3:35 PM, March 18th, 20XX

  Airla seemed to need a few days to…adjust after laying with Ken, which was understandable given his…size and girth. She truly walked with a bit of a limp for the first day or two. In that time, she took the opportunity to finish her sketch and get Kazu’s approval to start actually working on the wall the artwork was meant to go on. I was tasked to keep her company as Kazu missed spending time with Ken & I was due for my time to woo Airla, I was just as interested in her as my male counterparts. Sitting there as she leaned forward on a ladder, my eyes looked up from my phone and blushed at the sight of her backside poking out as she worked.

  I was perverse just like any other man, I was just demure about it as a lady would be. The outfit she had chosen to wear for her task was rather short, a play on workman’s jumpsuit, her’s was the same material, just short, skirted and exposed her soft, plump but strong thighs. If there’s one thing I noticed with her clothes, it was her choice to wear any kind of skirt or dress. The woman did not wear pants, but shit, if I looked like her…I’d be naked half the time too. By no means was I jealous of this woman, in fact, I admired her.

  I admired how she did the bare minimum to cause someone like Kazuhito to bend. It was fascinating to watch how he'd talk to her tenderly or look at her the same way. How he’d jump to take her chair out or open her door if they walked ahead. Usually Kazu would leave that to one of my men, no. Not with her. He was smitten. I could attest that Ken was heading towards the same path by the times I had caught him just glancing at her warmly. I felt left out, only because I hadn’t experienced her the same. Her phone rang, getting her attention as she leaned over; the ladder slightly tipping.

  I wasn’t Kazuhito Nagatsuchi’s Head of Security for combat ability, I was also placed there for my quickness at things, whether that be combat or otherwise. Even with my attention split between the crossword puzzle on my phone and watching her, I was still able to catch her before she slammed face first into the marble ground. Gasping as I caught her, I placed her down, my hand around her waist.

  “Thank you, Kurenai. Saved me explaining to Kazu why my face was bruised.”

  “Not a problem, darling. Do be careful, I wouldn’t want to be reprimanded for that pretty face getting bruised.” I helped her to her feet, my hand still around her waist.

  “I wouldn’t let him reprimand you. We ladies have to stick together, who knows what those two will have planned for us now that I’m around.”

  I raised a quick brow, helping her back on the ladder. Her phone pinged again, I passed it to her this time; no need for repetition. She sighed as she looked at the screen, my curiosity sparked.

  “Are you alright?”

  “Just my Madam asking if I’ll be in tonight. I took a few days off from all forms of activities. I wanted to be in better shape for you than I was after sleeping with Ken.”

  I blushed at her nonchalant response to my question. No hesitation, no stutter, just straightforward as one can be. It was an admirable trait, but it truly had me figuring out how to respond to her.

  “Well, are you going in tonight?” I didn’t know what else to ask, was I free to entertain the notion of us sleeping together so boldly in the afternoon just as Kazu and Ken both were allowed to or was I to wait until we were in private? My mind boggled as she responded to her text message.

  “No. We have a date tonight and I have a decision to make, so I’ll be busy.”

  “O-oh.”

  “You’re not the only one capable of flirting, love.”

  5:44 PM

  She had me flustered for the remainder of the time we spent in the lobby. I was by no means inexperienced when it came to women, yet she sure had taken the air out of my lungs with the plans she had for us tonight. On Kazu’s dollar of course, she planned for us to get pampered in the accompanying spa before I was to take her upstairs and ravage her however I pleased while looking out to the majestic beauty that is Central Park. I was by no means a stranger to being courted, but in my lesbian relationships; I had always been the one to cater, this time around…she wanted to cater to me. Even in her small stature, she would tip toe to tuck a hair behind my ear or take a little lint off my clothes. They were such minimal things, but truly, I missed the careful touch of a woman. Bowing to Kazu as we said our goodbyes, he waved his hand as he held the door for me to the car.

  “Stop it, Kure-Chan. We’ll be closer than we are now, save the theatrics for when you’re on the clock.”

  “I’m your head of security, I’m always on the clock.”

