In Deep Kimchi - By Imari Jade Page 0,67

not give a stellar performance."

"Perfectly understandable. Because if and when we do the hair and pillow thing, I want you at your full potential." She grabbed his tie and pulled him toward her. Ichiro stood over her as she raised her face for a kiss. He lowered his head, capturing her lips possessively. The scent of his cologne and the heat from his body rendered her silly. She removed her hand from his tie and encircled his waist with her arms. The sound of approaching footsteps did not force them to break the embrace. If she could not have his body, she would not be denied his heart.

Ichiro broke the kiss that left her breathless. "I'm going to sleep like a baby after that." He pulled away from her, waved good-bye and left her standing flustered in the hall.

Shaundra used her keycard and entered her room, happy about the end of the evening, yet very pissed off at Yori and Donald for messing with her karma.

A fist to the face was the last thing Ichiro expected when he stepped into his room. He should have expected it since he and Yori did have adjoining rooms. Ichiro retaliated by punching Yori in the gut - his weak spot - and sending him to his knees.

Satoshi and Takumijo appeared from out of nowhere after the two of them continued to fight.

"What is the matter with the two of you?" Takumijo asked as he grabbed Yori.

Satoshi, in turn, grabbed Ichiro.

Yori clutched his aching stomach. "Did you guys know that Ichiro left here unchaperoned this evening?"

"So what?' Takumijo said, releasing him. "We sneak away too when we get the chance." He flopped down in a chair.

"This is different. We just performed a concert and this town is swarming with fans. He could have gotten seriously hurt."

"I can take care of myself," Ichiro replied. "I am no longer a child."

Yori continued to rub his stomach. "I know you're not, but we're not only talking about your safety. You took Shaundra with you. Do you have any idea how many fans want to do her harm since that magazine cover appeared?"

"Yes, I am well aware of it. That is why I only took her to private places. I can protect her."

"You shouldn't have to. That is why we have bodyguards. You may be a big boy now, but you still need to follow the rules."

"And you need to stay out of my business," Ichiro replied. "You chose Amaya. What I want to do or where I take my date is my business."

"Like dry humping her on the dance floor tonight?" Yori asked.

"It was a dance, and thanks to your foolishness, I will be sleeping alone tonight."

Yori lunged at him again, but Takumijo sprang back to his feet and grabbed him. "Your better stay away from her, you little fairy."

Ichiro punched him in the gut again. "You look more like a girl than I do. And for future reference, I am not gay."

Yori broke away from Takumijo and swung his fist at Ichiro again, but missed. Ichiro slapped him across the face.

Yori stood there looking speechless.

"Now get the hell out of my room so I can change and go to sleep. It's been a long day."

"Ooh, he's so hot," Satoshi teased. "Maybe we underestimated his silence."

Ichiro rolled his eyes at Satoshi. "I don't have time for your jokes or sarcasm either, Satoshi. You guys do not understand how you make me feel when you treat me like a kid, or a girl, or anything else other than a man. Shaundra is the first person who has come into my life who treats me as an equal and with respect. I would never do anything to harm her or treat her like a whore. She is a very beautiful person both inside and out, and I am honored that she finds me attractive and wants to spend time with me."

Yori walked away, nursing his chin. "Kissing her in the hallway in full view of everyone is not showing respect."

"She kissed me. What was I supposed to do?"

The reaction on Yori's face was enough to make up for the attack on his person. Ichiro walked over to the dresser and checked his face for bruising. That bastard had smacked him good.

"You're jealous," Satoshi told Yori. "At least he stayed outside her room like a gentleman."

Ichiro moved away from the mirror and walked over to Yori. "You've been inside her room?"

"That is none of your business."

"It is my business. I