—:— AM; July 11th, 20XX;

  I rubbed my eyes from sleep as I faced away from the clock, the rustle of Ken leaving my side pulling me out of whatever sleep I had left in my bones. Today was the day. The plans were agreed on by Kazu in regards to my and Airla’s protection, so I sat in a stupor as I watched the people who once answered to me follow their orders to a T. Maiko had been placed in charge of collecting our things, so I wasn’t surprised at her being coming into my room with tea and an outfit to change.

  “(In Japanese) Good morning, Nakamura-San. Miss Airla would like to know if you’d like to join her for a final breakfast on villa grounds. She’ll be waiting for you under the maple tree.”

  “Yeah, I’ll be there.” I didn’t bother changing my tongue, she understood me either way. Accepting my answer, she bowed as she left me in the room alone again. Getting out of bed, I didn’t bother to cover up too quickly, the signs of a very long night evident on my neck and chest. Something had taken over Ken last night. He felt the need to leave reminders of his love for me, which given how private we were, was strange. Was he leaving reminders for himself or for me? Did he need to have concrete proof that he’d be able to return to himself after this was over?

  He had embraced his new title eventually, the darkness of it leaving marks in his way of being. While still warm to me and our other two, that warmth would dissipate anytime business would be involved. As if he turned off all feeling, all love, from his soul. This was the same darkness Ken possessed when we had first met, the disregard for the beauty of life such a frightening thing to experience. I was afraid of how this separation would change him. Would Kazu be able to reel him back…without me? Would he be in need of outside help? I groaned at the thought, pushing my hair out of my face and looking back in the mirror.

  I didn’t stare back too long, I don’t know if I was happy with what looked back.

  …

  I eventually made my way to the garden, where I found Airla exactly where she was mentioned, her still braided hair in a low braided ponytail. Looking up at me, she smiled gently, a glow emanating from her. I smiled back, taking a seat next to her as she held her hand out for me to take. An array of breakfast laid out in front of us, none tantalizing enough for me to bother with. Tea was enough.

  “There’s the hand I’ll be holding for the foreseeable future. How’d you sleep?” She rubbed my hand with her thumb as she asked. I chuckled at her question, she knew what my night entailed.

  “My body slept, my mind didn’t.”

  “Mm, did your body sleep? I see those marks nice and clear.” Her eyes darted to the mentioned marks, a smirk on her face. It was endearing how good she was at hiding her sadness about the day.

  “It’s rested enough for whatever awaits us today. Any news on that?”

  She shook her head, pursuing her lips. They were leaving us both in the dark, for our sake, or so they say. “I tried getting something out of Kazu last night, he wouldn’t budge. Then again, I asked while riding him so I can’t say my heart was truly in it.”

  “What matters is the effort. Can’t say I bothered at all.”

  “It seems like you’re not doing much. Are you alright? I know today feels…rough, but you can’t let it dim your light, Kurenai. It wouldn’t do you —or them any good.

  “I’m fine.” I wasn’t. “I just need a minute to adjust. I haven’t slouched in this long.” Not being by Kazu’s side as his head of security had made standing to attention obsolete, so after so long, I found myself uncaring for my posture. I also didn’t know what to do with myself, this was almost 10 years of my life, that’s not easy to just…change.

  “Kurenai, don’t lie to me. It’s unbecoming of you and our relationship. I wouldn’t want to have to use sex or other coercive ways to get you to open up to me.”

  “What’s more coercive than sex when it comes to you, darling? Don’t forget, I am a trained fighter.”

  “Who says anything regarding me comes with violence? I would never. I know my talents and your loci.” She raised a brow, a smirk forming at the edge of her mouth. Talents, she’d say. I couldn’t deny her the truth. The dynamic that we had was still so delicate, not in terms of strength but action. I noticed as Airla had made note to shorten her nails for my sake, that being brightly evident as she held my hand. I had also noticed her taking defense classes in the past, asking Ichi to teach her how to properly hold — and shoot a gun. She wanted to protect me just as much as our male counterparts.

  “You’ll have time to learn even more of my loci, given our circumstances.”

