Hello, everyone!
Sorry, it's been a while. There had been a series of unexpected events since December. But I finally managed to spend some time to do final clean up for this chapter AND start on the next chapter. So, please bear with me.
As always, thank you so much for your reviews: Capricorn989, finderlov, Minak0003, Davien Rosa, Ninetampax, Vic, Dragona, FreelsHannelore, and anyone who has been kind enough to take the time to tell your thoughts. Questions will be answered at the end of this chapter.
Warning: A very long chapter. Most likely with many grammar issues etc.
Disclaimer: VF belongs to YA.
Chapter 18. The Guard Dogs
"Tao told me about your plan for the Morettis visit." Akihito said in a way of greeting the moment Asami sneaked into their bedroom, hoping he wouldn't wake his husband up at 3AM in the morning. Akihito had clearly intended to make it seem to be casually said, but there was a little uncertainty there that made it sound vulnerable instead.
Asami stilled then glanced at the custom-size bed, big enough to fit 5 grown men comfortably. Akihito looked so small sitting in the middle of it on his own. So blindingly innocent that Asami often felt like he had dirtied Akihito's pure heart every time he touched his younger husband with his blood-stained fingers. He wanted nothing more than to shield this beautiful man from the cruel world outside. Yet, here he was, bringing the fucking cruel world to Akihito with his own fucking hands.
"Why are you still awake?" he asked Akihito instead, his fingers unravelling the knot of his silk tie as he walked towards their walk-in wardrobe.
He couldn't hear Akihito's footsteps on the parquet floor, but he wasn't surprised when he saw his husband appearing at the entrance of the spacious walk-in closet. Akihito crossed his arms across his chest and leaned his hips against the wall. Those hazel eyes were staring at him with a look that was familiar by now. His younger husband was trying to look stern, like a kitten that arched its back to make itself look bigger in front of an enemy. Honestly, Asami always found it rather cute. Especially now that Akihito was wearing nothing but his underwear. But he doubted Akihito would be pleased if he shared his thought on this.
"Well, an asshole promised me that he would keep me informed of his evil masterplan. So, I am waiting for that fucking asshole to keep his end of the bargain," Akihito answered instead.
The sarcasm wasn't lost on Asami. "Kirishima did tell me that you called a few times but I couldn't find the time to return it."
Akihito raised an eyebrow. "Not even 5-minutes to explain why you want another threesome with your so-called protege, huh? Do you like him that much? Should I be jealous, Ryu? Maybe now you prefer a younger man who can kill for you? Someone who can run your business as well as you yourself?"
Asami chuckled as he took off his shirt, "Nothing to worry about, kitten. He and I are too much alike, we'll be at each other's throat before either of us even manages to get aroused."
The arms that embraced him from behind was warm. Akihito smelled like home and sweets and sunshine and everything good in this world. Heaven, Asami loved this man so fucking much he'd die for Akihito without a question.
Akihito's voice sounded muffled against his bare back. "Then, why? Don't tell me you suddenly grow a penchant for sharing. I don't need him joining our bed if that's what you were thinking. I am more than happy with what we already have!"
He turned around and surrounded Akihito with his own arms. Akihito felt so soft in his embrace. But the steely hazel eyes that stared back at him was full of fierce love and unfaltering determination. His husband was willing to listen to his reasons. There was no yelling or arguments coming up so far and Asami could ask for nothing more from the younger man.
Oh, sweet Akihito, I wish I will always have the strength to protect you and our children, Asami prayed quietly. To whom, he wasn't even sure. It wasn't like he believed in divine power anyway.
These days, Asami wasn't certain he could protect his family any longer. Nothing was fully certain in his world and never had he felt so vulnerable like now. In the underworld, caring enough about something was nothing but a burden. Those things he wanted to protect were shackles that kept chaining him to the ground and he could do nothing to fight back. Damnit, he couldn't even move, moreover defend his family. All he could do was to wait for his enemies to show themselves.
How could he make this stupid mistake? When did he allow himself to care enough to be afraid of losing something? Why didn't he stop himself before this went too far?
It had started with Akihito entering his life. After that, the twins had come into their house. Mizuki had been next. And then, it just kept piling. His desire kept growing. He wanted more of what most regular men had taken for granted. Normalcy. Routine. Mundanities. Expecting the expected. He began to realise that he didn't need much to be happy. He just wanted to grow old with Akihito. To care for his family and too see them happy. To watch his kids growing up and, perhaps, one day, building a family of their own. To love and be loved. To live.
And a man wanting to live was a man with everything to lose.
What would happen to Akihito and his kids if something was to happen to him? Who would protect them? His enemies would not even think twice before sending them into slavery. Rikiya and Nao were strong, but they were nowhere near ready. And Mizuki, his angelic little moon. The thought of his proud princess having to serve men much older than Asami himself, simply because he wasn't strong enough to protect his family was a bitter medicine that he could never swallow.
Oh yes. For the first time in his life, Asami felt horribly afraid. He was afraid he wasn't strong enough. He was afraid to die. Fuck, he was afraid to even go to jail. Those had never bothered him before. And it wasn't because of what would happen to him. He could care less how it would affect him. No. He was afraid for his family. He cared too much to let them be hurt.
The ultimate weakness.
Something that he had never experienced back when he was still building his empire. One couldn't hold onto power in the underworld if one was too scared to take risk. His younger self would be ashamed of the choice he had made.
"Do you know what happen to the wife of Hayashi Taro of Fukuda-gumi, Akihito?" his voice was weary and resigned when he asked his naive husband.
Akihito stilled at the question. The younger man didn't say anything but the fear blooming in those hazel eyes were unmistakable.
"They sold her to the highest bidder in an underground auction. Shoved her naked onto the stage before humiliating her in front of potential buyers and her own 11 years old son. His son was sold next to a sick pervert who like to rape underage boy. He didn't even last a week."
His husband's face turned white with every words. Asami could imagine the terrifying thought in Akihito's mind. He knew because he had the same thoughts himself. Akihito wouldn't care about his own wellbeing. He was scared for their children's fate.
Asami took a deep, calming breath, before continued slowly, "If I fall from power—"
"Don't you dare say that, Asami Ryuichi!"
"—IF I fall from power, Akihito," he repeated, raising his voice to stop his husband from going into a tirade. "Someone needs to take control over Sion Group. To show everyone that my downfall won't shake us. To burn the entire Tokyo if needs be. Only by displaying strength can we survive! If others see even a hint of a fucking weakness, they will try to fill the vacuum of power and then we'll be royally fucked! Our children—"
He couldn't complete that sentence. Wouldn't even want to give the idea more power by materialising it with words alone.
Asami took a deep breath, trying to project a sense of calmness that he didn't actually feel for the first time in a very long time. "I have a plan. I can't tell you in details yet. BUT, if it works, all will be well. I just need time. I have become too predictable, Akihito. It's way too easy for my enemies to guess my next moves. If I want to outsmart this Yakenonokarasu, I need to change my patterns. The more they are caught off-guard, the more likely they will make mistakes. That'll be my chance —my only chance— to attack back."
