Temper: Deference: Book One of the TEMPER Saga

by Lila Mina

  Blood rushed to her ears and drowned out all noises while she ran through her options. He was a burly man, blocking her way out, and she had limited movement capacity. The only solution was to incapacitate him.

  Kurozawa stepped inside the container, and she inhaled deeply, attempting to focus on his attack, and on what she would have to do. She would get only one chance.

  When he struck, his speed caught her by surprise: she barely saw the iron bar coming straight at her head, at a perfect and precise angle.

  He knows how to hold a sword!

  Acting more on instinct than anything else, she managed to parry the bar by pivoting on her heels, moving out of its way, then slapped his hand away with the edge of hers, before catching his wrist.

  After unbalancing him, she brought him face to the ground. But before she had time to apply enough pressure on his wrist to disarm him, she lost her footing. Her left hip and leg caught the sharp angle of a metallic bookshelf. Acute pain shot from her limb and ripped a cry from her; her grip slackened and to her dismay, it was enough for Kurozawa to scramble on his feet.

  He seized his weapon and with a horrendous snarl, raised it to above his head again. The feral look distorted his face so much that Lana froze, bile rising in her throat; it reminded her oddly of the awful nightmare that had woken her up during the night of the earthquake.

  Right when the enraged man rose his arm to strike, Honda appeared from behind and grabbed him. The iron bar clattered on the ground, but rage and despair fueled the man’s energy, and he pushed back against Honda.

  “Ahhhh! Lemme go! Let go of me, she has to pay! It’s her fault!”

  “Silence!” Honda roared and slammed the man’s back against the container’s wall. When Kurozawa faced Honda, his face twisted with renewed hate.

  “You! It’s your fault! It’s because of you! He made me do it because of you!”

  Jumping at Honda’s throat, he attempted to strangle him, but his opponent controlled him and submitted him with the same wrist and elbow lock Lana had begun but failed to finish. Mouth frothing, their aggressor continued shouting and babbling the same incoherent accusations.

  Right then, hurried footsteps and shouts could be heard outside the container; the two police officers and the firefighter had caught up with them. After a couple of minutes of confusion and shouts, Kurozawa was handcuffed and taken away to the police car, still screaming his rage at the top of his lungs.

  In a daze, Lana walked outside the container on shaky legs. Shock and other emotions caught up with her. Head throbbing, a wave of nausea had her empty her stomach onto the parking lot. A warm hand rested on her neck and held her hair away from her face.

  “You’re fine, you’re fine, it’s over Lana san…” Yuki’s voice wasn’t so steady.

  Lana took two steps away from her mess before slumping heavily onto the ground, face buried in her hands. She lost her nerves and couldn’t keep a lid on the sobs wracking her. Yuki sat beside her and wrapped her up in a tight embrace, rocking her softly; Gabriella crouched on Lana’s other side, rubbing her back.

  “Shhh, breathe, relax, you’ve been through a lot,” Yuki continued, kissing Lana’s hair. “Sweetling, this man is clearly mad; he can’t face the horror of what he’s done… It’s awful, so sad! Don’t listen to him. He has to blame someone, and both of you were in his path.”

  “Lana san, he did not have time to hurt you, did he?”

  Lana wiped her face and looked up at Honda. His face was a blank mask, but she recoiled slightly at the dark flame burning in his eyes. “No, he didn’t. I was taken by surprise, hit an obstacle and lost control of the situation.”

  “A mad and angry man with a weapon and nothing left to lose is a true threat. You were indeed in grave danger and did what you could. You should not feel bad for not taking him down yourself. And do not take his words to heart. He is now locked in his own personal hell.”

  Gabriella got on her feet and gave Lana her hand, followed by her handbag. “Come on now, cara mia. Enough fun for one day. Leave this place and get some rest. Someone else will come and handle this blasted container.”

  “Thank you very much, all of you,” Lana said, her mouth dry. “I’m sorry for losing it.”

