The Undertow (The Kuroda Yakuza Series Book 2)

by Amano, Mia

  She wraps herself around me, her long, shapely limbs twining with mine. “So what are you going to do?” Her voice is like a salve, low and throaty. I feel my arousal stir again. “You know, your boss-lady came here, while you were away. I think she wanted to check me out.”

  “Erika Goto was here?” Sudden anger courses through me. “What did she do?” That woman is dangerous. On the way back from the police station, I came across something that casts Erika in an entirely different light. Something I found on that American tourist's camera. I need to have words with her. I think she might have had a role to play in Ishida-san's death. But for now it's just a suspicion. And if she ever, ever harms what is mine, I’ll fucking kill her.

  “I think, in some way, she wanted to see if I was a good match for you.”

  “That’s none of her fucking-”

  “I told her it was none of her business.”

  We say it almost simultaneously. And I can’t help but marvel at the way she sounds, all fierce and protective. She doesn’t give a shit who Erika Goto is, or what she thinks, and I love that about her.

  “She also said she had another type of job in mind for you. Something different to what you’re doing now.”

  “Really?” I raise an eyebrow, my tone dry. I can’t help it if I feel skeptical. Especially after my latest fuck up. What's Erika going to do when she realises I haven’t killed Osamu Genda? How's she going to react when I confront her with my suspicions?

  I’m not entirely sure.

  I’ve never failed to complete an assignment before.

  A restlessness takes hold. I’m suddenly thinking about LA, and strangely enough, I think I miss it.

  The wide open spaces. The freedom.

  Even if I have to work for Kuroda, I’d rather be over there, than in Japan. This place is making me feel claustrophobic.

  Just goes to show how much I've changed.

  "You know," Adele says, irony creeping into her voice. "You still haven't shown me around this giant, confusing city of yours. But from what I can see, it's endless and magnificent. You owe me a tour." She nuzzles into my neck, curling tightly against me. "I missed you. Sorry, but your 'family' can go to hell for all I care. You're mine. And you know, it would be nice if you don't have to kill people for a living anymore."

  It would be nice. Ha.

  That has to be the understatement of the century.

  Never, ever thought I would feel this way.

  I respond with a noncomittal grunt and put my hands behind my head, staring at the ceiling and wondering what the fuck I'm supposed to do now.

  This was supposed to be a straightforward job. Attend funeral, carry out a revenge killing, leave the country.

  But things are never as simple as they seem. Sometimes, life takes over. I'm starting to realize that.

  I close my eyes as a slow wave of pain washes through me. I take a deep breath, inhaling her scent, which I can never get enough of. Through the walls, I can hear the sound of muffled voices.

  They become louder, and I recognize Madoka's voice, high-pitched and upset.

  A weary groan escapes me. Can a man not be allowed to rest?

  I start to rise, but Adele puts a hand on my chest. "I'll deal with it," she says. "Stay here."

  For once, I'm happy to co-operate. I stare as she slides out of the bed, her naked body all curvaceous, sinuous perfection. She pulls on a simple knitted black dress, no underwear, no bra, the thick fabric clinging to every plane and curve of her body.

  Fresh out of bed, with no makeup on, she looks stunning.

  She doesn't need anything to enhance her beauty. Simple, raw, no pretensions. I wouldn't have it any other way.

  My cock has gone hard again.

  She notices, and smiles. "Take it easy, big boy." Her voices is like honey, sweet and smooth. And I've forgotten what I was ruminating about.

  I'm getting too used to this.

  Adele

  He stares at me with a look that could melt glaciers as I slip out of the bedroom. The raised voices are coming from the lounge, and as I enter I see Madoka seated across.

  There's another woman, with her back to me. As I approach, she takes a long drag on a cigarette, blowing a thin stream of smoke into the air.

  Of course, I know this person.

  Erika Goto.

  "Back so soon?" I call, as Madoka looks at me, her eyes wide. She gives a minute shake of her head, as if she's trying to tell me something. I don't care. Erika doesn't turn around at the sound of my voice. She waves an imperious hand, gesturing for me to greet her.