He paused, then added in a gentler voice, "No one will expect me to share my empire with Tao as my next-in-line. And sharing you with him is the first step no one will ever predict. Plus, everyone will know that, should anything happens to me, you will be under his protection and he will fucking kill anyone who dare to even glance at you the wrong way. Or at our children. A meeting with the Morrettis will be a good place to start these rumours. It will be something everyone will talk about for the next few weeks so it's easy to sow the seeds."
Akihito watched him quietly and it worried him. But at this point, Asami had no other choice but to tell his husband the truth. The raw truth, no matter how terrifying the possibility might be for both of them. He shrugged as he braced himself for the worst, his voice barely a whisper. "We can do this. Together."
For a minute, the only sound they could hear was Asami's ragged breaths as he tried to keep his fear on leash. Something he couldn't afford to do in front of his men and staffs. Not even in front Kirishima or Suoh. Now more than ever, everyone needed him to be the unflinching leader who would bring them to crush their enemies. Solid. Impenetrable. Indestructible.
But Akihito was his partner in life. If there was one person with whom he knew it was safe to show his vulnerability, it was Akihito. His husband was his rock. The anchor in his chaotic world. The north star that would always guide him in the darkest nights. The only home he would ever need in his life.
Slowly, Akihito pulled him into a tight embrace, letting Asami to lean his forehead against the surprisingly sturdy shoulders. Those gentle hands were surrounding him with unconditional love. So much love. More than Asami had ever expected to receive in his life. More than what he might deserve in multiple lifetimes.
"And you trust him?" Akihito asked softly.
"Do you?" Asami returned the question instead.
There was a pause, then Akihito answered, "Yes. He is one of my best friends. Fuck, he is a part of our family, Ryu! If I can't trust him, I don't know anymore who to trust beside you."
"Then that's enough for me," he replied. "He is Feilong's heir so he has Baishe behind him. If anything happens to me, he will be able to fill my role. Try to see it as a temporary precautionary measure. Or a short-term marriage of convenience, whichever you prefer. It's only until things are under control. He gets the gist. Everything'll be fine."
Asami was no longer sure whom he was trying to convince. Was it Akihito or he himself?
The embrace around him was tightening a little more as Akihito murmured lovingly, "Well, then you can count on me to do my part. Shush now. Rest. You did all you could."
He wanted to scream that it wasn't enough. Whatever he did would never be enough. Nothing would be good enough to ensure their safety.
"Listen," he continued. "if all fai—"
The kiss that stopped him was intense. It was full with passion that he didn't expect. The unspoken acceptance in that the single kiss was beyond what he asked for and he felt a sudden flood of relief. Like he could finally breath for the first time after fighting for air for so long.
Akihito understood. And he was still here by Asami's side, ready to support him in any way he could.
Their lovemaking that night was sweeter than anything they had ever shared in the past. They kissed as if they had eternity to share. Their bodies moved in tender harmony, fitting so perfectly like one had been made specifically for the other since the beginning of time. Their whispers were full of promises of life filled with laughs and hopes. Of future lived together. Of love that would never die.
"My safe word is 'Takamiya Kichiro'," I said with a grin.
"Seriously, Akihito?" Asami asked with a scowl. "Out of all the things in the world, did you really want to pick that asshole as your safe word?"
"Why not?" I shrugged, ignoring Tao who was trying to stop himself from laughing out loud and annoying Asami even more. "The possibility of me ever saying the fucker's name while still being able to have sex is literally zero. Ugh, even thinking about that creep already gave me nausea."
I sent a glance at Tao, asking for his support, but Tao quickly schooled his face. He said, "I have no opinion on this, Akihito."
Liar. Asami claimed that Tao loved me more than anything. But from what I had known of Tao, his loyalty had always remained with Asami. If Asami told him to sacrifice his firstborn, the man would probably obey without even asking a single question. It was borderline zealotry,I found it ridiculous.
But I also suspected that was why Asami seemed to be sort-of-comfortable to share me with Tao in his evil plot to take back control over the Japan underworld. To Asami, Tao was not a threat. He wouldn't overstep the limit Asami had drawn for him. Not even a single toe would cross the fucking line. And I swore Asami drew those lines with the tenacity of a terrorist listing his demands.
I found it comforting, honestly, knowing that each of us know perfectly where we stood in this strange, perilous relationship. It was disorienting enough to see this new side of my best friend. To find out how long and how much he had longed for me. To see him as a man that he was. I couldn't imagine doing this without knowing for certain that Tao wouldn't expect more than what we could give him. I didn't want to break his heart, after all. I cared for him too much to see him hurt.
"Oh come on, Ryu! You really have no sense of humour! Admit it! It's a good safe word!" I complained.
Asami glared at me as if he wanted to shove the fucking sense of humour down my throat if he could, but at the end, he just sighed and admitted, "Well, I, for one, will surely lose my appetite to fuck you after hearing that fucking name, so I guess it will do."
So, that was at least one issue finally settled.
Our Saturday morning had been full with fine-tuning the details before the Morettis arrived. We'd had the rehearsal last night so this was supposed to be the after-event review. Every details were important to make our roles as believable as possible; how to address each other, how to voice a concern without raising questions, how to respond to a certain topic. It would the performance of a lifetime after all, with literally lives at stake. This wasn't time to be picky about what I must do. Beggars couldn't be choosers. A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do. Or so I told myself.
Despite my worry about the situation though, I was actually a little relieved. Asami rarely let me into his world, moreover into his mind. Expecting him to explain patiently the reason why he was doing what he did was as futile as hoping for the world peace. It wasn't entirely impossible, but it would require a lot of patience, something that I often lacked when dealing with his arrogant ass. The fact that he was now involving me in his plan was an unexpected gesture, but one that I welcomed very much. I'd be damned if I let him down.
The Moretti couple arrived right after lunch. The Collar's servants, all dressed in skimpy clothes, were following them with their luggages and a huge box covered by thick fabric. The luggages quickly disappeared into the other master bedroom that was prepared for the couple. I could hear the servants were busy putting their belonging into its proper places in the walk-in-closet. But the huge box was left in the middle of the living area.
Interesting.
Carina Moretti quickly strode towards Asami, giving him a friendly kiss on both cheeks. She was a beautiful lady in her early forties, with graceful manner and elegant dress that made her look more like a socialite wife. In a glance, she didn't seem like she could hurt a fly but I knew behind that upper-class look, she was a ruthless leader of one of the biggest criminal organisation in the world. This woman kicked ass for breakfast and I pitied anyone who ever underestimated her.
As the two leaders exchanged warm greetings, I stole a peek from where I kneeled by Asami's side. The huge box had caught my attention. It was as high as a full grown man's chest, big enough to fit a queen size bed, and it had wheels that allowed it to be pulled easily into the room. They were lucky that the Collar's doors and lift had been grand, otherwise this box wouldn't even make its way here.
