As Ronin rolled up his hand protection, he knew Yasuji had something on his mind. “This may be your last chance to ask the question since you’re kicking me out.”
“Your intuitiveness is your greatest strength, Ronin-san. It will serve you well.”
He made the on with it gesture.
“Does it bother you that Amery presented me with a print of her bound by your rope work?”
He smiled. “Not at all. I’m glad you have proof that your years of instruction have formed me as much as Master Daichi’s. I was surprised she’d given it to you, knowing you’d likely display it in a place for all to enjoy it. My wife is modest in public.”
“So was mine.”
His head snapped up to meet Yasuji’s gaze. “But Rikya . . .” Was naked or half-naked in most of the demonstrations Yasuji had given, as well as in the dozen photo albums showcasing Master Yasuji’s rope designs.
“She grew into her place as my rope model,” he said with a smile. “It took several years before she’d wear anything less than a robe during a demonstration. I pushed her to bare all before she was ready. But it was out of male pride; she was beautiful naked, bound in my ropes, and I wanted to show her off. I’ll also admit that some of the most memorable rope designs I created on her weren’t when she was naked in body. So trust in Amery to know her own mind. She will be what you need.”
“She already is.” Ronin zipped up his duffel. “Thank you, Master Yasuji.”
“We will see each other again.”
As Ronin walked through the training center, he glanced around, trying to memorize everything, even when he knew he’d never forget the torturous devices that’d tested his physical and mental resolve. When he reached the door he turned back one last time.
Master Daichi stood on the edge of the practice mat. In the same place he’d always stood these last twenty years.
Ronin faced him, dropped his bag, and waited.
Then his sensei did the oddest thing. He smiled. A genuine smile—not the evil I’m-thinking-of-better-ways-to-torture-you grin that set Ronin’s senses on high alert. Then Daichi offered a deep, formal bow.
Which Ronin returned. When he was upright again, his former Master was already gone.
He slipped outside into the cool evening air.
There was only one person he wanted to share this moment with—and she was in Tokyo.
He quickly made arrangements to get there as soon as possible.
***
Amery let herself into Ronin’s apartment on the forty-first floor of the Okada Garden Tower, a high-rise in the Tokyo business district. This corner apartment was small, according to Tamara, but Ronin had refused anything bigger because he loved the view. The interior was bland—nothing like the charming minimalism of their penthouse, which seemed to get less minimal the longer she lived there.
She’d spent the morning in the main Okada offices, which took up floors twenty through thirty of this building. Then Tamara convinced her to go shopping. Amery had no idea how much money she’d spent, and that bothered her because it wasn’t her money.
That’s not what Ronin would say. In fact he’ll be happy you bought things.
Amery kicked off her heels and dropped the shopping bags by the door. She’d pick them up later. Right now she wanted a glass of sake. She checked her cell as she wandered into the living room, hoping for a message from Ronin.
“I hope the rattling of packages indicates you’ve bought something kinky and sexy?”
She gasped. Then her gaze moved over to the shadowed form in the corner. Her husband lounged with his jean-clad leg draped over the arm of the leather club chair. A lowball glass with half an inch of amber liquid was clasped in his right hand. His black shirt was untucked, his feet were bare. His hair was in delightful disarray and dark stubble lined his lean cheeks.
He was magnificent.
He was here.
When she saw that heated look in his brown eyes—the look that was for her alone—she launched herself at him.
He laughed between her avid kisses as she attempted to rip open his shirt. “Hold on there, tiger. Let me put my drink down first.”
“Hurry.”
“If I was wearing a tie you’d be yanking me up by it.”
“I can do that with your belt loops too—right before I yank your jeans down.”
Ronin pushed to his feet. Then he framed her face in his hands. “I missed you. Let me show you how much, baby.”
She closed her eyes when his lips met hers, letting herself sink into his kiss. Being away from him drove home the point of how essential he’d become to her life.
He picked her up and carried her into the bedroom. He undressed her slowly, kissing, nibbling, licking on her skin as he bared it. So by the time she was naked, she was also wet, and ready for his possession.