“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Nyomi.” Kaoru put his view on the movie.
“But. . .”
Wasn’t he gone?
Chapter forty-two
What Held Us Together
Nyomi
The Fangs had relaxed a little bit since Kenji's call, since Reo had confirmed to Yoichi that they were sure the Fox still didn't know where the island was.
An hour later, I stood in the kitchen with my hip pressed against the edge of the counter, and my fingers drumming against the cool stone.
Rin had not returned. That made me a little worried. I knew what he was planning and was sure that his servants had already finished a copper silk bag to be put over Deja’s head.
But I also knew Deja could handle herself and had eaten men alive for suggesting less.
They’re both grown. All will be fine.
Satoshi and Zo hadn’t returned either. Apparently, that washing off session would be lasting the rest of the day.
Alright. What would be a good dinner for Kenji and the men? They’ll be exhausted when they arrive.
The sun had started its descent outside, and the light was pouring through the windows. It had gone soft and golden as it spilled across the countertops in long, warm streaks and caught the steam rising from a pot of water Chef Bunzo had set to boil.
The heat of the setting sun touched the side of my neck and forearm, making everything feel slower than it was.
Kaoru sat on a stool at the far end of the island with one ankle crossed over the other. Every few minutes, he would glance up at the door.
Yoichi leaned against the wall near the window with his muscular arms folded and watched everything. The fading light cut across his jaw and turned his eyes bright amber.
Meanwhile, a handful of armed guards stood near each doorway. Still. Hands clasped in front of them.
Chef Bunzo and his assistants moved through the space.
One woman slid a knife through a block of tuna in clean strokes. The blade tapped the board in a rhythmic beat.
On the right, a man rinsed vegetables under a stream of water.
Near one of the stoves, a woman tossed chopped garlic in an oiled pan. The rich aroma spread and curled through the kitchen.
My stomach tightened, but not from hunger.
I'd gathered the Chef and his staff to have a meal ready for Kenji's arrival.
However, I was still unsure of what we would be eating.
I muttered, “Fuck.”
“You’re thinking too hard about this.” Kaoru rose from his seat and came over to me. “The fact that they’ll arrive to a meal isenough. Usually, when we return from a big mission, we all go off on our own and figure out what we’ll eat.”
“Yeah?”
He nodded. “Kenji might eat with the Roar or Hiro, but that barely happens.”
“There’s not a big. . .I don’t know.” I held out my hands. “Like a big final meal celebration?”
