7:18 PM, March 13th, 20XX

  Kazu adamantly wanted to be the one to take me home, even at the suggestion of Kurenai to not do so. He sat in the corner of my bedroom, a cigarette in his mouth as he laid back in the arm chair, warm amber eyes following my every move. I had no luck in avoiding a meeting with Ikuto, so I dragged my feet as I got ready. Woe is the life of an independent woman. Deciding on a black lace bodycon mini dress that let my black underwear peek through, I turned around as I slid it down; Kazu’s eyes followed my hands as I did. I made my way to him, my hands going in his hair as his hands trailed up my thighs and his head laid on my stomach.

  “Tell me not to go.” I looked down at him, expecting him to jump at that opportunity. Instead, I got those gorgeous eyes looking up at me; his brows furrowed.

  “No. I don’t want to control you. If you decide not to go, I want it to be on your own terms. My feelings should have little relevance.” I groaned at his chivalry, yanking his hair slightly as I straddled him.

  “How does it not get under your skin knowing what I have to do with him?”

  “It does. I just don’t have a right to control you in any way. Sexually, that’s a whole different story and level of consent, but your life? The way you make your money? While I can care for you in more ways than one, I want you to have the choice to let me do so.”

  “You did say you wanted to take care of me.”

  “I did, but you also said you wanted to indulge in the money you worked hard for. We’re both at odds at how we want to influence each other’s lives, which is understandable; given we’ve only known each other 2 full days. I don’t want to take too much from you, I don’t want you to resent me.”

  “I wouldn’t.” I nuzzled his neck, letting him hold me closer for a hug.

  “Trust me, you would.” He looked away, his mind consumed by something that troubled him. I wanted to poke, to get him to tell me everything and anything. But he was right, we’d only known each other 2 full days. Maybe it was something I wasn’t ready to know yet. Sighing, I let him rub my back as we let the minutes pass, maybe somehow the stars would align and cause this meeting to fall through. His phone rang, his face apologetic as he pulled it out his pocket.

  “(In Italian) Speak.” My brows raised at his sudden language change, I knew he spoke Japanese given his little spat with Ken, but I assumed he didn’t speak Italian due to having Ken around. Exactly how educated was this guy? Standing up, I was ready to walk away to finish getting ready, yet he held my hand, a look to tell me to hold on.

  “(In Italian) Hurt him well enough to need a few days recovery, don’t kill him and don’t let him trace it back to me. I’ll send payment when I hear full confirmation of a job well done.” He pulled me back to him, his hand yanking up my dress. I looked at him confused as he went for my underwear, his phone still by his ear. Tugging at them with his teeth, he kept those deadpan, piercing eyes on me, my skin flaring up in heat as he soon ripped my delicate panties off with his teeth.

  “H-hey, I liked those…”

  “I’ll buy you new ones. (In Italian) No, not you. Focus on your fuckin’ job instead of my conversation.” He spoke rudely to the person on the phone, the only way I could tell this was by how his face scrunched up in annoyance; which was rather endearing and so fucking sexy. Patting my leg, he directed me to place it on his shoulder; the position making it so my bare pussy was right in his face. I blushed at the sight, only because it essentially felt like there were others in the room. They were just on the phone, nuzzling his face in my warmth as he kept his attention to his phone also, the tittering of whatever was happening on the other line a bit distracting.

  “I h-have to go soon.”

  “No...” I chose to not focus on the sounds on the other line, a big grin on his face was answer enough. “(In Italian) Good job, I’ll send payment by tonight.” He tossed his phone haphazardly to the ground, his hands finally grabbing me the way I wanted to be.

  “I’m the only one fuckin’ you tonight.”

  ??

  Was I possibly causing an all out war between rival families all because I wanted to spend an uninterrupted night with the woman I might, no, will marry?

  Yes, yes I was.

  Did I make it so he was t-boned and had his car shot up a few times just so I could hear her call my name instead of his?

  Yes, yes I fuckin’ did.

