Both maids held the train behind me.
Sara asked, “Are they comfortable?”
“Surprisingly, they are. I’m just shocked I can walk in them just fine.”
Yui bowed. “Are you ready, Ms. Brown?”
I looked into the mirror, shocked at the image reflected back at me. I appeared like an Afro-Japanese fusion of fashion and elegance. I gathered my words. “Yes. . .I’m ready.”
No turning back now.
They held the train behind me. I took careful steps forward, still getting used to the high wooden flip flops.
When we walked in the hall, I thought we would be going downstairs. Instead, we continued forward and stepped on an elevator.
The doors closed.
We rose.
My heart boomed in my ears.
When it stopped, the elevator opened.
A cool breeze greeted me.
I stepped onto the mansion’s massive roof.
Wow.
There were ten trees on the roof, standing in black pots. Five were on one side and another five were on the other. Sparkling white lights hung from the branches. They flanked the long path.
A long black table was at the end of the path. It was low for an American one. Barely three feet above the ground. From where I stood, I could see there were cherry blossoms painted on the edges.
Facing us, Reo sat on the floor and at the center of the table. He held two long silver chopsticks in his hand. Hunger covered his face.
Oh my God. I’m really doing this.
On his right was a silver cart full of banana leaves.
My servants gently set the train down and positioned it around me.
Yui spoke, “We stop here.”
“Thank you for your help.”
They bowed and left.
I turned back to Reo and heard the elevator doors close behind me.
Definitely, no turning back now.
My heart pounded in my chest.
Swallowing, I headed down the path that felt as long as a fashion runway.
8
Nyotaimori
Reo
L
ayla strolled toward me.
And all I could do was put down the chopsticks and rise from the floor. Part of it was out of respect. The other side was that I was in a daze.
She had all my senses engaged with her. My ears loved the click clack of her geta sandals. My eyes dazzled from the vision. I rubbed my hands together, yearning to touch her. And even from several feet away a breeze brought her fragrance to me. My mouth drooled with the need to taste her.
And she walked towards me. Her hips swayed back and forth. Her cleavage was exposed and tantalizing. The junihitoe danced around her.
Layla stopped on the other side of the table and gave me a sexy smile. “Thank you.”
I had to find my breath. “I should be thanking you.”
“This is all so beautiful.”
“Nowhere near as enchanting as you.”
She blushed.
I walked around the table, yearning to be in her space.
Once in front of Layla, I drank in her image, loving the poetic way the material encased her body.
“I knew you would be gorgeous, but I had no idea.” I raised my hands to her shoulders.
She kept her gaze on me.
“Stunning.” I slid my fingers along her shoulders, loving the outline. I walked over to her side and took in her silhouette. “So enchanting.”
I slid my hands down her arm and then brushed the tips against her palm. “Breathtaking.”
“This junihitoe truly is.”
“Perfect pronunciation, but. . .” I returned to the front and faced her. “You are the breathtaking part.”
“You’re so sweet, Reo.”
“And you smell delightful.” I extended my hands out and touched her front, right at the belt. She didn't move, but her gaze fell down to my hands as I began to undo her belt. “How was your day?”
She cleared her throat. “Peaceful, in some ways.”
“Did you see your sister?”
“No, but Ali called and told me that people are following her around as she gets high. I’ve. . .”
I stopped unraveling the belt.
“I’ve stopped worrying about her.”
“Good. I want your focus on this moment.” I undid the cord. The belt slipped away and fell to the floor.
The front of the junihitoe opened inch by inch, displaying some of her bare flesh, but not all. I could see the curve of her breast but not her nipples.
My gaze traveled down the expanse of her chest. I caught sight of her small belly button. My cock jumped in my pants. A ravenous heat overtook me.
Impatient, I pushed the junihitoe all the way open.
A soft gasp left her lips. And I yearned to hear what other sounds she could make.
“Are you nervous?” I studied the heated expression on her face. There was a need in those eyes. Her full lips were parted. She didn't look scared. She appeared turned on and curious.
“I’m. . .excited.”
“With the things on my mind, you should be.” I slipped the junihitoe off her shoulders. It fell down her arms and then collapsed to the floor.
And still our gazes remained locked on each other.
“Are you ready?”
“That depends, Samurai,” she whispered, “Did you win your battle today?”