***
"Are you sure this is wise, Kenji? I know Fabio has always been good with infiltritation but he still betrayed us. We cannot yet forget that and add him to the main strategy."
I murmured, gazing at the wrecked car which was a courtesy of my wife and her explosive anger at being controlled, told what to do.
I'm going to enjoy punishing her so f*****g much...My rebellious beloved...
"I understand and agree, brother. Which is why we shall develop a plan to ensure that his failure or accomplishments will not blemish any of our moves. What you should know is that I looked into his statement about a bigger thing being at play here. I reached out to all my sources at every single one of the major crime families, neutral or affiliated. There wasn't much to report other than my contact in Shanghai. There has been some questionable movement from the Triad."
The very mention of one of the top crime families in our world unsettled me instantly. Not that I was afraid of them or what they represented. They were legendary figures, all of whom respected and acknowledged the power I beheld. They knew that my position rivaled theirs, that a war between us would be a m******e.
So they're breaking their neutrality. Why now? What could Kaien possibly have that would make him a desirable candidate they could support?
"That does pose a problem. If they side with him then that makes our work of taking him down harder. It would mean bringing back the plan to acquire new allies. One of the major, neutral families for a better sense of logistics once this war well and truly begins."
Kenji grunted in response. We were both reluctant about that particular method. It would mean allying ourselves with another crime family other than the Sins, trusting any other than the Seven brothers and sisters who had become more family to me than anything. We had never let anyone in, never let anyone close enough. Multiple of our counterparts had tried to ally themselves with us when we first rose to power.
But this would change everything...
"I will travel to Tokyo next week and prepare for your arrival."
Kenji stated, the two of us ironing out further ideas and logistics. I knew he would rather do anything else other than go back there but this was a deal that was a long time coming. And he was the medium between the two of us. He knew more people that could set up the meeting we required than anyone else.
"Preparations for you and Emilia to move into the mansion have been completed. You can return as early as tomorrow."
I nodded, finishing our conversation just as the elevator pinged open into my penthouse. A frown settled on my lips at the sight of each and every one of the guards gathered at the door. They each perked up at the sight of me, neither one of the glancing back towards the main living room where loud music now floated over to me.
"And what are we all doing here? You're supposed to be on your rounds."
I stated, frowning at the sight of their uncomfortable glances at each other. No one was clearly willing to explain away their weird behavior or their inability to look me in the eye which almost always spelt trouble. Choosing to ignore them as curiosity burnt through me, I proceeded deeper into my apartment, pausing only at the reason behind my men's hesitance.
And they just f*****g saved their lives by staying quiet and saying nothing...
My wife stood before me, dressed in nothing but a pair of lace, white panties and a matching bra. Her hair was loose, the curls trailing down to the small of her back. She was barefooted and dancing to the song blaring over the stereo as she prepared something to eat. The smell wafted over to me, momentarily distracting me from the bizarre sight and the three empty wine bottles strewn around.
Wait...is she drunk?...
It was an uncommon sight, more so on a work night. Not that I was complaining as I watched her shake her beautiful, curvy ass to the song. My c*ck twitched in my pants in equal parts desire and fascination. Never had I seen her so carefree, most especially after what she has been through in the last couple of weeks.
I should let her destroy my cars more often if it helps her unwind like this...
The sight of her happiness was welcome but it was instantly replaced with a gnawing and unsettling feeling in the pits of my stomach at the very thought of anyone being witness to the wonderful scene before me. I wanted to gouge my men's eyes out and rip their brains from their skulls for catching any kind of glimpse into her perfection.
How could she be so reckless? Parade around what well and truly belongs to me and no one else.
Walking around her work clothes that were strewn about, I turned off the stereo once a particularly upbeat part of the song came on, my actions earning me a glare and frown of disapproval before she rolled her eyes.
"Oh, of course it's you. You're the only one who can suck the life out of anything fun that I do."
She stated, her words stinging me more than I thought they would. I had never pegged myself as the killjoy, never really given a f**k even if I was. But the very thought of her disapproval or disappointment made my heart ache and my annoyance grow.
"What the hell are you doing?"
I thanked my lucky stars for the calm tinge in my voice despite the fact that I was anything but relaxed.
"What does it look like I'm doing? Unwinding after a long day at work."
She stated simply, an excited cheer escaping her once the ding of the microwave traveled through the room.
"Half naked? In front of my men?"
"It's not my fault or my problem that you have them everywhere like some twitchy stalker obsessed with following my every move. This is my safe space, which means I can do whatever I want. If they or you have a problem with it then you can kiss my ass and control yourselves."
Her voice was tinged with finality, her resolve clear as day even as she took a couple of bites of her food. It was clear that she would not be backing down from this. She was trying to push my buttons to the absolute limit, punish me for having my men ensure her safety. She felt suffocated, living a life that she was not used to.
I cannot be bullied into compromising your safety, Emilia...Never...
"Is this about the orders I left this morning? Orders you not only disobeyed but also ruined my car in the process? That was a bad move, Emilia."
I stated, taking a step toward her which earned me a couple of steps back. Maybe it was the look in my eye? The predatory gaze that promised to punish her for her actions but she did not flinch or look away from me. She was prepared for anything, clearly gathering her courage to speak up.
"Well, you shouldn't have left me orders like I'm one of your men. You can't control every aspect of my life."
"I damn well can when it comes to your safety. You are my wife now, Emilia and that changes things. This is not a topic that I will soon change my mind about so why don't we finish this argument here, huh? And put on some clothes so that my men can continue with their patrols."
I clenched my fists hard, unwilling to look back from her as I moved to walk away. I could not indulge the temptation that coursed through my body. I wanted to claim her so damn bad, pin her against the wall and spank the hell out of her for her defiance and her little stunt in the morning.
I wanted to show her exactly who she belonged to by f*cking her so hard, she would feel me for days. I wanted to root out the false confidence she now had because of the sense of accomplishment she had from destroying my car.
All in due time, Soren...She is gradually cracking, almost at her limit.
The stomping of her bare feet behind me brought me back to the present but my return was too late as pain exploded through the back of my head. A small gasp escaped my wife, each of us staring at the item that connected with the ground with a loud thunk. I was in disbelief as I stared down at her chosen weapon that had almost split the back of my head open.
The Louboutin heel was unscathed, which said nothing of my head that was now throbbing from the hard hit.
She threw her goddamn shoe at me?! A bloody shoe?
I was more amused than annoyed at how her mind worked to create the choices she made. I could not show her, though. Not when she looked so terrified and began to apologize on a shaky voice.
"Run...''
I muttered, my words met with confusion until my gaze landed on her own.
"What?"...
"I said Run, Emilia, because when I catch you, I will unleash my punishment onto you and believe me, you don't want that."
***