8:59 PM, March 12th, 20XX

  I made my way into the lounge, the mono-lid elevator brown eyes of my new client sending a shiver down my spine as I took a seat. His eyes felt lecherous as they made their way to my cleavage, although that was kind of the point of the job.

  “Haven’t even asked my name and I can already see you staring.” I crossed my legs as I gave him a good view of my bare thigh.

  “Well, Amethyst. How can you fault me when looking like that?” He raised a brow, laying back in the booth as he grinned. He wasn’t bad to the eyes, there was just something dark about the man. It worried me. Good thing I had my alias to protect me, he looked like the kind of guy you didn’t want knowing your name.

  “I wanted to look my best, Mr. Sadanaga. A girl performs best when she feels good about herself.” I pushed my hair back, the slickness of my newly straightened hairstyle giving me the opportunity to use my hair as a way to entice. It worked by the way he bit his lip.

  “Please, call me Ikuto. I’d prefer you calling out my first name and not my father’s.”

  “Calling out? How are you so sure I’ll be doing that?”

  “I paid the premium price for you, I expect the premium experience.”

  I didn’t give him a response, he was technically correct. I did tell Kazu I allowed people to my body for the right price. I wasn’t lying. Sex is a lucrative business and as something I truly enjoyed, why not indulge? The problem was, I would find myself coming across men like this, who truly exuded trouble and nothing else. Ikuto for all his darkness was a rather handsome individual. With a short and sheared jagged wolf cut that framed his face nicely, he was rugged in his attractiveness. With a partially opened dress shirt, his pecs peeked through, along with his tattoos that seemingly had the same placement as Kazu’s. His eyes went back to my breasts and narrowed, his head cocking a bit.

  “That necklace, where’d you get it?”

  “I’m just…wearing it for a friend.” Why did I say that? Why not just lie?

  “Just a friend, huh?”

  “It’s not really your business if it is just a friendship, now is it?” I countered. It wasn’t his or any man’s business what I did in my private time, the point of having independence was to do whatever I damn well pleased, regardless of someone’s personal opinion.

  “Got yourself a spicy little attitude. I understand the popularity.” He chuckled, taking his glass and swirling the whiskey. Taking a sip, eyes back to the necklace.

  “You’re not here for my attitude, now are you? Besides, you look like you can handle it.”

  “Keep talking like that, I’ll expect that same energy when I receive what I truly paid for.”

  “Why don’t we just skip to that since you’re so eager?” I sat forward as I offered. Premium service meant exactly what it did. There was a reason I shut down my feelings as soon as I stepped through the doors. I was just a vessel to these men, it didn’t matter how I felt afterwards.

  “I like the way you think, just cutting right to the chase.”

  “The chase might interest you more than the necklace.”

  “Well then, show me said chase.”

  9:38 PM

  I enjoyed sex, it was the reason for this job. Didn’t mean I was going to enjoy every single session, no matter how much money I’d be guaranteed. After the night I had with Kazu, I was distracted with the thought of him. Even as Ikuto picked me up after I undressed and tossed me on the bed, my mind wasn’t here. It wasn’t because I was disgusted, in fact Ikuto smelled and looked costly, his intricate Japanese inspired tattoos were a marvel to look at, the face of a woman surrounded by what seems to be trails of silk adorned his back, various odes to lettering seemed to be involved too. I only managed to get a good look at his back thanks to the mirror that was faced towards the bed.

  My Madam had told me that men enjoyed watching themselves work, so it was an added feature in all the rooms that her girls worked in, it brought us — and her, more money. The jingle of Ikuto’s belt hitting the marble pulled me out of my train of thought, his hands on his hips as he stood there with his cock hard.

  “It’s not going to suck itself, do your job.” He ordered, a bit off putting but there was the mention again, my job. I crawled to the edge of the bed, getting to my knees in front of him and doing, like he said, my job. I used my hands so as to not use too much of my mouth, I’d be a liar if I didn’t admit to being sore from experiencing Kazu all night. I pulled back slightly for breath, only to have Ikuto pull me back roughly and cause me to gag. I pushed back, only to have him grinning at me as I wiped my mouth.

  “You’re paying a premium price, handle with care.”

  “With the amount of money I can throw at you, you’d do best not sour my experience.”