  “Let’s try to stay positive during this time. If we show weakness, it’ll distract the boys. If they’re distracted, we risk losing them and honestly, I’d hate to see this family fall. I need Kazu to make an heir, so I need him back, safe and sound.” She kept her eyes forward, the seriousness in her voice thick. Her devotion to Kazuhito was beautiful, even for a relationship that was barely a year old. “I also want Ken back safely. Even if most of our interactions are sexual, he’s still a vital part of my heart. I love him and you. I want us to live our poetically beautiful polyamorous life; without the risk of some asshole ruining it.”

  She hadn’t been made aware of Ikuto’s obsession, Ken made sure of that. He wanted her to keep the mindset that this was just a deadly rivalry, not a one sided love affair. Besides, that would breed jealousy. Something that I, as one of Airla’s partners, had no clue of. Between the 4, we agreed that jealousy was childish. We were well enough into our adulthood to speak our minds of whatever bothered us when it regarded the relationship.

  “He’s not going to ruin it. Something’s telling me he won’t.”

  ??

  7:23 AM;

  “I appreciate the offer of safety, Zayed. My bride will appreciate the change of scenery, as will Ken’s. They’ll leave from Tokyo tonight with their security detail and should be in your care by sunrise. If anything changes, I will let you know.” I clicked the phone off, looking up at Ken as I did. He was always quiet, this time felt much more closeted than usual. Grey eyes bore up to look at me, the haze of his cigarette lingering on his lip.

  “Remember to be mindful of Airla’s wardrobe; it is Dubai.”

  “Let’s hope they’re not there long, the point is to not only keep them safe but also entertain them. I do wish I could enjoy the change with her, but life.”

  “You can choose to enjoy that with her if you’d like.” His gaze was unmoving, the need to catch the ash from his cigarette the only reason for movement. I knew his insinuation, I wasn’t having it.

  “Why? So you could do it on your own and either not come back at all as you’d be fuckin’ dead or severely injured? I’m not going to give Kurenai a reason to hate me. She’s my girlfriend just as much as she is your wife and one thing I don’t do? Try my fuckin’ best not to piss her off. I did enough during her securing.”

  “You’ve done it already.”

  “Yes and I learned from it not to do it again. Feels very out of character for you to suggest pissing your wife off for what seems to be a mission of self destruction. I’ve noticed, Ken.”

  “Notice what? I’m practically the same.” He pushed his hair back, visibly annoyed. He went for another cigarette, which proved my point.

  “Chain smoking out the ass, awake all hours of the night…” I groaned, pushing my sleeve back to showcase the bruising of his grabbing me during sex. “This! Are you kidding? If I wanted rough, I’d fuckin’ answer to Ikuto’s obsession! I’m truly glad Airla’s been attached to me for the past few days, I’d strangle you if you bruised her.”

  “There was no complaint while in the midst of it, don’t see the need to complain about it now.”

  “Let me fuck you up the ass and see if you’ll be coherent.” I sneered, pulling my sleeve back down. I had managed to keep the reason for it from Airla, blaming my fighting gloves being overly tight than the man who I also trusted with her body. Ken chuckled to the response, cigarette halfway gone. He found this joyous, no regret in his actions. This wasn’t the Ken from a few months ago. He sat forward, a smirk as he stared back.

  “Next time you have a problem with my fucking, don’t ask for more.” Silent ire in each word as I looked back, a graze of the chin as those eyes darkly stared back. I didn’t have a response, I had asked for more.

  More than once.

  8:13 AM;

  I eventually made my way out of my office and to the girls, the least I owed them was the attention I wouldn’t be able to give them once things fell into place. Finding them in the garden, Kurenai’s brows scrunched once she realized I was alone. Taking a seat, I sighed.

  “I was expecting to find him here with you, I guess I was wrong.”

  “I heard the rev and eventual disappearance of one of the motorcycles. Safe to say he’s not on villa grounds anymore.” She sighed, the slight peak of neck showcasing a rather large mark. He had done the same to her, was I allowed to mention it?

  “Something’s eating at you, baby. I’d suggest letting it be known before it goes unresolved.” Airla spoke up, her brown eyes hoping that I don’t keep yet another thing from her. Her attempt at trying to get information out of me in the midst of sex was commendable. I just didn’t let her ruin the only time where I didn’t worry about anything but satisfying her. I had a choice to give her what she wanted now; I wasn’t too sure I had a satisfactory answer for her.

