Page 79 of Ruin

Taro laughed lightly. “Tell Daishi Oji-san to record it.”

Ryo grinned. His eyes shifted to me, and he nodded before he looked back to Taro. “Wolf,” he said and bowed. He faced Talon and bowed again. I chuckled when Talon’s eyes widened. He didn’t know what to do or think about the cultural formality. Ryo walked from the room, closing the door behind him.

“Hey,” I called softly, using his hand to tug Taro into me. “You all right?”

He sucked in a breath, keeping my gaze, and I caught the warmth in his eyes. “I am now.”

“Don’t ask me to go again, okay?”

He nodded, lips thinning, but I caught the slight tremor to the bottom one before he dropped his forehead to my shoulder. “Okay,” he whispered.

“Don’t worry, Wolf,” Knife called. “You’re not the only one with a fucked-up family.”

Taro startled and straightened. A blush coated his cheeks. Had he forgotten they were even in the room? Taro faced Talon and bowed. “I appreciate the assistance.”

Talon dipped his chin down before he crossed his arms over his chest. “You know why we’re here, right?”

Taro looked back at me. “Josh.”

“Yeah, Ruin. Know it’s only new, but he’s wantin’ this between you two, and since he’s claimed you, we’ll have his back, and yours. It’s how Hawks works. We’re all family. The partners are equals. There may be things we can’t tell our partners, but we do it to protect them. Still, they’re important in our lives, and I know you are for Ruin.” Talon smirked. “Means we’ll have to put up with each other.”

“I am honoured to not only have the Hawks MC in my life but for trusting me with a member of your club. Thank you.”

The brothers smirked. Some chuckled. Dad stepped forward. “Your words are cool, but just know if you fuck Ruin over, we’re gonna be comin’ after you with everythin’ we’ve got.”

“Jesus,” I cursed with a groan. “Taro, I’d like you to meet my dad, Stoke.”

It was comical how wide Taro’s eyes shot open. A few brothers laughed.

Dad stepped forward and jutted his hand out, which Taro took and shook. “I promise to take care of your son. I care for him deeply.”

If I wasn’t around the brothers, I would have grabbed him and kissed the fuck out of him.

“You’d better,” Dad said gruffly.

“All right, enough of that. How about we get some food goin’ before you get on the road again?” I suggested.

Beast snorted. Knife laughed outright before he said, “Meanin’ he wants us gone as soon as possible so he can get down and dirty with his man there.”

Taro turned beet red as I slung my arm around his shoulders. “Shut the fuck up, Knife.”

“Agreed,” Dad said and then quickly added, “I don’t give a fuck you two are dudes. It’s just wrong hearin’ about my son doin’ the—”

“Dad, just no.”

“Lunch,” Taro blurted. “Katon,” he called, and the door opened to a smiling Katon. “Lunch for all of us, please.”

Katon bowed. “Of course, Taro-sama.” He quickly disappeared.

As the brothers started talking, I pulled Taro aside. “Are you okay?”

He gripped my tee at my stomach. “Honestly?”

I nodded. “Yeah.”

“I’m perfect because you’re here.”

I cupped the back of his neck and dropped my forehead to his. “We’ll talk more soon, but know I ain’t goin’ anywhere.”

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