Crown and Anchor Series: Book 1-4

by Kerri Ann

  “Kano! Cool your fucking jets, woman.” Miori, her twin, shouts across the room.

  Closing her mouth, relaxing to excitable, yet controlled, Kano nervously giggles and steps away. Walking back over to Carli, I look at the others. I can’t help but laugh, because it’s funny as fuck. Their expressions are more shell shocked than anything.

  “Oh, I’m keeping her,” I say between giggles.

  Wyatt slaps my ass. “Be good, Siren.” He doesn’t mean it, but it’s nice to see his lightheartedness.

  “Jesus, that was some first class spewage,” China quips off, flopping down on Risen again.

  “I feel sullied. I need a drink,” Jamieson says as he heads off to the vending machine in the corner.

  Watching the three sisters interact, in Japanese, no less, is comical. I don’t know how much longer Carli is going to keep her shit together, because she looks ready to lose it any moment now.

  Looking out the window, I not only see, but hear two helicopters landing.

  “Thank fuck,” Wyatt whispers in my ear. “I want to get to this place and strip you naked. I even brought you toys.”

  “When the hell did you have time to buy toys? You just left the hospital?”

  “I have ways. Even you can’t know all my secrets.” Nipping my ear, I lean into his chest.

  “You used Dr. Callie, didn’t you?”

  He steps back and smirks, giving me that dimple grin. “I will take it to my grave, Siren.”

  “You are incorrigible.”

  “Yep,” he says, popping the ‘p.’ He doesn’t smack my ass this time, but instead, he grips it tightly. This is going to be a long few days, weeks, or even hours as I try to avoid him. Dr. Callie gave me instructions, and I’ll do everything I can to keep his ass at a distance.

  “Carli,” I call out, loud enough for her to hear me over her sister’s high-pitched yelling.

  “Yeah?”

  “Those the things we’re waiting on?” I point outside.

  She smiles. “’Bout damn time.”

  JAMIESON

  We landed about an hour ago at the hotel, as Carli called it. Her overly excited sister that sat beside me, drooling with anticipation, asking a million questions, called it a hotel. I don’t believe either of them. It’s a resort. Abracadabra, or whatever it was she called it, is spectacular. It’s set on the edge of a lake, overlooking mountain passes. Gorgeous terrain, that if it were snow covered, I’d be on in seconds, and a building I’d kill for. It’s phenomenal.

  This is the best scenario I could have dreamed up on the way here. Boarding the plane from LA, I thought for sure we’d be stuck in the concrete jungle of Osaka, just like where we left. But I’m surprised. Carli may not have done this with me in mind, or on purpose, but she’s given me a place to be comfortable. And when she said she was having the building cleared, she wasn’t kidding. Only the staff are seen, not one guest is in the halls as I check out the space, and no one seems to care that we’re the only people here. I wonder how often they do this? I mean, clear it out on a whim.

  Heading out after a long cock attitude adjusting shower, I’m going to dinner. Everyone ‘suggested’ we have a ‘get to know’ each other before we settle in for sleep. Honestly, I’m not tired, I’m wired. Carli and I need to talk. She seemed ready to fall to tears in the airport when we talked. And her temper with her sisters was noticeable, even in another language. She’s off. Carli is always in control, and this is far from controlled.

  Months have passed since I saw her, and she’s as beautiful as ever. I don’t think there’s anything that could change my mind about her. I’m fucking stuck on her.

  It’s never happened before.

  I doubt it could happen again.

  The shit part about it, is that Wyatt and China see it. They see the dangerous position I’m in. I want to bend her over my knee and smack the attitude out of her, but at the same time, I want to make her come to me. To want me.

  I know we have a fire between us. We’re like napalm and Greek fire. Anything in the area will be burnt to the ground. And anyone who dares to get in the way, watch out, because I’ll burn it all down to get to her.

  Then there’s the other piece to the puzzle. The pregnancy. The last thing I want her thinking is that I only want her for the child. Fuck, I’ve been doing my best to find reasons to fly to Japan and find her before the news of it. My career doesn’t support warm weather. I couldn’t even find a supplier here that I ‘had to’ visit. Then, shocked into the thought of a child, I bet she thinks I’m only here out of duty. Circe and China had to hold me back from chartering another plane. As soon as it left China’s mouth, I ran out of that hospital room, flying down the stairs. I had to catch my breath.

