Loving Jiro (16 page)

He leaned down and kissed the tip of her nose. “Sweet Kiara. How have I survived these last twelve months apart from you? I thought you no longer wanted to be with me, until..."

She stared up at him. “Until what?"

"Until Grandfather was on his dead bed.” The anguish was plain in his voice. “He told me the note you left was false, that he had sent you away with money, but that you refused the bulk of it."

She nodded, lifting her chin. “I took enough to get an apartment and used some to buy this place and take care of some medical problems."

His eyes grew wide. “Medical problems?” His shocked stare dropped to her belly and she gasped.

"No, not that. I am surprised you didn't check up on me like last time.” She didn't feel the need to explain. “I'm very sorry to hear about your grandfather. He passed?"

Jiro nodded. “Yes, heart failure. As much as it hurts me to lose another family member, I realize it is now time for change."

She had looked away, wondering if a comforting hug would be out of order. At his words, she focused on him. “What kind of change?"

"A change that brings us into the twenty-first century, a change that brings me here to ask you to come back to me. I am not wrong in thinking you still care for me?"

Care. Not love
. She sighed. “So you're not married? And your profession, has that changed as well?"

He grew quiet for a moment, his face unreadable. “I am not married, nor am I engaged."

"But you do work as an assassin? You will continue to take on cases that have you traveling around the world to kill others.” She pressed her lips together, turned away to face her counter. Not seeing what was before her, she continued unpacking the supplies she had ordered.

"Kiara..."

Grateful that no other customers had arrived so early in the morning, she was glad there was no one to overhear their conversation. “I killed Odell."

"I didn't have you followed, but I did send someone to ... limit his activities, only to find that he was dead. I learned the circumstances and was proud of you. I wish that you had allowed me to take care of it for you."

"It wasn't planned,” she snapped. “Your grandfather had me snatched away, and on the same day made sure Odell was waiting. I fought for my life!"

His hands dropped onto her shoulders. The heat of his body so close behind her made her tremble with longing to be curled beneath him, making love until she was exhausted. He kissed the top of her head. “Kiara, I'm so sorry. I would keep all pain away from you, if you let me."

"I don't need you to take care of me, Jiro. I'm stronger now. I can take care of myself. I can support myself without too much trouble. But..."

He grabbed onto her last word. “But?"

"But I won't fight another abusive man who thinks he can run over a woman just because she's weaker, because he doesn't know how to handle his anger or let go of his obsession."

"What? I've never abused you, Kiara. I would never."

"Not you.” She turned to face him. “I want to hire you, to kill someone."

His eyes grew wide. She wanted to laugh. Things had certainly changed, not necessarily for the better. But she was not willing to walk away and live a life of luxury with Jiro while Toni remained stuck in the pain she had to deal with. No one should have to. And if Jiro was determined to stay in his current profession, then she would make use of it, in some positive way. Her stomach still roiled at the thought, but she knew the answer to his question of regrets now. She would not regret this decision. Not one day.

"That woman who was in here earlier. Her boyfriend is like Odell. I want you to end his pathetic existence.” She stepped into his arms. In a daze, Jiro hugged her close, and she rested her face against his chest. “Before you ask, I will have no regrets. I want him dead!"

Jiro grasped her face between both his hands. He kissed her lips for a long minute, and she gave into him, loving his touch, loving him.

"You'll come back to me?” he half begged.

She hesitated, not looking up at him. “I'm unsure of how you feel about me, Jiro, or even what capacity I will be there with you. I know I can't change you. I've come to accept that, but a relationship is a two way street and—"

"I love you with all my heart. Marry me! Be my wife, Kiara.” He lifted her chin, staring down at her with glowing eyes.

"Yes,” she breathed. “Yes, I will."