3 weeks later…

  July 1st, 20XX

  11:23 AM

  ??

  “(In Portuguese) It’s a beautiful gravestone, I’ll have to thank them myself.” Mami spoke as her hand rested on the cold stone, my father’s name engraved on a plaque that Ken himself had gone out of his way to forge. He was a skilled craftsman, a skill he kept rather humble about for the sake of not outshining anyone around him. Kazu had taken the reins of giving my father a proper burial, regardless of the fact that we were still in search of other pieces of his body. I still hadn’t told my mother the truth, the pain was too much to bear myself. I would never pass on to her. To my mother, there was a body under her resting and truthfully, that’s all that mattered. Mikhail, one of my eight, came by my side; a quick bent down to my ear as she was much taller than I and understood the need to keep things out of my mother’s earshot.

  “Your orders are due to be fulfilled today, ma’am. Nagatsuchi-Sama would like a word.” I nodded as a response, not having to give much direction on keeping mami safe as her own security guard stood close by just the same. Patting mami on the shoulder, she gave me a quick smile; when it came to Nagatsuchi business, she wanted to be kept as far as she could from it, she trusted me enough. Leaving her, Mikhail followed behind me quietly as I made my way to Kazu; his eight waiting outside the living room along with my other seven, the doors opening for me as I stepped inside. A simple bow and security was no more.

  I was greeted by a wet haired and open robed Kazu, with cheeks slightly flushed, a re-occurrence that had become more frequent as he had taken more attention to his physical form and decided on working out in the morning before any of his Yakuza dealings. He didn’t need it, but it surely was appreciated. With a smile and a pat of his thigh, I took my rightful seat.

  “Mikhail said you wanted a word?”

  “It’s uncouth to expect my woman to be around while I’m on Yakuza business. Given the circumstances, it’s only right.” He held me as he nuzzled into my neck, warm kisses dancing on my skin as he waited for response. Pursing my lips, I wondered about this for days after letting those words escape my mouth, how much would I be allowed to see? How much would Kazu bend his own personal convictions for me? How much would I even want to see given the order?

  Then it hit me.

  Why would I hold back in watching carnage unfold?

  Why would I give Ikuto the satisfaction of knowing that I scurried away in the shadows as I pointed fingers towards him?

  Why wouldn’t I stand proudly next to Kazu as I set his rival’s life ablaze?

  This man had killed my best friend, my father. He deserved worse, I just couldn’t muster being so cruel. Fire felt violent enough, the desecration of his history was the least I could do.

  My hand rested in his wet locks as he kissed on, my decision clear as he pulled back.

  “I need time to get ready, if that’s alright.”

  “Take all the time you need, flames illuminate brighter at night anyways.”

  …

  I found myself heading for my mother’s room, a small piece of comfort in this huge, still wildly unknown villa. Sliding the door open, she was sitting facing the garden; quiet and pensive, just as I’d remembered her when I’d come home from school as a teen. Turning to me, she smiled, warmth in still a rather sad smile.

  “I didn’t think I’d see you for the rest of the day, once you’re with Kazu, nothing else matters.”

  “I’ll be with him later on tonight, I have a favor.” I took a seat by her vanity, facing her. She blinked back, awaiting my request. “Could you braid my hair, please? I need one less thing to care about for the foreseeable future.” She raised a brow, sighing and then coming to stand behind me. With her hands on my shoulder, I looked back at the older version of myself through the mirror.

  “A protective style usually means something deeper in your regard, Airla. What are you planning on doing?”

  “I’m doing what I can, mami.”

  “Would your father approve?”

  “He would probably say I should do worse, but that’s far beyond my scope.”

  Mami scoffed as she patted my head, kissing the top of it as she stared back at the mirror.

  “Do your worst, my girl. You have my support. Now, always and forever.”

  ??

  8:03 PM;

  I expected Airla’s getting ready to take at least two hours. Not most of the day. Then again, the intricacies of dating a woman who enjoyed looking good meant waiting for her for as long as she needed me to. Ken and Kurenai eventually came to keep me company, fully aware of what was going to occur later on. The doors of the living room slid open, my attention, heart rate and blood pressure rising as I consumed the beauty that was Airla in her beautifully braided hair that truly gave her a rapunzel-esque look from how gorgeously the braids cascaded down her body. With lightly curled ends, she truly did look like a fuckin’ princess. The intricate swoop of the hairs of her edges were also a mesmerizing work of art, the beauty that women like her carried truly a blessing I knew sometimes I didn’t deserve.

