“In Japanese culture, the practice of Nyotaimori goes back to the early 1600s. Therefore, eating sushi off a naked woman's body is a respected tradition.”
She considered that. “So, why did people do. . .Nyotaimori?”
Stunned, I smiled at her. “Very good pronunciation.”
“Thank you.”
“Have you been to Japan?”
“No, but I’ve always wanted to go.”
“Then, I’ll take you.”
She blinked.
“To answer your question, Nyotaimori became huge during Japan’s Edo period. Then, the country was split into multiple states. In each one, samurai defended their regions. At times, there was war.”
She leaned forward thoroughly fascinated.
“When the samurai returned from battles, they’d celebrate their victory in geisha houses that hosted Nyotaimoris.”
“So, this was a special victory gesture for the winners?”
“And it was full of honor.”
“What about now? Does the practice still exist?”
“Definitely. Yet, in these modern times the Yakuza are more known for their body sushi parties.”
She glanced at some of my armed guards further away. “And you’re. . .Yakuza?”
“I’m an investigator for them.”
“What sort of an investigator?”
“A Sherlock Holmes sort of investigator.”
She laughed.
“It’s true. Sherlock would be thoroughly impressed with me.”
She laughed again.
I loved her laughter so much. It excited me more than her rich brown skin or that beautiful face. It sounded so good I wanted to always have her laughing around me. In my shadowy world, something so simple had to be guarded. Instantly, I wondered how I could keep her around.
She noticed me watching her with desire and blushed. “So. . .tell me more about Nyotaimori.”
“One would think it’s all about sex.” I waved the notion away. “But, it is about the visual poetry of it all. The art. The heightened erotic nature. There’s this lush union of food and sensuality.”
“You make it sound so elegant.”
“In many ways it is. What could be more elegant than feasting high-end sushi off a living, beautiful woman?” Desire rose within me. “Especially one so gorgeous as you.”
“Thank you.”
I targeted her with a heated gaze. “I want to give you the $500,000.”
“Reo.”
I loved my name on her tongue. “I will pay for your sister’s rehab. Mr. Meade pays for your retirement. That’s the deal.”
“I’ve never done anything like this before.”
“Which makes it even better.”
“But. . .”
I tilted forward, desperate for her to say yes. “Tell me so I can make it possible.”
“I don’t have sex for money.”
“I won’t pay you for sex, but trust me, Layla. You’ll beg for it.”
She parted her lips in shock.
“As I said, I’m always honest. No sex is expected. If you want, I can have this all put in contract with those terms clearly stated. No sex. Just sushi and my chopsticks.”
She bit her lip.
Silence hit the table for a minute.
And then she let out a soft sigh. “What about. . .the food? Wouldn’t there be a safety concern or something.”
I held back my wicked grin. I yearned for her naked body to serve as my plate. The last thing I was worried about was food safety.
“Reo?”
I pushed back the dirty thoughts playing in my mind. “The sushi is placed on leaves to prevent direct contact between the food and skin.”
“So, parts of my body will be covered?”
Unfortunately.
I nodded.
“What parts?”
“Your nipples.” My cock stiffened. “And other enchanting places.”
She considered that for a silent minute. “O-kay. I’ll do it.”
I curved my lips into the biggest smile of my life. “Excellent. I’ll have my assistant bring you the contract tonight. My driver will pick you up tomorrow evening.”
“Tomorrow?”
“I am a samurai. And tomorrow I will win a battle.” I held my hand out, needing to touch her. “Tomorrow evening?”
She shook my hand. “Tomorrow evening.”
5
Sister. Sister.
Layla
R
eo and I ate dessert—cheesecake covered in strawberries and whipped cream. It was one of my favorite dishes. The orchestra played upbeat songs. Reo spent the rest of the time making me laugh with cute riddles. The whole time we sipped champagne and I loved every minute of the impromptu date.
When we finished, he took my hand and walked me to my car. There was a moment where I thought he was about to lean in and kiss me. If I was being honest with myself, I yearned for his lips. But he remained a perfect gentleman.
What a crazy afternoon.
By the time I pulled in front of my apartment, my mind danced on a romantic high. I did my best to calm myself. Never did he offer anything more than the naked sushi proposal and perhaps sex. I wasn’t sure I would even have sex with him. However, I couldn’t deny that I didn’t mind the idea.
With Mr. Meade’s parties and my sister’s battle with addiction, I hadn’t dated in years. Reo’s display of romance today was just what I needed.
I parked my car and returned my mind back to the actual proposal.
$500,000 to eat sushi off my body.
It was an ungodly amount, yet one that wouldn’t make a truly rich man stumble.