  “It’s nothing, I’m just concerned for Ken.” Choosing to lie to her again was a choice, but… was it really a lie if it was just a skewed version of the truth? I was concerned for Ken, I also had no fuckin’ clue of what version of him awaited me once we were alone. The bruising of my wrists felt like a warning.

  “You’re going to make yourself sick with concern. It doesn’t seem he wants either of us to worry about him.”

  “He’s acting out of character, Kurenai.”

  “Is he really? We know the character he’s acting like. We see and feel the signs, he’s not here. He’s most likely going to her.” Kurenai looked away as she made mention of her; a woman we knew little of. No name, no face, nothing. All we knew is that when Ken was in this dark of a mood, that’s usually where he'd go. There was barely mention of her due to Ken’s secrecy, but the upcoming events absolutely required whatever peace she brought him. I never held any ill will towards this mystery woman. I had no idea who she was to even make an assumption. Could I say the same for Kurenai?

  She wasn’t his wife the last time. That’s obviously changed. I noted the shift in her mood, the way her hair fell down her chest as she twiddled with her long fingers. Was there an insecurity in her that this woman brought out? Was she finally letting me be aware of those feelings or was I reading her completely wrong?

  “He could be going for a ride.” A stupid statement, we were both aware. The only one out the loop was Airla, she didn’t seem to care as she watched us quietly.

  “Don’t patronize me, Kazu. Please. I have no animosity towards this woman. Whatever she heals in him is not my concern.”

  “Even as his wife?”

  “Even as his wife. I have the title. I managed that and beyond; I get to sleep by his side. I get to indulge in him whenever I please. She comes and goes; I am everlasting.” There was no ire in her words unlike her spouse early on, she sat back towards the tree truck, a sigh as she closed her eyes and took a breath. Airla giggled, patting Kurenai’s thigh proudly.

  ??

  11:36 AM;

  I kept in mind the time as I stepped off my motorbike, the engine hot from the long ride. I was now in Tokyo, in the garage of the prince hotel; directly across the Tokyo tower. I knew my reaction to Kazu’s complaint was a mask, I was antsy, I was angry. I was letting the pressure of an unknown future take over my psyche in a way that only resulted in bloodshed. How I handled both Nai and Kazu was a clear sign that I needed to be away from them, even if for a few hours. The anger I held needed to be dissipated by hands that belonged to someone who didn’t mind being handled, as long as I kept her tethered to me in some form. There were parts of my life that I kept to myself for my own reasons, how I lived my youth was no one’s business but my own and given the liberties I was handed for my loyalty; I was free to do whatever I pleased as long as I didn’t bring shame to the Nagatsuchi name.

  Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

  This ordeal, rendezvous; whatever the fuck it was, was included in those liberties.

  Making my way upstairs to the royal suite, I had no need for checking in. The attendant nodded as he noticed me. The elevator pinged, the doors opening. The bellhop bowed, eyes well aware to not bother looking at me. Hearing the clinking of glasses, I took the chance of the hallway to let my hair down. We had an agreement that she’d always receive me with my hair loosened; gave the appeal of a god or so she’d say. Entering the lounge area, her head peeked from the half wall; the slickness of her bone straight hair glistening in the soft light.

  “Kind of you to remember our little deal, makes the burn I gave myself earlier worth it.” She turned slightly, the scab of her mentioned burn peeking through her hair. Holding out a cup of warmed sake, I made my way to a seat across from her, taking a sip as I sat down. She smiled towards me, a cross of the leg as her robe fell off her thigh. “Congratulations are in order, I heard you’re married now. Send my love to her.”

  “You know not to mention her or any aspect of my life outside these walls, Selene.”

  “You’re the one with the ring, Kentaro. Don’t wear it next time if you don’t want my regards.” She had a way about her, a piquancy that I didn’t care for from any other woman, even the ones I was promised to, but with her was excusable. She would bite back, but that came with her finding her way to my side by means of her knees, a slow crawl as she kept her large almond shaped brown eyes on me. Laying her head on my lap, I kept my hands off her; I wasn’t ready to proceed in the way I wanted to. Allowing her a semblance of what both Kurenai and Airla received daily was the least she deserved. She didn’t expect kindness from me, nor did she want it. Whatever version of me I wanted to give her was enough to satiate her.