  Making my way to her side, she was even prettier up close, the glitters of her oils illuminating her like moonstone. She gave me a raise of the brow and a smile, she was aware of how obsessed I currently was with her.

  “You sure know how to get ready, baby girl.”

  “I needed to forget about my hair for a moment, who knows if I’ll be able to care for it properly once things are in order.”

  “He can retaliate to his heart’s content, he’ll be dead before he tries to get back at you.” Ken spoke up from his seat. those grey eyes of his darker than usual. I’d say due to lack of sleep, but I wasn’t nor did I care to pry. Those dark eyes meant one thing, he was out for blood. This time, in Airla’s name.

  “Dead is an understatement, darling.” Kurenai interjected, cigarette in her mouth as she looked up from her phone. Standing up, one of her hands went to her pocket as the other held the cigarette. “I’d hate to take away from Airla, but we have quite a ride so I suggest we get on the road. I’ll procure a private vehicle for you.”

  …

  A simple nod of acknowledgment and soon enough, we were on the road. I was aware I had a 2 and a half hour ride ahead of me, distractions not a problem as I turned to look at Airla again in all her glory. She knew her body well, therefore she dressed accordingly. With a skin tight leather dress, she looked every bit of a dominatrix, which hey, I was all for. Her red soled heels only added to the appeal, she looked fuckin’ rich, just as she deserved. Noticing my eyes on her from the corner of her eye, she gave me a sweet smirk, faced me and soon closed the space between us. Long fluttering lashes curtained russet brown eyes, a sweet mix of vanilla and caramel smell lingering from her skin as her fingers brushed mine, I felt almost giddy, she was really all mine.

  “You’re not making it easy to stay modest, you know.”

  “I’ve done nothing but look at you, baby. I can’t help your reactions.”

  “You can ease them later if you’d like.” I sat back towards the car door, giving our tension a chance to ease; I would absolutely take her right here if she let me, but I also had to be aware that I was bringing her closer to danger than further from it. I needed to be vigilant, even with all the exterior protection.

  “Later is such a time away, we have two hours, I can…stay busy.” I knew her implications, she was an absolute nympho, sex was always an option. Even as she was in route to sending hellfire to my rival, she’d fuck in the flames if she could.

  “And mess up those pretty lips? I couldn’t.” She pouted slightly, turning her body and raising her leg for me to caress. Her skin was as soft as it looked, my finger trailing up her calf slowly. “…but I never said anything in regards to my own lips, given the little surprise you’ve so quietly bestowed upon me…” A quiet scoff, I was pertaining to her commando status. The tightness of her dress would make even the faintest panty line show, so she chose a more than proper sacrifice, to my liking of course.

  “I’m glad you noticed, I would’ve pulled a Basic Instinct on you before we arrived home.”

  “Just tell me to look next time, no need to beat around the bush in regards to what you want or expect of me as your leman. I’m here to serve your needs just as much as you serve mine.” I was grateful for a spacious backseat as she scooted closer, her dress riding up as she did and exposing her bare mons pubis, maybe she didn’t need underwear moving forward. I held her leg as she opened up, a pussy as pretty as her owner. I didn’t dare touch her yet, just the sight had me excited, I couldn’t promise the feeling wouldn’t send me over the edge.

  “Are you suggesting that I can simply ask for cunnilingus whenever I please? Even with your scattered attention?”

  “If you want it from me in the middle of a meeting, say so. I have the freedom to make people wait.”

  “Not full freedom, at least not yet.” I chuckled at her statement, these past 3 weeks had made it so I could chuckle so confidently, I knew what I knew and absolutely meant what I said.

  “There’s nothing I need to prove, baby girl...” I let the tension get the best of me, the tip of my finger grazing her clit, a flinch from her. “…the intention is to make you cum, is it not? However I chose to get you there is all in the scope of your approval. In terms of freedom, just you wait, I’ll show you the extent of that statement.” Two fingers now grazed her, the tip of my middle finger just as her entrance, the warmth of her almost magnetic.

  “Proving the world to me is what makes me cum, Kazuhito. Have I not…” I was foolish to think I could be in control when it came to her and sex. I was big everywhere else but here, my cock was the only big thing…and that was only because of her. My fingers were wholly hers, given the way she slid down on them and moaned. “…made that expeditiously clear?”

