Dearly Beloved (Siren Publishing Allure) (14 page)

His father chuckled. “She’s going to be so mad at you, but I understand. The safe birth of your child is top priority.”

The servers brought in the food and a table setting for him. There was rice with miso soup, vegetables, and fish. One of the ladies poured tea for them.

“I heard about the cake,” his father said.

“What cake?” Tomio asked.

“The cake Ebony baked for Chef Kudo?”

“Oh, that cake,” Tomio said. “She was just thanking him for the excellent service he gave her when she visited his restaurant.”

“The guys came back bragging about how good it was. I would like to try one of her cakes.”

“You are invited to the house for dinner and dessert anytime,” Tomio said to his father. “All of you are. Ebony is an excellent cook and baker.”

The servers came back with the main dish—seafood tempura.

“I heard that you are opening a new store,” Haruka said to Rika. Up until now, the woman had not said much.

“Yes,” Rika replied. “In the mall on the other side of town.”

Damn, he had hoped that she was going to return to Osaka. He guessed her mother was still doing poorly.

“Will it be another accessory store?” Haruka asked.

“No,” Rika answered. “This one is going to feature shoes and purses.”

“Ooh, let me know when it opens,” Takara said. “A woman can never have too many shoes.”

“Yes, she can,” Makoto said. “You need to get rid of some of the ones you have before you buy any more. We barely have room in the closet now.”

“That’s because it’s filled with your suits,” Takara said to her husband. “I need a closet of my own.”

“Then maybe you should think about moving out and getting your own place,” his father said to her. “Then you can have as many closets as you want.”

Haruka and the others, including Makoto, laughed at his father’s joke. Takara did not. “Maybe that’s not such a bad idea. Maybe Makoto and I should get our own place.”

“Then he better hire you a housekeeper and cook too,” his mother said. “Because you don’t know the first thing about running a house.”

“How hard can it be?” Takara asked. “If a foreigner can do it so can I.”

“Why do you people insist on talking about that woman?” his mother asked.

“Why are you picking on me all of a sudden?” Takara asked. “All I did was ask Rika about her new shop.”

“How would you like a job?” Rika asked Takara. “I could always use someone with some fashion sense to work in my new store.”

Everyone stopped eating. No female in the family had ever worked outside of the home, not even his mother.

“I’ve never worked in sales before. What would I have to do?” Takara asked.

“It’s easy. You would just need to talk a customer into buying a purse or a new pair of shoes.”

Takara looked over toward Makoto. He nodded. “It may do you some good to get out of the house and learn how to earn money, not just how it is spent.”

“I’ll do it,” Takara said. “Then maybe I can get some respect around here. And who knows, maybe I can buy my own house.”

Rika chuckled. “Maybe.”

His mother did not look pleased. “I had hoped that you would help me with Father’s birthday party. Now I’ll be stuck with Haruka.”

“Hey, I’m right here,” Haruka yelled. “I’ve helped you before and you’ve never complained.”

Tomio smiled. Takara had just found her way out of helping around the house. She was smarter than she looked.

“Maybe you need to get Ebony to help out,” Takara suggested.

Or maybe not, Tomio thought.

“New rule,” his mother said. “No talking about foreigners at the dinner table from now on.”

Tomio had had enough. He rose and bowed. “Thank you for the food, but I better get home to my wife.”

“But you haven’t finished your dinner,” his mother said.

“I suddenly have a headache,” he said walking toward the door. “Have a nice evening.” Hopefully, he would not have to see any of them until his father’s birthday party, which was rapidly approaching.

* * * *

“How was dinner with your folks?” Ebony asked Tomio. Of course, she would have preferred that he stay home with her, but she couldn’t be selfish. And besides, she wasn’t feeling very well and used the time alone to elevate her swollen feet.

“Nice,” Tomio answered. “Not too much drama.”

Ebony had learned that was a good thing in the Nakamura household.