  Was the idea of her being embraced by him enough for me to find another way to hurt him?

  Yes, it absolutely fuckin’ was.

  This was the part of my possessive nature that was dangerous. The part that wanted her attached to me at all times, to need me, to want me. I wanted her to be fully dependent on me in every way. For now, I had her in the best way; naked, wet and panting for me. She was no stranger to pleasure, her magic wand on her clit as I held her legs open and plunged deeply into her. I kissed her calf as I slowed down, the squeezing of her orgasm causing my knees to buckle slightly.

  “Ooh, good girl.” A little praise to include in my thrusting, a gasp of air from her as her back arched from the bed, giving me the opportunity to place my hand at the crook of her back and hold her up. Her long hair cascaded down her back as I thrusted into her, her nails grabbing my shoulders and digging her manicured nails into my skin. The rattling of my necklace around her neck was like music to my ears, mixed with her gentle moans and my name only pulled me in even more. I was becoming a different person with her, a person that I didn’t know I could control. Who knows what more I’d pull just to be with her?

  We met eyes as she pulled me into a kiss, those sweet russet brown eyes heavy from ecstasy. A smile couldn’t help but slowly grow on my face, the need to “finish” not of importance to me. I just wanted to satisfy her. Abandoning the wand, she left her pleasure entirely up to me; but I think we were both past getting somewhere…We just wanted to be with each other. The need to release was slowly approaching, so of course I was to let her know; I wasn’t a fuckin’ prick.

  “Almost there, baby.” The first and only time we were in this predicament, she was more than okay with my finishing inside, the security of an IUD assured me that I wouldn’t expect any surprises within a month. I expected her to allow me the same, but no…no. She swiftly pushed me back and took me into her mouth. I bit my lip at the change of sensations, but fuck, I wasn’t opposed to it. I grinned as she met eyes with me, a darkness in her that I only thought I saw with myself. It was so strange how I was absolutely hers. I came soon after and watched as she didn’t let a single drop of me go to waste. Even the single drop that tried to escape as she stood up, all hers.

  Two days in, I was nothing but just a man… but…I think I’m in love?

  10:05 PM

  She laid on my chest as I puffed away at yet another cigarette, my hand busy with my phone as I sent the payment I promised. Her long manicured nail trailed on my chest, following the lines of one of my koi fish tattoos, the one I’d had gotten in ode to my father. Sitting up, she turned to look at me over her shoulder.

  “So Italian? When were you going to tell me you were trilingual?”

  “I wasn’t because I’m not. I also speak Korean and Mandarin.” I smirked at her as I ashed my cigarette on the napkin on her side table.

  “You let me ask Ken for Italian lessons when I could’ve just asked you?”

  “Now why would I do that when Ken is half Italian himself? I’d rather let him showcase his culture and also, it’s a way for you to bond. I want you to get close with him, it’ll only make it easier when we all get more…involved.”

  “You’re talking about being involved…exactly how involved do you want us to be?” She straddled me, her breasts bouncing as she took my hands, letting them follow my eyes and placing them on her chest. She waited for my reply as I couldn’t help but get distracted. I was just a man, after all.

  “How honest am I allowed to be?”

  “I’d love full honesty if you don’t…mind.” Her slight pause was on me, I couldn’t help but rub her nipples in between my fingers. She raised a brow, not pushing me away.

  “I want to see him fuck you. I want you right in the middle of us as he takes you from behind and I get to see that pretty face in pleasure.” I could tell she was blushing by the way her skin warmed under my hands. I nuzzled her neck as my hands stayed on her breasts, I was ready for round whatever the fuck this was.

  “…What else?” I could hear the curiosity in her voice. She was by no means put off by the idea. Her hardening nipples were also giving her away.

  “Mmm, I eventually want both of us to take you. You seem like you could take it.” A slight moan, there she was, melting in my grasp.

