Page 31 of Her Fearless Ronin

And then, just as the tension reached its peak, Jiro’s hand slipped to the back of my neck, his fingers tangling in my hair. He pulled me closer, his lips hovering dangerously close to mine. My heart pounded in my chest, my senses overwhelmed by the sheer intensity of the moment.

“You want a yakuza?” he growled, his voice low and husky. “I’m the only one you’ll ever have.”

Before I could respond, his lips crashed against mine in a kiss that was fierce, passionate, and completely consuming. The world around us faded away, leaving only the two of us in this heated embrace. It was a kiss that spoke of longing, of pent-up desire, and of a connection that went far deeper than words.

As his lips left mine, he looked at me with a fire in his eyes that matched my own. “Be careful what you wish for, Hope,” he murmured, his words a warning and a promise.

His hand slipped around mine, his grip firm as he pulled me through the pulsating crowd of the club.

My heart raced, my breath coming in short gasps as I struggled to keep up with his determined stride. “Where are we going?” I managed to ask, my voice breathless with exertion.

He glanced at me, his gaze intense as he continued leading me through the maze-like pathways of the club. “Myhotel,” he replied, his voice low and rough, sending shivers down my spine. Each word was laced with a promise that left me both exhilarated and unnerved.

He didn’t say anything more as we stepped out into the cool night air as he hailed a cab, and I didn’t need words to know that something had shifted between us—something irrevocable and electrifying.

With his hand still wrapped around mine, he pulled me into the waiting taxi, the promise of a night that would change everything hanging heavily in the air.

As the taxi sped through the city, I stole glances at Jiro, his profile illuminated by the passing streetlights.

“Why now?” I asked to break the silence.

“If you’re that determined to go to hell with me, no matter the warning,” he began, his voice a low murmur that held a dangerous edge, “then I’ll show you. I’ll show you all the pleasure you can give and take.”

His words hung in the air, charged with an intensity that left me breathless. I could feel the weight of his desire, his raw need, and it both terrified and enticed me. I was on the edge of a precipice, about to plunge into the unknown with a man whose darkness matched my own.

“You’re a trial for my sanity, Hope Myers,” he continued, his tone unwavering. “If I need to add more black marks to my soul for having you, then so be it.” His gaze locked onto mine, his eyes burning with a fierce determination that sent my heart into overdrive. “I’m done fighting it, Hope.”

His words echoed in the night, a declaration of surrender to the magnetic pull between us.

He leaned toward me. “It’s you and me right now,” hewhispered, his voice a seductive murmur against my ear, “and tomorrow? Well, come what may.”

Chapter 10

Jiro

Stepping into the dimly lit hotel room, my heart pounded in my chest as I looked at Hope, my eyes trailing down her back to her perfectly shaped bottom molded like a second skin by her dress.

She was standing there, a vision of temptationpersonified, her eyes locked onto mine with a mix of apprehension and desire. Every fiber of my being was on fire, a battle raging within me that I wasn’t sure I could win.

A part of my conscience was still screaming at me to do the right thing, to walk away from the edge of this precipice before I fell into a darkness from which there was no return. I knew, deep down, that nothing good could come of this. That my past,ourpast, was a minefield of pain and destruction and that involving her would only lead to more heartache.

But then I remembered when Oda had called me to tell me that he had followed her to a club owned by Valdez himself. The fear that had clenched my gut at that moment was a stark reminder that danger lurked around every corner, and I would do anything, even bleed, to protect her from it. I also remembered the burning jealousy that had surged through me as I watched her flirt with the barman and as I saw her dance with Oda. At that moment, I realized how potent my feelings for her were.

What had the years of sacrifice, of doing what was considered the right thing, what society and my own sense of duty demanded, ever brought me? What had I gained from it? A life of isolation, of darkness, of pain. And now, here was the one thing that could bring light into that darkness, the one person who could be my salvation.

I looked at Hope, my gaze unwavering, and made a decision. For once, I would take what I truly wanted. I would let go of the reins that held me back, the chains of morality and responsibility that bound me. She was myikigai, my reason for being, and no matter how much I fought it, thetruth was undeniable.

I wanted her.Neededher. And if I had only this one night, I would take it. I would take her. I remembered the burning jealousy, the fear of losing her to someone else, and the realization that life was short and uncertain.

I wanted to lay down the weapons I’d carried for so long, to shed the armor that had become a part of me. For once, I wanted to be just Jiro, a man who could find solace, happiness, and love in the arms of the woman who had become my everything.

My heart raced as I stepped closer to her, the desire burning within me almost unbearable. I couldn’t help but let my fingers trace the delicate curve of her collarbone before hooking onto the strap of her dress. In her eyes, I saw the apprehension again and even a hint of fear, and for a moment, I hesitated.

As I began to pull away, seeing the uncertainty etched across her features, her hand caught mine, stopping me. She pressed a soft kiss to my palm, sending a jolt of warmth through me.

“Are you sure you want this?” I asked softly, my voice laden with concern. “Nobody is forcing you. If you are having second thoughts, I…” My fingers started to slip away, but she held on, her touch grounding me in this fragile moment.

Her lips pressed against my palm again, and my heart swelled at her conviction. “No, I want this,” she replied, her voice steady but her eyes betraying a mixture of emotions. “I have no doubt about that, but I’m afraid.”

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