Page 110 of Cunning Lies

“Now, I’m not the best at gift giving, but it’s something that we like to do here in the Endo-kai,” I say. “It’s a Japanese thing, I guess. Almost like an obligation we have to fulfill. Gratitude. Loyalty. Debt. Something like that.”

“I know,” she says. “Just show me, you goofball.”

I hold my breath, then open the door. Outside, hundreds of tea light candles shimmer on top of a circle of broken glass. There’s a candle in the middle. It’s thick, like the one she made, but I poured it into an empty turquoise wine bottle, similar in color to the tattoo on her neck. The wax inside of it is lumpy and bubbly, streaky turquoise and white, but it was my first time, and part of it is re-poured wax from the candle I broke. The one that she made for me.

“It’s not a bonfire in the desert,” I say. “I meant for this to be a honeymoon or something, but it’s not. It’s an apology.” I wipe my face with my hand, hating myself for being such a sap. “I loved that candle. I was an idiot for breaking it.”

Her lips hang open. “You kept it.”

“Of course I did.”

She kisses me, and the world slows down. We’re alone on the rooftop, and though the noises of the Strip float up to us, my mind is silent. I don’t need blasting music when I’m with Vi. As long as she’s safe, I’m happy. We’re home.

The shards of glass gleam in the candlelight, and I lay her down on the concrete. Her orangish-red hair cloaks the sides of her face, and the flames twinkle in her blue eyes. Peace fills my body like a heavy weight. I want to savor every moment with her.

We partly undress, and I slip my cock inside of her, then brush the hair out of her eyes. I have every intention of filling her with my come until it drips down her legs for the entire journey back to the car, so everyone can see that she’s my little slut.

But for now, before I remind her that she’s mine, I want to tell her my truth.

“I love you,” I say.

She spreads her legs, letting me pulse deeper inside of her. “I love you, Kenzo.”

Then I take care of her in all the best ways.