“Put your fucking shirt back on—”
“It’s fine, baby.” I hugged Hiro and pressed my face against his bare chest. His skin was cool against my flushed cheek, and I could smell the salt and sea even deeper now. "I'm so happy you're back."
"There we go." Hiro squeezed me, and his laugh rumbled through his chest and rolled across my skin like a wave pulling back from shore. "This is a proper welcome."
I felt his heartbeat against my cheek. “My bad. I’ll work on that.”
“No. That was Kenji’s fault. Next time, I will beat him to you.”
Kenji growled, “And then I will beatyou.”
“A duel over your Tiger?” Hiro shrugged in my hold. “Bring it. I’ve fought over less.”
Kenji stepped closer behind me. His heat pressed against my back while Hiro's cool held my front.
Two brothers.
Two elements.
And me caught between them like a flame dancing on the surface of the ocean.
These two are going to be the death of me.
Hiro's gaze lifted to my braids. "Oh. This is very nice."
He leaned back and tilted his head, studying the pattern. "What is this called?"
"Goddess braids.”
“Do you think she can do this for me?”
Kaoru chuckled.
Hiro glanced his way.
Kaoru cleared his throat and put his view on the plates.
I smiled. “Deja would probably love to do your hair.”
"This is so beautiful." He reached up to touch one of the braids.
Kenji's hand shot out and caught Hiro's wrist midair.
I backed up.
Hiro looked at his brother's grip and then at Kenji's face. "Really?"
"Don't touch her hair. It’s rude."
I smirked.
Oh really?
Kenji let go of his wrist. "And put your fucking shirt on. She isn’t going to be inspecting your bruises. You’re fine."
“Am I? I fought the most men.” Hiro looked at me and winked. “Kenji didn’t even fightoneguy.”
Kenji rolled his eyes.
