Page 22 of The Dragon 1

“And then you considered soaplands?”

“Well, soaplands as well as all of Tokyo's underground sex industry. In fact, this soapland was going to help me paint thewholestory.”

“And now it will not.”

I raised one finger. “Can I remind you that Jun already gave me permission?”

“Jun has no authority here. Compared to me, he's as powerful as a janitor. From your publishing history, I thought you'd be unattractive.”

“Excuse me?” I held my hands out to the side. “Why in the hell would putting books out make me unattractive?”

“Female success at such a young age suggests that the woman is more focused on other things instead of looks. She's not ugly, just not radiating sex. That's the woman that can walk through here and simply observe. You're notthatwoman.” He dragged his gaze over my body. “You're something else, entirely.”

“I can stop. . .radiating sex,” I touched my chest. “I mean, really. I've spent my whole life being unsexy.”

“I'm still saying no, Tora.”

My freaking name isn’t Tora.

I counted to ten and said, “and you’re putting the entire country off limits?”

“Not everyone is going to be as nice as me. They’ll see you as a commodity. You may end up in an awkward position or even one hazardous to your health. I have enough responsibilities. I'm not adding keeping an American woman safe, to my list.”

I scowled. “I can take care of myself.”

“Can you?”

“Yes.”

“You walked in here like an eclipse. Do you know what that does to men who live in shadows?”

“I don’t even know how to answer that.”

“You’re no longer allowed to walk around Kabukicho district without me.”

I caught that little add on. . .without him.

“And as I said, doing your study in Japan is off limits too.”

I put my hands on my hips. “Respectfully. . .you don’t command the whole country.”

“Don’t I? Maybe next time you should figure out who you’re talking to before meeting with them,” he guided his gaze down my body again. “However, I’m glad I saw you first.”

Hunger glazed over his eyes. I felt naked and stepped away until my back pressed against the door.

Yet again, he closed the distance.

Any other time, I might’ve been repulsed, slapped his face or even screamed out curses to urge him to get away.

Instead, my insides clenched with need. He reeked of power and menace and I loved that he wanted me.

Get a hold of your stupid hormones.

I formed my hands into fists. My Japanese culture books said nothing about what to do when a sexy asshole didn’t respect my space.

“Tell me something, Nyomi. This Zo, why aren't you with him?”

“That's none of your business and is there a reason you’re so close?”