  “Well as of now, you’re on the clock from 8am to 5pm, it’s 5:48 pm, therefore you’re off the clock. No bowing, no calling me sir and no getting the door for me, you’re my lady too.” He smiled and winked at me, the warmth he usually showed me in private for the world to see. Could Airla have influenced him to be more vocal about our situation? What about Ken? Was that influenced too? I held the smirk that wanted to appear on my face, just the thought of Ken and I admitting our true feelings…

  I chuckled as I got in the car, smiling at Kazu as he bent down to the window; his wallet in his hand.

  “Here, every single expense you two have tonight, don’t even hesitate to swipe.” He handed me his platinum black card, a symbol of his wealth here in America. Airla clasped her hand happily, a smile on her face. I benefited from Kazu’s wealth solely from being employed by him, never in this way. To access his private money though? That was not something he did lightly.

  “We’re just going to get pampered, baby. Barely any spending being done.”

  “Shop while you’re getting massages, I don’t know, baby girl, just spend my money.” He groaned, his eyes yearning as he leaned against the car window.

  Both Airla and I blushed. While she wasn’t aware of how he made his money, I was. I knew of the people who were sacrificed for him to make his wealth; I knew of the blood he had spilled to keep the legacy of his family going as strongly as it has, his wealth did not come innocently. Taking the card, I smiled at him and accepted his generosity, he was still my superior after all.

  “We’ll send pictures.”

  “Oh, please do. You still owe me pics from your time with Ken.”

  “I’ll make it up to you and more, baby.” Airla giggled, blowing him a kiss as he patted the top of the car, signaling the driver to go. Airla took my hand soon after, her thumb rubbing the top of my hand and securing my decision to be the freest version of myself that I could be.

  ??

  I took little time to analyze Kurenai the way I did the boys. Female solidarity had it so I didn’t. I wanted to know her just like I would any girl I was interested in. This time around; I wanted to protect her instead of the other way around. She was Kazu’s guard, but I wanted to be hers even though I knew my fighting prowess was as far as hair pulling and punching.

  I had no reason to defend myself as a young girl, my father’s watchful eye and friendships with the local police made it so. I was well liked, so there weren't catty fights for me either. So I truly had no background where I could protect Kurenai like she could me. Our height difference added to that too, there was no way I could catch things as quickly as her 5’11 self did. The least I could do was admire her and watch her with admiration as she laid in the massage table next to me, her face in slight discomfort as the masseuse pressed into her skin. She didn’t flinch but I could tell this was long overdue.

  “I’ll have to tell Kazu to include more massages on your day by day, you’re tense.”

  “You don’t…have to. I just need to ease up the tension I place on my muscles by standing at attention for most of the day.”

  “I was just informing you that I was going to let him know, whether you tell me or not, it’s still going to happen.”

  “Oh, Airla no. Please. That’s such an imposition on Kazu’s time and money, that’s unnecessary.”

  “Caring for you isn’t unnecessary, Kurenai. The point is for us all to be our best selves so we can pour the same into our relationship. I hope you believe in me on wanting to pursue you, Ken and Kazu.” I assured her, of course any sane person would have doubts of my actions, sleeping with two men within the same week knowing their bond? Wanting to sleep with both of them knowing feelings could complicate matters on Ken’s behalf? It was turbulent, but I genuinely wanted to pursue it. I wanted to be whatever Kazu wanted me to be as long as I was a kept woman and indulged in his best friend and guard. She had a small smile on her face as she relaxed, my assurance helping her release whatever tension she had on those shoulders.

  8:48 PM

  After spending what felt like a lifetime in the hotel spa and truly taking advantage of Kazu’s card, we found ourselves upstairs in plush bathrobes, skin glistening and soft from our treatments. Kurenai was already gorgeous, but seeing her relaxed was truly something else. I couldn’t find the adjective for it cause I was more interested in watching her do simple tasks like placing a fruit in her mouth and letting her slender finger linger after. Her eyes were a gorgeous greenish yellow, the feline like shape of her mono-lids adding to the sharpness of her features. She smirked slightly as she went for another piece of fruit.

  “I can feel your eyes on me, Airla.”

  “I have nothing else to look at, I'd rather look at you.” Her cheeks slowly turned red, the ease to make her blush so fascinating.

  “There’s other things you could look at, if you’d like.” A bold response to my innocent flirt, I wondered if she was ready to invite me for something more…carnal. I crawled to her side of the couch, her soft and inviting lips pursed as I closed the distance between us. Turning her face to me, her cheeks were even redder than a second ago. My proximity seemed to be enough for right now.