  So yeah, I’m excited.

  I’m elated.

  I’m afraid.

  Damn, I’m a fucking wreck.

  Walking into the dining room, the understated opulence of it floors me. The room is altogether different from Shutters, where I just left, and even my house in Colorado has nothing on this. Floor to ceiling open walls that face the lake, light wood tables and chairs, soft muted colors everywhere. It’s inviting. Even the room asks you to relax. I expect Buddhist monks to bring us berries and twigs for dinner.

  Walking through the space, seeing my family and hers gathered on the porch, I saunter out. I’m the last to show it seems.

  “Glad you could join us, twenty minutes late,” her sister, with the matching, beautiful long hair, clips off.

  “Had to shake out the cobwebs.” I grab a chair beside Risen, and across from Carli. “And by cobwebs, I mean thoughts of you.”

  She raises her eyebrow and grins. “I have spare toys if you need to feel fuller. Or, I’m sure a maid would help you relieve some stress.”

  “No. I have a hand and great memories to keep me entertained.”

  Slightly shocked by my comment, Carli clears her throat before looking away. She addresses the room. “I’d like to make sure we all know who each other are.” Thankfully, everyone quiets as she starts, so I don’t have to kill anyone. “At the end is Wyatt, or better known as Casper. Beside him…” Looking at Circe, she hops out of her chair and screeches. “Holy fuck! When did that happen?”

  Pulling her hand off the table, Circe giggles. “What?”

  “What? The fucking skating rink on your finger! Casper, you promised me you wouldn’t propose to her until you had me on FaceTime. What the shit!” She’s excited, but in a ‘I want to hug my friend, not kill her’ way. Somehow, I’m starting to see the difference. Stomping toward Circe, the two hug, jumping up and down like teenagers.

  Speaking up over the squeals, Risen turns to my sister. “Jesus. If you do that, China, with your girls, I swear to fuck I’ll never propose.”

  “Yes, you will. Harlow will have you afraid for your life if you hold out too long. You know it.” Turning to kiss him, I smack Risen on the back of the head.

  “Don’t fucking think about it right now, buddy. I’ll lose it if you two start.”

  “Got it. No sex on the chair,” he says, laughing. “I’ll be good during dinner. After that—”

  “I don’t need to know, Ri. I don’t need to know. Baby sister, remember?”

  Nodding, I push China’s seat over slightly. Risen laughs. “Keep your distance, woman.”

  China pouts. “Thanks, killjoy. Remind me to cock block you, too.”

  From the other side of the table, Carli’s sister, who looks bored, speaks up as she taps away on her phone. “Can we get on with it? I’m hungry, bored, and ready to hide in my room until my lovely big sister lets me out of my gilded cage.”

  “Aren’t you a gem.” Snapping sugary sweet, China turns to Miori. I see this going south soon. “Miori, right?”

  As she nods with a sarcastic smile, Risen and I watch the interaction. Our ‘let’s get to know each other’ is about to be ‘who’s more fearless and insane?’ Normally, I’d say that we’d win, but the mafia family might give
us a run for our money.

  “China, back it down. We’re guests,” I tell her, hoping it’ll cool the situation. Staring across the table at Miori, it’s easy to see they’re both spoiling for a fight. China might give it to her.

  Not looking at me, not taking her gaze from Miori, she says, “James, she’s rude. I don’t like rude.” Rising out of the chair, China faces off with the sister. “Why don’t we have some fun?”

  “Yeah…no. One arrest should be your limit per year, Princess.” Risen pipes up, pulling her back to his lap. “Accept her rudeness. Be a good girl for once.”

  Flopping into his lap, she laughs darkly. “Now both of you are killjoys.”