  Gabriella smacked the back of her head, half serious, half playful. “Stop your bullshit now,” she said in Italian, pointing a finger at her friend with barely restrained aggravation. “Have you seen what you’ve gone through over the past two days? It always kills me when you apologize for acting like a mere human being. I realize he’s a tough-ass model, and you’ve got this martial kink going on together, but please! Drop this ‘stronger-than-thou’ game. She seems more balanced, thank goodness. It looks like you’re going to live with them for a while, so do me a favor and let her work her magic.”

  Lana gave her friend a small smile and a quick peck on the cheek, accepting the rebuke. It was true affection and worry that motivated Gabriella to react so strongly. This was only the thousandth time they had had this discussion.

  As she was about to follow her companions back to the car, she winced and doubled down; shooting from below her rib cage, acute pain made it hard to straighten properly. To her relief, nobody noticed. They had fretted over her enough for one day. On top of it, there was nothing they could do; heartburn had been a constant companion all her adult life.

  Damn it. It’s supposed to be under control, but it keeps flaring up these days, stronger than ever… I should ask Dr. Stein for a different, stronger subscription. What he’s giving me isn’t working anymore.

  Deep and steady breaths helped her regulate her pain long enough to walk to the car; this time, she sat in the back. Throwing a final glance at her building was above her strength, but when they took off for Setagaya, Lana offered silent prayers to the victims of such senseless, horrific tragedy. The burnt stench stuck to her clothes and hair, a terrible reminder of the horrors she had escaped.

  As they drove back to the Honda estate, her eyes fell on the photo album in her open handbag. She resisted the urge to give the twenty-year-old picture another look; despite her sadness and despondency, a wistful smile tugged at her lips.

  What would you say if you saw me with them today, huh? You’d laugh. You’d tease me so hard... Don’t say you saw this one coming, ‘cause I sure didn’t. And now I’m going to live there. Another new chapter for little ol’ me. Don’t know how long this one will be though. I feel like those characters of yours going through incredible adventures, who went from being librarians to space pirates, or jet pilots. Nobody had rotten hearts, or twisted souls—nobody died in your stories. All those magical worlds you built for me, and I can’t even remember the sound of your voice.

  Only the warmth of your skin. And the taste of your blood.

  20

  A Ladies’ Night

  “Lana san, do you have any plans for Friday night?” Yuki’s head peaked through Lana’s bedroom door as she was finishing her hairdo.

  “This Friday? No, my agenda is empty for now. I don’t know yet when I’ll be home though. We’re still deep in post-crisis mode.” Lana glanced at her watch and winced. Her company held their first all-department meeting after the earthquake at 9am sharp. Not the best day for running late.

  “Oh, it’s fine, what I have in mind is done later at night. I know you’re in a rush, but a quick question: do you like going out?”

  Lana stopped fighting with her rebellious morning hair. “Going out… as in, to a club? For dancing?”

  “Exactly. I’ve got VIP access to the best places in town and I want to take you to my favorite spot. I thought you’d enjoy some downtime after these past two weeks, and they’re back in business.”

  Lana wet her dry lips; her brain struggled to process the image of this composed and refined lady participating in serious partying. At the same time, it was difficult to imagine her doing the naughty stuff they shared together.

  “Er… yes, I guess I could use it, but then it would be a s
ort of date?” Her voice wasn’t so steady anymore. She had never been out with a woman before and feared being too self-conscious.

  Yuki grinned and gave her a conspiratorial wink. “Why, yes! A ladies’ night if you wish.”

  Her eyebrows lost in her hairline, Lana nodded. “I would be… delighted.” She didn’t know how to ask the question burning her lips, but Yuki seemed to read her mind.

  “Don’t worry about him. Goshujin sama isn’t much into this in any case.” Lana tried to imagine Honda on a dance floor, and indeed, things didn’t add up.

  “All right then! It’s a date. I’ll try to get my hands on something suitable by then, because finding new party dresses has not been on my priority shopping list so far.”

  “Excellent! Go for something classy; a little black dress will do. We’ll go to a more underground place I love next time.” Lana’s eyes bulged out, and Yuki burst out laughing. “My my, sweetling, I think shocking you will be my new favorite pastime. For your information, one of the reasons my father couldn’t wait to marry me off was my intense passion for clubbing. He didn’t know my husband would be fine with letting me go out, all by myself. I don’t go out so often now, but it’s high time we hang out together. Off you go, don’t be late because of me!”