  “Can I kiss you first instead?” I asked, my eyes on her lips. She nodded quickly, almost like a schoolgirl receiving a first kiss. For as tough as she seemed, I was really blessed to see a side of her that many people hadn’t seen, the two men we shared probably being the only other ones. I smiled as I approached her, no speed with this kiss, no bite either. I didn’t want to cause her any pain, even if she enjoyed it. I wanted to be like a gentle gust of wind that kissed her cheek on sunny days. Kissing me back, she was just as tender; her slender hand by my neck as she got deeper into the kiss. Our tongues danced back and forth, no one upping each other; there was no competition or rush. I wanted to get light headed from how long I wanted to continue kissing her. We both pulled back, breaths quiet as we collected ourselves. Her face was beet red now, just as it was when I had made my claim on them in exchange for Kazu’s secret. It brought a warm smile to my face again, just before I went in for another electrifying kiss.

  ??

  My ears were hot from how much blood was rushing to my head from this ordeal. Once we pulled away from our kiss, robes were soon discarded on the floor as we distracted ourselves with other…things. I clearly saw why Kazu was head over heels for her, why Ken wouldn’t stop staring at her when she wasn’t paying attention…

  Skin soft as silk, the way the dim lights would glisten on her skin made her shine pearlescent. Her coily hair was tousled to the side as it cascaded down her shoulders, covering her breasts as she busied herself with her vulva and directed me to do the same. It had been a while since she laid with a woman, the job that she entertained at night making it difficult for her to give the undivided attention that she believed a woman deserved when in the throes of passion. She wanted me to show her how I made my own toes curl while she did the same.

  I enjoyed pleasuring myself on my own terms, away from the curious eyes of any person that I have slept with. But with Airla, I was more than happy to play with myself as she watched me. When doing this alone, my eyes would be focused either closed or narrowed, this time around I watched her fingers go in and out of her warmth, her other hand playing with her perked up nipple…I felt inexperienced with her, even though I was highly aware that I wasn’t. She pulled out her soaked fingers, my own still inside me as she soon closed the gap between us and kissed my neck.

  “Go on, Kurenai…show me how to please you.” She whispered, her hand was on mine as she kissed my neck, allowing me to continue my task as I climbed to the peak of pleasure. Kissing my chest, she tended to my breasts, my once cold nipple now engulfed in warmth. I gasped at her tender licks, her eyes looking up to me as she sucked. She was attentive, my lord. I felt selfish for not giving her the same, but it seemed like she wasn’t concerned with anything regarding her pleasure. I was…first. I was the one to be attended, to be pleasured, to moan her name…first. She kept on until I came, soon allowing her tongue to take control of my pleasure and lap me up like a melting ice cream on a hot day.

  10:16 PM

  Now there’s no need to rank the people who have taken their time to pleasure me, but if I was asked, Airla and Ken were absolutely fighting for the number one spot. I enjoyed being eaten out, yet no woman had found it in their heart to do it for me given my affinity for smaller framed women and my height. It was awkward, it would sour the mood and I enjoyed doing the task so I never pushed back. Didn’t mean I didn’t want to be feasted on.

  So I was more than glad to look down in between my legs and see a coily haired angelic beauty looking pleased as punch as she ate me out. I still hadn’t had a chance to taste her just as she had me, the only thing stopping me was her incessant belief that I should be spent for my first time with her; as long as I was satisfied, she was okay. I felt the softness of her tongue explore me, the tip pressing perfectly into my clit as I arched my back, the sensation slowly coursing through my body again and causing me to cry out her name with a strange desperation that I thought I only had reserved for Ken.

  Was I going to end up in the same situation with her as I was with Ken? Was I going to fall in love with someone who might not be able to love me the same way? Even if I were to enter a serious polyamorous relationship with her, would I be willing to step aside and wait for her when she has to fulfill her duties as Kazu’s wife? The way my toes curled left that question lingering in my brain as I squeezed my eyes shut, the intensity of my orgasm taking me out of my element for a minute, almost reminiscent of my times with Ken.

