Page 103 of Emperor of Lust

My hands shakeas I read Takeshi’s text again.

Takeshi

I got him.

Of course my heart is racing, excitement to think he’s alive surging through me like pure adrenaline after the day of not knowing. Still, I don’t know whatelsethat means.

Is he hurt?Badlyhurt?

The hotel suite is too quiet and empty, even with Kai sitting by the door. The room lights cast harsh, sharp shadows against the walls. I can’t sit still. I pace back and forth, chewing on the inside of my cheek until I taste blood, my heart pounding so hard I feel it in every nerve and muscle.

Another minute passes, then another. Suddenly, the door opens with a soft beep, and I whip around, pulse spiking.

Oh fuck…

I freeze, breath caught in my throat, and then my body moves before my mind can catch up. I stumble forward, tears already blurring my vision as I rush to them.

Damian looks likehell. Bruises purple his face, blood smears down his bare chest, wounds still bleed freely. He’s barely able to stand, legs dragging as Tak and Kai haul his large frame inside.

But he’s here. Alive.

Mine.

“Oh my god…” My voice is a broken whisper as I go to take him in my arms.

Takeshi’s face is tense as he throws out a hand to stop me. “Hana, give him a little?—”

“No…” Damian snarls. His head lifts, his gaze locking onto me. And I see it in his eyes, that wild, desperate need. “No,” he chokes out, a rough, fractured growl. “Let her.”

Takeshi sighs but relents, moving aside so I can get closer. I slip under Damian’s arm, wrapping my hands around his waist for support as we guide him to the couch.

He looks like death. He and Takeshireekof…something disgusting. I don’t care.

He’s here.

We reach the sofa and Damian collapses, his weight sagging into the cushions, his head falling back. His eyes shut for a moment, and fresh panic claws up my throat.

“Damian?” I whisper, smoothing back a strand of hair from his forehead. He opens his eyes, barely focusing on me, but… He’s here.

“I’m fine,” he manages, his voice strained, every inch of him battered and bruised. His hand reaches out, finding mine, and he holds on like he’s afraid to let go.

The tightness in my chest releases. Tears spill over, hot and unbidden. I lean in, pressing my forehead to his, my fingers trembling as I grip his hand. “I thought—” My voice breaks. “I thought I’d lost you.”

He squeezes my hand weakly, and I can feel the effort it takes. “You’re not…getting rid of me that easily, Kitsune…”

I choke out a laugh, even as fresh tears slip down my cheeks. His thumb brushes over the back of my hand, a small gesture, but enough to ground me and remind me that he’s here.

The door opens again, and a team of medics rush in, their presence making reality crash back down.

“Miss, you need to step back, please,” one of them says urgently.

“No, wait—” My grip tightens, but Damian’s eyes drift closed, his face paling. Panic flares in me as his hand slips from mine and goes limp.

“Damian!” I scream, shaking his shoulder. He doesn’t respond, his head lolling to the side as the medics swarm in, pushing me back.

“Miss, please. We need space to work.”

My heart pounds painfully as Tak pulls me aside. The medical team blocks any view of Damian, and I’m left standing there, feeling useless, watching as they start assessing him, checking his vitals, calling out medical jargon that makes my stomach turn. It’s like watching him slip away all over again.

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