  I knew if I tried to push back, I could possibly put myself in danger that I wouldn’t be able to get out. Men like him wanted submissiveness, which they truly didn’t deserve, but if I wanted to get out of here alive, I had to submit. I had to put away the anger that was brewing inside of me and accept this reality if I wanted to experience others. Putting on my best soft voice, I approached him again; looking up at him and fluttering my lashes.

  “I’m sorry for pushing back…” I took his cock in my hand, jerking him slowly as I kept my eyes with his. “…I just not only really like fellatio…” A little faster this time, the lift of his brow and bite of his lower lip gave me the security I needed to continue. “…but I love sucking new ones, it keeps my job interesting.” A slight emphasis, nothing too crazy as I didn’t want this man to suddenly explode.

  “Like a rightful whore, huh?” He smirked, his rather large and tattooed hand on my head.

  “Like your rightful whore.”

  4:19 AM

  Once I “submitted” to him, he was kinder. Still rough as that seemed to be the only way for him to get off. He had commendable stamina so after I shut my feelings completely off, I found myself enjoying him, just to make the time speed through. We were in the elevator as we stood in silence, I had no more obligation to speak; so I distracted myself by watching the numbers slowly arrive at the level floor. Once the elevator doors opened, I rushed out, wanting to get away from him and into the warm car that I knew waited for me. Meeting eyes with Hachi, he smiled at me warmly before his eyes met with Ikuto and that warmth ceased to exist.

  I could feel Hachi rushing me into the car as his hand held my back, but I paid no mind to it as maybe he wanted to get me to Kazu as promptly as possible. Before entering the car, Ikuto chuckled.

  “Have a great day, Amethyst. Thank you for the fantastic night.” Hachi closed the door on me before I was able to respond, getting into the driver's seat and speeding off.

  ??

  Sleep wasn’t something I felt myself needing often, so it wasn’t a surprise that I found myself awake before the sun. Kurenai slept peacefully next to me, the actions of our night still visible on her skin. With a slight chuckle, I made my way out of the bedroom, into the bathroom to truly wake myself up and then into the living room, where I found Kazu out on the balcony, in his robe; smoking. I joined him soon after, his eyes still tired.

  “Didn’t expect you to be awake so early.”

  “I’m waiting for Airla, she’s on her way to me. I wanted to meet her at the door.”

  “It’s day 3 and you’re waiting for her at the crack of dawn to arrive from work, I fear you’ll be married by the end of the month.”

  “Don’t tempt me, I just might.”

  “Hold your horses, Kazuhito. While I’m sure she enjoys the speed of your relationship, you need to be mindful of who you’ll be as people in the long run. You might enjoy the speed now, but you might end up regretting it later.” I bummed a cigarette off him, lighting it as I took a seat on the balcony couch.

  “If I’m going to get “stuck” with anyone, I rather it be with her. At least we’ll always be able to reminisce about our disregard for rules as we get older.”

  “Seems you’re looking for someone to help you fulfill your responsibility to keep the family going.”

  “Aren’t I always? Since I’ve been of dating age, there’s always been that expectation. The difference is, with her, I don’t mind finally fulfilling it.” He remarked, the mention of her bringing a pep to his voice that I haven't heard in a long time. The last time I had, well, he was going off to college.

  I wasn’t going to argue with him, he was infatuated. It was actually endearing. Taking a seat next to me, he laid his head on my shoulder; the version of him that only I got to enjoy peeking out.

  “She makes me feel like you do. Warm and fuzzy inside.”

  “Here I thought I was special.” I teased, patting his thigh in the process.

  “Shut up. You are special. I just can’t continue my bloodline with you. If I could adopt, great, but my damn elders are set on keeping that Nagatsuchi blood strong so I must become a father. I don’t mind becoming a father if it means the woman I’m with gives me the same feelings as you do.”

  “I’m glad to give you those feelings, but what happens when you can’t reciprocate, then what?”

  “See, that’s where you’re wrong…” His phone pinged, I'm sure the sign to let him know Airla was here. Smiling, he stood up, the softness I thought I only had the luxury of seeing still peeking out. “She might end up allowing me to reciprocate those feelings and more.”

