Her Fearless Ronin (The Syndicates #4)

Chapter 9

Hope

I couldn’t even say I was angry at Jiro, not really. No, I was disappointed and hurt at his rejection.

He had no idea how difficult it had been for me at the club to be up front the way I’d been. Sex was… a sensitive subject for me, to say the least, and the way I offered myself to him and how he almost recoiled.

You’re nothing more than a cold, frigid bitch . Jared’s voice rang in my ear, and I twisted uncomfortably in my seat, feeling the pain and discomfort that all physical intimacy with him had caused.

“More coffee?”

“What?” I blinked, turning toward the tired-looking waitress holding a glass coffeepot in her hand.

“Your cup has been empty for a while.” She nodded toward the white cup in front of me. “Do you want more coffee?”

“Yes, thank you.” I honestly didn’t know why I said that—I didn’t even like black coffee, but it was the cheapest thing on the menu, and after my night shift at the emporium, I needed caffeine while I waited, staring at the seedy bar across the street until Pedro appeared.

Jiro cut me out of the investigation without consideration, and I decided to ignore him, too. Would he approve of what I was doing? Probably not. Did I care? Infuriatingly so. But would I do it anyway? You bet I would!

I was going to see Pedro and ask him to take me to Valdez. Let’s see how Jiro would like it if I bested him.

It was stupid to think that he would see me as his equal or that he would even get past who I was or what I represented, and this was why I could not really be mad at him. I was the reminder of what he considered his biggest sin. How could he ever see past that?

Pedro finally arrived at the bar. I grabbed my bag, put ten dollars on the table, and began to slide out of the booth.

The last thing I expected was a young Asian man approaching and suddenly sliding into the seat across from me. Startled, I looked up, my eyes narrowing at his audacity.

“Um, excuse me?” I stammered, my irritation palpable.

The man gave me a grin that was almost too wide. As if he had a secret. “Chill out, Hope. We’re all friends here.”

I narrowed my eyes at him, detailing his appearance. He was much younger than Jiro, probably closer to my age, and was wearing his hair up in a bun and shaved to the sides, a little like Jiro; however, the similarities stopped there. He was dressed like a grunge nineties kid reliving his past glory. He wore a pair of ripped jeans, Reebok hi-tops, a faded band T-shirt, and an oversized plaid shirt.

“And you are?”

He leaned back, acting all mysterious with a taunting smile. “Oda. Just call me Oda.”

My eyebrows shot up. “Oda? Like, the random dude who just plopped into my coffee time?”

He chuckled, a low rumble that grated on my nerves. “Coffee time… Right. Whatever you were about to do, sweet cheeks, I’ll ask you to reconsider.”

I crossed my arms, my patience wearing thin. “And what do you want, Oda?”

He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a near whisper. “I’m here to keep an eye on you.”

Jiro! I cursed internally. I stared at him, not sure if I should be amused or annoyed. “Keep an eye on me? Seriously? Am I, like, a criminal or something?”

He shook his head, that annoying grin still plastered on his face. “Not a criminal. Just someone who obviously needs a bit of looking after. ”

My irritation bubbled up, and I couldn’t help the sarcasm that dripped from my words. “Oh, how nice of you! But let me guess, I’m not allowed to cross the street by myself either, right?”

Oda’s grin widened as he pointed to the bar across the street. “Listen, when I see where you were planning to go? Abso- fucking -lutely.”

I let out a huff of exasperation. “Right. So he’s sent you here to babysit me now. It’s getting too boring for him?” I had to admit that no matter how irritated I was, this one stung quite a bit, too. Jiro was now delegating my safety.

Oda’s laughter was genuine this time. “Not exactly babysit, more like… ensure you don’t stumble into trouble.”

“I can take care of myself. I’ve been doing it for years.”

He leaned in again, his eyes twinkling. “I believe that. But you see, Jiro’s a bit overprotective when it comes to you.”

I fought back a snort. “Overprotective? And this is why he sent a Nirvana fanboy to keep me safe… No offense.”

Oda chuckled with a shrug. “None taken, Nirvana’s lit, and he does care about you, you know.” He tapped his knuckles on the table. “Him assigning me to you is a huge statement of that.”

I sighed, my annoyance softening in resignation. “And why is that?”

He shrugged again. “It just is.”

I let out a growl of frustration. “See! That, right there!” I pointed an accusing finger toward him. “The half-truth, the… the…” I waved my hand dismissively. “He’s not letting me be part of finding Leo, and he’s just treating me like I’m a waste of space stuck to his feet… A hindrance.”

Oda’s grin faltered for a moment, and I relished in that small victory. “You’re reading this all wrong, and you know what? I’ll tell you more. You think you know the world your brother is in, but you don’t. It’s nothing like the films or the TV shows. They will not care if you’re cute or innocent. I’ll be honest. Having you around in this investigation would actually help. Using you as bait to get to Valdez or your brother would be the fastest way, but Jiro…” He shook his head. “He doesn’t accept the truth yet.”

“Which is?”

