Page 106 of The Dragon 2
Outside, the building pulsed with curated wealth. It was Tokyo’s indie elite doing what they do best.
On one balcony, a woman in oversized sunglasses exhaled smoke in slow motion, like it was part of her brand to be dope as fuck.
Across the street, two men debated minimalist fashion in matching Comme des Garçons blazers. Their laughter slipped between beats of lo-fi jazz leaking from another’s cracked window above.
On the sidewalk, a woman’s glossy yellow designer heels clicked against the pavement.
And right in front, Kenji’s black sedan was already waiting at the curb.
Glossy.
Sleek.
Probably armored.
The driver stood beside it. Every crease in his charcoal uniform appeared hand pressed. His hat sat perfectly centered, and his chin was lifted just enough to catch the sun on the gold trim. He waved his gloved hands at me.
I waved back. “No. Thank you.”
He frowned.
Zo gave a low whistle. “Now that is a car that says, ‘fuck around and find out.’ This is the one Kenji had waiting outside for you?”
“I think so.” I couldn’t help but wonder how long the poor man had been standing there. Minutes? Hours? Waiting like a statue while we argued over earrings and brunch drama.A flicker of guilt crept up the back of my neck.
Then irritation followed.
Would it have killed Kenji to ask before sending a full-blown security sedan like I was some secret mistress of state?
In the end, I felt bad for the driver. He looked like he took this job seriously—like standing there all morning was a sacred duty.
But I needed to send a message to Kenji.
Dude. I am not yours just yet. You need to calm down.
As the thought crossed my mind, the door was opened for me—gloved hand sweeping with quiet elegance, the interior glowing with stitched leather, chilled water, and scentless air.
Of course it was perfect.
The Dragon didn’t make plans, he orchestrated them.
I shook my head again and called out to him. “I really appreciate it, but we’re going to take the train today! You can leave now! Please tell Mr. Sato thank you for me!”
The driver opened his mouth in shock.
I hurried along.
“What?” Zo followed. “Why aren’t we taking the driver? We can go in style!”
“I’m proving a point to Kenji.”
“What point? That you like being poor? What the fuck is that about?”
“I’m telling Kenji that he can’t own me.”
“But he can. We all have a price, and he’s figuring out yours. I mean seriously.” Zo gestured to my clothes. “Your price is not a lot.”
“Boy, if you don’t come on. . .” I headed off and glanced over my shoulder.