  I didn’t want to doubt him as I hadn’t experienced her the way he had. Watching him as he made his way to the door to open it, Airla’s eyes met with his and whatever worry she had prior to seeing him had disappeared. I puffed from my cigarette as I watched them, how Kazu would speak to her with his full attention on her or how he’d rub her hand with his thumb as he spoke. Thanking Hachi, Kazu whisked her away into his side of the apartment. Hachi on the other hand, looked worried as he met eyes with me. Waiting as I came into the living room, he stood at attention.

  “Good morning, Nakamura-San. I have news to report to Nagatsuchi-Sama, but…uh, I wasn’t given a chance.”

  “Whatever needs to be relayed surely can wait, can’t it?” I took a seat on the couch, cigarette finally finished as I pressed it into the ashtray on the glass coffee table.

  “No, sir.”

  “Then go on, relay.”

  “I was given instruction to wait for Moreno-San until she was done with her job, did she happen to mention that her job was involving the Sadanaga Clan Patriarch?”

  “Hachi, that is a bold accusation in regards to Miss Airla. Are you sure that was him?” I hated second guessing one of Kazu’s guards, but I needed to make sure.

  “I’d be bad at my job if I didn’t remember my boss’ rival. He thanked her for a fantastic night, sir.”

  I pursed my lips, the way he emphasized could only mean so much. Looking away, my hand went to my face. I needed to tell Kazu. I didn’t want his heart broken.

  “Thank you for informing me, Hachi. You’re dismissed.”

  He made a swift exit, leaving me in the silence of the living room. I didn’t want to interrupt Kazu, but this wasn’t something that could wait. Sighing, I patted my thighs as I stood up, making my way to his side of the apartment, I followed the path of clothes that led to his bathroom. I knocked on the door, a giggle coming from the other side.

  “Kazu, we need to talk. It’s urgent.” I knocked again, annoyed. I really didn’t want to do this. “Kazu, come on. It’ll take a minute.”

  The door opened, my expectation of Kazu’s 6 '2 frame opening the door. But no. No…no. I was nothing but a fucking man, how could I react to a fully naked beauty opening the door with a smile on her face? Kazu lounged in the bathtub in the background, glowering as he smoked another cigarette.

  “Seems like you need a reminder of what you’re depriving me of, what the fuck is it, Kentaro?” He turned to me slowly, that smile of his not as endearing as it could be. I swallowed, I hated getting on his bad side.

  “I would prefer to speak to you alone if you don’t mind.” I grumbled, his eyes on Airla as she made her way into the bathtub and straddled him, his hand on her back as his face rested on her bare and wet chest.

  “I waited all night to see her and the moment I get ten fuckin’ minutes with her, here you come with conditions. Once again, what the fuck is it?” His eyes stayed on me as he pulled her in, kissing her skin. I looked away, I wasn’t put off by displays of sex; I just didn’t need to see the man I loved involved in it without me. I wasn’t by any means jealous, just…a little left out.

  “It’s regarding things you’d rather we keep Miss Airla out of.”

  “(In Japanese) what the bloody hell, man.”

  “(In Japanese) I didn’t want to fucking interrupt you but it’s regarding that fucker Sadanaga and the woman currently in your fucking arms!” I spoke through gritted teeth. Kazu’s need to flex his fucking power had me annoyed.

  “Sorry to interject, fellas…but did you just say Sadanaga?”

  This was why. I didn’t want her picking up names.

  “Well, she’s caught on. Might as well fuckin’ spill, Ken.”

  “I would really rather not, you specifically asked me not too when regarding the subject.”

  “If the subject is regarding someone I’m aware of and hope not to be again, wouldn’t it just benefit you to speak about him in case I have something that could help you?”

  “You’d be so kind as to help me?” Kazu asked endearingly, his attention focused on her as I stood there like a stick in the mud.

  “If he’s like your business rival or something, sure. The man was a nightmare and so rough too.” Airla moaned softly, her face melancholy. I wondered what she meant by rough, I was hoping I was wrong.

  “Oh that’s not something I’m happy to hear about. I’ll make sure he pays his dues in regards to you, baby.”

  “Please do. I might have to deal with him again, so I’ll be happy to give you whatever you need to bring his arrogant ass down.”

  I raised an eyebrow at the interaction in front of me, the way she was so casual about wanting to bring him down, unawares of what severity those words meant. Kazu was emotionally reactionary, I can’t count the times I’ve had to be sent to pull him out of things due to his emotions getting in the way.