  As if she's an empress, and we're her lowly subjects.

  If it were anyone else, I wouldn't tolerate such behavior. But something about this woman gives me the chills. She has the demeanor of someone who's used to wielding power.

  It's the same 'don't fuck with me' vibe Kaito gives off, but amplified.

  I suppose there's a reason she acts like that.

  I don't know much about the people Kaito works for, but I suspect she's pretty high up in their organization.

  So I approach her, seating myself beside Madoka. "I apologize if I'm interrupting something private, but it was getting a little heated out here. Is everything all right?"

  In the corner of the room, I spot one of Erika's bodyguards standing in the shadows, unobtrusive but menacing at the same time.

  It's that ever-present reminder that these aren't ordinary people.

  But then again, I didn't choose to be with an ordinary man.

  The look Erika gives me is cold, her dark eyes hard, her red lips pressed into a thin line. "I'm guessing this viral internet meltdown was somehow your idea. How do I know that? Because I know Madoka. She would never attempt such a thing on her own."

  I raise a curious eyebrow, fighting the urge to smirk. That probably wouldn't be a good idea right about now. But it sounds like our little plan worked. Or is it about to backfire?

  "Overnight, the reputation of one of our most profitable assets has been destroyed. And one of our most popular actors faces rumors and gossip, allegations of rape. And for what? So she can indulge in some short-lived fantasy? That's not how this business works. I somehow had the impression you understood that." There's tightly controlled rage in Erika's voice. "So my question is, who the fuck do you think you are, Adele Sullivan, that you can interfere in our business to this extent? That you can undo a carefully constructed image, that's taken years to perfect?" Her face is a hard mask of anger. "Just because you're sleeping with one of our members, and oh yes, you just happened to choose one of the most important pieces on the chessboard, does not mean you suddenly become a part of the Kuroda-kai. Do not mistake my tolerance with kindness, Adele Sullivan. I can get rid of you at any time."

  I blink, astonished at the sudden vitriol. This is an entirely different side to the woman. Before I can get a word out, Madoka has dropped to the floor in a deep bow, kneeling over with her head down. She says something to Erika in rapid Japanese, bowing repeatedly.

  It's some kind of extreme, profuse apology.

  I want to yell at her to get up. She shouldn't be apologising on my behalf.

  Instead, I take a deep breath, trying to slow my hammering heart. Because, truth be told, Erika Goto scares the shit out of me. I have no doubts she could carry out her threats, if she really wanted to.

  But if I back down now, she'll expect that from me each and every time. And there's no way I'm going to live in fear, ruled by threats and intimidation.

  "I think you have the wrong impression," I say slowly, thankful my voice comes out sounding calm and steady. I sure as hell don't feel that way. "I don't have any desire to be a part of your organization, Goto-san. But I consider Madoka as part of my family. And it's clear to me that being an 'asset' is making her very unhappy. So I'll take responsibility for whatever has happened to her reputation. But maybe you need to protect your 'assets' a little better, if they're so valuable to you."

  Erika's eyes are like smal
l, hard gemstones, glittering and impenetrable. For a while, she says nothing, does nothing. I'm starting to doubt myself and curse my big mouth. Maybe I've just signed my own death warrant.

  She takes a long drag on her cigarette, before motioning to her bodyguard. He moves silently to her side, materialising an ashtray from nowhere. She crushes the cigarette. "You're about to learn the hard way about the consequences of meddling. Do you know what happens to actresses in this country once they lose popularity? Madoka's signed a contract, and she's legally bound to us. I can put her in any production I want. And if she wasn't happy with being on television, then perhaps the adult video industry will be more suitable. And when you see her on screen, doing things that disgust her, always remember it was you who gave her this stupid idea. That is what happens when you do things without consideration. And let it be a lesson to you. Never, ever interfere with Kuroda's business again. Seeing others suffer because of your mistakes is a very effective form of punishment, but next time, you'll be the one to suffer, Adele Sullivan."

  I glance at Madoka, who's still on her knees, staring at Erika in horror. Her face is pale, and she looks as if she's about to break into tears at any moment.