  “You have, but my attention is scattered as you say so I might need a gentle reminder.”

  “Mmm, no. You go on and give yourself the reminder…” A little deeper and wetter as she rocked her hips, I bit my lip at the sight, not daring to move unless she asked. I curled my fingers slowly, a squeeze of approval.

  Fuck.

  I shifted in my seat, I was losing whatever game this was. She moaned even sweeter, her eyes on me as she bit her lip, her excitement showing through the leather as her nipples pushed through. I had to stay focused but fuck…

  Fuckin’ fuck.

  I needed a distraction, even as I was currently being used as a sex toy.

  “Chairmen don’t need reminders.”

  “…I hate to diminish your ego, baby. You’re far from a Chairman.” Her fingers grazed mine as she rubbed on her clit. She needed that release faster than I could give it to her.

  “Do I need to prove my title?” My cock twitched yet again, I needed this moment singed in my memory.

  “A chairman doesn’t. need. reminders.” Yeah, fuck vigilantism. Proving the world, my title, my fuckin’ soul to her finally came first. I could finally choose her first over and over again.

  “I need one. Get over here.” As quickly I pulled my fingers out of her, she went for my belt and pulled me out. I didn’t need prep, nor did I want it. I wanted to feel her, hear her, love her. Directing her to slide down, her back pressed against my chest, her hands busy with steadying herself as I held her open and fucked her to the best of my ability in the enclosed space. Stopping to scramble for my phone, I passed it to her, nibbling on her ear as I gave her something else to do. “Film yourself, baby girl. Give me something to make all the lessons worth it. All the stringency and poise…make it all worth it.”

  I didn’t need to tell her, she had seemingly caught on. With shaky hands, she held my phone as I continued to fuck her, mindful of the angles so I could truly appreciate my work in the future. Her braids were a wise choice as they allowed me to see more of her body and pleasure.

  You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

  “I love you.”

  To be able to hear those words everyday made my vow worth it. To see her smile, laugh, exist…

  It made bringing hell to earth feel like heaven.

  10:57 PM

  Airla was through in what she wanted, which meant a blaze larger than I can protect her from. My men went on to follow their orders, Airla and I watched from a safe distance, the scenery perfect to see her revenge exacted. Stepping out the car, I held the door open for her to give her a moment of modesty, her dress needed to be pulled down. As I waited for her, Ni, my 2 of 8 approached me, my finger up to stop him in his tracks, I didn’t need his eyes on her when she didn’t ask for it.

  “Sir, we’re ready. Just waiting on your word.” He waited with my branded robes, something my father was adamant I have tonight, I had an idea why.

  “My word isn’t the one you’re waiting for. Give her a moment.” Samael, Airla’s 4 of 7 came with a silk wrapped gift, this was absolutely in connection to why my father wanted what he wanted. A quick bow as she waited, the clack of Airla’s heels on the ground catching my attention.

  “I’m ready.” She looked up at me as she stood in my shadow, her demeanor calm. Ni took the chance to walk around and place my robes on my shoulders, Samael waited for my nod, which I gave her soon after. Unwrapping the gift, laid in her hands was a soft lavender robe, in the same luxurious materials as my own. Airla’s attention went to the material, a smile on her face. “Are these for me?”

  “Of course. Father wanted you to have them as an ascension gift.” I gave way to allow Samael to place said robes around Airla, the signature camellia flowers that graced my family insignia as an inner lining. Her hands held trailed the material gently, the realization surely hitting by now.

  “Chairmen don’t need reminders, huh?” She allowed one of my hands around her waist as she teased, a chuckle from me as a response. Taking my other hand, she faced our subordinates, her smirk visible from the side.

  “Burn. It. All.”

  ??

  I felt the extreme heat of the surroundings around me as I held the now empty canister of gas in my hand. Nai stood next to me, the orange glow beautiful on her skin.

  “We’ve started a war, haven’t we?”

  “Unfortunately. But this is fitting. It’s what Kazuhito has been working towards his whole life. As his right hand, all I can do is follow.”

  “Now you know that’s not true, you’re more than that, Kentaro.”

