My lover, my assassin

Chapter 31

When I opened my eyes I blinked at the ceiling above me. I was back in my small room. I sat up, rubbing my head and wincing as I pulled at the stitches in my arm.  A hand appeared in my sight holding a glass of water and I took it as Asano sat on the edge of the bed.

"What happened?"

I remembered being on the street with Asano, Karma and Nakamura and then, nothing. Without saying anything he pulled out a picture from his pocket and I took it in my trembling hands seeing the man who haunted my dreams.

"Takaoka."

"When you saw this picture you went very pale and couldn't hear us when we were calling you. Once Nakamura said what he had done to you, you passed out. Do you remember?"

I nodded, my mouth dry as I looked down at the man. He was smiling but the smile never reached his eyes. They were as cold as I remembered as he held the blade against my throat. I reached up to touch the small scar near my hair line. He had done that to me, he was also responsible for the scar on my leg from where he had stabbed me. Asano reached over to take the glass of water out of my hands before I dropped it. His hands were warm against my skin as he gently held my hands. I should brush him off, I loved Karma and I didn't want to lead him on but I needed the warmth. 

"They told me everything they know about him and what he has done to you, and tried to do. He is responsible for your loss of memories, the reason you almost died in the water. I, I have to agree with Karma about this. You shouldn't be a part of this."

"That isn't your call."

"Yes it is. I will simply tell my father that you got your memories back and returned to your life. I couldn't stop you."

"He will punish you."

"Maybe but it is better than this bastard hurting you. I don't know how much you remember about him but I will not let him touch you or hurt you."

I met his violet eyes as he tightened his hold on my hand. I felt a lump in my throat at the love I saw there. He would do anything to save me, anything. Could I do any less?

Before I knew it I was shaking my head.

"We cant. I wont leave you to be punished. Your father would never believe it and he would never let me go like that. He would track us down. I owe you a debt Asano, I wont leave your side until it is paid, with Takaoka's blood."

He would die. I had seen the killing rage in Karma's golden eyes. He would rip him limb from limb if he could. Takaoka was a danger to us if he stayed alive. He wouldn't give up on his quest to make Karma suffer and that meant I was in his sights. If he found out I was still alive then I would be hunted down again. I didn't think I would be able to face him but at the same time it was better than facing Asano's father.

"He said you were probably going to say that. Guess he really does love you. He has agreed to help us. They have given me all their intel and we have picked a day. A week from now there will be a wedding in that hotel. We will be able to blend in. There will be so many people there that we wont be noticed."

"A week."

I looked down at my arm and flexed it, wincing at the pain. A week to get stronger, to heal. A week and then I will be able to be back by Karma's side. I kicked off the covers and stood up, slipping out of Asano's hold and grabbing some clothes. I would go to the training rooms, work up the skills and strength with my uninjured arm. I knew Karma would try to keep me away from Takaoka, away from the fighting but I wanted to be ready. I would not be the damsel in distress, this time, I would be the knight in shining armour and do everything in my power to keep Asano and Karma safe.