  “Oh she is just a dream, isn’t she Ken?” Kazu grinned at me, expecting an answer. I didn’t want to satiate him, but Airla’s eyes on me made me just appease him.

  “She is. I’ll give you your privacy now, we can speak more later.”

  Airla whispered into Kazu’s ear as I turned around to walk out, an “ooh” coming from him. I gave it no bother, I’ll find out what she said later.

  ??

  The mention of Ikuto’s hands on Airla’s skin could have sent me into a blind rage; but there was no rage to have as she slept on my chest after allowing me to take her in the shower. I could’ve been jealous, pushed her away and dismissed her…

  But he was just an obligation to be fulfilled, I wasn’t. I’m sure the way she called out for him was only to appease his arrogance, but the way she called for me? The way she held me? Whatever worry Ken had, I had to rid him of it. Getting out of bed, she whimpered slightly to my moving, only for a smile to appear on her face once I kissed her head and assured her. Stepping out of the room, I found Kurenai and Ken in the kitchen; cups of coffee in front of them.

  “Next time you want to show off to Airla, how about not being such a dick about it?”

  “I was seconds away from enjoying her again all for you to come in with some bullshit regarding Ikuto of all people.”

  “Would you have preferred Hachi to not say something? If he didn’t deem it important, he wouldn’t have said anything.”

  “The problem isn’t telling me, the problem is telling me when you did. I had that fucker in the back of my head the whole time I was supposed to be indulging in that gorgeous woman in my bed!” I pointed behind me, referring to her. Ken rolled his eyes, sipping his coffee. Kurenai sighed, placing her hands on the counter.

  “You still indulged, did you not? You would’ve had our heads if you found out on your own, so why are you being such a jerk to us? All we do is watch out for you, Kazuhito! I understand you’re enamored, but for Christ’s sake, remember your responsibility!” Kurenai exclaimed, a vein popping out on her forehead from her impassioned speech. I crossed my arms as her words lingered.

  The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

  “Is finding a wife not a core part of my responsibility? I’m going to be 30 this year, the age my father was when I was fucking born. I’m trying to not hear the words “when are you going to continue this bloodline” in fuckin’ December!” They both looked at me befuddled.

  “Are you speed running through a fucking relationship solely to appease your elders? You? Mister ready to let all go for Sage had she said yes?”

  “No need to mention Sage, Ken.”

  Sage. The first and only woman to break my heart. I had met her in college while abroad; became fascinated with her and truly was willing to give her the world. Only problem was, I had to come clean to get permission to propose. That ended up costing me her love and companionship. She wasn’t willing to accept the blood on my hands, so I let her go even though my power could have forced her to stay. Wasn’t soon after that I realized I wasn’t actually in love with her and just wanted an escape.

  Still the mention of her was a low blow, even for Ken.

  “Maybe the mention of her would rack your brain.”

  “Need I remind you of your place?”

  “No, no fucking need.” He rolled his eyes, only because of Airla’s hand on my arm. I turned to her and smiled, taking her into my arms. Pushing her hair out her face, she yawned.

  “I didn’t want to keep sleeping in that massive bed without you. I’m sorry to interject in your conversation though.”

  “It’s alright, nothing to worry about.”

  “Seems like maybe there is something to worry about, that fucking was pretty serious.”

  “Ken’s just expressing himself, my love. It’s what longtime friends do. Isn’t that right, Ken?” I glared at him, smiling as I did. I wanted to see if he would try to step out of line.

  “That’s exactly what longtime friends do, Miss Airla.” He glared back, those stormy grays of his darkening as we stared.

  “If you say so. Anyways, I’m starving. Would you two like to accompany us to breakfast? I’d love to get to know the two people closest to Kazu.” She smiled brightly as she invited them, smiles on their faces as they both crossed eyes with me.

  “I’d be more than happy to, given Kazu allows it.”

  “Same here.” Kurenai spoke from her cup, taking a sip after.

  “He’s not the one asking you, I am. Would you like to accompany us to breakfast?” She asked again, her voice firmer but still cloyingly sweet. Ken and Kurenai chuckled at each other, eyes wide before an answer. I hope they finally started to see what I saw in her.

  “We’d love to, Miss Airla.”

  “Please, just call me Airla. We’re friends, aren’t we?”

  “Yes. Yes, we are.” Ken smiled only to her, the cordiality and response I expected of him.

  ??

