Hero Spade and Villain No. 13's Secret Rendezvous (3)
The dessert was drawing to a close. And Villain No. 13 hadn't brought up anything else—no chit-chat, no threats. It almost made Spade feel like a fool for hiding a weapon in her clothes. Was this guy really just here for the dessert? For Club's sake? Just as Spade started thinking he might be that straightforward...
"Oh yeah, Spade."
"...What."
"That thing on your side—it's okay, right? Not a serious injury? No scar left behind?"
Villain No. 13 asked.
Side. Injury. Scar.
Bam! Spade slammed the table and shot to her feet. She ignored the stares from everyone around them.
"...You..."
"Sit down, Spade. People are staring."
Spade glared at Villain No. 13. He just looked back at her nonchalantly, sipping the coffee that had come with the dessert.
"Were you there?"
"What if I was?"
"...No way, but... was Club there too?"
The denial she'd clung to resurfaced. An absurd possibility dawned on her. But no, that sniper shot back then was impossible for Club's level. And yet, she couldn't shake the thought. What if Club had been there, and No. 13 had manipulated her to attack Spade?
Yeah... yeah.
Come to think of it... No. 13's ability...
Spade had chased No. 13 multiple times in the past. From their first chance encounter, even knowing she couldn't match him, she'd trained and tracked him relentlessly to capture him. In those clashes, she'd seen his ability up close. Though it seemed he'd lost it now, she'd unconsciously dismissed it.
No. 13 could enhance the abilities of others—his allies. She didn't know how or why, but he could elevate an ordinary person to Awakener level, and Awakeners to even higher.
Ah, yes. That explained it. Hard to believe Club's power had reached that level, but it was a possibility worth considering. But if so, then why? If it had been Club's ability...
Why had Club attacked her?
"I said sit down, Spade."
"Shut your mouth, trash."
"Haa... I was hoping for a rational conversation."
No. 13 shook his head like it was a headache. But the one with the headache was Spade.
"What did you do to Club?"
"Last warning, Spade. Sit."
"What did you do! I'm asking you!"
Spade pounded the table again. No. 13 frowned and glanced around. Trying to remind her of the hostages? A villain caring about stares? Either way, Spade had no room left to think that far.
Spade was fiery by nature. And when it involved her comrades, that fire blazed even hotter. The only reason she hadn't lunged at him was her last thread of reason holding her back. And that reason's fate now hung on No. 13's next move.
Whether he knew it or not, No. 13 sighed and set down his coffee cup. He looked resigned.
"...I was willing to explain everything if you wanted. But looks like a calm chat's off the table."
"Cut the crap. Answer straight."
"Fine. But first."
No. 13 continued.
"Now, Spade Jack is――"
No. 13 said something. What was it? Spade frowned.
Frowned...?
Wha...?
In that instant, Spade felt her consciousness slipping away. By the time she realized it, it was too late. Propped against the table, she froze like she'd been hit by a petrification ray.
No. 13 checked into a hotel room with the now obedient doll-like Spade—the same hotel where they'd just been at the restaurant—and headed upstairs.
"Whoa... this is seriously luxurious."
It was his first time staying in a place this fancy. Even No. 13's eyes went wide. Spade's loud outburst had drawn stares, forcing them up here in a hurry.
But yeah. The issue was using the doll-state Spade's wallet and card to pay right in front of everyone. Should've asked for her card at the start. He felt like the ultimate scumbag making his fight opponent foot the bill, so he gave up on that. Instead, he called Apple—not Advisor or the boss.
Just in case, he'd contacted her, and she'd cheerfully agreed, wiring money to his account. And holy crap, the amount was massive. Enough to pay back everything he owed Advisor. Hadn't she exceeded the transfer limit? Was this legit money?
At least the dessert's covered, and check-in was no problem.
...Still, this is too much. Gotta return the rest later...
No. 13 was a villain, but a petty one. He couldn't just take a windfall like this without knowing why. More than that, who the hell was that woman? It was getting creepy.
"......."
"Anyway, you're something else, Spade. If you'd stayed quiet, I'd have explained slowly. But no, you had to make a scene."
The Spade he'd brought along stood blankly in the middle of the luxurious hotel room like a doll. When No. 13 scolded her, she apologized a beat late: "I'm sorry."
No real meaning in an apology from her doll state, though.
"...Hoo... anyway."
Calling Spade out today wasn't just for dessert crawling. Things with her were bound to end up like this. No point complaining. A bit early, but he could proceed with the plan now.
No. 13 approached Spade and whispered suggestions into her hypnotized ear.
"Now, listen carefully, Spade. From now on, everything I say is the truth. Believe it."
"Then, Spade, you're a princess from now on. Become the princess."
"A princess just has to stay still. Everyone around will take care of her..."
Slurp... slurp... slurrrp...
Wha...?
What am... I doing...?
Spade dimly regained consciousness. With it came a profoundly strange sensation. How to describe it? An indescribable comfort. A floating, buoyant feeling. Blissful, anyway.
...Kissing...?
She gradually pieced it together. Something pressed against her lips. Something entered her mouth. It was the man's tongue—her partner's. It roamed her mouth freely.
Who was this? Who was kissing her? She didn't know, but it felt good, so... Spade gently closed her eyes. Somehow, she felt she could trust whoever was before her...
The kiss went on for a long time. She never once thought to stop. Midway, his hand reached out and kneaded her ass. Embarrassing, but even that shame felt good... Spade let out a soft "mm" and accepted it all.
Suddenly, their lips parted. Spade's mouth hung open. "Ah..." she murmured, disappointed.
"Spade, did it feel good?"
"...Yeah..."
"Good. I wanted you to enjoy it."
Was that it? He wanted her to be happy. Then maybe more kissing? It'd feel even better.
"Kissing's nice, but let's make it feel even better first. It's hot, so how about taking off some clothes? Oh, no need to move. You're the princess today."
Princess, princess... Princess? What did that mean? Was she a princess? While Spade puzzled over it, the man before her—No. 13—personally stripped the blankly standing Spade.
Her black shirt came off first, then her jeans were tugged down. Soon she stood in just her pink bra and panties top and bottom. Ah, she'd felt a bit hot before... Now it was cool and nice...
No. 13 tugged up Spade's bra slightly, exposing her breasts and nipples. He took each one in his mouth and sucked.
Spade's lips quivered. This... this felt a bit embarrassing...
"Just stay still, Spade. You're the princess, so I'll take care of everything."
No. 13 rolled her nipple on his tongue, kneaded her breast under the hiked-up bra, and said it. Spade couldn't even reply, just stood blankly, accepting whatever he did...