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I take Lakeshia’s hand and interlace our fingers, imparting my support through touch. No matter how strong Lakeshia is, I am here to reinforce or take on any obstacle she needs. So is Shinji.
“You kept his whereabouts from me?”
“That’s stretching the truth. You only told us about the Giametti’s a few days ago. Now, you know that I know from personal experience how much of a badass you are and that you can handle shit you shouldn’t have to, so don’t confuse things. We intended to approach you with the strategy once we had one in place.” Shinji mirrors my hold with Lakeshia’s other hand.
“So you wanted me to be little Miss Homemaker until the men decided how much danger I participate in?”
I stare hard at her, not liking the emptiness in her delivery or her accuracy. “An error on our part that I hope we’re rectifying to your satisfaction now.” As we talk, I share a glance with Shinji.
On the ride, he’d brought up the possibility Lakeshia wouldn’t appreciate my plans. As I reevaluate, I work through a workable scenario that still guarantees her protection.
“Are you saying Ichiro won’t be another babysitter, monitoring my every movement and reporting to you?”
I catch her chin and turn her face until she can’t avoid looking at me. “Riu handles your safety and will reporteverything I need to know about your whereabouts when Shinji and I aren’t with you. Ichiro’s only job is to get information on this family we’re going to start a war with. I don’t think it’s unreasonable to have the same information when we might end up losing brothers in this fight.”
Her eyes widen, and she nods her contrition. “You’re right. I’ve been alone for so long that I keep forgetting the extent of the risk other people will undertake for my benefit. I’m sorry for being so defensive.”
“Perfectly understandable, or so Shinji tells me.”
My husband chuckles and bumps Lakeshia’s arm.
She relaxes into the chair and a sigh escapes her.
“There’s more if you’re willing to hear us out.”
“I’m no weak-hearted bitch. Tell me.”
“You aren’t a bitch at all.” Shinji kisses her knuckles. “Sexy, smart, adaptable.”
“I get it. I’m the shit.”
“Yes, you are,” I agree. “But that’s a topic for later. Last week, while you were ill and holed up in the hotel, your enemy booked the room three doors down from you. You’ve been playing a game of chance all this time, and he could have discovered you if not for our intervention.”
“He was that close? I could have?—”
“Done nothing. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but you were too ill and they would have caught and murdered you before you became a threat,” Shinji says.
Lakeshia’s shoulders slump, defeated by Shinji’s logic. “Reality check received. What’s our next move?”
“Tomasso is still in the city. We met with him today but gave him a false trail to chase his tail. In the meantime, we need to devise the best way to get rid of him for good.”
CHAPTER 17
Shinji
“Did Lakeshia just kick us out ofourhouse?” Takeshi stares at the closed door with a dumbfounded expression on his face.
I chuckle, knowing he isn’t accustomed to being treated this way. “Poor Keishi-kun. Having a hard time figuring out how to reestablish your place as top dog?”
He cuts a glance at me before studying the door again.
“You have a key.”
“Shinji…”
“You’re right. Barging inside and demanding she let us touch and taste her although we won’t ease the desires we intentionally inflame will probably get you a matching scar on your other shoulder.”
Takeshi straightens and turns to me. Although he hides it well, concern darkens his eyes. “Are we being too pushy?”
