Chapter 17 #2
Meanwhile, the Fangs had different reactions. Across the table, Yoichi's mouth pulled into a polite line. Satoshi pressed his fingers to his temple in pure embarrassment. Frowning, Kaoru blew out pink smoke.
I leaned over in Deja’s direction. “I just heard what happened. Are you okay?”
"Girl, I’m having an interesting vacation. I’ll tell you more later.” Deja always liked to keep her business close to her chest. I knew she wouldn’t say too much in front of all these men that she didn’t know.
Still, I had to get more information because my head was still exploding.
I gestured at Rin’s collar. “What is going on with that?"
Trying to pretend like he wasn’t being nosy, Hiro watched us and picked up his drink but didn’t take one sip. Reo and Kenji stared also.
Rin did not move, yet that bored expression remained seared over his face.
Deja had her face lifted, taking in the claw above us with pure fascination. She smiled and moved her gaze to where I was pointing. “What are you asking me about, Nyomi? The collar?”
“Yes, girl.” I bobbed my head. “The collar.”
"Oh, my little prince wanted to put some handcuffs on the queen.”
Nika shrieked. “What?! I know he didn’t.”
“Yes. Handcuffs, girl. Nice ones too. Had diamonds. But on my wrists.” Deja showed her wrists to us as if they had been personally victimized just from Rin’s idea.
“You know the only thing that goes on these is something by Cartier, Tiffany, Van Cleef. Pick one I don’t know. Rolex. Chanel. Patek Philippe.”
Nika shook her head. “He showed handcuffs to you?”
Smirking, Hiro took a sip of his drink, clearly taking joy in this exchange.
“Yes, girl.” Deja lowered her wrists and rolled her eyes. “I told you I’m his first bad bitch. He was all scared I was going to run away or something. I looked at those handcuffs and then looked at him and I was like, nigga, please!”
Hiro choked on his whiskey.
Kenji rubbed his temples.
Reo studied her like he had never heard anyone speak this way in his life and was completely fascinated.
Meanwhile, Rin’s bored mask cracked and his face tinted red.
I tried not to laugh. I really did, but it came out anyway.
Yet, Deja wasn’t done. “And I took those handcuffs and tossed them at his chest and told him, ‘Now your royal ass is in the doghouse.’"
“That’s right.” Nika nodded. “It’s going to be roof roof from here on out.”
Deja snapped her fingers. “And you better bark like you want it at my girl’s party or you won’t get no Scooby snacks later.”
Nika laughed. “That’s my cousin.”
Kenji did his best to not scowl, but it appeared on his face.
I shoved him with my elbow and whispered, “Stay out of it.”
The Dragon let out a long, aggravated breath.
Keep on and I’m going to put a collar on you too.
I smirked.
And now that everyone was finally seated, the dinner continued with conversation, laughter, and joyful munching.
Every time Deja lifted a forkful of food to her mouth, Rin's gaze tracked the fork from her plate to her lips and stayed there until she chewed and swallowed.
I didn’t think he even took a bite from his own plate.
Satoshi served as another watchful Fang. His eyes never left Zo as he nibbled. I didn’t think many caught it, but I could see that Satoshi was absolutely captivated.
There was a moment where one of my helpers slipped up to my chair and lowered her mouth to my ear. "Excuse me, ma'am."
I tilted my head toward her. "Yes?"
"The woman you told us to look out for is trying to get into the house's main entrance. She's got a bunch of people with her."
I straightened. "How many?"
"Seven."
Kiko, you are really trying to get your cousin and friends killed?
I kept my voice low. "Tell them they better turn around and take their dumb asses back to their respective villas before I get my Claws to handle them."
The helper widened her eyes. “You want me to use. . .those exact words?”
"Exact words with a huge emphasis on dumb asses. And if they remain there and argue with you for one second. . ." I pointed to Hiro who was on his third or fourth lollipop drink. "Don’t even come to me. Just let him know."
"Okay, ma'am." She bowed and slipped away through the crowd.
Hiro eyed me. "What's going on?"
"A small problem I anticipated."
"What's the problem? You know I will handle it for you."
"I threatened that you would, so I doubt we'll hear any more."
Hiro beamed. "You won't. I’m dangerous. All know this."
“Facts.”
Kenji studied me. “What is it?”
“I got it.”
“Tora—”
“Queen things. This is my domain.”
He scowled.
I kissed him, and that calmed the Dragon for now.
Kiko must have gotten the message because my helper never returned to Hiro or me about it.
She just came back and did the rest of her duties.
However, I knew that Kiko hated being dismissed after probably dressing up and preparing to crash my party.
She probably thought she would show out.
Instead, she was put in her place. I was sure that wouldn't be the last attempt by Maybe-Baby Mama to assert her delusional status.
I can’t wait to find out about this paternity test. Please, God, don’t let it be Kenji’s kids. I don’t think I can take dealing with her anymore.
The band played softer now. It was all romantic. The trumpet player had finally found his rhythm again, though his gaze still wandered toward Deja every few measures.
More food came out.
Nika, in true doing-too-much fashion, called over a waiter and asked for two plates wrapped to take home.