Antonio Moretti, Carina's husband, stood casually by the big box. He was a broad man in his fifties, not particularly handsome, but there was an authoritative air around him that made it clear that he was a man who used to get what he wanted in life. People didn't often say no to the man who had the ears of Carina Moretti. And those who dared didn't live too long to tell the tale.
There was something in the way his left hand settling protectively on top of the box that made me think that he was guarding it. It made me even more curious about what the box could possibly contain. Illegal goods? Drugs? Arms? But it didn't make sense that they would bring such things here into The Collar. I didn't even think Asami would allow it. The Collar might be a BDSM club, but it had a reputation as a legally running establishment.
Tao came forward to help Antonio unzipping the fabrics that covered the huge box. I watched openly now, completely forgetting that I was supposed to bow my head in submission. Hoping for a better view, I leaned my head forward.
That was when I heard a loud growl from the darkness hidden beneath the fabric.
I flinched instinctively, like any sane person would do when a seemingly dangerous dog suddenly barked at them. So, there was a living animal inside. Whatever it was, it sounded very, well, vicious. The Morettis looked like they were the type who would love an exotic pet so perhaps it was a dangerous predator. Something like an illegal jaguar or a smuggled tiger.
Asami and Carina laughed at my reaction.
"It's okay, Akihito darling," Carina said with a smile. "He won't bite. He is always a little grumpy after a flight."
Then, Antonio and Tao finally removed the cover and I gawked at the animal inside the box. It was nothing like what I had expected. It wasn't even an animal exactly. It was Valerio Ricci, the man who always stood by the couple's side as their bodyguard. He was called Ghost in the underworld, the Moretti executioner who was notoriously known for being a killing machine. One that could invoke terror just by mentioning his own name.
And yet, here he was, a 6 feet man crawling inside his cage like a beast. Or to be exact, like a huge dog. The man was completely naked, not a single cloth covering his giant muscular body. There was a white, studded collar around his neck, with a small ring at the back of his neck where a leash could be attached. He was hung like a horse, but his cock was locked tight inside a chastity cage. His hands were covered by tight-fitting white leather gloves that gave an impression of vicious-looking paws, not the cute furry ones that my kids once wore for halloween. He was muzzled by a steely mouth guard that dogs often wore to stop them from biting. And to complete his appearance, he was wearing a butt plug that extended into a beautiful silver dog tail. All in all, he really looked and moved like a dog. A guard dog. One that would jump and bite your neck should you present a threat to its owners.
Valerio growled again as he watched Tao and Antonio moved around the cage to fold the fabrics, following them as far as he could. When he started barking, Antonio snapped at him, "Quiet, Ghost!"
The huge dog —man— whined a little but then obediently went silent. I choked from my surprise.
Did the Morettis really call their man-dog with the same nickname that people used to call him as a killer in the underworld? It was as if the notorious title was just a mockery, nothing to be afraid of. I wasn't sure whether I needed to be impressed by their gall or be disappointed with their lack of creativity. Maybe a combination of both.
"Do you want to give him a treat?" Carina asked me with a chuckle. "Ghost will love anyone who gives him a treat."
I doubted Ghost the Killer would do that, but maybe Ghost the Dog would. At the end, my curiosity to see this new breed of dog up close won against my fear to get near this seemingly dangerous beast. I had never seen a man behaving like an animal like this and the investigative journalist in me was feeling curiouser and curiouser.
Antonio opened the stylish duffle bag that he brought with him and took out a small jar full of bone-shaped cookies. It looked like a real dog treat. He gave me one with a grin.
"Is this really dog food?" I immediately asked without even thinking whether it was appropriate or not.
They all laughed at my questions. Antonio said with a mean glee, "Of course it is! Why will a dog eat anything but dog food?"
He sounded so certain that for a second, I thought he was talking about a real dog and not a human being. Like he genuinely couldn't understand why I even asked such a silly question. But when he was sure that Ghost couldn't see him, he winked at me and put his forefinger in front of his lips in the familiar gesture when one was sharing a secret and expecting the other person to keep quiet about it. So, this was not a real dog food. That was a relief.
I took the cookie and walked closer to the cage. Charmed by the promise of a cookie from me, Ghost followed my movement, panting like a real dog impatiently waiting for his treat. He moved his hips in excitement and his tail shook eagerly left and right. His bright eyes reminded me of a live dog. The grey orbs were full of trust and happiness like there was nothing bad in this world.
Ghost's mouth guard had a space that allow me to slip him a cookie. I could feel his tongue tentatively licking my fingers and the cookie before he decided that it was indeed his favourite treat. He devoured it like it was his first meal after weeks of hunger. Once he was done, he quickly licked my fingers again, whining and begging for more. I laughed at his puppy-eyes look. It was freaking adorable. I couldn't even remember that I was petting a cold-blooded killer.
"Can I give him more?" I asked.
Antonio smiled. "He can have one more," he agreed. "But that's it. We don't want you to get too full before dinner time, do we, Ghost?"
Ghost whined and barked, as if declaring that he wanted nothing more than eating all the cookies in the world, dinner be damned. Antonio gave me one more cookie and I could feel Ghost's eyes watching my hand with the eagerness of a pup who knew that a treat was coming.
"Let's get him out of his cage first, shall we?" Antonio said before I could give the cookie to the impatient dog. He took a key from his pocket and unlocked the cage.
Knowing I had his favourite cookie in my hand, Ghost run towards me. He sat on his heels and placed his front paws on my waist, begging for more. I carefully patted his head and he nuzzled my palms, seeking attention in a way a dog would. I laughed and kneeled to cup his cheeks.
"You are a good boy, are you?" I said in a funny voice.
That was when I noticed the way Tao was staring at the two of us from across the room. It wasn't exactly anger that gave his eyes a dangerous gloss. More like…jealousy. Like he didn't want me to show any kind of affection to someone else. His lips thinned into a straight line and his hands curled into tight fists as if he was trying to control himself.
But then, Carina's voice interrupted my thought, "I told you he will love you if you give him treats," She seemed amused. "Do you want to pet him?"
I looked at her, confused. Wasn't I doing that already? Understanding my confusion, Carina moved to my side and ordered, "Belly, ghost!"
And like a real dog, Ghost obediently rolled onto his back. All his four limbs were up in the air with his trapped cock fully displayed for our view as he waited for a belly rub. Carina kneeled by my side. She started to scratch his belly and Ghost immediately made happy, contented noises. His back leg moved instinctively in a way a dog would when they enjoyed a good belly rub.
I could barely hear Asami when he said with a chuckle, "Shut your mouth, Akihito. You are being rude to our guests."
After the casual greetings were done, everyone went to the living room to chill and relax. Carina and Antonio were sharing a sofa, their hands around each other in a familiar way that would only be possible between people who had known each other intimately for a very long time. Asami sat in an wingback chair across of them, looking infuriatingly at ease with himself as if it was an everyday routine for him to sit with his business associates and their man-dog/bodyguard, the later lying literally naked by their feet, in the middle of a kinky apartment full of any imaginable sex equipments that had ever been invented by mankind.
