I groaned as the sound of frantic knocking on the door cut through my sleep. “Huh.. what the?” I rubbed my eyes, sitting up. Yūri was awake and already had her hand on the gun. I held a hand up, not sure if that was necessary. I slipped on my jeans, once again cursing Rickie for not packing any underwear for me. I squinted through the peephole and sighed. “It’s the girls.” I explained, waving for Yūri to put the gun back.
Once Yūri had put the gun back and covered herself with the sheet, I opened the door. “Ivy? Is something wrong?” I asked, suppressing a yawn. Ivy looked relieved that someone had answered the door at all. “I… yes… no. I mean, nothing is wrong. Just woke up in a strange palace. There was a note with a number on it, and it matched this door. I just…” Ivy frowned, shifting Violet in her arms.
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I know being in the department store had Ivy on edge. She’s not used to being in places like this. That’s not her fault. No, all the fault goes to her shit-tier mother. I let Hibiki off the hook, not only because he’s probably bored stiff shopping, but I want Ivy to be relaxed. I don’t know how comfortable she’d feel shopping and trying on clothes with Hibiki hanging around.I knew we were being watched, but I didn’t care. None of the looks felt ominous. So they weren’t out to kill me. Just locals who found it strange to see a Japanese woman escorting two blonde-haired blue-eyed kids. I steered us first to the children’s section, figuring finding clothes for Violet would be the easiest.“Are you sure this is okay?” Ivy asked in a whisper as I picked up an adorable blue floral print dress that wou
I still can’t believe Yūri said that. I had the inkling that Ivy had something of a crush on me. It was the only thing that made sense for why she was even a little comfortable around me. I would have assumed that given her experience with men before this, she’d have stayed as far from me as possible.But still, I think Yūri may have crossed a line by suggesting after Ivy turns eighteen if she still has a crush to see if I’m interested. Ivy is a good kid and all, but I don’t have any physical attraction to her. And now that Yūri outed her for having a crush and basically offered me up, Ivy is awkward and not saying much to me.She didn’t say a word or even look at me in the car or during lunch. Good thing I’m going to call my cousin and see if she and her husband would take the girls in. I think the sooner Ivy gets away
It was hilarious how easily Hibiki got called out and embarrassed by his cousin. I get the feeling I will get along with Miu Jefferson no problem. So far, she sounds like my kind of person. But of course, this conversation couldn’t stay light-hearted. And the topic of the girls and how we found them was told.I held Hibiki’s hand as he told his cousin about Ivy’s egg donor. The woman lost all right to be called a mother with her actions and what she did to Ivy. No twelve-year-old girl should be a mother. This woman is on my hit list, and I will find her and kill her one of these days. Even if it means going back to San Francisco to do it.Miu’s reaction was what I expected. To anyone who’s never known or seen atrocities, such things are unimaginable and terrifying. I couldn’t hear what Ted was saying. He’s a softe
The rest of the day was spent hanging out and making sure we would be ready to head out at first light. The most that happened was Yūri went and got her hair cut into a very sexy bob. I hadn’t been sure if I would like short hair on her, but like everything else, Yūri makes it sexy.Violet was still asleep when we loaded into the jeep. She didn’t stir till we stopped for a quick breakfast. She’s a cute kid, and I loved getting to hang with her yesterday. Miu is going to just adore her. I’m going to miss her. I’m going to miss them both when I put them on that plane.Halfway to Albuquerque, we stopped for gas. While Yūri took the girls inside to use the restroom and grab some snacks, I leaned on my jeep, filling it up. My eyes watched every person that pulled into the gas station as I was not taking any chances this time. That whole
It felt good to kick a little ass. Those stupid bikers think they are tough just because they are big. Bitch, please. My father wouldn’t have accepted them as more than an entry-level thug in the yakuza. They’d be considered cannon fodder in a fight. The people you send in first knowing and not giving a shit they’d not make it back. Honestly, they should have listened to Hibiki and walked away. I must say there is nothing like a fight, even a light warm-up that those bikers gave me, to get the blood pumping. And no better way to burn off that energy than sex. Especially when it’s mind-blowing sex that leaves your hotel room looking like a tornado hit it. And it seems that is going to be the norm when it comes to sex with my husband. I wish we could have stayed in a comfy cocoon, but reality was waiting outside that door. And the reality of today is that Ivy a
With tickets in hand, we walked to the gate where the girls’ flight would be leaving. We’d stopped at a convenience store to ensure they had some gum, a book, and a small toy to keep Violet entertained. I traveled enough as a kid. I know how boring even a two-hour flight can be.“Alright, so here are your tickets. The stewardess will check them as you board and direct you to your seats." I explained, handing Ivy the tickets. "I made sure they were together and with a window seat. I’d recommend letting Violet have the window. She can look out the window, and it could help keep her entertained.” I recommended“I got it. Any other trips?” Ivy asked, nervously worrying at her bottom lip. “Just keep a calm head. Violet will pick up on it if you get nervous. No one on the flight is going to bother you. At so
I had been in such a good mood. The girls were obviously doing well, and I knew they’d continue that trend. We were almost half the country away from where my father was supposed to be. We had swapped cars in New Mexico to dodge assassins. We had plans to enjoy a nice dinner as a couple and then fuck like rabbits in our hotel room.Everything was great. And then we walk in, and I see Takashi's disgusting face. If I hadn’t wanted linguine with clams so bad, I would have let Hibiki take me somewhere else. Plus fuck Takashi! I will not let him ruin my evening. I’m not scared of his wrinkled liver-spotted ass since I can take him in a fight.Hibiki was a trooper as he took the seat, which put his back to my father. He knew well enough I’d want to keep an eye on the bastard. And I have to admit it’s a bit of a badass move. Turning your
****Present Day****“OH MY GOD!” Riko shouted, causing my brothers and me to scramble up the stairs. “Sweetheart?” “Cupcake?” “Babe?” we called out in unison, worried something had happened. I felt my heart slowly recover when we got to her room and saw she was okay.Her room was in its usual immaculate condition. Her adorably bright pink suitcase was by the door, ready for our visit to her grandparents. Despite not looking hurt, her face was pale, and she looked worried and afraid looking at her phone. “Did you read the newest email from grandma?” she asked, looking up at us.She blinked and had the nerve to giggle. “Oh… I’m sorry, my loves. I didn’t mean to scare you.” she sighed, her laugh dying out. At least she realized s