A pinky lost but a hand earned

As Haruto and I chatted near the koi pond Reo came over and motioned for us to follow him. A bad feeling washed over me as I looked at Reo's retreating back.

Suddenly a scream filled my ears. I shook off my shoes and ran towards the room that the old man was in. I slid open the door and covered my mouth. My brother Charlie was being held by two men as he cried. Blood seeped from his left hand as his pinky laid on the ground next to him. The old man was holding a sharp knife which resembled a dagger. It had jagged edges. I winced. It must've hurt going through the bone. The men then released my brother as he sobbed on the ground. This was the Yakuza ritual of a yubitsume. It's done as a sort of apology. I walked in and glared at the old man who smiled at me meekly. Haruto and Reo followed me in the room.

"Oh Astrid dear when did you-"

"Spare your words old man. You had promised me that you wouldn't touch a single hair on my brother's head. What the fuck is this?"

The old man chuckled as he wiped my brother's blood off of the knife.

"I did not break my promise. I indeed did not touch his hair. You did not restrict me from cutting off his finger. Astrid. Your brother has made the stupid decision of throwing an explosive in a Yakuza household. And the Yamaguchi one at that. If he weren't your brother I would have had him shot with his head displayed to the dogs. Do you now understand my kindness and generosity?"

My heart clenched as I watched my brother whimper from the pain. I forcefully smiled at the old man and said.

"Thank you Oyabun. I truly appreciate your mercy."

I bowed as I felt my hands tremble. Shit. Shit. This was bad. All my stupid brother wanted to do was save me from this hellish life. I need to tread softly if I ever want to make it out of here alive. I raised my head and looked at the old man. His eyes reminded me of a snake's as he smirked. Terrifying. Truly terrifying. I need to each my words and actions. I turned to see Haruto smoke his cigarette as his eyes shined coldly. Where was his warm expression earlier?

As I looked around the room I noticed that I was an enemy. I walked over and ignored their stares as I tore off silk from the bottom hem of my dress. I then took some of the sake from the small table and poured it on Charlie's hand.

"ASTRID! NOOO!"

My brother continued to yell before I gagged his mouth. Tears continued to run down his cheeks as I picked up his pinky and handed it to the old man. I bowed then wrapped Charlie's hand with my silk piece of fabric. It takes an infection approximately two hours to fully manifest if the wound is not treated. I am not a biology major but I have taken advanced biology courses. If I can take him away from this place I can then focus on treating him. The only problem was that I felt like Haruto and his family wanted to coerce me into something right now. I turned to look at the old man as I said.

"Mr. Yamaguchi, what is that you want me to do for you to go to such lengths to commit such an act?"

The old man burst into laughter before answering.

"You are too smart for that pretty face of yours. My son is lucky to have such a wife."

The old man then took a sip of his sake before saying.

"I would like you to formally engage my son tomorrow or even the day after. We never know after all if you are thinking of eacaping. I had for this act Astrid precisely to warn you."

The old man licked the edge of the knife before setting it down and looking at me with a look of menace.

"I would like to warn you that if you evert think of escaping this family be prepared for the consequences."

I clenched my trembling fists before straightening up and smiled.

"Don't worry Mr. Yamaguchi."

I then tilted my head and took out my sharp hair pin and inserted it into the table a centimeter away from the old man's hand.

"And this Mr.Yamaguchi, is my warning to you. If you ever mess with my family again I will not only take your pinky but your whole hand even at the risk of my life. Do you understand?"

Haruto stepped forward but his dad put up his hand. The old man smiled as he said.

"Just like a proper Yakuza bride. Welcome to the Yamaguchi family, Astrid. Don't disappoint me as I have high hopes for you."

I chuckled and shook his outstretched hand. I then curled my lips upward as I said.

"I'm glad to do so Mr.Yamaguchi. Please do take care of me."

The old man smiled evilly before saying.

"Don't worry dear we will take great care of you."

........

Thank you so much for reading my luvs😍Stay safe and be careful😷😍