Hot Tokyo Nights

By Dakota Harrison

After her humiliating divorce, Mya Montgomery runs back to the only place she's ever truly thought of as home – Tokyo – and to the yakuza family who filled the void in her heart after the death of her parents. A new life lies just out of reach, but maybe propositioning a delicious yakuza punk to show her the hottest night of her

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dakota Harrison
• Release date: Jan 11, 2019
• ISBN: 9780648375838

Dakota Harrison

Multi Award Winning author

Book preview

Chapter 1

An enormous smile split Kazuya Nakamura’s face as Mya stepped into the lounge room of the Nakamuras’ spacious Tokyo home, her guest-slipper-covered feet making no sound on the floorboards.

"Musume. To see you again gladdens this tired old heart," Kazuya said.

Mya stopped in front of him and bowed, emotion tightening her throat. Musume. Daughter. A title most Westerners wouldn’t think twice about. To the Japanese, it was a compliment of the highest regard to call a non-family member, a gaijin – literally translated as alien – daughter.

He chuckled and crossed his arms over his chest. What? No hug this time?

Mya let go of her formal façade and threw her arms around his neck. Strong arms enveloped her, reinforcing the welcoming smile on his face.

It’s so good to see you.

Kazuya’s chuckle turned into a rumbling laugh in his chest. It has been too long. He held up a hand to stall her protest. Yes, I know it is only a few months, but now that you are free again, you must make more time to spend with us.

Mya’s head dropped back to his chest and she soaked in the reassurance that seemed to emanate from him. Kazuya was a big man, broad of shoulder and full of muscle. She breathed deep. Spicy amber and sandalwood swirled into her lungs, the scent calming her rapid heartbeat. She loved this family so much. After the death of her parents at such a young age the Nakamuras had taken on a parental role. Even after she’d been taken from them and moved halfway across the world their influence had been constant, their love never wavering.

I see my husband is stealing all your attention, as usual, said a soft voice.

Mya turned from the comfort of her surrogate father’s arms and embraced Aiko. No one could steal the attention from you, Aiko. You’re too lovely for words.

Aiko’s soft laugh sounded in her ears. You really are funny. But all compliments are happily received.

Although I'm not complaining, why are you here? You never come to Japan in the autumn, said Kazuya.

Mya’s smile faltered. She breathed in the long-loved scent of their living room as she glanced around, and took in the familiar soft furnishings and artwork. I just…wanted to leave. She looked back at Kazuya when the silence stretched. Tokyo seemed like a good idea.

He frowned at her. Are you are running away?

The slight censure of his tone steeled her. He would expect her to stand up and fight, to be strong in the face of adversity. She inclined her head slightly in respect.

Actually, no. I just needed to be around people who give a damn.

Unlike Robert.

Her brother. Thinking about him made her stomach clamp into a tight, hard knot of anger, confusion, and disappointment. It always left her feeling miserable, that two people she’d loved could have betrayed her so thoroughly.

Kazuya’s expression tightened. "That I can understand. Your parents would be so disappointed in Robert’s behavior. What he did was inexcusable. We will always be here. Hiro and Shin grew up as your brothers, never mind the distance. They will protect you. Always. Remember that."

Heat pricked the back of Mya’s eyes. She took a steadying breath and smiled at them both. These people had always been in her life. Always ready to listen. Always ready to help.

Always there. Visits had been sporadic for a long time. Her now-ex-husband Steven had questioned her loyalty and dedication to this family, considering what business they were in, so much so she’d begun avoiding confrontation about it and lessened her visits to Japan. Then, about a year and a half ago, she’d been in such a downward spiral, missing the Nakamuras so much she could barely breathe, despairing at the state of her failing marriage, that she’d finally stood her ground and stated she would visit them whenever she chose.

She’d thought taking a stand like that had been the catalyst for the breakdown of her marriage, but now she knew it wasn’t. Steven had left years before they’d split – at least, emotionally. If he’d ever really been there in the first place. Finding him in bed with her brother had been the final betrayal of their vows. Vows she’d taken seriously.

Mya? Aiko questioned.

Hearing her name brought her back to the present. She sent them another smile. I'm just so glad to be here. That’s all. I couldn’t wait to see you both. I can’t believe that you knew I was on my way, though, and had Hasudo waiting for me with the car.