“Rika was visiting my mother again, so I had no choice but to dine with her.”

Ebony frowned. Oh, he had a choice. He could have left, but he chose to stay and break bread with the enemy. She had forgiven his little transgression once, but she wasn’t going to be so nice again. “How is Father?” She could care less about the others.

“He’s fine,” Tomio said flipping through the mail he just picked up from the dresser. “He asked about you. I think he’s very excited about becoming a grandfather for the first time.”

“Lucky man. He’s going to get two in one year.” She moved around trying to get comfortable.

Tomio put the mail away and began undressing. “Are you okay?”

Ebony nodded. “I have a little backache.”

Tomio came over, sat next to her, and began massaging her shoulders. “Turn over on your side and let me at your back.”

“Easier said than done,” Ebony said as she attempted to roll over to her left. Tomio lent a hand by giving her a gently shove. “Thanks.”

“Maybe we should think about getting you some help around here.”

Tomio’s big hands were warm and his fingers felt wonderful to her stiff shoulders and aching back. “I can still manage this place,” Ebony insisted. It wasn’t as if it was going to be easy for him to find an Asian woman who would want to work for a foreigner.

“Are you sure?” he asked as he continued to massage her. “You’re awfully tense.”

“I’m sure,” Ebony said. “My legs are just a little swollen, and I have to stay away from salt and start drinking more water.”

Tomio made her lie down on her back again. He removed the covers from her and looked down at her legs and feet. He gasped. “Your doctor will not be pleased.” He went down to the bottom of the bed and began massaging her legs. “My father’s birthday is approaching. There is going to be a party. He wants you to attend.”

Ebony tried not to react. It was useless to argue. After all, Hajime had been kind to her. So what if she had to put up with his wife for a couple of hours? She could do it. “Okay. When is it?”

“Next weekend,” Tomio answered.

“So soon? I don’t know if I can fit any of those fancy dresses you gave me.”

“I will buy you something new.” He moved his hands from her legs to her thighs. The baby moved in her stomach. Tomio chuckled. “Our child is excited about the party, too.” He moved closer and put both hands on her belly. The baby continued to kick vigorously. Tomio moved up the hem of her gown and exposed her stomach. He laid his bare hands against her skin. The kicks got stronger. Tomio leaned over and placed a kiss near her belly button. “You smell so good.”

Earlier, she had rubbed down in cocoa butter to help with the stretch marks.
Stupid Eriko.
“Thanks.”

Tomio lifted his head. He had that lusty look in his eyes. “Can I see the rest of you?”

“I am no longer toned,” Ebony said.

Tomio frowned. “You are pregnant. I do know your body has gone through some changes.”

Ebony unbuttoned her gown and removed it. Her breasts were big and her areola showed signs of arousal. They were huge.

“You are so beautiful,” Tomio said as he slid her panties down her hips, thighs and finally off her feet. He had removed his jacket earlier when he arrived. He got out of his dress shirt and tie, crawled between her legs, and buried his face into her sex. He kissed her down there too before bringing her to a delightful orgasm with his mouth. “Do you think that maybe we can do it?” Tomio asked.

“Maybe this one last time, if we’re careful,” Ebony answered.

Tomio removed the remainder of his clothing and joined her on the bed. It was too awkward now for him to be on top of her or vice versa. Ebony, with Tomio’s help again, rolled over to her side. Tomio moved in behind her and spooned her body with his. The wet tip of his hard dick touched her back. He was horny, too.
Poor man.
He had been holding back lately since she was moving into her final months. He moved one hand around her and started playing with her nipples. Didn’t he know she didn’t need any help getting prepared for him? She’d been in a frenzied state since he walked into their bedroom earlier. With the other hand, he guided himself between her thighs and entered her with a well-aimed thrust.

Tomio took his time, inching in a little at a time. They started out slow at first. His moaning let her know that he was enjoying what she was doing to him, too. She would have enjoyed it even more if they were face to face and she was looking into those piercing dark eyes.

