Page 2 of Love on the Run

On any level.

This man is beautiful, way beyond handsome, and he wants to see me. This has to be about my brothers. It’s the only thing that makes sense.

“It pleases me you agreed to meet me.” The beautiful man bows his head slightly, giving me a view of his hair tied back in an intricate knot. His features are regal holding a certain hauteur. His energy so intense, rolls off him in waves. Everything about him is immaculate, from the way he sits to the way his arm lies over his crossed leg. He dominates this space. I bet he commands every room he entered. Lord of a he surveys. What my brothers would call anOG Playa.

“You’re welcome.” Cringing hearing words I want to kick myself for sounding like a breathier Marilyn Monroe. What was wrong with me? I’m totally losing it. Clearing my throat, I give it another try. “How may I help you?” I push as much steel into my voice as I can, going right back into my no-nonsense business mode like I do when managing my brothers’ business. This was where I’m most comfortable. Being efficient, handling things, and woe to this dude no matter how gorgeous if he tried to pull a fast one regarding my brothers.

He quirks an eyebrow leaning back. His eyes glitter at the challenge. His jaw flexes as if to say, “Accepted.”

His black shirt pulls back tightly against his lean frame. Lean and long from what I can tell from my silent perusal. Oh my goodness, he is everything sexy wrapped up in a very delicious bow. Oh, how I would enjoy him…

“I asked to meet you because I would like to see you again,” his voice rumbles deep, causing all kinds of tingly Bombay Sapphire–laden sensations to pulse in my body and settling hot and deep at the apex of my thighs. Can a voice make you come? His could.

“Come again, now?” I wall in the giggle that threatens, tilting my head at the guy. Surely, he didn’t just ask to see me and not one of my friends?

This was one for the record books. Evangelina and Bridget will be out of their minds with jealousy and “I told you so” after this.

“Is that so hard to believe? I want to see you again. Unless you’d rather come home with me now.”

And just like that, I realize this has nothing to do with FADE or Ghadi, my super famous brothers. This man probably didn’t even know who they were.

This was all about me. I’m in uncharted territory. He is fine as hell, yes, but this is not why I came to Tokyo. I came to seewhat I want to do with the rest of my life and find my own way without the influence of my powerful family easing the way. I’m also taking time for myself and not others for the first time in like, forever. He could also be a serial killer, I remind myself, glancing at the door in a way I hope is not too obvious.

“I’m very flattered, but I’m sorry, I don’t think this is a good idea,” I hedge edging toward the door. “I don’t know you, and despite what you may be used to with other Americans, this is not how I get down.”

“So, you are afraid.” Derision drips from his every word stopping me cold.

“No, I’m not afraid of you.” I spare him a wrathful glance.

“Really? Your voice quivers as you speak. Is that from fear, little girl or desire?” He has cruel lips quirk, my gaze snags watching him. Plush, kissable, sinful lips promising nothing but wickedness.

“Neither, it’s from rage.” I look at him with what I hope is my meanest glare. I’ve seen recording executives cower under my gaze many times. Shivering when I laid out my directives and plans to best benefit Creative Chaos.

“Prove it,” comes his bored, unaffected reply. “Come here.”

“And do what?” I challenge, “I don’t even know your name.”

“It’s Akchiro Takeda, and you will be screaming it soon. Come here, my little Flower.” He leans back, giving me no doubt exactly where he wants me to sit— on those rock hard thighs the smooth silk of his suit can hide. Shock rockets through me as I take in his words and his long body sprawled back. This was a man who knows what he wanted. Takes what he wants. And he wants me. He commands, and damn if I’m not considering acquiescing.

“How do you know my name?” There’s that breathlessness again.

“The moment I saw you, I made it my mission to know you. Your name is only the beginning, Flower. Flower, what a beautiful name. We sayHanahere.” The promise of his words makes me want to squirm for many reasons. I love the way he calls me Hana.

To say he intrigues me is putting it mildly. The emotion goes far beyond what I feel or can quantify. I don’t have a neat little box to put Mr. Takeda in. He tempts me more than I have ever been in my life. He has charisma, yes, but there was more drawing me to him. The intensity of his desire is incandescent.

TWO

Flower

“Why me?”If I dare, this can be my chance to truly experience something just for myself, the small voice in my mind whispers. It has never been strong enough to move me before, but the longer I sit in the presence of this man, the louder it seems to get. This will be like eating my favorite German chocolate cake I’d sneak from time to time—a decadent pleasure.

“You called to me, and I couldn’t take my eyes off you from the moment I saw you. And though you sit here torn between fleeing and what you really desire, you feel the same.”

So matter-of-fact, his words ring true to me. He exudes patience as if he will give me all the time I need because he’s assured the outcome. Sexy and dangerous. A combination that challenges and excites me. This was not what I’m used to, yet there is a part of me that longs for this. The same part that chafes at the mundanity my life has become. What happened to the fun girl? Apparently, she was still in here demanding to be set free. To live.

I move closer to him. The moment I’m within reach, he plucks me up and onto his lap.

“Now, this is where you should be.” Akchiro smiles, but his gaze is hot. He tugs at one of the ponytails I plaited my hair into just before exiting the club. “What is this? I would like your hair down, please.”

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