  Friday night was upon them, and Lana stood in front of her vanity mirror, grimacing at her reflection. They were supposed to leave in thirty minutes, but doubt gnawed at her.

  This dress is too slutty… showing waaay too much cleavage, what was I thinking? This isn’t Torino, and I’m not twenty anymore! And how about I let my hair down? But up is better for dancing. And I have too much foundation.

  “Ack!” She threw her brush on her futon, frustrated at herself and annoyed at the butterflies making her stomach queasy. This was a date, all right, but with someone she was already in an established relationship with! And since when did she care so much about that stuff, anyway?

  With a heavy sigh, she picked up her brush. The truth was, it was the first serious thing Yuki and she were doing together, on top of it as a real couple–something out of the question with Honda. Lana rolled her eyes at herself. She was the only one who struggled with how to handle it. Honda hadn’t made any comment when informed of their plans.

  A soft knock at the door jolted her from her moody train of thoughts. “Yes, please come in!” Yuki stepped inside, and Lana’s breath left her in a rush. “Oh, Yuki sama, you are… amazing, so beautiful!” she stammered, blood rushing to her cheeks.

  Her mistress was stunning: her high collar, dark green dress, slit on each side from her knees to mid-thighs, left nothing to the imagination. She wore gold jewelry, which managed to be discreet, yet highlighted her perfect skin. Her hair was held in place by a clip and was wavy for a change.

  Lana gulped hard. She was falling head over heels.

  “Thank you sweetling,” Yuki replied with a warm smile. “May I say, you are absolutely delicious yourself. This dress fits you so well, and it’s a sweet pleasure to be able to enjoy your wonderful assets like this.” She grabbed Lana’s hips and pulled her closer for a searing kiss. “We shouldn’t wait much longer. Otherwise I’ll lose all interest in going out and I’ll lock you in for the whole weekend instead.”

  Lana moaned and leaned to steal another kiss from those ruby-red lips that knew so well how to turn her into a weak puddle.

  “Come on, now. The taxi is waiting. Are you ready?”

  Lana nodded, happy. Her doubts and anxiety had vanished, replaced by excitement and pure pleasure at spending quality time with her lover.

  Yuki stopped by the reading room on their way out. “Goshujin sama, we are leaving. We will be at Chicago’s Soul, have a nice evening.”

  Lana was already in the genkan and didn’t hear his reply. “Will there be a band tonight?” she asked as they climbed into the taxi.

  “There are always several live acts. At this hour, we might still catch a couple. Afterward, DJs take over the place.” Yuki took Lana’s hand and squeezed it. “Now, let’s make good use of tonight to get to know each other better. I intend to make you drink enough champagne to have you spill out your life story, sweetling,” she chuckled.

  Lana’s smile turned forced. She would have to control her intake because she wasn’t ready for this. “Hm, I’ll make sure you don’t spike my drink, then. Who knows what would happen to me? I could wake up in your bed and not remember anything, or something just as terrible,” she smirked.

  Yuki’s laugh sent new butterflies to Lana’s stomach, but nice one this time. Honda sama, you idiot, why can’t you be content with such a queen at your side…

  Yuki leaned toward her ear, warm breath sending shivers along her spine. “Now I regret not having ordered a limousine with a privacy screen. It would be bad press to give this grandpa a good show; and we wouldn’t hear the end of it.”

  Lana closed her eyes and stifled a moan. “Let’s wait a bit longer,” she whispered.

  “Don’t worry, neko chan, our VIP lounge is a separate room with full privacy.” Both women shared a steamy look filled with promise before falling back into a comfortable silence while their taxi brought them to Shibuya district.

  The exclusive nightclub Chicago’s Soul occupied a four-stories high building. Hundreds of patrons waited in line, but without hesitating Yuki brought them to the VIP entrance. She didn’t even have to show her membership card for the doors to open wide. Two hostesses brought them straight to their lounge. Lana discovered a spacious room, all in burgundy, red, and black tones, with large sofas. A bay window offered a perfect view of the dance-floor and scene, two floors below.

  “Champagne?” Yuki asked, offering Lana a flute.