He smiled. “You are not just anyone for him, and by making me come here, he admitted to everyone… if not to himself. So you see, if you’re so determined to walk in there…” He pointed at the window again. “I won’t stop you, but I’ll come with you, and then Jiro will ride my ass and not in the way I like.”

I slumped back in my seat in defeat. “So what do I do now, huh? Just stay put and wait for the men to save the day?”

“Oh no.” Oda’s smile turned wolfish. “Now we help Jiro understand.”

“Understand what?”

“What it would mean to let you slip away.”

I stood in front of the mirror, my reflection staring back at me with a mixture of excitement and uncertainty. The dress I was wearing was far more daring than anything I had ever worn before—a black number that hugged every curve and left little to the imagination. Oda’s words echoed in my mind, urging me to take a bold step, to push Jiro’s buttons a little. It was crazy, reckless even, but something in me wanted to take that leap.

As I looked at myself, doubts gnawed at my confidence. Was this really the way to get Jiro’s attention? Dressing provocatively, going to a club owned by the Valdez cartel? Stepping into the lion’s den to both sniff my brother or Valdez out and drive Jiro to act on whatever was stopping him? It did sound a little simplistic, but then again, if Jiro’s protectiveness was anything to go by, maybe a little jealousy was exactly what he needed.

Taking a deep breath, I pushed those doubts aside and walked out of my apartment. My mother was spending the night at the center, and I had the whole night to myself—something that had not happened in a very long time.

The night air was cool against my skin, sending a shiver down my spine. I hailed a cab and gave the name of the club Oda had given me. As we drove, I couldn’t help but second-guess myself. What was I doing? Was this really going to work? Was I just making a fool out of myself? Was it dangerous for me to go there and ask the questions Oda suggested?

He assured me it was safe, that even if the club belonged to the cartel, it was not HQ for any of his operations. But I couldn’t help but worry I was potentially creating more trouble for Jiro, and a hint of guilt appeared, tainting my determination a little.

The thumping music greeted me as I stepped out of the cab. The club was alive with colorful lights and pulsating energy. Taking another deep breath, I walked in. The bass of the music vibrated through me as I slowly looked around, not really sure what I was looking for.

I found a spot at the dimly lit bar, the soft hum of conversations and the clinking of glasses creating a soothing background noise. The sensation of eyes on me was undeniable, and I knew it wasn’t just my imagination. Men and women alike were stealing glances, their gazes lingering on the daring dress that I had chosen. It was both empowering and unnerving, and for a moment, I felt a surge of self-consciousness. I leaned against the bar, casting a careful eye over the array of colorful cocktails on the menu. My mind raced as I considered the best way to approach the situation, the words I needed to say hovering on the tip of my tongue.

A young-looking bartender sidled up to me with a charming smile. His sandy-blond hair fell just above his bright-blue eyes, and he had that mischievous twinkle that usually accompanied flirtatious interactions. My heart fluttered—I hadn’t flirted much before, and I hoped it looked far smoother than it would feel.

“Hey there, gorgeous,” he purred, leaning in slightly. “What can I get you tonight?”

I matched his flirtatious tone, giving him a coy smile. “Surprise me. Something sweet and dangerous.”

He chuckled, his fingers deftly working as he mixed the ingredients. I couldn’t help but notice the way his gaze lingered on me, his attention clearly focused. I watched, feigning interest, as he poured the vibrant concoction into a glass, his fingers brushing against mine as he handed it over.

“Here you go, lovely,” he said with a wink, and I couldn’t deny the flutter in my chest at his attention. Flirting might not have been my forte, but it seemed to be working—or maybe he was just good at his job.

I took a sip of the cocktail, the sweetness dancing on my taste buds. Gathering my courage, I leaned a bit closer, making sure to maintain eye contact. “I’m Hope, by the way. Do you happen to know my brother? His name’s Leo, Leo Myers.”

His confident demeanor wavered slightly, his eyes flickering with a hint of discomfort. “I’m afraid I don’t.”

I decided to push a little harder. “He works with Valdez, you know, your boss.”

The flirty look in his eyes turned serious, his smile fading. “I really don’t know what you’re talking about.”

And with that, he walked away, leaving me alone at the bar. I let out a slow breath, both relieved and pleased with the outcome. It seemed that the connection between Valdez and my brother was known, at least on some level. My heart raced with anticipation and nervousness—I was one step closer to unraveling the mystery of my brother’s disappearance.

Now, I just needed to tackle the more challenging part of my plan—making Jiro jealous enough to reveal his true feelings. As I sipped my cocktail, I couldn’t help but feel a rush of determination. If I could bait a cartel boss, I could surely make a complicated man like Jiro Saito take notice. It was a challenge I was more than willing to accept.

The thumping music continued to fill the air around me as I sipped my drink, lost in my own thoughts. Suddenly, a familiar figure appeared by my side, swaying his hips in a way that was both hilarious and strangely enticing. Oda, with that mischievous grin on his face. His energy was infectious, and I couldn’t help but smile more genuinely now.

“Play along,” he whispered, his warm breath brushing against my neck. His proximity sent a shiver down my spine, but I nodded, ready to see where this was going. He trailed his nose along the length of my neck. “Our man is seething,” he whispered just as he reached my earlobe.

