King's Prize (Kissed By The Baddest Bidder)

Chapter 23: Expressions

He was again, gone when I woke up.

But it was only seven in the morning.

I sighed as another wave of disappointment hit me. Eisuke usually wakes up at six, read business news while having coffee until seven, and I thought of those mornings I'd read to him, my terrible coffee making him wince from time to time.

Will we ever get back to those times, I wonder?

My eyes strayed to the bedside table, and whatever despondency I was feeling vanished into thin air when I caught sight of his handwriting on the hotel's stationery.

Lunch at twelve at the Rue.
And if you wouldn't text or call again
Before going anywhere,
there is a gun under the bed,
feel free to shoot that stupid phone
before I do it myself.

I clutched the note tightly to my chest and laughed hysterically.

As soon as I was dressed, I texted Eisuke.

No need for drastic measures.

After five minutes my phone vibrated. You're texting me. Now that's a good girl, was his reply.

Obviously.

Going somewhere?

Just to my apartment.

You don't have to go there, your things are in the guest room.

What? What does he mean? I went down the stairs in a hurry, slowing down when I noticed Baba and Ota by the lounge having wine already at this time in the morning, goodness.

"That was quite an unlady-like run," Baba commented rubbing his chin.

"Good morning, Mr. Baba."

"You have a funny way of saying things, my pet," Ota said laughing.

"What did I say?" I asked confused.

"shut up, Ota." Baba turned to me, a playful smile on his lips. "Why are you running anyway?"

I heaved a sigh and continued walking to the guest room, the two of them following out of curiosity.

My things, though not much, are indeed all in here, arranged so neatly it seemed a shame to touch them.

"Something wrong, sweetie?" Baba asked.

I shook my head, smiling at them as I closed the door and walked back to the lounge. I haven't stayed in that apartment at all and now it looks like I'm back in here, though for how long was a question I was scared to answer.

"What's with the long face?"

"N-Nothing."

"Uh-oh. Trouble in paradise already?" Ota teased.

"You sound awfully happy, Sir." I said, sitting down on the plush chair and only then did I notice the four messages in my phone.

You're not replying.
Are you angry I didn't tell you?
You're deliberately ignoring me.
Satine.

I texted back, I appreciate you doing things for me but please let me know beforehand.

Done.

Thank you.

Stop pouting already.

I frowned at that, and before I could compose a reply, I looked up and saw him standing by the door to the penthouse, his jacket slung over one shoulder, smirking, raising his hand holding his phone.