  Even annoyed with Kazu, Ken never let that get in the way of treating a woman with respect. Whether or not he was attracted, he always believed in putting a woman first. That was evident by how his attention was to her fully as she spoke, but given by the sight in front of us; I expected his attention to be right where it was. We were all on the balcony, an array of food splayed out in front of us. Airla, in all her natural glory, wore Kazu’s rather large bathrobe; which fell off her shoulders and gave me — and Ken, a sight of her lusciously soft skin. Her legs were crossed and turned to the side, another peek of her skin.

  “So what is your job, Ken? I know Kurenai’s head of security, but what are you?” She asked as she took a bite of her fruit salad, her hand to her face as she chewed.

  “I’m under Kazu and above Kurenai, that’s about how much I can say without getting into the logistics of it.”

  “I’m sure the logistics aren’t that hard to follow, but I understand. Some things aren’t for me to know.”

  “If it eases your curiosity, think of me as Kazu’s international hand. I deal with the translating parts of his job.”

  “Well given your fantastic Italian, it’s a position well manned.” Another full smile. Any other woman would feel slight envy, but no, not I. It didn’t help that the robe was slightly slipping, giving us more of her bare chest. I bit the inside of my cheek, seriously what was it about her?

  “Thank you, I really do appreciate that.” Ken was fully intrigued by her too given his warmness towards her. Kazu was quiet as he watched their interaction, his piercing amber eyes pensive. I wondered what was on his mind.

  “You’re welcome. Also, don’t forget. You still owe me those Italian lessons.” She quipped, another bite of fruit.

  “If you’re truly serious about it, we could always set up a time for me to give you lessons. If you’re a Spanish speaker, it should come to you naturally.”

  “Oh that’s wonderful, my mami taught me Spanish as I was growing up. She wanted me to be as linguistic as possible.”

  “Baby girl, you keep finding ways to steal my heart. Now I’m learning you’re multilingual? What else could you surprise us with?”

  “I mean I was raised in moderate comfort, my mother took advantage of my family’s name and made sure to raise me accordingly.”

  “Your family’s name?” Kazu asked in even more curiosity, his hands going under chin as he paid his full attention to her. Ken and I both followed suit.

  “My great-great grandfather was a painter to the Baron of Guaraciaba, which gave him leverage in art spaces and allowed him to make a decent fortune from it. His daughters followed in his footsteps, as did my father and now myself. I have a lot of respect for the arts, it’s provided me with a solid education and comfortable life.” She spoke fondly of her ancestors, a gentle smile on her face as she placed her fork down. We all watched her in awe, fascinated by the gentleness of her movements; how her hair would drape down her face from her careless bun she had done.

  “Well, you definitely have talent. From the little I’ve seen, I know that mural is going to turn out great.” Ken complimented, his gray eyes going to his coffee cup. She blushed softly, the apple of her cheeks glowing.

  “Speaking of the mural, when am I to receive those pictures of your family members? I’d like to get those sketches of your forefathers finally down so I could begin the actual piece.” Attention back to Kazu, the light in her eyes shining as she looked at him in curiosity to her question.

  “They should be arriving today. Father hopes you treat the pictures with care, but no worries; I assured him you would.” Kazu spoke to her with such sweetness, it was almost sickening how sweet he was. She took his hand as she smiled, looking at us with those warm brown eyes.

  “Thank you for trusting me with such a precious object, I’ll make utmost sure to handle them with care. Now, I have a bit of a dilemma and I think Kurenai might be the one to help me with it.”

  “And how could I possibly lend you my assistance?”

  9:58 AM

  I wouldn’t have asked if I knew it would have had me flushed and nervous as Kazu’s gorgeous woman looked through my closet for something to wear. I kept my eyes to the ground as she slipped off her robe, I was hoping my lighter complexion wasn’t giving me away.

  “It’s alright to look, Kurenai. No need to be shy around me given you were the one to tell me that you were in the market for someone new to “taste.” She teased, buttoning the white shirt she had picked. It was rather large on her, given her smaller frame, yet those curves of her filled it out rather nicely.

  “I was off a rather cocky high from the night before, I sincerely apologize if that’s the impression you’ve gotten of me.”

  “I don’t mind either impression, really. You’re all so different in your own ways, I’m truly excited to get to know each one of you individually.”

  “Is there really a need to know us when Kazu’s the one you’re interested in?”