She’d been pleasantly surprised to find the Nakamura’s most valued bodyguard waiting for her in the arrivals lounge at Narita Airport. All when she’d wanted to come unannounced and surprise them. She should’ve realized they would know she was on her way. Yakuza families didn’t stay in power long if they weren't vigilant.

Aiko frowned but didn’t question her further. She reached out and touched Mya’s nose with her forefinger. The gesture brought Mya to the edge of tears again. Aiko had done that ever since she was tiny. In some ways Mya thought of these two as her real parents, more than her biological ones. Memories of her mother and father were sketchy at best. The car accident had not only taken their lives, the twisted wreck of metal had stolen most of her memories too.

It was hard to love people you couldn’t remember.

Would you like me to have Hasudo bring your things inside? You will be staying here. Aiko had your room made ready once we knew you were headed this way across the Pacific, Kazuya said.

I guess so? I booked a room at the Continental.

Warmth spread deep in her belly. While she hadn’t planned on staying in their home, it was comforting to know she was still welcome. It would make what she had to ask Kazuya that much easier.

A small shiver spread up her spine. What would Shin think of having her around permanently?

Kazuya's face set in a disapproving frown. That is not acceptable. We will cancel it. This is your home, not some sterile hotel. It’s decided. Hasudo will bring in your belongings now.

Chapter 2

Mya placed her coat on the hanger and slid the robe door closed. Her phone burbled out an all-too familiar ringtone.

Robert.

Her hands shook as she slapped at it to silence the sound. She’d almost deleted him many times. She just couldn’t take that final step to erase him completely from her life. He was all she’d had left of her biological family after her aunt’s death two months ago. A death she felt partly to blame for.

Mya shook her head and pushed off the door. That was behind her now. She was finally where she wanted to be, with the people she needed. That was all that mattered.

It was the second time this week Rob had called her. After months of silence, he wanted to make contact. Why, she didn’t know, or care.

She shoved hard at the guilt and tried to bury it deep in her soul. It wasn’t her fault. She wasn’t responsible for her aunt’s strict religious beliefs and opposition to divorce, but it didn’t stop her from feeling bad about her heart attack.

This was the right choice.

A cool breeze wafted over her, stirring the colored leaves outside the open window as it passed through them. A smile found its way onto her lips. So many days spent in this house, this very room, as a child and teenager. So many hours spent with Aiko lying beside her, her head on the pillow beside hers, reading to her before bedtime.

Her biological mother had been an interpreter for their first hotel acquisition, having worked in Geneva for years for the UN, her Australian father the lawyer who’d brought the deal together. The Nakamuras had worked their way up from hotels to banks, now owning some of the premier business sites in Tokyo.

Some outsiders thought the Japanese cool, devoid of strong emotion, but they were so very wrong. She’d never felt as loved as she did when visiting. It was the quiet solidity of that love that made all the difference to a newly orphaned seven-year-old girl’s sanity.

A touch of a hand, a quiet hug, Aiko stroking her cheek as she sought the oblivion of sleep all contributed to the calming of her tormented soul. Mya had worked through her grief in those first few months, knowing she was supported and cared for, knowing that she would always have a place in their home and hearts. But when her aunt had come to take her back to Australia, all the overwrought emotion she’d been able to control was unleashed.

She didn’t have a drop of Japanese blood in her, but she hadn't wanted to leave. Her aunt had legal guardianship of both her and her younger brother and had insisted they both return to Australia with her.

Mya had returned every chance she got. Every school holidays were spent with the Nakamuras, every important date, including her birthday. Her aunt had resisted at first, hadn't understood why, but she’d eventually relented when she’d realized how miserable her niece was.

Mya picked up a cushion from the folded futon bed. She looked out the window into the garden. Trees beckoned from the large park beyond the high stone wall. She would love to live near here, if she could find a home in the vicinity that wouldn’t cost her an arm and a leg, and her first-born child. She sighed. That wasn’t likely. This modern styled house sat on a large block in Den-en-chōfu, enormous considering how close it was to downtown Tokyo itself, being not even a half-hour’s drive on the highway to the city center.

Kaz or Hiro would likely know what was available in the area, and how much was a reasonable price to pay. If she was lucky enough to pick up a job fast enough she may even be able to apply for a loan to make up the difference.