They were chatting casually about some finance shits that were too technical for me to fully understand and, at that moment, they all simply looked like a group of extremely rich and successful people who clearly knew how to make their money work for them. Nothing illegal. no discussion about smuggling weapons or laundering money or whatever it was that they were actually doing for a living. Just legit finance stuffs, like investment in some emerging markets or other nonsense financial jargons that sounded alien to me. Boring stuffs, basically. No one would even think that this was a-sort-of international-criminal-bosses kinky summit.
I had never had the chance to see Asami talking to his business partners before. Not about business, at least. So, I often forgot what a brilliant businessman he actually was when he decided to run legitimate business investments. Some people might think that someone like him, someone with shady deals behind the facade of his more respectable businesses, was relying more on violences and lies to gain profit, rather than on real financial knowledge. Just like a conman or a gangster. But Asami wasn't like that. He truly knew his shit. I knew because he had tried to teach me how to strategise our children's education funds. Of course I'd lost his explanation within the first 30 seconds and when I'd asked how he knew so much about investment plan, he had raised his eyebrow and had simply said, "I am a businessman, Akihito." And now, that so-called-businessman was sitting in the middle of this luxurious apartment, wearing bespoke suite that made him look like the epitome of masculine elegance, having a discussion on where-best-to-invest-your-money-these-days-what-about-sustainable-energy with the sophistication of a MBA graduate from top universities.
Meanwhile, I was hovering awkwardly, suddenly feeling a little (Fuck, who am I even kidding? More like, a LOT) out of place, hoping my husband and I could just stay at home, surrounded by the laughters of our kids, arguing over what to watch on TV. What made me think I could fit here in his world? Did I really think I could fool these people into believing…well, whatever it was Asami wanted them to believe in his evil masterplan to beat that fucker Yakenonokarasu? Why had I agreed to help him in the first place?
Yes, I cared for Tao. I trusted and even loved him, although it was nowhere near the same level of intensity that I felt for Asami. He was my friend for years after all. But the transition from this boy I called a friend into the man I was supposed to treat as a lover had been so damn fast. Within a blink, Asami had expected me to behave in a way that would make people believe that Tao was my partner as much as Asami was to me. That Tao was the protective benefactor who would care for me and my children should anything happened to my husband. As if there was a switch hidden inside my heart where I could just easily change my feeling with the snap of Asami's fingers. Fuck, I wasn't even a good liar in my best days, moreover under such suffocating pressure that made me freeze like a deer caught in the headlights.
Tao passed everyone the drink of their choice, before calmly, in a manner that gave a suggestion he had done this a few hundreds time before —which I whole-heartedly doubted—, settling himself on the thick carpet by Asami's right leg. He slowly rested his forehead against the outer side of Asami's knee, looking so serene like an angel kneeling in front of his God. It was just the right amount of intimacy and respect to send the message Asami wanted to deliver to everyone watching: the Morettis and any servants peeking discreetly from the background. A declaration from Tao that this was his master, the man who owned his loyalty, his obedience, his body, his everything. There was no hint of awkwardness or shyness to it. Only smooth and graceful confidence that kinda took my breath away.
How could he do that?
Thankfully, Tao noticed me staring. And he also noticed how close I was from freaking out. Without a word, he reached out for my hand and gave me the small, playful smile he had shown me many times in the past. The familiarity of that tilt of his lips reminded me that the man sitting by my husband's legs was actually still my best friend. My family. Someone whom I had trusted for so many years. And although a part of our relationship had changed over the past few weeks, most would always remain the same.
I took his hand and he spread his legs, pulling me to fill the empty space he just created. With the same carefulness one used to touch a wounded animal, he let me rest my back against his steely chest. Then gently, he pushed my chin until my head fit perfectly in the nook between his left shoulder and his neck.
I didn't fully understand his intention until I felt Asami's hand brushing my hair almost absent-mindedly. His neat fingernails barely touched my scalp, calling ghostly memory of the way he had pulled me by the hair last night, baring my throat for his kisses. The tenderness in that simple gesture almost choked me to tears. Apparently, Asami had noticed my sudden stage-fright too, even when his focus seemed to be somewhere else. He had noticed and he didn't leave me on my own.
And just like that, reassured by the warmth of Tao's arms around me and Asami's steady fingers caressing me, I felt calmer. More certain. I wasn't alone. Two of the most important men in my life were here with me and they would make sure I would be okay. I could do this.
The conversation continued on into more casual topics and I nearly jumped out of my skin when Ghost started to nuzzle my hand to be petted. That damn man —uuh, dog, actually, because I doubted Ghost the Killer would make puppy-eyes like that— was truly attention-hungry. He demanded everyone to keep showering him with affection no matter the situation. He wouldn't even hesitate to jump into Carina's lap mid-conversation when he felt ignored. The lady would grumble, cursing under her breath about naughty dogs with separation issue, but she would indulge him anyway. I found their exchange adorable, honestly.
Dutifully, I started to pet his head as if he was a real dog. Although perhaps, he truly believed that he was a real dog and I needed to stop comparing him a real dog. As long as it was sane, safe, and consensual, right?
It was such a peaceful moment, I have to say. Like we were in our own bubble, separated from the big, bad world outside. The three powerful leaders were catching up like old friends. The fire kept us warm and cozy. The air were full of teasings and laughters. With Tao keeping me close and Ghost literally purring with every stroke of my hand, their conversation started to lull me me into an almost dreamy state.
Then, at one point, Carina suddenly said, "Well, I have to say, Asami, this Yakenonokarasu creep started to really annoy me." Her tone was light, as if she was just complaining about another customer who annoyed her at the grocery store. But there was a cold glint in her eyes that made me think that she'd be happy to serve her own type of justice if she could.
Asami shrugged, "Tell me about it."
"Do you think it's Takamiya?" Antonio asked.
By now, I was all ears, trying to gather all the information that Asami had always seemed hesitant to share with me.
Carina made a sound like the name alone disgusted her. "Takamiya Kichiro is too stupid for this kind of elaborate scheme. He is more stab-you-on-the-back-with-a-literal-knife kind. You should be careful, Asami. He might do what he did to Tsuji-sama to you. That poor old man. I always liked meeting him whenever my father brought me along for a business trip in Japan."
Tsuji-sama?
Did she mean Kaito Tsuji, the leader of Uotsuri Group who got murdered decades back? If I remember correctly, the group was disbanded after his passing, but I couldn't be sure. It had all happened way before I even started working as an investigative journalist. I only recognised the name because I had worked on an article for Mainichi Shinbun on how Japan criminal organisations had grown in the past 50 years or so. Uotsuri Group had been one of the most influential organisation in the Japan underworld back in the 90s. The Tsuji family who had led the group for generations had a long history. Their lineage could be traced back to the shogunate era. The collapse of the group had brought chaos to other Japan criminal organisations, many had wanted to fill the newly created vacuum-of-power. That decade, the crime rate had grown exponentially, at least until Sion Group suddenly stepped in to assume the role. After Asami came into the spotlight, putting the fear of gods into every other groups, the Japan underworld had been mostly stabilised.
