I try to tell myself that can’t be true. Not with how he holds me close and keeps me all to himself. Still, he’s holding something back from me. I think I should start to do the same. Maybe I should give my Kazuo a taste of what it feels like–even if it kills me–to hold my heart back from him.
It might be the only way to claim his or the very least, protect mine.
17
Kazuo
Security is tight. I expected that to be the case, and oddly, it actually makes me feel better about bringing Mei. She has to be protected.
Isamu Ito has started a war against me, which is profoundly ill-advised, but even he is not foolish enough to attack the ruling underworld families on neutral ground. That would awaken the sleeping dragon in Japan, and the full force of the Yakuza would be brought to bear against the Itos.
“It’s beautiful.” Mei’s eyes are wide as our car pulls to the front of the house. The large trees at the front of the house have been draped with white lights that cascade in strings to the ground that’s littered with flower petals. It evokes the spring, the dance of the cherry blossoms and the promise of renewal.
“Not so beautiful as you, little rebel.” I kiss her softly, tasting her lips as she smiles.
“You’re a smooth talker.”
“Am I?” I stroke my hand down her side, feeling the silky fabric of the dress that can’t begin to compare to the soft skin underneath.
“When you want to be.”
“Ready?” Toru asks from the driver’s seat.
“Yes.” I give Mei one more kiss, then step out and help her from the car.
“You know the plan. Don’t let Mei out of your sight, no matter what happens.”
“I know.” Toru shakes his head. “You’ve only told me a million times in two different languages. I think I’ve got it.”
“Don’t worry.” Mei squeezes my hand. “I’m with you.”
Damn. Her confidence in me is like a shot of pure adrenaline. It’s exactly what I need.
I lean down and whisper in her ear, “Come on. I’m going to show you off.”
She smiles beautifully as I lead her up the stairs to the open front doors. Music swirls through the air as we enter, and I get nods from several ruling members of the Yakuza.
A server walks past with a tray of champagne. I snag one for Mei and hand it to her.
“Oh, bubbles.” She sips it as I lead her out of the foyer and into the sparkling ballroom. The music is louder here with people filling the dance floor. Most of them are likely hired or perhaps the older children of the bosses. They’re certainly enjoying themselves, all of them moving to the music as servers pass along the edges with trays of food and drink.
“This is way more fun than I expected.” Mei’s eyes widen as a DJ starts playing something with a heavier beat. Her hips move to the rhythm, and I can’t stop myself from grabbing her and pulling her to me. She sways against me, then turns so her back is to me. When her ass presses against my erection, she grins at me over her shoulder.
“Oh, my little rebel. You’re begging for some discipline.” I grip her hips harder and grind my cock against her. “And you’ll have it tonight.”
She shivers but keeps moving to the music. I’m lost in her, in the scent of her skin and the softness of her dark hair. She’s a gift, one I don’t deserve. Hideo never should have sent her to me, but I’m so fucking glad he did. Perhaps he knew what she would mean to me. That’s when it hits me–Hideo planned this all along. He knows me better than anyone, and though he doesn’t understand Mei, he certainly knows her, too. This is what he wanted. The two of us. I was a fool to not see it before.
“What?” She turns in my arms and looks up at me. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. Not a single thing.” I kiss her hard and pull her tightly to me. I know it will send whispers rustling through the other families, but I don’t care. I want them to know she’s mine. All fucking mine.
She clutches my tux and gets on her tiptoes in her heels. When I swipe my tongue against hers, she moans into my mouth. I want her right here, right now. But I can’t have her.
Breaking away, I rest my hand at her throat. “Soon, little rebel, I’m going to give you every inch of me, and I’ll never stop. I’m going to fuck you so well it’ll ruin you.”
“And then I’ll be your whore forever? Is that right?” She bats her lashes innocently.
“Forever,” I agree.
I feel a tap on my shoulder, and I know it has to be Toru. No one else would dare touch me.