  The comparisons I kept making between them truly had my heart tugged in different ways, only because I couldn’t imagine being this lucky. This…fortunate. I expected a life of solitude and uncommitted relationships, yet here I was playing with the possibility of committing myself to a woman I had just met. For all the judging I did of Kazuhito in these past 120 hours…all in regards to this woman…

  I take every single judgement back.

  ??

  12:23 AM, March 19th, 20XX

  I trailed my nail over the outline of her rather simple back tattoo. Nothing like Ken or Kazu’s artwork, it was minimalist lines that showed stars, the sun and some minor crosses. I wondered if she was religious.

  “What do the crosses on your back mean?” I asked in a low voice, she wasn’t sleeping, but I could tell she was on her way there by how her breathing slowed down.

  “Nothing of importance, I saw the design and liked it. Needed something to distract my brain at the time.”

  “Must have been a necessary distraction, for such a simple design, it’s right on your spine; that had to come with some pain.”

  “The pain I was suffering at the time was greater.” Melancholy masked her face, I might’ve hit a place of hurt. I furrowed my brows at the shift in her attitude, my hand going to her face to tuck her hair behind her ear. I felt the need to apologize.

  “I’m sorry.”

  “There’s nothing you need to apologize for, Airla. My past is a sad one,not one I let define me.” She scooted closer to me, her arm going around my thighs as she cuddled up to my side. Defecting, that’s expected.

  “But one that still saddens you.” I pointed out, I didn’t want to think of Kurenai in any negative mood. I wanted her to always be happy, loved, secured. I wanted that for all 3 of them, regardless of our short length of familiarity.

  “I’m okay with the sadness because I know what it leads up to. I’ll take that over and over again as long as everything else stays the…same.”

  “Is it really that worth it?”

  “…Mhm. Means I get to…meet you.” She dozed off shortly after her slow confession. I was glad of the time and dimness of the room, I was warm from how hard I was blushing. I wanted to cry from how much love I had received from these three individuals in such a short span of time. They were special in their own ways, they showed their love with that same kind of energy too. I could die tomorrow and say with no hesitation, I’m satisfied with my life. That I was blessed enough to actually have a chance to receive what I wanted: a life of luxury and comfort. A life even more extravagant than the one I was born into. A sweet life, as every woman deserves. Even with whatever secret was attached to that life, I was so close to actually receiving it. Cuddling up to her, I didn’t have to bother doing anything right now, I was absolutely sure in my decision.

  Just had to inform Asha about it.

  ??

  “What do you think they’re up to right now?” I asked as I laid on Ken’s chest, looking up at him; his arm wrapped around my shoulder as we laid in bed.

  “None of our business, they’ll tell us if we’re meant to know.” Ken spoke with closed eyes, his skin still sticky from our session. We took advantage of the alone time we had, indulging in sex rather than conversation. There was nothing about Ken that I didn’t know about, his loyalty had him by my side at most, if not all time, whenever he did do something alone; I was aware of it, he did use my family’s resources anyways. Ken was absolutely a kept man and I was glad to keep him. I not only received his undying loyalty, I also received his body. Whenever I wanted to lay back and embrace my submissive side, he was there to dominate. In public, he bent to me. In private, I to him. It was meant to be for us to end up entangled, growing up together, we were aware we weren’t related. He was aware his care came with a price. Orphaned before I was born, Ken’s loyalty for my family came from him having no choice but to stay with us. His father had no family, his mother, just the same. He was truly alone in this world, so I loved him for it. My possessiveness was satiated knowing there wasn’t anywhere he would or could go.

  This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

  “Do you think she’s gonna choose us instead of that job?”

  “You mean is she going to choose you instead of her escort job.”

  “No, I meant exactly what I said. It’s obvious she wants all three of us, why would I deny her that?”

  “What if she falls in love?”

  “Then she falls in love. If I don’t end up being the one she wants, I’ll still have access to her. I’m okay being placed to the side if it means she’ll stay around.”

  “Are you coming down with something? This is rather mature talk for someone who likes to proudly claim my physical body as his.” He peeked at me, brow raised. I didn’t blame him for his tease, he was absolutely right. I was a possessive fuck.

  “It’s different with her. I don’t want to possess her in any way that she wouldn’t allow me to. If anything, I want the opposite thing. I want to be hers in any possible way that keeps me around.”

