“I only care that you think so.” He touched his forehead to hers, tasting her lips. He ran his hands down her back, pulling her close into his body. “I missed being close to you.” His hands slid lower, moving over her bottom. She moved to kiss his neck in response. Sucking his skin into her mouth, she smiled, hearing him moan. She was not going to be the only one tortured. She licked that area, glancing at the mark she’d left, and moved up to his jaw and back to his lips. She plunged her tongue inside and cupped the back of his head. He sucked on her tongue, savoring her. She felt like he kissed her as if he found life in her. They laved each other. Wet, hot kisses. He was so clean and delicious, Flower could not get enough of him. She was so elated that he belonged to her.
Down her neck, he trailed his own kisses, cradling her head in the crook of his arm when her head fell back. “You’re so beautiful, Flower.” His gaze dipped low, stopping at the tight peaks of her nipples. Easing her against his chest, he cupped both breasts in his hands. The contrast of their skin tones was beautiful and erotic to her. The response to her body was immediate, her pussy clenched too hard, she moaned and nipped him in response. He took them together, slipping both nipples into his mouth. She whimpered at the heat engulfing her sensitive tips. She kept them thrust into his mouth, not wanting to lose any of the sensations he was evoking in her body. The heat made her writhe and she could feel his arousal pressing beneath her.
“Akchiro, I need you right now.” There was no plaintiveness in her voice. It was pure demand. He turned her away from him. She straddled his lap, placing her legs on either side of his. His dick was so hard against her bottom. She maneuvered until she had him lined up with her entrance. She rubbed him back and forth on her clitoris before, inch by delicious inch, taking him inside. A month was a long time for them; they’d made a point of making up for the time they’d spent apart. She eased down slowly then back up then down again until her body adjusted to him. Though she was ready, she had been without him too long. He held her hips, steadying her as she leaned forward. Pleasure and pain mingled. He was incredibly still supporting her. Finally, he was inside to the hilt. She was so close. He felt so good. She leaned back with her head against his chest, panting against the pleasure cascading through her. The water lapped around them, the internal heating element keeping the temperature the same as she set it earlier. Now with their bodies one, the heat between them was like a fire.
Akchiro skimmed her body with his hands, leaving none of her untouched. He touched her face and neck with a massaging caress. She was so ready for his touch. She dreamed of it. Longed for it. She guided him back to her breasts, canting her head to look him in his eyes. Holding her stare, he continued downward over her breast. He cupped and massaged her, molding the mounds with his fingers. He hefted their weight and then swirled the tips with wet fingers. She leaned in and kissed his jaw. He turned and took her lips. “You’re so sweet,” Flower said. She smiled at him.
He quirked an eyebrow, “You just want me to touch your pussy.”
“I thought you claimed it was yours,” she challenged. She moved on him then, making his breath catch.
“That it is,” he growled and thrust upward. “How is that?” He moved his hand down between her legs.
“Perfect.” Her voice caught on a cry that he smothered with a kiss as he began to move, stroking her and thrusting at the same time.
“Oh…ummm…” She hummed and began to swerve her hips to match him.
“Damn, girl,” He braced his legs as he began to surge inside her; she took him thrust for thrust. She braced her feet on the inner grain of the cedar tub, glad of the nonslip bottom. Her head fell back against his chest as she continued to ride him. She felt him everywhere it seemed, all the way to the tips of her hair. He gave no quarter as he fucked her. She took everything he gave. She took his hand and put his fingers in her mouth. She sucked his fingers as his other hand stroked her clit. Flower’s orgasm rocked her so hard she thought she’d black out. Akchiro held her close, thrusting deep as she cried out her pleasure. As she came, her muscles clinched his dick, dragging his orgasm from him as he groaned her name over and over again in a litany of praise.
Afterward they rinsed the residue from their bodies, he swept her up to the bedroom.
Dawn had long since broken the next morning when Flower found herself looking out of the wall of windows of her new city home. She had to admit she was disappointed and more than a little mad, no, scratch that—livid. She’d woken up alone with nary a word from her errant spouse.
Just based on his words alone, they were back. Who was she kidding? That could mean anything… They’d had so many twists in this relationship that it could be them last year after he found her or after they’d made love the first time. She had no idea, and that uncertainty gnawed at her.
Akchiro was nothing if not cryptic. Sure, she had kept secrets out of necessity; he kept them out of just being who he was. He’d give a spy a run for his money. She was surprised he didn’t have dead drops all around the city or hidey-holes. She pouted. She thought for certain they’d wake up together and maybe continue where they left off. She was still pregnant and horny, and he was what she wanted to satisfy all of her appetites. She was more than a little sad. He left her like it was a one-night stand, not like it was a new beginning. She understood his work, she respected his work. He would respect her too if he knew what was good for him. Just leaving…not cool, dude. Not after the night they shared.
Tears smarted, her nose stung. She curled deeper into her fluffiest of fluffy throws, gazing outside. Time passed, and she looked out into the city. Her phone buzzed. She knew it wasn’t him.
Morning was in full bloom when the elevator opened. She didn’t bother to glance his way. She closed her eyes as his scent tingled her senses. She felt him staring down at her.
