Page 96 of Ruin

Shaking my head, I took a deep breath. I had to remember Taro said he was out to dinner on business. This guy was business. What type of business? Because I sure didn’t like the way he was looking at Taro.

Like he wanted all of Taro’s business.

I could be exaggerating, but I knew a player when I saw one. Hell, I used to be one, and we recognised our own kind. He had it written all over his face.

What type of game was this dick playing at, though?

The guy chuckled at something Taro said and put his hand on Taro’s arm. I saw red, clenching my teeth and fists. I locked my body down to stop from waltzing in there and pissing on Taro while growling, “Mine.”

A waiter blocked my view. “Move, fucker,” I clipped as I near pressed my nose up to the glass. I could feel people staring at me, but I didn’t give two hoots.

When the waiter walked off towards a hallway, Taro and the piece of shit got off their stools and followed him.

Why were they going out the back?

Were there private rooms out there?

Grabbing my phone, I googled the restaurant and rang the line. A female voice answered, “Tokyo, how can I help you?”

“Question, if I was to book a meeting, are there any private rooms available to eat in?”

“Of course, sir, there’s—”

My anger built as I ended the call and scowled through the window. Why did they need a private room? I didn’t like it. There wasn’t anything I liked about what I saw. Where the hell was Ryo? He was supposed to have his back, even when guys were flirting with Taro. He had to stop that shit. I’d have to talk to him about it.

So now what was I supposed to do? Did I go home like a good little boy and wait for Taro to return and explain what the fuck was up with this? Or did I wait for him outside so I could keep an eye on the fucker to make sure he didn’t follow Taro home? Another option was to walk in there to make sure the piece of shit knew Taro was taken and to quit the flirting.

I trusted Taro.

Completely.

I knew all he wanted was me. I was a damn catch, after all. Yeah, I was also cocky enough to see it written all over him. He was smitten like a kitten, and I felt the same way about him.

The problem was other people.

I didn’t trust other people I knew nothing about at all.

The guy looked rough. Looked like he could overpower Taro and fuck him on a table.

I strode to the door and opened it.

* * *

Wolf

It was easy to get along with Link. He was laid-back, funny, and smart. I was glad Talon had suggested him.

“Here we go, gentlemen,” the waiter said, opening the door to a private room. He dipped his head at me, knowing I owned the restaurant. Link walked in and looked around. It was a small room but good enough for the four of us. Ryo and Link’s guard showed up after I entered. They’d been standing back from us at the bar, checking the area.

Link took a seat at the table; I followed suit. Ryo stood behind me. Even when I offered him a seat, he suitably shook his head. Link hadn’t offered his guard a seat, though. The guard whispered something to Link, who nodded, and the guard left the room.

“He’s going to make a call.” He leaned forward, elbows to the table, hands clasped. “Want to get down to business before we eat?”

“That would be good. Did you get a chance to go over the paperwork I emailed this morning?”

He nodded. “I did.”

I waited, leaning back in my seat. We’d already ordered our food at the bar while waiting for the room to be cleared.

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