  After a toast, Lana pointed at the jazz band performing. “Do you mind if we go downstairs to listen? It’s been ages since I had the chance to enjoy live jazz and I’d love to be closer than this.”

  “Of course! There’s a table booked for us. This band is so good, they come back from Chicago every year, and the crowds love them. Come on, let’s go.” Yuki grabbed Lana’s hand and led them to the flight of stairs.

  As soon as they sat at the table, only a few meters away from the scene, Lana found herself lost in the amazing performance of the band. The saxophonist was gifted, and his music stirred a whirlpool of emotions flushing her cheeks and making her hands shake. Warm fingers squeezed her wrist.

  “I wish you could see the look on your face and those sparkles in your eyes, sweetling. I am so happy we came here tonight. It was high time you enjoyed something pleasurable and easy,” Yuki said in her ear.

  Tears blurred Lana’s sight, and she pressed her companion’s hand back. “I didn’t think I needed it, but it seems like I truly did. Thank you, Yuki sama.”

  They remained at their table for about an hour, savoring a fresh bottle of champagne until the concert came to an end. Like everyone else, they jumped on their feet for a standing ovation.

  “Dancing time!” Yuki exclaimed. “Do you want to go back to our lounge, or shall we stay here and join the crowd when there is some movement going on?”

  “Why don’t we remain here for a while? I’m dying to hear how, you, the eldest daughter of a fearsome industry tycoon, get to open the doors of the most exclusive nightclubs in stride?”

  With a deep laugh that made Lana shiver, Yuki massaged her companion’s thigh under the table; her fingers crawled up, sending electric shocks to her lover’s core. “Well, you see, while my father has given me the same education as my brothers, to his eternal frustration, he’s never been able to curb my endless search for personal freedom. My desire to explore my drives and be truthful to myself. My mother understood it and helped me, enabling many of my wildest choices–including my love for partying. My father was mad at us, but he never knew how to hold a grudge against her for long.” She caressed Lana’s cheek and took a shaky breath. “You would have loved her, and she would have definitely loved you.” Emotions thickened her voice.

  Not car
ing about the crowd surrounding them, Lana leaned forward to kiss Yuki’s neck. Her lover cupped her cheek, pressed her lips and swept her tongue against hers, demanding entrance. Their deep kiss left them panting.

  “Come on, let’s dance,” Yuki said huskily. “Show me what all this extra harsh training is about, sweetling.”

  Lana gave her a dazzling smile and led her by the hand to the center of the dancefloor. Soon, they were lost to the outside world, letting the fast beat and loud music take over their bodies, sweat drenching their backs. Lana’s desire for her companion built up fast, and she had to remind herself that they were not alone. The fire in Yuki’s eyes told her a similar story as she grabbed Lana’s waist for a highly charged sensual dance.

  “So neko chan, do you see anyone here who catches your eyes, whom you find… interesting?” Yuki purred in Lana’s ear.

  Lana squeezed Yuki’s arm around her waist. “Yes, indeed. Lucky me, I’m in her arms,” she replied, beaming.

  “So smooth and sweet.” Yuki replied with a large smile. “Now, don’t forget, you’re allowed to look… and more.”

  “As if I could have the energy or even the need to search for someone else with the two of you in my life,” Lana chuckled. “Right now, I am quite complete and content, oku sama.”

  Yuki remained silent for a while, continuing her complex dance moves and leading Lana through them. “Intimacy is such a serious thing for you. Why not try the fun side of it? How about finding out if any of those beautiful young ladies wants to come upstairs with us?”

  Cradling her lover’s cheek softly, Lana smiled against her smooth and damp skin. “I envy you so much for knowing who you are and for this freedom you’ve found. Please oku sama. Go ahead, ask one of them out, don’t mind me, you don’t need my blessing. Maybe one day I’ll get there, but right now, this is impossible.”

  Yuki’s eyes flashed. They stopped dancing and found themselves in a bubble, surrounded by hundreds of dancers. Lana didn’t blink under the searching gaze of her companion. “Of course not, I’m not ditching you! Hm… don’t take me wrong, but the two of you are so similar. All these years, goshujin sama gave me complete leeway, but when he met you, only then did he grant himself some self-indulgence. He chose you.”