4 Creature of luxury

Philip had just told Sofie that he would share his secrets. But only if she was willing to sleep with him. It was a test whether she could be trusted with the explosive information. But to Sofie it was utterly misguided given the callousness of his clients.

"How do I know you have anything worth such a high price?" she asked.

"I love your confidence." he almost laughed, shaking his head "Let me assure you that the information I have is worth far more than whatever value you place on spending a night with you."

Seeing her anger rise, he leaned closer to add, "Not because you are not alluring… because you absolutely are," he paused to observe the effect this calculated compliment had on her, "...but because you are only one person. Getting the information into the wrong hands would have consequences for many more people."

"Including you?"

Gone was her anger, replaced by genuine concern. She knew that the secrets from MP Kerry could be deadly, and that the informant would be the first in the firing line.

"Likely." he said with a dangerous smile.

He likes playing with fire.

"Fine," she said "let's assume you have valuable secrets, generally. How do I know you possess the one I am interested in?"

"Did you know that the Monach Butterfly is considered the queen of the butterflies." he said as if to divert the topic. "This is only partly due to its size and beauty. Perhaps the main reason is because it can cheat death. You see, most butterflies only live two to six weeks. But a Monarch butterfly born just before winter can survive for eight months. This is so it can migrate or -- depending on how you look at it -- evade the law that everyone else has to abide by. The secret to this uncanny longevity lies in its genes. Now, science has developed a machine that can read these secrets. It is not much larger than a USB stick."

Sofie swallowed. This was not a random excerpt from the New Scientist magazine. He was telling her that he had the MP's YubiKey. This digital key looked just like an USB stick but it protected the MP's email account like no other encryption technology available today.

Sofie knew that the key was the vital part to her two-factor authentication system that she used to secure whatever shady deals she brokered via email. A password and a key; Something you know, and something you have.

Sofie already knew the account password. It was 'Kerry4PM'. Kerry for Prime Minister how predictable. Easy to guess just by looking over the MP's shoulder when she typed it into her smartphone. Something you know.

The digital key, on the other hand, was much harder to obtain. Something you have. She was wearing it on her wrist with a proximity alarm. Impossible to steal, or copy, or borrow.

"Why do you have the USB stick?"

"What USB stick?" he said "The one to read the genomes of Monach butterflies? Why would I have such a thing? I am not a scientist."

"The YubiKey."

"Ah." he said with a smile as if she uttered the magical phrase to the thieves' den. "It is the backup. For emergency access, in case the first one is lost. "

"Yes, but why you? Why not her husband? Or her staff? Or put it in a safe?"

"Did you know," he said in a similar tone as his first story" that the Owl Butterfly has a marking on its wings that looks like the eye of an owl? It needs to find a partner so that they together can pretend to be an owl. Two eyes looking at their enemies."

Sofie stared at him blankly. She had no clue what this meant. How to decipher his riddle. Why would MP Kerry need a second butterfly to protect her? Unless...

MP Kerry and Club Elandra were powerful. Together, however, they were impenetrable. No one would dare to make an enemy of both at the same time. Sofie smiled. Except her. She was that daring.

"Why do you like speaking in riddles?"

She was getting tired of his diversions. And a small part of her was afraid that she would not be able to crack his next one.

"While I immensely enjoy playing games with you. In this case, it is necessary. If you can read between the lines, I know that you already have that information. Because I don't intend to reveal anything new to you." Allowing his gaze to swipe over her full breasts for the first time that night, he added "Not without my payment."

"Fair enough." she said briskly in an attempt to ignore how tight her nipples had become and to treat it as any other negotiation. "But I will have to think about it."

In her heart she knew that she had already accepted his offer. She told herself that it would be merely a physical chore. Something necessary to reach her goal; like going for a jog on a rainy morning to stay fit.

Either way, it was wise to sleep over this decision. Because the ache between her legs warned her that she might not be thinking very logically right now. It told her that there was a reasonably high chance she was completely intoxicated by this man, who was as sharp witted as he was handsome.

She even felt a connection with him that was deeper than desire or curiosity. A kindred of spirit. His observational skills were as sharp as hers, perhaps sharper. A rare asset and vital for an investigative journalist. She could picture herself working side-by-side with him on a case. His charm and her logic, the perfect combination.

But then again, this likely was the elaborate web of lies that he had spun for her. To dial up the heat-level until she was blinded to his real intentions. Until a carefully applied "Miss Carter" would bring her down again.

After all, this man was a creature of luxury. Wrapped in cotton wool by the carefully stacked layers of wealth and power that Club Elandra has created for the companions and their clients. He was so far removed from the struggles of the real world that he would not be able to comprehend the monstrosities MP Kerry would create if elected PM.

Sofie let her eyes wander over his tailored suit. It exquisitely accentuated his broad shoulders and fell in a crisp line down his muscular chest. He sat back with one leg leisurely resting on the other, hinting at the powerful calves concealed under the italian designer pants. The leather of his polished brown shoes was so crisp it looked hardly worn. And the metal clasps of the silver timepiece on his wrist jiggled heavily with his every move; an item of exquisite craftsmanship.

Suddenly an alarm bell started ringing in her ears. She should have heard it hours ago. But now it was loud and clear, asking the only remaining question: why was he doing this? Why would he risk all of this? To humor her? Because he liked playing dangerous games? Perhaps to do the right thing? Whatever it was, she needed to find it out before she could take him up on his offer.

"You know where to find me, Miss Carter." he said, almost startling her "But please keep in mind that winter is coming and the Monach butterfly will migrate. Once it is in more tropical latitudes, even collectors like us will not be able to reach it."

He was referring to the election. It was merely 10 months away and as prime minister, Mrs Kerry would have powers that made her untouchable. He knew that her election would mean after all? He was risking everything to do the right thing.

With one elegant move he rose from his chair "I am afraid our three hours are up. I'll walk you downstairs."

He did not hook her arm in his as before or attempt any other physical proximity that would acknowledge the indecent deal he had brokered with her. As they arrived back at the elegant entry hall of the club he primly held out his hand to shake farewell.

"I am looking forward to your next visit, Miss Carter" he said, gently stroking the back of her hand with his thumb. Every nerve ending in her arm exploded from this small and seemingly insignificant touch.

To Sofie it signified the promise of what was to come. And she could not wait!