Page 44 of The Dragon 1

But Kazimir never brought gifts.

Because unfortunately. . .the Lion thoughthewas the fucking gift.

So disrespectful. We really need to find a way to kill him.

I stepped toward the other side of the room, where a matching black table waited for me.

Beside it, Miyu stood draped in a violet silk robe with her hair pinned high and lips painted wine red.

As usual, she was gorgeous.

“Good evening, Kenji,” Miyu untied the sash slowly and let the fabric slip from her shoulders like a lover’s sigh. Her body was lean, flawless, perfumed. She got on the table and slowly crawled. Her movements were as fluid as a dancer’s. Once she got to the center, she laid down.

I looked at her.

Hmmm.

Miyu’s usual effect on me—the one that left a buzz at the base of my spine and heat curling low—was gone.

Nothing stirred this evening.

No hunger.

No glimmer of desire.

Just silence in the place where horny used to live.

Miyu glanced up at me with a seducing smile. She always reminded me of a crane because she was always so graceful and long-limbed with a fragility that made men want to possess her just to keep her from breaking.

But tonight?

I didn’t want something that trembled. I wanted something that fought back. And the only woman in my head was a tiger. Nyomi—fierce and sharp-eyed.

I still can’t believe she kneed me.

I grinned and gestured to Miyu. “Not tonight. You can leave.”

She hesitated.

I didn’t repeat myself.

Then, completely disappointed, she climbed off the table and pulled the robe back on.

When she strolled away, she brushed her fingers along my arm as she passed, trying to remind me of every night I used to need her.

But again. . .there wasn’t the usual effect.

The tiger already had a grip on me.

Meanwhile, Kazimir’s eyes followed her as she departed. “Is that not your type?”

“Notthisevening.”

He put his view back on me. “Then, make sure she’s inmysuite after this meeting.”

It was an order and not a respectful request.

Many men had died for less.