Antonio nodded grimly, "A leopard never changes its spots."
Carina sneered, "That creep liked to kiss ass even back then. He always gave me an impression of a coward. I was actually surprised when he suddenly had the balls to do a coup-de-eta."
Asami's face remained neutral but there was bitterness in his voice when he said, "One doesn't need balls to kidnap a defenceless, bedridden old man and cut him to pieces. Even a kid can do that."
Takamiya Kichiro was the one who killed Kaito Tsuji? This was news! The underworld had kept tight lips back then that the authority could find nothing about the murder. The official report was just that it was suspected to root in some gang rivalry.
The sympathetic smile in Carina's face was unexpected. It looked so genuine that it softened her features, giving her an image of someone who was completely different from the iron-fisted leader that she was. Perhaps, she truly considered Asami as a friend, not just a business partner. From their conversation up until now, they clearly knew each other very well.
"I am sorry, Asami. I shouldn't have said it that way. It was inconsiderate of me. I know you were close with the old man."
Wait, Asami had been close with Kaito Tsuji? I didn't know this!
My husband sipped his whiskey and sighed, "He could be an asshole sometimes, but he was a decent boss."
Oh. My. God. Asami had worked for Kaito Tsuji, the notorious legend in Japan underworld! It means that Asami used to be part of the Uotsuri Group! When was this? This must be before he started building Sion Group!
"Careful, Akihito," Tao suddenly whispered next to my ears. Amusement was clear in his voice. "If you got any more excited learning about all these tidbits about Asami-sama, you might come in your pants."
Blushing, I shushed him without making any sound, wanting to make sure I didn't miss anything the three powerful leaders were talking about. It was not everyday Asami let me listen to his conversation with his business partners, moreover one about his past. The last thing I wanted was for Tao to remind Asami that I was there, not exactly eavesdropping but clearly listening to something that Asami would have never told me otherwise. But I didn't want Asami to stop talking.
It felt terribly wrong to admit that I hadn't had much clue about Asami's life before he met me, even after 15 years raising our children together. It was like our relationship had failed to pass a certain society exam that defined a healthy relationship. At the beginning, I had thought it was because Asami didn't trust me. But as time passed by, I realised that he simply wanted to separate me as much as possible from whatever ghosts, skeletons, and monsters he hid in his past. Just like how he wanted to keep me away from his business, his illegal deals, his associates, and, well, literally his entire world. He wanted to protect me, I got it. The less I knew, the safer I would be, as he always said. Still, I often wondered how it would feel to be able to share his secrets like any other couple. To be an equal partner like Carina and Antonio Moretti.
So, the fact that I could sit here with him, with people he did business with, listening to their conversation as if he had nothing to hide from me, it felt precious. As if he had given me the key to the deepest and darkest part of himself, knowing that nothing in this world could change the way I felt about him. Because that was the fucking truth. I meant, I clearly knew that he had killed people, and yet, I had slept with him anyway. I even married him for over 10 years, for God's sake. What did he think could still happen? That I'd figure out he was truly the leader of a criminal organisation and run for the hill? Seriously, it was a decade and 3 kids too late for that.
Antonio suddenly raised his glass. "To Kaito Tsuji-sama, one of the greatest that had ever lived. May his soul rest in peace."
The other two clinked their glasses against his and murmured in agreement.
"Oh, enough about the grim past!" Carina waved her hand after a solemn brief of silence. "I see that you got yourself a new dog. I had met him before but seeing him sitting by your feet like this, it's way sexier."
My instinctive reaction was to scowl at her. Asami jokingly calling Tao a dog had sounded affectionate in private, like a cute pet name between lovers, but having others doing the same thing kinda ruffled my feathers. But, Tao himself didn't even seem to bother. His hand kept caressing my side lazily, creating a constant yet comforting rhythm. I still remembered the way he had looked at the interaction between Ghost and I earlier on. How he had looked so forlorn. As if he wanted to be claimed as ours the same way the Morettis claimed Ghost as theirs.
Oh well, did it really matter what anyone called him? Tao was important to me and Asami. To our family, really. And that was what mattered.
Asami answered casually, "Honestly, he's more Akihito's than mine, really. We didn't really plan it. But it turned out he is a good guard dog and I feel more reassured now that he is watching over Akihito whenever I can't."
Carina nodded. "It's a good idea to keep those you can trust close. Especially since you have a mole wrecking havoc in your organisation at the moment. You really need to do some spring cleaning, Asami."
Her words were strong, but her tone held no judgement. I didn't sense any malice. She wasn't looking for a weakness. She was merely stating a fact, nothing more, nothing less. I liked her. She kinda reminded me of Asami. Well, a female version of Asami.
Asami's expression betrayed his composure for a while. There was a flash of irritation in his eyes before he managed to control his emotions back in check. For a moment, I thought he would dismiss their concern in an effort to display unshakeable force. So, I was a little surprised when he admitted openly, "They blew one of my ship just last week. Engine explosion."
He scoffed in disbelief before continuing, "It's definitely an inside work. Five million dollar worth of goods gone just like that."
I stopped breathing. Five million dollar?! And he could still sit here talking to his business partners as if it was nothing but a mere inconvenience?! I couldn't even imagine losing a million yen, and that was still a far cry from a million dollar. Fuck, if someone robbed me on the street today and took whatever little money I had in my wallet, I definitely wouldn't be able to stay even half as calm as Asami admitting that he had just lost five million dollars!
Carina frowned. "Have you interog—" she paused, glancing my way, then carefully switching gear, "—questioned the crew?"
My husband sighed, "Tao did." He turned towards Tao who was still caressing me absentmindedly. "Didn't you, boy?" Asami asked for confirmation.
I could feel Tao nodded. He answered dutifully, "I did, Asami-sama." Clearing his throat to signal that he was softening his words a little for my sake, he continued, "Even roughed up a few who seemed to be suspicious. But their statements remained consistent."
Antonio frowned at Tao's answer. "Who foresee the operation?"
"It was Tao himself," Asami replied.
Carina stayed silent but the way she raised an eyebrow at Asami was a clear telltale. If the lower-rankings gave a consistent report even after a threat to their lives, it was time to consider someone in the higher-up. And who else would be more suspicious than the one who was watching over the entire operation?
I snorted, not so quietly, I had to admit. But I didn't really care. Tao wouldn't do that to Asami. He was family, damnit, and he was loyal beyond reason to my husband, as had been proven multiple times in the past.
Apparently, Asami had the same notion as me. He exhaled loudly as if he couldn't believe he needed to even give the idea a response. "Come on, Carina. If I can't trust him with my business, do you think I will let him sit here, embracing my husband like a lover?"
Although it was obvious that she wasn't fully convinced, the lady calmly answered, "I am just concerned for you, Asami. We have watched each other's back for…how many years by now? almost 2 decades? I deserve to worry a little."