  “Would Kurenai be involved?” My eyes widened at her question, I didn’t have her in mind only because I wasn’t fully sure how into it she’d be. Yes, I did have Kurenai initiate my confession, but initiation is only so far. To involve someone, well that’s a whole different matter.

  “If you want her to be.”

  “I do. I really, really do.”

  “Then I’ll make your wish come true, but for right now, you’re all mine.”

  ??

  Nai and I knew once 10pm hit, Kazu wasn’t coming home. She had communicated with his special 8, who ended up telling her that he had them lingering in Airla’s lobby while he was upstairs in her apartment. Unable to send them home as they were to protect Kazu at all times, she made sure to get them food sent over. Sighing, she rubbed her temples as she stood by the windows. Kazu’s apartment had massive windows that looked out to NYC, the need to have lights on minimal as it was true what they say, the city never slept. I lounged on the couch as I watched her, her silk robe swaying as she turned around; long black locks in a messy bun and a bare, but rather beautiful face.

  “My men are probably going to spend the night in a lobby because Kazu wants to play house with Airla.”

  “Well, that’s to be expected, darling. We both stood there as he put out the orders that he did against Ikuto. We know what he’s capable of in regards to her, might as well just learn to accept it.”

  “Such a defeatist attitude, sweetheart. It’s unlike you.” She made her way to the couch, taking a seat and finding her warmth in the crook of my arm. The couch was massive, allowing both of our bodies to fit comfortably.

  “Not defeat, acceptance. I’ve seen Kazu infatuated, but never like this. Firstly, the necklace. He’d never allow anyone to touch it, much less wear it. Even I wasn’t allowed and we’re close. But given that, I can’t put it all on him. There’s something about her that’s…intriguing.”

  “Oh, is that a crush? Should I tell our guest you’ve got a little inkling for her?” She teased, smiling up at me as she poked my stomach. I chuckled at her teasing, taking her hand and interlocking our fingers.

  “Now would you fault me if I did?”

  “I’d be surprised if you didn’t, Miss Airla is very pretty.” She looked up at me as she confessed, those eyes of hers still bright even in the dim light.

  “You speak about my crush but yet you refer to her like a student would a teacher, are we sure you’re not the one with the crush?” I teased her in return, only to get her cheeks to warm up in embarrassment.

  “Well she did confess something to me while in my closet. Said to keep it between us girls.”

  “Seems like you don’t want to keep it between you two by the way you’re mentioning it.”

  “I don’t. I am more…loyal to you than I am to her, I’ve yet to know her fully; even if I’m interested.”

  “Well go on, confess.”

  Her hand trailed up my chest as she sucked on her lower lip, those cheeks still slightly red from my previous statement.

  “She wants to be in between you, Kazu and myself. Sort of a ménage à quatre for lack of a better term.”

  “I’m not sure there is a better term. That’s as straightforward as one can be. What did you tell her?” Her hand was now in my shirt, short nails drawing circles on my bare skin.

  “I didn’t get to say anything, she walked away before I could.” Now that hand was lower, going for the band of my sweatpants. I enjoyed comfort at home, so I wasn’t opposed to a few pairs of grey sweatpants.

  “…What would you have said, given the chance?”

  “Mm, I’m not sure. It’s been a while since I’ve shown interest to anyone else. A certain 6’4, long haired man has consumed most of my attention.”

  “I couldn’t possibly be that distracting.”

  “If you’re going to be a liar, Ken…at least be a good one.” Her hand made its way into my pants, cupping my bulge. I was by no means opposed to whatever she had planned, the agreement between us was reliant on being available for her whenever she pleased. Her job was dangerous and I could lose her at any moment; so I always made sure to prioritize her needs, whether they be sexual, emotional or otherwise.

  “I thought I’d try my hand in it, still terrible, it seems.”

  If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  “Well, if it’s any consolation. You’re great at other things.” I wasn’t a stranger to what she implied, her hand wasn’t making it a mystery. Lifting her chin to face those bewitching eyes of hers, the cupping turned to a straight grope.

