With a firm grip, he turned Lily onto her side, lifting her leg to straddle him. As her wetness coated his skin, Lily felt a surge of power coursing through her veins.

Emboldened by their mutual desire, Lily threw her head back, her long hair cascading over her shoulders.

Their rhythmic movements built upon each other, creating a symphony of desire.

Ryuji's muscular body trembled with exertion. He buried his face in her neck, growling with primal lust. Lily moaned, her body tightening around him.

Ryuji's pace grew faster, his hands gripping her tightly as he lifted her leg to push in deeper. His own release neared, his body tensing with the impending explosion of passion. Ryuji roared, his body bucking wildly, as he found his release.

Lily rode out the last of her own climax, matching him stroke for stroke. Their bodies merged in perfect harmony, their sweaty skin glistening in the dim light.

The afterglow of their encounter filled the room, an undeniable chemistry simmering between them. Lily lay nestled in Ryuji's strong arms, her heart racing, adrenaline still pumping through her veins. She felt both empowered and submissive, an unusual combination that left her reeling.

Ryuji's eyes burned with unbridled passion, a mix of love and lust fueling his gaze. He traced his finger along Lily's jawline, feeling the softness of her skin beneath his touch.

"Remember, you belong to me now," he said, his voice low and rough. "There's no going back."

Lily nodded, swallowing hard. The thought both terrified and excited her. It seemed as though her life had changed irrevocably since she stepped foot in Tokyo.

ELEVEN

It was only a matter of days in the family home until Ryuji's mother, Kaede, came back from Kyoto.

Her presence brought a renewed sense of duty for Ryuji. He busied himself with all sorts of administrative matters.

Lily never realized how much bureaucracy was involved in the Yakuza, like properties, agreements alongside with the usual sort of blackmail and “protection” money. To be honest, she tried not to think about it too much.

Lily avoided Kaede for most of the day, busying herself with taking photos of the architecture and natural beauty of the courtyard garden. When she reviewed her SD care full of photos, she found a captivating mix of modern and old, a juxtaposition so strong it looked like two different worlds.

After a mentally exhausting first day with Kaede in the house, they had a traditional dinner in the formal dining room. As they sat and ate, his mother looked Lily up and down with a disapproving frown.

Lily, aware of the situation, tried to maintain composure and respect for Ryuji's family values. Yet, she couldn't help but notice the subtle disdain in the older woman's eyes as she watched them.

Kaede’s gaze was burning into her flesh.

Lily looked down at her salmon, taking small bites.

Kaede hadn’t said hardly a word to her the entire time, and only spoke Japanese.

Ryuji, however, remained calm and assured throughout the evening.

“So Lily,” Kaede said. She said her name but her comment was directed towards her son. “I suppose you are serious about being together?”

“Yes,” Ryuji said. His voice showed confidence when speaking to his mother about their relationship. Even though the elder's gaze pierced through him like an icicle, Ryuji held his ground.

Ryuji’s mother frowned. She had hoped for a perfect union with another well-to-do family. Her son was in his thirties and she was getting impatient for grandchildren.

"Oka-san, please understand that Lily is my chosen partner. I intend to make her mine completely."

The atmosphere in the room became tense, palpable. Lily, sitting beside Ryuji, took a deep breath and mentally prepared herself for the potential confrontation.

Ryuji's mother crossed her arms and fixed her steely gaze on her son. In a cold tone, she questioned, "You believe you can tame her? A gaijin who cannot even follow simple customs?"

Ryuji's expression darkened, his resolve only strengthening at the challenge. "Mother, I trust my judgment. I chose Lily because she completes me, not because she is a foreigner."

Kaede narrowed her eyes, appraising him critically. "Very well, then. If you insist on claiming her, you must show her our traditions and beliefs. To ensure a successful union, she must become one with these practices."

Ryuji bowed his head in deference, acknowledging his mother's request. "You know that I have always honored our traditions, Oka-san. Trust that I will guide Lily in understanding and honoring them too."