Page 89 of Emperor of Lust

She sighs, the faintest frown twisting her mouth. “I… I don’t want to be this way. I hate it. I’m sorry.”

“There’s nothing to be sorry for,” I say softly. I’m not letting this be one more thing she beats herself up over.

I grab a pillow and spare blanket from the armchair in the corner, setting up a makeshift bed on the floor next to her. I lie down, looking up at her as I spread out the blanket.

“This okay?” I ask, reaching for her hand.

Her fingers slip into mine and she squeezes.

“I think… This works,” she whispers softly.

A minute later, she’s breathing rhythmically.

But I stay awake.

I can’t bring myself to let go of her hand. I lie in the silence, staring up at the ceiling, my mind racing.

How the fuck did I end up here? Despite all the chaos, somehow I landed here—next to her. After a life spent knowing only the brutal edges, navigating the shadows, now there’s…her. Breaking through every fucking wall I’ve ever built.

I’m tired of pretending I’m not grateful for it. Her hand tightens around mine in her sleep, and it sends a warm, steadying, addictive jolt through me. Not calm, exactly—more like a barely-contained storm.

And no one’s going to take that away.

26

HANA

“I can see it now,”Miyamoto beams.

He raises his hands like a film director framing his shot as he turns toward the large windows overlooking Tokyo’s Marunouchi neighborhood, thede factobusiness district, named “inside the circle” for its location within the Royal Palace’s outer moat.

“Meeting room here…all glass walls, naturally. It would be a crime to block that view.”

I walk through the halls of the new office building, Miyamoto’s voice fading as he stays with Kai by the windows, discussing renovations. I smile as I glance around.

This place isperfect. Maybe in need of some serious renovations. But Miyamoto was right: the potential is enormous. Five floors ofprimeoffice space in a perfect location, with a huge warehouse space in the basement attached to a garage, plus trucking bays and a separate truck entrance.

My pulse skips as I run my hand along a wall. This is the future of Mori Holdings, the start of our expansion into Tokyo. First thecorporation, helmed by me. Then Kenzo can come in with the moreundergroundbusiness involving the Mori-kai empire. My veins buzz with excitement.

Suddenly, a chill ripples up my spine. I get the sensation I’m beingwatched. My heart leaps into my throat, a shadow flitting through my peripheral vision. But when I whirl…

Nothing.

Every nerve is still alive, though. I catch a glimpse of my reflection in a dusty window before turning, letting my gaze travel slowly over the open space.

There’s nothing here. Nobody except for Kai and Miyamoto back in the main office space, and me over here, freaking out like a paranoid lunatic.

Breathe.

Miyamoto gives us a tour of the upper floors before we head to the basement via a staircase down from the main floor. The dark, cavernous space stretches out around us, with rows of truck bays, warehouse shelving, and a big garage door with street access.

“I know your focus is on Mori Holdings,” Kai murmurs. “But this space, when therestof the empire expands into the city?” He whistles. “This is big, Hana.”

I wince as I think about next quarter’s balance sheet for Mori Holdings.

“It came with a big price tag, too,” I mumble. “But…”

“But it’s going to be worth it,” Kai grins. He claps a big hand on my shoulder. “You did good, Hana. Kenzo’s going to be so proud of you.”

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