  “Would you like that I demonstrate?”

  “Oh, I never thought you’d ask.”

  ??

  There were not many words in the English, Spanish or Japanese vocabulary for how this man made me feel. Scooping me up in his strong, tattooed arms was a thrill like no other. The safety his warmth provided was a warmth that I had lacked for many years, that is, until I found him. Our relationship was by no means serious, he didn’t claim me, I didn’t claim him, but when it came to the bedroom, he was mine and I was his. Even when Kazu would be involved, he always took the time to make sure I was just as satisfied, if not more. Placing me down, I made my way to the bed, taking a seat and extending my leg out to him; which he held and placed a few gentle kisses. Stormy gray eyes looked to me as his kisses trailed up my leg, a quick peek at my underwear as he did.

  “You’re wearing the ones I got you in Tokyo.”

  “The black lace and singular pink bow is very much to my liking, thank you very much.”

  “My pleasure, now excuse me while I push them to the side.” And that he did, pushing his long golden brown hair back before making due with his promise. Ken, for lack of decorum, was an eater. As I was myself, but never to the level that he was. Every single moment that I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing with him, he didn’t feel sex was complete if he didn’t get to indulge in his favorite meal. He would lose himself in the moment, gray eyes peeking ever so often to meet with mine as I bit my lip down and felt those early tingles of pleasure. I would watch as his strong tattooed hands held me, the eyes of the Greek legend, Medusa, looking back at me. His other hand, hollowed out sockets from his skull tattoo also looked to me. I could lose myself in just watching him indulge, but of course he had to complicate such an easy feat, introducing those thick, strong fingers into me, I yelped slightly. I wasn’t jesting when I mentioned the thickness of his fingers.

  No part of me went without care. My arching back, lightheadedness and heavy breathing was evident of that. The attention he placed on my clit sent me over the edge and caused me to yank him by his hair to release me from the constant waves of pleasure that he was responsible for. The yanking did nothing as he grabbed my hand, eating me through yet another orgasm that had me seeing stars. I felt the need to beg, the only person capable of breaking me down in such a way.

  “P-please, enough.” I felt the wetness of the sheets under me as I shuddered, a chuckle from him as he stood up; wiping his mouth slowly and soon after pulling off his t-shirt.

  “Do you need a moment, darling?” He asked, voice gruff from his little venture. I glared at him, my eyes soon going down his chiseled chest. The remnants of a life lived in the form of art. Ken was heavily tattooed, our minds so close in creativity as the branches from his sakura and strawberry tree tattoos peeked over his shoulders. The difference in his tattoos to Kazu’s were clear; there was no expectation of him to continue a bloodline or carry a name. Like me, he was alone.

  “No, but I’d like to return the favor if you don’t mind.” My eyes were on his bulge, which had absolutely grown from his little fun. Cupping it, he tucked my hair behind my ear; his hand going under my chin and lifting it.

  “Don’t feel you have to, I can do without.”

  Such a small gesture to anyone else, but to me? Larger than life. Given the circumstances I had found myself in before finding the Nagatsuchi Clan, I was left with a bad taste in my mouth when it came to fellatio. I didn’t enjoy submitting. That changed once I got involved with Ken. Not only did he have impeccable hygiene; his cock was just as pretty as he was. A heft and thickness like no other, I truly didn’t mind becoming his lapdog.

  “I don’t have to, I want to.”

  I truly meant it as I held him, my hand wrapping around his cock as I licked the pre-cum off his tip. I loved the way he tasted as much as I loved the way he looked. Holding my hair for me; I took him in slowly, I wasn’t fond of gagging or any of the excessive shit some people pulled when sucking cock. I just wanted him to caress my head lovingly, tell me I’m doing a good job and to fuck me after. I was simple and easy to please.

