Kaede nodded. "Ryuji wanted a small wedding. Less people means less security." She nodded upwards at one of the concealed security cameras.
Lily understood the need for extra care.
As far as she knew, Kenji acted alone in his betrayal and he had enticed Yakuza goons from other factions to help with the ambush in the warehouse. But, the investigation was still ongoing and the entire organization was feeling the pressure.
Ryuji had hoped that the wedding would appease the men while also allowing them to drink plenty of sake and perhaps reveal if they were involved with the attempted mutiny.
Lily noticed that many of the guests seemed to be constantly looking over their shoulders, their expressions wary and suspicious. She wondered if it was due to fear of another attack or if it was the customary wariness surrounding a gathering of such powerful individuals.
Kaede was no exception.
Lily knew that she had much to learn from the Yakuza matriarch and she planned to do so as much as Kaede would allow.
She glanced at Ryuji, who appeared to be at ease, chatting animatedly with his closest comrades. Lily could see the familiar flash of respect and admiration in their eyes as they spoke to him. It was clear that Ryuji commanded a great deal of respect within the community.
His strength, charisma, and intelligence made him a formidable leader. Despite her initial apprehensions, Lily began to understand why he held such a prominent position among these powerful figures. Blood alone wasn't enough to secure a Kumicho’s position, it took guts, literally and figuratively.
As the night progressed, more people gathered around, joining in the festivities. Music played softly in the background, creating a serene atmosphere where friends and family mingled effortlessly. The tension that seemed to hover over the gathering gradually dissipated, replaced by the warmth of camaraderie and shared experiences.
Ryuji and Lily drifted from group to group, greeting and talking with their guests. Throughout the evening, they continued to share tales of their adventures in Tokyo, the laughter and joy infusing the room with a positive energy.
Lily was astonished by the intricate relationships and connections that bound these individuals together. She marveled at the depth of loyalty and respect that seemed to flow naturally between the various members of the Yakuza. In Ryuji's presence, however, she felt a sense of safety and protection that she hadn't known before.
His protectiveness and fierce loyalty were evident in the way he interacted with his comrades. Even though they were Yakuza members, they showed a softer side, expressing concern for Ryuji and Lily's happiness. Their conversation moved seamlessly from politics to personal anecdotes, painting a picture of the complex dynamics within the organization.
Lily couldn't help but notice the way Ryuji's eyes would occasionally drift to her, a subtle mix of pride and affection.
It was as if he was conveying that she belonged here, beside him, as part of this world. And in those moments, Lily felt a surge of confidence and acceptance, despite the unfamiliar nature of the setting.
Kaede and the other older guests began to excuse themselves for the night.
With the elders gone, the remaining guests loosened their formal attire and indulged in the food and sake offered. Sensual whispers and laughter floated through the air, punctuated by the occasional sharp word in Japanese.
Lily felt her body yearning for the comfort of Ryuji's arms. Her heart pounded in anticipation of their reunion, wondering what delights awaited them beneath the sheets.
Ryuji, too, felt the heat rising within him. His blood raced, stirred by memories of their passionate encounter. He knew that he needed to satiate this burning desire, to prove once again that they belonged together.
With a gentle smile, he leaned down and kissed Lily, a passionate exchange of lips and tongues behind a large flower arrangement. Desire coursed through her veins like an electrical current, making her weak in the knees.
Lily couldn't remember the last time she felt so desired, so treasured. This man, this Yakuza boss, had somehow managed to capture her heart and make her feel truly special.
She counted down the moments until the guest began to leave and she would be alone with her husband.
SEVENTEEN
Once the guests left, the night was tranquil and quiet. The day had gone by in a flash, but now there was no one around but Ryuji and his bride.
Their passion for each other quickly grew as they lay down on the futon-style bed. Their hands roamed over each other's bodies, eliciting moans and gasps.
Ryuji's hand caressed Lily's slender curves, while she ran her fingers through his short black hair. Their mouths met again, this time with increased intensity. Their tongues tangled and danced, leaving both of them breathless.
They shed their clothes, revealing their naked forms to each other.
Lily felt a surge of excitement as she witnessed Ryuji's powerful physique, admiring his broad shoulders and well-defined abs. Ryuji, too, was captivated by Lily's lithe figure and smooth skin. He trailed his fingers along her delicate frame, savoring every curve and contour.
They had known each other this way countless times, but now as a married couple it felt different.
In an instant, their bodies collided with fervent intensity. Ryuji's rough hands gripped Lily's hips, pulling her against him, while she grasped his strong shoulders, yearning for his embrace.