King's Prize (Kissed By The Baddest Bidder)

Chapter 17: Distance Between Us

I steeled myself not to look back as I pulled my luggage out of the hotel. A taxi was already waiting for me, ready to take me to an apartment I had paid in advance using what remained of the money Soryu gave me. I wasn't going to starve, for Ota made me sign a contract-- I was now one of his models and though I would have wanted to stay away from them, I knew my job would entail seeing them from time to time in Ota's shows and events.

Honey didn't see me off, Soryu telling me how sad the woman was over my decision. I would have wanted to see Eisuke one last time, too, but he hadn't come down from his suite and I knew he'd be leaving for Dubai again anyway.

"You can still change your mind."

I smiled at Baba, who had suddenly turned up beside me before I knew it. I pretended it was my decision to leave the penthouse, that Eisuke merely consented in letting me go.

"I'm sorry," I said, holding back tears. I really must get out of there, I thought in agitation.

Baba held out his hand and I shook it.

"See you at the show, then."

I nodded and waved, and as the taxi sped away I watched the hotel from the rearview mirror until it was out of sight, and only then did I allow myself to cry.

***

Eisuke twirled the cup of coffee Honey made him, her eyes red and puffy. She had been silent for days ever since Satine left, and it was obvious she missed the girl; Honey actually glared at him when he informed them he was letting the girl go.

"Stop moping, kid. You're giving me the downers," Mamoru said from the window.

Honey said nothing, scooting close to Soryu on the sofa who wrapped his arm around her, and Eisuke wondered for a moment when he stopped feeling bothered by the two of them.

"We have an IVC coming up, let's focus on that." Eisuke turned on his tablet and stopped, the image of Satine reading to him came flashing on his mind.

"Ota's show coincides with the IVC. It's a perfect disguise, not that we need one. The IVC is enough to cover up the auctions after all."

Ota looked up from the magazine he'd been reading and said, "Satine will of course, be there."

"She's everywhere lately," Baba said to Ota though his eyes were on Eisuke. "I think I saw her with one of your male models the other night."

"She's quite popular with the boys," Ota agreed with a smirk. "My girls seemed to think Satine is the fastest way to my heart, that's why she's invited all the time."

"What would you have her wear this time?" Eisuke couldn't stop asking.

Ota chuckled. "Nothing like last time. Just simple summer wear."

"Bathing suits?"

"Maybe."

Honey was watching the exchange with interesting eyes. "Could you be jealous for Satine, Eisuke?"

"What are you talking about?"

She jumped out of Soryu's arms, eyes shining. "But you must be! You never bothered with anyone the way you worried over her!"

"Ridiculous."

"Oh, come on! Let's get her back!" She was pulling his arm looking so excited but Eisuke wouldn't budge.

"She's not worth my time." He spat the words out and Honey let go of his arm, the excitement on her face gone, and to avoid her accusing stare he stood up and walked upstairs to his suite. He looked down at his hand and saw that he was still holding the empty cup of coffee; Honey made it just the way he liked it.

Yet he realized he was yearning for something terrible.