Asami scoffed at her dismissal but he didn't push further.
They had been partner for almost 20 years? That was almost as long as Asami's alliance with Fei Long. So perhaps, Asami and the Morettis were indeed a-sort-of friends. Or at least, as close a friend as it was possible in the underworld.
Still, I felt the need to defend Tao. "He isn't the traitor," I told her firmly, steeling myself not to look away when her icy gaze locked into mine.
I could feel Tao's body stilling. His hands stopped moving on my side, his fingers tightening around my waist slightly, silently telling me to watch my mouth. This wasn't the approach the three of us had agreed this morning. I shouldn't have jumped into any conversation without a direct invitation. The Morettis might see it as an insult. But, at the end of the day, I wasn't a pretty doll who would just kneel by Asami's side without saying a word when I felt a word was necessary. Asami knew it. Yet, he asked me to be here anyway. I could only assume that he was ready with the consequences, whatever it was. Otherwise, he would have kept me out of this. One thing about Asami was that I could always trust him to think a few steps ahead of everyone else. Always.
Carina slowly smiled. She looked at Tao directly in the eyes and asked him point-blank, "Your masters defended you. But I'd like to hear from you. Are you a traitor, boy?"
It sounded like a simply question. Yet, I had a feeling that it wasn't that simple when it was Carina Moretti who asked it. She was perfectly calm, but there was something terrifying about it. Her voice was cold and stern. Her dark brown eyes were watching every movement with such intensity that made me want to run away. She reminded me of a jaguar who was patiently observing its potential prey for weakness. And I wasn't going to give her any.
I could feel Tao taking a slow, deep breath. But his voice was utterly steady when he answered, "I swear on my father's honour, I will never betray Asami-sama."
They stared at each other for a while. Tao's gaze was unwavering. The air was thick with tension and I suddenly felt nauseous. Asami's strong hand on my nape was the only thing that stopped me from giving Carina any reaction. But then, she nodded with a small smile. Apparently whatever it was that she had seen in Tao had convinced her enough to let it go. "Well," she said simply. "Then we won't have a problem with each other."
She turned back towards Asami and the two started another topic about their mutual acquaintance, someone I didn't know who apparently would get married for the fifth time with a lady more than half his age because his previous wife had met another sudden but suspicious demise, just like all her predecessors.
And I thought that was that. But when I turned around to look at Tao, he glanced down at me, smiled, and —unconsciously, I was sure— raised his right hand to his chin, as if he was trying to cover his mouth but stopped himself at the very last second, his forefinger rubbing his bottom lip. The unconscious gesture was one that I was so familiar with by now. One that he hadn't realised himself. One that he would only do whenever he was feeling guilty because he had hidden something from me. That was when the realisation hit me.
Tao had lied.
He could lie to others without blinking an eye and no one would know any better. He could even convince Carina Moretti whatever he wanted her to believe. But he still felt guilty for lying to me.
The best case scenario was that he knew who the traitor was but he wanted to protect this person. And the worst case scenario was—
I couldn't bring myself to finish that thought. Because if that was true, I didn't think I could ever forgive him.
Asami called out to Tao, asking him a question, and Tao turned his attention away from me. Beside me, Ghost had grown restless and then stilled. I looked down at him, expecting his content, happy-go-lucky dog expression to calm me down. But gone was Ghost the Dog. In its place —still lying down on the floor in a way a dog would— was a man. His grey eyes were lucid and observant, without the glassy-full-of-trust manic that seemed to mimic a real dog. The man had a cold, assessing expression in his face. He was watching calmly as if he was wondering whether Tao was dangerous enough to warrant him slitting Tao's throat right there and then. And it turned my blood into ice.
This was Ghost the Killer, the Moretti's bodyguard and executioner.
And whatever red flags I had noticed in Tao, he had noticed it too.
Hundreds of thoughts exploded in my brain. But, only one that kept ringing like a warning bell.
Tao might have betrayed Asami.
For the rest of the night, I kept reminding myself not to jump into conclusion. There could be a perfect, logical explanation for this. Maybe this was all just one big misunderstanding. Just because Tao had an unconscious habit whenever he was lying to me didn't mean it was about betraying Asami. There could be hundred other things he hid from me. I had no proof. I needed something concrete before I told Asami anything else. Because the moment I said a word to Asami about this, I knew that Tao would be a dead man. It wasn't even metaphorically speaking. So, I needed to be very certain before I started pointing finger.
Ghost had switched back into his dog self since then. Perhaps, he had decided that Tao wasn't an immediate threat to his owners after all. I hadn't even seen a glimpse of those inquisitive eyes throughout the rest of the evening.
After dinner, he jumped into Antonio's embrace, trying to cling onto the older man's body as if he was a little child. Antonio scolded him and, when it still didn't work to calm the dog, the older man spanked him, not caring that there were onlookers around. It was not the sexual type of spanking, but one that was delivered as punishment. His kept a steady rhythm as he gave blow after blow which made Ghost squirmed and yelped and cried. Even I flinched. But, if I had expected that he would behave after that punishment, I was extremely wrong. It hadn't even been 15 minutes before he started bothering Carina, jumping at her legs for attention, even with his ass cheeks still burning red from Antonio's palm prints.
"It's time for his walk," Antonio commented. "He is growing restless."
My jaw dropped. "You will bring him outside naked like that?!"
Carina laughed. She jerked Ghost's collar back, forcing the dog to look up at his mistress. "Why not? He is a dog. He doesn't have shame. Aren't you, Ghost?"
I wasn't even sure whether she really meant it or not. Ghost whined, but it didn't seem like a complain. Instead, he wagged his tail in excitement, just like a dog waiting to be walked.
"Do you want to bring him for a walk around the garden, Akihito?" Antonio asked, offering me the leash.
I glanced at Asami, unsure. My husband just smirked and tilted his head in a challenging way, as if telling me 'well, you always wanted to know more about my life at work, now that I am sharing it with you, can you even handle it?'. He was really annoying sometimes.
I took the leash carefully, trying not to show my lack of confidence. Who would believe me if I told them that I was walking Ghost the Killer like a dog? Me, a nobody? Even Mitarai would think I was lying.
The night air in autumn was just a little cold. I was still comfortable to walk around in shirt and leather short. But, I was impressed that Ghost could take it naked. He didn't seem to mind at all, as if he was used to go out on chilly weather in nothing but his birthday suit.
The small roof-top garden was private, surrounded by high fences and trees that would stop anyone inside the surrounding buildings from getting a view of the entire area. Yet, I still wouldn't dare to walk around naked there. Hell, I would be too self-conscious for that. Ghost the Dog, however, didn't have the same concern. He had a spring in each step at the prospect of getting some fresh air.
Carina yelled at me before she closed the sleek sliding doors, "Oh, and Akihito darling? Don't forget to let him do his business!"
I frowned. What business? The mystery was revealed when Ghost stopped at a nearby bush, not 10 minutes later, raised his back leg, and peed like a real dog.
PEED.
LIKE. A. FUCKING. REAL. DOG.
