Total pages in book: 64
Estimated words: 66993 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 335(@200wpm)___ 268(@250wpm)___ 223(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66993 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 335(@200wpm)___ 268(@250wpm)___ 223(@300wpm)
“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.”
“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 the whole story.”
“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 not that woman.” 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 Kabukichō 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?”
“Does it matter?”
“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?