Page 65 of Emperor of Lust

I give her a quick hug before she darts off. Then I turn toward the bar, needing a drink to steady myself, my head still swimming from all the truths that came out last night.

“Hana?”

The voice is familiar, hesitant. I look up, eyes widening in surprise when I realize who it is.

“Scott?”

He looks just as shocked to see me as I am to see him.

“Wow, Hana…” He smiles awkwardly. “You look fantastic.”

I give him a quick hug before I pull back, looking at him curiously. “What are you doing in Tokyo?”

He adjusts his tie. “I, uh, just got a new job with a financial firm here. Edo Analytics?”

My brows shoot up. “Wow, I actually have a meeting with them next week.”

“Oh?”

I nod. “Yeah, Mori Holdings is expanding into Tokyo. That’s why I’m here. We might be using Edo, actually.”

He smiles. “Well, I’m the brand-new vice president of internal investments. I’ll tell them they’d be idiots not to partner with you.”

I grin. “I’d appreciate that.”

He looks down, still clearly uncomfortable. “I…heard you got engaged?” It almost sounds like he’s afraid of my answer.

I feel a brief flicker of guilt. Part of me wants to tell him it’s all fake, a show. But, for one, Ireallycan’t say that, especially not here in a room full of people who need to think Damian and I are everything we’re claiming to be. But also…isit fake at this point?

“I am, yeah,” I say.

Scott nods, clearing his throat and forcing a smile. “Well… I’m happy for you, Hana. Really.” He pauses, then adds, “Oh, I almost forgot! I’m working with someone who knows you?—”

Before he can finish, I smell citrus and bergamot and feel a strong arm slide around my waist, pulling me close. I don’t even have to look to know who it is. Damian’s fingers press possessively into my hip, staking a silent claim that sends a jolt through me.

“Who thefuckare you?” Damian growls, radiating tension, his voice a low, dangerous rumble that cuts through the air. His eyes fix on Scott murderously. “And why the fuck are you talking to her?”

I sigh, exasperated. “Damian,” I mutter under my breath, but he’s not listening. His stare drills into Scott, unblinking and furious.

Scott shifts uncomfortably, glancing at me before meeting Damian’s glare. “I’m Scott Hiroyuki,” he says, trying to keep his tone polite. “Friend of Hana’s.”

Damian’s jaw tightens, unimpressed. “Friend?” He spits the word like it’s poison.

“Scott and I dated,” I blurt.

The admission makes Damian’s face darken further. His arm tightens around my waist, pulling me even closer, a gesture that isn’t lost on Scottorme.

“Right,” Scott says with a nervous smile, glancing between us. “Well, it was, uh…nice to meet you.” He hesitates, looking like he’d rather be anywhere else. “Looking forward to seeing you at the office next week, Hana.”

Damian’s response is instant. “Get lost.”

Scott gives me an awkward nod, clearly taken aback by Damian’s blunt dismissal, and mumbles goodbye before quickly walking away.

The second he’s out of earshot I whirl around, glaring at Damian. “What thefuckwas that?” I hiss, trying to escape his arm.

Damian doesn’t budge. “That,” he growls quietly, “was me getting rid of some loser who thought he could just stroll back into your life.” His eyes turn icy. “What the fuck did he mean about seeing you next week?”

“He works for an analytics firm Mori Holdings is considering using here in Tokyo,” I snap, my voice tight. “If wedoend up using them, then what? You going to stroll into his office and shoot him in head?”

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