Ebony got more into it, moving her hips and bottom, making his dick slide out to the head, and then feeling him bury it back inside of her. Tomio increased the thrusting until both of them were at the verge of coming. She came first, drenching his cock. “Ooh!” Tomio, in turn, rode her until his cum coated her insides. It was the quietest fuck they’d ever had, and the quickest. Tomio eased out of her and snuggled against her from behind. The next thing she heard was his soft snores. Ebony smiled. Her poor husband was both mentally and physically exhausted, but too damn proud to admit it.

Ebony dressed for her father-in-law’s birthday party. It was being held at the Nakamura headquarters that she didn’t even know existed before tonight. Every day she learned something new, either about Tomio, his family, or their business. Tomio still did not say too much around her. She guessed it was just his way of keeping her innocent to what they truly did so she couldn’t testify against them. She welcomed the fact. She would rather be in the dark than come face to face with the real truth.

Ebony looked at her belly. In just one month, there would be a baby to care for. She hoped she was up to the task because she’d never been responsible for another life before. Her doctor told her that she was in excellent condition, and that he didn’t foresee any complications. She was learning a lot about babies in the birthing classes she, Tomio, and Gina attended. Eiji made it when he could. Afterward, they all would have lunch or dinner together, depending on their spouse’s schedules.

“You look beautiful.”

Ebony turned around. Tomio stood behind her dressed in a formal black tuxedo. He had shaved and combed his hair back off his forehead, making him look quite distinguished.

“I’m getting fatter.”

“Nonsense,” Tomio said pulling her into his arms. “There’s just more of you to love.” He kissed her. “I have a surprise for you.”

“What is it?” Ebony asked.

“I found us a house.”

“What?” she asked. “Where?”

“Not too far from here. It’s near an elementary school and the mall.”

She wished Tomio would include her in the decision making. “When can I see it? Does it have a nursery?”

“Tomorrow,” Tomio answered. “And yes, it has a nursery right next to one of the master suites. The house has six bedrooms and six and a half baths.”

He seemed very happy about it. “What are we going to do with six bedrooms?”

“Fill them with kids,” Tomio answered.

She hoped he was joking, and she was glad he didn’t mention moving his parents in with them when they grew elderly.

“When can we move?”

“Soon.” He kissed her again. “We better go. My father is looking forward to seeing you again.” He led her out of the room.

Ebony liked Hajime. That was the only reason she had agreed to go to the party. Her plan was to stay close to Tomio, and as far away from Setsuko as possible. He walked her out of the house. Akira was waiting nearby the car. “Good evening.”

“Good evening, Mrs. Nakamura.”

Ebony raised an eyebrow. Lately he had been a little too charming. “What’s gotten into him?” she asked Tomio.

“Who knows,” Tomio answered.

Maybe they should have left earlier because they ran into a lot of traffic. Akira was a very good driver, but he couldn’t do anything about it but move when the other cars did.

“We’re almost there,” Akira announce once traffic started flowing again.

Ebony looked out of the window. It looked like what she assumed a California movie premier or an award show arrival would be like. There were a lot of cars dropping off beautifully dressed people, and valets were out parking cars. There were people everywhere she looked once they finally made it to the front. Ebony didn’t expect to see so many, and she wondered just how popular Hajime was.

“Everyone loves my father,” Tomio said as he escorted her toward the entrance. “He’s a fun guy when he’s not holding a gun on you.”

Ebony raised an eyebrow. She hoped Tomio was kidding.

The Nakamura Group headquarters consisted of two buildings on one property. The one in the front was a huge hall used for activities. The one in the back was the actual administrative building. The party was held in the first one. The family sat at a table in the front near the band. The place had a stage and an area for dancing. The food was set up buffet style, with several chefs on hand to cut the meat and to serve the guests.