  I shake my head. "You can't do that," I protest. "She's not a fucking chess piece. She's not an 'object' or an 'asset'. She's a human being."

  "She chose this life," Erika shrugs. "She knew what it involved. As did your lover. Who has just failed to execute a very important job. I'm starting to wonder whether it was really a good idea for me to allow this 'fling' of yours to continue. Perhaps it's time for you to go back to America, Miss Sullivan. In our business, we can't afford too many distractions."

  "She's not going anywhere." Kaito's low voice startles me, and suddenly I notice him standing with his back against the wall, arms crossed, taking in the scene with eyes that miss nothing.

  And this time, Erika turns around.

  He's wearing the black t-shirt I discarded earlier and a pair of loose cotton trousers. His heavily inked arms are on full display. Here, he doesn't need to hide.

  Sex and showering seem to have done him wonders. The weary look, the dark circles under his eyes are gone, replaced with an intensity that's a little bit terrifying, especially to those who know what he's capable of.

  A camera bag dangles from one hand. I recognize it from earlier. It's Maya's.

  "You told me to find Ishida-san's killer," Kaito continues. "And it wasn't Osamu Genda, so I haven't failed to do my job, as you say."

  He walks slowly around to where we sit, his bare feet silent on the tiled floor. If he's hurting all over, he's hiding it well. I understand why he might not want to show this woman any sign of weakness. The way he moves reminds me of a large, predatorial cat.

  I'm studying Erika's face very carefully as Kaito comes into view, and I see her eyes widen, just a fraction.

  She says something to him in Japanese. Kaito shakes his head, continuing in English. "This camera I picked up the other day showed me something interesting." He pulls it out of the bag.

  I'm silently grateful he's refused to have a private conversation with Erika in front of me. It's a tiny detail, but seems like a big deal; a challenge to her authority. I'm starting to learn that in Japan, there can be a lot of meaning in even the most subtle gestures.

  Kaito flicks through several photographs, finally finding the material he's looking for. "You know, Onee-san, I just thought it strange. Better if I show it to you, rather than try and describe it. I don't think I could find the words."

  He flips the camera screen towards her, and I shuffle around, craning my neck to get a better view.

  It's not a photo, but a short video clip, of only ten seconds.

  Out of the corner of my eye, I see Erika's bodyguard angling towards us.

  Kaito presses play.

  We're transported back to the entrance of the Gokoku-ji temple, on the day that huge yakuza funeral took place. I watch in fascination as the footage zooms in on an elegant black Mercedes, parked at the curb.

  The window facing the street is half rolled down, and I can see two faces. Closest to the window is a woman who bears a striking resemblance to Erika. She's just a little bit older. Her sister, perhaps? And inside, deeper in the shadows, I catch sight of a familiar set of features. The curve of her lips. Her perfect, pearl-white teeth, exposed in a wide smile.

  Erika.

  A fine wisp of cigarette smoke escapes through the open window.

  And inside, the two women share a moment.

  It's brief, lasting for only several seconds, but in the sombre atmosphere, it's a strange thing to see.

  They're both laughing.

  It's a startling image, juxtaposed against the stark backdrop of the temple under grey skies, the street lined with grim-faced men in black suits.

  They're sharing a private moment, when they think no-one is looking.

  Maya really captured something surreal. A pivotal moment, that could have been so easily missed. I don't really know what it all means, but I do know that people aren't supposed to laugh like that at funerals.

  Kaito switches off the camera's display. He's standing over Erika with his face darkening like a gathering storm.

  We make eye contact for a split second, and a kind of understanding passes between us.

  Something's about to go down.

  "That was a strange thing to see, Onee-san. And you know, it got me thinking. Who might benefit the most from Ishida-san's death?" His voice is low and soft, threaded with menace. I glance at Madoka. She's turned deathly pale, staring up at her brother as if seeing him for the very first time. I start to edge away from Erika, sensing the mood.

  Kaito's not fucking around.