The party drifted forward in a haze of plates, drinks, and laughter. Hours folded into themselves. The candles burned lower. The dragon-shadow appeared again and drifted above us.
And when it was time for dessert, I rose from my seat, clapped my hands twice, and guided everyone to the karaoke space.
The band finally got to take the night off. They had their own table on the side where they sat down to eat.
Soon, we all migrated into the shimmering-curtained area where black-and-gold dessert towers spiraled along one wall—pecan praline tarts, salted caramel pots, mini sweet potato pies, and a chocolate fountain with strawberries the size of my fist.
A small stage sat at the back with a single microphone in a gold stand and a screen that scrolled lyrics in elegant cursive.
Everyone headed to the dessert while Kaoru beelined for the microphone.
His two girlfriends followed him up onto the stage and arranged themselves on either side of him like backup singers in some 1970s Motown special.
And they performed. Kaoru swung his hips and did absolutely too many crotch-thrusts that made his pink ringlets bounce with the beat.
But I had to admit that Kaoru could sing. He held high notes effortlessly as his girlfriends harmonized. He crooned everything from Japanese rock to 90s Rhythm and Blues. I clapped for him so much my hands hurt.
They only took a break from the microphone when it was time for the Best Dressed competition.
I had commissioned six trophies from this metalworker on the island. Each one was a single gold dragon claw mounted on a polished black base.
I assigned the judges—Zo, Kenji, Reo, and myself.
The first category was Outfit Most Aligned With The Theme.
The twins won by unanimous vote. They climbed the stage.
When they reached for their trophies, they also pulled out their machine guns and shot bubbles at the audience.
Everyone who didn’t know about the bubbles shrieked with delight and cheered.
The second category was Most Creative Outfit. The twins won that one too despite the protests of the Fangs. The twins fired off another round of bubbles and bowed deeply.
The third category was Sexiest Outfit. This one had been close.
Zo had argued passionately for himself. Kenji had voted for me, which made me blush.
Reo was the only clear-minded judge. He voted for Deja with a small, dignified clearing of his throat that told me he had thought very carefully about the decision.
I agreed and awarded it to Deja.
She rose with all that liquid silk shimmering around her, lifted the leash gently in her hand, and Rin rose with her too.
The crowd cheered. Hiro whistled. Yoichi raised his glass. The rest pointed at Rin and laughed when he didn't look their way.
Deja accepted her trophy with the grace of a woman who had won pageants in her sleep, gave the audience a small queen wave, and gestured for Rin to carry the trophy back to the table for her.
He did, of course.
The next category was supposed to be Most Interesting Outfit. Before I could even open my mouth to announce the contenders, Hiro climbed the stage with his pimp coat draped on his shoulders and a liquored lollipop tucked into his diamond grill. His cane tapped with each step.
He walked to my helper, plucked the trophy out of her hand, and raised it over his head. "I win the category for the Best Dressed of All That Ever Dressed. Thank you. I dedicate this to Nura and my Tiger. Other than that, I owe my win to no one. I did it all myself."
The room exploded. Three napkins flew at him from the Fangs' side. A roll of bread bounced off his shoulder. Toma threw a strawberry that Hiro caught in his teeth without flinching and ate it.
Nika clapped. "He looks like a groovy pimp. I respect it."
Hiro then proceeded to prance across the stage with that fur coat trailing behind him and the cane tapping in rhythm with his hips.
“Alright! Alright!” I waved him away. “Get off the stage so we can finish this up!”
The next trophy went to Kaoru for Best Entrance. The Claws booed. The Fangs, pretty drunk, rose from their seats to fight. And I got between them before they could. However, it was the Dragon’s loud groan that stopped them all and had them returning to their seats.
After that, I was so done with the competition and ready to get the final trophy handed out. But Kenji surprised us all.
He rose. “The last trophy goes to the Heart. For Best Dressed. Most Sexy. Amazing Party Planner. And for just being overall the Best Queen.”
I parted my lips.
The room went still.
Then it erupted. The Claws roared. The Fangs whistled. Hiro lifted his lollipop in the air like a toast. Deja snapped her fingers in approval. Kaoru burst into a drunken song, shouting it over the clapping.
Kenji handed me the trophy. I held it in both hands and bowed. He looked at me and captured my lips in a possessive kiss.
And then the night blurred from there. There was more dessert. More music. Kaoru sang more songs.
I had too many drinks.
When Nika started the Soul Train line, I was twerking and hopping during my turn so much that I almost fell over. The Dragon caught me.
And I began to twerk some more.
Kenji laughed, picked me up, slung me over his huge shoulder, and carried me away. “Goodnight, everyone.”
They waved their goodbyes.
Hiro blew kisses at me.
Enjoying the ride on Kenji’s shoulder, I slurred out, “Best party everrr!”
“Yes, Tora.”
My head grew dizzy. “I’m the fucking BEST! I’m thattt Bitch!!”
“Yes, you are.”
“And I’m going to get some big dick everybody!”
The Claws hooted.
Deja and Nika laughed with the Fangs.
While Zo shook his head in disappointment.
I showed him a middle finger. “The Heart is OUT!”