She belongs to me. It's always been that way, ever since the first day I laid eyes on her. She's my obsession. The only constant in this damn life that's taken everything from me.
She's afraid of me now. And she's right. I'm nothing but a shadow.
It...
I knew I'd find her here, in Kokonoi's office. She's smart, trying to figure out a way to escape. It's almost entertaining to watch her try. There's no damn way she's getting out of here.
The worst part? The more I'm around her, the more I want to keep her close.
Last night, things got out of hand. I just wanted to put her back where she belongs, but I ended up getting caught in my own game. Watching her lose herself in the moment, hearing those moans... It drove me crazy. I was hard like a fucking teenager. That never happens to me.
But with her...
"Follow us."
She frowns, "where to?"
"The basement. Your friend Atsushi is there."
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I'm the first to reach the basement, with Kakucho and Ayana right behind me. The room is freezing. The concrete walls and floor are covered in plastic sheeting, reflecting the pale, eerie glow of the neon lights. It makes the place feel even more fucked up. The smell of bleach is so strong it burns your throat—a nasty reminder of the shit that's been cleaned up here.
Sanzu's leaning against the wall, arms crossed, a sadistic grin plastered across his face. He's been waiting for us.
In the center of the room, Atsushi's tied to a metal chair. His face is swollen, one eye's completely shut, blood is smeared all over his tracksuit, and his busted lip is still dripping. He's been wrecked. My second-in-command did a good job.
As soon as she sees him, Ayana rushes over. She crouches at his feet, holding his face in her hands with a gentleness that makes my blood boil.
Atsushi blinks, still dazed, but a flicker of panic crosses his face. Of course, he didn't think I'd bring her here.
"Ayana? What are you doing here?" His voice is weak, confused. But when he realizes she's really here, his expression softens. His eyes linger on her. He's looking at her like that?
"You've lost your damn mind, Mikey! She's got nothing to do with this," he spits, his voice shaky with anger and fear.
Sanzu steps forward, pressing his gun to Atsushi's temple.
"One more word, and I'll send you to meet your ancestors."
The click of the safety reverberates in the room, and for a second, I almost want to let him shoot. Almost.
"Sanzu," Kakucho warns, his tone calm but firm.
Atsushi flinches, fully aware that one wrong move could get him killed. Sanzu's just itching for a reason to pull the trigger.
Ayana stands up, stepping between us, her gaze pleading.
"Mikey, please... Don't hurt him."
She's begging. For him. That sight alone is enough to make me lose it.
