Page 24 of Kotori
The victory in this rebellion tastes sweet on my tongue. Let him watch. Let him see exactly what he can't have.
I fall asleep with a smile on my lips, feeling more in control than I have since arriving in Japan.
Thesummonscomesduringbreakfast.
"Paige-sensei."
My head snaps up at the unexpected voice. Takeshi stands in the doorway, his presence causing an immediate hush around the table. He's never addressed me directly before—all previouscommunications filtered through Kaito or household staff. The fact that he's speaking to me now sends ice down my spine.
"Matsumoto-sama requests your presence in his study immediately following the morning meal."
The formality of his tone coupled with the unprecedented direct address makes my stomach drop. This isn't routine. This is serious.
"Thank you, Takeshi-san," I reply, keeping my voice steady despite the adrenaline flooding my system. "Please inform Matsumoto-sama I'll be there shortly."
He gives a slight bow before departing. The message couldn't be clearer. Whatever game I played last night has captured the attention of the entire household hierarchy.
The girls look between us curiously, breakfast temporarily forgotten. "What did you do?" Mizuki asks, her eighteen-year-old perception uncomfortably sharp.
"Will you still help us with our project today, Paige-sensei?" Kohana asks, eyes wide with worry.
"Of course," I assure her, squeezing her small hand. "I just need to speak with your father first."
I finish my tea to calm my nerves. Last night's boldness seems reckless in the harsh light of morning. What was I thinking, provoking a man like Kaito Matsumoto? A man who demanded I kneel before him, who spoke of ownership as casually as others discuss the weather?
Yet under the anxiety, excitement pulses. I want to see his reaction. I want to know if my little performance affected him.
I stand outside his study door, smoothing my skirt with damp palms. I've chosen today's outfit with particular care. Professional but feminine, modest but fitted enough to remind him of what he saw last night.
I knock, three precise taps.
"Enter."
His voice sends an involuntary shiver down my spine. Deep, commanding, with that edge of danger that should repel me but instead draws me closer.
I step inside, closing the door behind me.
Kaito sits behind his massive desk, dark eyes following my movement with predatory focus. He wears a charcoal suit today, impeccably tailored to broad shoulders and a powerful frame. His tie is the color of blood.
"Matsumoto-sama," I greet him with the proper bow, not too deep, maintaining some dignity while acknowledging his position. "You wanted to see me?"
"Paige-san." My name in his mouth sounds like something exotic, forbidden. "Please, sit."
I take the chair across from him, crossing my legs at the ankle, hands folded in my lap. The perfect image of professional composure, despite the electricity crackling between us.
"Is everything satisfactory with your accommodations?" he asks, voice deceptively casual.
A test. My first challenge.
"The room is beautiful," I reply carefully. "Though I've noticed some... unusual features."
His eyebrow raises slightly, the only indication that my statement affects him at all. "Unusual features?"
"Yes." I meet his gaze directly, refusing to look away. "It seems the previous occupant had quite an interest in surveillance technology."
A beat of silence. Then, unexpectedly, he smiles—just a slight curve of his lips, but it transforms his severe features into something devastatingly handsome.
"I see. And these features concern you?"
