know that.”
“Mio…”
“I’ll play my part, too, Onee-chan.”
“But the Russian mafia is dangerous.”
“Mori-san is also dangerous, and you’re doing just fine.”
“That’s different. Akira was my friend before and he’s not a mobster. The Russian mafia is notorious for its ruthlessness, and Dad plans to marry you off to one of their leaders. They’re known for their violence and could hurt you, Mio.”
She jumps up, holding her sword in a defense position. “I can protect myself.”
I shake my head but don’t press it. Instead, I choose to spend a peaceful day with her.
We have lunch together and talk about everything and nothing. We’re basically each other’s only friend. Being with her brings back memories of college days when I didn’t really have friends.
Except for Lucy and Reina at the end.
Sometimes, I consider calling them and getting together, but the thought of putting them in danger has always stopped me. Except for that one time I got drunk and texted Reina and nearly poured my heart out to her.
Mio is pouting when I have to leave at the end of the evening. So I promise to spend more time with her now that I’m back. Something that makes her smile and wave me off.
I drive home, my head still filled with endless thoughts and theories.
Spending time with Mio, no matter how fun, didn’t purge away what happened this morning.
I can’t purge away the image of Sebastian’s hand, lips, and words.
Hell. I can’t even forget the sound of his voice.
I didn’t leave him my phone number before I stormed out of his office, but I keep checking my messages anyway, as if he’d magically get the number.
It wouldn’t be the first time he’s gotten my number behind my back.
Stopping the car in the driveway, I take a moment to gather myself, then I make a few work calls and schedule some meetings. I take the legacy Mom left behind seriously, even if only from the administrative side. Amanda, who was Mom’s assistant and is now mine, takes care of diva designers and all that jazz.
Work keeps me busy enough to not think about other things, but that was before.
I have a feeling it will no longer apply now that my world has collided with Sebastian’s again.
After finishing my check-in calls with Amanda, I step into the house.
I pause at the sound of arguing coming from Akira’s office. This late?
For the seven years I’ve been married to him, Akira has always been as meticulous as fuck about his working hours versus his resting ones.
Any time after seven is his ‘me time’ that no one dares to interfere with.
Also, arguing?
The occurrence is so rare that I stop and listen outside his office, but I can’t really hear the words. Just a male voice.
And it’s not Akira’s.
I knew my husband wouldn’t be arguing. The man doesn’t raise his voice and still accomplishes whatever he sets out to do.
Sometimes, it feels like he’s a samurai in modern times. Or maybe a lethal ninja.
I’m about to continue on my way when the door of Akira’s office swings open and Ren storms out, slamming it shut behind him.
He comes to a screeching halt upon seeing me, his face contorted as he bows in greeting.
I don’t bow back. “Ah, I should’ve known the arguing would be all you.”
“Are you happy?”
I smile. “About your misery? Very.”
“That doesn’t erase yours, Ojou-sama,” He mocks.
“No, but it’s good to have a companion.”
“Who says I’m miserable?”
“You clearly are. Akira is effectively getting on your nerves. Finally met your match, huh?”
“You wish. No one gets to me, not you and not your psycho husband.”
I pat his shoulder, pretending to dust something off, then whisper, “Watch your back. He already has you in his sights.”
Ren stiffens as I pull away, his smaller eyes narrowing on mine before he strides off. I watch him with a satisfied smile. That rattled him enough to make him paranoid for a while.
“Aren’t you a little daredevil?”
I turn around at Akira’s voice. He stands in his doorway, leaning against the frame, and is wearing his yukata, which means it’s definitely his ‘me time.’
“That makes two of us,” I mock.
He adjusts his glasses. “How was Mio-chan? That is, if you really spent all day with her.”
“She’s fine, and whether or not I spent my day with her is none of your concern. You don’t tell me what to do, last time I checked.”
“Hmm. It’s back.”
“What’s back?”
“That fighting spirit. You lost it for a while. I wonder what triggered it, my dear wife.”
Shit. I should’ve