Hired for secrets

What did you do to her?

Sofie entered the hotel where the Hungarian had arranged for them to meet with Mr. Lee. She was curious to find out who the mysterious stranger was, even if seeing him without a mask would drive home what they've done the night before. Would amplify her guilt. She betrayed Philip. Physically and emotionally. She wanted to stamp him out from her heart, but all she managed to do was burn him in deeper. It made her realize how much she needed him. And how important today would be. If everything went well, she would walk out with the intel she needed to prove Philip's innocence and potentially get him back in her life. Then, what happened between her and the Hungarian would become nothing more than a dirty little secret, no one needed to know about.

Sofie felt a mix of anticipation and trepidation as she followed the maître d'hôtel to a private lunch room on the upper level.

"The lady has arrived, Mr. Lee," the maître announced as he opened the heavy felted door. "May we start the lunch service, sir?"

With a dismissive wave Lee gestured for the host to leave and close the door behind Sofie. He sat at the head of the table and his strangely pale eyes judged her, like an eagle would estimate the distance to his prey. His dark hair shimmered blue in the midday sun. It made him stand out like a visual anomaly in the otherwise warmly decorated room.

Despite the light and airy feel of the space, towering over the roofs of London, Sofie felt trapped. Starved of oxygen. Lee was a predator. Experienced and remorseless. He would not be fooled easily. If they set even the slighted foot wrong, Lee would know. And he would not let her walk out of here unharmed.

Her gaze escaped to the Hungarian who sat next to Mr. Lee. His back was towards her and he seemed to be staring out the window. Lost in his own world, not even noticing her. I am his mistress. I love him. Despite the guilt, she was glad that she formed some kind of bond with him last night. He had been a good lover. Gentle and skilled. At least, that was something to cling to while she was stuck in this fighting arena with the two opponents. If things went downhill he might come to her aid.

"My love," the Hungarian suddenly said, still facing the other way. His voice sounded different. Gone was his accent. It was replaced by a tone that was oh-so familiar. The man turning to welcome Sofie as his mistress was... Philip.

He was fully recovered and he looked good; someone was taking care of him. Giving him resources, sheltering him from the Police and making his life comfortable. The excitement of seeing him again all too quickly evaporated into hot anger. He was back with Ms. Hunt! Back to his old self of trickery and scheming. He seduced her to come here today, even if it wasn't necessary. All he needed to do was ask. She would have followed him. Stood right beside him, no matter the risks. What was it with this man and his games? But more importantly, what was it with her and not being able to resist him? Why was she throwing herself at him? Disguised or otherwise?

Sofie focused her mind, there was more at stake than her emotions. She fixed a smile on her face and stepped forward to greet him.

"Who are you today?" she hissed through the fake smile, "Phillip, the Hungarian, or Philón?"

"You'll see."

It was loud enough for Mr. Lee to hear, but that didn't seem to concern him. He wrapped his arms around her and silenced any further questions with a kiss. For a brief second Sofie's worries melted away. She knew this looked real, because it felt real. This inexplicable pull towards him that defied rhyme or reason consumed her once again.

Mr. Lee cleared his throat, "What did she ask?"

"Who you are," Philón replied, without taking his eyes off Sofie. "I asked her here on a lunch date, so this is a bit... unexpected. I'm sorry, darling."