FallingforSakuraVol.3:ASe cre tProposalPart1

Sakuraandthe Prince tonBrothe rs

The Prince tonBrothe rsSe rie s

Ale xiaC.Praks

Copyright©2016byAlexiaC.Praks

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FALLINGFORSAKURA

Vol.3

ASecretProposalPart1

SakuraandthePrincetonBrothers

ThePrincetonBrothersSeries

AlexiaC.Praks

TableofContents

FallingforSakura
Chapter1
Chapter2
Chapter3
Chapter4
Chapter5
Chapter6
Chapter7
Chapter8
Chapter9
Chapter10
Chapter11
Chapter12
Chapter13
Chapter14
Chapter15
Chapter16
Chapter17
Chapter18
Chapter19
Chapter20
Chapter21
Chapter22
Chapter23
Chapter24
Chapter25
Chapter26
Chapter27
Chapter28
Chapter29
Chapter30
Chapter31
NextintheSeries
MoreBooksbyAlexia
AboutAlexia

FallingforSakura

When Sakura once again meets her gorgeous adoptive brothers, Sebastian and Darcy Princeton,
forbiddenfeelingsareawakenedandanoldflameignites.

WhenorphanSakuraTanakasneaksintoafamousJapanesedesigner’sfashionshowinordertomeether
biologicalmother,shedoesn’tanticipateacomplicationthatwillturnherworldupsidedown.

Throughmistakenidentity,sheendsupmodellingforthedesigner,whichinturnleadstoanunexpected
encounter with her seven drop-dead gorgeous adoptive brothers, two of which have intentions for her
heart.OneofthemisSebastianPrinceton,thehandsomemulti-billionairerealestateinvestor,whoisn’t
afraid to show his feelings for her and openly pursues her. The other is Darcy Princeton, the multi-
billionairegamedesignerandentrepreneur,whoseloveSakurahasalwayssecretlypossessed.

TowhomwillSakuraultimatelygiveherheart?

Japane se Honorifics

-San: Derived from

sama, is the most commonplace honorific, and is a title of respect typically used

betweenequalsofanyage.E.g.Sebastian-san

-Sama:Isamarkedlymorerespectfulversionof

san

andcanbeusedforanygender.Itisusedmainlyto

refertopeoplemuchhigherinrankthanoneself.E.g.Oka-sama(mother).

-Kun:Isusedbypeopleofseniorstatusinaddressingorreferringtothoseofjuniorstatus,orbyanyone
whenaddressingorreferringtomalechildrenormaleteenagers,oramongmalefriends.Itcanalsobe
usedbyfemaleswhenaddressingamalethattheyareemotionallyattachedtoorhaveknownforalong
periodoftime.E.g.Nicolas-kun.

-Chan:Itexpressesthatthespeakerfindsapersonendearing.Ingeneral,

chan

isusedforbabies,young

children,grandparentsandteenagers.Itmayalsobeusedtowardscuteanimals,lovers,closefriends,any
youthfulwoman,orbetweenfriends.E.g.Sakura-chan.

-Sensei:Isusedtorefertooraddressteachers,doctors,politicians,lawyers,andotherauthorityfigures.
Itisusedtoshowrespecttosomeonewhohasachievedacertainlevelofmasteryinanartformorsome
otherskill,andisalsoappliedtonovelists,poets,painters,andotherartists.E.g.Tachibana-sensei

.

FamilyMe mbe rWords

Oka:Mother.E.g.Oka-sanorOka-sama.
Oba:Auntormiddle-agedlady.E.g.Oba-chanorOba-san.
Onii:Olderbrother.E.g.Onii-chanorOnii-san.
Imouto:Youngersister.E.g.Imouto-chan.

CHAPTER1

AMothe r’sRe gre t

Itwasspringagain,andHarukaSuzukifeltherheartachingtoonceagainholdthebeautifulbabygirlshe
hadabandonedtwenty-fiveyearsago.

Torment,guilt,andregret—thosewerethefeelingsshefeltdeepwithinherbeing,burninginhersoul,

rippingherhearttopieces.

WhydidIabandonmybeautifulbabygirl?Why?
Harukacouldn’tcomeupwithanexplanationastowhy.Theonlypatheticexcuseshehadwasshe’d

beentooyoungtoseereason,understand,andstandupforwhatshethoughtwasright.Shehadalsobeen
tooafraidofwhatmighthappen—tooafraidofthefuture,society,andherownparents,ofwhatthey’ddo
toherandherbeloveddaughter.

Twenty-five years ago, her arranged marriage to Kenji Suzuki, the eldest son of the wealthy Suzuki

family, had been imminent. She’d known it would ruin both families’ names if anyone were to find out
she’d been pregnant before marriage with an unknown American man. Thus, she had no choice but to
leavethebabygirlattheorphanageinSt.JosephIsland,aplaceshe’dchosenbecauseithadseemedso
farremovedfromthiscorruptedworld,aplacewhereshethoughtherdaughterwouldbewelltakencare
of.Thenshe’dreturnedtoJapanandhonoredherfamily’swishbymarryingKenjiinordertoforgethe
bond between the Suzukis and the Tanakas and strengthen the already powerful, wealthy families even
more.

Haruka Tanaka. That had been her name once, twenty-five years ago to be precise. She hadn’t

understoodwhyshehadn’tgivenherbabygirlherlastname.Ifshe’dbeensmartenoughtodoso,thenit
wouldn’thavebeensohardtosearchforhernow.

Manytimesafterhermarriage,Harukahaddoubtedherdecision.Perhapssheshouldhaveconfronted

herfamilyandkeptherdaughter.She,however,hadbeentooweak.Nowherdaughterwasnowheretobe
found. She hadn’t a clue where else to look, as the old Queen Mary Orphanage had burnt down seven
yearsafterthatfatefulspringdaywhenshe’dleftSakuraonthedoorstep.Allrecordsofthechildrenhad
beendestroyedintheflamesandmostofthechildrenhadbeenadopted.SheknewSakurahadbeenoneof
them.

HerbeloveddaughterSakurawouldbeturningtwenty-fiveyearsoldtoday.
“Sakura,whereareyou?”shemurmuredunderherbreathasshewatchedthepetalsofcherryblossoms

rainingdownaroundher.Shereachedoutherhandtocatchsome,broughtthemlovinglytolookcloser,
andgentlystrokedthepetals,tearsbrewinginhereyes.

“Mononoaware,”amanlyvoicesaidsoftly.
HarukaturnedtoseethehandsomebillionaireSebastianPrincetonstandingnottoofaraway,hiseyes

onthecherryblossomtreeinfullbloomofpinkcloudsbehindher.Hehadafarawaylookinhisazure-
blue eyes, which she knew spoke of loss, of beautiful memories long gone. Now he was reminded of
those unforgettable memories and it pained him, as it pained her. Had he lost his loved one, too, she
wonderedandfeltsaddenedatthethought.

“It’sbeautiful,”hesaid,closinghiseyesandinhalingthesweetscent.Instantly,itremindedhimofthe

womanheloved,thewomannamedSakura,andhisheartached.

“Mononoaware,”Harukasaid,nodding.“Youunderstanditsmeaning.”
Sebastianopenedhiseyes.Beforehim,hesawhisnewtenantfromJapanwho,withhersmallfamily,

had moved into this luxurious private apartment on the upper east side of Manhattan three months ago.
Haruka,Sebastianthought,wasoneverytraditionalJapanesewomanallright,forhehadneverseenher
dressedinanythingexceptyukata.Thisonewasverybeautifulindeed,withpurpleandwhiteflowers.

SebastianlikedtovisitHaruka.Helikedtotalktoherbecauseshewasalwayssosoftspokenandso

philosophical.ThentherewasalsothefactthatHarukaremindedhimsomuchofSakura.

Hecametositbesideherandsaid,“Someonetoldme.”
“A woman?” Haruka couldn’t help asking. There was a lovely ring of teasing in her voice that

Sebastiandidn’tmiss.

Sebastiannoddedwithouthesitation.
“Isshebeautiful?”
Again,Sebastiannodded.“ThemostbeautifulbeingI’veeverseen.”
Harukasmiled.“Youloveher?”
Sebastianfrownedandhisfacedarkened.
Harukanoticed.“Iapologize,Sebastian-san.Ididnotmeantoaskyousuchapersonalquestion.”She

stood, her hands folded politely in front of her as she bowed her head apologetically. “Please, forgive
me.”

Sebastian shook his head. “There’s nothing to forgive. I’ve come to see how you’re settling in the

apartment. Please, if you needed anything, just inform the manager Mr. Smith. He’ll take care of
everything.

Harukachuckled.“Sebastian-san,Ithankyouforyourwonderfulhospitality.MightIthankyouforthe

lovelydesignoftheapartmentaswell?Itisverymuchtomytaste,especiallymybedroom.Howdidyou
comeupwithsuchanidea?AmixtureofJapaneseandEuropeandécor.”

It was Sebastian’s turn to chuckle. “I stole the idea, so you shouldn’t thank me. After all, it was the

decoratorswhodidallthework.Ijustgavethemmythoughts.”Hedidn’ttellherithadbeenSakura’s
bedroombackatPrincetonMansiononSt.JosephIslandthathadinspiredhim.

“Butstill,”Harukaargued.“ItwasverykindofyoutothinkofusJapanese.Ohdear,Iambeingavery

badhostessindeed.Please,Iinviteyoutohaveteawithme.It’sJapanesetea,ifyoudon’tmind.”

Sebastianstood.“Idon’tmindatall.”
Harukanodded.Theybothlefttheexoticallydesignedprivatecourtyardfilledwithcherrytreesinfull

bloomonthegroundfloorofthebuildingandenteredtheenormouslobbynearertothefront.Theytook
thelifttothethirdlevel.Afewmomentslater,theyenteredHaruka’senormous,luxuriousapartmentthat
wasclassicallydesignedanddecorated.

“Baka!”Theyheardafemininevoiceechothroughthehallway.“Baka!Whydoesithavetobeherwho

getstowearOba-chan’spreciousnecklace?”

Harukaglancedatherguest,hopingSebastiandidn’tmindtheobviousloudargumenthappeninginthe

house.

“It’s my niece Akira,” she explained. “I think she is still upset about the casting for the upcoming

fashionshow.”

Sebastiantookoffhisshoesandnoddedinunderstanding.“There’sanothermodelMr.Tachibanahas

enlistedtowearhisfinale?”

“Yes,”Harukasaid.“Sakura.”
SebastianfelthisheartskipabeatandglancedatHaruka.
“HernameisSakuraTaito,”Harukasaid,leadingSebastianintothelivingroom.“She’sverybeautiful

andveryfamous,soI’veheard.Shewillbewearingoneofmypreciouspieces.”

“Isee,”Sebastianmurmured.
“Don’tlookatmelikethat,Onii-chan.”TheyheardAkirasnap.“I’mnotjealous.Sonotjealousofher.

I’mjustpissedthatshegetstowearOba-chan’snecklace.”

“If she doesn’t wear that necklace, then who will?” the deep, manly voice of Sosuke Suzuki asked.

“You?”

“Onii-chan!”Akirashouted.
“Dearme,”Harukasaidthemomenttheywereinthelivingroom.“Wehaveaguest.”
AkiraSuzukistoppedhermutteringimmediatelyandsmiledpleasantlyattheirguest.“Sebastian-san,

howniceofyoutovisitus.Whenwasthelasttime?”Akiracockedherheadtooneside.“Ah,twomonths
ago.Howshameful,Sebastian-san,consideringthefactthatyouonlyliveoneflooraboveusandkeepthat
beautifulviewalltoyourself.Nottomentiontheveryprivategardenyouhaveupthere.Don’ttellmeyou
don’thaveonebecauseI’veseentheSakuratreesfromthestreets.”

Sebastian laughed. “You are welcome to use the private garden at the penthouse if you so wish.

There’snoonetostopyou.”

Akirapulledherfaceandflickedhershortblackhair.“HowcouldIdothat,Sebastian-san?Onii-chan

wouldkillme.”SheglancedatherolderbrotherSosuke,whowasstaringatherintensely.Shesecretly
smiledasshewatchedhimnudgehisglassesupthebridgeofhisfinenose.Sheknewhewasconcerned
aboutherwaywardwaysnowthattheywerelivinghereinNewYork.Sosukeneededtoloosenuphis
uptightmanner,evenjustabit,shethought.

Shecontinued.“Consideringthefactthatyouhave,what?Sixotherbrotherslivingwithyou,andall

still single.” She cocked her head to one side. “Hum, maybe I should really go up there and introduce
myself.”

“Akira!”Sosukesaidwarningly.
Sebastianchuckled.HethoughtSosukewasverymuchlikeNicolas.Ithadn’tsurprisedhimatallthat

thetwohadgottenalongsowellsincetheyfirstmetandhadbecomeverygoodfriends.

Akiralaughed.“Don’tworry,Onii-chan.Iwasonlyteasing.Besides,I’vehaven’tmetanyofthemyet,

exceptforConrad-san.Ah,heseemsawfullydepressedallthetime.Poorman.”

Sebastian thought Akira could say that again. Conrad hadn’t been himself since one year ago when

Sakurahadleftthem.Infact,noneofthemhadeverbeenthemselvesagain.Darcyhadbeentheworst.Of
course,SebastianknewDarcywasdeeplyinlovewithSakura,andhehadn’ttakenthenewsverywell.

“Now,now,”Harukasaid.“Letushavetea.”
Sosuke came to sit on the slightly raised floor with his aunty, their guest Sebastian, and his sister

Akira. He watched as Haruka expertly prepared the green tea. He noted the sad expression on her
beautiful face even though she tried to hide it well. He knew her heart was aching to find her daughter
Sakura.

ThoughthisSakurawasn’tinanywaybloodrelatedtohim,hehadtohelpHarukafindher,because

thatwaswhattheheadofthefamilyshoulddo.SosukehadbeentheheadoftheSuzukifamilysincethree
yearsagowhenhisuncle,Haruka’shusband,haddiedinacaraccident.Sosukehadknownithadn’tbeen
an accident because the Suzukis were by far one of the wealthiest families in Japan, and they’d been
targetedtoomanytimestoconsiderthatparticularaccidentanaccident.

Sosuketurned to lookout the windowat the clear bluesky. Cherry blossompetals swirled about as

they rained down from the Princetons’ private garden above. He knew the garden was particularly
beautifulbecausehe’dseenitbyaccidentonedaywhilehe’dbeenexploring.WhythePrincetonbrothers
hadgonetosuchlengthstobuildsuchanexoticgardenontopofthefour-storybuildingwasbeyondhim.

Atthesametime,however,itmesmerizedhim.ThenhewonderedifSakura,Haruka’sdaughter,wouldbe
asbeautifulastheSakuraflowerthatwassolovedbyeveryone.Nowhesimplycouldn’twaittofindher
andmeetherinperson.Soonerorlater,they’dfindher,andSosukesmiledatthethought.

*****

CHAPTER2

SakuraTanaka,LadyofBe auty

Itdidn’tturnoutright.Itwassupposedtobeadragon,butthispieceofartworklookedmorelikeateddy
beargoneseriouslywrongthanadragon.SakuraTanakasighedinvexationassheputdownthejugofhot
milk.She’djusthavetopracticesomemore,shesupposed.

Sheplacedthetwocupsofcoffeeontoanantiquesilvertrayandturnedtohertwoguests,brotherand

sisterLukeandJaneHamilton,whowerewaitingpatientlyfortheirhotdrinks.

“Sorryaboutthat,”shesaidsoftly,placingthetrayontothecoffeetablebeforethem.“Mycoffeeart

seemstohaveturnedfortheworserecently.”

“No worries,” Jane said, gladly taking a cup. “I’m not here for the art. I’m here for the coffee. It’s

totallyworthwaitingfor.”Sheinhaledthelovelyaromaassheclosedhereyes.Whensheopenedthem
again,herthickglasseswerealreadyfoggedupfromthehotsteam.Janedidn’tcare,however,andtooka
quick sip. The hot liquid burned her tongue, and she quickly swallowed. Then she huffed and puffed,
stickinghertongueouttoletitcool.

Sakuralaughedatherfriend’sreaction.ThisattractedLuke’sattention.
The man couldn’t help but gaze at her, taking in her exotic beauty. To say she was beautiful was an

understatement, as there was nothing he could think of that could compare to her uniqueness. Her long
tresses, an ombre of pale blond and brown, were braided loosely and resting on the left side of her
slender shoulders. The length reached all the way down to her waist. Her skin, smooth and porcelain
white,beggedtobecaressedandtouch.Thentherewerethoseeyes—thetwodifferentcolors,oneazure-
blue and the other mauve-grey, so mysterious and intense, and they fascinated him so much he couldn’t
stopstaring.Thoseweren’therrealeyecolor,andLukeknewforafacttheymustbebrown.Thoughhow
darkandhowdeephewasn’tsure.

ThisnewobsessionofhiswastoLuke’smindmerelyanobservationandnothingmore.Lukelikedto

observe—thatwaswhathetoldhimselfhewasdoing—observingandnotgawkingatSakuraTanaka,the
galleryowner,painter,andfreelancephotographer.

Todayshewaswearingoneofherlong,flowingskirtsandapeachy-whiteblouseshebuttonedallthe

wayuptoherswanlikeneck.Thefrontoftheprettyblousealsohadfrills,whichaddedmorefemininity
toheralreadyelegantandfeminineperson.

ToLuke,SakuralookedlikeaVictoriannoblelady,refinedandelegantandcertainlytobevaluedlike

a precious diamond no commoner like himself could ever afford or touch. She should be put upon a
pedestal to be marveled at with love and affection. That was what Sakura Tanaka was to Luke, and he
was sure she gave the same impression to every other man who happened to catch a glimpse of her as
well.

“Dear me, Jane,” Sakura said. “You should at least have waited until it cooled a bit. How’s your

tongue?”

Jane pulled a face and nudged her glasses up the bridge of her nose. “Blast it! It burns, Sakura! It

burns.”

Sakuralaughedagain.“Whotoldyoutohurry?Noone’sgoingtostealyourcoffee.”
Lukesaid,“It’saprivilegetodrinkyourcoffee,Sakura.ThosefamouscafésupinManhattancannot

compare.I’dgladlypayformineifonlyyou’dletme.”

“Don’tbesilly!”Shewaved,frowningathim.
Gosh,Lukethought,shestilllooksprettyevenwiththefrownonherface.
Sakura turned her attention to her friend, Luke Hamilton, who happened to come into her gallery six

monthsago,lookingtobuysomepaintingsandphotographsforhisboss,whohe’dnevernamed.Theboss
likedtokeephisidentityanonymous,Lukehadtoldherwhenshehappenedtoaskhimoneday.Sakura
didn’tmind,justaslongasthisbosslikedherpaintingsandphotographsandboughtthemregularly.That
wasallsheaskedfor,tokeepherbusinessafloat.

ThensheturnedherattentiontoJaneHamilton.Herfriendwasinherlatetwenties,thoughshedidn’t

know the exact number because Jane was very sensitive about the subject. Sakura, however, secretly
knewshewasstillavirgin,aswasshe.Tobehonest,Sakurawasrathersurprisedshewasstillsingle
sinceshewasquiteprettywithpale-blondhairandbright-greeneyes.Infact,hereyesweresolikethe
emeraldgemstonethatifanyoneweretolookcloser,they’dbesurprisedathowbeautifulandlivelythey
could be. If only Jane were to discard her thick, very unfashionable glasses and wear contact lenses
instead,Sakuraknewforcertainmenwouldfallatherfeet.

SakurawatchedasJanesippedhercoffee,thistimeveryslowly,savoringthebeautifulflavor.
“Nowthen,areyousoverysureI’mallowedtocometomorrow?”Sakuraaskedsuddenly.“Imean,

I’mnotbotheringyouoranything?”

“Of course,” Jane put in immediately. “I’m an assistant of an assistant of Mr. Tachibana. I help

organize everything. I’m the third boss behind the scene.” Then she muttered to herself, “If only they
recognizemytalent.”

Sakuradidn’thearthatlastbitasshewastoobusythinkingaboutsomethingelse.Shefeltherheartdo

a somersault at the thought that tomorrow she’d be able to really see her mother, Haruka Tanaka. She
licked her lip and said, “I promise I won’t get into any mess. I mean, I won’t interfere with anything
becauseIknowhowhecticitisbackstagebeforetheshow.”

Janenodded.“Butyouhavetoknowif,andImeanonlyif,thingsgetoutofhand,I’llneedyourhelp?”
Sakuranodded.“Iunderstand.OfcourseI’llhelpyouinanywayIcan.NotthatIknowmuchaboutthe

backstagestuffthough.”

“ThePrincetonHotelisquitebig,”Janesaidabsentmindedly,cockingherheadtooneside.
Sakura’sheartskippedabeatatthementioningofthePrincetonHotel.Sheknewtheeventwouldbe

takingplacethere.ShealsoknewNicolasPrincetonwasnowtheCEOofPrincetongroup.Itwashardto
misssinceitwasalloverthenewsforacoupleofweeks.

SakurawonderedifNicolaswouldbeattendingthefashioneventtomorrow.Whatabouttherestofthe

brothers?Wouldtheybethere,too?God!Shehopednot.However,Sakurahadalreadymadeuphermind
thatcomehellorhighwater,she’dbetheretomeetherbiologicalmotherinperson.Nothingwasgoingto
stopher,noteventhepresenceofthePrincetonbrothers—hersevenadoptivebrothers.

“Iwouldimaginethere’dbelotsofpeoplethere.”Janecontinued.“LastIheard,there’sgoingtobeat

leasttwothousandgueststheretoseeMr.Tachibana’sspring-summercollections.Mindyou,mostofhis
collectionsareeveningwear,thoughtherearesomedaywearandswimwearaswell.”

“Hedesignsformen,too,”Lukeputin.“Histasteisverytop-notch.Iwasinhisnewdepartmentstore

afewweeksbackwiththeboss.”Bytheboss,hemeantSebastianPrinceton.

“Onlytherichandfamouscanaffordhisbrand,”Janesaidmatter-of-fact.“Andwearecertainlynot

therichandfamous.”

“Don’tyoulikeMr.Tachibana?”Sakuraasked.“You’reworkingforhim.”
Janelaughed.“Yes,ofcourseIworkforhim.”

SakurahadthesuddenurgetoaskJaneaboutherbiologicalmother.Shereallycouldn’thelpherself

andblurtedout,“Isn’tthereawomannamedHarukaTanakaworkingforMr.Tachibanaaswell?”

Janeglancedatherfriend,hereyeslarge.Sheslowlynodded.“Yeah,”shesaid.“Thoughweallcall

herMs.Ruka.”SheleanedtowardSakuraassheadded,“Shewon’ttolerateanyonecallingheranything
else.”

Sakuracockedherheadtooneside.“Really?”
Janenoddedagain.“She’slovelybutalsoveryfeisty.Shelikesmen.Thehotter,thebetter.”
Sakurafrownedatthat.“Whydoesn’tshelikeanyonetocallherbyherrealname?”
“Huh?” Then Jane laughed, wondering why her friend was so interested in Ms. Ruka, the famous

Japanese stylist who had changed her name—actually she should say his name—from Jiro Tanaka to
HarukaTanaka.Ms.Rukawasatransgenderafterall,andwhyshe’ddecidedtochoosetheexactsame
name as the well-known, wealthy Haruka Suzuki, the owner and designer of Jade Jewelry Co., was
beyondher.

ThenJanethoughtofsomethingratherinteresting.TherewassomethinginSakuraTanakathatreminded

herofHarukaSuzuki.Perhapsitwasinthewaytheywalked,thewaytheytalked,oreventhewaythey
didthings.Theywereoddlysimilar.Thenagain,Janethoughtthatwasofcoursestupidandbrushedthe
veryideaoffhermind.

“You’re being nosy, aren’t you? Well, I don’t blame you. If you happened to meet her, remember to

alwaysrefertoherasaherandcallherMs.Ruka.Gotit?”

Sakura didn’t get it, but nodded anyway. She thought her biological mother sounded a bit weird, but

thenagain,whowasshetojudge?

Shedecidedtochangethesubject.“What’stheinsidegossip?”
Janetookanothersipofhercoffeeandsighed.“Mr.Tachibanaistotallyataloss.He’stearinghishair

outtryingtofindeightperfectmalemodelstocastforhisnewmenswearcollection.”

Sakura cocked her head to one side. “But there are plenty of hot male models out there. Surely, it

wouldn’tbethathard,right?”

Janelaughed.“Youdon’tknowMr.Tachibana.He’sveryspecific.Thetitleofhisnewcollectionis—

getthis—YoungMenInTheBusinessWorld.”

“Whoa,thatsoundslikesomething,”Sakurasaid.
“Yeah,ifyouaskme.Hesaidthoseyoung,super-hotmalemodelsaren’trealenoughforhim.Hewants

realbusinessmen.Heespeciallywantsyoungbusinessmenwhohavealreadyaccomplishedsomuchasto
earnatleastacouplebillionayear.”

Lukelaughed.Hesimplycouldn’thelphimself.Oncehe’dgainedhiscomposure,hesaid,“Goodluck

withthat.”

Jane frowned. “What about your boss and his brothers? They’re young, hot, and billionaires. And I

heardfromaveryreliablesourcethatMr.Tachibanahasbeenbeggingthemtomodelforhim.”

“Naturally,theyrefused,ofcourse,”Lukeputitmildly.
“Well,”Janesaid,finallyfinishingherverydeliciouscupofcoffee.“Hebetterfindthoseeightmale

modelssoon,becausethedateforthereleaseofthecatalogueisinafewweeks’time.Nottomentionthe
factthatsomeofthosephotoswillbegoingintoNewMen’sMagazineandVoguenextmonth,too.”

“Soundslikealotofhardworkcomingup,”Lukesaid,puttinghiscupdown.
“Yeah,maybeI’llgettohavesomefuninHawaii,”Janesaiddreamily.SheturnedtoSakura,hergreen

eyeslargeandbrilliant.“That’swherewe’dbedoingthephotoshoots.Hotsummer.Eveningwear.Office
wear.Swimwear.Totallyhot.Hot.Hot.”

Sakurachuckled.Shecouldseeit,JanehavingheapsoffuninHawaiiafteralongdayofhardwork.

Thenmaybeshe’deventhrowherglassesaway,unboundherlovelyblondhair,andwearabikini.She’d
absolutelyturnheads—thatSakurawassureof.

It was fifteen minutes later when the brother and sister left, and Sakura returned to her studio. She

stood,staringatthepaintingshe’dstartedlastspringbackonSt.JosephIsland.Afterthatincident,after
she’dlefttheislandtostartanew,shehadn’tthehearttofinishthisparticularpainting.She’dleftitsitting
intheatticoftheapartmentforquitesometime,almostayearinfact,lettingitgatherdust,untillastweek.
Shedidn’tknowwhy,butshejustwantedtofinishitnow.Hence,hereitwas,sittinginherstudio,ready
forhertocompletethefinishingtouches.

Shesatandtookadeepbreathassheeyedtheunfinishedpainting.Eveninitsincompleteness,itstill

lookedbeautiful,atleasttoheranyway.

ThepaintingwasofthecherryblossomtreeonSt.JosephIsland.Itwastheverysametreeshe’dtaken

thephotoofthatdaywhenshefirstreunitedwiththePrincetonbrothers.Itwastheverysametreeshe’d
sleptunderandthenawakenedtofindDarcytherewithher.ItwastheverysametreeDarcyhadkissed
herunder.Itwasalsotheverysametreewhereshe’dlainandcriedherheartoutwhenshe’dfoundout
DarcyhadbeeninarelationshipwithKate.

Herheartsuddenlyachedatthethoughtofhim.Shegrittedherteethasshefelttearsburningwithinher

eyes.No,shemustn’tthinkabouthim.Shemustn’t.She’dtriedsohardtoforgetabouthim,aboutthem,
DarcyandSebastian,thetwomenwhohadstolenherheartlastspring.

WhydidIrunawayfromthem?
Sakura felt her heart thumping furiously within her chest. The reason? Because she loved them too

much.Becauseshedidn’twanttohurtanyofthem.She’dknownbychoosingone,shewouldsurelyhurt
theother.Thentherewasalsothefactthatshedidn’twanttocauseconflictwithinthefamily,especially
whereAlainaandDaddyJameswasconcerned.

IthadbeenobviousthatAlainaandTarahadneverlikedherandhaddonewhatevertheycouldtoget

rid of her from the family. She knew Daddy James loved her, but Sakura didn’t want to be the one
responsiblefortheriftbetweenDaddyJamesandAlaina.WithSakuraoutofthepicture,thefamilycould
livepeacefully—thatmuchSakuraknew—hence,shehadleft.

ThentherewasalsothefactthatSakuraherselfhadwantedtoliveherownlifeandfindherbiological

mother. Those alone were reasons enough for her to leave the Princeton family. She’d known it was
heartlessofhertoleavethemwithoutsayingaword,butshealsoknewtheywouldn’tletherleavejust
likethatifshe’dtoldthem.

Subconsciously,shetouchedtheSakurapendantonhernecklace,caressingthepinkgem.
Sakura,you’vedonetherightthing,thelittlevoiceatthebackofherheadsaid.
With a nod of agreement, she picked up the brush and continued with her painting. She worked long

andhard,onlyeatingsnackswhenshewashungry.Bymidnight,shewasfinallyfinished.Yes,shethought,
standingbackandgazingathermasterpiece.Shehaddoneit.ThepaintingoftheSakuratreewasfinished.
Tearsburnedinhereyesasshegazedathernewbaby.

“You’regoingtobemineforever,”shemurmuredunderherbreathsoftly,lovingly.Noonewasgoing

tostealthisbabyfromher.Thatshe’dmakesureof.

Oncehersatietyforthepaintingwasfulfilled,shemovedforwardandscribbledherinitials,S.T., on

thebottomright-handsideofthecanvas.

“You’rereallydonenow,”shesaid,satisfiedwithherinitialsclaimingthepainting.Thenjusttosee

whatit’dlooklikeonawall,sheliftedthecanvasandtookitintothegalleryatthefrontofthebuilding.

“WhereshouldIputyou?”sheaskedherselfamomentlater,lookingaroundwithinterest.“Ah!”She

rushed over to the featured wall near the front of the counter where anyone who walked in would

immediatelysee.Thereshehelditupandcockedherheadtoonesideassheexamineditwithanartistic
eye.

Butnomatterhowhardshetried,shecouldn’tquiteseeproperlyduetothefactthatshewasaloneand

couldn’tpossiblywalkbacktostandatadistancetoinspectthepainting.Therewasalsothefactthather
armswerequiteshort,andhence,shecouldn’tstandbacktotakeaproperlookeither.Thenshewondered
ifsheshoulddrillsomeholesinthewallandhangthepaintingjustsoshecouldtakeagoodlookatit.But
itwasgettingratherlate.Shewastired,andshehadtogetupearlythenextdayforthefashionevent.

“Tomorrowmorning,”shesaidtoherself.“I’lldoittomorrowmorning.”She’driseearlyandputitup

justsoshecouldseewhatitreallylookedlike.Withthat,shelaidthepaintingonthefloor,lettingitrest
againstthewall.Thensherushedupthestairs,showered,andwenttobed.

*****

CHAPTER3

DarcyPrince ton,KnightofDarkne ss

DarcyfoundhimselfonceagainatSt.Helenabeach,surfingthebigwaves.Butinsteadofsurfingwithhis
brothers,hewasalone,allbyhimself,surfingbutnotsurfing,andneitherwasheenjoyinghimselflikehe
usedto.Therewassomethingmissing.Itwasasifhewereabodywithoutasoul,asifhewerebreathing
butnotreallybreathing,asifhisheartkeptbeatingbutnotreallybeating.

In the distance, he could see a storm brewing that looked as though it were heading straight toward

him.Thenhesawthewaves—enormouswaves—loomingoverhimandthencrashingdownonhim.He
foughtthecurrent,foughtsohard,foughtuntilhewasexhausted.Oncehemanagedtoreachthesurface,he
lookedaround,aloneinthevastocean.

OhGod!Theachewithinhisheart.Why?
Thenthescreampenetratedhismind—loud,long,andechoingwithagonyanddeath.Hesawherbody

fallingandthen…Splash!

“Sakura!”
He found himself in the angry sea once again, fighting to get to her, fighting to save her. The sea,

however,refusedhimandcrashedhimoffcourse,smashinghimagainsttheedgeofacliff.

*****

“Sakura!” Darcy yelled her name, his voice hoarse with agony. Suddenly, he found himself sitting up,
sweatingandpanting,hisheartthumpinghardandfuriouswithinhischest.

Thump!Thump!Thump!
Darcyshuthiseyes.Pleasecalmdown,youtormentedbeast.Pleasecalmdown,hetoldhisheart.It

wasonlyanightmareandnothingmore.

Oh,howheachedtoseethatbeautifulfaceagain.Howheachedtoonceagainseethosesparklingdark

eyes,thatlongblackhair,thepetal-whiteskin,andthosesensuousruby-redlips.Thoselipshe’dkissed
andsuckedandlicked.

Darcy threw himself back on the bed, his hand on top of his chest. Still, he could feel his heart

thumpingfuriouslybeneathhisbreastbonewherehishandrested,asifitweretormented,cryingoutforits
long-lostlove.

“Snow,”hewhisperedunderhisbreath.“Mysnow,wherecouldyoube?”
It had been almost one year since she’d decided to leave them, since she’d disappeared from their

lives—fromhislife—andlefthimonlyanotethatsimplysaid:

IwillalwaysbeyourSnow.

Iloveyou.

Sakura

Darcyturnedtolookatthealarmclock.Itsaid5:05a.m.Hesighedandturnedhisattentiontothewall

acrossfromhisbed.Hegazedatthefull-sizeposterofSnowWhiteandtheSevenKnightshe’ddesigned
twoyearsago.Backthen,hehadn’taclueastowhyhe’dconjuredupthatbeautifulcharacterofSnow

White.He’dalwaysthoughttheideaofhavinganinteractivegamesimilartoSnowWhiteandtheSeven
DwarfswouldbeanewandexcitingprojectandhadpresentedittoHaydenwithenthusiasmandenergy.
Ithadn’tbeenuntilmuchlater,whenhe’dmetSakuraagainatMaryandPeter’swedding,thatherealized
thatwasneverthecase.

SnowWhitehadbeeningrainedinhismindlongago,sincehe’dfirstmetseven-year-oldSakura.
SakurahadalwaysbeenSnowtoDarcy.
Sincethey’dreleasedSnowWhiteandtheSevenKnightsfortheworldtoenjoy,ithadgoneviral,and

DarcyfoundhimselfandHaydenhadgonefromanamateurtooneofthetopgamingentrepreneursinthe
world.Thegamealonehadbroughtthemfameandsuccessbeyondbelief.Sincethislastfinancialyear,
they’dmadeatleastthreebillioneachindividends.Darcy,however,wasn’tinterestedinthemoney.It
hadalwaysbeenthecreationandtheenergyandthehardworkhe’dputinthatkepthiminthebusiness.

Hegotupandheadedtotheadjoiningbathroom.Standingoverthesink,hetookoffhisshirt,exposing

hisfitted,toned,leanmusclesthatweretautwithanxietyandtension.Hesplashedcoldwateronhisface
acoupletimestoclearhishead.Thatfeltmuchbetter,hethoughtandliftedhisheadtolookathimselfin
themirror.

The man staring back at him wasn’t the same Darcy who had existed one year ago. This Darcy had

matured both physically and mentally. His raven-black hair was stylishly cut, the thick locks nestling
lovingly about his neck. The handsome face was now marked with the maturity of strong jawline, high
cheekbones, aquiline nose, and firm lips that rarely smiled. Those mauve-grey eyes of his were now
clearer,sharper,andmoredeterminedthanever,showingtheworldthiswasamanontopofthegame,on
top of the world. However, if one were to look closer, one would see those eyes were marked with
darknessandtorment,lonelinessandloss.

DarcywasnolongertheprettyboyofthePrincetons.Hewasnowthedarkknight,utterlydangerous

andutterlymysterious.Thatwaswhysomanywomenflockedtohim,flirtedwithhim,andevendaredto
askhimout.Thatwaswhysomanywomendreamedofbecominghisgirlfriend,hiswife,anddaredto
stalkhim.

Darcy,however,paidthemnoheedandwentabouthisdaysworkinghardonhiscreations.Bynight,

he’dfeelhisheartacheashestaredatthehundredsofphotosliningthewallsofhisroom.Photosofhim
and his beloved Snow kissing in the woods, the photo he’d secretly taken that day when they’d kissed
underthecherryblossomtree.

Hemovedhishandtotouchhisbreastbonebeneaththemuscularchest,caressingtheexotictattooof

theSakuraflowersthatintertwinedandwrappedthemselvesaroundtheword“Snow”thatonlyhecould
readandunderstand.

Mindlessly,hegazedatthetattoohe’dgottenninemonthsago.ItwasasymbolofSakura,ofhisSnow.

Hewantedtoimprintherwithinhisheartalwaysandforever.Hence,everytimehestaredatthetattoo,
he’dseeherwithinhismind’seye,andhisheartwouldacheforher,forherlove,forherwarmth,forher
kiss,forthemtobetogether.

“Snow,”hewhispered,hisfingerscaressingthetattoo.Instantly,hisheartachedevenmore,andhehad

totakeadeepbreathtocontrolhimself.Thenhesplashedmorecoldwateronhisfacetowakehimself
up.Oncehewasdone,heheadedoutthedoorofhisbedroom,outthedoorofthepenthouseapartmenthe
sharedwithhisbrothers,andintotheprivategardenoutsideontherooftopofthebuilding.

Alone,hetiltedhishead,allowingthemorningbreezetocaresshisskinashegazedoffattheorange

glowofthesunjustrisingoverthecityofNewYork.Agentlebreezeswirledaroundhimandpetalsof
cherry blossoms touched his cheek, attracting his attention. He brought his fingers to feel it. Something
deepwithinhimstirred.Heclosedhiseyesandthenhewasthereagain—littleDarcyrestinghisheadon

Sakura’slapashelaythereonthegrass,hiseyeslarge,watchingherasshestrokedhishair.

“Snow?Whydocherryblossomsfall?”heasked,gazingoffatthemillionsoftinypalepinkpetals

rainingonthem.

“Theyaretearsofspring,Darce,”shereplied,smilingasshe,too,gazedupattheswirlingflowers

thatsurroundedthem.“Theytellusspringishere.We’reunderthischerryblossomtree,Darce,and
weareone.”

Hechuckled,grabbedherhandthatwasstillstrokinghishair,andheldittightagainsthischest.

“Andwesharethesamethoughts.”

“Yes,”shesaid.“Weareoneandwesharethesamethoughts.”
Darcytookadeep,shakybreaththatshookhimtohiscore.“Sakura,”hesaidsoftlyunderhisbreath.

“It’sspringagain,sweetheart.”

Afewminuteslater,hewasattheindoorpoolonthesecondflooroftheirprivateapartment.Hestood

onthedivingplatform,closedhiseyes,tookadeepbreath,andthenranofftheboardanddidabeautiful
somersaultinmidair.Hewasflyingandthenfallingandthensplash!

