Page 28 of Dangerous Deceit

But I study Ronin. There’s a chance he’s saying this out of respect or honor, something noble like that, but my shoulders are rigid with irritation.

She’s my wife. At the end of the day, Ronin is an outsider, and our marriage is none of his business. Even if it’s an arranged marriage, he should keep his damn mouth shut.

Rather than ask more questions, like a smart yakuza would, I’ve got stubborn blood boiling inside of me. I have to prove him wrong.

“If you do anything to my wife, I’ll cut off more than your finger,” I warn.

This time, there’s no bowing from Ronin. He keeps his black eyes level with mine. I don’t know what he’s used to in Japan, if it’s true what they say—that the yakuza don’t always resort to violence over there—but out here, it’s a different ball game. I happen tolikeusing my knives, guns, and fists. And this isn’t about Vi, but about respect. You don’t come barging into the Endo-kai saying shit like that.

Niko returns to the garden promenade and corners Tomo. Tomo’s eyes widen, then Niko disappears again. Tomo speaks privately to Cherry and Dice, then calls me over. I’m glad to leave Ronin by himself.

“Golden Honor Firearms has accepted our request for negotiation. Niko just confirmed it,” Tomo says privately to me.

We’ve been working on getting a deal with this major company for months now, and this is the first sign of any traction. With a direct deal with a firearms manufacturer, it will make smuggling a lot easier and a lot more lucrative for everyone involved. A greedy hunger grows in my stomach.

“Make the meeting,” Tomo commands.

Part of my job is to be the charming face everyone fearsandrespects. Honestly, being the face of the Endo-kai should be Niko’s job, but he’s got his own mind set on what his position is, which means these kinds of public jobs fall to me.

“Done,” I say.

Tomo laughs warmly, then smacks me on the back. “After you enjoy your honeymoon, of course.”

I glance at my wife. As much as I’d like to steal my bride off for a honeymoon, duty calls, and since our marriage is based on business, I didn’t make any arrangements for a vacation like that.

Once we finish up our private conversation, I head back to the table. Vi’s nose is stuck in her phone. I lean over her shoulder, scanning the screen; she’s reading something about different candles. It looks like she’s deciding whether or not to buy something. Based on her uncle and the motel, she may not have the money for it.

Guilt sits on my chest, but I shake it away. Those feelings can’t control me.

“What are you looking at?” I ask.

“Nothing,” she says defensively.

I down my glass of whisky, then examine her. The candle tattoo behind her ear shimmers with glitter. It’s a container candle; I looked it up last night after leaving her suite. She’s got an attachment to candles, and her attachment isreal,even if hervirginity is a lie. I want to ask her about her candle infatuation, but if I learn the story, I’m liable to be sympathetic toward her, and that will give her too much power.

Ronin’s words echo in my mind:Convenient, isn’t it?

The bastard is getting into my brain already.

But she’s my wife now; she can afford anything she wants. Her uncle may have done a shit job of nurturing those aromatic interests, but Ialwaystake care of the people in my circle.

I smirk. “Send me a shopping list,” I say.

Then I leave her alone.

CHAPTER 15

VI

“A shopping list for what?”I ask.

By the time the words are out of my mouth, Kenzo is already halfway across the promenade, charming another group of guests. I glance at my phone, ogling the different wax flakes and fragrance oils. Does he want to buy me candle-making supplies?

Part of mewantsto send him a list to see if he’s telling the truthandbecause I don’t really get to spend money on myself. We save most of our con money for our dream house, and since I usually don’tworkon the cons—I just research them—my payout is smaller. It’s fair, but sometimes, I want a little extra for myself.

It doesn’t help that we’re always moving too. Candles can be expensiveandheavy, even if you are making your own. It’s not practical, but Uncle Jay lets me indulge every once in a while.

Instead of dreaming about custom jars, I stow my phone and focus on the newcomer, Ronin. He’s sitting a few seats away from me, staring out at the guests like a vulture. It seems like the yakuza don’t trust him, but he’s a younger version of my father-in-law. The same jaw, sharp features, dark eyes, and strong body. He probablyisTomo’s son.

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