Page 23 of Secrets & Sake

“Me, too,” Hiro whispers, his voice soft and happy. “I hate that I have to go to work.”

“Quit your job,” I say. “Move in with me. Spend all day naked with me, and I’ll pay you by the hour.”

Hiro laughs, the sound sweet and bubbly. “Why am I actually tempted?”

“Because it’s a good idea.” I grip his ass and squeeze.

Damn. I won’t see him the rest of the day. If he could just stay here with me…

Fuck. Bite. Claim, says my wolf.

Fucking hell.

All day long, thoughts of Hiro consume me. My damn wolf won’t stop grumbling at me.

Boy. Need boy. Find boy. Claim boy.

I wish the bastard would shut the hell up. It takes everything I have not to pull out Hiro’s business card and text him. I’d love to see him again tonight, but I’ve got to meet with Namikawa at the Lotus to discuss how to deal with the Takada-kai. They’re getting more and more brazen, trying to make people lose faith in the Namikawa-kai’s ability to protect our own. If this isn’t stopped, we’ll lose face.

Yet all my stupid wolf cares about is getting his knot inside Hiro. He and I really are alike.

The Lotus is packed in the evening, full of people dancing, eating, and drinking themselves into oblivion at the bar. Ren locks eyes with me, then asks the barback to take over before she darts my way.

“Did something happen? The boss is furious.”

“Takada-kai attacked one of our restaurants last night. I chased them off, but Tenko was pissed. We’ll be lucky if he pays up next month.”

Ren lurches to a stop and grabs my arm. “Why didn’t you tell me? Did you get hurt?”

“Of course not,” I say, tugging out of her grip. “I handled it just fine.”

We bypass the bouncer guarding the VIP section and head upstairs into the soundproof booth. Namikawa is already there, stern mouth in a thin line and eyes narrowed. Sitting at his side is my grandfather Hideyoshi, Namikawa’s right-hand man, who meets my gaze and tips his head in acknowledgment. The booth is packed with other Namikawa-kai, all tense and scowling.

Namikawa says, “Takada is trying to encroach upon Taito. He has been killing those who owe us money and destroying the businesses under our protection. I believe he may even be abducting people from our territory.”

My spine stiffens as I recall that odd memory of the woman’s voice from last night. If it even was a memory. Hell if I know.

“If word gets out that we cannot protect our own, we will lose face. We must strike back tonight. We will split into groups and strike all throughout Minato. Destroy his businesses, fight his men. Another group will come with me to his nightclub, Wolf’s Den, and confront Takada himself.” His eyes land on me, and it’s clear where my place is. By his side like a well-trained pup. “Is this clear?”

“Yes, boss!” shouts the gathering of Namikawa-kai.

“Let’s move out.” Namikawa motions for me to follow as he sets off at a brisk pace.

Myself, Ren, Hideyoshi, and Namikawa pile into a big black Cadillac. Hideyoshi starts the engine, and we drive for Minato. A few black cars follow us, while others split off in different directions. My heart starts to race as the prospect of battle looms closer and closer. Cars yield to us as we weave through traffic, and nobody dares to cut us off.

I wonder what Hiro is doing now. I wish I’d called him and heard his voice, but I don’t know why. Fifteen minutes later, we’re driving through the streets of Minato where Takada and his pack reside. Tokyo Tower glows golden against the night sky as Hideyoshi slams on the brakes outside of a club a few streets down from the tower. People are lined up to get inside the club, dressed for a night of clubbing.

Hideyoshi grabs my arm. “Raiden, sit this one out.”

“I can’t,” I hiss.

“It’s going to be dangerous. Stay close to me.”

I can’t help rolling my eyes. “I’m not a pup anymore. I don’t need you to protect me, Granddad.”

A fond smile tugs at Hideyoshi’s wrinkled mouth. “No. I suppose you don’t, and yet I always will.”

Sap. I hurry to catch up with Namikawa.

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