  “You’re doing great, my love. Don’t stop.” He growled slightly, his hands on his hips as I sucked. He knew not to pat my head, good fucking boy. To think that such a simple task could make this man melt this way, oh what a powerful feeling. I could feel the desperation he had to touch me, but his chivalry had it so he refused to; clenching his fists instead. I pulled back to look back up to him, my jaw tired from the gift I had decided to bestow on him. His skin was flushed and warm, his eyes darker as he took my wrists and held them behind my head.

  “What are you waiting for, get to it.” I demanded, smirking at him as I did.

  “My absolute pleasure.”

  ??

  I wish I could admit to her how much I really cared. I wish it didn’t change our dynamic if I did, but after the life she’s had, the constant disappointment, the heartbreak from the people who were to protect her, I couldn’t. I didn’t want to kiss her goodbye one day and not come back. I didn’t want her to suffer as my mother once did. She doesn’t deserve that. Our relationship had no label, which anyone would deem as great, but a small part of me wanted her to be mine and mine alone.

  But she wasn’t mine to have.

  Thankfully, I could express my feelings for her without speaking a word. My actions proved enough that I cared, but the way I ravished her spoke volumes. I loved watching her body react to my touch, how she’d gasp if I picked her up too suddenly or how her back would arch as I took her from behind. Her back tattoo was simple, minimal and quiet; just as she was. With simple clean lines, it showed a minimalist sun and stars, flowing well with the lotus flower tattoo that she had on the back of her neck. Trailing my hand up her back, I gripped her neck, my tongue by her ear, which I had found out was a rather sensitive erogenous zone.

  “N-no, not there.” She moaned, not stopping me.

  “So then, stop me.” I whispered, still continuing my thrusts. This was the only time I wanted to have an upper hand on her; any other time, I was hers to command, regardless of my being her superior. She didn’t push back of course, I didn’t expect her to. Her backside only pressed more into me as she turned her face and pulled me in for a messy kiss. A slight bite of the tongue to get back at me, I chuckled.

  “Then, let me.” She growled, our position soon changing as she wanted to stick to her words and put me in my place. Which honestly, not a bad thing if it meant I was to enjoy her riding me. I was truly fond of the position. Whether it was her — or Kazu, I liked to be used by them. Nai’s front was as interesting as her back, the simplicity of tattoos still the same. The laurels on her collarbone were delicately laid out, the leaves sans color as the reason for them had no reason to have color. One signified her, the other; her mother. The lack of color, a representation of their broken relationship. She was as poetic as she was beautiful, hence why I couldn’t take my eyes off her as she went on.

  Small beads of sweat trailed down in between her breasts, which she gave me the honor to hold and caress however I pleased; the clenching of her making it hard to fucking focus.

  “Good lord, Nai.” I was really nothing but a fucking man, no amount of respect, money or power could change that.

  I was hers, irrevocably.

  And I loved her, just the same.

  I just wish she knew.

  ??

  I found myself awake as Kazu slept beside me, the time reading 1:32 in the morning. He was a stomach sleeper, finally giving me a good look at his massive back piece. A rather large red dragon splayed out on his back, mouth agape and angry. The surrounding features included black clouds and yet another camellia flower, this time larger than the ones on his arms. Each of his shoulders had intricate koi fishes on them, which flowed well with the theme that he had going. This man was proud of his Japanese heritage. The only thing that threw me off was his back of the neck tattoo, a Tudor rose from England. Of course my curiosity didn’t need to be satiated, I was okay with staring at him instead. Taking my small sketchbook from beside my bed, I ended up sketching him instead. How his hair would fall on his face as he slept or how his soft pink lips were slightly parted as he snored lightly. I was truly infatuated with him, given by how fast I managed to sketch him out. He tousled a bit, his amber eyes still heavy with sleep as they opened.

  “What are you up to...? He asked sleepily, reaching out to me.

  “Oh nothing, just sketching you. I woke up and just stared at you instead, you’re very beautiful.” His eyes widened quickly before looking at me lovingly, a smile on his face as he scooted closer to me.

  “Can I see?” He asked softly, his voice still waking up.