  “Only temporarily. I will assume my regular position once the time comes.” She pursed her lips as she looked on, the subject still too raw to speak about. 3 weeks prior, I was fine where I stood, I enjoyed my stance in this family and Kazu’s life. Now, I was in a position I never thought possible. I didn’t expect for Kazu to change the timeline of his family for me. I was no longer his right hand, I was now his Patriarch. He was now my Chairman.

  ??

  “It’s only right. I don’t trust anyone as much as I do you. I don’t have a kid and it’ll be long before I allow them in that role, so why not?” Kazu sat across from me, hands clasped together as his father once did. He was now in his Chairman robes, the crisp white silk a stark difference to the red inner lining that he had chosen. I kept my eyes on his hands, not only was I fond of them, I didn’t need Kazu to see the little bit of despair in my eyes.

  I wasn’t ready to assume that role. I never thought I would have to. I hadn’t been molded to be a fucking Patriarch. I carried enough power in this family to get things done, to fight, to step in when Kazu couldn’t, but to be in the role permanently? If not permanently, at least for another 20 years? That…wasn’t how it was supposed to be.

  “I’m not a Nagatsuchi, how would this fare with the elders?”

  “The elders wholeheartedly agree, Ken. Unanimously, they want you in the role, it’ll be good for my heir down the line, they’ll have someone well respected as a teacher.”

  “Why?” I was still looking at his hands. The new ring around his ring finger had most of my attention. It wasn’t a wedding band, but it absolutely carried significance due to the engraved A, I would know, I engraved it.

  “Because we owe you. I owe you. You've given and lost so much because of me, let me take care of you and ease the continuation of your bloodline. I want you and Nai to settle into your marriage, to dream of fatherhood and attempt it. Placing you in my succession line only makes your sacrifices worth it.”

  I finally looked past his hands to his face, those honey orbs of his looking back at me lovingly. I felt my face warm up just a bit, I wasn’t going to discount my feelings for him or how he made me feel, regardless of my marital status. Nai understood that. I stood up, making my way around his desk and standing beside him, my back on the desk. He sat back in his seat, staring back.

  “You don’t owe me shit, Kazuhito. Protecting you has been the utmost pleasure of my life and while yes, it’s been a pain, I’ve never regretted it once. I have been resentful, but never regretful. I am honored to be your Patriarch and even more so honored to lead this family alongside you.”

  “That’s a yes then?”

  A nod was all he needed. My loyalty needed no words.

  ??

  I only downplayed the change of my role in this family because I knew how important it really was. I knew what it meant for me, for Kurenai, for our child if that ever came to be. It did mean more eyes, more chaos, despair, but it came with power that I had only barely tasted. It made Kazu and I equals. His concerns were now my own even more so because, if he fell, so would I. That’s why I stood here as I watched the history of his rival disintegrate into the night. To hurt Ikuto meant safety for my own, which in this very moment was needed. I didn’t enjoy knowing I could have saved Airla from the despair of losing her father, to know I could have disobeyed just slightly to give her emotions— and Enzo, the protection they deserved. This new role assured I could push back and hopefully keep the legacy of the Nagatsuchi Clan well and alive. As I scattered through my thoughts, one of my subordinates came to my attention, his face grim. Noticing my eyes on him, he came to my side to speak.

  “(In Japanese) About 90% of the villa has been lit, sir. There’s just…one more temple. I think you need to see it first.” I raised an eyebrow in response, looking at Nai after. She shrugged her shoulders as she looked back at me, crossing her arms in response. There was nothing that needed to be said as I followed behind said subordinate with Nai and came to a small temple, it wasn’t a grave, so I held no guilt as I slid the door open and stepped inside.

  Jealousy was never a feeling I gave mind to. I was past the immaturity that came along with it for good reason, yet I felt sick at the fact that after so many years…I felt that feeling again. The temple in question was a fucking shrine to the man I followed. Pictures upon pictures of Kazu, from his teen years to now, from angles that felt like the setting to a rather bad stalker film. There were pictures of myself and Nai, held up by rusted kunai knives.

  “At least he got good pictures of us, I’ll give him that.” Nai exclaimed, her nose turned up as she walked around me, the canister that I held creaking from my grip. There was a picture of Airla, hers much more abused with slashes. It never occurred to me that Ikuto would have felt differently about Kazuhito than the way he portrayed, I also didn’t take him for someone who partook in the same kind of sexual escapes that I myself enjoyed. Could a war have been prevented if Ikuto had accepted who he was and expressed that peacefully to Kazuhito? Would Kazuhito and I be lovers if that was to happen? Would I be…okay with that?

