Page 29 of Emperor of Havoc

I slam my heel against the floor. “I’m not leaving yet,” I sign sharply, my hands moving with practiced speed.

“Katarina—”

“I said no.”

Nina puts a steadying hand on my arm. “Ryu’s right, Kat. Kolya would want you to go. You know that.”

I jerk my arm away, glaring at her. “He’d want me to stay here,” I sign back, stubbornness curling in my gut. “To make sure he’s okay.”

Which is total bullshit. Papa wouldn’t just “want” me to go back and continue with the engagement party as planned. He’dinsiston it.

“What happens if you don’t show up tonight?” Ryu counters, his voice like a blade. “The captains will question your commitment. Your father’s empire comes first. Always.”

I grit my teeth, a bitter retort burning on my tongue. I know he’s right.

The empire comes first.Always.

“I’ll stay here and finish up with Dr. Yoon,” Nina adds. “Like they said, there’s a chance your dad will be discharged tonight. I’ll try to get an update and see if that’s still an option, or if they’ll be keeping him."

I nod numbly, squeezing her hand before turning to her.

“Thank you,” I gesture in a small way.

“Of course,” Nina says quietly. “See you at the house at the party.”

Back at home,my room feels like a prison as I pace the length of it, the plush carpet muffling my footsteps. The gown I’m supposed to wear tonight—white, floor-length, with thin straps and a plunging back—hangs ready in my changing room,mocking me with its delicate silk and detailed embellishments. I’m supposed to put that on, smile for the cameras, and pretend I’m not marrying a monster?

So fucking stupid.

I don’t even know why I’m pacing. Actually, I do: if I sit still, my thoughts will catch up to me, and I’m not ready to deal with them.

I yank my shirt over my head, kick off my jeans, and then lose my bra before I step over to the pearl-white gown and glare daggers at it. The fact that it’s so fancy and showy pisses me off even more, like it’s highlighting how phony this whole thing is.

I’m legit contemplating going downstairs in jeans and a t-shirt when the sound of a door clicking open stops me dead in my tracks.

I spin around, my blood turning to ice and a gasp choking in my throat as Takeshi steps into the changing room like he owns it.

It, and everythingin it.

My face explodes with heat. My arms awkwardly cover my breasts, my hips twisting as if to hide my panties from his smug gaze as well.

What thefuck?!

He pauses, leaning casually against the doorframe with that infuriating smirk curling his lips. He’s dressed in all black again—button-down shirt, jacket, slacks—and his dark eyes rake over me like he’s cataloging every inch of skin I haven’t covered yet.

“You could knock,” I sign sharply, grabbing the closest thing I can find—a heeled shoe—and hurling it at him.

Takeshi catches it mid-air, chuckling as he tosses it back. I go to grab it on instinct before I realize that’s exactly why he threw it back and dodge it instead.

Asshole.

“Get out,” I motion testily.

He steps further into the room, his movements deliberate, predatory. “Relax, princess. I’ve seen a woman in panties before.” His lips curl. “And lest we forget, I’ve seen you infarmore compromising positions…”

Heat explodes across my face and neck as I turn away from him, still covering my breasts with one arm.

“Go fuck yourself,” I sign coldly.

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