  She chuckled, leaving her cleavage unbuttoned; a woman who appreciated her assets, I couldn’t fault her for wanting to show off.

  “Maybe Kazu’s not the only one I’m interested in.” My closet was by no means small, but I can assure you it felt that way as we both stood in there, eyes on each other. Ken had made me aware of Hachi’s report, which left me a little weary about Airla given the newness of her involvement in our lives, yet that weariness felt unnecessary by the way I felt so comfortable with her. As Kazu’s head of security, I needed to question her on the intentions she had with my boss, but knowing Kazu; he’d reprimand me first before saying anything to her. She had closed the space between us, my back pressing into the door frame.

  “I’d ask you to elaborate, but it doesn’t seem like it's something I need elaborating on.”

  “From woman to woman, do you fault me? I see how you look at Ken, I see how he looks at you. I also see the way he looks at Kazu, as do you. If I have any hopes of having anything with Kazu; I’m going to have to accept that both you and Ken are an integral part of his life.”

  “What are you really trying to tell me, Airla?”

  “Just between us girls for now, but I would absolutely like to be in the middle of Kazu, Ken and you.”

  She looked over her shoulder as she smiled, her long hair finally out of that bun as she swayed away and left me and her confession behind.

  ??

  We ended up making our way into Naga Inc at about 10:30 AM. Hachi was left with the responsibility of handing my art supplies for me again, so while Kazu gave me a kiss and went off to take care of his CEO duties with Ken and Kurenai in tow; I was left in the office alone with the fragile pictures of his ancestors. Starting with Kazumasa; his great-great grandfather. He was a much more rugged version of Kazu; with a stern face and crossed arms, he looked into the camera with dark brown eyes.

  Kazu’s eyes came to mind. He must’ve gotten the amber eyes from his mother’s side.

  I focused on his face, I needed to truly absorb the look of the man who did whatever he needed to do to assure his family’s name. Whatever he achieved allowed for his children and theirs to exist in such excessive wealth. Just spending one morning with Kazu changed my view on how little regard he had for the value of money. Everything that I touched cost more than I could ever dream of. I was wealthy in Brazil and moderately comfortable here, but Kazu’s wealth? Well, it was astronomical. My phone rang, taking me out of my focus and causing me to mess up my stroke. Luckily it was pencil, I erased my mistake as I looked at the screen; my Madam was calling.

  “I’m surprised at your call, I usually get texts.”

  “I wouldn’t be calling if it wasn’t of importance.” She stated, matter of factly.

  “Go on.” I continued my sketch, getting the shape of Kazumasa’s eyes to an acceptable recreation.

  “Seems like you’ve enticed Mr. Sadanaga. He called as soon as our lines opened to request you again tonight. He’s willing to pay extra.”

  “I don’t entertain the same customer twice in the same week, that allows them to get attached. I thought that was agreed.”

  “It was. He also offered to pay 5 times the price. I get a cut of that if you’ve forgotten.” This was the negative side to sex work, the fact that my body truly didn’t belong to me. I was in an agreement with someone who could lend me out to whoever she pleased, regardless of my feelings. I thought of Ikuto again, my skin shuddering. He was rough in every sense, the way he would hold me as he thrusted into me was in complete disregard of my enjoyment. He wasn’t there to indulge in a woman. He was there to showcase his power and get off.

  “I can’t assure my attendance. I’m currently working on an important art piece and I’m not allowed to take the reference photos off the property. It’s a mural, I hope you understand.”

  “I understand, but I cannot assure you he will though. I’ll see what I can offer him, but I doubt he’ll budge.”

  “Please make it so, Miss Asha.” I would rarely, if ever, call by her name. It usually felt like a safe word in a sense, like a student asking their teacher for help. I didn’t want to deal with Ikuto again, I was entitled to that. I also didn’t want to end up asking Kazu for help, I didn’t fare well as a damsel in distress.

  ??

  “I pay you to inform me of that motherfucker. Why was he able to traverse a majority of New York City without my men getting a whiff about it? Our alliance is dependent on our communication, so why are you not communicating!?” I glared at the individuals in front of me; all members of their own respective families within the city, as my family supplied them with weapons, they supplied me with their loyalty. Or as least I fuckin’ thought.

  “He could have made his way in through New Jersey.” One, belonging to the Genovese family, spoke. I turned to him slowly, my want to punch him becoming a need.