  This version was angry. It wanted to hurt, it wanted roughness. It wanted to bruise and mark without guilt. Something I couldn’t do to either Kurenai, Kazu or Airla; but unfortunately had done so already. With Selene, I could do all those things and watch those bruises disappear right before my eyes. I could hurt her, bruise and abuse her to my heart’s content. Looking up at me, her nose rings jingled as she did; the mystery of her ethnicity still so enticing for me to find out but useless as it would void our agreement on how much I was allowed to know about her. I would try to learn her story by her tattooed arms, the pinks and blue telling a story of a life well traveled and enjoyed.

  Fluttering her thick dark lashes at me, I felt the need to release the darkness that gnawed at me. “I fear I’m going to get my hands on him and not be able to let go. I want to be his introduction to hell and follow him to the depths of it, even if that means I die.” It felt exhilarating to share, the comfort of her silent presence allowing me to wallow in the fear of losing my life. Kazu would reassure me I wouldn’t die, Kurenai and Airla? They’d expect for me to survive, but Selene; she allowed me to come to terms with the humanity I knew I possessed —even in times of war.

  “If that’s what you believe, then revel in it. You’re scared, that’s normal. Your position in power makes it so you can’t be honest to yourself and those around you. Good thing I essentially don’t exist —nor do I care.”

  Her honesty knew no bounds, as if she was unable to hide any displeasure of disagreement with anyone. Anytime I felt the need to give myself empathy, she allowed me to. Pastel pink nails trailed up my shirt slowly, each button getting a semblance of attention as she undid them. I sighed, hands still hesitant as she came to my neck and slowly adorned them with kisses. This was where the differences lied, how I reacted to her kisses.

  My other three, I’d meet them with kindness and a silken touch. Selene? She would send me home for wasting her time with that kind of delicacy. Taking a grip of her mid length hair, I yanked, not pulled. She moaned, expected.

  “I didn’t allow kisses yet. Do you forget your place?” I held my grip, her neck enticing for a bite. I held off, she had crossed a line, she needed punishment.

  “No, sir. I missed the roughness of your touch; so I went ahead without permission.”

  “That’s suitable enough to nullify any kindness I might have wanted to bestow on you.” I did take the bite eventually, a deep sinking of my teeth as she arched her back; the digging of her nails in my shoulder a sign to go harder, bite deeper. Break skin even, it’s what she and I both wanted. I tasted the coppery taste of blood as I eventually did bite hard enough, a trail of blood down her neck. But just as the blood dried, so did the mark. In seconds, her plump tan skin was healed.

  “There was a lot of restraint in that bite, sir. Are you holding back?” She smirked, pulling off her robe to finally reveal the skin that I had come here to make claim to; her tattooed arms brighter than the last time; a reminder that I should do the same to my own once things calmed down.

  “I bite down hard enough to cause skin to break and bleed, yet that’s still not enough. How much more pain do I need to place you in for it to leave a fucking mark?”

  “I don’t know, show me.”

  12:17 PM;

  I wanted to see her writhing in pain, pleasurable in its own sadistic way. I wanted her to see her face scrunched in pain as I made due with my visit, the time on the wall clock keeping me mindful. I had a life to get back to, a wife to send away, a family name to protect. I also had an insatiable taste for whimpers of pain, whether pleasurable or not. I indulged in that pleasure as I grazed a knife on her bare thigh, my other hand occupied with holding her open as I plunged into her ass. I had no desire to be gentle, I wanted to leave my mark on her, deeply. Her head would fall back as I went on, a sweet whimper. Breaking skin, she moaned wildly, followed with a groan of pure satisfaction.

  “Look at yourself, you enjoy being used and abused, don’t you.” Her eyes met mine as she faced the mirror, an answer on the tip of her tongue as she moaned again, the reminder of my inside her still evident.

  “I do, sir. I really do, p-please, keep using me.” I groaned at her request, the knife going in deeper to cause her to bleed. A bigger gash this time, the need to feel the warmth of it taking over me. I dropped the knife, taking the chance before the gash disappeared and feeling the viscous texture between my fingers. No disgust, this was the lifeline of us all. She smirked as she noticed my fascination, her nails digging into the nape of my neck to bring me back to the task at hand. “Just go for it if you so please, it’s what I’m here for, Kentaro.”

