Page 57 of Her Fearless Ronin

The selfishness of Leo’s actions struck me like a blow.

How easy it must be to carry such a burden without an ounce of remorse or accountability,I thought bitterly, the anger within me surging, threatening to consume reason.

Everything he had done had been for money and not to help his family; no, that would have been somehow commendable. He’d done everything for himself, not caring who died in the process, even his own flesh and blood.

My eyes flicked to Hoka, and he met my gaze with understanding. He saw the storm of resolve and determination forming into a chilling purpose. Leo Myershad to pay, and I would be the one killing him.

The prospect of ending his life didn’t cause any issue with my conscience. Sometimes, trees that had grown twisted couldn’t be straightened. They only spread their poison, threatening to destroy everything around them. I wouldn’t let that darkness taint my Hope’s world any longer.

Hope’s presence caught my attention. She looked down, her vulnerability exposed, and Oda’s comforting touch sparked a flicker of jealousy inside me. That was supposed to be my role—to provide her with solace, to shield her from pain. But right now, my yakuza persona demanded priority. I had to be the guardian, even if it meant pushing my personal feelings aside.

I faced an agonizing truth—I couldn’t always choose her, couldn’t always put her first, no matter how much I yearned to. This realization added another layer to my unworthiness. Would she understand my decision to eliminate her brother, or would she despise me for it? Could she see beyond the act to the underlying truth—that her safety was paramount to me, even if it meant tearing my own heart apart in the process?

“You don’t have a legitimate reason to wage a war, Nishimura.”

“Perhaps, but if mywakagashirawants to spill blood, I’ll stand by him.”

Hoka’s unwavering support was a lifeline. He was willing to go to battle for me despite the chaos I had inadvertently brought into his life.

“I didn’t intend for yakuza bloodshed, and you know the implications of that. And before you cast a stone, takea good look at yourself and tell me you’ve never used leverage to make a point.”

My lips tightened. I couldn’t deny it. Both Hoka and I were far from blameless, and we had used collateral in the past.

Valdez’s smirk widened. “But you know what, yakuza? I’ll grant you the retribution you’re after.” Before I could inquire about his intentions, Valdez reached behind him, retrieving a gun and shooting Leo Myers in the head.

I stared in shock at the abrupt act.

“He was becoming more trouble than he was worth. Take the girl and leave. Our business here is concluded.”

I looked at Hoka, his expression a mask of cool indifference. While it wasn’t uncommon for syndicates to sever ties with problematic members, Valdez’s swift action left me somewhat stunned. I couldn’t predict how Hope would react to this sudden turn of events.

“Go to her; you’re who she needs right now,” Hoka whispered.

I nodded, each step toward Hope quickening the hammering of my heart. Would she shy away from me? Be repulsed? Would she run to her brother’s lifeless body to grieve? My mind raced with uncertainty, but I didn’t have long to dwell on it. As Oda finished cutting her ties, Hope removed her gag and rushed directly into my arms.

She clung to me, burying her face in my neck, her silent tears soaking into my skin. The overwhelming relief I felt was impossible to put into words. She wasn’t rejecting me; in fact, she sought comfort in my embrace. I wrapped one arm tightly around her back, leaning down to hook my otherarm under her knees, lifting her into my arms as she clung to my neck.

Kissing the top of her head, I released a long, grateful breath. Carrying the most precious person in my life, I walked away from those haunting memories. Oda followed us, his usually composed expression now grim, his eyes filled with concern. He opened the car door for us.

“Ikiteru koto yori ai shiteru,”I love you more than life itself,I whispered into her hair.

Oda shot me a surprised look as I settled into the seat with Hope still on my lap, holding her tightly and gently rubbing her arm.

Hoka joined us in silence, his expression mirroring Oda’s concern. Both of them understood how life-altering it could be to witness death in such a brutal manner.

After a few minutes, Hope’s breathing deepened, and by the time the car stopped in front of Hoka’s hotel, she was fast asleep.

I carefully got out of the car, making sure not to wake her.

“All the emotions must have drained her,” Hoka commented, giving her a concerned look. “Take her to the guest room in our suite.”

“Thank you,” I murmured, brushing my lips against her hair once more. “Sleep, my love. I’ll keep you safe.”

Chapter 18

Hope

Iwoke up feeling groggy, my senses slowly returning to me. I opened my eyes and found Jiro sleeping beside me, on top of the covers. But unlike the peaceful slumber he’d had after that unforgettable night we’d shared what seemed like a million years ago, his expressionwas different now. His eyebrows were furrowed, as if even in his sleep, he was deep in thought, worried about everything.

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