Page 98 of Collateral Claim

Scarlett

In the movies, women step out of the tub, immediately grab their towel and wrap their hair, then put on their robe. They don’t rinse off the soap or the shampoo. Honestly, I have no idea how other women finish up their baths, but if I don’t rinse, the soap from the bubbles and oils I used will cling to my skin and hair, which will not only make me think I’m dirty when I’m not, but the products will clog my pores.

The shower in the suite is one of those smart ones. The handle for adjusting the water isn’t under the showerhead, but instead, it’s located right as I step inside the glass enclosure. This way, I can adjust the water temperature without the water hitting my body.

I stick out my hand to test the temperature. “Perfect,” I mutter.

I step under the water, close my eyes, and rinse, thinking about my assignment overseas and how it’s probably the last time this year I’ll get to bathe in luxury.

My mother comes from what is considered the third world. In such places, hot water is a luxury because the boilers can’t heat when there’s no electricity. Oftentimes, there’s no power or access to it is restricted. Sometimes, there is also no water.

I open my eyes and see Endo lying on the bed.

What in the world?

I cover my breasts and my vagina, crossing one leg over the other while my face burns. I might not be able to see that I’m blushing, but I suspect I’m as red as a ripe strawberry.

I thought the wooden shutters were a decorative wall partition! Why would anyone design shutters that open so they can watch a person in the bathroom? Gah.

Hands tucked under his head, eyes wide open, Endo is definitely not sleeping. He is watching me shower. There’s a bulge in his pants.

I shut off the water, wrap my hair, and put on a robe, then remind myself not to stomp outside like a scorned goat. Instead, I want to handle this situation with some grace.

I round the corner, and as I do, the shutters start to close.

Endo holds the remote, a big smile on his face. “I couldn’t help myself.”

I throw up my hands. “Right. Because why would you be decent when you could be a creep?”

“Exactly my thoughts.”

I shake my head and point at the shutters. “Why would anyone install remote-controlled shutters like this?”

“Because most people like watching other naked people. It’s sexy. Some people are exhibitionists. Others are voyeurs.”

“You’re saying I’m the only one who finds this odd?”

“Yes. This is a honeymoon suite.”

“People stay here on purpose?”

Endo chuckles. “No, silly. People fuck and fantasize that they’re on their honeymoon. It’s all smoke and mirrors.”

I hadn’t considered that. “If that’s the case, I would prefer to be the one watching.” Oh shit. Did I really say that? I did. Yes, I did. “It’s only fair,” I add, as if that’ll make it less awkward. I think I’ll quit talking now.

Endo doesn’t bat an eyelash. He slides off the bed and invades my personal space. His hand lands possessively on my hip. “You want a show?”

I nod. No going back now. No retreat.

I unbutton the top button of his shirt. When he doesn’t stop me, I continue one button at a time, all the way down to his waist, where I tug and release the shirt from his slacks.

We don’t break eye contact. It’s both daring and intimate. I don’t know if I’m blinking. I want to kiss him, but I don’t because he’s like gasoline on my flame.

“Are you sure the cameras are disabled?” I ask.

“I’d kill anyone who saw you in the shower.”

“Men have seen me nude before.”