Page 123 of The Dragon 1

And now—I’d have to walk away from her.

I gritted my teeth. “Get my car ready and then have Kaoru and Yochi take her home.”

I thought about that for a minute, remembering her fascination with Kaoru’s hair and their audacity to think they could talk to her.

I shook my head. “No. Change that to Satoshi and Rin. Make sure they know that they are not to speak to her. And when they take her home. . .they’re to remain outside and guard the area until we put others out there.”

Reo nodded and left.

I exhaled once, sharp and hot through my nose, before walking back across the garden.

The cello still played.

The moonlight still painted Nyomi in that silk white dress, her skin glowing, her eyes watching me like she already knew something was wrong.

She stood the second I reached her. “What’s wrong?”

“I apologize, but. . .I have to go.”

Her eyes searched mine. “Why? What happened?”

“It’s an emergency. It deals with my brother.”

Her lips parted yet she didn’t press further. Instead, she stepped closer—enough that her scent reached me again, that heady blend of black amber and ripe plum that undid me. “Is there anything I can do?”

I blinked.

That offer. . .her sincerity. . .it hit me in the most beautiful ways.

“No. I just want you to enjoy the rest of the night.” My smile came slow and aching. “Finish the great food and sake. Enjoy the rest of the performance. My men will take you home safely.”

She tilted her head. “Pinky and Yoichi?”

My body stiffened.

Heat surged up my spine.

She knows Kaoru’s nickname?

I gritted my teeth.

Fucking Kaoru.

Rage cracked through my chest.

“No,” I said tightly. “It won’t be Kaoru and Yoichi tonight. It’ll be Satoshi and Rin that’ll take you home.”

Nyomi narrowed her eyes, those full lips curving just slightly—not in a smile. In challenge. “I’m sorry but. . .I don’t know Satoshi and Rin. I want it to be Pinky and Yoichi. I’d feel more comfortable with them.”

I scowled at her. At her audacity.

Naughty Tiger.

Granted, her fucking audacity burned through me in the most dangerous, yet erotically thrilling way.

She wasn’t afraid to push.

And the worst part?