Owned by the Yakuza: A Japanese Mafia Bad Boy Romance Read Online Free PDF Page B

hired a new manager, paid out the employees to keep them quiet, and had the bar completely renovated.
    “Imperial?” I looked at the sign.
    Masaru nodded. “Yes, English names get the locals all excited.”
    I shrugged and walked in. “Sure, sounds good to me.” The bell chimed and the door swung shut behind us.
    Tatsuya and Kaoru were sitting in the corner. The same quiet corner that we had always sat at. It felt strange being here without Kenichi and for a second, I missed my brother. He’d be sending me pictures from the wedding soon, I was sure.
    Instead of focusing on those useless emotions, I took charge of the meeting. “Where’s Yuji?”
    “Food poisoning, apparently,” Tatsuya said with a shrug. “Seriously, that guy has no luck.”
    “Ok, everyone else, report.”
    I listened as everyone took turns talking about what was going on in the business. The Shimazu-kai were beginning to move again, and that made me nervous. I didn’t want to face anything without Kenichi by my side. Of course, I couldn’t admit that. I kept my face neutral as they informed me.
    “What about you?” Tatsuya asked.
    I was surprised he even bothered to ask. Most of them weren’t interested in my desk work. That was unless Tatsuya wasn’t drunk enough to forget the conversation we had the other morning. Damn him, trying to make me feel included, when I knew full well that I had nothing interesting to report on.
    Wait, I did. My heart skipped a beat, thinking of Oriana.
    “Two nights ago I found some old files in the office, and someone owed us money for years and were somehow forgotten about.”
    “Ooh. Please tell me you broke his legs.”
    “No, no, that’s too kind. Threatened him didn’t you? Cut off a finger?”
    I braced myself as they continued to fire off punishments, each worse than the last. “No, not quite,” I said. The excitement deflated.
    “Then what?” Tatsuya asked, eyeing me hard over his glass of beer.
    “I went to the apartment on file and it turns out that the man who owed us money just died in a car accident.”
    Kaoru laughed. “Karma.”
    “But,” I went on, ignoring his outburst. “He does have a daughter and she’s going to have to pay the debt. She’s in university– ”
    Tatsuya leaned in, cutting me off. “Ohh, a daughter huh? Want me to go take care of it?”
    “Actually,” I said, feeling the satisfaction rise in my blood. “I already did. She’s going to be working off the debt in the hostess club in Shibuya.”
    Everyone was silent for a second.
    “Working it off?” Kaoru repeated. “People don’t do that. She needs to pay up, now. Or else, well, you know.”
    I frowned. “You know, we can get our money back without threatening to kill people, Kaoru.”
    “That’s no fun.” Tatsuya chimed in.
    I glared at him. “If we murder everyone who owes us money, how the hell do expect to get it back, idiot?”
    Tatsuya’s face went red. He set his glass down and got up from the table. “Excuse me.” He stalked off, ripping the bar door open and slamming it behind him.
    Everyone was quiet for a second, staring at their drinks.
    “Her debt will be paid off in no time,” I added. “She’s a beautiful girl, a million yen can easily be made in a few weeks.” I found myself defending my decisions yet again. If it had been Kenichi, then no one would have questioned it.
    I hesitated and then sighed, getting up and following Tatsuya outside. He was leaned against his motorcycle and smoking as usual.
    Tatsuya looked up and then avoided my eyes.
    “I’m sorry,” I started.
    Tatsuya held up a hand to silence me. “Please, don’t apologize. You’re right. I shouldn’t have questioned your methods.” He grinned. “So, is she hot? Let’s go get a look at this girl.”
    #
    The club was busy for a Tuesday night.
    The hostess at the front door bowed deeply when we arrived. “Hello Himura-san, would you all like the usual room in the VIP section?” She looked at me to