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“What if that’s not enough? I’m always away lately. It feels like she’s growing up without me.”
“Niko is finally old enough to attend school without an interpreter and live her life with confidence. You should be free to do the same. Besides, we are taking good care of her.”
I glance up and see that Akira has left the car. She is now standing outside it, staring at me through the café’s glass window.
“I need to go.” I am about to put the phone away when I hear Ashanti’s voice.
“Ryo?”
I grit my teeth and place the phone back to my ear. “Yes?”
“You… you would tell me if anything is happening between you and that girl, right?”
“I will honor our agreement.”
She sighs in relief.
I end the call and stuff the cell phone in my pocket. Leaving another hundred dollar bill on the table because I will not be outdone by Adam of all people, I leave the café and cross to the parking lot.
Akira straightens her stance when I draw near. Her dark hair is pulled back in a severe bun. Her black pantsuit clashes with her extremely pale skin. She’s quite tall, almost as tall as me, and her height along with her stunning face draws the eyes of many American men.
The moment I stop in front of her, Akira bows at the waist.
“I should not have lost Niko yesterday.” She keeps staring at my shoes.
“I received your letter of apology. And, like I told you yesterday, Niko managed to escape me many times.”
“I followed you to America on your mother’s request. My only job is to keep young Niko safe. I failed.”
“There is a way you can make it up to me.”
She straightens, a determined look in her eyes. “I will do it.”
“This girl.” I show her my phone screen.
Akira squints to make out Dejonae’s face. “You are pursuing another foreign woman?”
“It is only for business.”
She looks relieved.
“What would you have me do?” Akira asks.
“I want to know everything about Miss Williams. Her family. Her educational background. Her financial situation. Can you do it?”
Akira hesitates and then she dips her head.
“I would like a report by tomorrow morning.”
“So quickly?”
“There is no time to waste.” I raise my chin. “I must have this woman in my clutches before three days.”
* * *
Akira dropsoff a folder at my residence at eleven p.m. that night.
There is a reason she is my mother’s most trusted friendandthe one who oversees Niko’s safety.
