Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 104141 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 521(@200wpm)___ 417(@250wpm)___ 347(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 104141 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 521(@200wpm)___ 417(@250wpm)___ 347(@300wpm)
Hiro grinned so hard his cheeks must have hurt. “We have to do this weekly.”
“Absolutely not.”
“You will.” Hiro winked. “You love us too much.”
The final pair of waiters passed out honey-butter cornbread madeleines stacked like little gold seashells in a black napkin.
The band broke into a quick syncopated number where the piano played hide-and-seek with the trumpet. And the saxophone laughed out a fun melody.
Hiroko's three assistants walked in side by side, draped in floor-length black gowns embroidered with tiny white pearls along the sleeves. They wore black lipstick, kept their heads high, and carried a small bouquet of black orchids.
Aww. I’m glad they came. I know they’re sad about Hiroko.
I caught what was behind them.
Oh my god.
Zo strutted into the ballroom in full drag. A long blonde 1920s wig fell in finger-waved curls down past his shoulders. His dress was gold.
Sparkling.
Screaming.
Chandelier-bright gold.
Sequins from his collarbones to his ankles. Fringe hung at the hem and swung with every step. The dress was cut low at the front, low at the back, and slit up to his thigh on one side.
Zo had clearly seen the black theme, looked at it, and decided to set it on fire.
His heels were six inches and sparkling. Gold ankle straps wrapped his calves. His makeup was full glam—winged liner, false lashes, lips painted the deepest red.
Zo saw the huge claw over us, did a flirty shrug at it like he was considering seducing the massive dragon, and then for no damn reason at all. . .he spun right there in the doorway. The fringe rippled.
“Alrighty.” I picked up my glass of champagne and took a sip. “Apparently, most of the guests are going to be extra tonight.”
Kenji snickered.
And I thought Zo was finished, but no. He hit a perfect 1920s flapper pose with one hand on his hip and the other raised over his head, and then he did a quick Charleston step with his knees turning in and out, in and out, before he sashayed a few steps forward.
Sir. . .can you come in?
"He doesn’t look too bad in a dress.” Hiro leaned forward and watched him cross the floor. "In fact, he's sexy in the right light. Is he single, Nyomi?"
"Yeah." I nodded slowly. "Sort of."
Across the table, Satoshi's mouth pressed flat and his gaze did not leave Zo. I wondered what was on his mind. Zo and him had enjoyed a steamy intimate night.
Will more come out of that? Or was it just a fling?
Satoshi sat very still in the way only soldiers sat still, with his hands flat on the table and his shoulders squared. To anyone who didn't know him, he looked composed. But I noticed how his thumb caressed the white linen tablecloth in small, seducing strokes.
Hmmm. Zo and him might be back at it tonight.
I put my view back on Zo who had not left the doorway.
Dude. . .
One of my helpers took pictures of him with his huge silver phone. Zo spun to the right, then to the left, and then he bent over and shook his ass which caused Satoshi to nervously clear his throat.
I thought Zo was done with the photo shoot until he twisted around and did a damned split.
For the love of God just come to the damn table!
Now while Zo slid into that split in seconds, it took him several minutes and two of my helpers to assist him getting his tall ass out of the split.
I shook my head.
Zo fixed his dress and waited by the doorway.
Now what are you doing?
Nika strutted in next.
“What is she doing here?” I froze.
Nika had on an exquisitely tailored black tuxedo, fitted to her tall frame. The jacket was nipped at her waist. A glossy black top hat sat tipped at a rakish angle on her braids.
A fake mustache rested above her lip and curled at the tips. She held a simple black cane in one hand and did a little bob with the jazz band’s beat.
What the FUCK?!
She was supposed to be on a plane with Deja headed to New York.
Nika held out her arm and Zo took it, letting me know that they were not only both high as fuck, but they’d apparently agreed to go as each other’s date. They headed over and both snapped pictures of the claw and giggled at each other.
Alright now. Don’t put none of that on social media. This is supposed to be a secret location.
Granted, I was sure that they had no access to the internet.
When Zo and Nika got to the table, Toma and Kaede rose and took seats further away to let them sit closer to me.
Nika lifted her cane in a small salute and the mustache twitched. She sat down and took in the food in front of her. “Bitch, we got shrimp and grits? Shoot. I thought we was going to be eating noodles and shit. Raw fish. I’m so glad I came.”