The Long Con [[ Nami x Law ]]

Ch 11 - Hidden

"You know, you really don't have to do this. I'm more than capable of unpacking myself," Nami stated sweetly, trying to hide any annoyance in her voice.

"This is true, but the young master insists I help you acclimate to your new accommodations," Viola brushed her off immediately, moving more of her clothes into the closet.

"Yes, and I appreciate that. I appreciated you joining me for breakfast, giving me a tour of the castle, bringing me lunch. Really, I'm so appreciative I can hardly stand it," she giggled nervously. Her tone was kind, but it was clear she was ready for some time on her own. There was a lot she had on her mind, and it was difficult to tackle any of her thoughts with Viola joined at her hip.

When she heard a knock on her bedroom door this morning, she couldn't help but be disappointed when it wasn't Law. She knew he saw her go in to have a private conversation with Doflamingo after dinner. Honestly, she expected him to come knocking last night, ready to grill her with questions about what may have happened. She could admit that she was eager to give him a hard time about not letting her know he had given Doflamingo a written report about their mission in Germa. She could even admit she wanted his thoughts on what the offer from Doflamingo really meant. What she wasn't ready to admit was that she wouldn't care in the least if neither of those things happened if it meant she could feel his touch again.

"You have some extremely beautiful pieces of jewelry." Viola had moved to unpacking a box of accessories.

Nami frowned when she saw her holding up the diamond and gold necklace. She hadn't had a chance to try to sell any of the things Ichiji gave her. There weren't any proper vendors for high-end jewelry in Zou, and she didn't have them with her during yesterday's shopping trip. At least, that's what she told herself. Truthfully, even if she had a chance to bring them with her, she wouldn't have gone near them. Just the sight of the necklace sent an unpleasant shiver up her spine, leaving her wanting to distance herself from the item for the fear of the memory that came with it.

"Why don't you wear this one today?" Viola asked cheerfully. She turned toward Nami, but the moment she took a step forward with the necklace, Nami flinched and moved away.

Viola froze. For the first time since they met, she looked at Nami. She really looked at her.

"It irritates my skin," Nami mumbled before moving to fiddle with some of her drafting tools on the other side of the room.

She could feel Viola's eyes on her back for several minutes before she finally spoke.

"I have to leave."

Nami was relieved if not a bit confused by Viola's abrupt departure. In fact, the more she thought about it, the more odd it felt. As soon as the door closed, Nami was at the other side listening for the direction of her footsteps.

She silently opened the door and slipped into the hall. The loud clacking of Viola's heels made it all too easy for Nami to follow at a safe distance. The sound eventually stopped after Viola headed down a particularly dark corridor. It wasn't an area included on the tour she had given Nami earlier that day, piquing her interest even further.

Nami waited to hear the sound of footsteps resume. A few minutes passed, and nothing. She crept closer to the entrance of the corridor. Viola should only be a few paces away. There were no other sounds in the hallway. What was she doing?

She crouched at the end of the wall and slowly peered around the corner. Nothing. She leaned further. No one. It was a dead end. No doors, no windows, just a few hanging portraits and a statue of what looked like a past king. Nami's gut twisted as she fully entered the short corridor. She was absolutely certain Viola came this way, but now there was no sign of her. It was like she vanished into thin air.