Page 2 of Daigo

But it was not that. She loved him so much it made her insane.

"It's been two years. I checked out the clinic. It's private and the doctors are cutting edge. All I need from you is your contribution."

He turned to face her then, eyes smoldering.

"You mean my sperm."

"Yes." She had been pleading with him since the idea took root. She wanted a child. Not just because his mother was silently judging her for being infertile and not conceiving, but she wanted a part of him, growing inside her. She wanted something more than what they had. And she was desperately hoping to bridge the gap between them.

"It will happen when it does. I don't see why-"

"Dammit, Daigo!" She wanted to stamp her foot but restrained herself. He didn't like scenes. She was aware of the environment he had been brought up in. Emotions were for common people like her. And they did not solve anything.

She had shown him differently. She wasn't afraid to say what was on her mind and to have a full-blown argument. He had come to expect it.

"Don't swear."

Her eyes glowered. "I'm going to do more than that. I need this. You said you love me-" She sucked in a breath when he slammed the glass down on the smooth countertop, sending the liquid splashing over the rim.

"Don't use my feelings as a hammer to get what you bloody want. You're better than that."

"Am I?" She angled her chin, her expression chilly. "I need this and if you love me-"

"Damn you." He moved swiftly and was on her before she could take a step back. His hands were around her throat, his eyes glittering. He did not get angry often, but when he did, it sent flutters inside her chest. He would never hurt her, but she could feel the leashed strength in the coiled muscles. Her husband was an expert in several martial arts. She had seen him practicing many times in their home gym/sword room.

"Damn you." Anger was replaced by need on a dime, being this near to her, the scent of her perfume assailing his nostrils, the feel of her ripe curves against his. She was such a tiny thing – even in her heels she barely reached his shoulder. The need to protect her was always evident.

He knew his mother did not approve of his wife. He had made the choice to disobey her on that front. And he knew the consequences.

Using his thumbs, he pushed her chin up and bent his head. Hesitation was brief, as if he were waiting for her to deny him. They had been fighting for more than two weeks, and the lovemaking had been fast and furious, an outlet for their anger.

His lips brushed hers, a whisper, a plea for understanding. Her hands lifted to settle on his chest. She felt his heart beating unsteadily through the thin silk of his sweater. The warmth of his skin seared her flesh. She moved in, tilting her head back as his mouth cruised over hers.

The first time he made love to her, it had blown her away. Staggered her until she was reeling. He had done everything – things she had never dreamed could be done. He was always thorough. She knew he had the expertise, but it had been more than just experience. He had managed to touch her soul.

His hands drifted down her back to fist into the soft wool of her jacket. He gently parted her lips, breathing in her scent, tasting her, savoring her. She made him want like never before. He, who was used to women – accustomed to being in charge, in control, was made weak by this one petite woman.

It infuriated and excited him at the same time.

And he knew he was going to give in. His mother had strenuously objected to the procedure, had been horrified by even the thought of it. But Shelby came first. Her needs were his. Lifting his head, he continued to hold her and waited for his heart to even out.

Stepping back, he released her, dark eyes still glittering. If he hadn't stopped, he would have dragged her to the sofa by the window and made love to her. It was not the time, and he had a meeting.

"All right." Turning away, he went to pick up his glass. "Set the appointment. I'll be there."

"You will never regret-"

"I already do." His cool tone after the heated kiss took her aback. "But it's what you want."

"I would hope that it's what you want too, Daigo."

He smiled humorlessly as he swirled the liquor and watched as the slant of the sun reflected the golden color. It reminded him of her eyes. "That would be stretching it too far." He met her eyes in the one-way glass. "I've done my research too, Shelby-Anne. There are considerable risks involved. I won't lose you." He shrugged. "We'll do it your way for now, with the understanding that if things start to go wrong, if there's even an infinitesimal risk to your health, the deal is over."

"Meaning?" she asked coldly.

"Meaning it's you and no one else that's important to me. No one."

He turned to face her then, his face carved in stone. She knew that look and felt the fear and despair pouring through.