She just had to break it to them that she wanted to move here – permanently.

A flicker of movement caught her eye through the stand of trees to the left, then was gone. Mya blinked, surprised, then smiled. That would be the security guards who patrolled the grounds twenty-four hours a day. Three shifts of eight hours, with a half-hour change over. The house and grounds were never left unprotected.

Kaz and Aiko behaved so normally that she often forgot that he was still the head of a powerful yakuza clan. To her, he was…Dad. She wasn’t under any false illusions, she knew their lives weren’t normal and could be dangerous. Usually she never saw the grounds guards, only the household ones, trusted men she’d known since she was a child.

She wandered out the door into the hall and walked slowly towards the living area of the house. Lovely, original suiboku-ga paintings graced the walls. The monochrome ink paintings were highlighted by track lighting, the soft light creating a diffuse haloed effect around each one.

Slender display tables stood intermittently between the alternating minimalist portraits and landscapes. Imari vases, and platters and bowls ranging from the Heian Period to the Edo, sat atop them, each singly on its own table. Mya took her time walking past the beautiful and rare pieces, many of which she’d seen before, others newer to the collection.

She stopped in front of a shallow Edo Kiriko vase. Clear crystal alternating with the richest of sapphire-blue patterns covered its surface. Warm light glanced off the edge, highlighting the immaculate cut of the glass.

Beautiful.

She reached out to touch it, but stopped just shy of the smooth rim, unsure if she dared. She was allowed to, she wouldn’t be in trouble if she did – unless she broke it, of course – but sometimes her clumsiness and need for tactile sensation got her into sticky situations. It was better to keep her hands to herself.

It is beautiful, is it not?

Hiro's voice brought Mya’s head around. A surge of warmth swamped her. He was the older brother she’d never had. Someone stable and steadfast she could always count on. He leaned against the wall, watching her. She sent him a huge smile. Yes. Yes it is.

His mouth curved in response. Much like the observer.

Mya blinked, momentarily blindsided, then she laughed. If you say so. She glanced behind him. Suki with you?

No.

Short. Sharp. She frowned a little. He’d been like that a lot this year when quizzed about his wife. Hiro's workaholic tendencies might finally be taking a toll. She hoped their marriage wasn’t suffering because of his perfectionist issues.

That bowl is Shin’s newest purchase. It’s his favorite. It took him years to track that one down.

That caught Mya’s attention. Shin’s? She glanced back at the bowl, quite surprised. Isn't it too pretty for him? she joked.

Hiro let out an odd, strained chuckle. Perhaps he wanted it to go with his pretty face. Nevertheless, it’s his. As are a few of the others. He nodded at a few other of the rare items. He likes to collect. He feels they are safer here than in his apartment.

Mya stared at the items in question. That was something she hadn't known about him, even after all this time. She could understand his reasoning. Shin had moved. She hadn't yet seen it but his apartment was now in the rooms above the popular night club he’d opened in Shibuya, right across from the station. Although much larger than most Tokyo apartments, security for items such as these would be an issue. Here he had his father’s guards on tap.

Turning to Hiro, Mya walked up and hugged him, planting a quick kiss on his cheek in greeting. She tried to pull away but Hiro held on, only letting go when she pushed harder.

Odd. Hiro wasn’t the clingy type. She brushed her hands down the front of her jeans to hide her confusion. Was his marriage in that bad a shape that he would seek solace from her? Mya shook her head to herself. No. If that were the case, he would say so.

So. What have you been up to since we last spoke? Mya asked.

Hiro gestured for her to precede him down the hall toward the living room. Oh, the usual. World domination.

At Mya’s wry stare, he laughed. We bought another bank. We now own the controlling share in the Nippon International. We’re in the middle of consolidating things at the moment, so you won't see a lot of me while you're here, I'm afraid.

Mya didn’t even try to hide her smile. About that –

Mya, would you come here? Aiko’s voice sounded from the kitchen to her front and right.

Of course, she called. She touched Hiro's suit sleeve. I’ll be back soon.

Hiro bowed his head slightly. I shall hold you to that.

Mya smiled at him to hide the slight unease his words stirred.

No. Not his words. His tone.

Usually he was as predictable as clockwork. His reactions, his personality. He never changed. He was the reliable one, the high-achieving, dependable first son. She wasn’t sure what to make of this difference.