  She didn’t need to lead me to my resolve, I had gotten there all on my own. Taking a bite of her neck again, I broke skin, I tasted iron and indulged in this part of myself that laid dormant until sleep no longer could hold him back. The viscous liquid tasted like the finest of liquors, the kind that gods would enjoy as they partied over the souls of the living.

  It was the elixir I needed to remind me that I would return to my humanity after this was over.

  But for now?

  My humanity needed the rest, my bloodlust did not.

  3:18 PM;

  Their plane leaves at 8.

  I’ll be there.

  I bothered with a response only to not receive another interruption, the task at hand needing my full attention. Wax was a tricky thing, while I didn’t have to worry about burns, I still had to be mindful. Tipping the candle again, I watched it drip down Selene’s back, a moan vibrating from her as she bothered herself with my cock. I wasn’t finished with her, I knew the time I had. I knew the demons inside of me still needed indulgence. She looked up at me, her face red from her task, whimpering; she was asking for release, the wax play was just the icing, the real cake was the toy inside of her that I had control of from my phone. Technology, a fantastic invention.

  I kept the toy at a reasonable speed, my workings from before breaking her down sufficiently where a slight blow of air would make her come. I increased it as I pushed her head back down and poured more wax down her back. Sitting forward, I knew it would cause my cock to go further into her throat, the shaking of her small frame as she held her own.

  “Good girl.” I wasn’t daft, I knew where praise was deserved. Pouring more wax, I made sure to let it travel down in between her folds, the warmth of it surely doing it for her as she shuddered and continued to suck — obsessively. I couldn’t help but chuckle, a sick satisfaction being gained from the sick devotion. The app in control of her pleasure alerted me, a sign she was ready to come. I had praised her, but I wasn’t ready to fully allow her to bask in it. Slowing the vibration, she whimpered, another denial. It was cruel, yes; but I didn’t fucking care. Placing the candle down, I went for her hair; pulling her off my cock as she gasped. “Tell me, are you deserving of my seed now?”

  “I-if I’m not deserving of an orgasm, then surely that’s answer enough.”

  I chuckled darkly, a proper answer for someone in her position. Directing her by her hair, she straddled me, making way for my cock alongside the toy currently inside her. I’d allow her an orgasm, only if I gained from it. Giving her said opportunity, I increased the vibration as she grind her hips, a graze of her g-spot causing that enticing shiver of hers to let me know she was enjoying her gift. Almost at my own limit, I increased the vibrations to full power; tossing my phone to the side and letting go until there was no more of me to give.

  5:57 PM;

  “Will I be expecting you sooner than later this time around?” Selene muttered from the bed, her naked body splayed on the bed as I stood by the window, cigarette in mouth. I was sufficiently satisfied for the moment, the reality setting in after my shower. I only had two hours before seeing Nai and Airla off, I needed to be the man they loved, even if I didn’t want to be at the moment. I also needed to make it up to Kazu, he was the one that would remind me of my kindness.

  “Don’t overstep, Selene. You’re to answer when I call for you, whether that be later on tonight or in three days.”

  “Sorry, sir. Your intensity only piqued my concern, I won’t ask again.” I carried no concern for her outside of after care, but as my submissive, she still needed reassurance. Coming to the bedside, I patted my thigh for her to place her head, my hand caressing her locks.

  “I appreciate the concern, my pet. I can’t say for sure that I’ll call for you. Keep yourself in Japan for the unforeseeable future; you will know when I need you.”

  “Okay.” Her tone was sweet, innocent almost. Looking up at me, she grazed my cheek. “Before you go, I’d like to show you something.” She sat up, showcasing her arm to me as she pointed to a small tattoo of a grey wolf. “That’s for you, sir. I hope it proves my devotion.”

  I gave her a smile as I kissed where she marked herself for me.

  I was so much more human than I thought.

  ??

