Page 37 of Emperor of Wrath

“Not in a million fucking years,” she says sweetly.

“But the idea of Nishi fucking me?—”

“It’s you disrespecting me in the middle of this party,” she snaps. “We don’t have to like each other, but some basic regard would go a long way.”

“That’s a strange way to say ‘Kenzo, you talking to that girl makes me jealous’.”

“Oh my God, you’re a fucking child.” She glares at me. “I’m not jealous.”

I shrug. “If you say so.”

She rolls her eyes and spins to walk away.

“For what it’s worth, princess,” I growl, halting her. “Ultimately, her offer was a business one. Her father reports to me, but he’s been stalling on agreeing to new terms for our organization.”

“What the fuck was her offer?” Annika spits. “You let her suck your dick and her father signs off on your royal decrees?”

“I mean…” I lift a shoulder, grinning. “Essentially.”

“You’re a fucking pig.”

I sigh. “I didn’t agree to it.”

“How noble!” she gushes dramatically. “Would you like a medal?”

“Your mouth would suffice.”

Her eyes bulge, but then just as quickly as she gets flustered she swallows it back, smoothing a calm, no-fucks-given expression over her face.

“Here’s the thing, Kenzo,” she says with an artificial smile, stepping closer and leaning into me. “I don’t rattle so easily. I’m not one of your fawning little Yakuza fangirls. I’m not a cabaret girl massaging your ego and topping off your drink for a buck. Okay?” Her lips thin to a line. “I’m stuck with you, but you’re equally stuck with me.” She leans even closer. “I can be your worst fucking nightmare.”

Annika is all smiles again as she pulls back, her hand patting my chest patronizingly before it drops away.

“Okay?”

My lips curl. “Listen, princess. We?—”

“Kenzo!”

Motherfucker.

Just as I’m seriously contemplating dragging Annika off somewhere to remind her of her place by spanking her bare ass, Matsui barges back into my personal space.

“Kenzo, what did you say to my Nishi?” he growls, ridiculously over-the-top fury plastered on his face.

“Matsui, I suggest you walk away,” I snarl. “Perhaps we can have this conversation another?—”

“I won’t have my daughter disrespected!” Matsui spits back. “What the hell happened?—”

“What happened,” Annika hisses, butting in abruptly, “is that your daughter?—”

“Excuse me,” he snaps. “Kenzo and I were?—”

“Matsui,” I murmur quietly through clenched teeth. “Allow me to introduce my fiancée, Annika.”

His face pales, his eyes bulging as they quickly dart to Annika. It’s glorious to see.

“Oh—yes,” he stammers. “Yes. I mean no disrespect, Ms. Brancovich, of course.”

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