  “Even if she falls in love with…let’s say, Kurenai. Would you be okay with that?”

  “Mhm.” He pulled me on top of him, his rougher hands taking a grip of my ass as he rubbed himself against me. Sitting up slightly, he began kissing on my chest. I guess another round was imminent.

  “What if she prefers me instead?” He kissed on, a finger making its way inside me as he spread me open suddenly; a slight wince, nothing I wasn’t used to.

  “Then I’d have to accept that too, it’s not like she wouldn’t still be accessible to me.”

  “…What if she wants marriage? Kids?”

  “Then I’ll be a proud uncle or daddy.”

  He chuckled as he slid inside, the girth of him stretching me open in the best way. His length guaranteed my utmost pleasure by the immediate jab he did to my prostate. I bit my lip as he slapped me slightly on the ass, his favorite position meant my participation, I happily obliged. He placed his hands behind his head as he left the work to me, sex was the only time I allowed him to put my ass to work, literally and figuratively.

  “So you mean to tell me that you’d be completely content with the idea of Airla possibly wanting Nai or I more than you?”

  “Y-yes.” I wanted to focus on his question, but being in charge of my own pleasure at the moment truly had me occupied.

  “You rather sit back and watch her want me instead just to keep her around? To fuck me instead?”

  “S-she wouldn’t exclude m-me. F-fuck.”

  “But you wouldn’t be first. Are you…okay…with not being first?” His question felt more menacing than innocent as he sat up, my eyes shooting open as it was an extra jab of pleasure I wasn’t expecting.

  “Yes!” I groaned, the grind of my hips causing me to come; the stickiness in between us as I wrapped my arms around his shoulders; letting him finally take the control it seemed he was looking for. Thrusting into me, the conversation was interrupted by my moans and desperation for kisses. I knew what he was doing, it was the only time I allowed him to assert his power.

  “I don’t believe you, Kazuhito. I don’t believe for one fucking second that you’d allow me that woman without some repercussion.” He used his strength to change our position, my back on the bed as he held my legs over his shoulders.

  “I-I’m serious, man. She’s all yours if I’m allowed…to..f-fuckin’…stick around!” More stickiness, he truly was fuckin’ me like I owed him something. Maybe I did deserve it, I placed him in constant situations he wasn’t fond of. I covered my face with my arm, no avail as he grabbed it, holding it over my head as he went deeper. My other hand was occupied as I dug my nails into his skin.

  “Bullshit. I know you, Kazuhito. You're too selfish, too possessive. It’s one of the reasons you’re so keen to polygamy, you can’t help but need.”

  I wasn’t going to deny it, polygamy truly interested me at first because of my selfishness. I soon realized that I just didn’t feel fulfilled with just one person. I couldn’t imagine a life where I would have to choose between being a spouse to someone and not having Ken or Kurenai in my life. I couldn’t imagine being with someone who didn’t accept the part of me that enjoyed taking off the Yakuza mask and allowed me to be kinder, warmer, softer.

  Ken was the only man I wanted to be kind for. The only man I wanted to cry for, get in front of a bullet for, get on my knees for. He was the Patroclus to my Achilles, I needed my future wife to accept that, no matter what.

  I knew Airla was the woman to accept that.

  That’s why I was so willing to let him have her.

  It would guarantee I had him too.

  ??

  9:36 AM;

  I did eventually pay my dues when it came to pleasuring Airla. Waking up before her did not only give me that chance, it also gave me the blessing of experiencing her first thing in the morning, in her rawest and vulnerable form. I thought sex was personal, but there was a certain vulnerability to bringing a new day in with someone, it’s even more beautiful when they moan your name as the sun rises.

  I could absolutely guarantee a certain closeness to Airla as we checked out the hotel, our men waiting for us outside by the warm car. It was early spring Saturday morning, so the air was still nippy as we approached them. Kazuhito had a big smile, those piercing eyes hidden behind black shades.

  “There are my ladies, how was your night?”

  “It was great, sir. Thank you.”

  “You’re not on the clock, Kurenai. Let’s do that again.” He said with a spin of the finger and lowered shades. Yes, I had been intimate with my boss, but he was still my superior. Starting a relationship with him and his woman was not something I expected. I smiled at him as my hair cascaded to the side, the morning sun shining on me.

