Chapter 83 - 85
Avara POV
"After dinner," he says firmly, "I’m telling Haru I’m stepping back. I’ll still be there for him, but in legal ventures—things I can oversee without..." He gestures vaguely, his meaning clear. "Akio can handle the other side. Not me. Not anymore."
"What if Haru doesn’t accept that? He seems like the all or nothing type."
"He doesn’t have a choice. I’ve always followed my path. It led me to him but it will end with you."
He leaves his words to sparkle the air around me as he moves away to get ready. I leave to change into a white summer dress with a tie back. When I return back into the main bedroom, I perch on the vanity stool, and I put on my makeup, the whole process before carefully brushing the highlighter onto my cheeks, watching the golden sheen catch the light. My eyes snap to the mirror, catching a shift in the room—Botan.
He’s seated on the edge of the bed, dressed entirely in black. His sleeves are rolled to his elbows, revealing the map of veins running along his forearms, the subtle flex of muscle as he pulls on his shoes. His hair, slicked back with a few rebellious wisps falling over his forehead, oh the darkness he wears so well.
My chest tightens, my body drawn to him before my mind can even protest. Rising from the stool, I step toward him. He senses my approach and looks up, his expression softening as his hands fall naturally to rest on my thighs. His touch is grounding, pulling me into the gravity of him as I half-climb onto the bed, one knee planted beside his hip.
His gaze burns into mine, laced with more than just longing. There’s something deeper there, something raw and primal.
I lift my hand to his face, my palm cradling his cheek. He leans into the contact instantly, his eyes fluttering closed like a man starved for touch. The rough edge of his jaw presses into my hand, and I trace my thumb idly over his cheekbone.
"I’ll sign it," I say softly, a smile curving my lips. "Once you’re done talking to Haru, I’ll sign the papers. And we can... we can stay here."