Page 21 of The Dragon 1

I stepped back, just an inch.

He didn’t follow.

But he watched.

“Thank you for the story but unless it ends with me getting access to Japan for my research, I should probably go.”

His gaze softened for a breath, then sharpened again.

The storyteller vanished.

The predator returned. “Your study? We’re done with that part of the conversation.”

“I don’t believe so. Before you cleared the room, you mentioned compromises which means that you planned to give me alternate options to do my study.”

“Perhaps, we have different definitions.”

I leaned my head to the side. “What do you think compromise means?”

“You’re stunning.”

I blushed but shook the girly giddiness away. “Kenji, I really need to do this study. If not here, then somewhere elseinJapan. Your banning the whole country from me, really messes that up, so I would love some form of a compromise.”

“Do you have a boyfriend or husband?” He glanced at my bare ring finger and closed the distance between us.

“No and why can’t I observe other soaplands?”

“I’ve already told you why. You’re captivating, unique, and sexy.” He tucked a few curls behind my ear and let his fingers linger on my face before moving his hand away. “I thought you would be ugly.”

“Why would I be ugly?”

“Jun looked your name up. He told me you published your first non-fiction book at sixteen.”

“Good research but that still doesn't answer my question.”

“Was the book good?”

“It was an international bestseller.”

“What was it about?”

“My father.”

“Interesting,” he smiled. “I bet your father is proud of you and the book.”

“Actually, my father despises me for putting the book out but that doesn't really matter right now since he's behind bars.” I stepped back.

“Yet, you still can't seem to replace the recorder that he bought for you?”

“Yes because it has sentimental value.”

“You’re complicated.”

“I’m a writer that wants to do a story on your place.”

“You put four more books out in your twenties but now in your thirties. No more books,” he frowned. “Why not?”

Unease plopped down in my stomach. “I've had a hard time finding a topic that interested me.”