The moment he was in the water, he took control and swam faster, kicking his powerful legs and

propellinghisstrongarms—racingasifhewerebeingchased.

Inthewater,heopenedhiseyes,andinhismind’seye,hesawthewomanheloveddrowning.Hehad

togotoher.Hehadtosaveher.Sakura,hethought,Iwillsaveyou.

Heflipped,kickedhislegsagainstthewall,andthenswamtheotherway,harderandfaster,working

hisathleticbodytothebrinkofexhaustion.

Whenfinallyhewasspent,heclimbedoutofthepoolandsatontheedge,staringintospace.
“Hey,”avoicesaidsomemomentslater.
DarcyjoltedbacktorealityandlookeduptoseehisolderbrotherSebastianstandingbesidehim.
“You’reupearly,”Darcysaid,flickingbackhisdarkhair.
“You’re even earlier than I am,” Sebastian replied, eyeing the exotic tattoo on Darcy’s chest, right

where his heart beat under his breastbone. Did Darcy really love Sakura so much to have a tattoo of
somethingthatwouldremindhimofheronhischest?

Sebastianhadn’tbeenabletobelieve,stillcouldn’tbelieveitinfact,thattwobrotherswerefallingin

lovewiththesamewomanwhohadhappenedtorunawayfromthem.

Thebrothersweresilentastheystaredintospace,eachintheirownthoughts,boththinkingaboutthe

samewomanwhohadaffectedthemsomuch.Itwasacompanionabletypeofsilence,andtheybothwere
comfortablewithit.

Amomentlater,Sebastianexpertlydivedintothewater.
Darcywatchedashisbrotherswamtowardtheotherside,strokinghispowerfularmsandkickinghis

strong legs. He watched Sebastian do a few more laps and decided he had enough and stood. He was
headingtowardtheexitwhenhemetSosukeSuzuki,theirnewneighbor,comingin.

“Ohayo,”SosukegreetedagoodmorninginJapanese.
“Ohayo,”Darcyreplied,noddinghiswethairatthehandsomeJapaneseman.
Sosukesaid,“You’reearly,Darcy-san.ItisaSaturdayafterall.”
“Itdoesn’tmatterwhatdayitis,”Nicolassaidfromthedoorashecamein.“Darcywillalwaysbeup

atfive.”

Darcyglancedathiseldestbrother.“Habit,”hesaid.“Seeyouatbreakfast.”Thenheleftthem.
Afterhehadanice,longshower,Darcyturnedonhislaptopandstartedworkingonhisnewproject.

Byeighto’clock,hehadcompletedwhatheplannedtogetdoneandheadedoutthedoorintothespacious
livingareaoftheapartmentwhereallthebrothersgatheredformealsandentertainment.

Once Darcy was in the dining area, he noted Nicolas, Sebastian, Hayden, and Conrad were already

there,drinkingtheirstandardcoffee,madebyBeth,theirhousekeeper,andeatingtheirbreakfast.

DarcytookachairbesideConradandpouredhimselfacupofblackcoffee.
“I’mstarving,”Tristansaidamomentlater.Heslidintoaseatandthenproceededtohelphimselfto

theperfectlycookedtoastsittinginthemiddleofthetable.

“Morning,”Loganmurmuredashecamein,hishairallstickingouteverywherelikehe’djusthadan

electricshockcoursingthroughhisbody.HetookthechairnexttoTristanandthenpouredhimselfacup
ofcoffee.

“Ugh!”hemadeasoundafterswallowingamouthful.“Thisisdisgusting.IwishSakurawashere!”
Themomenthesaidit,hewantedtopunchhimselfintheface,forhisbrothershadstoppedwhatthey

hadbeendoingandwerenowlookingathim.

“Shit!”hesworeunderhisbreath.Heshouldn’thavesaidhername.Heknewithurtthem—allofthem

—andmoresoforSebastian,Darcy,andConrad,wholovedSakuradearly.

Conradgroaneddepressinglyandturnedhisattentiontohisblackcoffee,wishingtherewastheartofa

swan,orbetteryet,anattempteduglydragonthatlookedmorelikeateddybeargoneseriouslywrongon
it.He’dpreferredthatthanthismugofmud-likecoffeeBethhadmadeforthem,evenifwithlove.

“It’sbeenayear,”hesaidsoftly.“Ican’tbelievewestillhaven’tfoundher.”
“Shemighthavechangedhername,”Nicolasputinlogically,hisfingerfuriouslytypingawayonthe

tablet.

“Sheprobablydoesn’twantustofindher,”Haydensaid.“Consideringwhathappenedlastspring.”
“Iwouldn’tblameher,”Logansaid.“SheknewitwasAlainaandTarawhowerebehindthewhole

thing,makingKategoallmentalandattackher.”

ThebrothershadknownallalongithadbeenTaraandAlaina.AndSakuraherselfcouldhavediedif

thebrothershadn’thappenedtobetheresurfingandseenherfallingoffthecliffintotheragingseabelow.

“Onabrighternote,there’sthefashionshowtoday,”Tristansaidcheerfully.“Therewillbemodels.”
“Toflirtwith,”Haydenputinsourly.
“Justaslongasyoudon’tbringthemintothishouse,I’mfinewithit,”Nicolassaid,staringatTristan

meaningfully.

ThoughNicolashadsaidthat,heknewforafactneitherTristannorLoganhadbeensleepingaround

like before. In fact, they’d been rather cautious with the women they picked to bed nowadays. Perhaps
theywerebeginningtosettledownintheirCasanovawaysafterall.

“Thisisano-femalezone,”Conradsaid.“TheonlyfemaleswhocanenterareMom,Grandmother,and

Sakura,ifweeverfindher.”

“Cheer up, young pup,” Tristan said, smiling. “We’ll find her.” He turned to Nicolas then. “Are you

sure that bloody private detective you hired is actually working to find Sakura and not just taking your
checkandrunningoffforagoodholiday?”

Nicolas put down his tablet and pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose. “I’m sure. Detective

Osbornisverygoodatwhathedoes,orsoI’veheard.”

“Orsoyou’veheard,”Logansaid.“God,thisisbeginningtoannoyme.Wherethehellisshe?”
“Bepatient,”Nicolassaid.“Findingmissingpeopleisn’teasy.”
“Especiallymissingpeoplewhowanttostaymissing,”Tristansaid.“Shemustreallyhateourguts.”
DarcyglancedatTristanandscowleddarkly.Ifshereallyhatedtheirguts,thenwhyhadsheleftthem

notes?Whyhadshelefthimanotetellinghimshelovedhim?No,Darcywouldneverbelievethat.He
wassureshe’dbeenconfused,perhapswasstillconfusedevennow,aboutherfeelings.

ThentherewasalsothefactaboutAlainaandTara,whohadalwayswantedtohurtherdespitethem

beingadoptedsiblings.AndSakura,beingtheniceone,hadn’twantedthefamilytotakesidesandcause
anymoreconflictsandhaddecidedtoleave.Yes,thathadbeenthereason.Heknewitinhisgut.

Now, if only they could find her, then everything would be right again. But then, he thought, would

everythingreallyberightagain?EspeciallywhenbothheandSebastianweresoinlovewithher?Darcy
knewforcertainSebastianwouldnever,evergiveherup.ButwhataboutDarcyhimself?Wouldhegive
SakuraupforSebastian?Wouldherathersufferlosingthewomanhelovedtohisbrother?

Hedidn’tknow.
Hestoodandsaidtohisbrothers,“I’mgoingtomyloft.Seeyouguysatthehotelthisafternoon.”
HewasjustatthedoorwhenSebastianstoppedhim.“Ineedafavor.”
“What?”
“Since you’re going to Soho, could you pick up a painting from Tanaka’s Gallery? Luke will be too

busythismorningtopickitup,”Sebastiansaid.

“Yeah,noproblem.What’stheaddress?”Darcyasked.
“Actually,I’veneverbeentheremyself,”Sebastiansaid,slidingoffhischair.“I’llgettheinvoice.It

hastheaddressonit.”

“Sure,”Darcysaid,followingafterhisbrother.
Sometwenty-fiveminuteslater,DarcywasinSoho,drivingalongasecludedstreetinhissleekblack

Ferrari. It was quite busy, and to Darcy’s annoyance, he found he had to stop many times in traffic. He
wasrunninglateandjustabouthadenoughwhenhenoticedhewasonthestreetwhereTanakaGallery
waslocated.Herolleddownhissidewindowandhadaquickscanofthebuildings.Hefoundthegallery
to his left-hand side, not too far. He noted the gallery itself was rather interesting, though it wasn’t yet
openedfortheday.

Somethingbrightflickeredpasthiseyes.Heblinkedandthenlookedup.Hefounditwasfromsome

crystalchandelierbythewindowonthetopfloor.Themorningsunlightflashedontothecrystals,causing
sparksoflighttoreflectoffthemandontohim.

“Beautiful,” he murmured under his breath. That was when he saw somebody walking past the

window. He could see long hair and a slender figure. It was odd he couldn’t take his eyes off the
silhouetteofthewoman,becausesinceSakurahadleftthem,anduntilthisverymoment,he’dneverreally
paidanyattentiontowomeningeneral.Whydidhefindhersointeresting?Eventhoughhecouldn’tsee
herinfullview?Eventhoughhecouldn’tseeherface?

Beep!Beep!Beep!
Darcyjumped.Hehastilyturnedhisattentionfromthewomantolookaroundhimandrealizedthelight

had changed to green. He closed the tinted window as he muttered, “Shit!” under his breath. Then he
steppedhisfootontheacceleratorandspedaway.

*****

CHAPTER4

AChance Encounte r

Itisbeautiful,Sakurathoughtasshegazedatthebrightrainbowsthatformedfromthecrystalchandelier
bythewindowassunlightshoneonit,causingittosparkleeverywhereinherbedroom.Shereachedher
handoutinmidairasiftocatchthem.Theprismofcolorsappearedonherpaleskininstead.

“Anotherbeautifulspringday,”shesaidsoftly.
Sheturnedherfacetoherrighttolookatthealarmclockonherbedsidetableandnoteditwasnearing

nineinthemorning.Suddenly,herstomachedflipped.

Today was the day she’d get to see her biological mother, the woman named Haruka Tanaka, the

womanwhoworkedasanassistanttothefamousJapanesedesignerMr.Tachibana.Thethoughtmadeher
smile.Finally,afteronefullyearofsearchingandwaiting,shewasabletomeether.

Toby,herWestHighlandwhiteterrier,nestledhisheadintoherarms,seekingattention.Shelaughed.
“Goodmorning,Toby.I’msorryIwon’tbehomeuntillatethisevening.Ihaveimportantbusinessto

attendto.Anddon’tyoubenaughtyandbotherNedtoomuch,allright?”

Thedogcockedhisheadtoonesideandgaveoutafriendlybark.Shestrokedhisheadfondly.Toby

stuckouthistongueandlickedher.Sakurachuckled.“Thattickles!”

Amomentlater,aftershe’dgivenherbeloveddoghisdeservedattention,shewentintotheadjoining

bathroomtoshower.Aftershe’dfinished,herpersonstilldrippingwetandwrappedinthethick,fluffy
whitetowel,shestaredatherselfinthemirror.

TheSakuraTanakagazingbackathernowlookednothingliketheSakuraPrincetononeyearago.This

Sakura had hair the color of dusty corn and eyes so deep and dark brown that one could almost call it
black.Theshapeofherface,too,hadchangeddramatically.Itwasslimmerandmoredefined,marking
hermaturity.Herlips,however,werestillasredandasplumpasever.

Slowly, she put in the contact lenses. She knew people thought her a bit weird for wearing two

differentcolors,butshedidn’tcarebecauseshehadherownreasonsfordoingso.Onewasbecausethey
hid her eyes—and therefore her emotion—and her true identity from the world. The other was more
personal.Thetwocolorsrepresentedthetwomensheloveddearly,thetwomenshecouldn’thaveinher
life.

Herlefteyewasanazureblue,whichrepresentedthesummerandtheday,justlikethemansheloved,

SebastianPrinceton.Hewasherday,herlight,andhe’dalwaysbeentheretoprotecther.Theotherwasa
mauve-grey, which represented the winter and the night, just like Darcy Princeton, the other man she
loved.Hewaslikethemoontoher,shiningsobrightwhennightcame,showingherthewaythroughlife
inthedark,secretlygivingherthesupportandloveshesocherished.

Herheartachedatthethoughtofthem,atthethoughtoftheirloveforher.Butshecouldneveraccept

theirlovebecauseindoingso,shewouldbeselfish.Shewasn’tworthyoftheirlove.Sofar,she’donly
broughtthemheartacheandsorrow.Andshenever,everwantedthatforthem.

Castingasidethethoughtofthetwomen,shequicklygotdressedinherpowderedpeach-colorpleated

maxiskirtandlaceembroideredblouseofasimilarcolor.Thensheputonhermakeup.Afewmoments
later, she gazed at herself; her lashes were long and dark, her cheeks tinted with peachy blush, and her
lipsrosy.Shewasready.

She came back into her bedroom, walked past the window toward the antique mahogany chest-of-

drawers, and retrieved a pair of peach gemstone earrings. She was just finished putting the earrings in
whensheheardloudbeepsfromoutsidethewindow.Curious,shetookafewstepsbackandhadapeek.
ShesawasleekblackFerrarispeedingoff.

Sheshookherhead.“Richboytoobusydaydreaming,”shechuckledsoftlyunderherbreath.
Afewmomentslater,sherushedintothediningroominherbeigeround-toepumpsandmadeherselfa

quickbreakfastoftoastandcoffee.Asshewaseating,herphonebeeped.Shepickeditupandnotedit
wasfromJane.

“Hey,”shesaidintothephone.“Areyouheadingoveralready?”
“Yeah,”Janesaid.“Gottobethereearly.Lotstodo.Bethereinaminute,okay?”
“Okay,”Sakurareplied.Onceshe’dhungup,shequicklydownedhercoffee,grabbedherbag,andthen

rushedout.

Shecameintothegallerylocatedonthegroundflooroftheirbuildingamomentlater.
“Runningoffagain,arewe?”Nedsaidfromtheothersideofthecounter.
Sakurachuckled.“Yes,Jane’scoming.”
“Idohopeyourealizeit’sthePrincetonHotelyou’regoingto?”Nedaskedgently.
Sakuranodded.“Iknowthat,andIalsoknowforsureI’dneverseethem.Orrather,they’dneversee

me.” Then she turned herself around as if to show Ned she no longer looked like the Sakura Princeton
she’dbeenbefore.“See?Ihaveblondhair.Well,atleastIthinkit’sblond.Also,differentcoloredeyes.”

“WhichIthinkisodd,”Nedcountered.
Sakura ignored him. “Ned, dear, please try to understand it’s my mother Haruka I’m going to see. I

mean,Ijustwantapeek.”

“Iknowwhatyoumean,Sakura,”Nedsaid.“Justbecareful.”
“OfcourseI’llbecareful,Ned.AndpleasebeadearandlookafterTobyformewhileI’mgone.”
“Ofcourse,”Nedreplied,givingherasmile.
“Morning,”avoicesaidfromthedoorway.
SakuraturnedtoseeMelissaWilliams,hersalesassistant,headingtowardthem.
“Where are you going?” Melissa asked, her eyes on Sakura, noting the perfect makeup, the pretty

thoughrathertooconservativeclothing,andthehandbag.“Notaparty,Ihope.”

Sakurafrowned.“No,notaparty,”shereplied.ThensheturnedtoNed.“Pleasedon’tforgettowalk

Tobythismorning.Otherwise,he’llbereallyagitatedwhenIgetback.”

“Awholedayout,eh?”Melissaasked.“You’regoingoutquiteabitlately,aren’tyou?”
Sakurafrownedagain.WhatwaswithMelissa?Shewasalwaysbeingsonosy.Gosh,shewishedshe

hadn’thiredthewomaninthefirstplace.TherewasthatsomethingaboutherthatSakurajustdidn’ttrust
orlike.

Janebustledinthen,herblondhairflyingaroundeverywhere,herglasseshaphazardlyperchedonher

nose.MelissasnortedandwantedtolaughoutloudatJane’sunpleasantappearance.Sakuranoticedand
scowleddarklyattheassistant.

“Hey,Ned,”Janegreeted,nudgingupherglasses.
“Morning,Jane,”Nedreplied.“Lookafterthatone,won’tyou?Shecouldbequitewildandgetinto

allsortsofmess.Shouldkeepherunderlockandchain,ifyouaskme.”

Lockandchain?OnSakura?Notabadidea,Melissathought.Thatonedeservedtobeimprisonedin

adarkcellwherenomanwouldeverbeabletolayeyesonher.

Yes,MelissawasenviousofSakuraTanaka.Soenviousinfactthatsometimesshecouldn’tevenstand

thethoughtofstandingnexttotheorientalbeauty.

Sakurasaid,“IfI’mwild,thenit’sallyourfault.”SheturnedtoJane.“Let’sgo.Idon’twantyoutobe

lateforwork.”

JanenoddedandsaidfarewelltoNed,ignoringMelissacompletely.Astheyheadedoutofthegallery

intothebeautifulspringmorningoutside,Janesaid,“Idon’tlikeyoursalesassistant.”

Sakurarepliedlightly,“Meeither.ButIhadnochoiceatthetime,sinceMeganleftthreemonthsago.I

hopeshe’llbebacksoon.Imissher.”

“Me,too,”Janesaid.“Imisshercakesmore,though.”
Sakuralaughed.“Youandyourcakes.”
Janegiggledandnudgedherglassesuphernoseagain.
Sakura noticed and said, “You know, you always look so uncomfortable wearing your glasses. Why

don’tyougoseeanoptometristandaskforcontactsinstead?”

Janeraisedherhandforataxi.“Idohavecontacts,”shesaidasthecarcametoastopbeforethem.

Thegirlsslidinandputontheirseatbelts.

“Thenwhydon’tyouwearthem?”Sakuracouldn’thelpasking.
Jane turned to the driver and told him where to go and then turned back to her friend. “You think I

should?”

“Youhavebeautifuleyes,Jane.Youshouldshowthemoffmoreoften.”
“Really?”Janewasn’tsosureaboutthat.
“Thanksforlettingmetagalong,”Sakurasaid.
“Thanksforofferingtohelp,”Janereplied.
Twentyminuteslater,theyarrivedatthePrincetonHotel,andthegirlscouldn’thelpgaspinginawe.

People! There were people everywhere. People going in and coming out of the hotel, staff going about
theirjobs,backstagepeopleliftingequipmentfromtrucks,etc.Itwasloudandnoisyandverybusy.

Janequicklygotoutofthetaxi,followedbySakura,whoseeyeswidenedinanticipation.She’dnever

beentoafashionshowbefore,andthisfirstencounterreallyimpressedher.Shewasamazedandgreatly
enjoyed herself observing her surroundings. Jane grabbed her arm and quickly dragged her to the front
entrance.

Sakura was even more impressed once they were inside the main lobby. It literally took her breath

away. Though outside the building was quite modern, inside was designed and decorated in a French-
Georgian classical style with massive Greek-like columns. The walls and ceilings were designed and
embossedwithcolorfulgods,goddesses,andfairies.Thefloorwasmadeofmarble—cleaned,shiny,and
verycolorful.Themainreceptionareawasexquisite.Thedeskwhereeightreceptionistsstoodwaslong
andmasculineandmadeofgreenandredmarble.ItalsohadthewordsPrincetonHotelembossedonit
in big, bold lettering along with the company logo PG, which stood for Princeton Group, intertwining
witheachother.

Itwasevenmorecrowdedandbusyinherethanoutside,withguests,staff,andotherassortedpeople

goingabouttheirbusiness.Sakurawasmomentarilytakenbysurprise,andJanehadtonudgehertoget
herattention.

“Jane!Sakura!”theyheardLukeshoutfromthedistance.
Thegirlsspottedhimbythelounge,franticallywavingatthem.
“Luke,”Sakurasaidthemomenttheyreachedhim.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”
Luke’seyeswerebrightashegazedatSakura.Shewasespeciallybeautifultoday,withherlonghair

down, her face flawless, and her clothing immaculate. He chuckled at the question, wondering if he
shouldtellherhisbosswasactuallySebastianPrinceton,oneoftheownersofthishigh-endhotelchain.

“Helpingoutasusual,”Janeremarkedsourly.“Partofhisjobdescription.”

“Oh?”Sakuracockedherheadtooneside,wonderingwhattypeofjobthatwas.
JanegrabbedSakura’sarmagainanddraggedheroff.“Sorry,Luke,we’reinahurry.”
“Seeyoulater,”Sakurasaid,givinghimasmileastheywalkedaway.
Lukecherishedthatsmile.Hewatchedasthegirlsdisappearedaroundthecornerandoutofhissight.

HewasabouttofollowthemandsuggesttheyhavedinnertonightafterworkwhenhesawthePrinceton
brothersarrivingthroughthefrontdoor.

*****

The moment the six Princeton brothers stepped into the main lobby, the world stopped. Well, at least
everypersoninthelobbyhadstoppedwhathewasdoingandsimplystaredinaweatthebrothers.They
wereasighttobeholdallright.Theatmospherewaslikethatofafamouscelebrityunexpectedlywalking
intoaroom,andindeed,thePrincetonbrotherswerethecelebritiesinthebusinessworld.

NicolasandSebastianwalkedahead,followedbyConrad,Hayden,Tristan,andLogan.Theyallwere

dressed immaculately in Armani suits. As they strode confidently across the length of the floor, every
femaleinthelobbycouldn’thelpbutgawkatthesixhandsomeyoungmen,prayingthey’dbetheoneto
catchthemen’seyes,ifonlyforabriefmoment.

Logan chose that moment to wink at a few of the rich, pretty female guests, while Tristan, being the

flirtyone,blewafewkissestoafewofthefemaleswavingatthemandgigglingawayexcitedly.

Lukerusheduptothemandpolitelygreetedthem.
“Luke,” Sebastian said the moment he spotted his PA. “Sorry to drag you into this, man, but we are

very shorthanded. Your job is to look after the Suzuki family, Lady Haruka, and her nephew, Sosuke.
Makesurethey’recomfortableandgetanythingtheywant.”

“Ofcourse,”Lukesaid,nodding.Heunderstoodhisjobperfectly.HewastobetheSuzukis’escort.

After all, the Suzuki family was a very well-known noble and rich family from Japan, who owned the
famousJadeJewelryCorporation.Theywererenownedfortheiruniquejewelrydesigns,andthosewere
going to be in the show tonight, along with the famous designer Mr. Tachibana’s spring-summer
collection.

“Theyshouldbearrivingverysoon,”Sebastiansaid,lookingtowardthedoor.
Nicolascheckedhiswatchandsaid,“I’mhavingaquickmeetingwithMr.Lloydinmyofficeinfive

minutes.TellSosukeI’minmyofficewhenhearrives.”

Sebastian nodded, and Nicolas left them, walking briskly to the lift. Once Nicolas disappeared,

Haruka, Sosuke, and Akira came through the front door. Sebastian paced over to them, along with his
brothersandLuke.

“Sebastian-san,”Harukagreeted.“Ohayo.”
Sebastianbowedandhisbrothersfollowedsuit.
“Ohayo,”Sebastiangreeted.
“Sebastian-san, perhaps you should introduce your dear brother to us,” Akira suggested, smiling,

sneakingapeekatSosuketoseehisreaction.Shechuckledwhenshesawhimfrowningather.

“Gladto,”Sebastiansaidandturnedtohisbrothers.“ThisisTristan,Logan,Hayden,andConrad.”
Akiranoddedandbowedherheadtogreeteachoneinturn.
“And this is Lady Haruka, her nephew Sosuke, who you’ve already met, and of course, Akira, Lady

Haruka’sniece.”

TristantookastepforwardinstantlyandtookAkira’shand.“Sogladtomeetyou,Akira,”hesaid.
Akira laughed, pleased. Sosuke scowled. Logan hid a smile. Sebastian shook his head. And Conrad

lookedheavenward,asiftosay,Therehegoesagain.

“ThisisLukeHamilton,”Sebastiansaid.“He’llbelookingafteryou,LadyHaruka,Sosuke.”
“Thankyou,Luke-san,”Harukasaid,bowingherheadpolitelyatLuke.
Lukechuckledandbowedawkwardly.
“Bytheway,where’sNicolas?”Sosukeasked.
“He’supinhisoffice,”Conradsupplied.“Saidyoushouldgoandmeethimthere.”
“Thanks, Conrad-san,” Sosuke said. “Now if you all will excuse me.” He bowed and then headed

towardthelift.

“Nicolas?”Akirasaid.“Isthatyoureldestbrother,Sebastian-san?”
“Yes,”Sebastianreplied.
“Buthe’snotasinterestingasus,”Tristanputin,drawingAkira’sattention.
“He’sabore,”Loganadded,givingherahandsomesmile.
Akirachuckled.“I’mnotinterestedinboringmenwhoareonlyinterestedinwork.”
“Goodforyou,mydear,”Tristansaid,winkingather.
During this time, on the other side of the lobby, Sosuke was just about to get into the lift when he

bumpedintosomebodyveryhardasshewasrushingout.

“I’msosorry.”
Sosukegainedhiscomposureandlookedup.Hesuckedinhisbreathoncehelaideyesontheexotic

beautywithtwodifferentcoloredeyes.Heopenedhismouthtosaysomethingbutcouldn’tashisbrain
wasmomentarilyfrozen.

The beauty politely smiled at him, thinking he might not have understood her considering the fact he

lookedratherforeign.

“Whatcountryareyoufrom?”sheasked.
Sosukeblinked.Didhereallylookthatoutofplacehereforhertohaveguessedhewasaforeigner?

Heclearedhisthroatandsaid,“Japan.”

She seemed almost glad for him to have said that particular country. She bowed her head and said,

“Moushiwakearimasen.”

Sosukewasimpressed.SheknewhowtospeakJapanese,andverywell,too.
“Daijobudayo,”hesaid,chuckling.“IcanspeakEnglishjustfine.”
Thebeautyliftedherheadandblushedabecomingpink.Sosukenearlychokedonhisbreath,gazingat

her. He’d always thought women with blond hair weren’t to his taste, but apparently that now had
changed.Andthefactthatthiswomanworetwodifferentcontactlenses—oneaskyblueandoneanodd
graycolor,almostapalelavender—onlyfascinatedhimevenmore.

“Then I’m sorry for bumping into you,” she said again, bowing her head. “I was in such a rush. I’m

helpingmyfriendoutfortheshow,yousee.Sheworksbackstage,andthey’reshorthanded.It’smyfirst
time,soIactuallyhavenoideawhatI’mdoing.”Thenshelaughed.

Itwasabeautifullaugh,andSosukefoundhimselfsmilingatherwithdelight.
“Er,”hebegan,wantingtoknowwhathernamewas.
“HereIammumblingonaboutnonsensetoyou.Sorryaboutbefore,butIhavetorun,”shesaidand

rushedoffintheoppositedirection.

Sosukewatchedherpacingoff,herheelsclickingonthemarblefloor,herlonghairswayingabouther

backassherushed.

Backontheothersideofthehugelobby,AkirasaidasshewatchedSosukewalkingintothelift,“Look

athim,flirtingwithsomeblondwhilehetellsmetostayput.”SheturnedtoTristan.“Doyouthinkthat’s
fair?”

Tristanchuckled.“Nope.Notatall.”
“Thatblondlookedfamiliarthough,”Conradsaid,cockinghisheadtooneside.Eventhoughshehad

her back to them and was a good distance away, he had the nagging feeling he’d seen her somewhere
before.Butforthelifeofhim,hecouldn’tfigureoutwhenandwhere.

“Well,IsupposeIshan’tneedlookingafter,”Akirasaid.“AndImighthavetohurrybeforeTachibana-

samagetsupsetwithmebeinglateforhisshow.”Sheturnedtoherauntyandgaveheratighthug.“Iwill
seeyouaftertheshow,Oba-chan.”

“Doyourbest,Akira-chan,”Harukasaidsoftly.
“Yes,”Akirareplied.Thensheturnedtothebrothers.“Nicetomeetyouall.”Shebowedatthem,to

whichthebrothersnoddedback.Thensheelegantlysailedaway.

“That’s a model walk,” Tristan said to himself. He turned to Haruka. “Is she modeling for Mr.

Tachibana?”

“Yes,”Harukareplied.

*****

CHAPTER5

Se bastianPrince ton,KnightofHe arts

“Mr.Princeton,sir?”

Sebastianjoltedbacktorealitywithastart.Heturnedtolookattheblond-haired,green-eyedwoman

withthickglassesaddressinghim.

“Whatisit?”
JaneHamiltonbitherlipandtoldherselftostopshakingsohardinfrontofthehandsomebillionaire

whowasscowlingather.Sheglancedupathimagain,hereyeslarge.Ohshit!Sheshouldn’thavedone
that.Hereallydidscareher,andshetotallydidn’tunderstandwhyeveryfemaleintheworldwantedto
datehim.Yes,hewasveryhot.Yes,hewasveryrich.Andno,shedidn’tfindherselfattractedtohimin
theveryleast,likeeveryotherfemale.

Shetookadeepbreathandsaid,“Sir,Iwastoldyouwantedtoinspectthestage.”
Sebastiansighed.He’dbeeninsuchdeepthoughtmomentsagothathe’dforgottenabouthisrequest.

Nicolas had asked him to inspect the stage, to make sure everything was fine. He wasn’t sure why he
hadn’tbeenpayingattentiontohissurroundingssincethey’denteredthehotel.

No, actually, he knew why. It was because of that blond woman Sosuke had bumped into when they

arrived. Why had he found her so fascinating? Why couldn’t he stop himself from thinking about her?
Eventhoughshe’dbeenatsuchagreatdistancefromhim.Eventhoughhehadn’tatallseenherface.But
herfigurereallydidremindhimofsomebody.Thelonghair,thoughapalegolden-blondcolor,wasalso
oddlyfamiliar.Thentherewasthewayinwhichshe’dwalkedbrisklyaway.Itwashergaitthatattracted
hisattention.Itwasasifhe’dseenthatgaitsomewherebefore,onsomeonehe’dknownverywell.

God!Whycouldn’thegetheroutofhismind?Theonlywomanwhohadeverdonethattohimwas

Sakura.

Suddenly,hisheartached.
Sakura!Sweetheart.Whereareyou?
“Sir?”Janesqueakedagain.
Sebastiansnappedhiseyestoher.“Yes.”
“Shouldwego?”sheaskedmeekly.
Sebastiannoddedandstrodeahead,leavingJanetoquietlyfollowhim.
Theycametothefirstfloorandthenintothegreatopenspaceofthegreathallwheretheshowwas

going to take place. Staff were everywhere, setting up the scene, placing chairs along the rows, setting
variousequipment,andtestingthelightingandsound.

“As you can see, sir, everything is going according to plan so far,” Jane said. “That’s our runway

there.”ShepointedtothelongT-shapedraisedplatforminthemiddleofthegreathall.Therewerebright
white lights on all sides that would shine on the models as they did their catwalk, showing off the
beautifulgownsandjewelrytheywore.

“Andthesound?”Sebastianasked.
“It’s good. It’s going to be classical Japanese music mixed with pop. I think it’s called Sakura

Sakura.”

“What?”Sebastiansnapped,turninghisazure-blueeyestoJane,hisfacetense.

Janewastakenbysurprisebyhisabruptquery.Sheswallowednervouslyandsaid,“It’scalledSakura

Sakura.” Then she had to explain further, thinking he didn’t know or understand. “The song depicts
springtime,whencherryblossomsbloom,sir.”

“Yes,ofcourse.Iknowthat,”Sebastiansaid.Hetookadeepbreaththen.Shit!Whywasheinsucha

badmood?Whywashesoagitated?

Sakura.Hernamekeptringinginhishead.Sakura.Sakura.Sweetheart.Whereareyou?
“Pleasecontinue,Ms.Hamilton,”hesaid.
Janeblinked.Holyshit!Heknewhername?
Sheclearedherthroat.“Yes,ofcourse,sir.”
Sheturnedandledhimtocenterstage.TheywereattheendoftheraisedrunwaywhenJane’sphone

insistentlyrang.

“Sorry,sir,”shesaidapologetically.Shehastilyturnedonthephone.“Hello?”
“Jane,it’sme,Sakura.”
JanebitherlipandpeekedupatSebastian.“Whereareyou?Areyoulostorsomething?Didyouget

thatlistfromthewardrobeassistant?”

“Idid.Whereareyou?I’mbringingitover.”
“I’minthegreathallonthefirstfloorwheretheshowisgoingtotakeplace.Comequick.Ihavetoget

thatlisttoChrisbeforehekillsme.”

Janeheardherfriendlaugh.“It’syourfault,Jane.Nowwhosaidshe’sveryorganized?”
“Don’tteaseme.Notnow.Pleasehurry.”
“Allright.Onmyway.”
Janesighedandhungup.“Sorryaboutthat,sir.Itwaswork.”Shegavehimanotherapologeticsmile.
Sebastiansimplynodded.
Janephonerangagain.Shegruntedunderherbreath.“Sorry,sir,”shesaidagaintoSebastian.
“Takeyourtime.”Sebastianturnedandstartedwalkingawaytoinspectthestage.
Janesighedinreliefandturnedherattentiontoherphone.“Yes?”
“Jane?Wheretheheckareyou?”
Jane grunted under her breath. It was Adam Somerville, the backstage manager. After taking a

frustratedsigh,shesaidnicelyintothephone,“I’mwithMr.Princeton,Adam.Whatdoyouwant?”

“Showinghimaround,areyou?Whydidn’ttheyaskmetodothatinstead?”
Janethoughthesoundedpissed.Hejustlovedtorubshoulderswiththerichandfamous.Shetookabit

ofdelightatthethoughtthathe’dmissedout.

“Didyouwantmeforsomething?”
“Comebackstageforaminute,willyou?Ineedyouhere.”
“Okay.Bethereinafewseconds.”ShehungupandrushedtoSebastian,whowasbusystaringupat

thelights.

“Sir?”
Sebastianturnedtoher.“Hmm?”
“Ihavetogobackstageforasecond.I’llberightback.”
“Takeyourtime,”hereplied,dismissingher.
Janenoddedandrushedaway,herfeetlight.
Alone,Sebastiancontinuedtolookaroundhim,thoughhismindwaselsewhere.
Sakura!hethought.
Clung!Andthenblackness.
Sebastianblinked.Whatjusthappened?Whywasthewholeplacesuddenlyfloodedwithdarkness?

“Oi!Whatthehellisgoingonthere?”heheardamanshout.
“Yeah,where’sthelight?”anotheryelled.
“Sorry!”Avoiceechoedthroughaspeaker.“We’rejusttestingthelights.Pleasebepatient.It’llonly

takeamoment.”

The mumbling and grumbling continued from the staff. Sebastian shook his head. He had enough

inspectingthestageandheadedtowardthedoor.Onlyhecouldn’tquiteseeproperlyinthedarknessand
smashedintoasmall,softbody.

“Huh!”thefemalemadeasound,fallingintohisarms,herfacehittinghishard,muscularchest.Atthe

sametime,hisfeettrippedoncordslyingonthefloorandhefellbackward,takingthewomanwithhim.

Hehithisbackonthefloor,thewomansprawlingontopofhim.
God!Shefeltsosoft,warm,andjustrightinhisarms.Herhair!OhGod,herhairsmelledbeautiful.It

remindedhimofspring,ofSakura.

“Shit!”hemutteredunderhisbreath.
“I’msosorry,”shewhisperedsoftly,herwarmbreathfanninghisskin,causinghiswholebodytosoar

inpleasure.Hisheartsuddenlythunderedwithinhischest.

Sakura!Sakura!IthastobeSakura!
“Icouldn’tsee.”Shechuckledapologetically.
Sakura!Hewantedtoscreamouthername.
Thewomanbegantomoveaway,outofhisarms.
No!No!No!Hewouldn’tlethergo.Hecouldn’tlethergo.
Heheldontohertight,hismindscreaminghernameoverandoveragain.Sakura!Sakura!Sakura!
“Myfiles!”Shemovedhastilyawayfromhimandoutofhisclutches.Hesatup,hishandsreachingout

forher,searchingforher.Heheardshufflingandrufflingandthelightcamebackon.

TheroomwasfloodedwithbrightlightanditmomentarilyblindedSebastian.
Thump!Thump!Thump!
Sakura!Whereareyou?Pleasedon’tleave!
Heblinkedagainandthenadjustedhiseyestothebrightness.Hescannedaroundhim,hisheartstill

pounding heavily within his chest. Then he saw her rushing away toward the exit, her long blond hair
flyingbehindher.

Hefrowned. She wasn’tSakura. She wasthe woman he’d seenearlier with Sosukeat the lift. What

waswrongwithhim?Hedefinitelyneededtoclearhishead.

“Sir?”Janecalledout.
Sebastianwavedathertoleavehimbe.“We’redone,Ms.Hamilton.”Thenhewasoutthedoor.
Hetooktheliftandcametothetopfloorofthehotelwherehisparents’penthousewaslocated.Inthe

spaciouslivingarea,hefoundLadyHarukaandhisparents,JamesandBrendaPrinceton,havingmorning
teatogether.Theyaregettingalongwell,hethoughtwithasmile,andhewaspleased.

“Mom,Dad,”hesaidthemomenttheylookedup.
“Sebastian,darling,”Brendasaid.“Joinus.”
Hecametositonthesofanexttohisparentsandpouredhimselfacupofcoffee.Hetookasipand

founditwasflavorless.Instantly,forperhapsthemillionthtime,hemissedSakura’saromatic,flavorful
coffee.Hisfacedarkenedatthethought.

Brendanoticedandsaid,“Sohow’sthestageinspectiongoing?”
“Shouldn’thetellhisstafftodothat?”Tristansaidfromtheothersideoftheroom.“Nicolas,Imean.”
“Allhisstaffarebusy,”Loganputin.“Iwouldimagine.AndSebastianisfree.”
“IthinkNicolasisjusttooeasygoingwithhisstaff,”Haydensaid,sippinghistastelesscoffee.

Thedooropenedatthatmoment,andNicolasandSosukewalkedin.
“Whatdidyoujustsay,Hayden?”Nicolasaskedhisbrother.
Haydentookthebaitandsaidagain,“Ithinkyou’retooeasyonyourstaff.”
“Thenmaybeyou’dbekindenoughtoteachmeafewthingsaboutstaffmanagement?”Nicolasraised

hisblondbrowsathisbrother.“I’dbegladindeed.”

Haydenchuckled.“I’dbegladtoo,bro.”
“Damn,”Conradputin.“Youtwoarealwaysgoingonaboutthat.”Helookedheavenward.
“Bytheway,”Sosukeinterjected,lookingaroundtheroom.“WhereisDarcy-san?Ihaven’tseenhim

sincethismorning.Ishenotcomingtotheevent?”

“He’d be at his loft, doing his artsy thing,” Conrad supplied. Then the youngest of the Princeton

brotherscouldn’treallyhelphimselfandasked,“Bytheway,Sosuke,thatwomanyoubumpedintothis
morningbythelift?”