  Would I be okay with just being Kazuhito’s right hand and nothing more?

  “Kurenai, go outside. Let Airla know her wish has been fulfilled.”

  “Oh. Sure, darling. See you outside.” She patted my shoulder, a smirk on her face as no words needed to be exchanged for her to know what my plan was. Giving me the privacy to feel my jealousy in peace, I poured the rest of the gasoline over the pictures of my Chairman, a smile growing on my face as the pictures soaked in the liquid. With a desire for nicotine, I pulled a cigarette from my holder and lit it, the match in my hand doing the rest of the work for my feelings.

  3:33 AM;

  “A shrine? I have to say, I’m flattered.” Kazu grinned as we found ourselves in the onsen after a long and fiery night. The intention was never to kill, we knew the villa would be empty from innocents and Ikuto himself. The point was to send a message on Airla's behalf, she would never kill, so why would we? Had Kazu given the order, then maybe I’d say fuck it and burn the place down with the cook in it, but no, Airla’s demands meant restraint. Speaking of Airla, both her and Nai were out for the night, choosing beauty sleep instead of whatever Kazu might think up after such a display of power. Kazu himself, well he was about 5 cups of sake in, his peachy skin absolutely in heat. I kept my distance from him as we enjoyed the warm water, restraint somehow feeling very necessary.

  The jealousy still hadn’t left my bones.

  I hadn’t thought of the possibility of Kazu not being mine. I never thought it would bother me to think that had things been just a little different, his love could have been platonic. Would I be so rounded if that were the case?

  “He had pictures of us too, though, they weren’t as lovingly hung up as yours were. Especially Airla's.”

  “Well she’s going to be my wife one day, I can understand the jealousy. Now in regards to you and Kure-Chan, I doubt he expected romantic feelings between us, although, maybe I’m wrong. Maybe we slipped up one day unaware of his presence or something, I dunno.” He took another sip of his drink, his nonchalance attractive yes, but still concerning.

  “You don’t fear the possibility that he could have acted on his feelings?”

  “Nah, while the fucker’s attractive, he’s a bit too rugged for my taste, I need a bit of sensitivity.”

  I focused on the last bit a little too long, raising a brow. I was the only man Kazu actively engaged with sexually, was he calling me sensitive?

  “Besides, you’re all I need in regards to a man. Not many men like you exist. I’m glad to have you around as not only a friend, but a lover. Ikuto looks to be too rough of a fuck anyways.”

  “Rough isn’t something you ask for, Kazuhito.” I glanced back, a sip of my own drink. I could admit to the self-adulation to hearing how Kazu truly felt about me. The green glow of jealousy soon dispersed from my shadow as I had little to worry about. Kazuhito belonged to me because he wanted to, nothing less, nothing more.

  “Why would I need to? Rough implies speed, I’ve got no desire to rush through anything with you when it regards sex. Just as much as I enjoy sleeping with Airla or Kurenai or anyone for that fact, I’ve got to say, you've got the top spot, Kentaro.”

  Usually I kept my reactions very stoic in regards to his sexual advances. This time around, the way he stared back after so eloquently speaking my full name lit a fire in my back like never before. If the church of where my back tattoo takes from was on fire, I could confess to feeling that same heat on my physical form. I wasted no time making my way to him, the difference in our heights only so minimal, but giving me the opportunity to hover over him just slightly. He smirked back, those cut cheeks of his red from his alcohol consumption.

  “Top spot? Now that’s a bit too much, don’t think Airla would enjoy being second fiddle.”

  “Baby the way you fuck might have me in second fiddle in her lineup. I know damn well I’m Kurenai’s.”

  “Flattery will only get you so far, Kazuhito.” Space became a nuisance between us, the desire to kiss him truly overloading my thought process, our bodies touching as I placed my hand on the rocks behind him to steady myself.

  “Then let it take me as far as it can.” No hesitation as he went for a kiss, his slender hands holding my face he deepened the kiss, my own hands pulling him closer as I allowed him the kiss he wanted from me. It was desperate, needy, desperate; pulling away felt like a godforsaken sin, good thing I didn’t mind being sinful.

  “Let’s get inside.”

  “Ooh, a double entendre.”

