Page 255 of Savage Bosses

He closed his eyes in regret. “That's right. You have a date. He's not already here, is he?”

He was such a bad liar. “I can't believe you.”

Ryu grinned. “I don't know what you mean.”

A dimple formed on his cheek as he feigned innocence and everything. Except I knew better. He was trying to sell me the boy next door in jeans and a closely fitted button-down denim shirt. His outfit was casual, but he knew he looked good. The top buttons were unbuttoned, giving me a peak at his fitness efforts. He wanted me to paw him—again.

I took a deep breath to calm my racing heart from remembering how fit he was. Riding him in that chair told me he would be a beast in bed.

“You wanted to see me.”

He gave me a shy look. “My actions speak for me.”

“Is that a fact?” I walked my fingers up his chest. It was a coy gesture that gave me the excuse to touch him. “And to protect what you believe—“

“He's not theFubar Eatsdriver,” Brookelynn announced behind me. “It's a man.”

MJ joined us at the door.

I decided to head off at the pass whatever conclusions Brookelynn would jump to. “This is Mr. Tsuki. He's my friend. “

“Mmhmm.” Brookelynn tapped her chin and then looked at MJ. “That's a grown-up word for boyfriend. We're going to have mixed cousins to play with.”

My heart dropped at the same time Ryu sputtered. “Mr. Ryu and I are...”

I didn't want to lie. The little minx caught me off guard. If I started lying to her now, when she was in her rebellious teen phase, she wouldn't listen to me on her parents' behalf.

“—dating and a long way off from giving you cousins,” Ryu answered.

“Exactly.” I agreed.

“Uh. Fubar Eats?” A driver in a black shirt holding a brown pizza box and a white bag stood behind Ryu.

“That's me.” I approached the driver, grateful to focus on anything but life for a moment.

“Here is your order. Enjoy.” He passed off the packages to me and then hurried, presumably to the next run.

I carried the food into the house and shut the door behind me. Glad the awkward moment was over, I relaxed.

“Are you Japanese?” Brookelynn asked. She and Ryu were sitting on my couch. “Because I'm learning Japanese in school and love anime, that would make sense for my uncle.”

I didn't even make the child, and she was giving me grief. “Brookelynn Marcia Chantel Thomas.”

She straightened, and I knew I had her attention.

“Sorry,” she said solemnly.

“It's fine.” Ryu smiled and then said. “Hai"

“Honto ni?”she squealed.

“That sounds positive. Why don't you and MJ go wash your hands.” Then I could get rid of Ryu before she got any Ideas.

Brookelynn grabbed her brother's hand. A shrewd look passed her chestnut-colored eyes. “You are staying for lunch, aren't you, Ryu-san? Friends eat lunch together. Auntie Jaelle bought plenty. “

If “too late” had a face, it would be mine. I didn’t even need to see myself to confirm. The girl had a mind like a steel trap. I blamed having lawyers as parents.

Then that traitor Ryu grinned and said something in Japanese that sent her running off towards the bathroom.

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