“You are upset.” He knelt down beside her.
She slid her glance his way. “It would seem I don’t appreciate being treated like a side chick. The way you left this morning was disrespectful.” Her face heated, seeing his jaw harden at her words. She turned back to looking out at the beautiful vista of Tokyo.
“I leave every morning just as I did this morning, Flower.” No, not the sweet Hana now when she challenged him. He tugged her chin toward him, “You’re not being fair.”
“So?” She wiggled her head at him. “When are you ever fair?” She sniffed, tears threatening. “After last night, you left. Then never once did you say how you really felt when it is obvious you love me. You think you can pretend you don’t care, and they won’t come after me? You already declared yourself by being with me at all.”
“I know what I have done. I know the consequences.” His low, fierce tone caught her and made her rise from her reclining position.
“And you’re angry about it?” She could hear the hurt in her own voice but didn’t try to hide it. There would be no more secrets on her end. He would know how she felt.
“No, I welcome it. I chose you. Every action I have taken speaks of what you mean to me. Everything I have done and will do is evidence of how I feel for you. Now, I need you to trust me. I want you to gather your things because we are moving our primary residence to the Takeda Manse.”
“What?” She rose fully, sitting up this time, looking at him like he’d grown two heads.
“My family is my priority. You and our son being at Takeda Manse will bring me peace of mind.” He moved back to stand, and she quickly followed suit. She was already shaking her head.
“I like living here. This building is impenetrable. What is that commute, anyway, an hour?” Flower arched her back, rubbing a spot low on her back. Akchiro pulled her close and rubbed the ache away for a few seconds.
“Forty-five minutes, based on my best assessments but that is inconsequential. This is what is best.”
Flower looked at him and she felt her eyes flood with angry tears. She knew there were things he was not telling her. “What aren’t you saying? Are we u
nder threat?”
“Anyone who would dare think it would regret such a thought.” He wiped her tears away and pressed a kiss on her brow. “Let me take care of this family the way I need to right now. We will keep this place if you wish, and after you’ve safely delivered our son, we will move back.”
“I feel like all my choices are being taken from me.” Flower closed her eyes against the feeling of powerless rage, turning away and heading toward their bedroom. She stood there with her head down, covering her face with the heels of her hands—bereft. Feeling alone and unsure if she wanted to not be alone considering she was married now to a dictator.
“I see you are still determined to have my face, Hana.” The words sounded as if they were torn from him. As if they cost him his soul. “Here are the words that you desire so much. Flower, I love you. I will cherish you for all eternity. I will find you through time, for our souls are linked by the red string of fate. You are mine, and I am yours. I will honor and protect you always.” She turned at his words to see how he bowed deeply to her though she could barely see.
As the tears streamed down her face, she felt the warmth of his strength envelop her. He held her close for a long time as she cried in his arms. Finally allowing herself to feel the grief she’d pushed down for over a year. And he just held her. Forever, if she needed him. She looked up into his solemn eyes. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you everything. I know it will take time for me to show you how much I trust you and be worthy of that same trust. I was so disappointed in myself, I couldn’t bear the thought of your hurt and disappointment.” Her words caught. “Because I love you so. I’ve loved you for so long.”
“And I you.” His kissed her brow then took her lips in a searing kiss. “We will work on loving and trusting as we each deserve. Now will you come to Takeda Manse with me?”
She quirked an eyebrow at him and smirked. “I guess…”
Chapter 25
Six months later…
The Takeda family compound was crackerjack crazy big, and Flower didn’t know if she could ever get used to it. There was a main house with several outbuildings attached. Gardens to meander, gardens to sit and reflect, gardens with intricate ponds and waterfalls attached. There was a library with priceless scrolls that dated back centuries and could only be touched by the curator, who showed them to her at a distance. Some were naughty and Flower delighted in making Akchiro go look at them with her. The house was a national treasure, having survived many wars, so people still begged for tours, however, they were no longer granted as long as she and soon their baby were in residence. She loved it but missed the vibe that could only be experienced in Tokyo. They took excursions, but this would be their home of record for now. The Takeda Family compound was a beautiful yet formidable fortress. Her being here was what gave her husband peace of mind. He knew the security was impeccable and the staff discreet. That was what generations of people working for one family did—ensured loyalty.
She looked in the mirror, taking in her reflection. Her hair was a lush riot of curls. The humidity was such a blessing for her hair. It was soft and luscious. Akchiro loved to touch it as always and still he was ever so gentle. Her eyes trailed down to the face pregnancy had made. Her nose was big as hell and her lips way plumper. Her mom had assured her that everything would return to normal once her baby came in a couple of weeks. The lips were sexy, though. Her belly stood out in huge relief against her small frame. She was about to have this baby any moment. The beautiful silk did only one thing—enhance her belly. She was proud of her big belly. She fucking loved every moment of being pregnant. She didn’t stop being thankful and would forever be grateful for her precious gift. Her baby thrived. She’d not been sick, only tired beyond belief in the beginning. This baby boy was going to be every bit of his father and just as big. She’d seen that through the many ultrasounds she’d had. He was curled inside of her for once, sleeping. Lately he’d been a busy little bee at night. She’d graduated from flutters to full belly rolls. She giggled thinking of the shock on Akchiro’s face when he noticed an actual handprint pressing up through her taut skin as he rubbed mango butter on her tummy.