  7:31 PM;

  I watched as everything moved slowly around me, I was merely an hour away from being placed on a plane to another location — which I still had no idea about. We were in the airport, tucked away in the lounge while all kinds of Nagatsuchi personnel scattered around us. Kurenai sat by me, quietly; her eyes out the window as she smoked her cigarette. The mention of some mystery woman had closed her up, a clear sign that she didn’t want questions regarding that ordeal. I respected that, clearly it was above my level of understanding. Her head perked up to the sounds of movement, the men making way for Ken, who after so many hours of disappearance, was truly a breath of fresh air. I couldn’t help but jump up and go into his arms, he was warm like the Brazilian sun.

  “How will I be without these hugs of yours, Ken?” I asked, looking up at him. He smiled as he tucked my braid behind my ear, his arm holding me closer.

  “You’re never truly without them. Think of all the hugs you can give me once everything goes back to normal.”

  “You say that like you’re not about to send me — and Kurenai away.”

  “Only for your safety, my love.” He gave me a kiss on the forehead, his eyes darting to his wife; who had made little movement in regards to his reappearance. Whatever I didn’t know about the mystery woman, Kurenai knew it all. I sensed there was tension, but I was bound to this room. Whatever tension they had needed to be resolved, even if I had to be the one to resolve it.

  “Did my safety need to include a grand disappearance from you? Because it’s kind of insane that Kazu made time for us both, but you…you decided hiding was the mission for today?” Kurenai chuckled, that certainly seemed to please her.

  “Airla, I appreciate what you’re trying to do, don’t do it. Whatever that woman gained from him, she gained it. I’m his wife, you’re his girlfriend. Whatever explanation you expect from him, you’re not going to receive. Whatever he unloaded on her, thank god you’re not at the receiving end. Let it go, I don’t need you to care for me.”

  That truly was the quickest shutdown I had ever received in my life and in any other situation, I would have absolutely barked back, but there was a calmness to Kurenai as she faced us and smiled. Placing her hand out, Ken took a hold of it, a rub of his ring as they quietly nodded to each other. This was beyond me for a reason, it's why they clicked so well together. Kazu soon found his way to us, a heavy sigh as he took a seat next to me.

  “Things are ready to go. We should make our way to the tarmac soon. Nice to have you back, Ken.”

  “Happy to be back.” He nodded, the sadness of the moment not feeling so heavy all of sudden. Ken took a seat next to Kurenai and even for a second, it felt like we were back in time; in Kazu’s apartment, having breakfast for the first time. I had sat there all those months back, not aware of how deeply I would feel not only for Kazu, but for Ken and Kurenai too. The absolute turmoil that they all brought in my life was a turmoil I didn’t know I needed, hence why I couldn’t give the sadness inside me any attention. I knew we would find our way back to each other, just the way we had before.

  If they could find me in Brazil and then New York City, then they’d find me anywhere.

  8:00 PM;

  I held Kazu’s hand tightly as we stood outside the plane, my goodbye to Ken already causing tears in my eyes to well up, a sign that Kazu’s goodbye would wreck me just the same. Kazu would wipe every tear that would fall, a clear attempt at trying to hold himself together for my sake. I knew there would be an end to this separation, but it didn’t mean I wasn’t allowed to wallow in the misery of it all.

  “It’ll be over before you know it, baby girl. I’ll make it so we won’t be apart too long.”

  “We still have to be apart, I wish that could have been avoided.”

  “Ikuto showed us that he has no limits to his insanity, I can’t risk you or Kurenai. Risking Ken is already a step too far, but I can’t get past him, so it’s a sacrifice I have to make. I refuse to sacrifice you in any shape or form.”

  “What if I allow you to use me as a sacrifice, would that change anything?”

  “No. I owe it to your father — and mother to protect you. I am not denying the wish of a dead man, even if I would like to.”

  The mention of my father was for a reason, I knew that was one of the underlying reasons why this all was happening. My father, a completely innocent party, gone, because of Ikuto. If he was bold enough to kill him, who knows what he would do with me, with Kurenai or Ken. My father’s sacrifice was something that needed to happen for my relationship to strengthen, and while it was a sacrifice that pained me…

  …It was the reason why I was kissing Kazuhito Nagatsuchi goodbye, why I was getting on that plane with no hesitation and why I took my seat next to Kurenai. Taking her hand, I nodded to both Kazu and Ken as they waved goodbye, a cute little wink from both to remind me we’ll be together again.

  ????????