Page 447 of Hate Mates

“What’s your proof?” she snaps. “It’s your word against mine.”

I grin, unable to help myself. She thinks I’m staff, like her. And for one absurd moment, I wish I were.

“Give me a kiss, and I won’t tell a soul.”

Her gaze narrows. “Does this pickup line ever work?”

I shrug. “I wouldn’t know. I’ve never tried it before.”

She rolls her eyes, and I take a step closer, drawn to the fire in them. She steps back, her gaze flicking to the tattoo on my neck. I see her hesitation.

“What’s your name?” I ask softly.

She tightens her grip on the flowers, her voice hurried. “I have to go. Miss Yua is waiting for me.”

Before I can say anything else, she rushes away. I watch her retreating form, a strange sense of loss settling in my chest. She’s mixed—hafu. Something frowned upon in our world. Here, even more so than in the US.

Well, too bad. This nameless spitfire will be the only bride I ever take.

THREE

Ena

What an infuriating, stupid American!I think as I weave flowers into Yua’s hair. Stupid, stupid American.

He doesn’t deserve a second of my thoughts. He was cocky, full of himself, and had the audacity to ask for a kiss.

Then why are you imagining yourself kissing him?

Heat creeps into my cheeks, and Yua hisses as I accidentally pull too hard on her braid.

“Ena, be careful!”

“Sorry, Miss Yua.”

“Are we done yet? I was supposed to be downstairs ten minutes ago! Why are you so slow?”

You’d be on time if you hadn’t changed your mind five times in the past two hours, I think bitterly. Instead, I bow my head slightly and reply, “I’m sorry, miss. We’ll be done in just a few more minutes.”

Stupid American, with his infuriating grin and… alluring eyes. Warmth spreads in my chest, unbidden, and I bite the inside of my cheek to suppress it.

What is this strange feeling? The way he makes me imagine that getting lost in some stranger’s arms wouldn’t be such a terrible thing?

For the first time in forever, I understand—just a little—what my mother meant when she explained her choices. I’d often asked why she stayed here and why she built a life with my father after knowing him for only a few weeks. She’d told me that the decision was made the moment my father said hello.

“Here, all set.” I smile at Yua in the mirror. “You’re beautiful.” And I mean it. Yua is beautiful—too bad her attitude ruins it.

She stands, inspecting herself with a practiced air. “I know.”

There it is.

She walks to the door, her silk robe billowing slightly behind her. “Come with me.”

I stiffen. There’s absolutely no way I want to be in the same room as a group of high-ranking yakuza and keep the disgust off my face.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea, miss,” I say cautiously. “You’re about to meet your future husband and?—”

“I wasn’t asking for your opinion, Ena.” Her tone is sharp, cutting. “You will come with me. It’s good to have a chaperone, and showing that I have a full-time lady’s maid will make it clear to Takashi Nishimura what I expect to have in California.”

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