Page 33 of The Oyabun's Boy

Behind me, Joy stirred, mumbling something that sounded like "flying teacups" before settling deeper into sleep. The sound—half-sigh, half-murmur—sent an electric current down my spine. So different from the calculated seductions I'd encountered throughout my life.

So genuine. So... pure.

It should disgust me. Instead, I wanted more.

"Also," I said, keeping my back to Chen so he wouldn't see whatever was happening to my face, "arrange breakfast."

"The usual?"

"No." I hesitated, the words feeling foreign on my tongue. "Whatever he likes."

"Sir?"

"Joy mentioned something yesterday. Sugary cereal, the kind with marshmallows." I could hear how ridiculous it sounded—me, orchestrating the acquisition of children's breakfast food. "Get it. And coffee. He takes it with too much sugar and cream."

The silence behind me was heavy with unspoken questions.

"Is there a problem with my orders?" I asked, voice dropping to that dangerous register that usually preceded violence.

"No,Oyabun," Chen replied quickly. "It will be arranged. Anything else?"

I watched as Chairman Meow stretched in his sleep, tiny paws pressing against Joy's chin. The affection that surged through me was as unwelcome as it was powerful. Attachments were liabilities in my world. Joy was a potential weakness, a vulnerability that could be exploited.

And yet, I'd already killed for him, would kill again, would burn the city to ash if it meant keeping him safe.

"Yes," I said, the decision crystallizing. "Move the Milano meeting to the secure room. I want Joy introduced to the key allies."

Chen's silence spoke volumes. Bringing Joy to that meeting was unprecedented. No outsiders were ever allowed in those discussions. It was tantamount to declaring him untouchable—not just under my protection, but part of my inner circle.

"That... may be seen as a provocative move," Chen said carefully.

"Good." I turned to face him, letting him see the cold certainty in my eyes. "I want every family in New York to understand what happens if they touch what's mine."

Chen studied me for a long moment, then bowed deeply—lower than usual. "As you wish. The meeting is at noon."

"That's all."

He slipped away as silently as he'd arrived, leaving me alone with Joy's sleeping form and the weight of decisions that would reshape the power structure of the entire East Coast underworld.

I returned to my vigil, watching the soft curve of Joy's cheek, the slight furrow between his brows as he dreamed. Sunlight was beginning to creep through the windows now, painting him in gold and amber.

A liability. A vulnerability. A weakness.

And somehow, despite everything I'd built, everything I'd become, the only thing that felt real in my carefully constructed world.

I reached out, allowing myself to brush a strand of auburn hair from his forehead. The touch was feather-light, but Joy leaned into it instinctively, seeking warmth even in sleep.

"What are you doing to me, Princess?" I murmured, the words barely audible even to myself.

No answer came except the distant sound of the city waking, oblivious to the dangerous currents shifting beneath its surface. By nightfall, blood would flow. My uncle's organization would be decimated. Messages would be sent in bodies and bullets.

But for now, in this moment stolen from time, I allowed myself to simply watch Joy sleep and wonder what it might be like to be the man he deserved rather than the monster I'd become.

I walked over and settled into the leather armchair opposite the window seat, keeping my breathing even, my posture relaxed despite the tension coiling through me.

The morning light had strengthened, casting golden rays across Joy's sleeping form. I checked my watch—7:13 AM. Breakfast would arrive soon. I had arranged everything down to the temperature of his coffee, the exact ratio of marshmallows to cereal pieces.

Ridiculous details for a man who controlled billions in assets, but no less important than the assassination I had scheduled for tonight.