  “Sure, I still need to do your sketch for the mural, but with this; that should be relatively easy.” I showed him the page, a rough sketch of him sleeping. I was trained in portraiture, so human subjects were easy for me to draw up. Even with his tattoos missing, it was evidently him and all I could say is, he was just as beautiful on paper as he was in real life.

  “Holy shit, baby. That’s so…good. You really are talented, fuck.” He sat up to get a really good look, a big smile on his face as he proudly looked at my art. It warmed my heart, how couldn’t I fall for him?

  “Thank you, it’s nothing like my other work. Once I get that mural down, you’ll see my actual talent.”

  “Baby girl, come on. This is great and you did it in no time, I couldn’t imagine your work in months’ time. I’m truly honored to be drawn by you.” I blushed at his compliment, his smile was so gentle and genuine, something I yearned for since leaving my home. Placing my sketchbook down, I went in for a hug, which he received warmly as we laid back on my pillows. A months’ time felt so far away, but I wondered…

  What would happen once I was done with the mural? Even if things between us did somehow flourish into something more, what purpose would I have than just being his girlfriend? Would he consider me that given my other profession? Would he hide me? Squeezing me tighter, I think he was aware of my derailing train of thought.

  “What’s bothering you?” He asked, concern soon masking his sleepy voice.

  “Nothing, just unimportant mental clutter.”

  “Don’t feel whatever’s going on in that head of yours is unimportant to me. How do I expect to know you if you don’t tell me anything?”

  “I suppose you’re right, but you’re busy. I don’t want my trivial things to cloud what I’m sure are very important matters.”

  “Baby, I gave orders over the phone. I have Ken to stand in my place in case I don’t want to. You underestimate how much free time I actually have. If I wanted to dedicate an entire month to spending every single day with you, it’s more than in my ability to do so.”

  “Dropping everything for me sounds a bit too good to be true. Besides, what about me? I don’t have the same freedom to follow in your steps. A month’s worth of freedom would have me calling my father by the end of the month.”

  “Then let me take care of you and that wouldn’t be a worry.” .

  There he was again with the claim of wanting to take care of me. The real question was, how much did I want to be a kept woman? Did I want to look away as a bill came to the table? Was I really okay with just being his? Was I ready to give up that independence? There was still so much to Kazu that I had no clue about. Why was I worried about his ability to care for me and not who he was as a person? Maybe I had fallen deeper than I anticipated. It was a worry I didn’t want to have right now as I looked up to him and turned his face to me.

  “How about letting me take care of you instead?”

  “How about we take care of each other instead?” He retorted, a slight rise of the brow.

  “Do you think we can?”

  “We can try.”

  ??

  7:48 AM, March 14th, 20XX

  It was hypocritical of me to want to know so much of her while still keeping secrets. To give her the work of opening up to me when I can’t do the same unless I’m willing to accept bringing her into the other part of my life. Holding her hand as we were driven in silence, I stared out the window; hand to my mouth as I debated between just turning towards her and admitting the truth. But how do I face my father? How do I explain to him that I’ve fallen so hard that I was willing to violate agreements between families just to be with her? She was only supposed to be hired to work for an art piece. How did I let myself get sucked in so easily? Squeezing my hand, I turned to her and smiled.

  “Are you going to be in and out of the office today or am I going to have some company?” She asked, her hair bouncing as she turned her body towards me.

  “I might need to step out for a minute or two, but I’ll be there most of the day. I’ll be able to watch you work in real time.”

  “Mm, okay. Will we have lunch with Ken and Kurenai? I remember you wanting to keep that as a tradition.”

  “Sure. I don’t think they’d be opposed to it.”

  Arriving at my office, we were greeted by Ken and Kurenai by the windows, arms crossed as they turned around. They had rather relaxed faces, gentle smiles as we met eyes.

