Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 96404 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 482(@200wpm)___ 386(@250wpm)___ 321(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96404 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 482(@200wpm)___ 386(@250wpm)___ 321(@300wpm)
I don’t think I’ve ever fallen in love with someone faster than I did then.
Mio was just another innocent soul trapped in the middle of bloody madness.
She quickens her steps toward me and stops a few steps away. “I’m sweaty.”
“Come here.” I pull her into a hug and she giggles against me, her helmet nuzzling into my chest.
We didn’t use to be so touchy when we first met. Mio was raised in the strict, traditionalist way and is usually against any type of touching. Sort of like Akira, who likes physical contact only when he initiates it and on his terms.
But my sister and I have become close enough to hug whenever we see each other.
She removes her helmet and grabs a towel from a tree, then wipes her neck and the sides of her face.
Her dark brown hair is tied in a bun. If it were loose, it’d reach the small of her back, but she never actually lets it down.
Her almond-shaped eyes give her round face a softer edge that fits with her tiny voice. Sometimes, I have to lean close to hear her talk.
“Papa told me you were coming back, but he didn’t tell me more, and Kai isn’t cooperative.” She speaks in a sophisticated American accent, thanks to all the homeschooling and prim and proper private teachers she’s had since she was born here.
“When is Kai ever cooperative?”
“You’re right.” She smiles. “I’m glad I can speak to you face-to-face and not through a phone.”
“Me, too, Mio.”
We talk about Japan and the cherry blossoms that she loves so much. Then Mio tells me about her studies and her kendo training that she’s obviously obsessed with.
When she’s done, I clear my throat. “Do you have something else to tell me?”
She traps her bamboo sword between her legs as she picks at the grass. “Like what?”
“Kai was actually cooperative for once and told me what’s going on.”
She frowns. “That fox. He promised not to get you involved.”
“You think he promised, but he probably manipulated you into thinking that, Mio.”
“Probably.”
“So?”
“So what?” She’s still gripping grass in her fists.
“Are you going to tell me about agreeing to marry some Russian mobster?”
“Papa said it’s to help our family.”
“Your papa only cares about himself, Mio. You should know that by now.”
“But…I don’t want him or you in danger.”
“Me? Why would I be in danger?”
“Papa said you and Mori-san could be targeted because of Mori-san’s new business endeavors. He’s having problems setting up his new company because of all the customs bureaucracy, no? If I marry into the Russians, they won’t only help, but they’ll also provide you protection.”
That bastard.
He knew exactly which cards to play to make Mio agree. Father and I are her world, and she’d agree to hell if it means protecting us.
“Akira and I aren’t in danger. And even if we were, we can protect ourselves.”
“You don’t know that.”
“Mio…”
“I’ll play my part, too, Onee-chan.”
“But the Russian mafia is dangerous.”
“Mori-san is also dangerous, and you’re doing just fine.”
“That’s different. Akira was my friend before and he’s not a mobster. The Russian mafia is notorious for its ruthlessness, and Dad plans to marry you off to one of their leaders. They’re known for their violence and could hurt you, Mio.”
She jumps up, holding her sword in a defense position. “I can protect myself.”
I shake my head but don’t press it. Instead, I choose to spend a peaceful day with her.
We have lunch together and talk about everything and nothing. We’re basically each other’s only friend. Being with her brings back memories of college days when I didn’t really have friends.
Except for Lucy and Reina at the end.
Sometimes, I consider calling them and getting together, but the thought of putting them in danger has always stopped me. Except for that one time I got drunk and texted Reina and nearly poured my heart out to her.
Mio is pouting when I have to leave at the end of the evening. So I promise to spend more time with her now that I’m back. Something that makes her smile and wave me off.
I drive home, my head still filled with endless thoughts and theories.
Spending time with Mio, no matter how fun, didn’t purge away what happened this morning.
I can’t purge away the image of Sebastian’s hand, lips, and words.
Hell. I can’t even forget the sound of his voice.
I didn’t leave him my phone number before I stormed out of his office, but I keep checking my messages anyway, as if he’d magically get the number.
It wouldn’t be the first time he’s gotten my number behind my back.
Stopping the car in the driveway, I take a moment to gather myself, then I make a few work calls and schedule some meetings. I take the legacy Mom left behind seriously, even if only from the administrative side. Amanda, who was Mom’s assistant and is now mine, takes care of diva designers and all that jazz.