Page 33 of Savage Angels
“Where are we going?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.
“Living room,” he replies curtly, not bothering to look at me as he points where I should go.
The living room is stunning with floor-to-ceiling windows offering breathtaking ocean views. The moment I step into the living room, I see Kiyoko standing by one of the windows, her cell phone pressed against her ear. She spares me a glance before returning to the conversation.
“Ah yes, very good,” she says smoothly. “May our organizations have a long, prosperous business arrangement.” She faces me, a smile playing on her lips as she holds out the cell phone. “Your husband.”
My heart leaps into my throat. I snatch the phone from her hand, pressing it to my ear with trembling fingers. “Dane?” I breathe out, desperate for his voice and assurance he is okay.
“Kat, darlin’, are you all right?” Dane’s familiar, gravelly voice washes over me like a balm, and I feel tears prick at the corners of my eyes.
“Y-yeah,” I stutter, collapsing onto a plush couch, the relief so overwhelming I can barely breathe. Great sobs escape me as I cling to the sound of his voice like a lifeline.
“Listen to me, Kat,” he says, his voice tense but determined. “You’re going to be okay. We’re coming to get you. I’m here, darlin’. I’m here in Hawaii. Hang tight for now, all right?”
In the background, I can hear Sal’s voice, deep and commanding, along with Tony’s. They must be working together to find me, to bring me home. The thought brings a fresh wave of tears to my eyes.
“Okay,” I whisper, wiping away the tears with the back of my hand.
“Stay strong, darlin’. Kiyoko is a… friend.” He pauses. “I love you.”
“I love you too,” I choke out, the words barely audible through my sobs.
As the call ends, I looked up at Kiyoko, her dark eyes seemingly filled with genuine concern. In that moment, I do not understand who this woman truly is, what her intentions are, or what she wants from my husband or me. All I know is Dane says she’s a friend, so I am safe at last.
I hand the phone back to Kiyoko. Her warm smile seems almost out of place in the opulent room. My heart pounds in my chest, a mix of relief and lingering fear.
“Can I get you anything?” Kiyoko asks, her voice soft and gentle. “Tea, perhaps?”
“Uh, sure,” I stammer, still trying to process this surreal situation.
As Kiyoko turns, she raises a hand toward a woman waiting in a doorway. The woman nods once and scurries away. I rub my wrists where the handcuff has dug into my skin. The pain is a stark reminder of what I have been through and how quickly things can change.
The woman returns, places a tray with a teapot and cups on the coffee table, bows at Kiyoko, and leaves the room.
“This will make you feel better.” Kiyoko pours the tea and hands me a cup. “Here you go.” She sits next to me on the couch, her posture relaxed yet somehow regal.
“Thanks.” I take a small sip. The warmth spreads through me, steadying my nerves ever so slightly.
“Your husband will be here soon,” Kiyoko assures me, her eyes meeting mine. “You have nothing to worry about.”
I do want to believe her, but as I look into her dark, enigmatic eyes, I cannot help but wonder who the hell this woman is and what her true intentions are.
Chapter Thirteen
Dane
Salvatore’s dark eyes are locked on the road ahead, determination etched into every line of his face as he drives toward Kiyoko’s home. Tony sits in the back, silent as the grave. The tension is thick enough to choke on as we are all lost in our own thoughts. For Tony, I’m sure he blames himself for Kat being taken in the first place.
“Never thought we’d be partnering up with the Obayashi Yakuza,” I say. “But I guess you do what you have to do when family’s involved.”
Salvatore nods. “It’s a dangerous game we’re playing, Dane. But the benefits could be worth it. The Yakuza have power and connections we can’t ignore.”
“Let’s hope they don’t stab us in the back.” My grip tightens on the passenger door, and it creaks under the pressure.
The three of us ride through the gates of Kiyoko’s estate. It is a sprawling compound surrounded by high walls and security cameras everywhere. As we pull up to the main house, the large wooden doors open to reveal a man with a shaved head, wearing a suit.
His face is impassive as he greets us in broken English. “Welcome. Kiyoko-san is waiting for you.”