  Laughing at her, I don’t even answer. Turning my attention back to the two at the end still fawning over the ring, I take in the demeanor of the others that are here. Kano, the crazy, sweet twin sister, is watching Circe and Carli like they’re the only souls here. Engrossed in their conversation, she’s absorbing it all. Miori, of course, is still eyeballing China between posts on her social sites, but she seems to have cooled a bit. The twins’ bodyguards are silent and like statues in the corner, and the one is more interested in his fingernail contents than the girls, whereas the other is watching Kano’s every move. He’s hung the fuck up on her.

  Kato, the older gentleman that joined us, isn’t what he seems. I don’t trust him. There’s something off about him. He’s shifty. The way he watches Carli, keeping track of her, but then looking sidelong at Miori, tells me something is amiss. I don’t get it yet, with this jetlagged brain, but I will.

  As the girls finally break apart, and Carli returns to her seat, things begin to settle down. Finishing her introductions, pushing the last bit of the formal shit out, dinner arrives.

  To be honest, I think we were all pretty gung-ho to eat. We all shut up pretty fast and didn’t say another thing during the meal. I didn’t say another thing to Carli until dinner was over, but my mind never quit asking questions. I’ll get the answers soon, though.

  Soon.

  CARLI

  Circe is getting married, and Wyatt is beaming. She’s insanely happy, and I missed it all. Fuck. I wanted to be in LA to see and experience her joy firsthand. Nothing is worse than watching the best shot during the playoffs on replay. I just watched the rerun. You can’t imagine the pain of being late to the party.

  Awful.

  I never thought it would affect me so much, but it did. It actually screwed up my appetite. I mean, shit! The kitchen made our favorite foods and I only nibbled. And on top of that, I knew that Jamieson was eyeballing me every chance he got. He was damn near silent eating his Kobe steak. And even my sister, Miori, after her verbal toss up with China, didn’t try to stir up anything further during dinner. Thankfully, the conversations were minimal as we filled our bellies.

  Well, I guess I’m filling two.

  I haven’t started to feel like I’m carrying another human being, but I can’t deny it. The doctor’s checked at least three times because I made them, so it’s obviously true. And seeing the cause of my current situation sitting across from me at dinner, didn’t do anything for my sexual urges. My overdrive button has been stuck on rabbit speed. I’d love nothing more than to reach across the table, plant my hands in that dusky hair of his, and make him break me. I’d lay in the middle of his Kobe steak and grin gleefully as everyone watched.

  But, I’m getting ahead of myself. He’s only here because I’m pregnant. I’m sure he wanted to see it for himself. He’s probably thinking of how to clear out of here and hit a mountain to find free pussy. Someone who’s not carrying his child.

  The big surprise of the night was Kato, offering up evil eye shots to almost every Crown in attendance, except for China. Color me confused. For some reason, he hung from her words, gave acknowledgements to her questions, and even smiled the odd time. Actually smiled. I thought Kato had only intense scowls, even more intense gazes, and dark glares in his facial expressions. Huh.

  Thing is, I don’t have enough energy to fight my sister’s, figure out Kato, and deal with Jamieson. I’m damn tired.

  Pushing my plate aside, I announce quite loudly, “I’m bushed, guys. I need to sleep.” Rising to leave, giving Circe a hug goodnight, I start toward the hallway, in the hopes I’m not followed. I don’t have the power to explain, argue, or accept apologies right now.

  Clearing the room in less strides than it takes to get to the front of a Starbucks line, I hit the stone floor of the hall. Only, I’m not the only one.

  “Carli,” his deep manly voice calls out.

  “Ya know, I was hoping to sleep. I wanted to avoid all the treacherous conversation that’s brewing in that head of yours for at least…oh, say, six hours? What do ya say, big fella? Give a girl a break for a bit of shut eye?” I don’t turn his way. In fact, I’ve kept walking the whole time toward my suite.

  “Carli, look, we need to talk. You can’t avoid me in a hotel with no guests. Sooner or later, we have to see each other and talk about this.”

  “Oh, I’m sure there’s ways I can, but I doubt you’ll let me. I have this feeling you’ll be camped outside my door, like you’re waiting to buy tickets to a Justin Bieber concert.” Stepping up my game, I speed up a touch quicker to distance myself. “You loved his last show, didn’t you? Come on, admit it. His rendition of “Stairway to Heaven” with only a flute and a paperclip brought you to tears.”

