Page 225 of Prickly Romance

“And you’re saying that’s my fault?”

“I am saying,” her voice cracks and she takes a moment to compose herself, “that I have watched over Ryotaro and his family since Niko’s birth. His mother sent me to America not only to protect her granddaughter, but to protect her son. Ryotaro is breaking down. We cannot remain uninvolved.” She leans forward. “I do not know why you and Ryotaro are no longer together, but if there isanypart of you that still cares for him, I ask—humbly—that you either tell him so or put him out of his misery. I cannot watch from the sidelines while he lives in pain.”

I lick my suddenly dry lips.

“Please, Miss Williams.”

To my ever living surprise, Akira dips her head and bows to me.

CHAPTER22

BILLIONAIRES DON’T INTERVENE

SAZUKI

I sawDejonae leave the talent show right after Niko’s performance.

It was just a glimpse of her soft cheek and a flash of brown eyes, but the mere impression of her sent my heart into overdrive.

I did not realize I was standing and staring at her until Ashanti tugged on my arm and, sheepishly, warned me to sit because I was blocking the view of other parents.

After the talent show, Ashanti suggested we go out for a ‘family dinner’, and I was relieved when Niko insisted on joining her friends at the farmhouse for ice cream.

Niko’s excitement after performing live and receiving the audience’s adoration made her forget her earlier anger with me.

She’s still in a happy mood when I make her breakfast the next morning.

“Dad,” she signs, “can Beth come over today? She wants to learn piano.”

“You’re going to teach Beth the piano?” I arch both eyebrows.

Niko nods happily.

I smile at her and nod. “Tell her to let her parents call me. We will arrange it.”

Niko pumps her fist.

While we are enjoying our miso soup, there is a knock on the door.

Ashanti breezes past me, her arms laden with grocery bags. “Sazuki, you made miso soupagain?” Her laughter claws at me. “You’re in America now. You can mix it up with a little bacon and eggs.”

“Bacon is unhealthy,” I say.

“But it’s delicious.” She sets the groceries on the counter and kisses Niko’s head. “Hi, baby.”

Niko waves.

I close the door and step wearily into the kitchen. “Ashanti, can I speak to you?”

“You sure can,” she says brightly, unpacking a box of sugary cereal, milk, and dairy products from her bags.

“In private.”

Niko’s perceptive gaze darts between the two of us.

Ashanti’s smile falters for a second, but it quickly bounces back. She motions to the groceries. “Let me just put these up first.”

I do not wish to argue with her in front of Niko, so I wait until she is finished with the task and then gesture to my office.

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