Aiko turned as Mya entered the kitchen. Would you help me with these? She pointed to the serving platters on the bench filled with finger food. Another tray, holding a teapot and cups, sat balanced in her elegant hands. Aiko had household staff but she preferred to do things the traditional way when with family.

Mya grabbed a platter in each hand and followed Aiko into the living room, placing them on the low table in the center of the room. Side plates sat there, ready.

Kazuya motioned for Mya to sit beside him. She smiled and sat on the low chair to his right and crossed her legs as Aiko placed the cups and began to pour.

Mya breathed in and held her breath, letting the aroma of fresh tea infuse her body.

Now, I suggest you be brave and tell me the real reason you are here, Mya-chan. I know you well enough to see there is something bothering you, Kazuya said.

Mya grimaced and opened her eyes. She’d been made. Aiko watched her carefully, proving that she also suspected something was up. Hiro glanced between them, looking confused. At least he hadn't already figured out she had an agenda. She sighed.

"Okay. But first I want to say that although I’m asking, I don’t expect you to say yes. I don’t want to offend you by asking. Heck, I don’t even know if it’s possible. I just wanted to run it by you to get your thoughts and to see if you would help me."

Kaz smiled gently at her. You know there is nothing that I would not do for you. You are family.

Mya shifted nervously on her soft chair. She lowered her gaze and her head in respect. Thank you. You have no idea how much that means to me. But my request might stretch even your patience.

Then speak up, child, so I know whether to be annoyed or not.

The smile that accompanied his comment helped to relieve some of her anxiety. He’d never even raised his voice at her in all the years he’d known her. She took a deep breath and held his gaze.

I want to become a Japanese citizen and I ask for your help in achieving that. I'm not here for a holiday, I'm here for good. I want to buy a house. She paused, deciding whether to ask for the whole-hog. Why not? The worst he could do would be to kick her out. "I’ve never asked you for anything my whole life but I'm asking you for this. Is there anything you can do, anyone you know who can…expedite…my application so that I can become a Japanese in the least time possible?"

Her father’s shocked expression showed her how far from left-field she’d hit him. She rushed to explain. I know the rules. It’s going to take ten years to even be considered for permanent residency. I’ve spoken with the consulate many times over the years. I was here as much as possible and now that I'm free of that pathetic marriage I don’t want to leave. Tears pricked the backs of her eyes as she fought to control the depth of emotion welling up in her. I never wanted to leave.

Silence descended over the room. Sudden dread threatened to swallow her whole.

She shouldn’t have said anything, shouldn’t have presumed that he would, or could, help her. She should never have risked their relationship like this, asking him to do something that was essentially illegal. Especially knowing that he prided himself on his Family’s pursuit of a more traditional yakuza business, one of protection and growth and legitimate business, not the illegal trades of drugs and arms. Shame washed over her at her presumption and she looked down at her hands. She consciously flexed them. Her knuckles were white from the tight fists she’d balled them into.

I’ve offended you and put you in a poor position. I’ll go pack my bags immediately. I'm so sorry, she whispered.

She moved backward and braced her legs to stand. Two hands grabbed her forearm, one on either side. Mya looked up.

I never knew you wanted to return. Not permanently. I thought you were happy with how your business was escalating, and your life in Brisbane. Had I known we could have sorted this out much earlier.

Kaz’s gentle voice unleashed her pent-up emotions. Tears built and fell onto her cheeks, despite her scraping her hand over her eyes to stop them.

I want to come home.

Kaz opened his arms wide and Mya threw herself into his embrace. Then that’s what you shall do.

Relief washed through her. He wasn’t angry with her. Kaz rubbed her back as she got herself under control, suddenly embarrassed that she’d fallen apart on them like that.

Finally, you have made the right decision. She looked up at the sound of Aiko’s voice, who smiled through tears of her own.

Mya laughed and wiped at her face. I just hope everyone feels that way.

She looked to Hiro, who sat in stunned silence. She raised an eyebrow, questioning him. He nodded, then grinned at her.

It’s good to have you back, Hiro confirmed.

Shin will be thrilled. He would never admit to it but he misses you. Aiko leaned over and kissed Mya’s cheek. He will love this.

I hope so.

Aiko