chapter 32

She narrowed her eyes at the man standing in front of her. “What fuck does that mean?” She hissed through clenched teeth.

He sighed and ran his fingers through his hair again. 

“It’s complicated. I did it to-“

“Boss?” Ethan turned the corner, interrupting their standoff.

Ben turned, his icy gaze sending chills up Ethan’s spine.

“They... uh... they’re here. And... they seem.... impatient. We can’t postpone any longer. This... meeting... has been in the works for years.” Ethan glanced at Aisling. “I hope you understand Miss....?”

“Get the fuck out of here,” Ben growled at Ethan. “Find a way to delay it.”

“I.. I... don’t think that’s possible... they only want to.... make the deal... with you” Ethan stammered looking back at his boss “but I’ll do what I can.” He quickly finished and disappeared into the shadows. 

Aisling looked at the well-groomed man in front of her. He still looked the same with minor differences. His hair was shorter and he looked more distinguished. His sharp jawline had a five o’clock shadow and his eyes looked a deeper blue. He stood around 6’3” but the way he carried himself made him seem even taller. He wore custom Italian shoes, black dress pants, and a simple tailored black button-up shirt. She noticed the top of a tattoo peeking out. That’s new. I wonder what the rest of it looks like... She could see his well-defined muscles through the thin material of his fitted shirt. She wanted so badly to reach out and touch him but was afraid she had imagined it all.

Suddenly, he reached out with his right hand cradling the back of her head, slamming her and his left hand onto the wall. He swiftly moved his right hand to the wall next to her head. They were close enough she could feel the heat from his body despite him not touching her. 

Her breath caught in her chest. She was pinned to the wall and he leaned close to her ear and whispered “There hasn’t been a day that’s passed that I don’t miss you.” He lifted his hand and gently caressed her cheek, his hot breath on her ear sent chills through her body.

As quickly as it happened, it was over. He stepped back, put his hands in his pockets, and walked back toward the bar. 

She stared in the direction he had left and leaned on the old brick building, trying to catch her breath. Aryn soon rounded the corner and saw Aisling.

“That motherfucker was intentionally ignoring me! All I wanted to do was pay the fucking tab. What a— hey, are you okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost. Well, I mean....you kind of did...”

She took a deep breath.

“Let’s get out of here.” But her feet seemed rooted to the spot. She didn’t want to leave. She was afraid if she walked away she would never see him again.

“Kare wa mamonaku koko ni kurudeshou.” 

Ethan bowed to the older gentleman.

“You said that he’d be here shortly 5 minutes ago. Tell me, how long should I wait before I decide that Mr. Cole isn’t serious about this deal?” The older gentleman asked, leaning forward in his seat.

“I’m very serious, Mr. Yoshida.” Ben strode into the room and glanced at the man sitting on the sofa. “Hajimenashou?”

“Yes, let’s begin.” the older set his glass down and leaned forward.

Ben motioned to Ethan who produced a stack of papers. “As you know, our families have been allies long before I was alive. Recently though we have gotten reports that your men are moving into areas that do not belong to you.” Ethan slid a handful of pictures to the man across the small table. “This will not continue.”

“Mr. Cole, I think you’re confused as to who I am.” The old man smiled slowly and menacingly. 

“And I think you’ve forgotten exactly what I am capable of.” He returned the menacing smile, his blue eyes frigid. 

Ethan eyed the bodyguards that had arrived with Mr. Yoshida. The two men were large, one had visible scars and clearly knew how to fight. If things went south, it would lead to one hell of a fight.

”Yoshida-san, it would be in both of our best interests to resolve this quickly.” Ben leaned back in his chair, eyeing the man calmly. ”I'd hate for something to happen to you on the long journey home.”

”Is that a threat, Zander Cole?” the old man slammed his hands on the table angrily.