Sosukeraisedhisbrowsandstartedtorockhimselfbackandforth.Harukanoticedandhidasmile.

Hernephewonlydidthatwhenhewasintosomethingandtriedtohideit.Nowshewasinterestedinthis
blondwomanthey’dglimpsedthatmorningaswell.

“Yes?”Sosukeaskedevasively.
“Youdidseeherface,didn’tyou?”Conradasked.
“Yeah,”Tristanaddedwithinterest.“Whatdoesshelooklike?”
Sosukefrownedandnoticedhimselfrocking.Hemadehimselfstopandclearedhisthroat.“Whydo

youwanttoknow?”

Logan was beside him immediately and swung his arm over Sosuke’s shoulders. “Come on now,

Sosuke,myfriend,spititout.Can’tkeepabeautifulwomanalltoyourself,youknow.Weshare.”

Sosukedidn’tlikethesoundofthat.
“Hey,”Nicolasputin,frowningatTristanandLogan,whowerehavingratheragoodtimeteasingthe

Japaneseman.“That’sSosuke’sbusiness.”

Tristanchuckled.“Comeon,man,whatdoesshelooklike?”
“Pretty?”Loganasked.
“Hot?”Tristanadded.
“Sexy?”Haydenqueried.
“Blueeyes?”Conradputin.“Italwaysgoeswiththeblondhair.”
“Ithinkyouguysshouldreallytakethisoutside,”Sebastiansaid,indicatingtherewereconservative

adultsherethatdidn’twanttohearsuchconversation,referringtohisparentsandHaruka.

Hisbrothers,however,weren’tlisteningandcontinued.
Tristansaid,“I’mpartialtoblueeyes.”
“Me, too,” Logan added. “There is that something with blue eyes and blond hair. They’re perfect

together.”

“I’mintoblackhairandchocolaty-browneyes,”Conradsaid.
TheroomsuddenlywentdeadsilentasthebrothersstaredatConrad,whowentratherredintheface.

James took Brenda’s hand into his and gave it a gentle, comforting squeeze. Brenda looked up at her
husbandthen,tearsburningwithinhereyes.Shegavehimaweaksmile.

Harukanoticedthesubtlemovementbetweenhusbandandwife.Shealsonoticedthetenseatmosphere

surroundingtheroomandthebrothers’silence,asthoughwhatConradhadsaidhitatarget.Shewondered
whatwasgoingon.

“Actually,”Sosukebegan,“shedoeshaveoneblueeye.”
Thetenseatmospherewasliftedthen,andHaydensaid,“Blueeye?”Hecockedhisheadtooneside.

“Yousaidblueeye,singular,”Conradputin.
“What?”Tristancouldn’thelphimselffromasking.“Issheblindinoneeyeorsomething?”
Loganshookhishead.“Howunfortunate.Andtothinkyougazedatherlikeyoudid,Sosuke.”
Sosukegrunted,andbothLoganandTristanlaughed.
“I’msureshe’snotblind,”Nicolasputin,frowningathisbrotherstostoptheirnonsense.
“Shehasoneblueeyeandonegrayeye,”Sosukesaid.
ThebrothersturnedtheirfullattentiontoSosuke,includingSebastian,whowasinterested.Theywere

talkingaboutthesamewomanhe’dbumpedintojustmomentsagoafterall.Hehadn’tseenherfaceand
nowwonderedwhatshelookedlike.

“It’stheoddestthing,”Sosukesaid.“I’veneverseenthatcolorinanyonebefore.”Hecockedhishead

to one side. “The blue one is so blue, like the color of the sky in summer.” He turned to Sebastian.
“Actually,itlookedverymuchlikeyours,Sebastian-san.Thecolorofyoureyes,anazure-blue.”

Thebrothers’gazesshiftedtowardSebastian,whoturnedabitpaleinthefaceallofasudden.
“Andtheotherone?”Sebastianasked.
“The other?” Sosuke frowned. “Like I said, it’s the oddest color, the likes I’ve never seen on any

personbefore…except—”

“Except?” Nicolas prompted. He really couldn’t help himself. He knew what all his brothers were

thinking. Shit! He hoped their suspicions were right. He really hoped so. Then that would explain
everything.Whytheycouldn’tfindher.

“Except,”Sosukesaid,“Darcy.”
“Whatdoyoumean?”Sebastianasked,hisvoicehard.
Sosukewasconfusedbythetensestanceanddarkfacesallthebrothersworeastheywatchedhim,his

friendNicolasincluded.Hechuckledandtriedtomakelightofthesituation.

“JustlikeDarcy.Oneeyes,it’sexactlythesameasDarcy’s,thatmoonlikepalelavendercolor.Ithink

it’slikeamauve-grey?”

Sebastian felt his whole body shaking. Oh God! Could that really be her? Sakura? Shit! He had her

withinhisclutchesandhejustlethergo?Justlikethat?

“Whereisshe?”Conradaskedsuddenly.
“She’sworkingbackstage!”Sebastiansuppliedandstrodetothedoor.
SosukewatchedinconfusionasalltheotherbrothersfollowedSebastian,Nicolasincluded.Heturned

hisattentiontohisauntandsawshewasalsolookingathiminconfusion.

Though she gave the impression she hadn’t a clue what was going on, Haruka did notice something

veryodd.Thehusbandandwifesittingoppositeherlookedratheranxiousandrelievedatthesametime.
What was going on? Why was the talk of this pretty blond woman bringing forward such an intense
reactioninthiswealthyandkindfamily?

Harukadidn’tknow,butshedidknowthis—shehopedtheyfoundwhattheywerelookingfor,because

sheknewtheywerelookingforsomething.Orsomeone.

*****

Sakurawasn’tusedtorunningerrands.Todayshefoundoutshewasn’tanygoodatdoingit,andvowedto
neverdoitagaininthefuture,especiallywhereitinvolvedhelpingbackstagebeforeafashionshow.

Her heels really hurt. She wondered if she should take her shoes off and walk barefoot on the soft

carpetinstead.

Clutchingthefolderagainstherchest,shetookouthercellphoneandgaveJaneacall.

“Hello?”
“Jane,it’sme,Sakura,”shesaid.
“Whereareyou?Areyoulostorsomething?Didyougetthatlistfromthewardrobeassistant?”
“Idid.Whereareyou?I’mbringingitover.”
“I’minthegreathallonthefirstfloorwheretheshow’sgoingtotakeplace.Comequick.Ihaveto

getthatlisttoChrisbeforehekillsme.”

Sakuralaughed.Shecouldn’thelpherself.Janehadmanytimestoldherhoworganizedshewas,and

nowlookatwhathappened.Shewasmissingfilesleftandrightandhadtobegherforhelp.“It’syour
fault,Jane.Nowwhosaidshe’sveryorganized?”

“Don’tteaseme.Notnow.Pleasehurry.”
“All right. On my way,” she said and then hung up. “On my way,” she murmured to herself, pacing

towardthelift.

A few minutes later, she was once again on the first floor, heading toward the great hall where the

fashionshowwasgoingtotakeplace.Themomentsheopenedthemassivedoorandsteppedacrossthe
threshold,therewasaloudclangingnoiseandthendarkness,andatthesametime,thedoorshutbehind
her.

“Okay,” she whispered under her breath. “What just happened?” She blinked several times and then

openedhereyeswidetogetusedtothedarkness.

“Oi!Whatthehellisgoingonthere?”amanshouted.
“Yeah,where’sthelight?”anotheryelled.
“Sorry!” A voice echoed through the speakers. “We’re just testing the lights. Please be patient. It’ll

onlytakeamoment.”

“Right,”Sakuramuttered.“JustwhenI’minsuchahurry.”
The staff continued their mumbling and grumbling, and Sakura wanted to laugh at the whole silly

situation.Suddenly,thedoorwasthrustopenedfromtheotherside,hittingherbackside,knockingheroff
balance.Shestumbledforwardheadfirstandsmashedintoahard,masculinebody.

“Huh!”shepuffedout,fallingintoapairofstrongarms,herfacehittingtheman’schest.Thenshefelt

himfallingoffbalanceasifhe’dtrippedonsomething,andshewentalongwithhim.

“Shit!”sheheardhimmutterunderhisbreath.
Sakurafeltawfulandhastilyuttered,“I’msosorry.”Thenshethoughttoadd,“Icouldn’tsee.”
Feelingratherembarrassedinhisarms,shebegantomoveawaybutfoundhimclingingontoherasif

hecouldn’tbeartolethergo.

“My files!” she uttered in panic and hastily moved out of his clutches. She was just picking up the

folderswhenbrightlightssuddenlyfloodedallaroundthem.Shesighedinrelief,tooknotethatallthree
fileswereinherhands,andthenrushedawaytowardtheexitwherethebackstagewas.

ShefoundJaneorderingpeoplearoundandatthesametimespeakingintohermic.Shelookedvery

busy.Janefinallyspottedherandwavedforhertocome.

“Hey,files?”Sakuraasked.
Janesighedinrelief.“OhmyGod,thankyousomuch,Sakura.Butthere’sonemorethingyouhaveto

doforme.”

“Whatisit?”
“CanyoupleasetakethesetoChris?He’suponthefourthfloor,”shebegged.ThenshesawSakura

wasabouttoaskwhythewardrobemanagerwasuponthefourthfloorandsaid,“Don’tevenaskmethat.
Thatman’slogicisbeyondme.”

“Allright,”Sakurasaid.“Idon’tmind.”

“Good,”Janesaid,dumpinganothersetoffilesintoherarms.“Nowhustle,mydearfriend.”
Sakuralaughedandtookoffoutthedoor.

*****

CHAPTER6

PastLove

Melissa Williams couldn’t believe her luck when she saw the handsome young man with dark hair
stridingintothegallery.God,heliterallytookherbreathaway,andshereallycouldn’ttakehereyesoff
him as he purposely headed toward her. There was that something about him that really fascinated her.
Shedecideditwaspartiallyduetothewayhewaswalking,withthateasyandconfidentgracethattold
theworldhewasn’tthetypetobemessedwith,thatheknewwhathisgoalwasandwouldn’tdeteruntil
heaccomplishedit.Theaurashesensedfromhimwasthatofmysteryanddarkness,anditintriguedher
evenmore,thrillinghertoanewheight.

This guy was the hard-to-catch type—the type that wouldn’t get into bed with her that easily. Then

therewasalsothefactthathewaswayoutofherleague,butthatmadeMelissawanthimevenmore.

Hereyesgleamedwithdelightashecametowardher.God, just look at the way he walks. And his

body?ShewassurebeneaththatexpensiveArmanisuitwasabodytodiefor,withtoned,firmmuscles
and,yes,six-packabs.Herbloodtrilledatthethoughtofherfingersbrushingagainstthoseabs.

Ashecamecloser,shewonderedifheswam.Hisbodysuredidindicateso,evenifitwerejustfor

pleasure.

He stopped in front of her at the counter. His face—strong and breathtakingly gorgeous—was

impassive.Andthoseeyesofhis.Theyweredeep,sharpwithintelligence,andveryintense.Thecolor
really fascinated her. It was a type she’d never seen before. The color of the moon on a stormy night.
Especiallywhenlightningstrikes.Ithadthatoddpalelavenderreflectingwithin.Amauvegrey.

He put one masculine hand on the counter, a hand that told her it could be turned into a passionate

lover’s.ThethoughtofthatparticularhandonherbodymadeMelissagohot.Shesighedasshegazedat
hishand,hermindwandering.

“I’mheretopickupapainting,”hesaid,hisvoicedeep,whichcausedMelissa’shearttoflutterwithin

herchestwithdelight.

Melissasmiledpleasantly,hercheeksblushingaperfectpinkshewassurewouldattractanymale’s

attention.Shelickedherfuchsialips,hopingtodrawhisattentionthere.Nosuchluckthough,astheyoung
mandartedhiseyestothepaintingsaroundthegalleryinstead.

Sowhat?HefoundSakuraTanaka’spaintingswaymoreinterestingthanher?Melissawasn’tpleased

aboutthatandsilentlyfumed.Washetobeanotherofthemanymenwhocameintothisgalleryonlytosee
theprettypainterandbuyherpaintings?Washetobeanotherofthemanymenwhopaidnoattentionto
her,thehotsalesassistant?

Melissawaspissed.
“There’sonlyonepaintingtobepickeduptoday,”shesaid,stilleyeingthegorgeousdark-hairedman

withundisguisedinterestthatpracticallyscreamed,Pleaselookatme.I’mbeggingyou.Iwantyou!

Themanturnedtoher,hiseyesdarkandintense.Stillunsmiling,hesaid,“Idon’thavealotoftime.

Pleasehurry.”

Melissawastakenaback.Oh,forgoodnesssake’s!ItwasabloodySaturday.Whatwasheinsucha

hurryfor?Obviouslysomethingveryimportant,suchasapartyorsomething,consideringthefactthathe
wasdressedforone.Shit!Thatsuitwouldprobablycostasmuchasherentireyearofsalary.

Melissa cleared her throat and said, “I’m sorry, sir, but I need confirmation of your identity.” She

secretlysmiled.NowIgettoknowwhoyouare,youhotthing.

“Isthissometypeofbarorsomething?Willadriverlicensedo?”heasked,hisdarkbrowsrose.
Melissablushed.“Nosir,butwedogetsomeweirdocominginandclaimingtohaveboughtapainting

butitwasforsomeoneelseyouseeand,erm,naturallywedon’twantthattohappenagain.”

“Isee,”themansaid.Hetookoutareceiptfromhispocketandgaveittoher.
Melissaglancedatthereceipt,recognizedtheclient’snumbers,andgasped.“I’msorry,sir,butyou’re

our regular.” She glanced up, her eyes large. So this was the man who had always bought Sakura’s
photographsandpaintings,eh?Shit!Hewastotallyhot.AndMelissawasrathergladSakurahadalready
leftfortheday,andtherefore,couldn’tmeetthispieceofdreamer.

“I’mnot.I’mpickingitupformybrother,”hesaid.
Melissasighedwithrelief.ThankGod,shethought,becausethatmeantthatheshouldn’tbebackhere

to see Sakura. She grinned and said, “I’m sorry, sir, I do still need to see your identification. Just to
confirm,ifyouknowwhatImean.”

“Yeah,”hesaid,tookhiswalletout,andshowedherhisID.
Melissalookedcloselyandsaidunderherbreath,“DarcyPrinceton.”God,itsuitedhim,shethought,

andsmiledpleasantly.“Thanks,”shesaid.‘I’lljustgoandgetthatpaintingnow.”Sheheadedovertothe
backofthegallery,makingsurethatherbackside,whichwasnicelyondisplaywearingthetightpencil
skirt,swayedelegantly.

Darcywasn’tpayingattentiontothebrunettefloozywhohefoundratherirritatingandturnedtomarvel

atthepaintingsthatweresurroundinghiminstead.Mostwereofcherryblossomtreesinfullbloomand
somewereofbirds.Heglancedathiswatchtomakesurehewasn’trunninglateandthenturnedtoscan
theothersideofthegallery,havingnothingelsetodo.Thatwaswhenhesawthepaintingofthe cherry
blossomtree.Hisheartskippedabeat,hisstomachfluttered,andhiswholebodytense.Hecouldn’thelp
himselfandstrodeoverbrisklytotakeacloserlook.

There, resting against the wall was the painting that reminded him of the cherry blossom tree on St.

JosephIsland;thetreehehadkissedSakuraunder.

Suddenlyitallcamebacktohim.

*****

Darce!MydearDarce!

Little Darcy saw the long, dark hair flying, the pale hand reaching out to him, and the pretty face

laughing.

“Youcan’tcatchme,”shesangsweetlyassheranawayfromhimamongstthetallgrass.
“Snow!”heshouted,racingafterher.“Snow?Whereareyou?I’llfindyousoon.Iwon’tloseyou.”
“Really?” she giggled from afar, her voice light and echoing all around him. “You don’t even know

whereIam.”

Darcytwistedaroundinhisspot,confusedandlostamidstthewoods.“I’llfindyou.You’llsee.And

whenIdo,I’mnevergoingtoletyougo.You’regoingtobemineforeverandever.”

Abeautifullaughfollowed.“Thenfindme.I’mwaitingforyoutofindme.Darce,mydearDarce…”
Darcy found himself running until he was breathless. Then he saw a glimpse of white material. He

sprintedtowardit,andashecamecloser,hesawherlonghair.

“Igotyounow,”hechuckledandpulledherintohisarms.Theybothfelltothegroundandgotintoafit

ofgiggle.

“Youfoundme,Darcedear,”shesaid.“I’msoglad.Soveryglad.”
“Me,too,”hereplied.Hemadehersitupandthenlaidhisheadonherlap.“Nowyoumustwatchover

mewhileItakeanap.”

Shecockedherheadtooneside.“Sleep,mydearDarce,andIwillwatchoveryou.”
LittleDarcynoddedandclosedhiseyes.
“Snow? Why does cherry blossom falls?” he asked suddenly, gazing off at the tiny petals raining on

them.

“Theyarethetearsofspring,Darcy,thetearsofspring,”shereplied,smilingasshe,too,gazedupat

theswirlingflowersthatsurroundedthem.

Darcynoddedandclosedhiseyesagain.Whenheopenedthemsomemomentslater,hefeltsomething

ticklinghisface.Thefirstthinghesawwastheclearblueskyabovehim.Itwasabeautifulspringday,
andhedidn’twantittoeverend.Heturnedhiseyestotheleft,andhisheartglowedwithjoyashiseyes
methisprettyadoptedsister’s.

Sakura was watching him, a smile on her lips. She looked like an angel, Darcy thought with pride.

Withherlongdarkhairandpaleskin;shelookedjustlikeSnowWhiteinthefairytalebook.

“You’reawake?”sheaskedsoftly.
Darcyadjustedhisheadonherlapsothathecouldliemorecomfortably.Herthighsweresoftbeneath

hishead,andhelikedthat.Helikedthatalot.Heonlywishedthathecouldsleeponherlapeverynight
insteadofhispillows.

He reached his small hand out and started playing with her long hair, coiling the strands about his

fingers.Hedidn’tknowwhybuthejustlovedbeingwithSakura.Shemadehimfeelwonderful.

“Didyouhaveagoodsleep?”sheasked.
“Yes,”Darcyreplied.
“Didyouhaveagooddream?”
“Nope.”
Sakuramovedherhandandruffledhisdarkhair.Darcylikedthat.Helikedthatalot.
“Idon’thavegooddreamseither,”shewhisperedsoftly,gazingoffintothedistance.
Darcylookedupather,notinghersorrowexpressionwhichinturnedcausedhisownhearttorobwith

pain.Ofcourse,hedidn’tunderstandwhy.

“Doyouhavenightmares?”heasked.
Hewatchedhernodherhead.
“Well,ifyouhaveanotherone,I’llcomeandsleepwithyou.I’llprotectyoufromyournightmare.I’ll

beyourbodyguard.I’llbeyourprince,Sakura.”

Shelaughedsoftly.“You’reonlyalittleboy,Darce.”
“I don’t care. I’ll still protect you even if I’m just a little boy,” he said firmly, giving her a dashing

smile.Hemovedhishandfromherhairtotouchherfacethen,hislittlefingercaressinghersoftskin.

“You’resuchanicebrother,Darce,”shesaid,returninghissmile.
Darcy’s expression quickly changed to a scowl. He sat up abruptly which caused Sakura to gasp in

surprise.Heturnedtolookatherlongandhard,hismauvegrayeyesintenseonherface.“I’mnotyour
brother,”hemuttereddarkly.

Sakurawastakenaback.“But—”
“I don’t want to be your brother—ever!” he said firmly. “I want to be with you forever, but I don’t

wanttobeyourbrother.”

“Darce,”Sakurawhispered,herfacepaleandsad.“ButIthoughtyoulikeme.”
Darcypanicked.No!No!No!Hedidn’twanttoupsether.Hejustdidn’twanthertobehissister,that

wasall.Sowhywasshesoupset?Ohno!Shewasgoingtocry.

“Ido,”heprotested,tryingtosoothehersadness.“Ilikeyoualot.”
“Thenwhy?”sheasked.“Why,Darce?Whycan’tIbeyoursisterlikeAlainaandTara?”
DarcywatchedtwofattearsrollingdownSakura’scheeks.Hedidn’tunderstandwhyhimself,buthe

justknewthathewantedtostaywithherforeverandthathedidn’twantherashissister.

“BecauseIloveyou.BecauseIneverwanttoloseyou,ever!”

*****

Darcyfelthisheartthumpingloudlyandfuriouslywithinhischest.Hisheadwaspoundingatthereminder
oftheirchildhood.

Could this tree in the painting be the same tree on St. Joseph Island? But how? No! It must be his

imagination.No,hereasonedhimself.Itwasjustveryalike,thatwasall,andnothingmore.

“Ah,thereyouare,”Melissasaidfromthedistance.“It’sready.”
Darcyturnedtoherthen.“Thatpainting,howmuchisit?”
Melissa blinked, momentarily confused. Then she turned her attention to the painting on the floor

restingagainstthewall.Thefirstthoughtthatcameintohermindwas‘it’sfinished?’

“Howmuchisit?”heaskedagain,hiseyesintense.
“I’mnotsure,”Melissasaiduncertainly,takenbysurprisedbyhistensetoneofvoice.“I’llhavetoask

first.”

“Who’stheowner?”Darcydemanded.
“Ms.Tanaka,”Melissasaid.“Butshe’sout.”
Darcygrittedhisteeth.“Iwantthatpainting.Howmuchisit?”
“I don’t know, sir,” Melissa replied again. “You’ll have to wait until Ms. Tanaka return.” Then she

thought,‘well that was stupid of you, Melissa’. She grinned pleasantly and said instead, “But I’m sure
it’s not so much different from her other paintings. How about I look up in the computer for you? She
usuallylogsinthepriceforherpaintinginthecomputer.”

“Please,dothat,”Darcysaid.
OnceMelissaquicklyrushedtothebackofthegallery,heturnedhisattentionbacktothepainting.He

wentdownononekneeandinspectcloser.Henotedthatthepaintwasstillslightlywet.

“Sakura,”hesaidsoftly.
A moment later, Melissa came back out. “Thank god,” she said, laughing uneasily. “I’ve found the

price.It’sfivethousand.”Theexactprice,shethought,forthatsexyreddressshehadwantedforages.

“Pleasebecarefulpacking,apparentlyit’sstillabitwet,”Darcysaid,takinghiswalletout.
“Really?”Melissaasked.“Iwill.Oh,it’llhavetobecheck,sir.Oursystemisn’tworkingtoday.”That

wasalie,butthenagain,Melissawasusedtolying.

Afterhehadsignedandgivenherthefivethousanddollarscheck,Darcycarriedthetwopaintingsout

thedoor,leavingMelissatowonderhowshewastoaskhimoutonadate.

Outside, Darcy carefully placed the two paintings in the boot of his car and then drove across from

SohototheothersideoftowntoPrincetonHotel.Afterparkingthecarinprivateparkinglotunderthe
building,heheadedupthestairsandcameintothemainfoyer.Hewasstruckwithahiveofactivities.
Therewerepeopleeverywhere,guestsofallassort,staffsgoingabouttheirworks,andthosewhowere
thereforthefashionshow.

Hehurriedpastthemtowardthelift.ThankGod,notmanywerethereandwhenitdinged,hewalked

in.Acoupleofpeoplegotintotheliftwithhimandwhenitclosedagain,Darcysighedwithrelief.He

hatedsharinghisspacewithotherpeople,especiallyinaliftandespeciallywhenitwasjammedpack
withpeople.

Hisphonedbeeped.Hegotitoutofhispocketandsawthathehadatextmessage.
Ding!Heknewthedooroftheelevatorhadjustopenedagainandmorepeoplewerecomingin.Darcy

wasn’tpayinganyattentionthoughashewastoobusyreadingthetextfromConrad.

Darcy,wheretheheckareyou?We’reatMomandDad’spenthouse.Meetingbeforetheshow.Hurry!!!

Darcytextedback:Inthelift.Betheresoon.Hepushedsent.Thatwaswhenherealizedtheliftwas

jammedpackwithpeople.

“Shit!”hesworeunderhisbreathashewasbeingpushedbacktothecorner.Thenherealizedthere

wasalovelyblondsquashedrightupagainsthim.OhGod! He could feel her softness against his hard
length. Her hair, the color reminded him of dust corn, was brushing against his chin. She had beautiful
smell, he thought. It reminded him of spring, and instantly, the image of the cherry blossom tree came
rushingbacktohiminfullforce.Thegentlebreeze,thewarmth,thesoftlipsofSakura—

Heflashedhiseyesopenedandgrittedhisteeth.Withoutknowingit,hishandwasliftedupwithits

ownaccord,readytotouchthelockofpalehair.Darcyheldhimselfincheckontime.Shit!Hewasjust
abouttocaressastranger.

Thentherewassomemoreshufflingwithintheelevator,andshewasthrustupagainsthimevenmore,

thesideofherfacesnugglingagainsthisbrickwallofchest.

“OhGod!I’msosorry,”shesaidbreathlessly.
That voice. Shit! That voice. He knew he had heard of that voice before. No! It couldn’t be. How

coulditbe?Sakuracouldn’tbehere.Nothere!Yes,hemustbegoingcrazy,hethought.

*****

“Fourthfloor,”Sakuramurmuredtoherselfassherushedalongthecorridor.

She couldn’t believe it. Jane had been right. Backstage was as hectic and busy as a beehive.

Everybodywasrunningaroundeverywhereanddoingeverything,andnowshewasoneofthem.Except
she wasn’t properly dressed like them in black shirt, black jeans, and comfortable shoes. She was
wearingherlongskirt,whitefrillyblouse,andapairofheels.Yes,shelookedelegantandlovely.And
no,shewasnotcomfortableinthesetodothisparticularjobwhichrequiredhertorun.

Nowshewasrunningtowardthelift,hopingtogettothefourthfloorontimesoshecouldgivethese

filestoChrisWilson,whowassupposedtoarrangeallthewardrobeaccordingtotheseliststhatwasin
herclutch.

Shegottotheliftjustintimeasitwasopening.Hastily,sherushedin,notlookingatwhowasinthere.

The moment she stepped in, at least a dozen more people rushed in as well, pushing her back to the
corner. She found herself squeezing against three other people, and one of those was behind her. She
hadn’ttimetolookupathimasshewastoobusytextingJanetotellherfriendthatshewasonherway.

OhGod,shethought,thiswasnotwhatshehadexpected.Beingsquishedupagainstastrangerwasn’t

partofhertodolist.Shehopedthemanbehindher,whoeverhewas,wouldn’tmindtoomuch.Shereally
didwanttotakeasneakpeekathimbutfoundittooembarrassingtodoso.HolyMother!Shecouldfeel
thelengthofhim—hishardmuscularchest,hisfirmedabs,andthelengthofhislonglegs,againsther.

Suddenly, there was more shuffling within the confined space of the lift, and Sakura found herself

thrustingbackevenmoreagainstthestrangerandherfacesnugglingagainsthismassive,rockhardchest.

“OhGod!I’msosorry,”shesaidbreathlesslytohim.Thenthedoordinged,opened,andSakurarushed

outwithotherpeople,hopingthestrangerwouldacceptherapology.

She wasn’t thinking much about him after that as she rushed toward the room she was told to. She

knockedonthedoor,anditwasinstantlyopenedbyChrishimselfwhoshehadmetonlyhalfanhourago.

“Igotthelist,”shesaid.
“ThankGod,”Chrissaidandpulledherin.“Comeon,helpmetakethesedowntothefirstfloor.”
Sakurasimplywantedtolaugh.Hereshewasreadytomeetherbiologicalmother,butwhatwasshe

doingnow?HelpingChriscarryingdesignergowns.

Sometwentyminuteslater,theywerebackonthefirstfloorwherethebackstagewasheld.Shewas

justrestingandmassagingherarmswhensomeonesaid,“Sakura?”loudly.

Sakuraliftedherheadandsaid,“Yes?”
A woman with brown hair and red face headed straight at her, looked her up and down and said,

“You’relate.”

Withouttellingherastowhatwasgoingon,thewomangotatightholdofherwristandledheraway.

*****

CHAPTER7

Mistake nIde ntity

Oh God! Kill me now! Just kill me right now, Sakura thought as she stared at herself in the full length
mirror.Wasthisreallyher?HolyMotherJesusChrist!Shehadpinkhair.Candyflosspinkhair!Itwas
intricatelyformedhighonherheadintoachignonwithagarlandofcherryblossomsandbeadsofpink
motherofpearlsartisticallydecoratedonit.

Her face! She moved closer to have a good look. She had to gasp again. Was this really her? She

blinked. Her face was flawlessly made-up with rosy pink blush, bright eyes, long, dark lashes, and hot
rubylips.

Sakura,shethought,youlookedlikeoneofthosehighfashionmodelswhowasabouttodoacatwalk.

Her heart did a somersault. Oh God, yes, that was exactly what she was about to do in twenty minutes
times,anditwasallduetoacaseofmistakenidentity.

She was supposed to be here, minding her own business to steal a sneak peek at her supposedly

biologicalmotherHarukaTanaka,butnowlookedatwhereitgother.

The gown! She couldn’t believe she was wearing a famous designer gown that no woman had ever

wornnoranyonehadeverseenbefore.Well,untiltonightin—

Sheglancedatthehugeclockonthewalltotheright.Herheartdidanotherjolt.Jesus!Inonlyeighteen

minutestimes.Breathe,Sakura,justbreathe—shetoldherself.

ShehadtocallJane.Janewouldknowwhattodo.Janewouldsortallthismessout.
Herhandsshaking,shedugintoherbagandsearchedfranticallyforhercellphone.Shefounditand

quicklydialedherfriend’snumber.Herwholebodywasshakingwithnervousnessasthephonerang.

“Hello?”
“Jane?”Sakurashoutedintothephone,panicinhervoice.“Jane?”
“Oi!Youthere.QuicklytakethistoMr.Tachibana.Ohshit!Whatareyoudoing?That’ssupposedto

beoverthere.Quicklyfixit.Now!Andhowarethebackstagepeoplegoing?Whattheheck!We’reon
infifteen!Oi,youfixherdressnow.Shit!WherethehellisChris!Chris!Ineedhelphere!”

Sakuragrittedherteeth.SheknewJanewasbusywithwork,butSakuraneededhelp.Pronto!
“Jane?”sheshoutedintothephoneagain.
“Huh?OhGod!I’msorry,isthatyouSakura?Whereareyou?Ican’tbelieveI’velostyouinthis

crazymess.”

Sakurathought—forgetaboutthecrazymess!Shewasthecrazymess!
“Jane?Ineedyou.Pleasecomequickly.I’mintrouble,”shebegged.Shewasalmostonthevergeof

crying but managed to control herself because she didn’t want to mess up her beautifully made-up face
that three make-up artists had worked so hard on. She just couldn’t believe she was in this stupid
predicament.Thatwasall.

“What?What’swrong?”
“TheymistookmeforSakura,”shesaid.
“What? Hold on a second. I can’t hear you properly in this crazy noise.” A moment later, “What

wasitagain?”

Sakurasighedandshoutedintothephone.“TheymistookmeforSakura.”

Apauseandthen,“ButyouareSakura.”
“No, that’s not what I mean. The make-up artists mistook me for Sakura, the famous Japanese super

model.”

“HolyShit!”Janesworeloudlyintothephone.“Whereareyou?”
“Thedressingroom,”Sakurareplied,hervoiceshaking.“Pleasecomequickly.”
“Right,bethereinasecond.”
“Okay,” Sakura whispered into the phone, her heart thumping hard out within her chest. She took a

deep,calmingbreathandclosedhereyes.Yes,everythingwouldbeallright.Janewouldbeheresoon.

“YoulookedshorterthanIremember,”aseductivevoicewithahintofJapaneseaccentsaidsoftly.
Sakuragaspedandtwistedaround,hereyeswideinpanic.ShecametofaceaverybeautifulJapanese

model. Tall, slender, and with a face to die for, the woman could really crash the stage with her look
alone. She was wearing a light purple gown, beautifully designed and decorated with beads of tiny
diamondsaroundthecollar.Herhair,candypurpleincolor,wasalsofashionedhighonherheadintoa
chignonwithagarlandofpurpleflowerartisticallyarrangedtotheleftside.

“Baka!”thewomansaid,blinkingasshestaredatSakurainawe.
Sakuralickedherlipasshegazedatthewoman,herheartcontinuedtopoundwithinherchest.
“You’renotSakura,”shesaid.
Sakurablinked.“Well,I’mnotandIam.”
TheJapanesebeautyblinked.“Whatdoyoumean?”
Sakuraknewshehadtocomecleanwhethershelikeditornot.Thentherewasalsothefactthatthis

Japanesebeautymightbeabletohelpheroutofthisstupidmisunderstanding.Sheclearedherthroatand
squeakedout,“TheymistookmefortheJapanesemodelSakura.WhatamIgoingtodo?”

TheJapanesebeautycockedherheadtoonesideasshegazedatSakuraforalongwhile,asifshewas

assessing Sakura. Then suddenly she laughed. It was a beautiful, rich laughter that any man would find
veryattractive.ShecameforwardandsmiledatSakura,hereyestwinklingwithdelight.“Well,Iforonce
am quite glad you’re going to be the finale. Oba-chan would be very pleased indeed you’re the one
wearinghernecklace,”shesaid.

Sakurablinked.“Huh?What?Finale?”
Lisa, the stylist, reappeared. “Quick!” she muttered, her face red from running and ordering people

around. “We’re on in twelve minutes and you need your mask. And where the hell is that precious
necklace?”sheshoutedtosomeonebehindher.

“I’mAkira,bytheway,”theJapanesewomansaid.“AndyouareSakura,yes?”
Sakuranodded,andbeforeshecouldsayanythingfurther,Lisatwistedheraroundandmadehersitin

themake-upchairagain.“Mask!Mask!Now!”sheshouted.

Sakurawatchedasabeautifullydesignedmaskofwhite,pink,andgoldwithcherryblossomflowers

appeared before her. Then a make-up artist arranged it on her face so that it sat comfortably on her. A
momentlater,theymovedbackandSakurablinked.Theshapeofthemaskwaslikethatofthephantomof
theoperawithonefourthofherfacecovered.Shecouldn’trecognizeherself.Shewasn’theranymore.

Akirachuckled.“Amazing,yes?”
Sakuranodded,lostforwords.
“Wherethehellisthatstupidnecklace!”Lisashoutedagain.
Akirasaidasanothermake-upartistalsoplacedamaskonherprettyface,“Idon’tthinkyoushould

callthatpreciousnecklacestupid,Lisa.Itis,afterall,worthatleasttwomillion.”

Sakuragaspedandshotup.“Twomillion?”sheshoutedoutinsurprise.“Twomillion?”
“Hai,” Akira said, smiling, mask neatly in place. “You are the finale, after all. And besides, you

shouldn’tbetoosurprised.Yourgownisworthatleastfivehundredthousand,whatwiththosebeadsof
pinkdiamondandall.”

Sakura could only stand there and stare at Akira, her eyes wide open in shock. Then the expensive

necklaceappeared,securelyplacedinalockedvelvetbox.

Sakurawatched,dazed,astheintricatelydesignednecklaceofpinkdiamondswasplacedaroundher

neck.

Ohno!Sheshouldn’tbewearingthis.Nother.NotSakura.Whatifshelostit?Whatifshedamagedit?
“You’reready,”Lisasaid.“Nowthen,offyouallgo.We’reonintenminutes.”
Suddenly,Sakurafoundherselfbeingusheredtowardthestage.No.No.No.
“Whyareyousonervous?”Akiraasked.
“I’veneverdonethisbefore,”Sakurasaidbreathlessly.
“Oh.”ButinsteadofsympathizingwithSakura,shelaughedagainwiththatbeautifulrichvoiceofhers.

“Don’tworry.You’llbefine.Look,allyouhavetodoistonotpayattentiontotheaudience.Justlistento
themusicandwalk.That’sallyouhavetodo.Walk.Inyourmind,justimagineyou’resomewhereelse.
Anywhereelsebuthere.”

“Doesthatreallyhelp?”Sakuraasked,curious.
Akiranodded.“Ithelpedme.”
Sakura wasn’t so sure that this would help her, but she was willing to give anything a try. Then she

thoughtaboutJane.WheretheheckwasJane?

SakurawasprayingveryhardJanewouldmiraculouslyappearandsortoutthismesswhenshehearda

commotionontheotherside.ShelookeduptoseethefamousJapanesedesignerMr.Tachibanacoming
toward them, his long hair—dyed bleach blond—flying and his long white robe fluttering about him.
BesidehimwasthewomanSakurahadbeenwaitingeagerlytomeetinperson,thewomanwhohadgiven
birthtohertwenty-fiveyearsago,HarukaTanaka,alsoknownsimplyasMs.Ruka.Shewastall,Sakura
realized,withstrong,angularface,andthinnosethatsatnicelyonherface.Shewasverybeautiful.

“What?”Mr.TachibanashoutedatChrisWilliams.“Sakuraisn’thereyet?Andyoudidn’ttellmethis

untilnow?Whenweonlyhavetenminutesuntilshowtime?”

Sakuralickedherlips,herstomachflippingindreadasshewatchedthemcomingclosertoher,still

arguingaboutthemissingsupermodelSakuraTaito.

Ms.RukawatchedChrisflusteredinhisspotasifhewantedtodie.Afterall,SakuraTaitowastheir

finaleandthuswithouthertheshowcouldn’tpossiblybeasuccess.Theyonlyhadtenminutesuntilshow
time.TherewerethousandsofrichandfamouspeopleouttherewaitingtoseeMr.Tachibana’sfamous
gownsandLadySuzuki’sone-of-a-kindnecklaces.Theyhadtocomeupwithsomething.Ofcourse,they
couldalwayscastanothermodelforthefinale.Therewasnoproblemwiththat.Thuswiththatideain
mind, she stepped in and said, “Moushiwake arimasen, Tachibana-sama, but I have just called Sakura-
san,too.Sherefusedtocomewithoutanescort.Shewantsalimonotataxi,soshetoldme.”

Mr. Tachibana was ready to tear his hair off. He was stalking toward the line of models who were

wearing his latest spring-summer collection, waiting to go on the runway here at the famous Princeton
Hotel in New York. And yet, his finale, his best piece—his pride and joy—couldn’t be on the show
because his first choice of model refused to come on stage? Because she wanted a limo and a proper
escort? Yes, Mr. Tachibana was ready to scream the hotel down and kill himself when suddenly he
spottedhismasterpieceonthemostbeautifulcreaturehehadeverseen.Shereallytookhisbreathaway
ashegazedather.Instantly,hecalmeddownandcockedhisheadtooneside.

OhmyLord,shelookedexactlylikethatspringGoddesshehadseeninhisdream.Shewasbeautiful.

Sheawedhim.Shewasperfect.Butshewasn’tSakuraTaito.Atthismoment,however,Mr.Tachibana

hadnochoice.Thentherewasalsothefactthathewassoimpressedandtakenbythepinkhairbeautythat
hejustdidn’tcareanymoreandracedforward.