He grabbed my hand to help me off my seat and led me onto the dance floor. With his hands confidently finding their place on my hips, I couldn’t help but steal a glance toward the bar. Jiro was there, his gaze locked onto us with irritation and something else—something I couldn’t quite decipher. His drink remained untouched, his jaw clenched.

Oda’s touch was light but sure, guiding me in a playful and alluring dance. I let myself get lost in the music, in the moment, all the while aware of Jiro’s eyes on us. Oda’s hands slid lower, his touch growing more intimate as the song’s tempo increased.

Just as I was starting to wonder how much longer we could keep up this act, I felt a presence behind me. Oda’s hands disappeared as quickly as they had come, and I turned to find Jiro standing there, his gaze locked onto me with an intensity that took my breath away.

Without a word, Jiro’s hand found its place on my waist, his touch possessive and firm. He pulled me against him, his body moving in sync with mine as if he had been dancing beside me all along. The contrast between Oda’s playful approach and Jiro’s commanding hold was electrifying .

His touch was unlike anything I had ever experienced. It sent waves of heat through me, igniting a fire that had been smoldering beneath the surface and causing my panties to dampen in a way that only he could.

His fingers traced the curves of my body, leaving a trail of sensation in their wake. Every move. Every touch. Felt intentional, like he was trying to convey something that words couldn’t express.

As the music pulsed around us, our bodies moved in a primal and intimate rhythm. My heart raced, my breath hitched, and all I could focus on was Jiro—his spicy scent, his touch, the way his eyes bore into mine with a hunger that mirrored my own.

“Do you think it’s smart to tease a man like me?” he growled, his words laced with a restrained fury that sent shivers down my spine. I held his gaze, refusing to let my bravado waver despite the torrent of lust that his intense eyes ignited within me.

I met his challenge head-on. “It seemed that you didn’t care,” I retorted boldly, my heart pounding loudly in my chest. “You don’t want me. I found a man who does.”

His grip on my arm tightened, and suddenly, I was flush against his chest, his proximity sending my senses into overdrive. Heat pooled in my stomach and between my legs as my body betrayed my bravado. His nearness lit a fiery ache that I struggled to suppress.

He leaned in, his voice low and dangerous. “Do not play this game, Hope,” he growled, his words a warning of the storm that raged beneath his composed surface. “You think you can handle me? You think you can deal with the consequences of having me?”

I took a deep breath, determined to stand my ground despite the trembling that had taken over my limbs. “Yes,” I replied, my voice unwavering, my eyes locked onto his in a challenge. “But I think you’re just too scared to let me prove it to you.”

And then, just as the tension reached its peak, Jiro’s hand slipped to the back of my neck, his fingers tangling in my hair. He pulled me closer, his lips hovering dangerously close to mine. My heart pounded in my chest, my senses overwhelmed by the sheer intensity of the moment.

“You want a yakuza?” he growled, his voice low and husky. “I’m the only one you’ll ever have.”

Before I could respond, his lips crashed against mine in a kiss that was fierce, passionate, and completely consuming. The world around us faded away, leaving only the two of us in this heated embrace. It was a kiss that spoke of longing, of pent-up desire, and of a connection that went far deeper than words.

As his lips left mine, he looked at me with a fire in his eyes that matched my own. “Be careful what you wish for, Hope,” he murmured, his words a warning and a promise.

His hand slipped around mine, his grip firm as he pulled me through the pulsating crowd of the club.

My heart raced, my breath coming in short gasps as I struggled to keep up with his determined stride. “Where are we going?” I managed to ask, my voice breathless with exertion.

He glanced at me, his gaze intense as he continued leading me through the maze-like pathways of the club. “My hotel,” he replied, his voice low and rough, sending shivers down my spine. Each word was laced with a promise that left me both exhilarated and unnerved.

He didn’t say anything more as we stepped out into the cool night air as he hailed a cab, and I didn’t need words to know that something had shifted between us—something irrevocable and electrifying.

With his hand still wrapped around mine, he pulled me into the waiting taxi, the promise of a night that would change everything hanging heavily in the air.

As the taxi sped through the city, I stole glances at Jiro, his profile illuminated by the passing streetlights.

“Why now?” I asked to break the silence.

“If you’re that determined to go to hell with me, no matter the warning,” he began, his voice a low murmur that held a dangerous edge, “then I’ll show you. I’ll show you all the pleasure you can give and take.”

His words hung in the air, charged with an intensity that left me breathless. I could feel the weight of his desire, his raw need, and it both terrified and enticed me. I was on the edge of a precipice, about to plunge into the unknown with a man whose darkness matched my own.

“You’re a trial for my sanity, Hope Myers,” he continued, his tone unwavering. “If I need to add more black marks to my soul for having you, then so be it.” His gaze locked onto mine, his eyes burning with a fierce determination that sent my heart into overdrive. “I’m done fighting it, Hope.”

His words echoed in the night, a declaration of surrender to the magnetic pull between us.

He leaned toward me. “It’s you and me right now,” he whispered, his voice a seductive murmur against my ear, “and tomorrow? Well, come what may.”