Chapter 44

Botan POV

I sit on a picnic table in the park, my combat boots posted on the bench.

The entire park is empty. My men are strategically spaced out around me, motionless, many and menacing. This place is peaceful, a small town tucked away in a deep cleft valley nestled between grizzled mountains. The mountain's reflection is varnished on the glassy surface of the lake. However, my eyes are on the private property right across it. A lake house.

Akio approaches. I know without even looking, those long, stomping strides, leaves crunching underfoot that carries the weight of his frustration. He emerges in my periphery, but I don't even spare him a glance. He makes a bold move by standing right in front of me. I haul up my gaze. He stares back at me impatiently.

"You were supposed to be in Abu Dhabi two days ago—"

"I sent Kai."