  “Do you not watch over New Jersey? Should I inform your boss of your fuckin’ incompetence? Or should I withhold a needed shipment? That wouldn’t fare well at all with Barney, now would it?”

  “N-no sir.” He looked at the ground, avoiding my glare.

  “So elaborate on how you’re going to fix this…” My phone pinged, the little chime to inform me it was Airla. Even in my anger, I still had time for her. It just didn’t help that the text also pissed me off.

  Sadanaga has requested me again. I’m trying to get out of it, but it’s not promised.

  “…PROMPTLY.” I spoke through gritted teeth, another blow and Ikuto wasn’t even fuckin’ aware. I was doing my best to not get possessive. I wanted to tell her to quit, to let me care for her and assure her a life of comfort...but I couldn’t take that away from her. I didn’t want her to resent me in the long run. Looking back at the men before me, I sighed heavily.

  “He’s in town to speak to shareholders, our men can go spook some of them to cause them to back out. He won’t see the need to be in town and we’ll reinforce entrances on his departure.” Another spoke up, his expression nervous as he stood with his hands in his pockets. I pursed my lips, a plan better than none. I wanted to distract him to get him away from Airla anyways.

  “How soon can you attempt to interject? Would tonight be possible?” I asked, hopeful. I masked that hopefulness with a cold glare, I didn’t need my intentions for the haste to be evident.

  “We might. It's truly a group effort.”

  “Then what do I pay you for!? Go be a damn team!” I shouted, causing them to jump and rush out the room. Ken approached me from behind, bending to my shoulder as he watched the door close. Kurenai stood to my left, quietly.

  “Was the shouting necessary?”

  “Yes. Ikuto requested Airla again tonight. I rather shout at them than you.”

  “How about not shouting at anyone? The last thing you need is someone turning on you because you spoke to them rudely. Americans are dramatic in that sense. Also, intercepting him isn’t going to protect Airla. He’s going to make the connection if he hasn’t already with her possession of your katana necklace.”

  “Well what do you suppose I do, Kentaro?”

  “Letting her go would be best, but I don’t expect you to follow through on that.” He crossed his arms as he stated his response, a stupid one at that. It was surreal, I was heavily attached to Airla in every sense of the word. Having her in my arms this morning made me feel complete, seeing her interact with both Ken and Kurenai was also a dream in itself. I felt…whole with her, I couldn’t let her go. Looking down at my phone, I sighed, I had to offer myself; even if it meant facing Ikuto.

  Is there anything I could do?

  Unless you can make him go away, then no.

  I knew I could try, but to do something would break the agreements my family and his had in place after our ordeal. I don’t touch him, he doesn’t touch me. If we were to interact, we kept it cordial. If any of us pulled the trigger, those agreements would become void and either family could attack to their content. Barring him from being close to my turf wasn’t included in that, it only reinforced what our families agreed: stay away from each other. The problem now was Airla, she was unknowingly in the middle of this feud in the worst way, via her body. If Ikuto knew we were involved, who knows what he would attempt? Would he hurt her to make me fold? I had to lie to her for now, it guaranteed her safety.

  No, I can’t. I’m sorry. I’ll be back in the office soon, would you like to spend some time with me alone before heading home?

  I’d like that.

  1:11 PM

  I sent Ken and Kurenai to lunch on my coin. As always, I never minded doing so. I enjoyed caring for them in whatever way I could. Arriving on my floor, Judy was at her desk, distracted with whatever paperwork I had endured on her. Looking up to me, she looked at the time behind me.

  “Seems like it’s going to be a late lunch, do you want me to hold your calls?”

  “Hold my calls and any meetings, I’d like to not be interrupted.”

  “Make sure to lock the door.” She teased, looking back at her computer screen and continuing her work. I chuckled as I walked off, walking into my office and closing the door. Airla was coming out of my private bathroom as we met eyes and smiled at each other.

  “Ah, there you are. I hope you’re okay with my ordering lunch, I was hungry and didn’t want to disturb Judy, she looked really focused on her work.”

  “Baby, the point of her is to do exactly that. She gets paid well enough to be interrupted a few times.” We finally closed the space between us, my hand going around her waist as we stood by the windows. She tucked my hair behind my ear before rubbing my cheek, the need to kiss her hand taking over.

