Page 69 of Emperor of Lust

Another of the men clears his throat. “The problem,” he grunts, leaning in almost conspiratorially and throwing a significant look around the group, “is that Kolya isn’t the only one running his empire these days.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Meaning?”

One of the other men pipes up, nodding sagely. “They say Kolya’s daughter’s been helping him behind the scenes, running operations with even more of an iron fist than her father.”

Miyamoto scoffs, rolling his eyes. “Fairy tales and gossip, my friends. Kolya’s daughter died years ago.”

The first man shakes his head. “She didn’t. She’s alive, and just as twisted as her father.”

“No one’s seen her in years,” Miyamoto grunts, his gaze flinty. “Doesn’t sound very alive to me.”

I frown, the wheels in my head turning. Kenzo mentioned a plan that Takeshi’s been cooking up involving the Ishida-kai, one that he’s kept suspiciously quiet. This unknown daughter could complicate things. It’s worth keeping an eye on.

As the conversation drifts, I take my chance to retreat from the group, muttering something about getting a drink. I’m halfway to the bar when I notice Miyamoto at my elbow, his gaze soft, reflective.

“Don’t let them worry you about the Ishida-kai,” he sighs. “They’re like gossiping grandmothers sometimes. But with your family and the Mori-kai presenting a united front, and my empire and connections?” He shrugs. “Kolya Ishida willwishhe had a daughter to help him rule.” He smirks as he nods at the bar. “What’s your poison?”

“Whiskey works.”

He whistles. “A Bratva man who doesn’t drink vodka.”

“Always keep them guessing?” I smile.

He grins, turning to get us both a healthy pour of Hibiki seventeen year from the bartender. He passes a glass to me, knocking his against it.

“Kanpai,” he grunts.

“Na zdoroviehe,” I murmur back as we both take a sip.

“Look, Damian-san,” Miyamoto says quietly. “I know it’s…demanding, this little game we’re playing. I’m sure pretending to be engaged to someone can’t be easy.”

I offer a half-smile. “Wouldn’t call it a hardship, exactly.”

He nods thoughtfully. “Tokyo is different from Kyoto. It requires a certain...patience.” He pauses, giving me a respectful nod. “But you’re doing a good job, Damian-san. I’m proud to call you and your uncle allies.”

He bows slightly, making his words feel heavier, like a binding agreement. I bow back, feeling the surge of satisfaction that comes with knowing your hard work has paid off.

With a final nod, Miyamoto drifts away, leaving me alone with my thoughts…and an itch to find Hana.

When my head swivels to scan the room, though, I see a tall Japanese man watching me from nearby with quiet intensity. He nods and approaches me with calm, almost sinister arrogance.

“Mr. Nikolayev,” he begins smoothly. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

I don’t return his smile. “And you are?”

“My name is Ryu,” he nods. “I represent the interests of Kolya Ishida.”

“What do you want?” I growl.

He chuckles softly, tucking his hands into his pockets. “I come bearing a message from my boss.” He leans in, lowering his voice. “He’s aware of the nature of your…engagementto Ms. Mori—and the reasons for the, shall we say,farce. Mr. Ishida is a keen student of fact versus fiction.”

I grind my teeth. “It would be in your best interests to get to the point of this conversation.”

Ryu’s eyes glint. “Ishida-san is a man of twin ancestry—Russian and Japanese. He feels a duty to appeal to, and appease,both sides.” He pauses, letting his words settle. “Perhaps, Mr. Nikolayev, my boss would like to extend an olive branch to just onehalfof this…alliance.”

My jaw clenches. “What are you insinuating?”

Ryu’s gaze is cold. “Merely that Ishida-san sees potential for a future partnership with your uncle.” He smiles thinly. “Andonlywith your uncle.”

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