  “There he is, we expected for you to send for work from Airla’s bed.” Ken teased, long hair in a half bun; giving me a good look of those high cheekbones of his. I chuckled as Airla made her way to her little area, I to my desk. Taking a seat, I looked to my desk for the day, a bunch of menial shit that I could have Judy do instead. Kurenai bent to my shoulder, her eyes on Airla as she whispered.

  “My men told me what you did, did you think of the consequences that might arise?”

  “I did. I would rather not talk about it, given our company.”

  “We can talk about it during lunch.”

  “No we won’t. She’ll be there too.” I whispered back, my hand busy with signatures. Kurenai sighed as she stood straight, mumbling under her breath. Airla gasped as she attended to something on her phone. Coming to my desk, she placed her hands on the cold glass, russet eyes curious.

  “Hey…so I just got a text from my Madam that Sadanaga was involved in a car crash, but not only that, get this…he was shot at too. Crazy, right?” She spoke curiously, one hand on her hip, the other by her mouth, finger on her lip.

  “That is crazy. I hope he has a…speedy recovery.” I answered plainly, I wanted that motherfucker dead, but we couldn’t always get what we wanted.

  “You didn’t have anything to do with it…did you?” My eyes widened quickly, thankful that I wasn’t facing her head on. That’s what I liked about her, she wasn’t stupid. I looked up to her soon after, giving her a sheepish smile.

  “Now why would you think that? I’m the CEO of a steelwork company, why would I be involved?” A lie, a fuckin’ lie. I gripped my pen in my hand as I felt the burn of that lie in the back of my throat.

  “8 guards following you around at all times, a head of security and a best friend who looks like he could snap someone in half…tell me, Kazu…how much longer do you want me to play stupid?”

  ??

  March 13th, between 9:38 pm & 4:19 am…

  I peeled away from Ikuto’s grip after our first two sessions. Putting in the work, I was able to give myself a moment of reprieve before he took me again. Sitting on the side of the bed, I looked back at him with slight disgust in myself. Such a rude and inconsiderate person, getting the best superpower that I, as a sexual being possessed, all for a price. At least I had something good to go to once this was over. Taking the necklace into my hand, I smiled at the thought of Kazu, reminding me that yes, I’d finally found someone who was okay with this. Even with the prospect of involving myself with his two closest friends, he was still mine. The only problem was, it was getting tiring having to play coy at the reality he exhumed…

  There was something about Kazu that I needed to know. The problem was not knowing where to start. I also needed to know why the giant behind me was so interested in the necklace around my neck. While fucking me, he’d push it out the way, wanting me to cover it or damn near pulling it off. What connection did these two men have? Why did Ikuto have so much ire for a necklace? Looking at his phone, I wasn’t opposed to snooping. It’s not like I wanted to rob the guy, he had nothing I wanted. Just information. Thankfully for me, he was a heavy sleeper. I unlocked his phone with his thick thumb, giving me access to his life. He had a phone, a good one at that, of course he’d place his whole life in it. Taking a seat on the floor, I snooped through his messages, most in Japanese, no help. Looking through his pictures, they were some far away photographs of Kazu, as if he was tracking him. I raised a brow at that, why need to track him down? I went through his notes, there had to be something, anything.

  I eventually came across a small manifesto of some sort, a few blabbered thoughts in English, too embarrassing to repeat out loud. I might not enjoy his presence, but he still deserved some privacy to his thoughts. Reading through it, I picked up the mentions of Kazu, how he hated him and wished for the downfall of his Clan. How’d he assure the death of his Chairman, of the British whore that is his mother, of his best friend and right hand, Ken…

  Why a clan, not a family? Why chairman, right hand man….why these terms?

  I hated making assumptions. The only time I had ever heard those terms was during childhood. Where I’d hang out with the Japanese kids in my town and watch movies with them. I remember watching Yakuza movies, where they’d refer to their boss as Chairman, where they carried tattoos with the same placements as Ikuto and Kazu…

  Where the prodigal son was protected with a group of men to his disposal at all times…

  It was a crazy assumption, but who’s to say it’s not a good one?