  …

  It was clear as day as to why Kazu and I melded together so well. That softness catered to me blooming lovingly as we made our way to the bedroom. The vastness of space meant we didn’t have to worry about interruptions. No one was going to disturb the chairman anyways. That was also still so surprising, even with a drastic title change, it meant nothing when he was under me. Towels barely mattered, they were used for their intended use and nothing more, I made it so as I sat on the bed and pulled him by the waist as he dried his hair haphazardly. With a more defined Adonis belt than I’ve been used to, his dedication in the gym needed to be praised. I knew Kazuhito well, he loved compliments, whether vocal or not. Kissing him in the aforementioned place, I looked up at him as I did, those honey colored eyes of his heavy with lust as they looked back. With gentle hands, he raked them through my wet strands as I continued to kiss him down his v-line to right above his rather rigid cock. He smirked as I stopped, my intention clear.

  “I must’ve been a good fuckin’ boy for you to want to blow me.”

  “Once again, it’s not something you ask for. But…” I squeezed his ass as I licked my lips, the excitement of my next action causing me to salivate. “…if it’s something you want, just ask.”

  He didn’t have to ask this time around, I took him in fully and with no hesitation, a deep moan coming from him as he gripped my hair and held my hair out of the way, a tender rub of the forehead as he kept his eyes on me, his cheeks flushed, his lips red as he bit them with each whimper. I didn’t break eye contact — I didn’t want to, I needed to remember this version of him for my own satisfaction. I needed to satiate the green demon inside of me so there was no more incertitude in regards to how he felt about me, about us. In no existence can Ikuto take him from me. He was mine.

  Mine.

  ??

  5:58 AM;

  My supernatural ability to hear my spouse’s thoughts as he indulged in his male companion would probably send someone into a fit of rage, of jealousy, even a polyamorous couple might feel tension; but I knew one thing and one thing alone, without Kazuhito, there is no Kentaro. If I had made him choose, there would always be a repressed part of him that wouldn’t do him well. I understood the man I had chosen to love. I knew he would always love someone else as much as he did me. I already had a head start to his love anyways, I was the one who could hear his thoughts.

  Just as he caused Kazuhito’s legs to shake, I went for a cigarette, the early morning Japanese sun peeking through the doors of the living room where I sat after leaving Airla in bed alone. I also had no gall being jealous, I was just as guilty of committing the same acts with Kazuhito’s female equivalent. She laid in that bed stark naked and it wasn’t because of the man who she wore a ring for. So, with that, I pushed my hair back and puffed quietly, the silence a treasure.

  Soon a treasure I enjoyed too swiftly, I heard the drag of feet on the floor, unfamiliar, but safe. Turning to look over my shoulder, I was greeted by Catarina, a tender smile on her face as she held onto her robe.

  “I didn’t think anyone would be awake on this side of the house.”

  “I’m an early riser, it gives me time to plan out the day for Kazuhito’s safety.” I smiled as I watched her take a seat, her eyes on my cigarettes as held her robe. Offering them, she smiled back; taking one and allowing me to light it. Taking a heavy drag, she looked towards the garden.

  “I’ve noticed you’ve taken Airla’s safety into consideration, I appreciate that.”

  “Well she is my chairman’s woman, her safety is a priority to his happiness, I take my duty very seriously.”

  “Mm…” She took another puff, her darker brown eyes on me. “…Seriously must mean sleeping with her too, huh?” My cheeks flared as she stared back, my surprise at her astuteness throwing me for a loop. I didn’t showcase my relationship with Airla in public out of respect to Kazuhito, how could Catarina catch it? She chuckled after another puff. “Don’t worry, I knew from the moment I met you.”

  “How so?”

  “Because I would’ve done the same if I was her. Matter of fact, I did the same. All these years I thought she hid that part of her because she thought I’d be ashamed. If anything, I’m proud.”

  “I’d hate to ask why you’d be proud, but humor me.” I took a pull of my own cigarette, my curiosity screaming for satisfaction.

  “Because that means she put herself first. She didn’t care if her father or I would approve, neither did she care to speak to me about that part of herself because she didn’t care if I would accept her or not. She’s a strong girl — no, woman. I’m glad to know she has a strong woman by her side as a lover.”

  “It’s a pleasure to stand by her, Catarina. I’ll do my best to keep her happy and protected.”

  “You’re doing your best.” Another long pull, maybe I’ll gift her cigarettes down the line.