Page 6 of The Dragon 1 (Tokyo Empire #1)
“Well, I’m told that Japanese men who press up on women against their will are chikan ? Is that what you are?”
“Do I look like a pervert that gropes people in subway trains?” He placed his hands on the door behind me and trapped my body further in his vicinity. “I’d like to suggest another option aside from you coming to learn about Tokyo’s sex scene.”
I inched to the left. “What is it?”
“Let me take you somewhere exquisite—rooftop view, candlelight, a chef who owes me favors. Then, we’ll dance. Somewhere quiet. Somewhere I can have you in my arms. . .just long enough to make you wonder what happens when the music stops.”
Well damn. . .
I widened my eyes.
"Have you ever been to Hachijō-jima?"
I shook my head. "No, I haven't."
A hint of a smile played on his lips. "It's a secluded island in the south of Tokyo. Lush landscapes and exquisite cuisine. I could arrange for us to dine there this evening. We'd depart by helicopter just after I conclude a brief meeting."
I was stunned silent.
He continued, “there’s a cliffside villa on Hachijō-jima that isn’t on any map. Private chef. A garden where the emperor once walked. That’s where I’d take you.”
The thought of soaring over the ocean to a remote island for an intimate dinner was as thrilling as it was unexpected. Kenji's proposition wasn't just about dining; it was an invitation into his world of opulence and spontaneity.
But I still could not forget that he was dangerous as fuck.
I cleared my throat. “Well. . .I don’t see how going out with you will help me complete my book.”
“Completing the book is your goal, not mine.”
“Then what’s your aim in taking me out?”
“To be inside you as soon as possible.”
My lips parted as he moved closer pressing his hard body into mine.
Oh fuck.
My nipples hardened. Dear god, why did they stiffen under the pressure of his solid frame smoothed against mine?
“Okay.” I shivered with lust. “You need to move, Mr. Sato.”
“I told you to call me, Kenji.”
“You’re too close, Kenji .”
“You’re lucky I don’t have the time before this meeting to pull off those jeans.”
My mouth dropped open.
I recovered quickly but barely. “I’m going to knee you, if you don’t give me space.”
He chuckled. “I don’t think anyone has ever said that to me before.”
“Well, there’s always a first time for everything,” I placed my hands on his chest and pushed him a little. “Are you going to move?”
“No. I’m going to see if you taste as sweet as you smell.”
He moved in to plant a kiss on my mouth.
Fuck.
I turned to escape that mouth. It didn’t save me. He landed a soft kiss on my skin, brushed his soft lips in a circle over my cheek and gently bit. The area where he bit tingled with pleasure.
Shivering, I gasped and arched my body into him.
Goodness. Get ahold of yourself.
He sucked a little and released my flesh. “You still need me to move?”
I shivered. “Yes.”
“I won’t,” He set his hands on my waist. “I’ll make sure this meeting doesn’t take too long. What time should I pick you up? Where are you staying now? What’s your number?”
My nerves flared on edge.
I had no control of the situation. Kenji crowded my senses—his cologne swirled around my head, his hard body molded into mine, those soft lips explored my neck, his breathing hummed with mine and all I could see was that gorgeous face, begging me for my number.
What am I doing?
So. . .
I freaked out.
My knee shot up—fast and hard—straight into his groin.
The impact landed with brutal violence.
He grunted—loud, sharp, and guttural—as his body folded forward. One hand slapped the wall beside me for balance, the other cupped the damage like he could somehow rewind time and undo what just happened.
I didn’t wait.
Didn’t breathe.
Didn’t apologize.
His sharp curse echoed in the room. “ Chikusho! ”
I spun toward the door like my sneakers were on fire. My pulse roared in my ears. My hand flew to the handle.
I yanked it open hard.
Oh my god I just kneed a gangster!!!
In the hallway, his men exchanged uncomfortable glances but they didn’t make a move.
But one of them—stone-faced and with the red strip of hair—slowly pulled a lollipop from his mouth in shock as he watched me run away.
Where the hell is Zo? Damn it!
Kenji loudly shrieked from the office. “ Chikusho! ”
Shit. I should go back to get the recorder. What? No, dumbass. Run!
I glanced behind me.
Many of the men rushed into the office.
While Mr. Lollipop Man just watched me run away and had the nerve to appear quite amused.
I shifted my skip to a run, rounded the corner into the lounge and scanned the area for Zo.
My heart boomed in my ears.
Tons of half-naked women gathered around many different men—some balding and wrinkled, others young and decorated in designer suits.
A few glanced my way.
One stuck his tongue out and wagged it in a circular motion.
Another motioned for me to come to his lap.
“Nyomi?” On my right, Zo stepped out of an area that must’ve been a bathroom. I couldn’t think of what else it could be.
“Let’s go,” I hooked my arm around his and towed him along.
“Why? What happened?”
“Hurry.”
“Fuck. What did you do?” Zo’s face turned a shade of red as he picked up his pace. “Did you say something disrespectful?”
“Nope. I didn’t exactly say anything disrespectful.”
We scurried past two huge Black guards.
I glanced over my shoulder. Besides chatting women and groping men, Kenji and his goons weren’t running behind us.
Good.
“If you didn’t say anything disrespectful then why are we running out of here?” Zo pushed through the double doors.
The cool night air hit my skin.
I still didn’t let out a relieved breath, even as colorful light glittered on the buildings around me and appeared we might be safe.
“I kind of kneed him,” I said.
“What?” Shrieking, Zo targeted me with his gaze. “ Kind of kneed him or kneed him?”
“Kneed him.”
“Fuck!” Zo raced away, holding my hand in a fierce grip and dragging me through the red-light district at a mad man's pace.
And as Zo dragged me into the night, all I could think was—Kenji is not done with me.
Not by a long shot.
Goddamn it.