Augusto is the first to speak, saying, “Yuki isn’t going anywhere.”
Ryo drinks some of the whiskey, then asks, “Why should she stay with you?” He glances around the kitchen. “Once I take over from my father, I can give her a home, protection…whatever she needs.”
Making a scoffing sound, Augusto shakes his head. “Once? My protection and taking care of her every need isn’t a maybe. It’s a fucking priority, which I’m actively seeing to every fucking day.” He slams his tumbler down on the marble top and drops go flying into the air. “Try to take the woman I love from me. I fucking dare you.”
My eyes go wide as saucers as I gape at Augusto, and my tone is filled with stunned wonder as I gasp, “Woman you love?”
His gaze flicks to me, and instantly his features soften. Getting up, he closes the distance between us, and framing my face, he presses a tender kiss to my mouth before murmuring, “I love you, my little shapeshifter.”
A smile spreads over my face as I stare at him, my heart filling with more warmth than it’s able to contain.
Chapter 26
Augusto
I couldn’t give two flying fucks who’s listening. Seeing how happy my declaration is making Yuki, the tension in my body eases a little.
She’s all that matters.
I press another kiss to her mouth, savoring just having her back.
I didn’t lose her.
My soul shudders as I nip at her lips.
Yuki breaks the kiss, which is a good thing, because I’m a second away from devouring her.
“Sit.” She pats the stool beside her.
As I lower myself onto it, I glance at Ryo, who’s watching us with narrowed eyes.
I wrap my arm around my wife while keeping my sight focused on her brother.
“So, you’re the fucker who sent the shooter and set fire to my warehouse?” It’s not actually a question because I already know the answer.
Ryo moves his gaze to me. “Where’s Asuka? He never returned after delivering the message to you.”
“Dead,” I say in a low growl.
“That’s a pity.” Ryo drinks the last of his whiskey and lets out a sigh. “He was a good man.”
“I don’t give a shit.” My body tenses again. “You took a shot at me, damaged my business, and kidnapped my wife. The only reason I’m not killing you right now is Yuki.”
“What I did to you is nothing compared to what you did to my sister,” he replies. “But she has somehow found it in her heart to forgive you,” his eyes flick between Yuki and me, “and she seems to love you.”
“Now we’re getting somewhere,” Yuki says, relief coating her words. “Where do we go from here?”
“I have to return to Tokyo,” Ryo informs her.
Yuki glances at me, giving me a pleading look. “He can’t face my father alone.”
I lift my hand and brush my knuckles over the red blemish on her throat. “Do you want me to kill your father and his guard dog, my love?”
“Please.” She places her hand on top of mine. “Help Ryo take over the Yakuza.” Her features tighten with a sad expression. “I don’t want to lose him again.”
I take a deep breath as my eyes return to the man who’s my brother-in-law.
As much as I want to beat him to death, I can’t do that to Yuki, but Masato and Yutaro deserve to die for what they did to my wife.