OUTDOOR.
Surprised, I tried to swallow my undignified squeal, stepped back, and in my rush, slipped on the damp soil and fell on my bum. Ouch, my butt hurt. Sprawling on the grass, I saw Ghost was done with his business and was now watching me. His grey eyes had snapped onto me so fast upon my embarrassing fall as if I just triggered some primal instinct deep within him.
Then, to my own shock, he lowered his head slightly by curling his spine, and started to approach me like a dangerous predator approaching its prey. Like he was going to devour me alive. If it wasn't for the naughty glint in his grey eyes or the evil grin hanging on his lips behind the steely mouth cage, I might have felt worried that he might hurt me physically. But those telltales were telling me that he was thinking of another kind of devouring.
A sexual one.
He let out a low, animalistic growl, sending shiver all through my spine. Not in a good way. I quickly tried to sprawl away from him. Honestly, Valerio Ricci was not a bad looking man, if you are into big muscular guy. Well, and if you don't mind the fact that he was a killer and perhaps, a psychopath. As Ghost the dog, he looked super hot. But I was not into fucking a man that I didn't have any feeling for. It was just not me.
"Ghost! Stop! Bad dog! Bad dog!" I flailed my hands in panic, trying to remember the command Carina and Antonio had used to make him sit still but, clearly, failing.
Ghost jumped onto my stomach, literally pinning me to the ground, and to my horror, started humping my cock. I yelped, trying to push this huge beast away from me. It was like pushing a sturdy brick wall. In my desperate attempt to fight him back, I grabbed a handful of soil and hurled it at the direction of his eyes.
I didn't expect it to work. But to my own surprise, it did.
Ghost groaned as he threw his face away to avoid the bits and pieces from hurting his eyes. He moved a little, creating only a few inches between us, but it was enough for me. I raised my knees as fast as I could, aiming for his uncovered balls, and kicked.
He roared in pain.
When his gaze fell back on me, there was something different there. Not exactly rage. It was more like a feral look that hadn't been there before. It raised the hair at the back of my neck. For a brief terrifying second, I wondered whether it had been a good idea to fight back because it seemed like I had just awoken the true monster hidden inside him. One that saw me as an enemy. A threat. Something to eliminate.
But before I could even think of what to do next, something —or someone— had pulled me from the ground, thrown me back with some surely inhumane strength, and jumped in front of me, creating this human wall between me and the pervy predator that seemed determined to hump me. As I flew back, I could see Tao stand very still, ready to fight to the death with the same determination of a knight in front of a fire-breathing dragon. His black turtleneck and leather pants were such a sharp contrast against Ghost's naked skin. Tao was holding a sleek black military knife. One that I knew had been gifted to him by my own husband a long time ago.
Asami caught me before I could fall on my butt for the second time in a day. His body didn't even budge when my body hit his chest. The steadiness of his hands on me felt reassuring. His arms quickly surrounded me in a tight, unrelenting grip. Then, his masculine scent invaded my nostril and like a child smelling his safety blanket, it quickly calmed my thundering heart. The cavalry was here. I was not alone.
"Down, Ghost!" Carina's voice struck through the air, like a whip that snapped Ghost from his savage state and back to its normal dog self. He blinked, whined, then abruptly, lied down on the grass and tucked his head between his front paws with a regretful look.
"What the hell is happening here?!" Carina asked in an unyielding voice. Her voice was so cold and so controlled that I knew right away that this was simply the calm before the storm.
I should have been scared. Or at least, intimidated. I had heard her reputation, after all. But at that moment, I only felt fury.
So, against my better judgement, I shouted back, "I fell and your damn dog just started humping me is what's happening! I told him to stop but of course he couldn't take no as an answer! So, sorry, but I am NOT sorry that I kicked his balls! That fucker fucking deserves it!"
For a second, there was only silence. No sound. No movement. Not even Ghost made a noise. It was like time had suddenly stopped.
Then, Carina said softly, "I see."
As if that explained everything.
But before I could ask, Carina let out a loud whistle and Ghost obediently stood and run towards his masters. Or at least he tried, because Tao quickly cut his path with a savage grin on his face. Clearly, my knight-in-a-shining-armor wasn't ready to just forgive and forget.
"Tao," Asami said with a sigh.
It wasn't exactly a command. More like a warning. Just like Carina, Asami clearly had decided this was just one big misunderstanding, although I still didn't get why. Yet, Tao ignored it. Or perhaps, he was just too deep in his rage to hear Asami calling his name.
But if Asami thought it was best not to make a big fuss of this incident, I would heed to his judgement. We had an agreement, after all, Asami and I. If he was to include me in his evil masterplan, I was to follow his direction like a good soldier in the middle of a war. I wouldn't break his trust now.
So, without thinking, I moved towards Tao. He didn't even notice that I was right behind him, too focused on the enemy in front of him perhaps. Without warning, I grabbed the back of his collar and pushed him down until he was on his knees. He didn't resist, although I believed it was more from shock than my own ability to overpower him. I had no misguided notion that I could beat him should he chose to disobey. Thankfully, he didn't snap back at me. But, his black eyes were still clouded with anger when he looked up at me.
I told him calmly, "Stop."
Finally, that single word seemed to penetrate the haze of fury that surrounded his mind. He began to relax and, slowly, he rested his head against my thigh. I run my fingers through his raven locks, trying to bring him back to earth. To me.
Softly, almost inaudible, but with such devotion in it, he murmured, "Masters. Forgive me."
I saw Ghost looking at me and I gave the dog a little nod. Quickly, he run to sit behind his own masters, licking their shoes to ask for their forgiveness. I began to breath a little easier. It seemed we managed to avoid a gangs war, or whatever we could call the feud between two global criminal organisations that was caused by a humping done by a man-dog. At least, for now.
Asami came, cupping my cheek and checking every inch of me as he asked, "Are you okay?"
Was I okay? I did a quick inventory of my body and found that, yes, I was okay. I wasn't hurt at all. Despite jumping onto me, Ghost was careful enough not to harm or crush my smaller frame. I was mostly shocked and annoyed to be humped, but not hurt.
I nodded my head at Asami before sending the dog a death glare, "Bad dog!"
He whined sadly, hiding behind Carina as if he could make his giant body invisible by staying behind those slender legs.
"I am sorry, Asami, Akihito," Carina said with genuine concern. "Rest assured, he will certainly be punished for this. Severely."
Her icy words made me believe that Ghost was up for a lot of pains tonight. I even almost felt pity for him. Now that my heart wasn't racing in fear, it seemed to me that he just wanted to…well, hump me. I knew some dogs liked to hump legs or furnitures. Had he perhaps simply mimicked that animalistic behaviour? I meant, if a real dog humped my legs, I'd still find it annoying, but it was hardly life-threatening or with malice intention.
Antonio started, "Please don't be mad at him, Akihito. He..I mean, we…Well, sometimes, we did a role-play to train him to—"
He paused, glancing between me and Asami uncertainly as if checking with my husband how open-minded I would be to hear the truth.
