Page 28 of Emperor of Lust

“We very much would like to speak with you?—”

“Not here,” I mutter through clenched teeth. “Outside.”

The gardens are dimly lit and much quieter, a welcome change from the crowds and all the jazz inside.

Hinata doesn’t waste any time.

“Mr. Nikolayev, we’re not impressed,” he growls. “Maybe you’re the top player in New York. But here in Kyoto, we expect better returns. We’re considering a new partner.” He glances at his buddy, then looks at me with a smug grin. “Perhaps you’ve heard of The Kitsune.”

I clench my fists, holding back my irritation. Their words cut deeper than I choose to admit.

“You know she’s a woman, yes?”

Hinata shrugs.

“And yourOyabunis still the same wildly misogynistic fuck that he always was?”

The guy with Hinata swears viciously in Japanese and lunges for me, but Hinata holds him back.

“Money talks, Mr. Nikolayev,” Hinata mutters. “And The Kitsune can offer better returns, faster.”

My gaze slices into him. “What if I were to tell you that The Kitsune is better at choking on my fucking cock than she is at getting you fast returns?”

Hinata smiles coldly. “Who’s the misogynistic fuck now, Mr. Nikolayev?”

My jaw grinds.

“Our next exchange will be your final test. If you can match her results, we’ll stay with you. If not…” He shrugs eloquently.

“You’re making a big mistake,” I warn tersely.

Hinata shrugs again. “Enjoy your party, Mr. Nikolayev.” He smirks. “And… Congratulations on your engagement.”

I stay where I am after they slink off, grinding my teeth so hard I can hear it. Then I hear something else—a quiet, infuriatingly self-satisfied chuckle. I turn, and there she fucking is, her lips curled gleefully.

“Rough night?” Hana asks, her voice dripping with mock sympathy.

“Enjoying yourself?” I reply, sarcasm lacing my voice and my voice raised an octave, mimicking hers. She just smirks, clearly relishing the moment.

“You know,” she drawls, her tone unhurried and maddeningly superior, “if you knew half as much about laundering as you think you do, you wouldn’t be getting complaints.” She tilts her head, watching me with icy confidence. “Want a few pro tips? I’m always happy to help the little guy.”

I level a murderous glare at her.

“Let me guess,” she sighs. “You’re trying to push cash through imports and exports, because you think you can hide more money that way.”

I roll my eyes. “Youcanhide more?—”

“Except you’re getting fucked on Japanese import tariffs. Which you’d have been able to plan for if you had any idea what you were doing and weren’t just some superior, trust-fund brat, wannabe Bratvathug.”

She gasps as I reach out and grab her arm. I can feel her pulse humming under her skin as I yank her closer, and I hear her breath hitch.

“The problem,Kitsune,” I growl, “is that when you talk to me like that…” I lean in, letting my lips brush against her ear. “It makes me want to tie you up and doverybad things to you.”

She gasps sharply as I yank her over to the edge of the garden terrace, but I see the spark of excitement she tries to hide.

Her breath catches again as I pin her hard against the corner of the railing with the view of Kyoto far below.

Hana glares up at me, defiance flickering like fire in her eyes even as I see something else warring there behind them. She’s pissed off, but there’s a thrill beneath her anger as I lean close, refusing to back down, let her go, or give her an inch.

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