HecametostopmereinchesawayfromSakuraandstaredatherlongandhard.
Sakurawastakenbysurprise.OhGod,shethought,hewasgoingtoriphertopieces.Andwherethe

hellwasJane?

Mr.TachibanareachedoutandarrangedthediamondnecklacearoundSakura’sneckproperly.“Now

you’reperfect,”hesaid,hiseyesshining.

Ms.RukaappearedbehindhimandlookedatSakura.“Butshe’snotSakura?”
Mr.Tachibanawavedhisassistantaside.“Doesn’tmatter.She’sperfect.Getreadygirls,we’reonin

five.”

SakuracouldonlystareatMs.Ruka,herheartthumpingloudandhardwithinherchest.Finally,she

thought,shewasabletomeetherbiologicalmother.Hereofallplaces.

Sakura licked her lips, and was about to say something to Ms. Ruka when the woman walked away

afterMr.Tachibana.

Akirachuckled.“What?Areyoutakenbyhim?”sheasked.
SakuraturnedtolookatAkirainconfusion.“What?YoumeanMr.Tachibana?”
Akiralaughed.“Nosilly,ImeanHarukaTanaka.OrIshouldsayMs.Ruka.”
Sakurablinkedinconfusion.AkiracouldonlylaughevenmoreatSakura.Shesaid,“HarukaTanaka

wasaman.Shelooksprettyasawoman,yes?”

Sakura’sbrainwentnumbed.Wait!What?
SheturnedtoAkira.“Whatdoyoumean?”
“HarukaTanakahadasexchange.Shewasahebefore,”Akirasaid,emphasizingtheword‘he’.
Suddenly,Sakurafeltherworldspinningaroundher.Thenwhenthatinformationfinallysunkin,she

gasped. She couldn’t believe it. She was here to see the woman who was supposedly her biological
mothernamedHarukaTanaka,andhereshewas,finallymeetingthatparticularwomanwhoturnedoutto
beatransgender.Sakurawantedtodie.

SheturnedtoAkira,justtoconfirmthattheinformationshehadjustreceivedwasafact—areal,hard

fact.“YoumeanMs.HarukaTanakawholikedtobecallMs.Rukawasactuallyamale?”

Akirasmiledandnoddedherheadpleasantly.“Hai.”
Sakurafeltasthoughherheartwasgoingtoburstoutofherchestanysecondnow.Butshedidn’thave

timeforthatwhenonlyafewlinesdownsomegirlsweregigglingloudly.

“Really?OhmyGosh!Ihavetodomybestthen,”onesaid.
“Ican’twaituntilthisisoverandwegettomeetthebrothers,”anothersaid.
“I’mgoingforTristan.He’ssohot.”Onegiggled.
“Becareful,he’saonenightstand.”
“Idon’tcare.He’stotallyhot.”
“ThehottestoneisSebastian.”
“I’m going for Darcy. I think he’s the hottest. He’s also one of the youngest billionaire in the world,

accordingtoFord’smagazine.Thatnewgamehecreatedwasamazing.Whatwasit?SnowWhiteandthe
SevenKnightsorsomething.Itliterallytookoverthegamingworldbystorm,somybrothersaid.”

“OhI’mtotallyintodarkhairguys.”
Sakuragrittedherteeth,andherstomachflippeduncomfortably.OhGod!Theywerehere?Now?Yes,

sheknewthiswastheirhotel.Yes,sheknewtheyallnowlivedinNewYork.Butsheknewforafactthat
she’dneverhavetomeetthemagainsincethereweremillionsofpeoplelivinginNewYork.Infact,she
hadbeenhidingfromthemandhadbeenavoidingthemforayearnow.Shehaddonethatmarvelously,

andshewasn’tgoingtoruinthatgreatrecordbystompingdowntherunwayandlettingthemseeherinher
fullglory,wasshe?

ShewasabouttoboltwhenAkiracaughtherbythearmandsaid,“We’reon.”
Sakurafroze.Now?Onstagenow?
Atthatmoment,acouplegirlsupaheadofthemglancedatSakura.
“Sothat’sthefamousSakurafromJapan?She’sshort,”onesaid.
“Andshegetstowearthebestgown,”anothermuttered.“Justbecauseshe’sJapanese.”
“Andthebestnecklace,”yetanothersaid.
“Shedoesn’tlookJapanesetome,”anothercommented.
Sakura,however,wasn’tlisteningtothem.Shewastoobusybeingfreakedoutbythethoughtofgoing

outthereontherunway.Thegirlsgiggledandpretendedtofalloneachother,bumpingintoSakura.

Sakurafelltoherknees,causingthedelicatemasktofallfromherface,landingontheconcretefloor

andbreakingintopieces.

“Shit!”shesworeunderherbreath,staringatthebrokenmask.
“Hey,whatwasthatfor?”Akirashoutedatthegirls.“Youdefinitelydidthatonpurpose.”
Thegirlslaughed.“Yougotaproblemwiththat,Kimonogirl?”
Akira gritted her teeth and was about to head over to give them a piece of her mind when Mr.

Tachibanaappeared.“Whathappened?”heasked,hisfacered.

Sakuralookedup.Mr.Tachibanacouldonlystareatherindisbelief.
“Sorry,themask,it’sbroken,”Sakurasaidapologetically.
“Itwasn’therfault,”Akirainterrupted.
“Itwasanaccident,”Sakurasaid,feelingpleasedallofasudden.“IsupposeIcan’tgoonafterall.”
Mr.Tachibanadidn’tanswer.HesimplystaredatSakura,hiseyeswideinwonder.Withoutthemask

on, she was simply too beautiful for words, especially with the gold glitter lining the recently broken
mask still stuck to her flawless face. And those two different colors eyes of her. They were simply
amazing.Onewasthecolorofsummer,abrightazurebluelikethewide-openspringsky.Theotherwas
thecolorofthecoldwinter,amauvegreythathe’dneverseenbefore.

Mr.Tachibanacouldn’tbemorepleased.
“Tachibana-sama,we’reon,”Ms.Rukashoutedfromtheotherside.
Mr.Tachibananodded.HesaidtoSakura,“Doyourbest.I’mdependingonyou.”
Sakurablinked.Comeagain?
“You’remybestwork.Don’tyoudareletmedown.”
Sakurablinked.Ishecrazy?She’dneverdoneacatwalkbefore,letaloneonarunwaythisbigandin

frontoftherichestandmostfamouspeopleofall.

Suddenly,Mr.Tachibanawasgoneandthemusicblaredallaroundthem.Thelinestartedtomoveup,

andSakurashookfromheadtotoe.OhGod,shefeltsick.Verysick.

Thensherealizedsomething.Mymask!Sheneededhermask.Howcouldshegoouttherewithouta

maskonlikeeveryoneelse?WhatifthePrincetonbrotherswereoutthere?Whatiftheyrecognizedher?
Evenwiththispinkhair,glitteredface,andfancygown?

Breathe,Sakura,breathe!Sheclosedhereyes,wonderingwhatsheshoulddo.
“I’mnext,”Akirasaidlightly.“Andthenit’syou.Don’tforget.Don’tthinkaboutwhatyou’redoing.

Justlistentothemusicandwalk.”

Sakuranodded,andthenAkirawasgone,asMr.TachibanaandMs.Rukasignaledforhertogo.
“Sakura!”Janesuddenlyappearedandcalledouttoher.“Whatareyoudoing?”
Sakura was about to explain when Mr. Tachibana grabbed her by the arm and nudged her onto the

stage.

*****

CHAPTER8

De stiny

Sakura wasn’t prepared for today. In fact, she wasn’t at all prepared for any of this to happen to her.
Thereshewas,standinginthemiddleoftheendlessrunway,watchingAkiraexpertlydoingherwalk,her
slimhipsslightlyswayingassheelegantlyheldonehandtothelongdress,showingitoff.Meanwhile,a
fewothergirlswereheadingbacktowardher.

Thump!Thump!Thump!Whatwasshesupposedtodo?ShenervouslyglancedatMr.Tachibana,who

noddedathertostartwalking.

Don’t think, she told herself. Just listen to the music. That was when she heard it. Why hadn’t she

heard it before? It was a lovely Japanese traditional music mixed with modern pop, and it caused her
hearttosoarlikeabird.Shefeltasthoughapairofwhitefeatherywingshadjustgrownoutofherback
andweretakingheruphigherintotheair.

Then she did it. She walked. She was actually doing her walk in tune with the music. She wasn’t

thinkingofherstagefright,norwasshethinkingoftheaudience.Shewasnowinherownworld,aworld
wherespringexistedforever,whereshewassurroundedwithcherryblossomsandthepalepetalsrained
downonher.

Then it happened. In the distance, in her mind’s eye, she conjured up seven samurais. They were

standingrighttherebeforeher,dressedintheJapanesetraditionalclothing,andontheirsides,theyheld
katanas,readytofightfortheirlovedones.Asshewalkedclosertothem,shenoticedtwoverydistinct
samurais. Both were very handsome, tall, and muscularly built. One had blond hair and blue eyes, the
othersinfulblackhairandmauve-grayeyes.Theywerebothstaringather,theireyesintentonher.

Sakurafeltherheartjoltwithinherchest.
Shewascomingtowardtheendoftherunwaynow.Thatwaswhenthemusicsoaredandthesinger

raisedherexoticvoicehigher.ItwassobeautifulittookSakura’sbreathawayandtearsbrewedinher
eyes.Thenshestoppedrightattheendoftherunwayandthelightflashedaroundtheaudiencerandomly.
Sakuradecidedtoliftherheadjustthen,andthatwaswhenshesawthem.

Shewassoshockedtoseethemshenearlyfaintedrightthereinthecenterofthestagewhilethousands

ofpeoplewatchedher,marvelingatherexoticgownandexquisitenecklace.No,shemustn’tfaint.She
mustnot.

Finally, she managed to take control of herself and stood as proudly as she could, posing elegantly,

showingoffthegownandthenecklaceunderthebrightlight.

OhGod!Pleasedon’tletthemseeme!Pleasedon’tletthemrecognizeme!
Her hope, however, died a sudden death, for standing there before her were the seven Princeton

brothers,staringatheronstageasifthey’djustwitnessedanangeldescendingfromheaven.

Heart thumping furiously within his chest, Darcy couldn’t believe it. After a full year of intense

searching,hereshewas,standingrighttherebeforethemonstage.

Thump!Thump!Thump!OhGod,hisheartwasgoingtoburstoutofhischestanymomentnow.Darcy,

however,didn’tbothertotellhishearttostopbeatingsofastandsofurious.Infact,heencouragedit.The
painandthepleasure,theywereboththerewithinhisbeing.

Snow!MySnow!Tearsbrewedinhiseyesashewatchedher.HisSnow,withpinkhairandwearing

themostbeautifulgownhe’deverseen.Slowly,hewalkedtowardher.

Sebastianfelthisheartjoltingwithinhischestfuriously.Hecouldn’tbelieveit.Sakura!Shewasright

therestandingbeforethem.OhGod!Hisheartwasgoingtoburstoutofhischestanymoment.Sakura!She
wasback.Hefelthisheartheavingwithpainandpleasure.Slowly,hewalkedtowardher,hislegsweak.

Sakurapanickedthemomentsherealizedthebrothershadrecognizedherafterall.Sheinstantlyknew

forafacttheyweren’tgoingtolethergothateasily.Shehastilyturnedonherheelandstartedwalking
back. As she went, she noted Nicolas, Tristan, Hayden, and Conrad were following her on her left
amongstthecrowdbelowtheelevatedplatform.OnherrightwereSebastian,Darcy,andLogan.OhGod!
Pleasemakethemstopfollowingme.Please,God!

Finally,shereachedtheendoftherunwayandbreathedwithrelief.Nowwasherchancetoescape.

Sherusheddownthestairs,takingtwostepsatatime,nevermindthefour-inchheelsthatwereburning
herfeet.

ShewasabouttogofreewhenMr.Tachibanacaughtherbythearmandsaid,“We’renotdoneyet,my

dear.”

Suddenly,shefoundherselfbeingdraggedbackontothecatwalk.Then,onlyamomentlater,shewas

stridingdowntherunwayyetagainwithMr.Tachibanabyherside.Shenotedhewaswavinghappily.No
doubthisshowwasasuccess,shethought.Sakura’smission,however,wasn’tatallasuccess.Infact,it
wasatotalfailure,andnotonlythat,shenowhadherselfinabigmess.

Shenotedthebrotherswerestillontoher.Please,shethought,letthisfinishsoonsoIcanrunaway.
Herprayer,however,didn’treachGod,andhence,itdidn’tcometrue,asonceallthemodelsreturned

totheendofthestage,Mr.Tachibanabegantomakeaspeech.

SakuraglancedtoherleftandnotedbothSebastianandDarcywatchingherintensely.Herheartraced

andherstomachflipped.Shegrittedherteeth.Whyhere?Whynow?

Suddenly,Mr.Tachibanatookherhandandraisedituphighwithhisashebowed.Sakuradidn’tknow

whattodoanddecidedtoawkwardlybowaswell.Thentherewereloudcheersandclapping.Finally,
theystartedexitingtherunway,andSakurasighedwithrelief.Oncetheygotbackstage,Sakurathoughtthis
wasit.

“Tachibana-sama,” Ms. Ruka said. “We have a request. Mr. Princeton would like to meet with our

finalegirl.”

Sakuragasped.No!No!No!
ShereleasedherhandfromMr.Tachibana’sgraspandshookherhead.
“Ican’t.I’mbusy,”shesaidandmadeforarun.Shewasdashingtotherightwhen,toherhorror,she

foundSebastianstandingthere,hislargeframeblockingherexit.Herheartjoltedagain,andshewanted
tocry.Blasthim,shethought.Whatthehellwashedoinghereanyway?Sheneededtogetawayandfast.
Shedidn’twanttoseehim,oranyofhisbrothersforthatmatter.

She turned and dashed in the opposite direction. Her body, however, slammed into another hard,

masculinebody.Oomph!Strongarmswrappedaroundher,andSakuralookeduptoseemauve-grayeyes
watchingher.Herheartsomersaultedandherbreathcaughtatthebackofherthroat.

Darcy!MydearDarcy!
She gazed up at him, his large body against hers and his arms wrapped around her, embracing her

tighter,indicatinghe’dneverlethergo.

Darcy stared down at the woman who’d been responsible for his hell this past year, his sleepless

nightsandachingheart.Shewasnowhereandinhisarmsonceagain,andhewouldneverlethergo,ever
again.OhGod!Howhisheartached.Howhefeltsomuchpleasureandsomuchpainseeingheragain.

Sakurafeltlikeshewantedtocry.Thelasttimeshe’dseenDarcywaswhenhe’dbeenunconscious

and in the hospital after he’d tried to save her from drowning. Now he was here, standing before her,
embracing her and breathing his warm breath on her skin, causing her body to tingle with beautiful
sensationandsomethingfamiliarthatstirreddeepwithinhersoul.

She gained control of herself and moved out of his embrace. She took a few steps back, her whole

body shaking uncontrollably. Then she found herself bumping against Sebastian and in his arms. She
panickedandglanceduptoseeazure-blueeyesgazingdownather.Therewerebothpainandpleasurein
thosebeautifuleyes.

Sakurabitherlipandwantedtocryoutinoutrage.Whyhere?Whynow?
She wasn’t ready for this. She wasn’t ready to meet them again. She hadn’t prepared herself—both

mentallyandemotionally.Bothofthemhadaffectedhertoomuchlastspringafterthey’dconfessedtheir
loveforher.Sheherselfhadfalleninlove—notwithjustoneofthem,butwithboth.Howcouldawoman
fallinlovewithtwomenatthesametime?Evenmoreshockingwhenthosemenwerebrothers!

Shefreedherselffromhisarmsandstoodinthemiddle,tearsinhereyes.Shehadtogetaway.
Suddenly,Tristanappearedbeforeher,hisfaceonlyafewinchesfromhers.Hegrinned.“Interesting,”

hesaid.“Isthatyouridea,Mr.Tachibana?Thetwodifferenteyecolors?”

Mr. Tachibana cocked his head to one side and was about to say something when Logan said, “One

blueeyeandonegrayeye.Theylookoddlyfamiliar,don’tyouthink,Tristan?”

“God,youguysareannoying,”HaydensaidandthenturnedtoSakura.“Comeon.MomandDadare

waiting.”

“Sakura!”Conradsaid,watchingher.“Whydidyouleaveus?”
SakurawantedtocrywhenshesawConrad’supsetface.Shedidn’tknowwhattosayandsuddenly

feltawfullyhotanddizzy.“I’msorry.I…Ihavetogoandchange.”

Confused,shestartedwalkingaway.Assheheadedtowardthedressingroom,shenotedthebrothers

werefollowingheragain.Couldn’ttheyjustleaveherbe?

SheglancedtoherrightandsawSebastian,Hayden,andConradbehindher,followingherbutatthe

sametimekeepingagooddistance.Onherright,shesawDarcy,Logan,andTristanfollowingher,also
keepingagooddistance.Shefeltlikeshehadsixbodyguardswithherandfeltawfullytrapped.

She glanced ahead of her. Yes! Thank God! People! So many people. Busy people going about

everywhere,shouting,screaming,andscrambling.Itwasbackstageafterall.

That was when Jane appeared. Thank goodness! Sakura rushed up to her friend, her heart pounding.

Sheknewtherewasaslimchanceshe’dbeabletoescape,andshe’dtakeitifitkilledher.

“What’swrong?”JaneaskedthemomentshesawSakura’spaleface.
Suddenly,abunchofpeoplerushedaroundthem,andSakuratookthatchance.“Don’ttellthemwhoI

am,okay?”Shehastilyliftedherfeetonebyoneandtookthedamnheelsoff.Barefeetandalotmore
comfortable,shebeggedJane,“Please,Ibegyou.Don’ttellthemanythingaboutme.I’llexplainlater.”

ShehandedJanetheshoesandthendashedaway,herpersonblockedbyhundredsofpeople,hiding

herfromthebrothers’view.Sheracedtowardtheexit,shoveditopen,andthensprinteddownthestairs.
Thatwasclose,shethoughtandcontinuedrunning.

ThebrotherslostsightofSakuraandfranticallysearchedaboutthem.
“She’sgone!”Sebastianshouted.
“Theexit!”Darcyyelledandracedtowardit,followedbySebastian.
Logantookouthiscellphoneashewasrunning.“Nicolas!Sheescaped!”
Tristan,Conrad,andHaydenweren’tfarbehindhimastheydasheddownthestairs,chasingafterthe

womanwhohadrunawayfromthemlastspring.

Inthemainlobbyandstandingwithhisparents,JamesandBrendaPrinceton,Nicolassworeunderhis

breath.“Shegotaway,”hetoldthem.

JamesfrownedandBrendanearlybrokedown.
“We’llfindher,”Nicolasreassuredthem.Thenherushedawaytowardbackstage.Ashewasrunning,

hetookouthisheadpieceandyelledintothemic,“Listen,it’syourCEONicolasPrincetonhere.There’s
awomanontheloose.Don’tletherescape.Irepeat!Don’tletherescape.Anddon’thurther!”

Hecametoastopbackstage,lookedaroundfrantically,notedtheexitdoorwaswideopen,andraced

towardit.Hewasabouttoreachitwhenheslammedintoawomanandfellontopofher.

“Baka!”
“Shit!”Nicolassworeandrolledhimselfup.Hefoundhimselfsittingontopofthemostexoticbeauty

he’deverseen.Heswallowedandnudgedhisglassesupthebridgeofhisfinenose,hisheartbeatingout
ofcontrol.

Nicolas’sheartneverbeatoutofcontrol.
Akiraglaredathim.“Baka!Youbaka!Howcouldyouslamyourselfintomelikethat?Nowyou’ve

ruinedthegown!”

Nicolasdidn’thavetimeforthis.HehadtohelphisbrothercatchSakura.Shewasmoreimportant,

andsohesimplysaid,“Sorry,”toAkira,gotup,andranacrosstotheexitdoor.

Akiragotupandharrumphedloudly.“Bakaman!”shemutteredunderherbreath.
NicolasdialedSebastian’snumberandyelled,“Whereisshe?”
Sakurahadnoideawhereshewasinthisenormoushotel.Shewaslost.Shepuffedasshestoodinthe

middleofsomesortofcorridor,searchingabouther,wonderingwhereshewas.

“Idon’tknowwheresheis!”sheheardSebastianshoutingfromagooddistanceaway.
Sakurasworeunderherbreathanddasheddownthecorridor.
“Wait!She’shereonthesecondfloor.Westwing!”Sebastianshoutedintothephone.
Sakuratookthechanceandglancedbehindher.ShenearlyshriekedoutwhenshesawbothSebastian

andDarcysprintingtowardher.They’refast.

Shesprinted,andthebrotherswereonlyafewstepsbehindher.
“Sakura!Stop!”Sebastianshouted.
“Sakura!”Darcyyelled.“Pleasedon’trunaway!”
Sakurawantedtocry.I’msorry!ButIdon’twantyouguysinmylifejustyet.Notyet.
The brothers’ hands were reaching out to her, their fingers inches from grabbing the material of her

long gown. Then just like that, she dashed around the corner, out the door, and down the stairs. The
brotherslosttheirchance,andshewasgone.

Sakurasprinteddownthestairsasfastasshecouldandthenoutthedoorintothespringsunshine.She

sighedandthenracedintothethickcrowd,hidingherslenderformfromthebrothers’eyes.

Thebrothersrushedoutandwerelost.Shewasgonefromtheirsight.Sebastiantookouthiscellphone

andcalledNicolas.“She’sgone,”hesaid,painechoinginhisvoice.

Darcygrittedhisteeth.He’dlostheryetagain,andhefelthisheartachingpainfully.
Tristan,Logan,Hayden,andConradcamerushingoutofthehotelatthatmoment,heavinginexertion.
“Wheredidshego?”Haydenasked.
“Sakura,”Conradsaidsoftly.
Onthecornerofthestreet,Sakuraturnedherheadandpeekedatthebrothersstandingthereamongst

thecrowd,lookingasifthey’dlostallhope.

“I’msorry,”shewhispered,tearsinhereyes.“I’msosorry.”

*****

CHAPTER9

Escape d

She was nuts! That, Sakura was very sure of. She was utterly and foolishly nuts. What made her think
she’dgetawayfromthePrincetonbrothers?Whatmadeherthinkthey’dforgetabouther,especiallyafter
lastspring,afterwhatthey’dbeenthrough?

Sheclosedhereyesandfelttearsburnwithinthem.
WhatamIgoingtodonow?shethoughtmiserably.Thebrothershadfoundoutshewashere,livingin

NewYork.Infact,amerestone’sthrowawayfromthehotel.

No.Don’tthinkaboutthat.Itwastheleastofherworries.Nowshehadtofigureouthowshewas

goingtogetherhandbag,whichwasstillatthehotel.Andofcourse,howthehellshewasgoingtoreturn
thismillion-dollargownanddiamondnecklace.

“Youallrightthere,miss?”
Sakuraflashedhereyesopenattheinquiry.Shemanagedtogivethetaxidriverasmallsmile.
“Yes,I’mfine.Thanks.”
“Fashionshow,isit?”
Shenodded.
“Didn’thavetimetochange,eh?”Thedriverchuckled.
“Yes, I was in such a rush,” Sakura replied, noting they were driving through the familiar streets of

Soho.Afewmomentslater,theywereoutsidethegallery.

“Canyouwaithereamoment?”sheasked.
“Surething,”thedriversaid.
“Thanks.”SakurarushedoutintothestreetandthroughthedoorofTanakaGallery,herhandsholding

upherlongskirtsoshewouldn’ttripoverit.

“Holyshit!”MelissagreetedSakurathemomentshesteppedintothethresholdofthegallery.
“IsNedin?”Sakuraasked.
Melissablinked.“Howcomeyou’redressedlikethat?”
Sakuradidn’thavethepatiencetoanswerMelissa,nordidshefeeltheneedtoexplainwhathadjust

transpired.

“IsNedin?”sheaskedagain.
Melissawantedtoscreamout,Bitch!toSakurabutmanagedtorefrainherselffromdoingso.
“Upstairs,”shesaidcoldly.
Sakura didn’t have time to register Melissa’s cold glare. She hastily rushed up the stairs to the first

floor where her loft was resided. She found Ned in the kitchen, making a cup of coffee. Toby was fast
asleeponhisbasketontheothersideoftheroom.

“Ned,”Sakuracalledout.
Nedglancedup,andthemomenthesawthelookonherface,heknewsomethingwasup.Thefactthat

shewaswearingadesignergownandamillion-dollarnecklacedidn’tescapeNed’sattentioneither.

Hesmiledgentlyandsaid,“Theyfoundyou,eh?”
Sakuraslowlynodded.“WhatamIgoingtodo?”
“Notmuch,”hesaid.

“That’snotveryhelpful,”Sakuraretorted,crashingherselfonaseat.Herbodywasstillshakingfrom

theencounter.Shealsofeltaheadachecoming.

“Oh,damn,Iforgot.”ShelookeduptoNed.“Thetaxidriverisstillwaitingoutfront.”
“Youdidn’thaveyourbagwithyou?”
Sakurashookherhead.“Iwasinsucharush.Ididn’thavetime.Doyoumind?”
NedputhiscupofcoffeedownandheadedoutthedoorevenbeforeSakuracouldfinishaskinghim.
Sakuradecidedtotakethenextfewminutestocalmherselfandgainhercomposurewhenshesuddenly

realized something. Oh, Mother of God! Her bag. What if the brothers went in search of her bag and
foundit?Whatiftheydugthroughandfoundthewhereaboutsofherhouseand,moreimportantly,hernew
identity?

Sherushedoutofthechairandgrabbedthephone.ShedialedJane’snumberandwaitedindread.
Afterafewrings,itwaspickedup.
“Hello,Janehere.”
“Jane!”Sakurashouted.Shecouldn’thelpherself.“Jane!It’sme,Sakura.”
Alittlepauseandthen,“Shit!Sakura,wheretheheckareyou?Iwaslookingalloverforyou.What

happenedbackthere?”

“Jane,pleaselistencarefully.Ineedyourhelp.”
“My help? Wait, I don’t understand. What happened? Why were those men chasing after you? I

meanthePrincetonbrothers.Imean…Ohshit!”

“What?Jane?What’swrong?”
“They’rehere.Ithinkthey’researchingforsomething…orsomeone.”
Sakurafeltherheartleapingwithinherchest.“Jane,pleaselistencarefully.”
“Yeah?I’mlistening,”Janesaid.“They’reheadingtowardme,bytheway.
Sakura noted Jane’s voice was shaking. She said, “Jane, could you please find my bag and hide it?

Whenyou’refinished,couldyoupleasedropitoffhereatthegallery?”

“Sure?”Janesaid.“IsthatallIhavetodo?”
“Yes,please.Don’tletthemfindmybag.Thisisveryimportant.”
“Andyousincerelypromiseyou’lltellmewhatthehellisgoingonlater?”
“Yes,Ipromise,”Sakurareplied.
“Then,mydearfriend,Ihavetohangupbecausethere’sahotJapaneseguyheadingmyway,andit

lookslikehe’sabouttoeatmealive.”

“Okay, thanks. Bye now.” Sakura hung up and sighed. God, she sincerely hoped Jane would be all

right.

Nedcamebackintothekitchenthenandcockedhisheadtooneside.“Tellmewhathappened.”
Sakurabitherlip.“I’vemetthem.Ned,Ithoughtthey’dforgetaboutme.IthoughtSakuradidn’texist

intheirlivesanymore.It’sbeenayear.”

Nedfoldedhisarmsacrosshischest.“Whataboutyou?Haveyouforgottenaboutthemyet?”
Sakuramanagedtoblushatthequestion.Sheshookherhead.
“Myadvice,Sakuradear,”Nedsaid,“istolistentoyourheartandfollowit.”
“Whatdoyoumeanbythat?”
Nedtookhisnowcoldcupofcoffeeandheadeddownstairstoresumehiswork.“Inoticeatearonthe

gown,Sakura,”hesaidoverhisshoulder.

Sakura’s heart skipped a beat. She glanced down, and sure enough, she saw a nice tear across the

lengthofthegown.

“Shit!”sheswore.Sheliftedtheskirtandexamineditcloser.Shewantedtodie.Sherushedacrossto

her bedroom and began to change. Fifteen minutes later, with her pink hair still in its coiffure, though
messiernow,shesatonherbedandproceededtosulk.

Thisistheworstdayofmylife,shethought.Asifmeetingthebrotherswasn’tbadenough,nowthe

million-dollargownwasruined.

Nedreturnedsomemomentslater.Hecametopatherontheshoulder.“Let’shearallofit,then.”
Sakura looked up at him, her eyes brewing with fresh tears. Then she began her tale. It was twenty

minutes later when she was finished, and by then, Melissa announced her presence by leaning her slim
bodyagainstthedoorframe.

“Youlookawful,Sakura,”shesaid.“What’sgoingon?”
Sakurasaid,“Nothing.Areyouleavingnow?”
Melissa frowned at the change in subject. Damn if she didn’t want to know what happened to the

beauty. But she hoped it was very, very awful and humiliating. Well, surely it must be humiliating.
Otherwise,therewouldn’tbetearsinthosetwoodd-coloredeyesofSakura’s.

“Yeah,”shefinallysaid.“SeeyouMonday.”
Sakuranodded.OnceMelissareluctantlyleft,Nedproceededtocloseupshop.Hereturnedacouple

minuteslatertofindSakurastillsulkingmiserably.

“Whatareyougoingtodo?”Nedaskedsuddenly.“Youcan’tkeeprunningaway.”
Sakurasighed.“Iknowthat.”Shelaughedthen.“Ican’tbelieveit.Ionlywantedtomeetmybiological

mother,andnowlookwhereitgotme.ThebrothersknowIstillexistandaminfactlivingrightherein
NewYork,amerestone’sthrowfromthem.Ontopofthat,I’vemanagedtodamagethismillion-dollar
designergown.Ohyeah,andI’macriminaloftheworstkindbecausesurelytheyallthinkI’vestolenthis
necklace.”

Ned leaned closer to look at the pink diamond necklace in Sakura’s hand. It was the most beautiful

jewelryhe’deverseenandprobablyworthatthehigherendofamillion.Asheinspectedcloser,henoted
therewasaverysmalldiamondmissing.HewonderedifithadalreadybeenmissingbeforeSakurawore
itorifitweredamagedwhenSakurawasrunningawayfromthebrothers.Eitherway,hewasn’tgoingto
tell Sakura about it because she looked ready to commit suicide as it was. Hopefully, though, no one
wouldnoticeitonceSakurahadreturnedthejewelrytoitsproperowner.

Hesaid,“Whydon’tyoutakeashowerbeforeJanegetshere?”
Sakuralookedupattheoldermanwhohadtreatedherlikehisowndaughterandnoddedherhead.

*****

CHAPTER10

Se archingforSakura

The tension in the room was so thick and hot it could be cut with a knife, and Jane swore there was
murderwithinthePrincetonbrothers’eyes.Theyallstoodtherewiththeirimposingstance,questioning
thestaffaboutawoman.Janewasprettysurethatparticularwomantheywereinquiringaboutwasher
friendSakura.Why,shewasn’tsure.ShejustknewshehadtogetthewholestoryoutofSakuratonight.
Thatwasifshemanagedtogetoutofthisinquisitionalive.

ThankGodshe’dmanagedtohideSakura’sbagfromthebrothersbeforeshewasbeingherded—yes,

therewasnootherwordforit—thestaffhadbeenherdedbytheheadofthePrincetonGrouphimself,Mr.
NicolasPrinceton,intothisverylargeconferenceroom.

Nowshestoodthere,gazingupatthetallCEO,tellingherselfnottofaintinfrontofhim,oreveryone

else for that matter. Then there was her brother Luke, who was on the other side of the room, his arms
foldedacrosshischest,watchingher.

On the opposite side stood the brooding Darcy. He looked angry and very likely wanted to kill

somebody.NexttohimwasHaydenwithhisarmsfoldedacrosshisbroadchest.OnthesofanexttoMr.
and Mrs. Princeton was Conrad, the youngest of the brothers, who looked very upset. Then there were
LoganandTristan.Theywereusuallyveryjollyandhappy.Butatthisveryinstant,theywantedtopunch
someone’sface.

“Areyousureyouhaven’tseenher?”NicolasaskedJaneagain.“Aftertheshow?”
Janeswallowed,askingGodtoforgiveherforherlies.“No,sir.Ihaven’t.”
“Shegaveyouhershoes,didshe?”Sebastian’svoiceboomedather.
Jane swallowed again and glanced at her brother for assistance. Luke only sighed and shrugged his

shoulders.Nohelpthere,shethoughtmiserably.

“No,sir.Imean,yes,sir.Shedid,butthat’sonlybecauseIworkbackstage.Shetoldmetotakethe

shoesback.”Again,sheprayedtoGodforforgiveness.

Akira,whowassittingontheothersideoftheroom,finallystoodandsaidloudly,“Mr.Princeton,I

wouldappreciateitifyouletusallleavenow.Itappearsnoneofusknowwhothisgirlis.We’retired.
Andallthis”—shespreadherarmsoutatthescenebeforethem—“isbaka!It’suseless.”

Nicolasturnedhiseyestothewomanhe’dbumpedinto.Heraisedhisbrowsasifitwereonlythenhe

sawher.ThisannoyedAkiraandshewantedtoslaphimintheface.

Nicolascockedhisheadtoonesideandsaid,“Itisnotuseless,Miss—”
“Akira,” Akira supplied coldly. “And besides, shouldn’t you be reporting this to the police? Surely,

you’renotadetectiveyourself?Imean,thatgirlhadOba-chan’snecklace,forGod’ssake.It’sworthin
themillions.Whyaren’tyouworriedaboutthat?Itseemstomeallyou’reworriedaboutisthatgirl.”

Tara made herself noticed then by saying, “She’s a criminal. She has stolen a designer gown and a

pricelessnecklace.”

“Sakura is not a thief!” Darcy said coldly. His eyes were so dark that Tara felt a lump form in her

throat.

Alaina snapped, “How do you know she’s not a thief? For God’s sake, Darcy, see her for who she

reallyis.”

Conradlookedathissisterandsaidcoldly,“Sakuraisnothinglikethat,andyouknowit,Alaina.”He

wantedtosayitwasherfaultSakuraranawayinthefirstplacebutrefrainedhimselfbystalkingoutof
theroom.Hewasshakingfromheadtotoe.They’dbeensoclose.Soveryclose,andConradwasvery
pissedandupsettheycouldn’tmanagetopreventSakurafromleavingthemagain.

ThementionofthenameSakuraandthelookonthebrothers’facescausedSosuketoturntolookathis

aunt.Henotedthepalenessonherfaceandwonderedifperhaps—

No,itcouldn’tbe.Theveryideawasimpossible.Thisworld,however,thoughlarge,couldbequite

small. Perhaps, just perhaps, this Sakura was the Sakura Aunt Haruka was looking for? Perhaps this
Sakura was Haruka’s biological daughter? Yes, he could see it now. The light in her eyes, as if she’d
foundapreciousbelongingshe’dalwaysbeensearchingfor.Andthenthedarknessthatshe’dlostitagain.

He,too,noticedthemomentSakurasteppedontothecatwalkduringthefashionshow.Henotedhow

Harukastiffened,asifshe’dseenaghost,andthenshestood,herhandatthebaseofherthroat,tearsin
her eyes. Sosuke wasn’t blind. He knew and he felt it in his blood. Sakura was Haruka’s biological
daughter.Andcomehellorhighwater,hewasgoingtogetthemtogether.

Thus,heturnedtotheblondwithglassesnowandgaveherahardlook.
“YouworkforMr.Tachibana,don’tyou?”heaskedJane.
Jane nodded nervously. At that moment, Jane noted three things about Sosuke that made her think

naughtythoughts.HewasAsian.Hewashot.Hewasruthless.Andhemadeherwanttokisshim.

Janebitherlipandtoldherselftoconcentrateonthesituationathand.“Yes,sir?”
Sosukefrownedandnudgedhisglassesupthebridgeofhisnose.“Aquestionorastatement?”
Jane didn’t know her answer came out as question instead of fact. “I mean, yes, sir, I work for Mr.

Tachibana.”

“Thenyoumusthavethelistofthemodels?”
Janeopenedhermouthtosaysomething,butnothingcameout.
“Err,” Ms. Ruka said with her hand raised to get everyone’s attention. “That’s my job. I’m so sorry,

Sosuke,”—she turned to Nicolas—“Mr. Princeton, but you see, she isn’t our model. I mean, we didn’t
hireher.Shewasareplacementwefoundatthelastminute.”

Tristanlookedheavenwardinfrustration.“Andhowtheheckdidyoumanagetogetamodelyoudidn’t

knowtomodelforyou?”

“Itwasmyfault,”Mr.Tachibanasaid.Hesigheddepressingly.“Shelookedsolovely.Ijustcouldn’t

helpmyself.Imean,shewasapieceofart.Shewasperfect.HowwasIsupposedtoknowshemeantto
steal?”

This time it was Logan who looked heavenward with frustration. “For the love of God! How many

timesdowehavetosayit?Sakuraisn’tathief.”

“She’sassaintlyasanun,”Tristansaid.
Harukadecidedtospeakupthen.“ThisSakura,whatisshetoyou?”Sheposedthisquestiontoallthe

brothersatlarge.

ItwasSebastianwhosaid,“Shewasouradoptedsister.”
Harukaswallowed.Herhandtightenedonherlap.ShewasabouttoaskmorequestionswhenBrenda

finallysaid,“Weadoptedherfromtheorphanage.”Shewipedhertearswithatissueandsighed.James
pulledherintohisarmsandhuggedhertight.

“Orphanage?”Harukaasked.
Jamesnodded.“QueenMaryOrphanageonSt.JosephIsland.”
ItwasthenthatHarukabegantoshakeuncontrollably.Sosukenoticedandsaidatlarge,“I’monlytoo

happytohelpfindyoursister.”

Nicolasturnedtohisfriend.“Thanks.”
Itwasawhilelater,oncetheygotbacktotheapartment,thatHarukaletherselflooseandcriedher

heartout.Aloneinherroom,shesobbed,withhappinessandwithsadness.Shecouldn’tbelieveit.Just
couldn’tbelievethatfinally,afteryearsofendlesssearching,shehadfoundSakura.

Shewasthegirlonthecatwalk,wearingMr.Tachibana’sgownandherpricelessnecklace.Anecklace

sheherselfhadpainstakinglydesignedforherowndaughter.Onewouldsayitwasfate,andHarukatruly
believedinthat.Fatehadbroughtherhere.FatehadfinallyallowedhertomeetherbelovedSakura.

Moretearswelledinhereyes.“I’vefinallyfoundyou.”

