Page 25 of Who Said Mobsters Were Scary?
I grip her arm. “This is awful.”
“Sorry to dump it on you. But it kind of feels good, not gonna lie. Think I needed the rant.”
“I’m here and willing to listen anytime.” And because I know her somewhat by now, I add, “And I’m happy to assist in any way I can.”
She smiles, her fingers grasping mine. “Thanks. I might take you up on your offer if my plan fails.”
“Your plan?”
“C’mon, Leo. I know we haven’t known each other for long, but you think I’d just sit still and let them force me to have someone’s dumb babies?” She laughs, the sound carrying determination. “I’ve been doing some marketing projects for a while now, while studying. I’ve got good references. I hope it will be enough to find a job at some big international company that’s willing to relocate me across the States or even abroad.”
Naomi is probably one of the strongest people I’ve met in my life. I can’t imagine the stress and the pressure her family is putting on her, but even though it sucks, she’s not going down without a fight.
“You are amazing, you know that? You got this,” I say, my voice a little breathy. Then I grin. “And if your plan is slacking behind, we can just pretend we are crazy in love together. That should help, right?”
She laughs, taking a puff of her cigarette. “I don’t know, Leo. With your newfound interest in grinding your ass against other dudes’ dicks, I question if you’d be able to pull it off.”
I bump my fist into her arm. “Ugh, you just had to go and ruin our deep bonding moment by making fun of my predicament.”
“Sorry, couldn’t help it. But I do appreciate the chat. You’re a nice guy, even if you are a bit of an idiot sometimes.”
We bicker for a bit, throwing friendly jibes at each other’s personality flaws. Once she finishes smoking, we follow the stone path back to the shrine. The silence sits heavy in the air, which is humid and smells like rain. The hairs on my arms rise as I stop and look up. I can see patches of stars peeking out from behind gray clouds. The moon is partially obscured too, and there is somethingforeboding about the whole thing that makes me pick up my pace so I can catch up to Naomi and go home.
“Uh, Leo,” she says as I reach her. Braced as if for an attack, she’s standing about halfway to the stone gate at the top of the stairs. “Is it just me, or is there someone by that tree on the left?”
My heart jumps in my throat as I follow the direction she’s pointing in. She’s not imagining it. There really is someone there, and as they move, I realize they aren’t alone.
“Naomi, go back. There was a path leading into the woods. I’m pretty sure it will take you down the hill.”
“What about you?” she whispers, clutching onto my arm.
“I’m right behind you.”
“No. I’ve seen enough horror movies to know this isn’t a good idea,” she says, shoving her hand in her pocket. She fishes out her phone and unlocks it, the screen illuminating her face. “I’ve called the police! Uh…Kei… Keisatsu!Po-li-ce,” she bluffs at the three people blocking the way down as she taps away at the screen.
Two of them stop where the dirt turns into the stone path, but the third one keeps walking toward us.
“I don’t think that will be necessary,” he says in a deep bass voice, slipping out of the darkness when he reaches the nearest lamp. “I’m just here to talk to Mr. Caruso.”
Me?What the hell is up with random dudes knowing my name and looking for me?
I ball my hands into fists, scowling at the man. It’s hard to make out his features from here, but I think I recognize him from somewhere.
“Who are you?” I demand, my stomach knotting. I have a bad feeling.
The man laces his hands in front of him. He’s wearing a dark-blue suit and looks to be in his late thirties. “I’m Aran, Chief of Security for the Akiyama Group. On behalf of Mr. Kwanchai Akiyama, I’d like to apologize for the trouble he’s caused you.”
Oh. I blanch, irritation stirring within me along with a hint of excitement. Of course this has to do with Kwan-fucking-chai. Why wouldn’t it?
I study the guy as best as I can, given the limited light, and it clicks where I’ve seen him. He was with Chai at the Nagoya Port restaurant. He’s the man with the long-ish hair and the no-nonsense air about him.
“Right. If that’s all, can you and your goons, like, fuck off?” Naomi tosses at them, crossing her arms. “Not gonna lie, it’s kinda creepy with you three just standing there. Plus, we don’t wanna have anything to do with you.”
“It wasn’t my intention to startle you,” Aran says, and lifts one hand. He follows up with something in Japanese and the two guys behind him look at each other in slight confusion before disappearing down the stairs.
When he just continues standing by the lamp, I clear my throat. “Did you want something? I already told Chai I’m not interested in being a bodyguard.”
Aran cocks his head, staring at me as if he’s studying a strange specimen. “I understand that, yes. However…” He produces a letter from the pocket of his suit jacket. “I believe Mr. Kwanchai Akiyama never shared the details and benefits of the position.” He places the envelope on top of a gravestone. “While I have advised him that it’s best to hire a professional, he seems set on you, Mr. Caruso. I’m sure you’ve experienced firsthand what that means.As such, I ask that you consider the offer in earnest. The contract in the envelope outlines the terms and compensation.”
