Hired for secrets

I need to talk to you

Sofie connected to the camera in Philip's room. Like the other times, the door to his room stayed closed. No wonder. Security's beating caused cuts and bruises that broke the illusion of him being Prince Charming. It ripped him straight out of their fantasy world and made him human to his clients. It wasn't a good look and bad for business.

While this deterred his clients, it felt different to Sofie. He took that beating for her. He protected her. For all intents and purposes, he was her Prince Charming. Sofie wasn't going to share him with anyone, least of all with Ms. Hunt. So knowing that no one else had been with him since their night in the woods gave her a domineering satisfaction.

She was about to log off when Philip stepped into the frame. His injuries had faded. Only a light pink hue on his cheek and nose remained from his daring stunt. Despite this, he didn't look like someone who enjoyed a week off work. He had dark rings under his eyes and a haunted expression on his face. Something was keeping him up at night. Not surprising, anyone finding out that their employer sent an assassin to terminate them, would look a bit green around the gills.

He leaned his back against the wall and looked into the camera.

"Why are you doing this to me?" he asked quietly.

The bitterness in his voice made Sofie's blood run cold. He found the last camera and was talking to her. Why are you doing this to me? What could he possibly mean by that? They hadn't spoken in a week. Whatever it was wasn't important right now. There was something bigger at stake. If he destroyed this camera just like he did with the first one, he would kill her only link into his world. She would be flying blind for her mission tomorrow. Jennifer gave her the name of the restaurant but she didn't know what time they would meet. If she missed him, he'd be trapped at Elandra, out of reach and locked in his golden cage forever. She took a deep breath to slow her racing thoughts.

"I know you've been watching," he sighed. It wasn't an accusation, he simply stated the facts. "You've logged into the camera for the last week. You log in, stay for half an hour and then you're gone."

He dropped his eyes to the floor, before looking straight at the camera again. His gaze met hers, bridging the digital void between them.

"Why are you watching me, instead of coming here?"

His sadness sent an arrow to her core.

She had wanted to come, rescue him, take him to safety. But Elandra was a formidable foe and underestimating them could have fatal consequences. They were willing and able to kill Philip for simply leaving the compound. She didn't want to find out what they would do to him if they ever found out that he was running away with her. No, she had to be careful. And that took time, preparation, and most of all: secrecy.

"But since you are here," he said, shaking his head as if to rid himself of any sentimentalities, "and because it is my last night off. Let's make the most of it. What do you say?"

He monitored the lamp on the side table, looking for a flicker. That's how he knew when she was dialled in. The light would flare from the camera's power surge when switched on and off.

"Good, you are still here," he concluded and a dangerous smile crept onto his face. "Will you also do me a favour?"

He unbuttoned his shirt, just like he did the first time she watched him. But this time it was for her, and for her alone. Her pulse quickened, watching the silken shirt fall off his muscular chest in one fluid motion.

"You know how much it turns me on... you watching me. Right?"

He spoke to her as if they had a real conversation. Sofie felt his presence right there in her little apartment, surrounding her, touching her and she whispered "yes" in reply to his question.