"Oh for God's sake, come on! Stop being hanky-panky!" I raised my hands in frustration. "Your human dog humped me! Nothing could surprise me anymore. So, just tell me already!"
Behind me, Asami snorted. Like he couldn't believe how naive I was to think that there couldn't be any more surprise. I should have taken that as a hint. Unfortunately, I didn't.
Feeling safe that Asami wouldn't take offence, Antonio continued explaining, "We trained him to chase and, uhh, copulate with his prey."
My eyes widened.
What. The. Fuck. Did. I. Just. Hear?
The older man tried his best to explain it in the gentlest possible way. I guessed, he didn't want to upset my fragile commoner heart. "You see, when we find people, umm, let's just say, breaking our rules, we will command Ghost to chase them through the forest around our estate. Once he gets them sprawling on the ground, he is trained to…uh, strip and copulate with them, before….uhhhhm…."
He was clearly struggling to find softer words to end his explanation, but failed. His wife jumped in to help out, "Hmm, dismembering them?"
That…didn't sound better.
In fact, it sounded worse than what he clearly was about to say. It would be more merciful if they just said bluntly 'killing them'. Her words actually triggered grotesque images in my head of how Ghost would rip those people apart. Shredding them into pieces simply using his teeth and nails like a ferocious wild animal as his victim cried and pled and begged for a quick death. It was terrifying.
She continued quickly, "But, he wasn't trying to do that to you! He just thought that you were playing the game we used to have to train him. That's why he humped you. If he really meant to do all that to you—"
Now it was her who lost her words. What she didn't manage to say was loud and clear to me. If Ghost had been really trying to chase me as a person who had displeased his owners, I wouldn't stand here, alive and completely unharmed. Not even a single scratch or injury, other than my bruised ego and sore bums. And that had been my own fault for tripping and falling.
I stared at the Morettis and their pretend-dog, the later was still looking sadly at me. Slowly, I looked around and found that even Asami and Tao were watching my reactions carefully. It was as if they were all worried I would faint like a sheltered lady upon seeing blood for the first time in her privileged life. Like they were waiting to catch my body any second now before rushing me to the nearest ER.
Huh.
If I had been expecting some shame in their eyes for admitting this crazy behaviour or some sign of guilt in their body language at the thought of killing another human being in such a barbaric manner, I realised quickly that I wouldn't find any from these people. In fact, they were more concerned about how I would react than about the savagery of their actions.
Don't get me wrong. Doing a dog-play within a sane, safe, and consensual boundary, I could understand. To each their own, right?
But making their human-dog to chase someone through the woods and then, to violently rape and kill that person with bare hands and teeth like a cold-blooded monster? What, did they think that we were still living in medieval era and they were some sort of deranged lords who could do anything that they wanted to the peasants? Did they somehow miss the memo that the world had become much more civilised in the past few hundred years and that we humans had stopped shitting into a bucket?! Who the fuck in their right mind would even do what they did nowadays?!
But, noticing how unaffected the people in front of me were, I realised that this kind of cruelty was just another daily routine in Asami's world. They didn't think they did anything wrong or strange, moreover feeling any guilt or shame. Violence was too common for them that their sense of normalcy had shifted. There was a different moral compass that they lived by, one that a regular person like me would never understand. I wasn't even sure whether they still understood the real value of a human life. Or at least the value of those lives whom they didn't care about. These people had too much power and money, more than enough to make anyone a little insane.
Well, Asami had felt comfortable enough to let me be close with the Morettis. It meant that they might not be the worst out there. There were worse evils in his world. While most people preferred clubbing or meeting friends during the weekend, these people might prefer cooking baby or torturing kittens or whatever sick shits they chose to do. If I wanted to stand by Asami's side, I couldn't shriek like an naive virgin every time one of his psycho friends revealed what they liked to do in their own free time. It's high time for me to learn how to live in his world.
Using the same even tone I used when telling my kids that they needed to clean their rooms or they could forget about going out with their friends, I shook my head and said, "Well, make sure he doesn't hump me again, even if I accidentally fall. You are not the only one with a guard dog here and I can assure you," I pointed my finger casually towards Tao who was still kneeling by my feet, "mine wouldn't hesitate to rip yours apart if he breaks my rules."
Explain the boundary and tell them the consequences. Who knew parenting could be a useful practice to deal with crime lords as well.
I ignored the surprised looks and speechless expressions thrown at me. I was quite certain I could even overheard a few gasps at the background, perhaps from the servants who were standing by in case we needed anything. Beside me, I felt a shudder running through Tao's body, as if my words alone could send him into an orgasms, right there and then. His fingers gently circled my ankle as he bowed his head and curled his spine to land a butterfly kiss on my toes.
His whisper was as soft as a summer breeze, "Yours." At that moment, it was impossible to imagine him ever betraying us.
His reverent position and the devout declaration might have scared me any other time. It felt like a huge responsibility to receive this kind of submission from someone who always looked so strong and certain of himself. I didn't think I was ready for this. But, I was also fully aware of the eyes watching us, so I steeled myself to keep my back straight and my chin high, daring anyone to challenge my statement.
No one said anything. No one behaved as if I was about to collapse from shock any longer. No one even looked at me like I was a china glass about to break. If they had expected me to be the damsel in distress, I had apparently proven them wrong.
I patted the grass from the back of my leather shorts with some mild annoyance, as if all this drama was nothing but an insignificant event in my day. "Ugh, my clothes are now damp and cold. Let's get inside and have some hot tea."
And, that was that.
For a while, everyone followed me silently in some kind of stunned stupor. Then, I could hear Carina slowly said in a voice thick of amazement from somewhere far behind my back, "Holy fuck, Asami."
I could hear Asami sighing, "I did tell you that the boy is more Akihito's than mine."
She snorted, which was such an out-of-character sound coming from her. "So, is this a case where you were the one who bought the dog, but it somehow bonded with your husband instead?"
"Something like that," Asami answered with a chuckle. "Well, Akihito is mostly the one who 'feeds' it, so I guess, it can't be helped. I can pamper it with all the expensive toys, but at the end of the day, it knows who will give it food."
Carina laughed as if she had never heard anything funnier in her life. "Oh, I really like your husband, Asami. He has the heart of an innocent maiden, the tenacity of a fighter, and the steeliness of a king. You lucky bastard, where did you even find one like that?"
I stole a quick glance over my shoulder. And fuck me, but Asami had such a proud smirk on his handsome face, it made me preen a little myself.
Q&A
Q: How did Asami know that Tao likes Akihito?
A: It's more like an open secret that everybody but Akihito knows. But I think I there are hints throughout the story. One that I can remember is in Chapter 7, when Asami and Tao are discussing about getting Akihito out of the country. Hope this explains. :)
Q: How many chapters left?
A: Uhh, it will still be a while. I really want to close the story, but I don't want to rush it too. Hope you all will bear with me. :)
Q: Will Asami and Akihito have a happy end?
A: Let's just say that it's always darkest before dawn. :)