The words sucked a little air out of my lungs.
Private movie theater.
Kenji.
Three gorgeous women who fluttered around him like trained butterflies.
I had to battle with not scowling at Reo.
Kenji’s expression didn’t change at first, but I felt the resistance in the way his fingers flexed against my thigh.
He hated the idea.
I probably shouldn't have spoken up, but I did, “Can there be another way? I don’t like the idea of Kenji being in a dark room with three possible spies.”
Reo’s mouth curved, but it wasn’t amused. “The Dragon won’t be vulnerable. The Fangs, and I will be there. They’ll think they’ve been granted a fantasy. Meanwhile, they’re in a box with all of us.”
Daisuke snorted.
“Giving them a movie night will feel like indulgence,” Reo said. “They’ll relax. They’ll talk. They may even slip.”
A faint smile tugged at Toma’s mouth. “Drunk on popcorn and the Dragon’s cologne, if they’re the spies that’ll be enough to make them talk.”
I didn't love the image that played in my head. Soft lighting. Expensive dresses. Three beautiful women arranged around Kenji in the dark like offerings at an altar.
I could see it too clearly—the way they'd lean in when they laughed, fingertips grazing his arm. The way they'd watch his profile more than whatever film played on the screen, studying the cut of his jaw, the curve of his mouth.
My throat tightened.
My fingernails pressed into my palm under the table.
My man. Surrounded by three women who would carve out my heart if it meant they could take my place. The jealousy hit sharp and mean, curling in my chest. I hated that I felt it. Hated that some petty, possessive part of me wanted to stand up and announce that Kenji wasmine.
It was stupid.
Childish.
But there it was anyway.
“Don’t worry.” Kenji’s gaze shifted to me as if he felt my jealousy rising. “If one or all three are part of the spy network, they’ll be sitting right next to their executioners. We won’t have to hunt them through the hallways. And it gives you time.”
"How long?" I asked.
"Movie, previews, lingering." Reo did the math out loud. "Ninety minutes. Maybe a little less."
I shook my head. "Not enough time to truly check three rooms. If I'm going to do this right, I need two hours minimum. I'm not just looking for obvious evidence—I'm looking for things that don't fit. Receipts that don't match their salary. Photos they shouldn't have. Other things that are off in their rooms."
Kenji's hand tightened on my thigh, and when I looked at him, something fierce and proud burned in his eyes. “Then, three hours, Tora. We’ll figure it out.”
"Three hours," Reo agreed. “Yes. We can do that.”
Kenji looked at me. “While Reo and I are in the theater with the Scales, Nyomi and Hiro will go through their rooms, checking everything—drawers, trash, bathroom cabinets, under beds, digital devices if possible.”
“I’ll keep her safe.” Hiro’s hand slid closer to mine on the table, not touching, but near enough that I felt the heat rolling off his skin. “If this involves Hina, I’m there. If someone is going after your Tiger, I’m ready to fucking kill them.”
“Me too,” one twin said.
“Yes. Me too,” the other echoed.
