina, who looked at me and asked.

"How did you find the time to pack your clothes when you didn't even leave the office last night."

"I am always prepared for unpredictable trips like this. It is why I always have a packed suitcase in my car's trunk." I answered.

"Weird, I bet you have a change of clothes in your office as well." She said it like a joke, but when I remained serious, she shook her head and commented dryly. "Unbelievable, rich people and their habits."

I watched as Nina's eyes grew wide when they landed on her bag. She looked at me and said in a harsh voice. "Where did you find this bag?"

"I instructed Matteo to take one of the bags from my car and load it into the plane," I answered, confused with her reaction.

"And where are the other bags?" She asked with the same voice as before. I could even detect a hint of nervousness in her tone.

"They are still in my car. When we go back to the apartment, you can have them." I waited until she nodded her head before I spoke again. "Why do you seem upset about the topic of your bags?" I inquired.

"Tell your driver to watch his back. I will have his neck when we are back. He brought me the wrong suitcase." She answered with her voice confident once again. I made a mental note to ask Matteo to verify the contents of her bags. Her reactions were subtle and controlled, but they made me a bit suspicious about her.

"What do you mean?" I played along.

I was surprised when her face colored, and she murmured something inaudible under her breath. "What? Come again."

"He brought me the bag of my undies and swimwear. Happy now?"

She said with a scowl on her face.

Inwardly, I burst out laughing and imagined the scary thoughts rummaging through her mind. Poor Matteo was in immense danger.

"I sympathise with you. I can only imagine the dilemma you are facing now." I teased her and was ready to catch the pillow she threw my way. I tossed it back to her and was satisfied with her rapid reflexes. After all, maybe she would be a beneficial asset to our organisation.