  "I also found out that your husband is a candidate at the upcoming elections. You stand to gain a lot if Kenichi Goto ascends to the position of Kumicho, don't you?"

  Erika's face becomes a mask of outrage. "What are you trying to suggest? That I had something to do with my brother's murder?"

  Erika's bodyguard has come right up beside Kaito now. If he's trying to intimidate Kaito, he's not doing a very good job. Kaito stands about a head taller than him, and he flicks the man barely a glance before turning back to Erika. As if the bodyguard is little more than a nuisance.

  "I wasn't suggesting anything. Just pointing out the facts."

  "You're crossing a dangerous line, boy. How dare you? How fucking dare you?" Erika stands, staring up at Kaito, who's just standing there with his hands clasped behind his back, wearing a cold look.

  "Who the hell are you, Erika Goto, that you think you can order me to kill for you? I answered to Hajime Ishida, and now he's dead. You call me and tell me to return home, so you can have your revenge? A clever way to divert suspicion from yourself. The only reason I accepted your request was because we wanted the same thing. Mutual vengeance. It was the proper thing to do. But now, I'm not so sure."

  The guard barks something at Kaito in Japanese, offended by his tone. He makes a move, but Kaito holds up a hand. He says something back to the man in low, guttural tones.

  That just aggravates the guy, and he pulls out a gun. Kaito doesn't flinch.

  I edge away, unnoticed, grabbing Madoka's hand.

  Erika snaps at the guard, who lowers his weapon.

  Kaito switches back to English. "Of course, I don't have any proof, only suspicions. But if it's you, Onee-san, I wouldn't put it past you. And now, you've become troublesome. Bothering my sister, threatening my woman. Don't ever do that again." His tone is mild, but I can sense his anger simmering beneath the surface.

  As I look up I notice a gun, tucked in the small of his back.

  Erika blinks in surprise. She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. When she opens her eyes again, they're clear and devoid of any emotion. "We seem to be at a stalemate," she says, her voice low and smooth. If she's worried, she sure as hell doesn't show it. "If you do anything at all to harm me, Araki-san, you know you will leave this place
as nothing but a corpse. Our people are on every floor of this building. And how will you protect your little 'family' then?"

  One of Kaito's hands goes to his gun. I tense, getting ready to stop him. He's curling his fingers around it, holding it behind his back, but nothing more. As if it gives him a sense of comfort.

  But he doesn't point it at Erika.

  "You're right," he says finally. "So what are we going to do about it?"

  "Nothing." Erika steps forward, so she's barely inches from Kaito. "We're going to carry on as if nothing happened. You've blown the one shot you had at killing Osamu Genda. No doubt his security is impenetrable now, after the scare you gave him. But there's other work for you to do. I need the organization to know that Kenichi and I have your backing. Ishida-san's hitokiri, his infamous manslayer. The hands that did the dirty work and helped build the Kuroda empire, one death at a time. Your reputation is fearsome. You have no idea."

  "And if I refuse?"

  Erika turns, so she's looking directly at me. "Adele, how is your family? I hear your sister's in senior year. About to graduate, isn't she?"

  What. The. Fuck?

  Something inside me snaps, and all of a sudden, I'm right beside Kaito, barely restraining myself from putting my hands around Erika's neck and choking the life out of her. "You stay the away from my family," I snarl, surprised at the ferocity in my voice. "They have nothing to do with all of this."

  Erika raises an eyebrow. Kaito snakes a hand around my waist, giving me a reassuring squeeze. "She won't do anything if I co-operate." His tone is calculating. Still with the gun behind his back. "Will you, Onee-san?"

  "Of course not." Erika laughs. It's an ugly, hollow sound. "And oh, don't go pretending like I'm the villain for resorting to threats. You're not above this type of behavior yourself, Kaito-kun. Wasn't it just last night you were telling me to find the whereabouts of Osamu Genda's daughter? An innocent. You knew very well what could happen to her after that. You're yakuza, after all. Blackmail and threats come with the territory. You will never get away from this life, Kaito Araki, Hijikata, whatever you call yourself. No matter how many times you change your name."