*****

CHAPTER11

WaitingforYou

Exhausted,thePrincetonbrothersfinallygotbacktotheirapartmentattwoo’clockinthemorning.None,
however, bothered to go into their own rooms to rest. They were too agitated and needed future
discussion as to how to proceed with finding Sakura. Beth decided to make her appearance once she
heardtheirvoices,alongwithherblandcoffee,whichforonce,thebrothersactuallyappreciativelytook.

“Thanks,Beth,you’rethebest,”Conradsaid.“Anycakeleft?”
Bethshookherhead.“Youboysbeenbusyallday,huh?Notimefordinner?”
Withthebrothers’solemnlook,Bethblinkedandquicklywentaboutsearchingforherleftoverteacake

theboyslovedsomuch.

Conrad released another depressing sigh, and Tristan slapped him on the shoulder. “Don’t worry.

We’llfindher.”

Afewmomentslater,Bethreappearedwiththeteacake.ThebrothershelpedthemselvestoitasBeth

watched. She wondered what was wrong with them. Yes, they should be tired after the long day at the
hotel,whatwiththefashionshowandall.Buttheyshouldn’tlookasthoughthey’djustseenaghostorlost
somethingveryprecioustothem.

NicolasraisedhisheadandsaidtoBeth,“WesawSakura.”
Beth gasped, and without warning, tears suddenly welled up in her eyes. “Are you sure, Master

Nicolas?”

WithNicolas’snod,Bethdrewinashakybreath.“MyGod,”shemurmuredunderherbreath.“Where

isshestaying?Isshedoingwell?Willshecometovisit?”

Sebastianshookhisheadandsaidgruffly,“Sheranoff.”
“What?”
“It’slikeshedoesn’twhattoseeusatall,”Conradsaid.“Maybelastyearwasjusttoomuchforher

andseeingusagainjustremindedheroftheincidents.”

Atthosewords,Darcygrittedhisteethandsaid,“I’mgoingtomyloft.Seeyouguystomorrow.”With

that,helefttheroominahurry.

Sebastianwatchedhimgo,aconstrictedfeelinginthepitofhisstomach.Hetookanothersipofhis

blandcoffeeandsighed.“I’mgoingtobed.WecandiscussSakuratomorrow.”

HewasjustwalkingoutthedoorwhenBethsaid,“NedlivesinNewYork.Maybeheknowswhere

Sakurais.”

Sebastian halted in his spot and spun around so fast it made Beth dizzy. Nicolas, Tristan, Logan,

Hayden,andConradlookeduptothehousekeeperinunison.

“Whatdidyoujustsay?”Sebastiandemanded.“NedlivesinNewYork?Whydidn’tyoumentionthat

before?”

Beth blinked and said, “Well, he was always living in New York. He travels a lot, too. Though his

homes are always in New York and St. Joseph Island. But since Sakura’s disappearance, he hadn’t
contacted me until a few weeks ago. I caught up with him one Sunday, and I never thought to ask if he
knowsaboutSakura.”

“Aren’ttheyveryclose?”Haydenaskedsuspiciously.“Hetaughtherpainting,didn’the?”

“Yes,”Bethsaid.“Theyareveryclose.”
“Inthatcase,Beth,”Nicolassaidcalmly,“we’llneedyoutoinviteNedforafternoontea.Preferably

tomorrow.”

“Well,thatwaslucky,”Bethsaid.“SinceIdemandedhegivemehiscellphonenumber.Imightaddhe

wasveryreluctantaboutit.”

Tristanlaughed.“Goodforyou,Beth.I’mgladwehaveyou.”
Logansaid,“NowI’mjusthopingNedcanhelpus.”
“Orbetteryet,”Haydenputin,“knowswheresheis.”
“Good,”Sebastiansaid.“Goodnight,everyone.”
“Night,Seb,”thebrotherssaidinunison.
Sebastianheadedintohisroomandcrashedonthebed.Heclosedhiseyesandfelthisheartconstrict.
“Sakura,”hewhisperedunderhisbreath.“Comehome,sweetheart.Please,justcomehome.”

*****

Darcyturnedofftheengine,gotout,andslammedthedoorshut.Heheadedtothetrunkandtookoutthe
paintinghe’dboughtfromTanaka’sgallery.Withthesecurelywrappedartunderhisarm,heheadedtothe
doorandupthestairswherehisloftwaslocated.

Afewmomentslater,helethimselfin.Afterplacingtheartcarefullyagainstthewall,hewentabout

showering.Oncerefreshed,hisdarkhairwet,andwearingonlyloosetrousersandhistonedtorsobare,
hereturnedwithabottleofwaterinhishand.

He took a big gulp as he stared at the wrapped painting long and hard. Then as if he couldn’t help

himself, he ripped the brown paper, revealing the exquisite painting beneath. Slowly, he caressed the
paper canvas, tracing the lines and feeling the rough texture of the paint of the pink blossoms. It again
remindedhimofSakuraandthecherryblossomtreeinthewoods,andalumpformedinhisthroat.

“Sakura,”hesaidsoftlyunderhisbreath.“Comeback.Pleasecomeback,sweetheart.”

*****

CHAPTER12

BadLuckCome sinThre e s

Badluckcameinthrees,andSakuraknewithadhitheraftershe’dfoundherpaintingmissingthenext
morning. As if the episode with the Princeton brothers the previous day wasn’t bad enough, now her
belovedpaintingwasgone.

Body trembling and heart beating way too fast, she frantically searched about the gallery. When she

couldn’tfinditanywherethere,sheheadeduptotheatticandcombedthrougheverycornerofthedark
room.

“Itwasthereyesterday,”shesaidtoNedinthekitchenafewhourslater.“IleftitinthegalleryFriday

nightbeforeheadingtobed.”

“Areyousureyouhaven’tputitsomewhereelse?”Nedaskedcuriously.
Hewonderedifherencounterwiththebrothershadledtostressandthushershort-termmemoryloss.

She’dprobablygetworse,hethought,ifshefoundoutaswellthatBethcontactedmeonlythismorning
aboutapossibleafternoonteameetingwithherandthePrincetonbrothers.

Oddly enough, Ned wanted to laugh at the whole situation. They were fast, these brothers, where

Sakura was concerned. Oh, he’d have tea with them all right, but not until next Sunday, a week away.
Plenty of time for him to think over whether to tell the brothers about Sakura’s whereabouts or not.
Althoughhehadnopowerastowhethershe’dwanttoseethem.Thatwasuptoher,andNedcouldn’t
pushthat.Thebrotherswouldhavetoconvinceherthemselves,ofcourse.

NedreturnedhisattentiontoSakura,whowasshakingherhead,adamantshewouldn’thavemisplaced

suchabelovedthing.

“Very sure,” she said. “I left it right there in the gallery. I guess I totally forgot about it the next

morning,andthenthingshappened.”Shesighedandtriedveryhardnottomakeasceneoutofnothing.
Surely,ithadtobeinthegallerysomewhere.“Whataboutyou?Didyouseeityesterdaymorningwhen
youcamein?”

Nedputdownhiscupofcoffeeandthoughtforamoment.“Nowthatyoumentionedit,”hemurmured.

“It’sthecherryblossomonSt.JosephIsland?Theoneyoustartedayearagobefore…”

Sakuranodded.
“No,Idon’tremember.Ithoughtyouwerejustgoingtoletitsitrottingintheattic.”
“Ichangedmymind,”Sakurasaidquietly.“Ihavetofindit.Itjustdoesn’tsitwellwithmeifIcan’t.”

ShesigheddeeplyandwasabouttogoofftosearchagainwhenJanecameinthroughthebackdoor.It
wasaSunday,andthegallerywasn’topen.ItwasJane’shabittocometoseeSakuraonaSundaymorning
to gossip about this and that, and she’d always let herself in via the back door. Today, however, was
especiallyimportantforJanebecauseshewaseagertolearnwhattheheckwentonyesterday.

“I’m so glad you’re here,” Sakura said, almost with relief. “Did you happen to see a painting in the

galleryyesterdaywhenyoucamein?Itwassittingonthefloornearthecounter.”

Jane cocked her head to one side, and then said, “Oh yeah. That one. I’ve seen it. It’s of a cherry

blossominthewoods,right?”

Sakuranoddedfuriously,hopeful.
“Yes.It’samasterpiece,Sakura.Whathappened?Whydoyoulooksoworried?”

Sakuraclampedherlips.“It’sgone.”
“Gone?Whatdoyoumeangone?”
“Idon’tknow.Itjustkindofdisappearedtoday.Iwasgoingtoputitintoaframe,and—”Shebroke

off.

Jane saw the distraught look on Sakura’s face and knew that piece of art was very dear to her. She

rushedtoplaceherbagonthetableandtookSakuraintoherarms.

“Don’tworry.I’llhelpyoulook.Ifwecan’tfindit,we’llaskMelissawhenshecomesinonMonday.

I’m very sure it’s in the gallery somewhere. Now, however, my dear friend, you have to tell me
everything, and I mean everything that went on yesterday. Including your relationship to the Princeton
brothers.”

Ned saw Sakura pale at the prospect, cleared his throat, and said, “I’ll take Toby out for a walk. A

verylongwalk.Yougirlshaveanicetalk.”

SakuralookedoveratNedandsaid,“Thanks.”
Nedwavedhishandandheadedoutofthekitchen,whistling.
SakuratookJaneuptoherbedroom.Thetwogirlsmadethemselvescomfortableonthesofanearthe

windowasSakurabeganhertale.Asshetalked,acoolbreezewhistledintotheroom,stirringthelong
curtains and fluttering them about. Sakura felt tears stinging her eyes as she recited the last part of her
story, of when she’d heartlessly left her beloved family behind, her beloved men Sebastian and Darcy
Princeton.

Ithadallbeenforagoodcausethough,sheremindedherself.Shehadn’twantedtohurtanyofthemin

anyway, and shethought leaving themhad been the bestoption. Now, however,she wondered if she’d
beenwronginthatregard.Perhapsleavingthemhadn’tbeenthebestoptionafterall.Perhapssheshould
have stayed and faced the consequences. But then again, she’d have to decide, wouldn’t she, between
SebastianandDarcy?Andshewasn’treadyforthatyet.

JanewassobbingnoisilyandsniffingbythetimeSakurafinished.
“I’msosorry.”Shechuckled,tearsflowingdownherredcheeks.“But,ohmyGod!Yourstoryisjust

sosad.”ShegrabbedanotherKleenexandwipedherredeyes.“Comehere.”Shelaughedandgrabbed
Sakura in her arms. “I knew there was something about you that just didn’t fit. You’re so beautiful and
elegantandkind.Iknowlotsofgirlsarejealousofyoubecauseyou’resopretty.Butyourstoryjust…”
Shecouldn’tfinish.

“Nowyouunderstand,Jane?WhyIdon’twanttogobacktothem?Iwashopingthey’dforgetaboutme

andmoveon,butafteryesterday…”

Janelaughedandwipedhereyesagain.“Yeah,dear,afterwhatIsawyesterday,Idon’tthinkthey’ve

movedon.Theymadeabigfussoutofthewholething.Haveyouanyideahowharditwasforthestaff
lastnight?”

“I’msosorry,”Sakurasaid.“NowIdon’tevenknowwhattodowiththem.Imean,doIgobackand

facethemordoIjustkeepgoingonhidingfromthem?They’veseenme.TheyknowIlivehereinNew
York.”

“Whatdoesyourhearttellyou?”Janesuddenlyasked.
Sakura blinked and shook her head. “I don’t know, Jane. I just don’t know. A part of me want to go

back.I’vemissedthemsomuch.DaddyJamesandMomBrenda.Andthebrothers.Butthenapartofme
alsodidn’twanttoreturnbecauseofwhathappenedlastyear.BecauseofAlainaandTara.”

“Tobehonest,Sakura,I’dhatetobeinyourposition.Butyouhavejustgottomoveon.Imean,who

givesashitaboutAlainaandTara?PardonmyGerman.”

Sakuralaughed.“Thanks,Jane.Butwalkingthetalkisabitharderthantalkingthetalk.Anyways,now

thatyou’rehere,Ineedafavorfromyou.”

“What?”
Sakuralickedherlipsandsaid,“Thenecklaceandthegown.”
Jane shot her brows up in shock and then looked heavenward. “Shit! I totally forgot about that. Of

course,thenecklaceandthegown.”

“Thethingis,Jane…”Sakurasaidhesitantly.“Thethingis,I’verippedthegown.It’skindofruined.”
“What?”Janeshrieked.“Thegownisdamaged?”
Sakuranodded.“IthappenedwhenIran…Idon’tknowwhattodo,Jane.Ihavetoreturntheseitems,

buthowmuchdoyouthinkit’llcosttofixthegown?”

“Letmelookatitfirst,”Janesaid.
Afewmomentslater,Janewasstaringattherippedpieceandfinallysighedinsurrender.“I’msorry,

Sakura.It’saone-of-a-kindgown.OnlyMr.Tachibanaknowshowtofixit.It’ssodelicateandintricate.”

Sakurafellbackontoherseat.Herheartsankatthethought.Afterallthedramashe’dgonethroughin

herlife,sheknewonthisoccasionitwasn’tgoingtobeaseasyasfindingsomeonewhowasgoodwith
threadandneedletofixthething.

“Well, there’s only one thing I can do. Return it as it is to Mr. Tachibana and face his wrath.” She

shiveredatthethoughtandbegantoimagineallsortsofnastythingshe’dsaytoherthemomenthefound
outwhatshe’ddonetohisbelovedgown.

“I’mafraidso,Sakura.”
Sakurasatupandreluctantlyasked,“Thenwouldyoumindtakingmetoseehim?”
“Yeah,sure.”
“Thanks.” She threw herself back on the sofa and eyed the crystal chandelier as the prism of light

playedabouttheroom.“Whataboutthenecklace?”

“It belongs to Lady Suzuki. You’ll need an appointment to see her. I heard she hardly sees anyone.

She’sveryprivate,ifyouknowwhatImean.”

“Doyouthinkyoucouldperhapsmakemeanappointmenttoseeher?”
“Sure,I’llseewhatIcando,”Janesaid.“Don’tworry,Sakura.Everythingisgoingtobeallright.”
Sakurasatupandnodded.“Ihopeso.I’minsuchapickle,aren’tI?”
“Yes,youare.”Janecouldn’thelpherselfandchuckled.
Sakuragotupandheadedtothedoor.“Nowthen,let’ssearchformymissingpainting.”
“Ofcourse,”Janesaid,followingherfriend.

*****

CHAPTER13

ItWasn’taDre am

“You’relate,”HaydensaidtoDarcythemomenthisbrotherwalkedintothelivingareaoftheapartment.

DarcyeyedHaydenandnotedhewasdressedabitmoreformalthanhiscasualjeansandT-shirt.He

lookedasthoughhewereabouttogoout.

“Headingoutsomewhere?”Darcyasked.“IthoughtweweregoingtotalkaboutSakura.”
“LadySuzukiinvitedusforlunchthismorning,andyoucan’trefuse.OurdearbrotherNicolasalready

accepted.”

“Then he can go by himself or with Sebastian,” Darcy said, brushing past his brother into the living

area.

TristangreetedhimbyhookinghisarmaroundDarcy’sneckinaffection.“Andletyoumissoutonall

the fun? By the way, you haven’t yet met Akira, Sosuke’s younger sister.” He chuckled. “She’s one hot
chick.”

Darcyscowledathisbrother.“Notinterested.”
Nicolas, who was just entering the room at that moment, said, “Whether you’re interested or not,

you’recomingtolunchwithus.LadySuzukihasalreadypreparedusthemeal.It’simpolitetorefuseher
invitation.”

DarcyshovedTristanawayfromhimandheadedovertothesofa.Hecollapsedonthesoftcushions

andsighed.“Fine,I’mcoming,butafterward,wehavetodiscussSakura.”

Sebastian, who was standing by the French door, staring out at the cherry blossom outside in their

courtyard,said,“BethtolduslastnightNedlivesinNewYork.”

Atthis,Darcyshotupandqueried,“Doesheknowwheresheis?”
Sebastian turned and said, “We don’t know. We’re meeting him next Sunday. Hopefully, he can help

us.”

Darcynodded,andConradsaid,“Ibetheknowswheresheis.Shejustcan’trunoffbyherself.”
“Whycouldn’themeetustoday?”Loganaskedfromtheothersideoftheroom.
“He’sbusy,”Nicolassaid.“Bethsaidhe’srunningagalleryorsomethingwithaco-owner.”
“I’mnotsurprisedsincehe’sapainter,”Haydensaid,nodding.
“Allright,webettergodown,”Nicolassaid,headingtothedoor.
“What’sthehurry,Nicolas?”Loganteased.“OrareyoueagertoseeAkira?Hum,orshouldIcallher

Akira-chan?”

Nicolasfrownedathimandsaidcalmly,“Akirahasnothingtodowithme.”
“Damn right,” Tristan chimed in. “Or didn’t you see how upset she was with Nicolas at the way he

treatedher?Youaresucharuthlessbastard,Nicolas.You’llnevergetthegirlthatway.Shehatesyour
guts.Andshecalledyoubaka.Isn’tthatlikeaswearwordinJapanese?”

Loganlaughed.“Itmeansfoolorstupidandawholelotofnastythings.”
Nicolas’sscowldarkenedandsnapped,“We’releavingnow.”
SebastianjustshookhisheadashefollowedNicolasoutthedoor.Darcyreluctantlygotupfromthe

sofa,andheandConradfollowedsuit.

Haydensaid,“Whatareyouguyswaitingfor?Webettergo.”

“Coming,”LoganandTristansaidinunisonandallthreelefttheapartment.
ItwasonlyafewmomentslatertheywereatthefrontdoorofHaruka’sapartment.Sosuke,whowas

dressedinadarkyukata,greetedthemwithawarmsmileand,onebyone,allowedthebrotherstoenter
after they’d taken off their shoes. In the living area, Haruka, who was also in a light-blue yukata, came
overandbowedherheadslightlyatthebrothers.

“Konnichiwagozaimasu,everyone,”shesaid.
Thebrothersbowedtheirheadsandreturnedhergreeting.“Konnichiwagozaimasu.”
Akira,whowasstandingtoonesideoftheroom,watchedNicolasasheliftedhishead.Sheblushed

whenheturnedhisattentiontoher.

To Nicolas’s surprise, he found he couldn’t quite tear his gaze from her. She was rather enchanting

wearing that floral yukata. “Akira,” he said, his throat just that little bit dry all of a sudden.
“Konnichiwa.”

Akiraheldherheadhighandreplied,“Nicolas.”
Haruka took the brothers into their formal dining room next to the living area. There, the place was

designedverymuchlikeatraditionalJapanesehouse,withalow,longdiningtableandaseriesofsoft,
comfycushionsonthefloor.

Akiraindicatedforthemtotaketheirseatsandsaid,“IhopeyoulikeJapanesefoodandthatthelow

seatingwillnotbetoouncomfortable.”

TristanmadehimselfcozynexttoAkiraandsaid,“Nottoouncomfortableatall.We’llgetusedtoit.”

Hegrinnedather.

Conrad looked heavenward and thought it didn’t take Tristan long to start flirting. Logan took a seat

besideTristanandHaydenalongthatsameside.NicolastooktheseatbesideSosuke,andSebastiantook
aseattotheleftofNicolas.DarcyplacedhimselfbetweenSebastianandConrad,whilstHaydentookthe
cushionbesideLogan.

Haruka took the head of the table and thus commenced their lunch. Tristan continued once everyone

wasseated.“Althoughitwouldbeniceifnexttimewedine,wewearayukataaswell.”

Loganlaughed.“Hm,Iquiteliketheidea.”
“I have many,” Sosuke chimed in. “I will give you a few of mine if you’re interested. And it’s my

birthdaynextweek.”

Akira said, “And here I thought you weren’t going to do anything, considering you’re turning quite

ancient and aren’t yet married with kids. I thought you’d be embarrassed at the thought of throwing
yourselfabirthdayparty.”

Tristan couldn’t help himself and laughed loudly. “Well put, Akira-chan. Very well put. Our dear

Nicolasisjustasancientandstillhasn’tyetfoundhimselfawife,letaloneproducedsomelittledarlings
tochaseafter.Imyselfwouldlovetohavelittledarlingstochaseafter.”

“Considering the way you’re going, Tristan,” Nicolas said, “I wouldn’t be surprised if you already

havethoselittledarlingsyoudidn’tknowabout.”

Tristan,whowassippinghisgreentea,nearlychokedonthehotliquid.
Akirahidherlaughterbehindacuppedhand,andLoganpattedhisbrotherontheshoulder.“Nicolasis

probablytoooldforanybeautytofallforhimnow.”

“Really?”Akirasaidsoftly,gazingatNicolasunderherlonglashes.“Well,thatistoobad.”
Logancontinued.“Asforyou,bro,ifyoudohaveanylittledarlings,I’donlybetoogladtowelcome

themintothefamily.Hm,Ithinktheoldestwouldhavetobearoundfivebynow.”

Tristancouldn’thelphimselfandlaughed.Hetookeverythinginstride.
ItwasthenaJapanesehousekeeperandamaidenteredtheroomwiththedishes.Bythetimetheyhad

finishedplacingeverythingonthetable,itwascoveredwithfood.Therewasmisosoupinasmallchina
bowlforeveryoneofthem.Inthemiddleofthetableweregrilledfish,sashimioffreshsalmonandtuna,
tempura of fish, prawns, and sweet potatoes, fresh salad with homemade dressing sauce, stir-fried
vegetableswithteriyakisauce,andanassortmentofyakitoriandpickledvegetables.

“Mina,”Harukasaid,“pleaseenjoy.”
Everyonenoddedanddugin.Thebrothersfoundtheyenjoyedthefoodtremendously.
ItwasnearertotheendofthemealwhenHarukafinallyasked,“Nicolas-san,Ihavebeenwondering

aboutthatgirlfromlastnight.”

Inunison,SebastianandDarcyliftedtheirheadstolookatHaruka.Sosukenoticedthisandraisedhis

browsinsurpriseatthereaction.

Nicolassaid,“Thegirlinthefinale?”
“Theonethatranoff,”Akiraputin.“WithOba-chan’snecklaceandMr.Tachibana’sgown.”
“She’snotathief,”Conradsaidfirmlyfromtheothersideofthetable.“Shewasrunningawayfrom

us.”

Harukafrownedatthisandsaid,“Why?”
“It’safamilyaffair,”Sebastiansaid.“Whydoyouwanttoknowabouther?”
“A family affair?” Akira cocked her head to one side. “It seems you’re all worried about her very

much.”

Haydennodded.“Shewasouradoptivesister.Somethinghappenedlastyearand…”
“We’re still looking into the case,” Nicolas said. “I understand you want your jewels back, and I

promisetodowhateverisinourpowertogetthembacktoyou.”

Harukajustsmiledandshookherhead.“It’snotthenecklaceI’mworriedabout.Please,justfindher,

thissisterofyours.”

Sebastian and his brothers didn’t miss the tears that seemed to swell quite quickly within Haruka’s

eyes.Shecouldn’thelpherselfanddabbedhereyeswiththebackofhersleeves.

“I’msorry.Somethingisinmyeyes,”shesaidquicklyasshegotup.“Pleaseexcuseme.”
Shelefttheroominahurryasthebrotherswatchedhergo.
Akirasaid,“Excuseme,”andthenfollowedherauntoutoftheroom.
Sosukesaid,“Pleaseenjoythemeal.Oba-chanisn’tfeelingverywelllately.”
The brothers nodded and continued with their meals. It was half an hour later when the brothers

thankedHarukaforlunchandleft.

“Shewascrying,”Conradsaidastheywalkedupthestairsbacktothethird-floorapartment.
“Sosukesaidsheisn’twelllately,”Logansupplied.“She’sprobablyjusttired.”
Sebastian,however,wasn’tconvinced.He’dseenthelookonherfacewhentheymentionedSakura’s

name.Thentherehadbeenlastnightintheconferenceroom,whenshe’daskedaboutSakuraandhowshe
wasrelatedtothem.Somethingwasnaggingathim,andheknewhehadtofindout.Itwasjusthisnature.

Back at the apartment, Beth made them coffee and chocolate cake for afternoon tea. None of the

brothers bothered with coffee or cake, since they were so full from their recent lunch. They headed
straighttowork,discussinglastnightandSakura.ItwashalfanhourlaterwhentherequestNicolashad
putthroughtohisteamcamebackviaemail.

“We’vegotit,”hesaidloudly.
Darcy,whowassittingonthesofa,quicklygotupandrushedovertoNicolas.
“Putituponthebigscreen,”Sebastiansaid.
HaydenpulleddownthewhitescreenwhilstLoganpreparedtheprojector.Tristanquicklyshutallthe

curtainsintheroomtodarkentheplace.

Nicolasopenedthefileandpushedtheplaybutton.Inseconds,thewhitescreenlitupwithflicksofthe

fashionshowfromlastnight.Thebrotherswatchintensely,lookingforanycluestheymightfindthatcould
helpthemfindSakura.

Onscreen,therewereimagesoftheshowhall,withpeopleeverywhere.Therewerebackstagestaff

goingaboutdoingtheirthing,andinthecorridors,therewereguestswalkingabout.

“Wehavetogobackstage,”Sebastiansaid.
Nicolas nodded and fast-forwarded until they came to the backstage scene. Thank goodness for the

cameramentheyhadhiredfortheoccasionandforHaydentohavesuggestedtheideatheremightbeshots
ofSakuratheresomewhereearlythatmorning.

ItwasatthebackstagescenetheyfoundJanedirectingmanyofstaffunderher.
“Isn’tthatLuke’ssister?”ConradaskedSebastian.
“Hm.”Sebastiannodded.“SheworksforMr.Tachibana.”
Theywatchedoninsilence,theireyesgluedtothescreen.Itwasafewmomentslaterwhenablond

girlwalkedintotheorganizedchaosofbackstage.Astheviewofthescreenscannedaround,itstopped
withherstandingbesideJane.

“Pause!”Darcyshouted.“It’sSakura.”
They went past that scene, and Nicolas had to rewind. They went through again, and just as Sakura

walkedin,Nicolasquicklyclickedonthepausebutton.

ThereshestoodwithJane,afolderinherarms,smiling,hereyesbrightandherfaceflushed.Shewas

beautifulinherblouseandlongshirt.Thebrotherswatchedasiftheycouldn’tbelieveit.

Soitwasrealafterall, Sebastian thought. Last night hadn’t been a mere figment of his imagination.

Shehadbeenthere,andtheyhadmet.Hedrewoutashakybreathashishandsshookjustalittle.Hefelt
relievedandelated,andhisheartracedattheprospectthatsoon,they’dfindher—reallyfindher.

Darcy’shandswereshakingandhecouldn’tstopthetremorwithinhisbeingeither.Shewasrealon

thescreen.She’dbeenthereatthehotellastnight.She’dbeenthatclosetohiminelevator,andnowit
guttedhimthathehadn’trealizedithadbeenheratthetime.Howhewishedhe’dgrabbedherinhisarms
andshuttheelevatordoorbeforeshecouldescape.Butalas,thatwasn’ttobe,forshehadescaped.

Thebrotherssilentlywatchedherforafewmoments,takinginherlookandhowmuchshe’dchanged

inthepastyear.Shewasslimmernow,herfacemoreelegantandrefined.Onecouldsayshehadgrown
intoanevenmorebeautifulwoman.

“Shallwemoveon?”Nicolasasked.
Thebrothersnodded,andNicolaspushedtheplaybutton.Thesceneshiftedtoguestsenteringthehall

and then to the corridors and the entrance of the hotel. There were lots of scenes with random people
doingrandomthings,untilthescreencamebacktobackstage.Inthedistancethatwasn’tthefocusofthe
camera,thebrotherscouldjustmakeoutSakurabeingpulledbyamakeupartist,whichsheresisted,and
placedinoneofthechairs.

Thescenecuttorandommodelsshowingoffhergownsandsomestillsittinginthechairsthatacouple

ofmakeupartistswereworkingat.ThenitflickedtoAkirawavingandsmilingatthecamera.Shedidthe
Korean version of a love heart with her hands and then laughed merrily. This was then cut to Mr.
Tachibana doing his final touches on one of the models. He was showing off his gown on the girl and
showedthecameraoftheintricatedesignofhiswork.Thenitcuttoaverycloseshotofcandyfloss-pink
hair with a pair of hands working on the cherry blossom flowers. The camera zoomed out and came to
focusonSakura’sfaceinstead.

Thebrotherssuckedintheirbreathinunisonastheygluedtheireyesonthescreen.Shedidn’tatall

lookpleasedwithwhatthepeopleweredoingtoher.

“I’mnotsupposedtobehere,”shesaidclearly.Noonewaslisteningtoher,however.“Jane,Ihaveto

getJane.Please,Ihavetogo.”

“SheknowsJane,”Haydensaidabruptly.
NicolaspausedatthescenewhereSakurawastryingtogetoutofmakeup.
“DoesthatmeanSakuraworksforJane?”Conradaskedcuriously.“Seb,Lukemightknow.”
“I’llgivehimacall,”Sebastiansaid.“Nowmoveon.Wemightlearnsomethingelse.”
AtNicolas’snod,thescreencontinued.Itwasanhourlaterwhentheycametothestageagainwhere

themodellingbegan.Inthebackground,theynotedHarukaandSosukeinthecrowd.Lukewasjustbehind
them.Therewere,ofcourse,TaraandAlainaenteringtheroomlate,dressedtothenines.Thentheysaw
themselvesonthescreen,hereandtherewiththeirparents.

Theshowbeganandthemusicstarted.Itwasn’tlongwhentheysawAkirastridingelegantlyalongthe

runway, showing her jewelry and Mr. Tachibana’s gown. She posed seductively at the end and gazed
smolderinglyatthecamera.Thenshewinked,andNicolasfoundhimselfresponding.Hisheartskippeda
beatandhisthroatbecamedry.

Tristan did the wolf whistle, and Nicolas frowned at his brother. Of course, Tristan didn’t see

Nicolas’sglare,nordidanyofthisbrothersbecausetheyweregluedtothescreenasthenextslightfigure
appearedontherunway.

It was Sakura, dressed in that amazing gown. She made her way up to the camera. During her short

walk,itwasasifshewerelostinherowndreamland.Shelookedsereneandabsolutelyexquisite.She
stoppedattheendoftherunway,andthenherposturechanged.Thebrothersknewimmediatelythatshe
hadseenthem.

Shelookedhesitant,asifshedidn’tknowwhattodonext.Thenshehastilyturnedandwalkedback.It

wasn’tlongbeforetheysawMr.Tachibanacomeoutagainwithherbyhisside.Thebrotherscouldtell
shewasn’tpleasedwiththisandshewantedtorun.Aftertheapplauseandbow,thescenewascutshort.

“That’sit?”ConradaskedNicolas.
“Nope,”Nicolassaid,lookingatthescreenonthelaptop.“There’sstillalittlemoretogo.”
The buzzing and blank screen was still on, and then it flipped to the chaos of backstage again. They

sawHaydenandDarcyrunningacrossthelengthoftheroom.ThenitwasSakurawhogavehershoesto
Jane.ThenitwasNicolasrunningafterthem,whobangedintoAkira.Andthenthecamerawentout.

“Huh!”Tristansaid.“Youkilledthecamera,Nicolas.”
“SakuragavehershoestoJane,”Nicolassaid.“SheliedaboutnotknowingSakura.”
“ItlookslikeIneedtocallLukeASAP,”Sebastiansaidandpulledouthiscellphone.

*****

CHAPTER14

Mothe randDaughte r,FirstMe e ting

Sakurahadneverfeltsonervousinherlife.Sinceshe’dfoundoutaboutthemissingdiamondlastnight
whenshedidanotherinspectiontomakesureshehadn’tdamageitlikethegown,she’dfeltdreadfuland
wantedtocry.Toreplacethatparticularjewelwouldcostatleastacouplehundredthousand,andSakura
justdidn’thavethattypeofmoney.

Again, she glanced at the exquisite jewelry sitting in a velvet box beside her bed, ready to be

delivered today back to its owner, Lady Suzuki. With an active, imaginative artist mind like hers, she
startedwonderingaboutthepossibilitiesofLadySuzuki’sreactions.Suddenly,shepanickedandbecame
lightheaded. Oh God! She hoped the woman wouldn’t throw her into jail or take her to court over the
ordeal.Shehopedthey’dcomeupwithanagreement.Though,tobehonest,shereallydoubtedthat.Alife
injailwaswhatsheimagined.

Herhandswereshakingwhenshecarefullyshuttheboxandputitinherbag.Atentativeknockcameat

thedoor,andJanepokedherheadin.

Sakuraglancedoverhershouldertogiveherfriendasmallsmilethatdidn’tquitereachhereyes.
The moment Jane saw Sakura, she immediately hustled over, wispy blond hair flying about her. Her

green eyes were large and teary as she pulled the younger girl into her arms and hugged her tight. She
continuouslypattedSakuraontheshoulder,likeshewouldayoungersister.

“Don’t worry. Lady Suzuki isn’t so heartless. She knows it’s an accident. I told Mr. Suzuki, Lady

Suzuki’s nephew, last night about the necklace and that a diamond was missing. He didn’t sound too
concernedaboutthat.”Shecockedherheadtooneside.“Hesoundedpleased,actually.Whichisrather
odd.”

Sakuralaughedbrokenly.“Areyoukiddingme,Jane?Iranoffwiththepreciousnecklace.Ontopof

that,I’vemanagedtodamageit.HowcouldMr.Suzukinotbeconcernedwhenhisaunt’smillion-dollar
jewelisdamaged?I’llonlybetoogladiftheydon’ttakemetocourtorthrowmeinjail.”

Janereleasedherarmsandsighed.“You’reright.Idon’tactuallyknowthemthatwell.But…Idon’t

know! I shouldn’t have asked Mr. Tachibana for their number. I shouldn’t have called Mr. Suzuki
requestingthismeeting.Shouldn’thaveatall.”

Now it was Jane’s turn to flutter and Sakura’s turn to calm the woman down. “Don’t be silly, Jane.

Slowdownandbreatheslowlyanddeeply.”

Janenoddedandbrushedherhairfromherfaceinannoyance.
“Itwasmyideaafterall.”Sakuralaughedbrokenly,herstomachflippingwithnervousness.“Ihaveto

returnitregardless,inperfectconditionornot.Myconsciencewon’tallowotherwise.”

Janeagreedwithanod.“Well,comeon,then.”ShepulledSakuratoherfeet.“Wedon’twanttobelate

now,dowe?IheardMr.Suzukihatespeoplewhoarelate.Timeismoneyforthem,youknow.”

Sakurasaidquietly,“Yes,ofcourse.”
They were coming down the stairs to the ground floor, Sakura awkwardly carrying Mr. Tachibana’s

gown.Astheypassedthroughthegallery,Melissacalledout,“Areyougoingout?”

Sakuraturnedtohersalesassistantandsaid,“Yes.Ihavetoreturnthistotheowner.”
Melissaeyedthewrappedgownandsaidwithinterest,“Itlookslikeapieceofartwork.”

SakuranoddedandwavedatJaneforthemtoleave.“Justcallifyouneedme.Iwon’tbetoolong.”
“Sure,”Melissasaid,pullingafaceasshewatchedSakuraandJanewalkoutthedoor.
The girls found a taxi, and Jane told the driver where to go the moment they hopped into the tight,

mustycompartment.Theyclickedontheirbeltasthedrivermaneuveredthecaroutintothestreet.Sakura
wasrelaxingbackinherseat,herhandfistedsotightherknucklesturnedwhitewhenJane’sphonerang.

Jane jumped at the sudden sound and muttered incoherently. She picked up and found it was her

brother.

“Great, what does he want now?” she muttered in annoyance. “I swear, Sakura, that brother of mine

neverforgetstoringmeeverytimeIcometoseeyou.Itoldhimwe’vegotgirlstufftodo.”

Sakuraasked,“IsthatLukenow?”
Janenoddedandthenturnedherattentiontoherphone.“What’sup,Luke?”
“Wehaveaproblem,”camehisgreeting.
Itwasn’tlongbeforeJanelookedlikeshewantedtodieasshelistenedtoherbrother,whichworried

Sakura.Thetaxidriverglancedatthemwithcuriosityviahisrearviewmirrorbeforereturninghiseyesto
theroad,whichwasnowjam-packedwithmanyothercarscommutingaboutthecity.

Slowly, Jane lowered the phone and turned her attention to Sakura, her face as pale as a ghost. She

tookadeepbreathandfinallywasabletomusterthecouragetosay,hervoiceshakingjustalittle,“You
doknowLukeworksforSebastianPrinceton,right?”

Sakurablinked.Herheartdidafree-fall.Whentheshockingnewsfullysankin,shepaledandhereyes

roundedindread.Shecouldn’tspeak.Shecouldonlyshakeherheadinresponse,asiftotellJanethat
whatthewomanhadjustsaidcouldn’tbetrue.Itjustcouldn’tbetrue.Theworldcouldn’tbethatsmall.
LukewasworkingforSebastian?Noway!

Janesighed.“Well,LukeworksforSebastianPrincetonashispersonalsecretary.Saturdaynightatthe

hotel,youknowhewasthere,right?”

Again,Sakuranodded.
“ThePrincetonbrothersfoundoutI’mLuke’ssisterandthatIknowyou.OhmyGod!Iliedtothem!”

Janepaled.Thethoughtthatshe’dliedtothem,thepowerfulPrincetonbrothers,waswaytoomuchfor
hertobear.Shewastotallyindeepshitnow.

“WhatdidLukesay?”
Janetookadeepbreathandsaid,“They’veaskedtoseeLuketoday…andmeaswell.”
Sakura closed her eyes and felt herself shaking with dread. “Jane, you mustn’t go see them. You

mustn’t.”

“Of course I won’t go see them.” She paused, frowning darkly. “At least not yet. I can make up

excuses,ofcourse.Butit’sLukeI’mworriedabout.Hecouldn’tlietosavehislife.”

“Please, call him back, Jane. I need to speak with him. I have to ask him not to tell the Princeton

brotherswhereIam.”

Janegaveheranapologeticlook.“It’stoolate.He’sheadingtotheirapartmentnow.Andtobehonest,

Ihaven’tacluewherethatis.”

“Canyoupleasejusttryringing?”Sakurapleaded.“Itmightnotbetoolate.”
Janenoddedandquicklydialedherbrother’snumber.Thephoneranginsistently,andfinally,Luke’s

voicemessagecamethrough.Janecanceledthecallandredialed.Again,itrangcontinuously,andagain,
theygotthevoicemessage.

Sakuraclosedhereyesandtookslow,deepbreathstocalmherself.Sheneededtothink.Sheneededa

way out. She knew Luke was going to tell the Princetons about her gallery in Soho, and no doubt, the
brotherswouldbethereinnotimeatall.

“You’renotthinkingofrunningawayagain,areyou?”Janeaskedcuriously.
WithSakuragivinganapologeticlook,Janeknewthatwasexactlywhatshewasgoingtodo.
“IfIdon’ttellyouorLuke,thenthebrotherscouldn’tdomuchaboutit,couldthey?”
“AndNed?”Janeaskedcuriously.“Whatabouthim?”
“I’m not sure. I don’t want him involved anymore. It’s just way too much already. Everything will

eventuallybecompletelyoutofhand,andoncethere,IhavenoideahowI’dhandleit.”