“Laughing about the handprint again?” Her head turned at the sound of his voice. He leaned against the doorjamb with one leg crossed over the other, looking handsome and sexy as hell. His eyes lowered, taking in all of her, then went back to her eyes, capturing her in a heated gaze. “You are beautiful, my lotus Flower.”
He walked over and wrapped his arms around her. She closed her eyes and inhaled, letting her head fall back against the solid strength of his chest. He never stopped smelling delicious. She didn’t think she’d ever get enough of him. As he’d said on the plane, the red string of fate had linked them for an eternity and she felt it to her soul from the first moment they’d been together. Through it all, that connection had never been shaken, and her desire for him remained as it had from the time she met him in the back seat of his Rolls Royce. She had no doubts about his desire for her.
“I know last night and this morning should have been enough, but if we didn’t have to meet my mother in a little while, I would love to make love to you again.” He leaned in and kissed her neck for emphasis. She could feel how hard he was pressed against her.
“Oh my goodness, you are the devil.” She giggled, pushing her bottom back against his hardness, savoring the feel and warmth of him. His groan made her laugh a little and a naughty bit, proud that she could still have the power to make him crave what only she could give. “Well, it would take my mind off meeting your mom. I know she must disapprove of us.”
“Flower, whether or not she disapproves, I will always be by your side. She will respect that if nothing else. Her granting us an audience so soon after her return is monumental.” He turned her in his arms and rubbed circles on her lower back as if he sensed she was tensing up, trying his best to soothe her worries away.
“She could’ve come back before now, or called.” She looked up at him, worry making her already mercurial emotions ratchet higher. She knew enough about Japanese culture now to know when a snub was a snub.
“That is not her way. My mother is a traditionalist. She is not upset with you but with me. I married you that day at your parents’ house after rushing your family there, with only my brothers to represent my family. This was a very hurtful to my mother. I have explained since the reasons for my actions, and she has forgiven me, it seems, and wishes to meet you.” Flower understood what his words didn’t say. This was their only chance to make things right with his mom. This was her family now. Riyu and Takashi had been nothing but kind to her and she actually felt like family when they were all together. Families worked things out and dealt with all things together, easy or difficult.
“I trust you,” she whispered, tugging him down to kiss his lips.
His smile was amazing as he took her hand in his, placed a kiss on it, and tugged her behind him.
* * *
The Takeda Manse had an entire fully staffed separate residence for the older Mrs. Takeda. Flower stepped out of the car with the help of Akchiro. It was all very formal, with two guards at the entrance. Though they were white-gloved and looked benign, she knew better. They were trained operatives who were ready for any eventuality.
After removing their shoes, they proceeded into the receiving room. With Akchiro’s assertion that his mother was a traditionalist, Flower expected to step back in time. Instead, she saw immediately where Akchiro got his love for minimalism from. Clean lines and elegance greeted her in her swift look around before she trained her eyes to the ground and bowed in respect to the woman seated in front on them. Akchiro actually knelt out of respect and to show deep contrition but had told Flower she was not required to due to her being so advanced in her pregnancy. Nor was it lost on Flower how tenuous this situation was. There have been families who had wholesale disowned their kids for dishonoring their family’s traditions and honor the way they had perceived Akchiro to have done by
marrying without his mother’s permission and knowledge. So, Flower would not move a muscle until Mrs. Takeda indicated that she should. She would not be the one to mess this situation up. Her heart was hammering and she was afraid that she would sweat through her clothes. Staying on her feet was also not ideal, not to mention her advanced pregnancy making it hard for her not to have to go to the restroom every five minutes.
“My son has chosen a beautiful Flower to be my first daughter.”
Flower’s eyes smarted as she lifted her head after being acknowledged and took in the regal woman before her. She was taller than Flower and dressed in a white jade pantsuit. Mrs.Takeda’s hair was cut in a sleek pixie cut. Flower wanted to cut a look at Akchiro for his traditionalist talk. How well did he know his mother? This lady did not give off a traditional vibe at all.
“Thank you so much, Mrs. Takeda.” Flower bowed as much as she could with her belly in the way.
“Come now, we are all beyond that, you are about to give birth to my grandson. You may call me Mother.”
Flower heard Akchiro’s breath catch and followed him as he bowed several times in succession as he thanked his mom.
“Thank you, Mother.” Flower bowed again in thanks, wiping daintily at her tears.
“Oh, none of that, my dear. You honor me with a grandson. I knew that Akchiro was smitten when he defended you, when his brothers teased him about you almost two years ago. I knew then he would show you his dragons.”
To say that Flower was taken aback by this was an understatement as she watched his face heat at his mother's statement. Thinking back on that time, she wouldn’t have fathomed him speaking about her at all, let alone defending their relationship with his family. It dawned on her then he had chosen her just as she had in front of his family long before she knew he cared so much.
Lotus Flower Bomb: The Mogul Series Book Two Page 22
