Page 46 of Kotori
"Of course," she says softly, pouring with the technique I taught her. "I understand."
I study her profile as she serves my daughters with growing confidence. "Tell me what you understand, Paige-san."
The question is loaded with layers of meaning my daughters can't detect but she feels in her bones. What she understands about duty, about consequence, about the price of belonging to this family.
"I understand that some things can't wait," she says carefully. "That responsibility comes first."
"Wise." I nod. "And what else do you understand?"
She meets my eyes directly, and I see the moment she chooses honesty over safety. "I understand that this family takes care of what belongs to it. And that belonging requires commitment."
Perfect answer. Acknowledgment without surrender, understanding without complete submission. She's learning to navigate the currents of our world with intelligence that makes my interest in her sharpen to hunger.
The black dress was just the beginning.
And tonight's violence is just a preview of what awaits anyone who tries to take her from me.
12
Paige
Myhandsshake.
I grip the teacup, trying to hide the tremor as Kaito studies my face with dark eyes that miss nothing. His injured shoulder shows only the slightest stiffness beneath his impeccable shirt, the wound from the fight is nearly healed.
God, what's wrong with me? Why did I pour his tea without being asked? Why does his approval feel better than my own independence?
"Paige-sensei," Aya says, "you're very quiet. Are you thinking about Papa's business again?"
I nearly choke on my tea. She's referencing the night I confronted Kaito about his "business," when he confirmed what I'd pieced together about his position in the yakuza hierarchy. The casual way his daughter mentions it still startles me.
"Not exactly," I say, glancing at Kaito. He listens carefully, amusement lurking in his eyes. "Just thinking."
"About what?" Kohana asks, setting down her book.
About how I served your father tea without thinking. About how comfortable this feels when it should terrify me. About how your family routine absorbed me without my consent. About how I know what your father is capable of, and I'm still here.
"About how different everything feels now," I say instead. "Now that I understand more."
The unspoken words hang between us. Now that I know who your father really is. Now that I've seen the scars on his body, heard the coded phone calls, watched his men move through the compound with weapons hidden beneath suits.
"Understanding brings clarity," Kaito says as his girls look at him with adoration. "But adaptation requires patience. Trust the process."
Trust the process. Like I'm a project he's completing, a problem he's solving. Like my knowledge of his criminal empire is just another step in my integration into his world.
"Speaking of adaptation," Kaito says, setting down his tea cup with his good arm, "we need to arrange proper wardrobe consultation tomorrow. Cultural appropriate attire for various occasions."
My chest tightens. He already got rid of my clothes after the incident in the garden when I tried to leave. Everything I brought from Chicago, everything that made me feel like myself, vanished and replaced with his vision of appropriateness—a clear message about what happens when I defy him.
"Formal kimono for ceremonies, conservative dress for business functions, appropriate casual wear for family activities," he continues like my wardrobe isn't already under his control.
Family activities. Business functions. Ceremonies. He plans my life weeks, months ahead like my participation is guaranteed, like my knowledge of his yakuza position hasn't changed anything.
"That's very generous," I say carefully, "but after what happened—"
"It's not generosity." His tone suggests the matter is decided. "It's a necessity. You represent this household now, especially given what you know. Your appearance reflects our values, our status, our commitment to tradition."
"Paige-sensei," Aya says, bouncing in her seat, "will you be here for my birthday next month? Now that you know about Papa's special business, you won't leave us, right?"