“I’m just hoping you’re doing the right thing, Sakura,” Jane said before they finally arrived at Lady

Suzuki’sgrandapartment.

“Me,too,”Sakuramurmuredastheygotoutofthetaxi.
Outonthestreet,Sakurastaredupatthethree-storybuildinginawe.Aboveher,cherryblossompetals

floateddowninthegentlebreeze,andshegazedinwonder.Shesmiledassomelandedonher.

Jane,aftergivingthetaxidrivermoney,camearoundandchuckled.“Youlookjustlikeoneofthose

heroinesinAsianmovies,”shesaid,aglintinhereyes.

“Whatheroine?”Sakuraaskedinnocently,herheartconstricted,herthoughtsstillonthebrothers.She

reallydidwonderifsheweredoingtherightthingbyrunningawayfromthem.Whatwasshetryingto
avoid?Wasitherfacingthemorwasitsomethingelse?

Returning to her current situation, she clamped her lips, nervous all of a sudden at the thought of

meetingwithLadySuzuki.Onceagain,thethoughtofgoingtocourtandlivinginbarecelldidn’tstrayfar
fromhermind.

“Shallwe?”sheaskedJanenervously.
Janenodded.“Yes.”
Thegirlsheadedtothemainentranceandcameinthroughthelargefoyer.Janeflashedawowedlook

asshegazedupanddownandaboutherinawe.

“Thisplaceissuperawesome,”shesaidloudly.
“Iknow,”Sakurareplied.“Whichmakesthismeetingevenharderforme.”
Jane couldn’t do much more than just nod in agreement. They headed to the elevator, and moments

later,thedoordingedopen.Thegirlssteppedoutandscannedaroundtheeleganthallwayofwarm-toned
carpetanddamaskedwallpaper.Evenhere,therewerecoolmodernchandeliersalongthelengthofthe
place.Attheendofthefoyer,therewasasinglelargedoubledoor.

“Areweontherightfloor?”
“Ithinkso,”Janesaidhesitantly.
Together, the girls headed toward the door, and as soon as they opened that, they came into another

corridor.Thisone,however,hadaglasswallontheleftside.SakuratentativelyfollowedJane.Asthey
wentfartherin,herattentionwascaughtbytheexoticgardenoutside.Shestoppedandturnedtotheglass
widow,staringoutwithlonging.Jane,meanwhile,turnedthecornerofthecorridoranddisappearedfrom
sight.

Sakura,oblivioustoherdisappearingfriend,placedherhandagainsttheglasswindowasshegazed

out.Therewerecherryblossomtreesaboutthesmallgarden,surroundingasmallpond.Therewerealso
wooden outdoor benches and chairs to enjoy the wonderful atmosphere. As the gentle breeze danced
outside,petalsofcherryblossomsraineddownacrossthegarden,andSakurawishedshecouldbeout
there,breathinginthebeautifulairandbaskinginthewonderfulspringday.

Suddenly, she felt her heart skip, and once again, the images of Sebastian and Darcy came into her

mind.

“AmIdoingtherightthing?”shequeriedherself.“AmIhurtingyoubothbyrunningawayfromyouyet

again?”

Shefelttearsstinghereyesasshestoodtherewatchingthecherryblossomsfall.
“Sakura!”Janecalledurgently.
Sakurablinkedhertearsawayandturnedtoherfriend.“Whatisit?”
“We’reonthewrongfloor,”Janesaid.
“Oh,arewe?”
With Sakura’s questioning look, Jane said, “I just rang the bell.” She pointed to the door around the

corner.“Anddamn,butthewonderfulsmellofbakedcakecomingfromthatpenthouseistodiefor.”

Sakuracouldn’thelpbutlaughloudly.“Youandyourcake.Didyouhappentoasktheownerifyoucan

havesome?”sheteased.

Janepulledaface.“Ofcoursenot.Notespeciallywiththatsternlookonthathousekeeper’sface.Itell

you,Sakura,shelookslikeapowerfulmatron.Oneyoushouldn’tdisobey.”

“SowhereisLadySuzuki’sapartment?”Sakuraasked.
“Downbelow,”Janesaid.
“Right, then let’s go before we are actually late.” With that statement, she turned and headed to the

doorthey’djustcomethrough.

Onceagain,theytooktheliftdownandfoundthemselvesfacinganotherelegantfoyerbeforecomingto

the number two apartment. Sakura rang the bell, and moments later, they were greeted by Sosuke, who
stoodtallandimposingatthedoorway.

Sakuralickedherlipsandsaidnervously,“I’mheretoseeLadySuzuki?”
SosukegaveSakuraahandsomesmilethatmadeJaneblinkinwonderandherheadspinjustalittle.
“You’reSakura,”hestated,stillgrinningfromeartoear.“I’msogladwe’vefinallyfoundyou.”
Sakurablinked.“I’msorry?”
Sosukerealizedhisslipandsaidquickly,“Comeonin.”HeglancedatJanebrieflyandgaveherone

raisedbrow.“Jane,isn’tit?”

Jane blushed because he was suddenly paying attention to her and nodded her head. “Yes, Jane

Hamilton.”

Sosukeopenedthedoorwiderandstoodtooneside,allowingthegirlstoenter.Itwasafewminutes

later that Sakura and Jane found themselves in a very cozy, Japanese style living room. They were all
sittingonthefloorwithsoftmattressestosupporttheirknees.OppositeherwasHaruka.Thewomanwas
wearingoneofheryukata,andherdarkhairwasformedintoabunonherhead.BesidehersatAkira,
who was also wearing a yukata. She eyed Sakura with interest as the younger girl sat there nervously.
JanewasbehindSakura,andSosukewasfarthertotheleftashewaitedpatientlyforSakuratostart.

Andshedid,withatremorinhervoice.“I’msosorry.Itwasanaccident,”shesaid.Shetookoutthe

purplevelvetboxfromwithinherhandbagandthengaveittoHaruka.

Haruka stared long and hard at the box before her and then lifted her eyes to Sakura. She tried very

hardtoholdbacktears.Inherheart,shewantedtotaketheyoungergirlintoherarmsandsimplyhugher
longandtightandneverlethergo.Butshecouldn’tdothat.Notyet.Notuntilshehadthegutstorevealto
Sakurathetruthofwhoshewas.

ItwasthenthatHarukaeyedSakura’snecklace.Thepinkdiamond,notunlikeherown,theonewhich

Sakura had worn at the show, shone against the light as it dangled about Sakura’s chest. Haruka felt
lightheaded,andtheworldaroundhersuddenlyspun.Shefoundherselffallingbackwardashereyesshut.

Akirashouted,“Oba-chan!”
SosukeleapedtowardhisauntyandcradledherinhisarmswhileAkirahoveredoverherwithapale

face.

“Oba-chan,areyouallright?”Sosukeaskedwithconcern.

Sakurapanickedthemomentthewomanwasabouttofaint.Shelookedsofrailallofasudden,andof

course,Sakurablamedherselfforthat.Theshockofherruinednecklacemusthavemadehersick.

SakuraturnedtolookatJaneforsupport.Janemovedcloserandsaid,“It’sokay,Sakura.Justhangin

there.”

Sakura nodded and returned her attention to Haruka, who was slowly gaining her senses back. She

asked,hervoicequiveringjustalittle,“Areyouallright?”

Harukamanagedtocomearoundandsaidlowly,“Don’tworry.Ijustfeelalittlelightheaded.Thatis

all.”

“Are you sure, Oba-chan?” Akira asked. “Should we take you to see the doctor? You look awfully

pale,evensinceyesterday.”

Haruka sat up straight as Sosuke aided her. She cleared her throat and turned to Akira. “Darling, a

glasswaterplease?”

“Ofcourse.”Akiranoddedandrushedofftodoherbidding.
HarukareturnedherattentiontoSakura,hereyesonthenecklace.Shebegan.“Iwaswonderingabout

yournecklace,Sakura-chan.”

Sakuraglanceddownatherownnecklace,theoneshe’dwornandnevertakenoff,theonethatwas

withhersinceshewasborn.Shetentativelytouchedthependent;hereyeshadafarawaylookaboutthem.
“I’vehaditsincebirth.Iwastolditwaswithmewhen…”

Haruka fisted her hands tight and her body was tense as she waited for Sakura to continue. When

Sakurahesitatedtoolong,sheurged,“When?”

“WhenIwasfoundonthedoorstepofQueenMaryOrphanageonSt.JosephIsland.”
Haruka sucked in her breath and closed her eyes. She willed herself not to faint when she heard

Akira’svoice.

“Oba-chan?Water.”
Harukaflashedhereyesopenandthankedhernieceforthetrouble.Shetookaslowsipofthecool

liquid,andherheartreducedtoitsnormalbeatandherbodycalmed.Onceshewasdonewiththeglassof
water,shehandeditbacktoAkira.

Finally, Haruka returned her attention to the box by Sakura’s knees. Sakura noticed the woman’s

attentionandquicklyhandedthethingtoher.

Harukaopenedthebox,herexperteyesroamingthemasterpieceofpinkdiamonds.There,shenoteda

singlegemmissing.ShegentlyclosedtheboxandhandedittoAkiraasifitwereofnoimportance.

Sakuracouldn’thandleitanylongerandasked,“Canitbefixed?”
Slowly, Haruka nodded. Sakura sighed in relief at this, but her relief was short lived when Haruka

said,“I’mafraiditwillbeveryexpensive.Thepinkdiamondisveryrare.Tofinditandthencutit…”

Sakurafeltherheartsinkagain.“Inthatcase,IthinkIwillhavetogetaloanfromthebank.”
Akira gasped. “Do you know how much it’ll cost? It’ll take you years to complete the repayment.

Besides,whatbankwouldloanyouthattypeofmoneyforadiamond?”

Sakuraadmittedshewasgreentothistypeofthing,butshewasdesperate,afterall.
“I’m sure Oba-chan can work something out,” Akira commented. “If you want, I can help you find

modelingwork.You’reabitshort,butI’msureit’snoproblembackinJapan.They’relookingforgirls
likeyou.You’rebeautifuland—”

“Akira!”Sosukecutinwithafrown.
Akirareturnedherownscowl.“I’monlytryingtohelp.”
Harukasaid,“Akiraisperfectlycorrectaboutthebankloan.Theywouldn’tgiveyoumoneyforthis

sortofthing.”

Akiracouldn’thelpherselfandhadtonod.“Modeling.I’llhelpyouout.”
Sosukesighedinexasperation.“Akira.”
Akiragaveherbrotheralook.“What?”
Janelaughedbehindthem;shecouldn’thelpherself.AkiranoticedJanethenandwinkedather.Jane

blushed,andSosukejustshookhishead.

Harukasaid,“Ifthebankdoesn’tloanyoumoney,whatwillyoudo?”
Sakurawasn’tsurewhatshe’ddo.Sellthegallerybusiness,shesupposed.Shehopedit’dbeenough

though.

Harukasawthedilemmawithinherfeaturesandsaidlightly,“WhatifImakeyouaproposal?”
Sakuraraisedhergazetotheolderwomanwithinterest.Harukasmiledandsaid,“I’mlookingfora

personalassistant.No,morelikeacompanion.It’sanoddjob,butifyouareinterested…”

Sakuracouldn’tletthechanceescapehergrasp.“I’minterested.”
Akira secretly smiled and said, “Do you realize you have to come and live here with us? You’ll be

seeingmyuglybrothereverydayanddoingallhisworkforhim.”

“That’s enough, Akira.” Sosuke scolded. “Sakura, you will not be doing my work for me. But yes,

you’llbeseeinguseveryday.You’llbehelpingOba-chanwithherwork,andyouwon’tgetpaid.”

Sakuranodded.“Iunderstand.I’mgoodwiththat.Idon’tmindhardworkandnotgettingpaid.”
Tobehonest,shethoughtthiswholeproposalwasmorelikeablessingtoher.IfwhatAkirahadsaid

weretrue,thenitwouldfitwithherplanperfectly.IfthePrincetonbrothersfoundoutaboutherresidence
inSohofromLuke,they’dnodoubtbetheretoconvincehertoreturntothefamily.Shewasn’treadyfor
thatyet.EspeciallyseeingSebastianandDarcyagain.

Saturdaynightwasbadenough.Ithadbroughtbacktoomuchheartacheandmemoriesand,atthesame

time, a longing of how badly she wanted to be with them again. She ached for their presence and their
touch and their kiss. Besides, her one main goal still held true. She had to find her biological mother,
comehellorhighwater.AndthatMs.Rukadefinitelywasn’therbiologicalmother.Hence,Sakurawould
havetostartfromscratch,again.

“But,Sakura,whataboutyourownbusiness?”Janeasked.
“Youhaveyourownbusiness?”Akiraaskedwithinterest.“Butyou’resoyoung.Youcan’tbemuch

olderthantwenty-three.”

“She’stwenty-five,”Janesupplied.“Justturnedtwenty-fiveacoupleweeksago.”
Harukabreathedinashakybreathatthisreminder.Yes,ithadbeentwenty-fiveyearsagowhenshe’d

placedSakuraonthedoorstepofQueenMaryOrphanageinSt.JosephIsland.

SakuraturnedtoJaneandsaid,“Oh,don’tworryaboutthat.NedandMelissawillhelpmelookafter

it.”

“Well,ifthat’sallrightwithyou,”Janesaid,unconvincedabouttheMelissapart.
SakuraknewJanedidn’ttrustMelissatorunherbusiness,andtobehonest,neitherdidshe.ButNed

wouldbethere.Although,she’dhateitverymuchtohavetoaskhimforhelpallthetime.

SheturnedtoHaruka,wholookedabitworriedallofasudden,andsaid,“Don’tworry.I’llmanage.”
Akirachimedin,“Whattypeofbusinessdoyouhave?”
“Iownagallery.Ipaintanddosomephotography.”
“Oh,artsystuff.Ilikearts.Sosukedoesn’t.Hedoesn’tunderstandarts,”Akirasaid.
“Sakura’s painting is amazing.” Jane put in. “You should see her work. She mostly paints cherry

blossoms.”

“Inthatcase,”Akirasaid,grinningfromeartoear.“I’llcometovisitsometime.Oh,andIcanhelp

withyourgalleryaswellifyou’redesperate.Idon’thavemuchmodelingworkatthemoment.”

“Weallknowyou’rejustmakingexcuses,Akira,”Sosukesaid,shakinghishead.
Withthatobviousstatement,whichAkirafoundratherembarrassing,sheglaredatherbrother.“I’mnot

makingexcuses.”

Again, Jane giggled from behind Sakura. They could all see the siblings really liked to tease each

other.Underneath,however,everyonecouldseehowmuchtheycaredabouteachother.

Sakurasaid,“Thanks,butIthinkI’llmanage.”SheturnedtoHaruka.“Iwilldomybesttoworkunder

you.Andthankyousomuchfor…er…beingsoconsiderate.”

Harukalaughed.“You’reasweetdarling,aren’tyou?”
BeforeSakuracouldthankheragainfornotsendinghertojail,Harukagrabbedherwrist,pulledher

close,andhuggedhertight.

Sakurablinked,confused.Itwasthenshefeltsomethingodd.Shefeltwarmandatease,asifshehad

finally found home. She felt as if she belonged in this woman’s arms. Without herself knowing it, she
tightenedhergripontheolderwomanaswellandsmiled.

Janejustblinkedinconfusionatthetwowomen.SosukewatchedhisauntandSakuraembracingand

feltquitepleasedatthewholeturnout.Ofcourse,ithadbeenquiteanicesurpriseforthemwhenJanehad
calledyesterdayevening,requestingameeting.Hehadn’thesitatedtosayyesthemomentshementioned
thenecklace,evenwithoutconsultinghisaunt.

And once he’d told his aunt? Well, she just melted into tears of joy, which confused the hell out of

Akira. Sosuke had to explain to his sister that the girl who ran off with their Oba-chan’s necklace was
verylikelytheirOba-chan’slong-lostdaughter.Ofcourse,they’dhavetodoDNAtestingtoconfirmthat,
whichtheyprobablywouldoncethey’dconvincedSakura.Asfornow,however,it’dbenicetohaveher
aroundthehouse,andSosukewaslookingforwardtothatprospect.

Akirachuckledandsaid,“Onii-chan,stopgrinningsomuch.”
Sosukestoppedhissmilingimmediatelyandscowledathissister.Whenheturnedhiseyestoher,he

notedshe,too,wassmiling.

“I’msogladI’vefoundyou,”HarukawhisperedbeforesheletSakurago.
Sakura moved back and gazed at Haruka long and hard, confused as to the meaning of the older

woman’swords.

“Youwillhavetostartrightaway,Sakura,”Harukasaid.“Willtomorrowbeallright?Yes,tomorrow.

Sosukewillhelpyoubringyourbelongingsover.”Sheturnedtohernephewthen.“WillyouescortSakura
backtoherplace,Sosuke?”

Akirathoughttheirauntdidn’tneedtoaskherbrother.He’dgladlydoitwithoutherrequest.
Sosukenoddedenthusiastically.

*****

CHAPTER15

Elusive Chase

Lukefeltlikethemostfoolishpersonontheplanet.“I’msorry,Sebastian,butIreallydidn’thaveaclue
MissTanakaisrelatedtoyou.Imean,Ididn’tknowshe’syouradoptivesister.”

“MissTanaka?”Conradsaidinoutrage,hiseyesroundwithdisbelief.“Shechangedherlastname?”

Histonewasthatofaccusation,asifitwereLuke’sfaultSakurahadchangedhername.

Logannodded,adeepfrowncreasinghishandsomeface.“Thatwon’tdo.She’llneedtochangeitback

toPrinceton.Itsuitsherbetter.”

“She’saPrincetonandwillalwaysbeaPrinceton,”Tristansaidwithadarkscowl,whichmadehim

lookevenmorehandsomethanhisusualcharmingsmile.“Andyou.”HeturnedtoSebastian,“Howthe
helldidyoumissthefactthatyou’vebroughtsomanyofSakura’sphotosandpaintingswithoutknowing
it?She’sbloodysurroundingus,forGod’ssake!”Hepointedtothepaintingthatwasthemainfeaturein
thelivingarea.“There!Thatone.”Hestrodeandreadtheinitial.“See?ItsayshereclearasdayST.It’s
clearlySakuraTanaka.”

“Shutup,Tristan,”Sebastiansnapped.HeturnedtoDarcy,whowassittingonthesofa,lookingasdark

asaverygorgeousmorbiddemon.“YouwerethereonSaturdaymorning,weren’tyou?”

Darcynoddedwithoutlookingathisbrother,hisgazeonthefloor.
“Youdidn’tseeher?”
Darcy shook his head, his mind suddenly drawn to the painting he’d bought that day from Tanaka

Gallery, now residing in his loft in Soho. He couldn’t believe it. He’d been there in her gallery, yet…
Anguishmountedinhischest.Hestoodandheadedtothedoor.“Whatarewewaitingfor?”

SebastiansawthedarklookinDarcy’sfeaturesandnodded.“Letmegetmywalletfirst.”Hewalked

out of the living area, his mind on Sakura. He just couldn’t believe it. Finally, they found out where
Sakurawasliving,andoddlyenough,hefeltrelieved.Soon,verysoon,he’dseeheragainandthen…And
thenwhat?

Heturnedtheknob,openedthedoorslightly,andslidin.Heheadedstraighttothesleekdeskfacing

thelargewindowthatoverlookedtheexoticgardenoutside.Ifheweretolookup,hewouldhaveseenthe
beautifulcherryblossomsdancinginthebreeze.Ifheweretolookup,hewouldhaveseenthewomanhe
wasdesperatelysearchingforacrossthegarden,gazingatthecherryblossomsfalling.Buthedidn’t.He
wastooconsumedwithhisownhurt,confusion,andreliefthattheyhadfinallyfoundthewhereaboutsof
Sakura,thewomanhedesperatelylovedandcherished.

Sebastianreleasedadeepsigh,ahintofasmileonhisface.“Sakura,”hewhisperedbetweenhislips.

“Sweetheart.”

Hegrabbedthekeysandhiswalletandthenliftedhishead.ItwasthenhesawaglimpseofJaneand

another female on the other side, leaving. He didn’t quite see who the other woman was and quickly
dismissedthemfromhismind.

ThreesleekMercedes-benzarrivedinfrontofTanakaGallerysometwentyminuteslater.Ofcourse,

thisdrewalotofattentionfromthestreetsasthesevenhotresidentsgotoutofthecars.

Tristanraisedhisheadtolookatthesignaboveashedrewawayhissunglasses.Hewhistledandsaid,

“Mydarlingsisterisdoingprettywellforherself.”

Conradshovedhimtothesideandheadedstraighttothedoor.
“Whatahotheadedyoungbuck,”Tristansaid,shakinghishead.
Onebyone,thebrotherscameinthroughthedoubledoorsintothegallery.Melissa,whowasatthe

counter,busyinspectingherpaintednails,lookedupandnearlyfaintedwithjoy.Thedelightinhereyes
was immeasurable, and she shot up, grinning from ear to ear. From her spot, she watched as the men
entered.Theoneleadingwasblondandwearingglasses.Hewastallandverygood-looking.Buttheone
to his left was even hotter, with pale-blond hair and a body to die for. She shivered at the thought of
seeinghisnakedbody.TheonetotherightwasDarcyPrinceton,thedreamyoneshehadn’tbeenableto
stopthinking about. Thenthere were theother four behind them,and they allwere simply eye-candy to
her.

Theycameuptothecounter,andMelissapreparedherselftogreetthemproperly.Shetuckeddownher

pencilskirtandpulledherblouseaboutherpersonsoitsatjustrightonhertoshowhercurves.

“SakuraTanaka,”Nicolasasked,hisvoicefirmandhard.“Isshein?”
Atthecommandingvoice,Melissasuddenlylosthermojoandshrankbackwithalittlebitoffright.

HolyShit! These guys looked like they were here for serious business. So she straightened herself and
said,“I’mafraidnot,sir.She’sout.”

Darcyfrownedather.“Wheredidshego?”
AtMelissa’shesitance,Tristanmadehiswaytoherandleanedonthecounterwithease.Hegavehera

devilishgrinandsaid,“Listen,sweetheart.”

Melissawasindeedlistening.Shelickedherlipsandreturnedthesmilewitheagerness.
“We’re here on a mission. So I’d be very grateful if you’d tell us”—he paused—“or find out for us

whereSakurawent.”

“Well,Idon’tknow,sir,”Melissasaid.“Ijustsawherleavingthismorningwithafriend.”
Logandecidedtohelpoutandcametoleanontheotherside.“Wellthen,howaboutyoutakeusup?

WehavealldaytowaitforSakuratoreturn.”Hewinkedather.

Melissablushed.“Ofcourse.I’msureshewon’tbetoolong.”Shelickedherlipsagainandthenmade

herwayfromthecountertostandbeforethem.“Thisway,please,”shesaid.“I’lltakeyoutothebackand
thenI’llgiveMissTanakaacall.MayIhaveyournames?”

“Nonames,”Sebastiansaidabruptlyastheyturnedthecorner.“Justtellhershehasguestswaiting.”
Nicolassaid,“Anddoitquickly.”
“Of course,” Melissa replied timidly. A few moments later, she showed them to the private waiting

roomwhereSakurafrequentlyreceivedherguests,mainlyherclients,andofcourse,JaneandLukewhen
theycametovisitforacupofcoffee.

The brothers made themselves comfortable on the few sofas and chairs. Hayden couldn’t help being

drawntothesmellofcoffeethatwasstillbrewinginthepotonthecounter.

“Itsmellsnice,”hesaidloudly.
Conradperkedupinhischair.“Givemeacup.”
Loganrusheduptostandbesidehisbrotherandstareatthedarkliquid.Hesniffed,hiseyesclosed.

“It’sSakura’sallright.Noonecanbrewsuchawonderfulsmellingcoffee.”

Haydenpickedupthepotandpouredtheblackbrewintoacup.Hequicklytookasipandsighedwith

pleasure.“Oh,brother!DoImissthis.”

Conradwasimpatient.Heheadedtothecounteraswell.Hepouredhimselfacupbeforereturningto

hisseat.Itwasn’tlongbeforeeveryoneofthebrothershadacupofsteamyhotcoffeeinhandandwere
sippingpleasantly.

ItwasthenMelissareturned.“Oh,youalllikedthecoffee?”

“Haveyoumadethecall?”NicolasaskedasifMelissawereoneofhisstaff.
And Melissa did behave like one by saying, “Yes, sir. She said she’d be back soon. She told me to

makeyoucomfortable.Shejusthasashortmeetingtogoto.”

“With whom? Do you know?” Logan asked curiously. He also gave her a handsome smile to please

her.

Melissa was stoked. “I’m not sure, sir, but I saw a wrapped gown with her when she left with her

friend.”

DarcyandSebastianlookedateachother.TheyknewwhereSakurawasheading.
“AnythingelseIcangetforyou?”Melissaaskedpleasantly.
“We’regood,”Conradsaid,dismissingher.
“Areyousure?”Shewantedtobetheiramazinglywonderfulhostess.Infact,shewantedtoserveall

seven of them all the way into bed, of course. It was then that a bell rang, indicating the entry of
customers,andMelissa,annoyed,headedbacktothemaingallery.

SebastianturnedtoNicolas.“Mr.Tachibana?”
“I’monit,”Nicolasrepliedanddialedthenumber.
The brothers waited patiently while Nicolas listened to the phone ringing. After a few rounds, Mr.

Tachibana’s voice came over and said, “Konnichiwa, this is Tachibana. I am unavailable right now.
Please leave a message and I will reply as soon as I can. Sayonara, and have a nice day.” A long,
merrylaughfollowed.

“Shit!” Nicolas snapped. “He’s not picking up.” He tried again and waited. It was the same. Mr.

Tachibanadidn’tpickup.

“Ohshit!”Haydensaid.“Hecan’tbethatbusy.”
“Tryagainlater,”Logansuggested.
ItwasthenthatConradperkedhisears.“IthinkIhearadogbarking.”
“Areyouhearingthings?”Loganteased.
“Shut up,” Conrad snapped. He got up from his seat as his brothers watched him curiously. He

disappearedoutthedoor,andafewmomentslater,hesaidloudly,“Holyshit!It’sToby!”

SebastianandDarcycamerushingoutthedoortoseeConradcradlingtheWestieinhisarms.Thedog

waslickingConrad’sfacewhilstConradwaslaughinglikehe’dneverlaughedbefore.

“It’sToby,”hesaidagain.
TobystoppedlickingConradandthenjumpedoutfromtheyoungman’sarms.HeracedtoDarcyand

jumpedabouthimafewmoments,wagginghistailinexcitement.Darcygotdowntohiskneesandstroked
thedog’shead,smiling.“Where’syourmaster,Toby?”

“She’soutandwon’tlikeitifshefindsoutyouboysarehere,”camethereply.Thebrothersturnedto

seeNedcomingupthestairs,asmileonhisface.“Didn’ttakeyoulongtofindoutwhereshelives,did
it?”

Toby was so excited at seeing the brothers again that he barked loudly and then rushed over to

SebastianandthenTristan.BeforeTristancouldpickhimup,however,herushedovertoLoganandlet
themanpathim.Hewasn’tsatisfiedwithjustthateitherandracedovertoHaydenandthentoNicolas.
Finally,hesettledbygoingbacktoSebastianandletthemanpickhimup.Hebarkedloudlyagainand
beggedthemantopethim,whichSebastianhappilyobliged.

Ned said, “I’ve never seen the little bugger that excited since we left St. Joseph Island.” Then he

laughed.

Sebastian and Darcy looked at each other. So they had been right. Sakura had Ned helping her all

along.

“Come on,” he said. “I’m sure you have a lot of questions to ask. And here I thought that wouldn’t

happenuntilSunday.”Heledthemupstairstotheloft.Thebrothersfollowed,andafewmomentslater,
theycametoamuchmorehomeyarea,withwoodenfloorlaidwithwarmrugsandoddcarpets,abright,
warmtonepaintonthewallsthatwerecoveredwithSakura’spaintingsandphotographs.

Nedledthemintothelivingareaandtoldthebrotherstomakethemselvescomfortable.Thebrothers

tooktheirpreferredseats:SebastianandNicolasonthesofanearthewindow,ConradandDarcyonthe
otheronediagonaltothat,LoganandHaydenononecozychaireach,andTristanleaningbythewindow.

Nedclosedthedoor.“Thatshouldbeprivateenough.”
TobychosethatmomenttochangehiscozycouchbyrushingoutofSebastian’sarmsandintoLogan’s.

LoganpettedhimasTobymadehimselfcomfortable.

“HowlonghaveyouandSakurabeenhere?”Conradasked.
“SinceweleftSt.JosephIsland,”Nedsaid.
“Whydidsheleave?”Conradcouldn’thelphimself.“Shedidn’teventellanyofus.Justupandgone.

Andshewassupposedtobeinthehospital.Shewassupposedtoberecoveringfromtheaccident.”

Darcyfistedhishandsatthementionofthisandfiredoneofhisownquestions.“Didyouknowbefore

thataccidentifshewasleaving?”

Nednodded.“ShehadalwaysplannedtoleavesincebeforeyouboysreturnedtoSt.JosephIslandfor

Mary’swedding.Shewasn’tgoingtostaythereforever.”

Sebastian frowned at this. Of course, he remembered that time when he’d taken her for a ride on

Hayden’s motorbike after Lauren’s birthday party. She’d mentioned something about leaving St. Joseph
Island.

“Shewasplanningtofindherbiologicalmother,”Nedsupplied.“Thosefewweeksyouboyscameto

stay,Ifoundoutsomebackgroundastowhohermotheris.”

“What’shername?”Nicolasasked.
“HarukaTanaka,”Nedsaid.“ThatshouldmakesenseofwhathappenedonSaturday.”
NicolaslookedatSebastianandthenbothnoddedinunderstanding.“ShethinksMs.Ruka,whosereal

nameisHarukaTanaka,ishermother?”

Conradwantedtoknow.“Who’sMs.Ruka?”
Nicolasturnedhisattentiontohisotherbrothers,wholookedalittleconfused,andsaid,“Ms.Ruka

worksforMr.Tachibana.She’shisassistant.”

“Butshe’satransgender,”Tristansaidfrombehind.
“Sakuradidn’tknowthat,”Nicolassaid.“Andthankgoodnessforthat.”
Loganstartedlaughingthen,loudly,inwhichcaseHaydenandthenConradfollowed.Darcycouldn’t

helpbutshakehisheadatthewholeoddsituationaswellandsmile.ItwasthefirsttimeSebastianhad
seenhisyoungerbrotherlightenup,andhehimselflaughed.Itfeltsogood,andherestedhisbackagainst
thesofa.

Nicolasnudgedhisglassesupthebridgeofhisfinenose,aswashishabit,andsaid,“Isupposethere’s

morethanoneHarukaTanakaintheworld.”

Nedsighed.“Yes,andshewentallthewaytothehoteljusttotakeapeekatthewrongwoman.Mind

you,Ididtellhernottogo.Sheknewfullywellyouboyswouldbethere.Butshejustdidn’tlisten.And
nowlookwhereitgother.Stuckinamuddleofmess.”

Sebastiansaid,“We’regladshedidn’tlistentoyou.”
“That’sourSakuraforyou,”Logansaid.“Ourdarlingsistercouldn’twaittomeetus.”
ThebrothersunderstoodtheironyofLogan’swordsandchuckled.
“Whyisshetakingsolong?”Conradasked,flickinghiseyestothedoor.

“Look,”Nedsaid,seriousallofasudden.“Youboysknowwhereshelivesnowandwhatshedoes.

Youknowsshe’singoodhealthandthatshe’sfine.Youmightn’tlikewhatI’mabouttosay,butI’mgoing
tosayitanyway.Shedoesn’twanttoseeyouboysyet.Sheneedstimetocomearound.IfyouknowwhatI
mean.”

Conraddidn’tlikethesoundofthat.“Whatifshedoesn’tcomearound?”
“Shewill,”Nedsaid.“Iknowherbetterthanyouboysdo.I’vebeenwithhersinceshewasalittle

girl.WhilstyouboyswererunningaroundtryingtopleaseTaraandAlainaandthengoneofftoyourfancy
privateschool,shewaswithme,learninghowtocopewiththebulliesfromschoolandathome.”

Atthereminderoftheirchildhood,thebrothersimmediatelyfellquietandtensewithguilt.
“Somysuggestionistoleaveherbeforawhile.Youcantrustme.”
“Wetrustyou,Ned,”Sebastiansaid.“Howlongdoyouthinksheneeds?”
“Awhile,”Nedreplied.“Trustme.Youcan’trushher.Herpriorityrightnowistofindherbiological

mother,andherseeingyouboysagainjustdoesn’thelp.”

“Whatifwecometovisitonceaweek?”Conradasked.“Imeanlikecasually?Orcoffee?”
Nedlaughed.“I’llseewhatIcando.”
“Soyou’lltrytomakehercomearound?”Darcyasked.
“Yes,”Nedsaid.“Butitwilltaketime.”
Nicolasstood.“I’llgiveyouacallsometimethisweek.”
Nedcouldn’thelpbutlaughagain.“Withreports?Sure.”Inwhichcase,heopenedthedoor,ushering

themout.

WhenLoganputTobydownonthefloor,thedoggroanedindispleasure.
“CanwecomeandtakeTobyhomesometime?”ConradaskedNedastheycamedownthestairs.
“Why not? I usually take him out for long walks while Sakura works,” Ned replied. At this offer,

Conradcouldn’tstopsmiling.

*****

CHAPTER16

AnUne xpe cte dContract

“Do you realize, darling, you’ve completely ruined my masterpiece, yes?” Mr. Tachibana said, eyeing
Sakurawithadarklook.

Sakuranodded.“Ireally,sincerelyapologize,Mr.Tachibana.I’llpayfortherepairs.”
Thedesignerjustgaveheralookandthenlaughedloudly,almostinsanely.“Darling,areyoukidding

me?Notjustanybodycanfixthis!OnlyIcanfixthisbecauseitismymasterpieceandIdon’twantanyone
toruinit,again!”

Sakurajumpedalittleinherseatattheexclamation.Jane,whowassittingonthesofabesideSosuke,

jumpedaswell.

SosukesaidinJapanesetoMr.Tachibana,“Tachibana-sensei,you’refrighteningher.Ifyoumustknow,

she’sMr.Princeton’sadoptivedaughter.”

Mr.TachibanawidenedhiseyesatSosukewithaquestioninglook.“What?”herepliedinJapanese.
“Yes, or haven’t you seen how the Princeton brothers were chasing after her backstage on Saturday

nightaftertheshow?”

“Really?Yes,butIthoughttheywerechasingherbecauseshewasstealingyouraunt’snecklaceand

mygown.”

Sosukecouldn’thelphimselfandlaughed,whichdrewJane’sundividedattention.Shewasinaweof

his laughter and simply stared at him with delight. She also loved the way he spoke Japanese, and she
couldn’tstopherselffromgazingathim.

Sakura could only understood a little Japanese, so she couldn’t quite make out what Sosuke was

talkingabout.Though,shedidknowitwassomethingtodowiththePrincetonbrothers.

WhenSosukemanagedtocalmdown,hesaid,“She’stheirmissingsister,andthatnightwasliterally

thefirsttimethey’veseenhersinceayearago.”

Mr. Tachibana turned his eyes to Sakura and looked at her closely, as if he were scrutinizing her.

Sakurablinked,wonderingwhyhewasstaringatherthewayhedidallofasudden.

“Thenwhydidsherunawayfromthem?”heaskedSosuke.
Sosuke nudged his glasses up the bridge of his nose and said, “I think she wants to run away from

them.”

Thatwas,ofcourse,averyobviousstatement,andtobehonest,Sosukehadn’taclueastowhyeither.

Forthat,they’dhadtoaskSakuraherself.Butofcourse,noneofthemwasgoingtodothat.

When Sosuke looked up to Mr. Tachibana again, he saw the glint within the man’s dark-brown eyes

and thought, Shit! The man was up to something. Sosuke panicked and was about to ask when Mr.
TachibanasaidtoSakura,“Doyouthink,darling,thatIhavetimetofixthatruinedgownwhenIneedtime
todesignmorebeautifulgownsthatcouldsellinthehundredsofthousands?”

WhenSakurawasabouttouttersomething,hestoppedherandcontinued,shakinghisheadadamantly.

“AndevenifIdo,doyouknowhowmuchI’dchargeyoutofixmyowngown?”

Sakuraheldherbreathbecausesheknewhewasgoingtotellheranymomentnow.
Mr.Tachibanatookadeepsighandsaid,“AtleasteightythousandUSdollars,darling.”
Sakurahunghermouthopen,quiteshocked.

Jane shot up. “Eighty thousand? Who has that type of money to pay you to fix your own gown, Mr.

Tachibana?”

Mr.TachibanaraisedhisbrowsatJaneandsaidarrogantly,“Well,mydear,thatgownalonetookme

at least three years to design. On the market and with my label on it, it’d cost at least nine hundred
thousand.”

Sakuraswallowedatthisnews.Sosukedidn’tlikethesoundofthatandsaidinJapanese,“Tachibana-

sensei,whatareyouupto?”

Mr.TachibanagaveSosukeagrinbeforeturninghisattentiontoSakura.“Ifyoudon’thavemoneyto

pay,howaboutpayingmebybecomingmymodel?”

Atthisproposal,Sakura’sbrowsshotup.“Yourmodel?”
Jane said, “Mr. Tachibana, you’re not thinking of casting Sakura as your female model for the

upcomingphotoshootinHawaii,areyou?”

WithMr.Tachibana’sgrin,Janecontinued.“ButIthoughtyoualreadyhavethefemalescast.Akirais

oneofthem,right?”

“Yes,” Mr. Tachibana said. “But I need a female main.” He turned to Sakura. “And you’re perfect,

darling.Besides,youhavenochoiceinthematter.Eithermodelformeorpaytheeightythousand.”

“Sakura,”Janesaid.“Isawthecastingfile.TaraandAlainaaremodelsaswell.”
Sakurastraightenedherspineatthisandsaid,“I’lldothemodeling,Mr.Tachibana.”
“Ah, marvelous,” Mr. Tachibana shrieked with delight. He rushed over the table, came around to

Sakura,hauledherintohisarms,andhuggedhertight.“Thankyou,darling.Thankyou.Thankyou.Thank
you.”Whenhefinallyreleasedher,heinstructed,“Now,Ms.RukaandJanewillbepreparingthephoto
shoot,andJanewillbriefyouintheprocess.”

Sakura nodded and before she could ask the question that was burning in her mind, Mr. Tachibana

huggedhertightlyagain.Whenhelethergo,Sakurasaid,“However,IwillhavetoaskLadySuzukifirst
beforegoingofftoHawaii.”

“Don’t worry, Sakura,” Sosuke said from behind. “Oba-chan and I will be going as well. It was

decidedamonthagowhenAkiraagreedtomodelforTachibana-sensei.”

