Page 41 of Emperor of Havoc

“He is.”

I roll my eyes. “Thenyoumarry him!”

She laughs. “Well, I appreciate your blessing. But I’m not the one he’sclearlygot his sights set on.”

“Lucky me.”

It’stimes like this that remind me how fortunate I am to have Nina. None of her teasing was serious earlier today. But I know her well enough to know that her goal this morning wasn’t about convincing me of Takeshi’s physical attractiveness.

I mean, okay, yes, off the record, the man isgorgeous…though call me old-fashioned, but attraction has a way of dipping when someone feeds you nerve toxin.

No, her goal earlier was to get my head back in the game and get me energized and focused. And it worked. So now that I’m thinking more clearly, not just stewing in my room about what a hot psycho jerk Takeshi is, I’m focused on the realities of my life right now.

Papa is awake and alert, but the hospital is keeping him in one more day to run some tests. I’m glad that they’re taking such good care of him, but the problem is the longer he stays there, not making any sort of appearances, the more people are going to start…questioning things.

And now, with Takeshi out there blatantly trying to cozy up to my allies, playing on the patriarchal tendencies of some of the older Yakuza leaders to portray himself as “their guy”?

Yeah, I need to shore up my own alliances. Fast.

It’s nearly noon by the time I find Ryu. He’s in Papa’s office, barking orders to twofuku-honbucho—street-level leaders who report towaka gashiralieutenants.

When he spots me, he gruffly dismisses them, leaving us alone.

I don’t waste any time.

“I need to know who’s loyal,” I sign, my movements crisp and deliberate. “And who’s been talking to Takeshi.”

Ryu’s expression hardens. “You think he’s making a move, beyond antagonizing Yamamoto last night?”

“Wouldn't you be, if you were him?”

Ryu swears under his breath and drags a hand through his hair. “I don’t like the bastard. He’s too smug, too sure of himself. He walked into this house like he owned it, and half these fools are already looking at him like he’s their savior.”

“I agree,” I nod. “That’s why we need to act now. This empire is yours and mine to run while Papa isn’t able to?—”

“Yoursto run,” Ryu interrupts gently. “My duty is to support you in any way I can, as I always have your father.”

I smile at him. “You’re so good to this family, Ryu.”

He smiles. “This familyismy family. I owe your father everything, including my life. I will protect this empire with everything I have and am.”

“Same,” I sign. “Which is why I’m not about to let Takeshi Mori slide in and take what isn't his.”

Ryu's sharp eyes search mine for a long moment. Finally, he nods. “What do you need me to do?”

I exhale slowly. “Keep your ear to the ground. Talk to the captains you trust. Let them know that my father’s wishes haven’t changed—the Ishida-kai answers to me.”

“And Takeshi?” Ryu growls, a hint of eagerness in his voice.

“Leave him to me,” I sign, a dangerous smile on my lips.

The restof the afternoon is spent in quiet meetings and subtle maneuvering. I move through the estate like a shadow, pulling aside or calling in thewaka gashirathat I know personallyand know I can rely on. With Nina translating when necessary, I remind them of their oaths to my father. I assure them thatnothinghas changed, and that I’m prepared to lead in his absence.

“Kolya-sama left you in charge,” a captain named Johnny Iwao murmurs, his expression uncertain, his eyes darting to Nina. “But Takeshi?—”

“Is an outsider,” I sign sharply. “He doesn’t understand our ways. He doesn’t understand this family.”

“Yet he’s to be your husband…?”

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