  “I’m not used to telling people what to do, darling. Even for the wealth my family has, we refused to hire help. My ancestors were slaves, didn’t feel the need to continue on that tradition if you catch my drift.”

  “Can’t say I understand given our differences, but I can assure you that everyone under my rule is being cared for properly. I can’t expect efficiency if I don’t allow them good work/life balance.”

  “I’m glad they are, benevolence looks good on you.” I chuckled at her statement, I was far from kind but I didn’t believe in harming the innocent. It was one of the core ideals of my family that were drilled into every Nagatsuchi man from the moment we were out in the world. While the dark side of my family would include involving them unfortunately, we would try our best to remove them first before any resolution of conflict.

  “I try my best. So, what did you order for lunch?” My hands were fully around her waist now, resting at the top of her ass. She played with my collar, her eyes on my chest.

  “I had ordered some paninis and drinks, but I think I’m in the mood for something else.”

  “And what would that be?”

  “Why don’t you take a seat and you’ll find out?”

  I raised my brow, I knew the implications. Taking a seat in my office chair, I sat back; my hands on the rests. Smirking, she wasted no time getting to her knees, there was no dilly dallying when it came to her. If she wanted something, she took it. I watched as half hooded brown eyes looked back at me while her petite hands made due with my belt. A slight chuckle as my hand rested on my temple, a tug of my boxers to finally give her what she wanted. I did nothing but watch her intently, I was hers to command and use. Right now, my cock was what she wanted.

  “It’ll be hard to work if we go all the way, I think this should suffice until you pick me up in the morning and face that son of a bitch. I want him to know who I really belong to…” I raised my brow, the mention of Ikuto would have affected me, but her following statement was what really absorbed my attention. Belonging…oh, my possessiveness flared up to a degree I hadn’t felt in a long time. I had to be sure I was hearing right.

  “Belong, hm? That’s a dangerous word to use in regards to me.”

  “I’m aware, why do you think I used it?” She tucked her hair back, opening her mouth and taking me in. I groaned at the warmth of it all, biting my lip and gripping the arm rests. I was no stranger to blowjobs, yet there was just the way that she attended to me that had me seeing the edge so much clearer. I wanted to chuck myself off by how easily I melted in her grasp. Her head bobbed up and down, no part of me was left out. I helped, of course; holding her hair for her as rested her hands on my thighs, her mouth doing most if not all of the work. She was greedy for me in the best way, once her hands did get involved; it was a fuckin’ joy to watch. Such a gorgeous woman, greedy for me. She was bare faced from spending the night, in clothes that didn’t belong to her. Yet, I wanted to show her off, I wanted the world to see that she was mine.

  “You’re making it hard to keep me from taking you right on this fuckin’ desk…” Her eyes burned into mine as she slowly licked up my shaft, a trail of saliva slowly dripping down the side of her chin. She was the one who claimed it’d be hard to work, but I truly think she didn’t care.

  “Make it hard for me to go to work, then.” She teased as she pulled back, an animalistic growl coming from me as I sat up, holding her head back and kissing her. She smiled in the kiss, our tongues going back and forth as we both peeked at each other through heavy eyes.

  “Get on that desk, now.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  ??

  The elevator doors to the executive floor opened, Kurenai and I making our way past Judy’s desk, which was empty. Lunch was light yet again, which made sense as to why we only needed 30 minutes to enjoy it. Getting to Kazu’s office, we heard muffled sounds, yet made no mind of it, Kazu had sense. Or at least I thought he did. I opened the door to hell of a sight, my eyes meeting with Airla’s lustful ones before I turned beet red and slammed the door closed. Kurenai jumped at my doing so.

  “You saw something you weren’t supposed to see, huh?” Kurenai made no attempt to look up from the ground, taking a seat by the small waiting area.

  “No, no I was not.” I looked down to the ground as my cheeks were still on fire from seeing her. There was a certain lust in her eyes that I had only gotten from the two people I was involved with, the neediness they both exhibited when in my grasp, the same as hers. Taking a seat, my hand went to my mouth, I can’t be that easily enticed. The door opened soon enough, a grin on Kazu’s face as he fixed himself.

  “While yes, I could have locked the door, you should’ve knocked.”

  “I expected more decorum from you at this age, that was foolish of me. Are you done?”

  He chuckled, fixing his belt.

  “Yeah.”