  “It was great, Kazu. Thank you.”

  “Mm, that’s better. We’ll get the pet name situated. Can’t just have my baby girl and nothing else.” He approached me to place a hair behind my ear, Airla giggling as she headed to Ken’s side, greeting him quietly. I saw the instant light up his face once she spoke to him, I understood completely.

  “You two are also very cute. How about we trade men today, Kurenai? No relationship is successful if there’s no clear chemistry between participants.” She suggested closing the gap between her and Ken and allowing him to put his arm around her waist. I looked to Kazu, who quickly took that advice; his arm going around my shoulder.

  “I 100% agree, baby girl. We can absolutely take the weekend to bond the way we need to, given that both of you are on board.” He signaled me and Ken out, our eyes meeting before darting to the ground. There was something that needed to be spoken about between him and I, we just didn’t know what that was.

  “I’m on board. I don’t think either of you would allow me not to be.” Ken stated, holding the car door open for us. Kazu chuckled, allowing Airla and I to slide in first, the smell of nicotine permeating the leather seats. Takashi, Kazu’s oldest and most trusted driver, waved from the driver’s seat, a tip of his hat before closing the partition. He knew his cue to give Kazu privacy, a pretty woman in the backseat deserved her peace, I just didn’t think I’d be one of those pretty women.

  ??

  I was glad to not only see Kurenai after a long night, I was even more so elated to have been chosen to be Airla’s companion for the day. After the night we had shared, she remained a constant presence in my mind, distracting me to a point of annoyance. I could admit to taking out that frustration on Kazu last night, it was his fault anyways. This is what he wanted, so I had no problem following my orders. Even if those orders included Airla’s hand holding mine as we sat across from him and Kurenai at breakfast. She had found comfort under the crook of my arm, so I thought nothing of it as I placed my arm around her shoulder. The slight brushing of her hand ended with her holding on to my fingers, an innocent hand hold. I found myself rubbing her finger with my thumb, a small giggle from her.

  “It’s okay to hold my hand.”

  “I didn’t want to take more than you were allowing me.”

  “You can take as much as you like, Ken. I'd be more offended if you held back.” She assured me, interlocking our fingers and giving me the warmth I was seeking. Kazu darted his eyes to our hands, a small smirk forming on his face. That smirk could have meant anything, especially when it came to Kazuhito.

  "Kure-Chan, accompany me for a smoke?”

  “Yeah, sure.” Nai was confused as to why Kazu would want to step away for a smoke, we were at one of his frequent places, they didn’t care if he smoked as long as he did it when sitting outside, which we were. There was a reason for his sudden change up, there always is.

  “That was his way of giving us privacy if you didn’t catch on.”

  “No, I did. He’s a little voyeur, I’m surprised he didn’t ask us to lock lips or something.”

  “Who’s to say he’s not watching right now? Why not give him a show?” She turned to face me, her finger going under my chin. My eyes lowered to her lips, I was by no means opposed to a kiss, I just wasn’t going to initiate it in public, only out of respect to Kazu. I was a private man, if I did show public forms of affection, it was subtle, quiet…persuasive.

  “Is he deserving of a show, mi amore?” I realized after what I had just called her. Not even 2 god forsaken weeks and here I was, calling a woman I slept with once, my love. It was embarrassing to say the least, why was I so blinded by her?

  “Mm, you’d have to be the judge of that. Would I fare better if I just asked for a kiss?”

  “Are you deserving of a kiss?” I asked, my brow raising. The smirk on her face was enticing, almost making me want to back down from my little pushback.

  “I wasn’t aware I had to be deserving of it, but…” She moved the hand she had under my chin to my thigh, a slow drag upwards before she squeezed my cock through my slacks. I gave her no sudden reaction, she didn’t need that much power over me. “…I’m willing to put in the work to deserve it.”

  “No need to do that, my love. You’ll get your kiss, you just won’t know when.”

  Was the teasing necessary? No, of course not. There was nothing she couldn’t get from me, I’d hand her the damn world if I could, it just wasn’t my place to do so. There was a woman I could give the world to, we just weren’t in the right place…yet.

  Airla pouted as she turned back to her drink, taking a sip of it as Kazu and Nai made their way back to the table. Kazu had a rather mischievous look on his face as he sat down, Nai was flustered, her lips slightly tinted pink.

