Page 102 of Raijin

Her eyes returned to the whiskey brown he loved drowning in, “I love you.”

Sabina’s eyes widened.

Sabina

“Mommy.”

Both turned their attention to watch Sakai and Kahlia carrying trays coming toward them. One trey held a pound cake topped with strawberries and cream the other had a tea pot and cups. Kahlia carefully carried hers, her every step slow but Sabina didn’t miss the infectious grin on her face. The two quickly reached her and Raijin, who still hadn’t gotten up from laying in her lap.

Sakai settled his trey down, before assisting Kahlia in placing hers down. Running over to Sabina’s side, Kahlia pressed up against her. Sabina wrapped an arm around her pulling her close. “Hello, did you help Uncle Sakai finish cooking?”

“Yes, and I got to decorate the cake to, mommy.” Kahlia said happily and looked down at Raijin, “Are you sick Rai-Rai.”

He shook his head, “No, just tired.”

Hearing this immediately resulted, in Kahlia pulling from under her mothers’ arms, and going to his side. And laying a hand on his cheeks, she gave him big smacking kiss. Drawing back, she sat back on her haunches. “That should do it, Aunty says my kisses give big, big energy.”

Sabina felt a bit of sadness when Raijin pulled away from her to pat Kahlia on her head. “You did good.”

“Good,” she said excitedly, “Let’s eat cake.”

The three adults, and one child enjoyed the freshly baked cake, with green tea and milk for Kahlia.

“I love you.”

Those words followed Sabina as she picked up a dozing Kahlia. She glanced back, only to find those ruby eyes on her. Quickly facing forward, she continued on her way to their room.

Chapter34

Compensation

SABINA

The next morning, they received a surprise guest. Sabina, who’d changed into a yukata after her shower entered the hallway, to see a woman standing in the foyer. She wore a traditional Japanese kimono of brown, with bright red camelias decorating the bottom. She seemed to almost glow from within, but what stood out was the delicately made mask that covered half her face, similar to how the phantom of the opera wore his. Flowers were carved into it.

As she drew closer she realized Sakai was speaking to her.

“No, I want you to leave.” His voice was cold, she’d never heard him talk in such a way before. Hesitant she drew closer in time to hear the woman demand.

“You will let me see him, he’s my son.” Her voice was the opposite of her features, while she was beauty it was clear she was a cold one. “I allowed you to have him for this long, because of you and your wife, he caused terrible damage to our clan.” Her eyes narrowed, “It should’ve been left in the woods.”

“Enough.” Sakai took a threatening step toward her, his skin turning a dense green. “If you don’t leave my home now, I’ll forget the hospitality that Yuki strived to teach me.”

Taking a step forward, Sabina moved to support Sakai against the cold-hearted person. She didn’t want Raijin to hear such ugly words. She felt anger for the poor boy he’d been, treated like nothing by the only person in the world who was supposed to love him. She tightened her hold of her towel; she knew that feeling all too well.

“Sakai-san.” She whirled around, to find Raijin standing behind her. His mask gone; he wore a matching Yukata to hers. His eyes were empty of anything, his lips curled with a lazy amusement. He continued, “I’ll speak with her.”

The silence after his announcement was chilling.

Raijin

Raijin took in the women who was his mother, beside her sat a man who was obviously a butler of sorts from his clothes and attitude. He drew his eyes along her attire, he could see she wasn’t lacking money. His lips twisted in a bitter smile.“Good for her.”

A soft hand landed atop his, he looked down seeing the cedar-colored palm, lifting his gaze he saw the worry that was clear in Sabina’s eyes. Covering her hand with his, he tried to reassure her he was fine. He was done hiding behind his mask, turning his attention back to the woman he couldn’t call a mother. “What is your name?”

If she was surprised by his question she didn’t show it instead she opened her purse and pulled out a thick envelope. Placing it on the table, she pushed it across the table. “I’ve been married to a well-connected man for these many years, and I would prefer not to share my name. You can call me by my maiden name Kito.”

Sabina’s hand balled up under his, he could feel her tremble and he knew it was in anger. “Okay, Kito. What business do you have with me?”

---