“Oh,”Sakurareplied.
Astheywerewalkingoutthedoor,Mr.TachibanasaidtoSosuke,“Andwhataboutyou,Sosuke-kun?

Haveyoudecidedyetifyou’dliketomodelforme?”Atthis,Mr.TachibanaglancedbrieflyatSakura
andbackagainatSosuke.

“I’dbeterribleatit,butyes,I’lldoit,”hesaidwithagrin.
Janeblinked.“You’regoingtobeoneofthemalemodels?”
Mr.Tachibanalaughedmerrily.Oncehemanagedtostop,hesaid,“Realbusinessbillionaire,darling.

Iwantreal,young,hotbusinessbillionaires.”

Janecouldn’tdenythefactthatSosukewasindeedabillionaire,young,andhot.Infact,he’dburnthe

pagesofthemagazinewithhishotness.ButitwasgoingtobealotofhardworkforJanebecauseshe
didn’t know whether she could handle ogling at the handsome Asian man while he posed in expensive
suitsand,yes,shirtlessonthebeach.She’ddieforsure.

OnceSakuramanagedtoescapeanotherofMr.Tachibana’ssuffocatinghugs,sheturnedtoSosukeand

said,“Thankyousomuchfortheride,Sosuke.Wecantakethetaxihomefromhere.”

Sosukegrinnedashesaid,“Noproblematall.Pleasegetin,Sakura.IdidpromiseOba-chantotake

youhome.”

“Getin,Sakura,”Janesaid,nudgingherfriendtowardthebackdoor.“Themanoffers.”
“Allright.”Sakurachuckled.

Itwashalfpastsixwhentheyarrivedatthegallery,whichwasnowclosed.SakurainstructedSosuke

totakeJanehomeandthenthankedhimagainfortheride.Shewatchedthecarleave,withJaneoptingto
sitinthefrontseatinsteadoftheback.ShenotedthegrinonJane’sfaceandknewthewomanhadacrush
onSosuke.

Assheunlockedthedoorandthenwalkedintothegallery,shewonderedifsheshouldplaycupidand

matchSosukeandJane.

Toby greeted her the moment she was on the second floor where their living area was located. She

pickedthedogupandstrokedhimlovingly.Hernosetwitched,andshefrowned.

“Yousmelldifferent,Toby.”Shecockedherheadtoonesideandsniffedagain.“Colognes?”Asshe

came around the corner and walked past the living area, she paused. Again, she smelled cologne.
Expensive ones. There was a mixture of them. She frowned at this as she came into the kitchen. “Ned?
Didwehavevisitors?”

Nedlookedupfromhisspotatthestove.“Yes,afewboys.”
“Boys?”Sakuraputherbagdownonthediningtableandtakingaseat.“ThatexplainsthecolognesI

smellinthelivingroom.”

“Youcansmellthem?”Nedaskedcuriously.AtSakura’snod,hesaid,“Ican’t.”
Sakuralaughed.“Yoursenseoftasteandsmellaregettingworse,darling.”
Nedraisedabrowandshotback,“Andyou’relosingyoursenseoflogicofreality,mydear.”
Sakura didn’t reply, and Ned continued as he stirred his bolognese sauce. “Did you know one can

smell her soulmate from a distance? And after he’s gone, she can still smell his scent wherever he’s
been?”

Sakuraraisedherbrowsandlaughed.“Whatnonsenseisthis,Ned?”
Nedreturnedhisattentiontohissauceandhummed.
“I’mgoingtoshower.”Shegrabbedherbagandheadedtothedoor.
“Don’tbetoolong.Dinnerisreadyinaminute,”Nedsaidoverhisshoulder.
“Okay.”Thenshewasgone.
ItwasjustbeforemidnightwhenNedpokedhisheadinSakura’sbedroomdoortotellherhe’dbeout

earlythenextmorning,andhesawherpackingup.

“Whatareyoudoing?”heaskedcuriously.
“I’m moving. Oh Shit! I forgot to tell you, Ned. I’ve been so busy today and got a bit tired during

dinner.”

Ned came into the room and folded his arms across his chest. Whatever she was going to tell, he

wasn’tgoingtolikeit.

“Doyourememberthenecklace?”
“Yes?”
“LadySuzukiofferedmeajobinreplacementtopayingher…”
“Yes,goon,”Nedsaid.
“I’mgoingtobeherpersonalcompanionslashassistant.Iwon’tgetpaid,but—”
“Good, that’s good. I don’t doubt it’ll cost at least a couple hundred thousand to replace that pink

diamond.”

Sakurachuckled.“Yeah.SoI’mstartingtomorrow.”
“Yes,good.I’mhappyitworkedoutforyou.Sowhereisthisapartment?”
Sakuraclampedhermouthshut.Shereturnedtoherdrawerandtookoutclothesinstead.
“Sakura?Areyouplanningtokeepthewhereaboutsoftheapartmentfromme?”
Sakuraclosedhereyesandsighed.“Oh,Ned.PleaseunderstandthatIcan’ttellyou.Imean,whatif

thebrothersfoundoutyouliveherewithme.Whatiftheyinterrogateyouaboutmeandmyaddress?It’d
beeasierforyounottoknow.”

Nedthoughtitwastoolateaboutthebrothersandtheirinterrogationnow.Hestraightenedandheaded

outthedoor.“Justtextmeyournewaddresswhenyou’rereadytotellme.Anddon’tyoudareavoidmy
phonecalls,understand?”

Sakurasighedinrelief.Shecouldn’thelpherselfandranuptohimandhuggedhimtight.“Thankyou,

Neddear,forunderstanding.”

Hekissedherontheforeheadandsaid,“Don’tthankmejustyet,youstubborndarling.NowI’moffto

bed.Gottobeupearlynextmorningforabusinesstrip.”

Sakuraunwrappedherarmsfromhim.“Goodnight,Neddear.”
“Goodnight,Sakura.Sleepwell,”hesaidandlefther.

*****

Itwastothebrothers’surprisethatMr.Tachibanaappearedattheirdoorstep,along,ofcourse,withMs.
Ruka.Bethusheredthemin.Asherequestedit,thebrothersallmadetheirappearances.

Mr.Tachibanacouldn’thelphimselfandcountedthenumber.
“One,two,three,four,”hesaid,nowlookingatConrad.Then,“Five,six,andseven.”Heendedwith

Darcy,standingfartherawayfromthemwithadarkscowlonhisface.

“What’sthisabout?”Darcyaskedthedesigner,comingdownthefewstepsthatseparatedthedining

fromthelivingarea.

Mr.Tachibanashuffledhimselfinhisseattomakehimselfcomfortable,ofcourse.Thenheclearedhis

throatandbegan.“Didyoucallmeearliertoday,Nicolas-kun?”

AtNicolas’snod,Mr.Tachibanaasked,“Whatdidyouwantmefor?”
“Iwasgoingtoaskyouifacertainyoungwomanwastheretoseeyouaboutthegown.”
Atthis,Mr.Tachibanalaughed.“Ofcourseshedid.AndmightIsaywhatalovelyyoungladysheis.”
“Mr.Tachibana,”Sebastiansaidsuspiciously.“You’rehereforsomethingelse.Spititout.”
Ms.Ruka,whowassittingbesideLogan,chuckledandsaid,“Sebastian-kun,youseerightthroughmy

sensei.”Ofcourse,shecouldn’thelpnottouchingthehandsomeLogan,whowasfrowningatherdarkly.
Shewasstrokingtheman’sarm.

Logan felt a little weird and quickly moved to the side, a little away from Ms. Ruka. She wouldn’t

haveanyofit,ofcourse,andcameafterhim.Shetouchedhisarmandgavehimabiggrin.Loganlooked
heavenwardandwonderedwhyhewastheonewhoendedupbeingMs.Ruka’spet.

Mr.Tachibanarelaxedbackinhisseatandfoldedhisarmsacrosshischest.Hesaid,“Myrequestfor

youbrotherstobecomemymodelsstillstands.”

Loganchuckled,slappingMs.Ruka’shandawayfromhisthigh.“Morelikebegging.”
“No. No. Not begging, Logan-kun. This time not begging. This time really is a request because I am

sureyouwillnotturnmedown.”

Haydenlaughedsarcastically.“Goodluckwiththat.”
“Well,thatistoobad,”Mr.Tachibanasaid.“BecauseSosuke-kunhasjustagreedtobeoneofmymale

modelsthisafternoon.Ofcourse,hissister,Akira-chan,isalsooneofthefemalemodels,aswellasyour
sisters,AlainaandTara.”

Atthementionofthelasttwo,Darcy’snoseflaredandhisfacehardened.Sebastianscowledandsaid,

“Thatisenough,Mr.Tachibana.We’vealreadytoldyou—”

“Oh,andIforgottomentiontheyoungladySakuraTanakahasalreadyagreedtobemymodelforthe

shootaswell.”

“What?”thebrothersshoutedoutinunison.
Conradsaid,“Sakura?Sheagreedtobepartofyourfemalecast?”
Mr.Tachibanalookedaroundatthebrothersinsatisfaction.Theywerenodoubtshockedallaround.

“Yes,likeIsaid.TheyoungladySakuraTanaka.Shehasagreedtobemymainfemalemodel.Oh,you
shouldseeher.She’sperfectformostofmyoutfits.Ofcourse,she’dbeshootingwithalltheeightmale
models. That is if I could find them.” He narrowed his eyes shrewdly at the brothers, particularly at
Nicolasbecausehewasthetopdog.

“We’lldoit,”Darcysaidwithouthesitation.
Sebastianchimedin,“Whenisit?Theendofthismonth,wasn’tit?”
Mr.Tachibanathoughtthatwasfastandclaspedhishandstogether.“Marvelous.Thankyousomuch,

everyone,forhelpingmeout.”

Itwasn’tlongafterthatwhenMr.TachibanaandMs.Rukawentontheirmerrywayagain,withtheir

intendedmissionaccomplished.

“HeblackmaileduswithSakura,”Haydensaidsourly.“Thebastard.”
Tristanlaughed.“Well,he’sresourceful;that’sforsure.”
Logansaid,“IhopeSakuraisn’tgoingtoflipwhenshefindsoutwe’retobeherco-models.”
Tristanleanedbackandsmiled.“Iheardthere’sabedroomscene.IhopeI’llbepairedwithSakurafor

that.Ilikebedroomscenes.”

Conrad scowled at his brother. “That’s not going to happen. Maybe Nicolas will get the bedroom

scenewithAkira.He’stheoldest,andAkiraisthemostexperiencedmodel.”

“MaybeI’lltalktoMr.Tachibanaaboutit,”Tristansaid.
“NotifIgettherefirst,bro,”Loganputin,andthebrotherslaughed.

*****

CHAPTER17

Close Encounte r

Sakura got up early the next morning before Ned was off to the airport, heading for Los Angeles. She
madehimsomecoffeeandtoast,whichtheyhadtogether.Atexactlysixo’clock,Nedpickeduphissmall
backpackandheadedoutthedoor.

“Haveagoodtrip,”sheshoutedacrossthecorridor.
Nedsaidoverhisshoulder,“Don’tgetintoanymoretroublewhileI’mgone.”
Sakuralaughed.“Whattrouble?”Thiswasfollowedbyachuckle.Awhilelater,sheheardthedoor

shut.

Alone, she looked down at Toby, who was snuggling comfortably on the chair in the corner of the

kitchen. She slowly sipped the hot coffee as she pondered about her sudden change in residence. From
whatshe’dseenyesterday,LadyHaruka’sapartmentwasabsolutelybeautiful.Therewasnodoubtabout
that.Itwasexactlytohertaste.Shethoughtifsheweretohaveherownapartmentinthefuture,ifshehad
money,she’ddesignitexactlyhowLadyHarukahaddesignedhers.

Shetookanothersipofthecoffeejustassheheardherphonering.Sheplacedthemugdownonthe

tableandracedoutthekitchendoor.Shecameintoherbedroom,pickedupthephonethatwassittingon
herbedsidetable,andsaid,“Hello?”

“Sakura?”
Sakuraheardthevoiceandinstantlysmiled.“Mary!”Thenshelaughed.“MyGod,areyoubackfrom

Europe?”

“Yes,mydearfriend,aweekago.”
“Howcomeyoudidn’ttellme?”Sakurathrewherselfontothebedasshestaredupatthechandelier.

“How’sthemorningsickness?”

“The morning sickness is gone, and I swear, Sakura, I look and feel like a bloody balloon. Peter

saidIlookbeautiful.Helied.Thatbastardhusbandofmine.”

Sakura laughed. “Of course you’re beautiful to him, Mary. It doesn’t matter that you are literally

carryinganotherhumanlifeinyourbellyandyoulookandfeellikeaballoon.”

Sakurasmiledwhensheheardherfriendlaughloudlyontheothersideoftheline.
“Oh, Sakura. I do miss you. I just wish you’d tell me where you’re staying so we can come visit

you.”

Sakurasighed,tearssuddenlybrewinginhereyes.“I’msorry,Mary.”Shewipedthedamnthingsaway

withthebackofherhandandsniffedalittle.

“Sakura,thingshappen.Ijustwishyou’dtrustmealittlemore.IalreadytoldyouIwon’ttellthe

brothersiftheyask.Imean,Ihavebeenkeepingitasecretforlikeninemonthsnow.Youknow,Uncle
JamesandAuntBrendaarejustheartbrokenaboutyouleavingthem.”

Sakura felt her heart constrict at the mention of her adopted parents. She closed her eyes and took a

shakybreath.TheimagesofthembackatthehotelonSaturdaynightreallyundidher.Shefeltweakas
onceagainthesightoftheirshockedfaceappearedinhermind’seye.

Shechangedthesubject.“HowwasEurope?”
“Awesome!”Maryreplied.“Youhavetodoit,Sakura.GotoEurope,Imean.”

“Yes,Ihaveplansforthat,”shesaid.“ThatiswhenIhaveenoughsavings.I’malittlemorethanbroke

atthemoment.”

“Whatdoyoumean?”
“Youwouldn’tbelievemeifItellyou.”
Marylaughedandsaid,“Tryme.”
Sakuradid.ShetoldherbestfriendeverythingthathadhappenedonSaturdaynight.
“Holyshit,Sakura!”Marylaughed.“Whattheheckiswrongwithyourlife?It’slikeasoapopera

orsomething.”

“Yeah,well,”Sakurasaid,gettingoffthebedandheadingoutthedoor.“Welcometomylife.”
“Letmetellyousomething,”Marysaid.
“What?”Sakuraasked.Shewasinthehallwaynow.Shecockedherheadandturnedthecornerinto

the living room. She frowned. Odd. She could still smell cologne. That unique musky smell she found
oddlysoothingandalluring.

Shecametolayonthesofaandrestherlonglegsontopoftheback.
“Thebrothersaregoingtofindyousoonerratherthanlater.”
Sakurapausedatthisandasked,“Whatdoyoumean?JustbecausetheysawmeSaturdaynightdoesn’t

meantheycouldeasilyfindmeinthisbeautifulcitywithmorethanthreemillionpeopleinit.”

Marylaughed.“Well,didItellyouIhavepsychicpower?”
Tobyappearedatthedoor.Sakurawavedherhandasinvitation.Thedoggladlycamerunningtoher

andhoppedontoherbelly.SakurastrokedhimasTobymakehimselfcomfortable.

“No,youdidn’t,andIknowyoudon’t,Mary.”
Sakuraheardabigharrumph.“Well,thatwasagoodtry,though.Oh,whenamIevergoingtosee

you?Iwanttoseeyou.Can’twejustmeetsomewhere?”

Sakurablinkedandithither.Shesatupsofastitmadeherdizzy.“Iknow!”
“What?”
“I’mgoingtoHawaiiforafashionshootendofthismonth.Wecanmeetthere.”
“Sakura. Yes! It’s perfect. I’ll tell Katherine about our plan as well. She’d probably want to join

us.”

“Yes,”Sakurasaid,laughing.“Ihaven’tseenherorMichaelforages.Youdothat,andI’llsendyouan

emailaboutwhenexactlythisphotoshootissoyoucanbookflights.”

“Surething,”Marysaid.
“Shit!”Sakuramutteredonceshe’dseenthetimeontheclock.“I’mgoingtobelate.”
“Work?”
“Yesandno,”Sakurasaid.“I’mexpectingsomeone.He’shelpingmemove.”
“You’removing?”
Sakuralaughed.“Onlytemporary.It’stodowithmynewjob.”
“Oh?”
“Don’tohme,mydear.Idon’thavetimerightnow.ButIwilltellyoulaterwhenI’mfree.Okay?”
Mary sighed. “Oh, all right. Take care and don’t you forget to send me that email regarding our

catch-upinHawaii.”

“Yes,yes,”Sakurasaid.“Kiss,kiss,andsayhitoPeterforme.Oh,andKatherine,Jim,andMichael

aswell.God,Imissthem.”

“Willdo.”
“Byenow.”WithMarysayinggood-bye,Sakurahungup.SheputTobydownonthefloorandheaded

toherbedroom.ItwasthensherememberedshehadtocallMelissatotellhernottocomein,asshe’dbe

closingthegalleryforaweekwhileNedwasaway.Somehow,shewasn’tlookingforwardtocallingthe
woman.

Sheturnedonherheelandrusheddownstairstotheofficetomakethecallbeforesheforgot.Afew

minuteslater,theunpleasantchoredone,sheheadedbackuptotakeashower.Shewasdoneanddressed
twentyminuteslater.WhileshewaitedforSosuketoarrive,shecheckedherluggageagaintomakesure
shehadalltheessentials.ShewasjustfinishedorganizingtheofficewhenshesawSosukeparkinghiscar
alongthestreet.Sherushedovertoopenthedoorforhim.

“Ohayo,Sakura-chan,”Sosukegreetedwithawarmsmilethemomenthecamein.“IhopeI’mnottoo

early.”

Sakurawavedhisapologyaside.“No.I’musuallyanearlyriser.Everythingissorted.Areweleaving

now?”

“Trafficisonlygoingtogetworse,”hesaid.
“Yes,thatistrue.”SakurarushedovertopickupToby.“ThisisToby,mydog.Areyousureit’sokay

formetotakehimwithme?”

Sosukelaughed.“Oba-chanlovesdogs.I’mokaywithit.Thisoneisn’tveryactive,ishe?”
Atthiscomment,SakuraglancedatToby.Sureenough,thedogdidn’tlookveryexcitedaboutanything,

whichwasunusualforhim.AworriedfrownappearedonSakura’sface,andshetoldherselfshe’dhave
totakethedogtoseethevetonceeverythingwassorted.

Shegavethedoganaffectionatepet,thenturnedtoSosuke.“Shallwe?”
AtSosuke’snod,theyleftthegallery,Sosukecarryingtheheavierbaggage.
Theyarrivedattheapartmentwithinthirtyminutes,thankstoSosuke’sexpertdrivingskillsandthenot

soheavytrafficatsuchanearlyhour.

“Ohayo,”AkiragreetedSakurathemomentthegirlsteppedintotheapartment.“OhmyGod,whata

beautifuldog!”SherushedovertoSakuraandbeggedforthedogbeforeSakuracouldputherbagdown.
WhenshehandedthesleepyTobyovertoher,Akiragiggledandstrokedthepup.“Oh,you’resosweet
andcuteandwhiteandfluffy.”

“Thereshegoesagain,”Sosukecommented.
Harukaappearedwithabroadsmileonherface.Withoutevenagoodmorning,thewomansurprised

Sakurabygivingheratighthug.

“Didyousleepwell?”Harukaasked.
Sakuranodded,feelingalittleoverwhelmedthatthesepeopleweresonicetoher.Theyremindedher

ofDaddyJamesandMomBrenda,andherheartconstrictedatthethoughtofheradoptiveparents.

Akirafrownedanduttered,“What’sthematter?”
Sakuraquicklyshookherhead.“It’snothing.”WithHaruka’sconcernedlook,sheconfirmed,“It’sbeen

awhilesinceanyonehasbeensonicetome.”

At this, Haruka smiled with understanding. Akira laughed and said, “Sakura-chan, you’re making

Sosukeblush.”

Sosukefrownedathissister.Akiraignoredthedarklookherbrothergaveher.“Comeon.I’llshow

youtoyourroom.”

Sakurawasmorethanpleasedthemomentshesawherroom.Itwasdesignedinsuchawaythatwas

bothmodernandclassicatthesametime,withasortoforientalstylepastelwallpaper,chandelier,soft
warm-tonedcarpet,andalowwoodenJapanese-inspiredbed.

“It’sbeautiful.”
“Ofcourseitis,”Akirasaid.“Suitsyouperfectly.”
Sakura placed her belongings on the floor and thanked Haruka once again for being so considerate.

Aftershe’dfinishedputtingherclothingandotherpersonalaccessoriesintodrawers,HarukaandAkira
showedheraroundtheapartmentandthenintroducedhertotheJapanesehousekeeperandmaid.Thenshe
spentthedaywiththetwowomenastheyintroducedhertohernewjobasHaruka’spersonalassistant,
whichSakuraquicklylearnedandfoundsheratherlikedquitealot.

ItwasafterdinnerandtheywerehavingalovelyteawhenSakuraaskedwhatelsetherewasinthis

building.

Akirasaid,“There’sthegym,thepool,andabeautifulgardenonthegroundfloor.”
“Whatabouttheoneontop?”Sakuraaskedcuriously.
Akiralookeduncomfortableandabrightblushappearedonhercheeks.Shecuppedherhandandbend

oversoherauntandbrotherwouldn’tbeabletohearherasshewhispered,“Don’tgothere.Thisguyand
hisbrotherslivethere.Theguyisadragon.JustlikeSosuke.”

Akira’s mind flashed back to that day when she’d snuck in to take a peek at the exotic garden. She

hadn’tbeencarefulenoughandcametofacethedragon, Nicolas Princeton. The man was outrageously
nakedinallhismaleglory.Theonlythinghehadonhimatthetimewashisglasses.

AkiraimmediatelyshutoutwhathappenednextandsaidtoSakura,“I’lltakeyouforatour.”
“Thatwouldbegreat,”Sakurareplied.
AfterHarukahadretiredtoherroomforthenight,AkiraandSosuketookSakuraoutforthepromised

tourofthebuilding,along,ofcourse,withToby.Thedogwassuddenlyveryexcitedandbarkedloudlyas
hesprintedabout.

They came into the gym, and Sakura eyed the place with interest. The room was large, with various

types of equipment such as treadmills, rowers, ellipticals, exercycles, and there was even a place for
boxingandweightlifting.Next,thesiblingsshowedhertotheswimmingpool.Itwasalargeareaandhad
agreatviewofthestreetacrossfromthebuilding.Sakurawaspleased.

“I’mgoingtocomeheretoswim,”shesaid.
Toby was running around the large pool, barking loudly. Akira laughed. “Wow! Toby is getting very

excitedaboutsomething.”

Sosuke said, “This pool gets a lot of use. Everyone who lives here loves it. I recommend early

morningifyouwanttheplacetoyourself.”

“That’showIlikemypool,”Sakurasaid.“Thewholeplacetomyself.”
AkiraturnedtoSakura.“Don’ttrusthim,Sakura-chan.EarlymorningiswhenSosukelikestotakea

swim.Isuggestlateatnight.Noonecomeshereatthistime.Likerightnow.”

Sakura laughed as the siblings began to argue over the subject, and none noticed the barking had

stoppedandtheculpritdogitselfwasmissing.ItwaswhentheywereattheelevatorthatSakuralooked
abouther.“Toby?”

Akirashrieked,“Toby’sgone!Whereishe?”
Sakura began to panic. Sosuke suggested, “Let’s split up and look for him. The dog can’t have gone

far.”

Thegirlsnodded,andtheypartedways.Sakurafoundherselfclimbingupstairs,andinthedistance,to

herrelief,sheheardTobybarkingexcitedly.Worriedforherbeloveddog’ssafety,shetooktwostepsata
time, following the sound of the bark. Finally, she pushed open a door and found herself along the
corridorsheandJanehadbeeninyesterday.Shesearchedwildlyabouther,andinthedistance,shesaw
Tobyintheprivategarden,barkingatthepenthouse.

“Shit!”shemutteredunderherbreathandrushedalongthecorridor.Shecrackedthelastdooropen,

slid through, and sprinted to the dog. She picked Toby up and told the dog to quieten down. Toby,
however,hadotherplans.ThedogkeptbarkingsoloudandwithsomuchexcitementthatSakurawassure

theresidentsinsidewouldsurelyhaveheardthenoise.Theywouldundoubtedlycometoinvestigateany
momentnow.

Adoorcrackedopen.Sakurapanicked.Sheturnedonherheelandsprintedbackthewayshecame.
She heard footsteps rushing out into the garden, and Sakura held her breath as she closed the door

behind her. Once she knew she hadn’t been spotted, she took in a deep breath, calming her furiously
beatingheart.SheturnedherattentiontoTobyandputafingertoherlips,tellingthedogtostopbarking.

Tobydidandlookedathercuriously.Hesnuggledhisheadagainstherchestwithaffection.
“Whyareyousoexcitedallofasudden?”sheaskedthedog,strokinghim.Shereturnedherattention

totheresidentswithinthatpenthouse,wonderingwhothedragonandhisbrotherswere.Sheturnedtoher
right, moving slightly to the window, and was about to take a peek when Toby barked again. She drew
back in a flash, knowing the people—yes, she was sure there was more than one now—would surely
comeherwayifshedidn’tshutTobyup.

“It’snowornever,”shewhisperedunderherbreath,andthen,quickasshecould,shesprintedacross

thecorridor.

OhGod!Shecouldfeelit.Theheavyfootsteps.Theyweredefinitelycomingafterher.Thethoughtof

beingcaughtsuddenlyfeltawfullysickeningtoher.Shejustdidn’tknowwhy,butshedidn’twanttobe
caughtbythepeoplewhowererunningafterher.

She slipped through a door and ran down more stairs. Thank God, Toby had stopped his barking.

Otherwise,shewouldn’thaveescaped.Shewentthroughanotherdoorandlostthem.Shesighedinrelief,
herheartstillpumpingloudandfast.

“Whatwereyoudoing,Toby?”shequeriedthedog.“Youcouldhavegottenmeintotrouble.”
“Youfoundhim.”Sosuke’svoicereachedher.
Sakuralookedupandsmiled.“Yes.”
“Good,”hesaid.“Shallwego?”
“Akira?”
“She’llfindherwayback,”Sosukesaid.
The two slipped back into the apartment and waited for Akira to return. The woman did about ten

minuteslater,herfaceredandhereyesbright.

Shecametoslumpherselfonthesofawithasourexpressiononherlovelyface.Itwasonlywhenshe

sawTobyrunningtoherthatshesmiledonceagain.

“Toby,Ithoughtwe’dlostyou.”Thenmorequietlytoherself,shemumbled,“Orthatbakadragonofa

personhadtakenyouasprisoner.”

“Wouldyoulikesomecoffee,Akira?”Sakuraasked.
“Yes,please,”Akiraresponded,stillthinkingaboutherencounterwiththePrincetonbrothersandher

stupidfallwithNicolas.

Someminuteslater,starsappearedinAkira’seyesasshesippedSakura’scoffee.“Wow!It’sthebest

coffeeI’veevertaste,Sakura-chan.Fromnowon,you’llbemakingcoffeeforuseveryday.”

Sosuke,whocouldn’thelpbutsmileatthedeliciouscoffee,saidtohissister,“You’reaslavedriver,

Akira.”

Akiraglaredatherbrother,andSakuralaughed.
ItwasnearlymidnightwhenSakura,freshfromashowerandinhercozypajamas,gotreadyforbed.

She lay there staring up at the ceiling, with Toby on top of the duvet by her side, cozily asleep. She
thoughthowniceLadyHaruka,Sosuke,andAkiraweretoher.Forthefirsttimeinalongtime,shefelt
right at home. She felt as though she actually belonged here with them. She smiled at that wonderful
feelingandslowlydriftedofftosleep.

*****

CHAPTER18

AGlimpse ofMyBe love d

Conrad was pissed. Yes, he was totally pissed that they couldn’t get ahold of Ned. He had so looked
forwardtobringingTobyhometoday,withoutSakuraknowingofcourse,afterhe’dmadeabargainwith
Ned. But now, that damn Ned was nowhere in sight, and the gallery was closed for five days, per the
noticestucktothefrontdoor.

Hesighedandthrewhimselfonhisbed,thinkingaboutSakuraandToby.Hereallydidmisshavingthe

pupinhisarmsandstrokingthesoft,whitefur.Hemissedthepuplickinghimandplayingwithhim.And
now, dammit, he was hearing the dog barking too. Conrad was pretty sure he was going insane, for the
barkingwasgettinglouderandmoreexcited.

Hebangedhisheadagainstthesoftpillowsandgruntedunderhisbreath.OhGod!Please,Toby,stop

haunting me. The barking, however, was getting even louder now, and Conrad squeezed the pillows
againsthisears.

“I’m going mad.” When the barking didn’t stop, he shot up and grumbled. He paced to the window,

staringout.Thatwaswhenhesawit.Atiny,purewhiteWestieterrieroutinthegarden,barkingloudlyat
thehouse.

Shit!HenownotonlyheardToby’sbarking,butwashallucinatingaswell.
Heshuthiseyesforamoment,toclearhishead.Thebarking,however,didn’tgoaway,andwhenhe

openedhiseyesagain,neitherdidtheimageofToby.

Henarrowedhiseyesandpeeredout,andthenalumpformedinhisthroat.
CoulditbethatNedhadbroughtTobytothem?Conradwassopleasedatthethoughtthatheranoutof

hisroom,shoutingoutToby’sname.

Tristanburstoutofhisroomaswellanddemandedtoknowwhattheheckallthatracketwasabout.
“It’sTobyoutside,”Conradsaidashepassed.
“Toby?”Tristanutteredunderhisbreath.“Here?Noway!”Herushedoutafterhisbrother.
“DidsomeonesayToby?”Loganasked,hisheadpokingoutthedoor.WhenhesawTristanalongthe

hallway, he followed. Then it was Sebastian who came next, followed by Nicolas, who looked rather
suspiciousaboutthewholething,andthenDarcy.

Conradwasjustcomingoutintothegardenwhenaslightfigureranthroughtheothersideandslammed

thedoorshut.ConradcalledoutToby’sname,searchingwildlyaroundhim.

The brothers watched on, wondering if Conrad had gone just that little bit overboard with his

hallucination.HeclaimedtohaveheardTobybarkingsinceearlythismorning.Ofcourse,theyconcluded
itmustjusthavebeenoneoftheneighbors’dogs.

“Toby!”Conradcalledoutagain.“Comehere,boy.”
TristancameovertohisbrotherandputhishandoverConrad’sshoulder.“Comeon,bro.Let’shave

somecoffee.”

ConradgaveTristanadarkfrown.“IswearIsawTobyjustnowinthegarden.”
Logansaid,“Look,Conrad,weknowhowmuchyoumissthatlittledog,asdowe,butcomeon,man.

ThepupiswithSakurarightnow,inSoho.”

Conradtookadeepbreath,wonderingifhisimaginationwasrunningwild.“Yeah,you’reright.”He

turned on his heel, a dark scowl on his face. A few moments later, he, Logan, and Tristan headed back
insidethepenthouse.

“Well,thatwasfun,”Nicolassaid.
Sebastian chuckled and nodded. Darcy stared at the closed door to the other side of the garden, the

waytothecorridorthatledtothemainbuilding.Hewasprettysurehesawashadowofagirlthere.

“Whatareyoulookingat?”Sebastianasked,curious.
“There’ssomeonethere,”Darcysaid,noddinghisheadinthedirectionofthedoor.Sebastianflicked

his gaze there and narrowed his eyes. Suddenly, in the darkness, they saw a shadow of a girl running
across. In a flash, both Sebastian and Darcy took off, feet pounding against the lawn. Nicolas was just
behindthem.Aroundthecorner,theysawtheslightfigureexitanotherdoor.

“Whowasthat?”Nicolasasked.
“Don’tknow!”Darcyshouted.
“Whytheheckissherunningaway?”Sebastianmuttered.
“Whytheheckarewechasingher?”Nicolasaskednooneinparticular,roundinganothercorner.They

wererushingdownthestairs,twostepsatatime,andthenoutthroughadoorwhen—

Bang!
Nicolasfoundhimselfcollidingagainstasmall,softbody.Hecaughtherbythewaistbeforetheyboth

couldfalltothehardfloorbelow.Theyspunandthenhefellonhisback,hisbottomslamminghardonthe
polishedmarble.

NicolasstaredhardatAkirainhisarms,hislargehandintimatelycuppingherbackside.Themanwas

tooshockedtofindsuchaprettywomaninhisarmsthathedidn’tbothertolethergo,ornoticeshewas
blushingfromheadtotoeandhisbrotherswerestaringathimwithamusedsmilesontheirfaces.

Akirapushedherselfbackandsaid,“Nicolas,getyourhandsoffmyass!”
Herloudnoisegotthroughhisfoggedmindandhequicklyreleasedher.Akirastoodupandsaid,“Why

thehelldidyourunintome?”

“Itwasonlyyou?”Nicolasasked,perplexed.
“Of course it was me,” Akira snapped. She turned her attention to Sebastian and Darcy and said,

“Sorry.”

“It’sallright,”Sebastiansaid.
“Areyouallright?”Darcyasked.
Akira straightened her dress and nodded. “Yes, I’m fine. Thanks.” She turned to Nicolas. “And no

thankstoyou.”

Thensheturnedonherheelsandwalkeddownthehallway.Halfway,shesaid,“Goodnight.”
Withthebrothers’nods,sheturnedagainanddisappearedaroundthecorner.
“What happened?” Conrad demanded the moment Nicolas, Sebastian, and Darcy stepped into the

livingareaafewminuteslater.

“ItwasAkira,”Nicolassaid.
“Youmeantherewassomeoneoutsideourgarden,”Tristanqueriedwithraisedbrows.
“Ithinkso,”Nicolasreplied,asourlookonhisface.
“Are you sure it was Akira and not Toby?” Conrad asked again, just to be sure. Logan and Tristan

looked heavenward, as if anyone would have mistaken the international supermodel Akira to that of a
littledog.

“Butwhydidsherun?”Darcyquestionednooneinparticular.
Tristanhadaverylogicalanswertothat.“It’sNicolas’sfault.Hegrowledatherthelasttimeshecame

uptoexplorethegarden.”

“Didyou?”Sebastianturnedtotheireldestbrother.
“Yes,Idid,”Nicolasmuttered.“Whytheheckdidshehavetorunaway?Ididtellhertocomeagain

anytimeshewanted.”

“Well,”Loganputin,pouringhimselfacupofBeth’stastelesscoffee,“youweresuchadragontoher

theotherday.”

Nicolas wanted to say the woman had seen him naked, for God’s sake, when he thought no one had

beenhome.Andthenthereshewas,staringathimlikeshe’dneverseenanudemanbefore.Ifshewereto
look away, as if it wasn’t such a big deal, then he wouldn’t have growled at her. But no. The oriental
beautyhadtoblushandstareathimasifshewantedtoeathimalive.

Anddamnhisownbody.Herespondedtothestareandlookofpuredesireinthoseenchantingdark-

browneyes.Hewasbloodyturnedonbyhersightandhaddesperatelywantedtograbherintohisarms,
kissher,anddosomuchmoretoherthanhislogicalmindpermitted.Forthefirsttimeinhistwenty-nine
years,Nicolaswantedthiswoman,wantedAkira.

“Then I shall personally tell our lovely Akira that she can come up to enjoy the garden anytime she

wants,”Tristansaid,nodding.

Nicolasnudgedhisglassesupthebridgeofhisnoseandclearedhisthroat.“Dowhateveryoubloody

want.”Withthat,heheadedoutthedoor.

Tristanblinked.“WhatdidIsaywrong?”
Loganlaughed.“IthinkAkiraisgettingunderhisskin.”

*****

Sakurawokeatquartertofivethenextmorning.Usually,shewouldn’tbeupuntilthenexthourorso,but
thismorning,shewasalert.Sheturnedonhersideandtriedtogobacktosleepbutfoundshecouldn’t.
Hermind,ofitsownaccord,wasdriftingofftowardthePrincetonbrothers.ShewonderedifLukehad
alreadytoldthemaboutherandherlife,thatsheowntheTanakaGalleryinSohoandshewasanartist.
Shewonderedifthey’dbeentheretocheckouttheplace.Luckily,though,she’dalreadyrelocated,soany
opportunitytomeethertherewasabsolutelyzero.

Again, the image of Sebastian and Darcy came into her mind, and she groaned, her heart fluttering

withinherchest.

“Stopthinkingaboutthem,”shemutteredunderherbreath.
Shetossedandturned,andwhenshefinallycouldn’tstanditanymore,shegotupandoutofthebed.
“I’mgoingforaswim,”shesaid,noddingherhead.
Some ten minutes later, now in her navy-blue bikini that fit her slim, toned body to perfection, she

walked toward the pool. Luckily, it was still very early in the morning, so she had the whole place to
herself.Shewasactuallyverypleasedwiththat.

Thistimearound,therewasnoworryofherdrowninglikethataccidentayearagobackonSt.Joseph

Island.Sincethen,Sakurahadlearned,withalotofdeterminationandhardworkofcourse,howtoswim.
Onecouldsayshewaslikeamermaidnow,socomfortableinwater.

Withherlonghairdownherback,hereyesclosed,andasmileonherface,shestoodbytheedgeof

thepool.Thenshetookadeepbreathanddovein,herbodydelicateandsmooth,glidingintothewater
likeafish.Herperfectfiguresailedthroughtheliquid.Slowly,shecameuptothesurfacetotakeaquick
breath,andthenshedippedherheadinagainasshestrokedherarmsinawidearc.Sheswamaroundfor
a couple of laps, and once she had enough, she stopped and allowed herself to just float there, like a
cherryblossompetalontopofthewater.

She gazed up at the ceiling, at the beautiful prism of blue and white dancing and flickering. She

laughed, and suddenly, the scene reminded her of that time when she’d been floating in a pool back at
Princeton Mansion a year ago. She remembered Sebastian diving from atop the platform, his strong,
powerfulbodyslidingintothewatercleanly.Sherememberedhimkissingherinthepool,hislipshotand
tongueeagertotasteherashesqueezedheragainsthim.

Adeliciousquiverformedinherstomach,andshelickedherlips.Suddenly,shecravedforhimtokiss

heragain,histonguelickingherlipsandstrokingtheinnerliningofhermouth.

Immediately,shetoldherselftostop.Sheclosedhereyesanddippedherselfdeepunderwater.Then

shecamebackupandswamtotheothersideofthepool.Shepulledherselfoutandthenwalkedaround
totheothersideagain.

“Stopthinkingabouthim,”shewhisperedunderherbreath.Andthenshedivedin,herbodyonceagain

slippingintothewatercleanly.

*****

Like clockwork, Sebastian found himself awake and ready for action by five that morning. His body
screamed at him, informing him he needed to exercise, needed to swim, since he hadn’t for a few days
now.

Hegotoutofbedand,inminutes,hewasready.HewasjustpassingthekitchenwhenhesawDarcy

hoveringaroundtherefrigerator.

