Okay, at first.

She squared her shoulders, took another deep breath, and began her cautious journey toward the stairway at the end of the hallway. Her bare feet sank into the plush carpet, the softness a stark contrast to her growing unease. Her breasts covered up by her left arm while her right hand acted as both a cover for her crotch and a shield against her bladder. She hugged the wall, using the shadows to conceal herself as she crept along. The dim lighting seemed to amplify her vulnerability, making every step feel like a gamble.

As Emma walked down the corridor, the chilled air conditioning vents above sent a shiver down her spine, causing her skin to prickle with goosebumps. Her nipples hardened in response, a stark reminder of her vulnerability. With each step, her naked body felt increasingly exposed, as if she was surrendering her privacy to the opulent surroundings. The ornate mirrors lining the corridor seemed to amplify her vulnerability, reflecting her image from every angle. Emma's gaze darted away, instinctively avoiding the sight of her own nudity, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. Despite her determination to secure a new key, her nakedness made her feel fragile and susceptible, heightening her urgency to find refuge in her room or a bathroom.

Taking a deep breath, Emma pushed open the stairwell door and slipped inside. The metal steps echoed with each footstep, the sound bouncing off the narrow walls. Emma winced, feeling like an intruder in her own hotel.

She descended the stairs slowly, her ears straining for any sign of movement below. The silence was oppressive, punctuated only by the creaking of the stairs beneath her feet.

Reaching the bottom, Emma pushed open the door and stepped into the secondary hallway. The carpeted floor softened her footsteps as she made her way toward the lobby. Her heart rate increased with each step, her senses heightened.

Finally, Emma reached the lobby entrance and hesitated, scanning the area for potential witnesses. The murmur of voices, the beep of the check-in counter, and the rustle of luggage wheels created a cacophony of sound.

Emma's eyes darted around the lobby, searching for a safe path to the bathroom. She spotted an alcove, partially hidden by a potted plant, and made a swift dash for it. Her bare feet barely made a sound on the marble floor as she crossed the distance. Emma slipped behind the plant, her heart racing with excitement and fear. She pressed herself against the wall, holding her breath and hoping she wouldn't be discovered.

And there she stood, frozen and hidden, behind the plant.