Page 51 of Her Fearless Ronin

He exhaled softly, his eyes searching mine. “It’s okay. I probably didn’t handle things the best way either.”

I shook my head, feeling that familiar warmth rush to my cheeks. “No, but your intentions were right. And that means everything.”

Jiro’s towering presence made my already modest apartment feel even smaller. He had a way of consuming space, not just with his size but with the energy he brought with him. It was intimidating and comforting all at once.

I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of worry press on my chest. “What’s going on? Is it Leo? Is he dead?” I asked, my voice trembling slightly.

Jiro’s expression softened, and he looked almost sheepish, a sight I wasn’t accustomed to. “No, nothing happened to Leo,” he said, shaking his head. “I know my timing isn’t ideal, and midnight visits aren’t exactly reassuring.”

He then raised his hand, revealing a paper bag. “I just… I brought you chocolate,” he said, a hint of humor in his eyes.

I blinked in surprise, trying to process this unexpected gesture. From deep concerns about Leo to… chocolate?

I chuckled softly, my nerves now mixed with amusement. “Chocolate, Jiro? At this hour?”

His lips quirked up in a teasing smile. “Thought you might appreciate a little midnight treat. Besides,” he added, glancing at the moving boxes scattered around, “I remember promising you a full box once.”

I opened the box, revealing the luxurious Godiva chocolates inside. Memories flooded back. “Youremembered that day with Anna?” I asked, astonished. It was a fleeting moment from years ago when he’d gifted Anna a box, and I’d sneakily eaten a few. Anna had been livid.

His gaze softened, almost making my heart ache. “Every moment,” he whispered.

“What is it?” I asked softly, resting the bag on the console and going to stand in front of him. “Is something wrong with you? Do you want to talk about it?”

He gave me a small smile and brushed his knuckles across my cheek before letting his hand fall to the side. “I couldn’t sleep, and I kept on thinking, what are you going to do now? I mean, once we meet with Valdez.”

“Oh.” I chewed on my bottom lip, not really expecting the question, especially not at this time. I walked to the sofa and gestured for him to join me.

I sat down, waiting for him to do the same before continuing. “Is that what stopped you from sleeping? What will I do once it’s over?”

He shrugged. “Partially.”

Could he have been more cryptic?

I sighed. “Honestly, I don’t know. It’s all so up in the air right now, and not even a few weeks back, it felt like it would always be the same. Things just unraveled so quickly I didn’t even have a chance to think about what my future would look like.”

Except that I would have wanted it to be with you,I thought, but knew how desperate it would sound if I said it.

He watched me intently, waiting for more.

I leaned back in my seat. “I’ve been so tied down byobligations, it felt like a safety net. But now, with everything changing, it’s daunting. It’s like you and your legacy. You were born into this life.”

He winced slightly, and I immediately regretted my words. “Jiro, I didn’t mean—”

He held up a hand, silencing me. “I know, it’s all good, and I know only too well what you mean. Sometimes, having a set path feels freeing. Without it, the endless possibilities can be paralyzing.”

I blinked, the weight of his words settling in my heart. The room was filled with a heavy silence, punctuated only by the distant hum of the city outside. His midnight appearance, the chocolate, and his probing about my dreams felt disjointed, yet there was an underlying intention that eluded me. It seemed he was searching, not necessarily for clear answers but for insights into my soul.

“I… I don’t know,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. “I’ve always dreamed of taking art classes, maybe even opening a small studio. And a house by the sea, with a white picket fence, where I can wake up to the sound of waves every morning.” I smiled wistfully, lost in the dream.

As I spoke, I noticed a fleeting shadow cross Jiro’s face, a hint of disappointment or perhaps sadness. Before I could ask him about it, a voice from the other room broke our intimate bubble.

“Anna!” My mother’s voice echoed, her tone urgent.

The moment shattered. Jiro stood up abruptly, his demeanor changing from vulnerable to guarded in an instant. “I should go,” he said, his voice strained. “I’ve kept you up long enough.”

“But,Jiro—” I began, but he placed a finger on my lips, silencing me.

He leaned down, his lips brushing the top of my head in a tender kiss. “Remember, Hope,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion, “no matter where life takes you, always chase the dreams that set your soul on fire.”

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