  “Where do you come up with this shit?” Moving up beside me, he gently takes my arm. “Jesus, Carli, slow down.” Stopping, I don’t dare turn to face him. I do that, and I might as well kiss my sleep bye-bye. I won’t get to sleep, he won’t get to sleep, and the only thing that might is the bean in my body.

  “Carli, we have to talk at some point.”

  I laugh. “I swear I saw this moment a hundred times over the past few months. You’d say something like, ‘Are you sure it’s mine?’ or ‘Did you consider an abortion?’ And the ever popular, ‘Ah, well, um and oh’ conversation.” I turn to face him, because I think my sarcasm is strong right now, and I can probably win this battle. Shit. Nope, shouldn’t have done that. It’s like looking the tiger in the eye., I should have just ran instead. That was dumb, Carli.

  Thumbing his fingers along my jaw, holding my gaze with his, he smiles. “It’s good to see you, Katana.”

  “Not like it matters, but why don’t you just tell me all the things I’m expecting and get it over with? I’ll return to my room, cry a tiny bit because of these freakin’ hormones and the stressful day, then you can sit in yours and jerk off or fuck a cleaning girl. The choice is yours, and think of it as Vegas. What happens in Japan, stays in Japan.”

  Staying quiet, listening to my verbal diarrhea, Jamieson just watches me without a sound. Moving a few stray hairs from my face, he tucks them behind my ear, then lightly pulls on my hair. I moan. It sounds awful that I fall for his moves so easily, and even to my own ears, it’s silly, but my body is easily swayed.

  “Carli, I missed you. I have no intention of taking anything to bed but you, and I’ve jerked off so much lately, my left hand has strengthened considerably. Wanna see?” he jokes. Really? He jokes?

  As his hands roams through my hair, across my shoulder and down my arm, I’m finding it hard to keep a clear head. I’m falling prey to him, and he more or less blinked. I try to gather the last shreds of my strength. “You don’t have to pretend. I get it, you have needs. Go play with something adorable. Tap the shit out of someone other than my sisters. You don’t need permission from me, Crown. Have at it.”

  His once kidding look is strong, serious, and hard. “Katana, you don’t get it. It’s been a long few months without you. I haven’t been with anyone else. And all I’ve tried to figure out is how to get here, and get you into my bed.”

  I’m listening, but not. It’s like the words he’s saying are being spoken under water. “Don’t let me stop you from hunting someone down.”

  He scowls, which is something he do
es so well. “You’re not listening, are you, Carli?”

  “If you mean, I hear the wah wah wah of the Peanuts teacher, then yeah. But if you mean actual syllables and consonants, no.”

  Jamieson stares at me, not speaking. No grunting or growling, no awkward expressions that tell me what he’s thinking. Nothing at all.

  “Okay, so we’re playing the concentration game now? I won’t blink. I should tell you, I’m amazing at this, Jamieson.”

  Still nothing.

  Nine.

  Eight.

  Seven, six, and all the way to two, I count before giving in and saying something. “Are you kidding me? Come on!” I push on his chest, which, of course, doesn’t even make him budge. I’m totally annoyed he’s being silent.

  “Will you listen now, Carli?”

  Exasperated, I slouch as I blow out a heavy breath. “Fine. Tell me what you want to. But don’t think my attention will be any better than it was before. You’re still clothed.”

  “And so are you. Putting a red mark on your ass would be perfect right now. Give me a touch more sass, Carli, and you’ll learn how bad I’m holding off.”

  I’m sure my eyes are bugging out, but it’s hard to deny I wouldn’t love that. “Okay, you got me there.”

  Encroaching my space, causing me to back up, I hit the wall beside my door. “I missed you. Let’s not talk of babies and such. Not because I don’t care, but because I’ve thought of nothing but stripping you down and licking you dry for months straight. Awake and asleep, you’ve arrested my thoughts.”

  With shallow breaths, I think of all the times I needed Jai, or the new toy, of which I nicknamed Whiskey for clarity, so that I could clear him out of my overexcited, erotic dream state of mind.