The Nanny // Faye Yoko AU

Chapter 34 Art and Red

Yoko stood in her room, carefully unwrapping the soft tissue paper around the dress that Faye had chosen for her. Her fingers hesitated for a moment as she revealed the fabric—a deep crimson red that shimmered under the dim light of her room. The color was bold, seductive, and left no room for modesty. Yoko's breath caught as she held it up, realizing just how daring the dress was. The neckline plunged, and the fitted cut promised to cling to every curve.

"...So, an art auction run by the mob," Yoko muttered to herself as she slipped the dress on, feeling the smooth fabric glide over her skin. She caught her reflection in the mirror and stared for a long moment, stunned by the transformation. The dress accentuated her figure, the slit high on one side revealing just enough to be dangerous. She adjusted the thin straps on her shoulders, then smoothed the skirt over her hips, her pulse quickening. Is this really right? she wondered, feeling the weight of the evening ahead settle over her.

She reached for a pair of stiletto heels, red to match the dress, and slipped them on. The heels added inches to her height, sharpening the lines of her legs. She wobbled slightly at first, catching herself against the dresser, then straightened. The slight discomfort of the heels was a reminder of the danger she was about to step into—figuratively and literally. It's bound to be a mixed crowd... and a good chance to gather intel on prominent members of Lyon's underground, Yoko thought, steadying herself.

At the vanity, she applied her makeup with a practiced hand, darkening her eyes with shadow and lining them sharply. She wanted to look striking, confident—someone who belonged in Faye Malisorn's world. Her hair was twisted into an elegant bun, but she left a few strands loose to frame her face, softening the look. She touched her lips with a deep red lipstick that matched the dress, then stepped back, evaluating the final product. Yoko looked like someone else, someone ready to face whatever the night threw at her.

I can't afford to stay on the sidelines. Yoko thought as she fastened a simple gold necklace with an emerald stone around her neck, the gem catching the light. It was understated, classic, and it felt more like her than the extravagantly flashy jewelry Faye had sent along with the dress. In the corner of the room, the box holding the larger, ornate gold necklace lay open—jewels glittering under the lights, too ostentatious for Yoko's taste. The nice dress is one thing, but this... she thought, gently closing the lid of the box. I'd better give this back before we leave.

Clutching the box under her arm, Yoko left her room and made her way to Faye's suite. She hesitated outside the door, her knuckles tapping lightly. No answer. Her heart skipped a beat when she noticed the steam seeping out from under the bathroom door, signaling that Faye was still in the shower. The door to Faye's room was slightly ajar, and Yoko pushed it open, stepping inside as quietly as she could.

I'll just set it by the... Yoko's thoughts trailed off as she spotted a heavy-looking safe standing against the far wall. It was different from the standard hotel-issued safes, larger, sturdier, and very new. Her curiosity flared, and she couldn't help but step closer. The steel surface was cool under her fingertips as she traced its outline. Must be new, she thought, wondering what secrets it held.

Is that where...? Yoko's mind drifted back to the fire that had ravaged Faye's previous home, to that night when she saw Val collecting the contents of a different safe amid the chaos. She wondered if Faye had moved those items here, to this hotel, hidden behind a coded lock only she knew. What did Faye keep inside that was worth such protection?

Yoko's fingers trembled slightly as they hovered over the combination lock, the temptation tugging at her. I've been thinking up new codes to try... she mused, fingers itching to test one. Just as she was about to press a button, she froze, caught off guard by the soft swish of the bathroom door opening. Faye stepped into the room, her damp hair falling loosely around her shoulders, her body barely covered by a towel that clung to her curves.