Page 34 of Klaz
I tensed. Generosity always came with a price. “That’s not necessary-”
“Nonsense!” Mama Raza interrupted. “I insist. Come, I’ll show you to your room myself.”
As we followed her through the winding corridors, I noticed small, ornate light fixtures scattered throughout. Each one, I realized, concealed a security camera. I made a mental note of their positions, unease growing in the pit of my stomach.
What kind of “lodging” needed this much surveillance?
Mama Raza led us into a room that was far more luxurious than I expected. A massive bed dominated the space, its sheets a deep crimson that contrasted sharply with the stark white walls. Modern amenities lined the walls - a holoscreen, climate controls, even a small kitchenette.
“I hope this suits your needs,” Mama Raza said, her smile never wavering.
I nodded, making a show of admiring the decor while my eyes darted around, searching for any signs of surveillance equipment. “It’s very nice. Thank you.”
Mama Raza clasped her hands together. “Wonderful! Now, what brings you two to our little corner of the galaxy? We don’t get many visitors out here.”
I tensed, my instincts screaming that this was more than idle chatter. “Just passing through,” I said gruffly.
“Oh?” Mama Raza’s eyes gleamed with interest. “Where are you headed?”
Cinta stepped in smoothly. “We’re not quite sure yet. Just following the wind, you know?”
Mama Raza laughed, a sound that grated on my nerves. “How romantic! Young love on an adventure.”
I bristled at the assumption, but Cinta played along, wrapping her arm around my waist. “That’s us,” she said with a wink.
Mama Raza’s questions continued, each one probing deeper into our supposed backstory. I let Cinta handle most of the talking, marveling at how easily the lies flowed from her lips. Finally, after far too long of chit chat, Mama Raza bid us goodnight.
As soon as the door closed behind her, I turned to Cinta. “We have to leave. Now.”
Cinta’s eyebrows shot up. “What? Why?”
I paced the room, my unease growing with each step. “This place isn’t safe. The cameras, Mama Raza’s questions - something’s not right.”
Cinta rolled her eyes. “You’re being paranoid. It’s just a quirky little hotel with a nosy owner in the middle of nowhere.”
“No,” I growled. “It’s more than that. I overheard some of the patrons talking about a big shipment coming in tomorrow night. This could be a front for smuggling operations.”
“So what if it is?” Cinta flopped onto the bed. “We’re not involved. And right now, I’m too exhausted to care. We need rest, Klaz. And supplies.”
I ran a hand through my hair, conflicted. Every instinct told me to grab Cinta and run, but she had a point. We were in no shape to continue our journey without rest and provisions.
“Fine,” I conceded. “We’ll stay the night. But we leave first thing in the morning.”
Cinta sat up, her eyes flashing. “You know, not everything has to be a tactical decision. Sometimes you just need to relax and let things happen.”
“Relaxing gets you killed,” I snapped.
“Living like that isn’t really living at all,” Cinta shot back.
We glared at each other, the air between us crackling with frustration and something else - something I didn’t want to examine too closely.
Cinta broke eye contact first, standing up with a huff. “I’m going to take a shower. Try not to plan our entire escape route while I’m gone.”
As she disappeared into the bathroom, I sank onto the edge of the bed, my head in my hands. The sound of running water filled the silence, and unbidden, my mind conjured images of Cinta under the spray, water cascading over her curves.
I groaned, forcing the thoughts away. This was madness... And yet, I couldn’t deny the pull I felt towards her - a magnetism that went beyond mere physical attraction.
The water shut off, and a few moments later, Cinta emerged wrapped in a towel, her skin flushed from the heat. Droplets of water clung to her shoulders, and I found myself transfixed by one as it traced a path down her collarbone.