  “How was your smoke?” Airla asked, her attention shifting to Kazu as I questioned Nai with a raised brow. She responded with a small smile, not what I was expecting.

  “Oh, that was just an excuse to make out with Kurenai while you two had your little moment.” Kazu responded, a big grin on his face as waved to the server. Kurenai’s eyes widened as she looked down sheepishly. Airla chortled, her hand going to her face as she noticed Nai’s face.

  “Don’t be so embarrassed, sweetie. He’s yours too.”

  ??

  The rest of breakfast was spent with Kazu and I playing footsies under the table while I had one hand on Ken’s thigh and kept a rather flirty conversation with Kurenai. I kept my mind occupied with them instead of the lingering thought in my brain: telling Asha I was quitting. I still hadn’t mustered up the words I wanted to give her, only because I truly didn’t know what to say.

  What do you say to someone who took you in and showed you the ropes of New York City? Who fed you, protected you and taught you to use the beauty you possess for your own benefit? How do you show your appreciation and not leave them? Asha was important to me, she was very much the closest thing I had to a mother while being away from my own. How do I repay her for her kindness? Kazu must’ve noticed my derailing train of thought by how he came up behind me after making back from breakfast and wrapped his arms around my waist. I rubbed his hand to assure him I was fine, but my, he was perceptive as a motherfucker.

  “I brought you home and you’ve been lost in thought since, what’s eating at you, baby?” He asked with concern. I smiled at him to assure him I was okay, but I knew that wasn’t going to satiate his curiosity. I wasn’t ready to tell him of my decision, given I hadn’t gotten what I had asked for in exchange for his secret.

  “Nothing that won’t subside later. So, what are our plans for today?” I moved on from his question quickly. The faster I did, the less prodding. He raised a brow, taking the hint.

  “Not sure, I’m usually busy with other things during the weekend, but I’m all yours this time around, so whatever you’d like.”

  “Mm, not an answer I really wanted to hear. Whatever is so broad, that could mean anything.”

  “Then shoot an idea into the air and I’ll make it happen.”

  “Any idea?”

  “Any at all. Try me.”

  I crossed my arms as he stood behind me, hand still around my waist as he pulled me closer. I scattered my brain for an idea, but the only thing I could think of was telling Asha. Then it hit me, how do you give someone bad news and can be assured they don’t react excessively? Either you do it in public or you give the person something good to distract them. Kazu was the perfect person to fund a perfect distraction.

  “I want to wake up tomorrow looking at the ocean and spend time with my close friend lounging in the sun.”

  “Then the ocean, sun and sand you shall have.”

  1:37 PM;

  I swear I had never felt whiplash, but never say never. Once I asked, Kazu simply pulled his phone out, requested that I let my friend know of my plan and then before I knew it, we were on our way to JFK. I had no clothes for the request I had, so while I was excited, I was confused. Was I supposed to just lounge around naked? Arriving at JFK, Asha was waiting with a small luggage and a confused smile on her face as she stood by a rather over-sized matte black jet. Raising her brow when she noticed me, I smiled; taking her hands into mine. Both Ken and Kurenai stepped out the car behind me, standing by Kazu as they allowed me privacy.

  “Mind telling me what is going on, who are they and where are we going?”

  “I wanted to talk, just not here. I can’t tell you where we’re going because I also have no clue.”

  “…Okay. Answer my other question, please.”

  “Oh, these are my boyfriends Kazu and Ken. This is my girlfriend, Kurenai.”

  I smiled with all my teeth as I introduced them, each of their faces in a different shade of red. Asha cocked her head to the side, eyes wide.

  “All this time you’ve had 3 significant others and this is the first time I’m hearing about it?”

  “I guess you never know a person!” I guffawed, patting her on the back as I turned around to face them. Introducing them each individually, both Kazu and Ken kissed Asha’s hand as they greeted her, Kurenai chose a simple head nod with a smile as her greeting. Getting that out of the way, we headed into the jet, where we were greeted by shopping bags from quiet luxury brands and a stewardess with a tray of champagne flutes.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Airla. I’m Sakura, I will be your stewardess for the flight. If there’s anything you’d need, please don’t hesitate to ask.” She smiled warmly as she outstretched her hand and handed me a flute. Asha chuckled as she accepted one too, taking a seat by the window and crossing her legs.

