Page 94 of The Dragon 1
The shamisen player shifted to another new rhythm. The melody climbed the night air, twining with the wind, as if the strings knew what I was doing and had decided to score it.
She looked down at our hands.
Then up into my eyes.
I licked my lips. “In your letter, you said you would meet me tonight butnotfor a date.”
She arched one brow. “I did.”
I smiled darkly.
“Let’s make one thing clear right now, little tiger.” My voice lowered. “This is a date. On this subject, there won’t beanycompromises.”
She tilted her head slightly but said nothing.
“How long will you be in Tokyo?”
“Three and a half weeks.”
I frowned. “That’s not enough time.”
She grinned. “Time for what?”
“For everything I want to do to you.”
Her eyes widened a little, I swore heat bloomed beneath her lashes.
I pierced her with my gaze. “Extend your stay.”
“I wish I could but my budget is set for that specified amount of time.”
“You’re going to be with me now. So there is no budget.”
She chuckled.
I frowned. “Do you think that was a joke?”
“Kenji, I amonlystaying for three and a half weeks. That is final.”
I didn’t argue.
In my mind, I was already setting the wheels in motion.
I would have Reo find out her exact return flight and buy out the airline. The entire route from Tokyo to New York City would cease to exist—at least for her.
She would stay until she understood her place.
Next to me.
She sipped more of her saké. “So. . .speaking of my time in Tokyo.”
Here it comes.
I moved my hand from hers and picked up my cup of sake.
“Kenji. . .I would like to discuss a compromise about visitingothersoaplands in Tokyo or even other cities.”
The very idea sent a jolt of rage through me.
