Corporate Plaything

“I don’t understand, sir.”

“You will.” Justin caressed her cheek. “Soon.”

There it was again. He was being cryptic. Matt was the same too when they discussed a certain topic. She wondered what Justin and Matt had up their sleeves. Anna wished they would just tell her what this was all about. Or better yet, she wanted to be able to ask for Surrender’s secret formula and end this hanky-panky business this instant. She was tired of lying, pretending to be something she wasn’t.

A cold chill ran through her spine when she thought what Justin and his brothers would do if they ever found out she was a corporate spy. When she signed up as the Martels’ plaything, she had also signed a non-disclosure agreement. The penalty for breaching the agreement was a hefty fine, one she could never afford even if she busted her ass off working until she was old.

Her knees weakened. She’d never really thought about the consequences when she signed that contract. She was so afraid her father would go to jail she had jumped on any chance she had to get into the Martels’ lair in order to get that secret formula.

“You’re frowning.” Justin noticed her distress. “Want to tell me why?”

I screwed up big time, that’s why. Anna shook her head. “I forgot to call my dad today. Need to check on him from time to time. Sometimes, he forgets to take his medication if I don’t remind him.”

“He’s sick?”

“A bypass surgery last year. He

takes it easy nowadays.”

Justin frowned in return. “Why didn’t you tell me your father needs a caretaker? I could’ve arranged one for him in your absence.”

Anna dreaded it even more. Why do you have to be so nice to me? “He’s fine. I’ve talked to my next door neighbour to do his laundry and cook his meals. He’s taken care of.”

“You sure? I could make a few phone calls and—”

“No need, sir. I’m sure he’s fine.”

Justin didn’t look convinced but he nodded anyway. “Well, if you change your mind, all I need to do is make a phone call.”

“Thank you, sir. I really appreciate your concern.” Anna twisted her fingers. The guilt hurled back at her with full force. “Are we leaving for New York tomorrow morning, sir?”

“Just me. You are needed somewhere else.”

“Beg your pardon, sir?”

“Raphael wants to take you to St. Croix. He’ll arrive tomorrow afternoon to pick you up with a private charter.”

“St. Croix?”

“We have a villa there. You’ll like it. It’s lovely at this time of year. “

Her mouth fell open. “St. Croix? As in the Bahamas?”

Justin nodded. “But tonight, we should have our own fun while we’re in Tokyo. I was thinking Kinjite.”

“Kinjite?”

“You’ll see.” He grinned again.

* * * *

Anna walked along the busy street of Shinjuku nervously. She shivered as the cold chill breeze surged past her. The skimpy dress Justin wanted her to wear was inadequate to cover her body. And what made her the most uncomfortable was that she wasn’t wearing any panties. Justin had insisted on it. Her black cocktail dress was so short, if she bent over a bit, people would see her naked ass. It was nerve-racking. She’d never done something this outrageous before. Had Justin even considered that walking around in public without panties could be seen as public indecency?

Justin, on the other hand, looked like he was enjoying himself. He held her hand tightly as they strolled among the sea of night-goers in one of the busiest nightlife areas in Tokyo. After they had dinner, as he had promised, Justin took her out for a night of fun.

He explained the area they were at now was called Kabuki-cho, a haven of hostess bars, clubs, and love hotels in Tokyo. A famous red light district.

He pulled her into a building that was decorated with a garish-looking neon sign. A bunch of scantily clad hostesses greeted them by the cramped lobby. “Irasshaimase! Welcome,” they chorused in symphony.