  “I’ll say, if the plane is this nice, I can’t wait to see where we’re heading too.”

  “My baby girl asked for the ocean, sun and sand. What kind of man would I be if I didn’t listen?” Kazu took his seat across from Asha, leaving a seat open for me. The apples of my cheeks were warm from Kazu’s spectacle. I wondered if he had made the connection yet as I took my seat next to him, taking his hand.

  “A stupid one. Glad you aren’t that. Say, what’s with all the bags?” Asha, ever so inquisitive. I had made notice of the bags, but I didn’t want to make assumptions, just in case.

  “Oh, those are for Airla. You think I’m going to take her on a vacation and not be sure she looks good every second she’s there?”

  “Oh, I really like you. Do you have a brother by any chance?”

  “I do not, unfortunately. But I can absolutely slide your number to one of my associates if you’d like.”

  “Damn, I was hoping the pretty long haired one was your brother, would’ve definitely asked if you could allow him a hall pass.”

  “I might be able to arrange that.” Kazu grinned, looking at Ken as he did. Ken looked at him right back, grey eyes unamused. I elbowed Kazu on the side, I still had a kiss to be given, so Ken was off limits, at least for now.

  “I kid, I kid. I have too much love for Airla to ask for such a bold request. But I will take the number of whatever associate you’d like me to have.”

  “It’ll be my pleasure.”

  ??

  5:43 PM, AST Time

  When we arrived at our destination, the only person to have realized where we were was Kurenai by how she smiled and took a deep breath of the tropical air as we stepped out the jet into our private cars.

  “Ah, mi bella isla.” She sighed with warmth. The place in question? The beautiful island of Dominican Republic. The accessibility to it was one of the reasons I chose it, the other? Well, I had a villa in the lush green landscape of Punta Cana; a little gift I had purchased for Kurenai that she just wasn’t aware about. Her heritage was tied to this place and it was the fondest memory she had of her parents, so I felt even more inclined to buy it for her. Holding the door for Airla and Asha, they stepped in, Airla’s face confused as I closed the door behind her.

  “I’ll give you two time to talk, we’ll be right behind you in the next car.”

  “N-no, don’t. You want to be here to listen.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Mhm.” She nodded, the door soon opening for me to step inside. We soon started our drive to the villa, Airla's hand in mine as we both looked to Asha. Her deep brown eyes analyzed us both.

  “Alright, Airla. What is it that you wanted to speak to me about? I hope it’s nothing bad.”

  “Depends on what you consider bad.”

  “Once you tell me, I’ll be able to tell you if it’s bad or not.”

  “Hm. Okay. So, um…" Airla was nervous, admittedly so. Asha had very cat-like eyes, the way she waited quietly as she stared back felt almost menacing.

  “Airla, speak. You know I’m not fond of awkward silences.”

  “Oh, I know. I just…” She sighed heavily, I couldn’t imagine how heavily this was weighing on her. I rubbed her hand for moral support, she squeezed back.”…want to thank you for everything you’ve done for me. I’ll always cherish it. But…I don’t need to work anymore. I definitely don’t need another man’s hands in or around me, as you can see; I’m very content.”

  “So you put me on a plane, 4 hours away from home…to tell me you’re quitting? I don’t see how this couldn’t be a phone call.” Asha’s brows furrowed, a slight look of annoyance on her face.

  “I didn’t want to disappoint you.”

  “And why would you do that? Why would I be disappointed that you’ve found not only one, not two, but three people who are willing to care for you in more ways than one? Why would I hold any ill will towards one of my girls finding a man who wants to care for her?”

  "I was worried your business might be affected... " Airla looked down, the confident woman I had fallen for was missing. I wondered how deep her relationship with Asha went, but it was not something I needed to linger on. The timid nature was working for me in more ways than one.

  “And who gives a fuck if it does? Your happiness and the happiness of my other girls is so much more important than a damn business. Besides, it’s not like I’ll never see you again. I might see you less, but I know you’ll be in good hands.”

  Airla’s eyes watered as she took Asha’s hands into her again, a gentle thank you under her breath.

  Oh shit.

  Time to uphold my side of the agreement.