“Whatareyoudoing?”heaskedhisbrother.
“Ineedadrink,”Darcyreplied.“Goingdowntoswim?”
“Yeah.”Sebastiannodded.“Seeyouthere?”
Darcyopenedhimselfabottleofcoolwaterandnodded.“Inaminute,”hesaid.
“Race?”Sebastiansuggested.Sincethey’dmovedhereayearago,thiswastheirwayofbonding.A

goodraceinthepool.Sometimestheirotherbrotherswouldjointhem.Mostly,however,itwasbetween
thetwo.SebastianadmittedDarcywasgetterstrongerandfasternow,anditwasgettinghardertowinas
well. As of last week, they were about neck to neck, which was a good challenge, Sebastian thought,
pleased.

Aftertakingabiggulpofhiswater,Darcysaid,“Sure.”
Sebastiannoddedandthenleft.Hetookthestairsdowntothethirdfloor,knowinghe’dgetthepoolto

himselfforatleastacoupleminutesuntilDarcyturnedup.

He was wrong, however. As he slipped in through the door, he heard splashing. Sosuke? No. It

couldn’t be, because Sosuke never came down this early. He usually came down around six, when
Nicolascamedownaswell.Whocoulditbe?

Hestrodealongthelengthofthecorridorandthenaroundthecornerbeforecomingintothepoolarea.

At the entryway, he saw a slim body just sliding into the water. He couldn’t pull his gaze away as he
watchedthatexquisitefigureglidingthroughthewatersoperfectly.Shewasabeautifulcreature;thatwas
forsure.Ashecamefartherandstoodrightattheedgeofthepool,hecontinuedtowatchher.Hewas
amazedshedidn’tevencomeuptotakeabreathofair.Shecontinuedtostayunderwater,glidingherway
acrossthelonglengthofthepool.

What the hell am I doing? he asked himself and shook his head. No woman had ever been able to

capturehisattentionsocompletely,exceptofcourseforSakura.

Thethoughtofherbroughtforwardalumpinhisthroat.God!Whenwouldhebeabletoseeheragain?

Whenwouldshebeabletoacceptthemintoherlivesonceagain?

Inanguish,hetookadeepbreathandpowerfullydivedintothewater.
Ontheothersideofthepool,Sakura’sheadpoppedoutoffthewaterasSebastiandivedin.Slowly,

shewalkedupthestepsthatwouldleadheroutofthepool.Atthetop,shegatheredherhairtoonesideof
hershouldersandsqueezedouttheexcesswater.

She turned to look over her shoulder. There, she saw a powerful body swimming like a fish

underwater. He was strong and beautiful to watch, she thought in awe. And dammit. She’d thought she
wouldhavetheplacetoherselfforatleastanhour.Nolongerwantingtobethere,sheturnedbackand
continuedtodryherhair.

Sebastiancameuptothesurfaceatthatmoment.Again,heeyedthebeautyontheotherside,marveling

overherslim,longlegsasshebenttopickupasmalltowelonthefloor.Hecouldclearlyseeherrear
end,anditwassexuallyarousing.Headmittedshewasexquisite,andhewantedtopullherintohisarms
andmakelovetoher.

That was a stupid notion, of course. His heart was for Sakura, and no other woman would do.

Determined to extinguish the burning heat suddenly prominent within his being, he dipped his head
underwateragaintoshutthestrangebeautyfromhismind.

With the small towel in her hands, busy patting herself dry, Sakura once again turned to look at that

wonderfullypowerfulbodyinthewater.Aquiveringsighescapedherlips,andbeforeshethoughtfurther
sherushedfromherspot.Asshepacedalongthelengthoftheroom,however,hereyeswerestillonthat
amazing body gliding through water, never once coming up for breath. It was too bad, though, she had
reachedtheexitbythetimehepoppedhisheadout.

She turned and was gone from the place as Sebastian turned his head to take another look at her,

missingherbymeremilliseconds.

*****

Darcytookanotherbiggulpofwaterbeforeheadingoutthedoorofthekitchen.Ashewaspassingthe
livingarea,Bethsaid,“Ah,morning,MasterDarcy.Goingoutforaswim,arewe?”

DarcynoddedandwasabouttoleavewhenBethsaid,“IphonedNedyesterdayafterMasterConrad

complainedtomehecouldn’tgetincontactwiththatbrotherofmine.”

Darcyraisedhisbrows.“And?”
“Well,Iphonedhim,yousee.Apparently,he’sinL.A.atthemoment.Businesstrip.”
Darcyreleasedadepressedsigh.“SousmeetingSakuraisn’tgoingtobeanytimesoon.”
Bethpulledaguiltyface.“I’mafraidso.”
“Allright,”hesaid.“I’lltellmybrothers.We’llcomeupwithaplan.”
DarcywasjustatthedoorwhenBethcommented,“Bettercomeupwithaplansoon,becauseIheard

you boys are doing that photoshoot thing in Hawaii and Sakura is one of the female models, isn’t she?
She’dbeshockedseeingyouboysthere,ifyouknowwhatImean.”

Darcyfrowneddarklyoverthisdilemma.HeknewBethwasperfectlycorrectinthatregard.Sakura

hadn’t yet known he and his brothers were the male models for Mr. Tachibana. Perhaps the sooner she
found out, the better. After all, they didn’t want her to run from them again, and of course, working
togetherwhentherewastensionandmisunderstandingbeneathwasn’tagoodwaytogetthejobdone.

“Yes,ofcourse,”hesaidandthenleft.
He took the stairs down to the third floor, taking two steps at a time. He was deep in thought when

throughhisperipheralvision,agirlwalkedaroundthecorner.Hestopped,turned,andjuststared.

Inthedistanceandinthedimlylitcorridor,hesawaslimfemalefigure.Sheseemedoddlyfamiliar,

andhefoundhimselfdrawntoher.

I’mgoingmad!I’mbloodygoingmad!hethoughttohimself.Nonetheless,herushedafterher.God!

I’mgoingmad.ButforGod’ssake!Iwanttobesure.

Hepacedashisheartbeatloudandfastinhischest.Hewantedtobesurehewasn’tjusthallucinating

likeConradhadwithToby.

Hecamearoundthecornerandstopped.Shewasgone,justlikethat.Wheredidshego?
“You’regoingcrazy,Darcy,”hesaidtohimselfandturnedonhisheel.
Hecameintothepoolareaaminutelater.Heclimbeduptothedivingplatform,andamomentlater,he

dived, did a perfect flip in midair, and then slid into the water cleanly, without a splash of water
anywhere.

Whenhecameupagain,henotedSebastianwaswatchinghim.
“BethtoldmeNedisinL.A.atthemoment,”washisgreeting.
“Bloodyhell,”Sebastianreplied.
“Stillwanttorace?”Darcyasked.
Sebastian’s answer was him slipping back into the water. The brothers had a good race, and by the

timetheyfinished,bothwerepuffingwithexertion.Ofcourse,Sebastianwon,byamerehalfsecond.It
wasthenNicolasandSosukewalkedin,andthemendidtheirlapsacrossthepool.Thefourdidanother
race.Thistime,Darcywon,followedbySebastianinsecondplace,Nicolasinthird,andSosukelast.

Byquartertoseven,theyleftthepool,asmorepeoplewerecomingfortheirmorningswim.
Back at the penthouse, Beth was just finishing preparing the brothers’ breakfast. After their showers

anddressingintheirexpensive,powerfulsuits,Nicolas,Sebastian,andDarcyjoinedtheirotherbrothers.

“It’salovelyspringmorning,boys,”Bethsaid.Breakfastoutside,howaboutthat?”
“Perfect,Beth,”Sebastiansaid,headingoutthedoorwithhisbrothers.
Tristan,Logan,Hayden,andConradwerealreadythere,enjoyingtheirbreakfastofbaconandeggs,hot

toast,freshfruits,andcereal.

“RemindsmeofSt.JosephIsland,”Conradsaid.
“Yeah,”Tristanagreed.“Imisshome.”Ofcourse,notthatNewYorkCitywasn’thome,butSt.Joseph

Islandtothemwashome,aplacewhereallthegoodsandthebadshappened.

Thebrothersenjoyedtheirmealinquietnesswhenthesmellofbeautifulgroundcoffeereachedthem.

Conradwasthefirsttoreact.Hefrownedandthenrushedoffhisseattohanghisheadoverthebalcony.

“Whatthehellareyoudoing?”Haydenshoutedathisbrother.
“ForChrist’ssake!”Tristanmutteredloudly.“Getyourheadbackinbeforeyoufall,Conrad.”
Conradturnedbacktohisbrothers.“Can’tyousmellit?”
“Whatthehellisheonaboutnow?”Loganasked.“First,it’sTobyandnowit’sasmell?”
“Thecoffee!”Conradshouted.“ItsmellslikeSakura’s.
Thebrothersjustshooktheirheads,andTristanstood.HestalkedovertoConrad,pulledthebrother

bytheshoulder,andhauledhimback.Hewasabouttoscoldhimwhenthescentcaressedhisnostrilsand
heblinked.

“Shit!Thatsmellsdelicious,”hesaid.
Conradglaredathim.“See?”
At this point, Logan was there as well and sniffed the air. “Wow! That smells a lot like Sakura’s

coffee.”

“Maybeanewcaféhasjustopenedacrossthestreet,”Tristansuggestedlogically.“Yeah,shouldcheck

itout.”

“Areyoutellingmemycoffeeisn’tdrinkable?”Bethdemandedatthedoor,handsonhips.

Tristanmanagedtolookguilty.“No,ofcoursenot,Beth.”Herushedbacktohisseatandtookasipof

Beth’sblandcoffee.Hemanagednottopullafaceandevendidammmsound.

Bethlookedheavenwardandcameoverwithaplateofextrabaconsandeggs.Thebrotherscontinued

their breakfast, and by seven thirty, they were done and on the elevator. On the second floor, the door
dingedandSosukejoinedthem.

“Ohayo,everyone,”hegreetedwithabrightsmile.
Tristanwassuspicious.“Youlookawfullychummythismorning,Sosuke-kun,”hesaid.
Sosukelaughed.“Ihadaverygooddayyesterdayandalovelymorningtoday.”
Logancockedhisheadtoonesideandteased.“Didyoufinallyfindyourselfagirlfriend?”
Nicolassighed.“LeaveSosukealone,won’tyou?”
Sosukelaughedagain.“It’sallright,Nicolas-kun,Imighthavefoundmyselfone.”
At this, the brothers all looked at him in surprise. This was of course joined by a loud cheer from

Tristan,Logan,andHayden.

“Isshehot?”Tristanasked.
“She’spretty,”Sosukesaid.“Andshe’slivingwithus.”
“Wow!”Loganlaughed.“Thatfast?”
Conradsniffedandsaid,“Yousmellofcoffee.”
Atthis,thebrothersleanedcloser.TheyallsuddenlyrealizedSosukedidsmelllikecoffee.Notjust

anycoffee,buttheirSakura’scoffee.

“Didthisgirlfriendofyoursmakeyoucoffeethismorning?”Sebastianaskedwithinterest.
Sosukenodded.“Well,she’snotmygirlfriendyet.ButIplanto—”Hestoppedhimselfshort,suddenly

wondering,ifthebrothersknewthewomanhewasreferringtowasSakura,theiradoptivesister,would
theybeokaywithhimdatingher?Suddenly,hehaddoubts.Hesensedthesebrotherswereveryprotective
of her, as he was with Akira. It was then Sosuke didn’t want to share Sakura with them. Yes, he was
greedyinthatregardhe’dadmit.

“Didshehappentobeswimmingthismorning?”Darcyaskedoutoftheblue.
Sebastianfrowned.“IthinkIsawherthismorningatthepool.”
Sosukepanicked.Shit!HadtheyseenSakura,then?
“No,Idon’tthinkso,”hesaidtruthfully,sincehedidn’tknowwhethershe’dgoneforaswimornot.

Hehadn’tseenanyoneawakewhenhewasup,andoncehe’dreturnedfromtheswim,Sakurahadbeenin
thekitchenwiththehousekeeper,helpingthewomanpreparebreakfast.Andthen,ofcourse,thatbeautiful
coffee.

Once again, he smiled and thought he couldn’t wait to return home for dinner and that wonderful

coffee.

ThedoordingedopenandthebrothersandSosukesteppedout.Thebrothersheadedtothegarageout

back and into their respective cars, heading to their respective destinations. Nicolas and Conrad to the
PrincetonHotel,HaydenandDarcytotheirgamingcompany,HDGameCooperation,TristanandLogan
totheirofficeinManhattan,andSebastiantodoadealinQueens.

*****

CHAPTER19

Entrapme nt

Forthenextfewweeks,SakuraworkedhardtolearnHaruka’sbusinessinsideandoutsoshecouldbeof
morehelptothewoman.HarukaherselfmadesureSakurawasbeingtaughteverythingtherewastoknow
aboutthebillion-dollarcompany,sinceSakurawouldbetheonewho’dinherittheempire.Ofcourse,that
was if Sakura wanted it after they’d confirmed their relationship with DNA testing. As of now, Haruka
wasjustenjoyinghertimewithherbiologicaldaughter,bothduringworkattheofficeandleisureatthe
apartment.

Sakura herself found she enjoyed learning from and working with Haruka. The woman was like a

mentortoher,andSakuralearnedmanyaspectsofthebusinessworldshehadn’tknownbefore.Whenshe
wasn’t busy with the multibillion-dollar empire, she learned Japanese cuisine with the housekeeper,
helping the woman preparing meals for the family. Then at night, she’d catch up on her own business,
updating the Tanaka Gallery websites with new photos she’d taken from previous weeks and doing
promotiontogetmorepeopleinterestedinherwork.

Becauseshecouldn’tpaintintheapartment,she’drushedovertothegallerytocatchupdoingthattoo,

aftershe’dfinishedherworkwithHarukaandhadmealswiththefamily.OfcourseSosuke,Akira,and
Tobyusuallyaccompaniedher.ThefirsttimeAkirahadseentheplace,shefellinlovewithitandoffered
to play sales assistant for Sakura during the day, which Sakura was very grateful for and took the offer
withouthesitation.

SoithappenedthatNedhadtostayinL.A.foranothercoupleweeks,andSakuracouldn’tclosethe

gallery any longer because she needed money for the bills. Furthermore, Melissa had decided to quit,
whichputmorepressureonSakura.Luckily,Megan,herprevioussalesassistant,returnedtothecity,and
Sakura got in contact with the lovely, jolly woman right away. And of course, Akira helped out and
workedwithMeganuntilSakuracouldfindanotherassistant.

Over all of this, Sakura started getting tired and exhausted very easily. She knew her health wasn’t

greatcurrentlybecauseofherhecticlifestyle.Shewantedtocutbackonthelonghours,missingmeals,
and short sleeping time but couldn’t find a way to do that. Then, of course, she noticed the rent for the
galleryandloftwasgettingridiculous,too.Ithadjumpedupquitealotsinceshe’dstartedoutlastyear.
SomuchsothatshedecidedtogetincontactwithherlandlordherselfinsteadofleavingittoNedtodeal
withtheunpleasantbusiness.

Onceheremailwassent,shegotaninstantreply.Shewasverysurprisedthatherlandlordwassoon

it,andevenmoresowhenheagreedhewouldlowertherentforher.Shethankedhimprofusely,andit
wasn’tlongbeforeSakurarealizedtheman,whoneverrevealedhisnameattheendoftheemail,started
emailingheratleasttwiceadaytoaskhoweverythingwas.

Usually, Sakura didn’t reply to emails unless they were related to business or the person she was

replyingtowasherfriend,butforthisone,shebrokeherownrule.Sherepliedandfoundsheenjoyed
writingcasualandsometimeshilariousemailstohim.Eventually,theygotintochattingonlineanddidso
quiteoftenuntilverylate,orratherearlyinthemorning.Hetoldherhewasactuallyafanofherworkand
had many of her paintings and photos in his house. She was very pleased and told him she’d send him
someofherveryrecentonesthatshewouldn’tbeputtingupforsale.

Now it was a Saturday. Two weeks had passed since she moved in with the Suzuki family. To be

honest,Sakurawasverytiredandexhaustedtoday,moresothanusual.Sheblamedthatlandlordofhers,
ofcourse,themysteriousmanwhohadfinallydecidedtolethercallhimSeb.JustSeb.

Atfirst,she’dthoughthewassomemiddle-agedbillionairewhowantedtohookupwithher,butafter

chattingwithhim,herevealedtobesomethingelse.Sheassumedhimtobequiteyoung,sincehelovedto
swim and had told her he’d won many national championships during his teens, which had only been
abouttenyearsago.Soshecalculatedhewasaroundtwenty-sixortwenty-seven.Hetoldherheloved
coffeemadebyhissisterandthatshewashisworld.

Unfortunately, he and his sister had a kind of misunderstanding and were currently not on speaking

terms.Sakurathoughtitwassosadanddecidedtohelphimoutbysuggestingtohimwhatheshoulddo.
Bythetimeshefinishedthatdiscussion,itwasthreeinthemorning.

Sakura:Ihavetogotobed.It’sgettinglate.
Seb:What’stherush?It’sSaturday.
Sakura:LOL!Don’tbemean.Ihaveworktodo.
Seb:Oh?
Sakura:LOL!Don’tyouohme,mister.
Seb:Whynot?
Sakura:‘Cause!
Seb:Because?
Sakura:Ican’ttellyou.
Seb:Whynot?
Sakura:Goodnight,Seb.
Seb:…
Sakura:Seb?
Seb:…
Sakura:Seb?Goodnight,andImeanit.
Seb:Iwanttokissyou.

Themomentthatlastsentencecameout,Sakurafeltherwholebodyshakewithemotion.WhydidSeb

wanttokissher?Theyhadn’tevenmetinpersonyet.Andwhythismanalwaysremindedhersomuchof
SebastianPrincetonwasbeyondher.

Determined to dismiss those words from her mind, Sakura tried to concentrate on Toby and Akira

instead.

“Areyousureyou’regoingtobeallrightlookingafterTobyforme?”Sakuraasked,hereyesonthe

otherwoman.

The Japanese beauty waved her hands. “Of course I’ll be all right.” She turned to the doting pup.

“Although,ImustadmitTobydoesn’tlookveryactivetoday.”

Sakuraturnedherattentiontothedoginherarms.Shegentlystrokedthecanine,wonderingwhatwas

wrong with him. Once again, she told herself she had to remember to take him to see the vet. It would
have to be another Saturday though, since today was impossible. She had an appointment with Mr.
Tachibanaforthephotoshootfitting,andbythetimeshereturned,shewassureit’dbetoolate.

ShehandedTobyovertoAkira.“I’lltakehimtoseethevetwhenwecomebackfromHawaii.Ineed

tomakesurehe’sallright.”

“Youknowwhat?”Akirabegan.“YougowithOba-chantoseeTachibana-sensei,andIwilltakeToby

toseethevet.Howaboutthat?SincewaitinguntilwereturnfromHawaiiisfartoolong.”

Sakurawidenedhereyes.“Areyousure?”
“Yes.” Akira nodded. “Now, don’t you worry about this little cutie.” She laughed, stroking the dog

fondly.

“Thanks,”Sakurasaid,laughing.“You’reawesome,Akira-chan.”
Halfanhourlater,SakurafoundherselfinMr.Tachibana’sofficewithHaruka,Ms.Ruka,andJane.

Theyweredevisingwhatclothingitemsshouldgowithwhichjewelryforthephotoshootthatwascoming
thisThursday.

JanewashelpingherwitheveningweargownofgoldandblacksilkwhenSakuraasked,“SodidLuke

tellthebrothers?”

Janelookedbehindbeforeanswering.“I’mafraidso,Sakura.”
Alumpformedinherthroat.“Well,Iguessitwon’tbetoolongbeforetheygotothegallery.”
“Sakura,”Janesaid,zippingupthegown.“Theyalreadywent.”
“What?”Sakuraspunaroundsofastshegotalittledizzyintheprocess.“Theywhat?”
Jane took a deep breath as she eyed her friend. She was concerned, as Sakura looked like she was

abouttodrop.Thereweredarkcirclesunderhereyesandherskinlookedawfullypale.Shewonderedif
Sakurahadbeenworkingtoohard.

“I’msosorry,Sakura.ButLuke,thatstupidbrotherofmine,hetoldthebrotherswherethegalleryis.

Hetoldmethey’vewenttheretwoweeksago.”

Sakuradidaquickcalculationwithinherheadandgroaned.Thatmusthavebeenthesamedaysheand

JanehadbeentoseebothHarukaandMr.Tachibana.Thedayshereturnedhomeand—

“NowonderIsmelledcolognes,”shesaidsoftly,rememberingwhatNedhadsaid.Boys! There had

beenboysvisitingthegallery.

“Colognes?”Janeaskedcuriously.“Whatdoescologneshavetodowiththebrothers?”
Sakurasighed.“Nothing,Jane.”
Asshecameoutofthedressingroom,Ned’sstatementabouthowawomancouldsmellhersoulmate

evenwhenhewasn’tintheroomechoedwithinherhead.

Fortwohours,SakuratriedondifferentoutfitsforMr.Tachibana,Haruka,andMs.Rukatoinspect.

Shewasjustchangingthelastonewhenherphonerang.Clutchingthematerialofthegownagainsther
breastssoitwouldn’tfalloffherperson,shereachedoutforherbag.

Withthecellphoneinonehand,sheputittoherear.“Hello?”
“Sakura?It’sme,Akira.”
Sakurablinkedandherheartskippedabeat.Thepanickyvoicesheheardmadeherworry.Instantly,

hermindrushedtoToby.HerfrienddidpromisetotakeTobytothevettoday,andshewonderedifthey
hadfoundsomethingwrongwiththedog.Shehopeditwasnothingserious,butAkira’svoiceontheother
sideofthelinemadeherwonderif—

“Sakura,I’velostToby!”
Sakurafoundherthroatdrywhenshesaid,“What?”
“Letmeexplain.Itookthedogtothevet,right?Andthingshappened.Mainlywiththatarrogant

dragonNicolas.Heaccusedmeofstealingyourdog,Sakura.Thegallofhim.Andanyway,nowI’ve
lostthedog.Ican’tfindhimanywhereintheapartment.”

Sakurafrownedoverthis.WhowasthisdragonNicolasAkirawastalkingabout?Theguyupatthe

penthouse? But she didn’t dwell on that particular person and what he had to do with Akira. She was
moreworriedaboutToby.

“Have you tried the third floor?” she asked as she now shuffled the gown down her person and

grabbedforherbra.“Hewastherethelasttimehewentmissing.”

“No,Ihaven’t.I’llgoanddothatnow.”
“Youdothat,”Sakurasaid.“I’monmyway.”
“Okay,seeyousoon.”
“Bye,”Sakurasaid.Sherestedthephoneinherbagandquicklygrabbedherclothing.
Shegotdressedinaminuteflatandthenrushedoutofthedressingroom.ShecameacrossHarukaand

beggedanapology.“Tobyismissing.I’llcomebackthemomentIfindhimandamsurehe’sokay.”

Harukanoddedandusheredheroutthedoor.

*****

Conradthoughthewasgoingnuts.Fortwoweeksnow,hekepthearingTobybarking.Tristanhadtoldhim
itwashishallucination,mistakingotherdogs’barksforToby’s.ThisonlyspurredConradevermoreto
wanttogotothegallerytoseeSakura.Ofcourse,thatbloodyNedhaddecidedtoavoidthembystaying
inLosAngeles,sonothingwasdoneaboutmakingSakuracomearoundandletthembackintoherlife.

Whenhe’dsuggestedtheyjustupandgotoseeheranyway,Loganhadsaid,“You’llfrightenherwith

yourunpleasantappearance,Conrad.We’veagreedwithNednottobotherheruntilhemakeshercome
around.”

Ofcourse,heknewbothSebastianandDarcyhadbeendoingtheirroundsthroughSoho,justtogeta

peek at the gallery, hoping to see Sakura. It was odd lately that Sebastian seemed so chummy about
something.Hewasgrinningtohimselfallthetime,whichannoyedbothConradandDarcyequally.When
Darcy had asked the brother if he had a secret to share, Sebastian just said, “Just thinking of my
conversationwithafriend.”

“Bloody hell,” Conrad muttered under his breath, storming into the living area where everyone was

gettingreadyforlunch.

Bethlookedup.“What’sbotheringyou,MasterConrad?”
“Toby.Isitreallyjustme?Didn’tyouguyshearthebark?”
Tristanlaughed.“Yourimaginationagain.”
“We heard the barks, Conrad. Dog barks along the streets,” Hayden said, turning the page of the

newspaperinhishands.“It’snotunusual.”

“Areyousureyou’reallright,bro?”Loganputin,lookingatConradoverhisblandcoffee.“Needto

seeadoctororsomething?”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Conrad snapped. He took a seat beside Tristan and changed the subject.

“Where’sNicolasandSebastian?”

“Nicolas is at the hotel doing some stuff. He’s elbow deep in paperwork, apparently. Sebastian is

doingadealwithsomenewbusinesspartnerinBrooklyn.”

“Darcy?”
“Athisloft,”Haydensaid.“He’sdealingwithsomeissuewiththeartanddesignforournewgame.”
“SevenKnights?”
“Lame,”Tristansaid.“SevenKnights.”
“Eightnow,”Haydensaid.“ItwasDarcy’sidea.Hewantseightnow.Anddon’tyousayit’slame.If

it’slame,itwouldn’tbestillsellinginthemillions.”

“Doesithavemoremovesandweapons?”
“Shitload,”Haydenreplied.“Katana.”
“Sick!”Conradlaughed.“Ilovekatana.”

ItwasthenConradlookedupandsawawhitedogrunacrossthelengthofthecourtyard.“Toby!”he

shouted,pointingafingeratthewindow.

Thebrothersturnedtolookbutdidn’tseeanydog.TristanpulledConraddowntositagainandplaced

thebackofhishandagainstConrad’sforehead.

“You’renotsick,”hesaid,notinghistemperaturewasokay.
Conradslappedhisbrother’shandaway.“WhothehellsaysI’msick?”Hewasobviouslysoupsethe

shotupandheadedouttheroominannoyance.

Tristansaid,“WhatdidIsay?”
Haydenshruggedhisshouldersasiftosayhedidn’thaveaclue,andLoganlaughed.
Conrad came out into the garden and went about searching for the little culprit who made everyone

thinkhewasgoingmad.There,thebarkingwasgettinglouder.Thecorridor?Conradrushedovertothe
othersideand,takingadeepbreath,hejerkedthedooropen.

Woof!Woof!Woof!
Conrad staggered back as he stared wide at the little dog jumping around his feet with excitement.

Whentheshockfinallyreceded,themanbentdowntohiskneesandgatheredthepupintohisarms.

“Toby?”
Woof!wasthereply.
Conradcouldn’thelphimself.Helaughedandsqueezedthewhitefurrycanineinhisarms.“Toby,how

thehelldidyougethere?”

Anotherbarkcameasareply.
“Conrad,whatareyoudoingthere?”Logancalledoutfromthehouse.Heevensportedasuspicious

lookonhisface.

Conradturnedandshouted,“It’sToby!Ifoundhim.”
“Don’tshitwithme,Conrad!”thebrothersworeloudly.
“Jesus,man,I’mnotshittingyou.ItreallyisToby,”Conradyelledback.ToToby,hesaid,“See?They

don’tbelieveme.Well,let’sshowthem.Seewho’stheonegoingcrazynow!Let’sgo,Toby.”

At Toby’s bark of agreement, Conrad turned on his heel and headed back across the garden to the

house.

ThemomentLogansawTobyatthedoor,hestaredatthedoginshockedsurpriseandnearlyspilled

hiscoffee.Beth,whowascarryingtwoplatesofsandwiches,frozeinherspot.Thesightofthelittlebeast
wastoomuchforhertobear,andtheplatesandfoodcrashedtothefloor.

“Shit!ItreallyisToby!”Loganshouted.
Across the room, Tristan and Hayden came rushing over, perplexed at the sight of the beloved little

beast.Tobybarkedexcitedlyatthemen,pleasedhewasthecenteroftheirattentiononceagain.

Loganstrokedthedoganduttered,“But,hell,how?Imean…”
Conradcouldn’tfindananswereither,buthewasjusthappytheygottoseeTobyonceagain.
Bethfinallygotheracttogether.Withlegsshaking,shecametoTobyandgavethedogapat.“Oh,it

reallyisToby.OhGod!”Thentearsstartedbrewinginhereyes.

“WhataboutSakura?”Tristanaskednooneinparticular.
“Well,”Haydensaid,cockinghisheadtoonesideashegazedatthedogcloserange.“Tobycan’thave

gottenherebyhimself.Sakurawillhavetobecloseby.”Becausehisfacewasonlyinchfromthedog,
Tobylickedhimonthenose,andthemanlaughed.“Where’syourmaster,buddy?Whydon’tyoubringher
tous?”

Tobybarkedexcitedlyagain,inagreementofcourse.
“Oh,thankGodyoufoundhim,”camethefemalevoiceatthedoor.

ThebrothersturnedtoseeAkirastandingthere,lookingasflushedandbeautifulasever.Besideher,

lookingpissedandstony,wasNicolas.

Akira rushed into the living area and begged for the dog back. Conrad backed away and asked in

outrage,“Toby’swithyou?”TherewasanoteofanaccusationinhisvoicethatAkiradidn’tmiss.

Akira blinked, confused as to why Conrad looked as though he didn’t want her to touch the dog, as

thoughsheweresomekindofvillain,heretotakethedogawayforexecution.

“Well,ofcourseheis.”Shesighedindignantlyandcontinued.“Don’ttellmeyouthinkI’vestolenhim

likeNicolasdid!”Shefoldedherarmsacrossherchest.“Well,Ididn’t.LikeIsaid,I’mlookingafterhim
forafriend.”

Atthis,LoganandTristanlookedateachother,confused.Loganasked,“Friend?”
Akirasighedonceagain.ShewasabouttoblurtoutitwasSakurawhenshecaughtherselfontime.The

brothers noticed and knew something was up. Could it be that Akira happened to know Sakura? The
possibilitywasindeedinteresting,andnoneofthebrotherswantedtojustleaveitatthat.Theywantedto
findout.Heck!TheywantedtoseeSakuraagain,andthey’ddoanything,evenblackmailingthislovely
woman,togetwhattheywanted.

“Please,canyoujustreturnTobytomebefore—”Shehaltedandturnedbrightred.
“Beforewhat?”Tristanasked.Atthatmoment,hedecidedtoplaythegorgeousflirthewasknownfor

inordertogetmoreinformationfromAkira.Hecamearound,standingsoimposinglyhandsomeinfront
ofher.Heevengaveheradashingsmilethatwouldhavemadeanyfemalemeltintohim.“Akira-chan?”
heasked,hisvoicesmoothandsoftlikeliquidgold.“Who’syourfriend?”

Oddlyenough,AkirawasimmunizedagainstTristan’scharm.Shedidn’tgetinfectedlikemostfemales

did.Infact,shewasn’tabouttobudge.Sheturnedherattentiontotheyoungestbrotherwhowashugging
Tobytightlyagainsthischest,asifthedogwereveryprecioustohim.

“Please,Conrad,”shesaid.Shealsonotedhewasmovingfartherawayfromher.“IwouldlikeToby

back.”

ThedogbarkedandrubbedhisheadagainstConrad’schest.Themanstrokedhimfondly.“Hedoesn’t

wanttogojustyet.”

Bethnoddedinagreement,sinceshecouldn’tfindhervoicetospeak.Shewasstillprettyshocked.
When she saw no one was on her side, Akira chose to turn her attention to the eldest brother. She

blastedherangeratthemanwhohadbeenpesteringhersincehe’dfoundhercarbrokendownonherway
tothevet.

“Nicolas?Thisisoutrageous.IfyouandyourbrothersdonotgivemebackToby,IswearIwillphone

thepoliceandtellthemyou’vekidnappedSakura’sdog!”

She was still heaving by the time she finished. It was only then she saw the triumphant look on

Nicolas’sface,whichannoyedthehelloutofher.Andsherealizedshithadfinallyhitthefan.

“Baka!”shemutteredandspunaroundtoseebothTristanandLogansportingasatisfiedgrin.
Bethlookedlikeshewasabouttofaint.Shedecidedtotakeaseat.“Youboystakecareofthis.I’m

feelingabittiredallofasudden.”

Haydensaid,“Well,therewego.Allsorted.”
Conradnodded.“Comeon,Toby.Let’sreturnyoutoyourmaster.”
Thedogagreedwithafriendlybark.Asthebrotherswalkedoutthedoor,Akiracalledout,“Where

areyougoing?”

“Toyourapartment,”Conradsaid.
“OrwouldyouratherhaveSakuracomehereforthedog?”Nicolasasked,oneblondbrowrisingina

challenge.

Akira held her head high and said, “Go to hell.” With that, she marched out the door, leaving the

brotherstofollowher.

*****

CHAPTER20

Finally,SakuraMyLove

Sebastianwasreallypissedwithhimselfasofearlythismorning.Hehadn’tbeenabletosleepsincehe’d
reluctantlyloggedofftheinternet.Whythehelldidhetypethosewordstoherlastnight?

Iwanttokissyou.
Nowthathethoughtaboutit,thesentencemadehimsoundlikeastalker.Andbloodyhell,hedidn’t

wanthimselftosoundlikethattoSakura.Asoflastnight,orratherearlythismorning,however,thatwas
verylikely.HewasastalkertoSakura.He’dpushedherawaywithhisuncontrollableloveanddesirefor
her. He couldn’t keep his feelings to himself. He’d wanted her to know how much he loved her. He’d
wantedhertocomebackintotheirlivesthatbadly.Andofcourse,he’dtotallyscreweditup.Bothfor
himandhisbrothers.

Hell!Ithadgonesogreat,firstwithheremailinghimabouttherent.Itwasactuallyareasonableprice

consideringthemarketatthemoment,butitwasSakura.Heck!Hehadtoloweritforher,noquestions
asked.He’ddoanythingforher.He’devenletherhavetheplacerentfreeifsheasked.Thenhecouldn’t
control himself and started emailing her, knowing fully well she’d never reply. She surprised him,
however,byemailingback.Andthenofftheywent,onlinepenpals.

Everythingwasgoinggreat,anditmadeSebastiansogushinglyhappythatevenhisbrothersnoticed.

Darcykeptaskinghimifhehadasecrettotell.Damnifhe’dexposehisprivatetimewithSakura.Hewas
greedyinthatregard;he’dadmitthat.Butthatsentence—Iwanttokissyou—thathadchangedtheirclose
relationship. Sebastian doubted she’d reply if he emailed her again and knew in his guts he’d have to.
Regardlessofherfearofhiswords,heneededhertocomebacktohimandstartover.

He’djustfinisheddealingwiththenewcontractforanewleaseonthebuildingwhenhegotthecall

fromTristan.

“Hey,what’sup?”
“Youneedtohurryback,Seb.”Thiswasfollowedbyalaugh.“Toby’sintheapartment,andSakurais

coming soon. You wouldn’t believe it if I told you, but heck, I’m going to tell you anyway. Sakura has
beenlivingwithSosukeandhisfamilyforthepastfewweeks.”

“What?”Sebastianshoutedintothephone,alittlemorethanconfusedattheinformation.
“Hey,don’tyellatme,bro.I’mjustbearingthenews.Comequick.She’dbehereanytimesoonnow.”
“I’monmyway,”Sebastiansaidandhungup.
Asheswitchedontheengine,heshookhishead.“Smallworld.Suchasmallworld.”Ashereversed

thecar,hesaidunderhisbreath,“Sakura,sweetheart,you’renotrunningawayfromusagain.ThatIcan
promiseyou.”

*****

Darcywonderedifhe’dsomehowturnedintoastalkerashegazedatthepaintingofthecherryblossom
tree he’d brought from Tanaka Gallery, from his dearest Sakura. Every day for two weeks now, he’d
parkedthecarontheoppositesideofthegallery,staringatit,hopingtogetaglimpseofSakuraherself.
He did see her a few times, busy doing this and that. Every time he saw her, he desperately wanted to
walk up to her and pull her into his arms. And of course, kiss her until she was breathless. He even

imaginedhimselfdoingthat.Buthewasacowardandsoresignedtojustsittingthere,watchingherfrom
thedistance.

Nowheliftedhisfingerstocaressthecanvasonceagain,strokingthelineofthepinkcherryblossoms,

imaginingcaressingthepainterherself.

“Sakura,sweetheart,whenwillyouletusbackintoyourlife?”hesaidunderhisbreath.
Hewasready.Heknewifheweretoseeheragain,hewasreadytomarchrightuptoherandtakeher

intohisarmsandneveragainletgo.

Hiscellphonerang,andDarcysighedinannoyance.Hereluctantlyturnedawayfromthepaintingand

headedtothecoffeetablewherehiscellphone,aswellashislaptopanddrawingmaterial,resided.

Pickingituptohisear,hesaid,“Hayden?”
“Emergency,bro,”cameHayden’svoice.“WefoundToby.AndSakuraiscoming.”
“What?”
“Shit,man.SakurahasbeenlivingwithLadyHarukaandSosukeforthepasttwoweeks,rightunder

ourroof.Bro,areyoucomingorwhat?”

Darcyfoundhimselftensefromheadtotoeasthenewssankin.“Yeah.I’mcoming.I’mcoming,”he

shouted,grabbinghiskeysandwallet.“WhyisshelivingwithLadyHaruka?”heaskedasheracedout
thedoorandthendownthestairs.

“Noidea.TristanjustphonedSebastianandhe’sonhiswayaswell.”
“WhataboutMomandDad?”
“Yeah,Nicolasiscurrentlytalkingtothem.Ihaveafeelingthisisit,man!Thisisit!”
Outside,Darcyclickedthebuttononhiskeysandthenslidintothecar.“I’llbetheresoon.”
“Yeah,sure.”Afteralongpause,headded,“Darcy?Drivesafely,bro,anddon’tdoanythingstupid.”
Darcytookadeepbreath.“Thanks.ButI’mnotplanningondoinganythingstupid.JustkeepingSakura

fromrunningawayagain.”

Haydenlaughed.“Yeah,well,that’swhatwe’realltryingtodo.”
“Right,byefornow,”Darcysaidandhungup.Heputthegearonreverseandthenmovedoutofthe

parkinglot.

“Sakura,sweetheart,Iwon’tletyourunagainthistime,”hesaidashespedalongthestreet.

*****

The moment Sakura stepped out of the taxi, the world spun around her. She closed her eyes and took a
deepbreath.Sheknewshehadn’tbeenfeelingwellforthepastweek.She’dbeenalittlemorethanjust
fatiguedandwonderedifshewaslowinsomethingandverysick.Ofcourse,thelackofsleep,longwork
hours,andheranxietyoverthedramaatthegallerydidn’thelpeither.

Oncethedizzinessdisappeared,shehastilymadeherwaytotheentranceoftheapartmentbuildingand

then to the elevator. Her mind was once again on Toby as the lift took her up to the second floor. She
hopedAkirahadfoundthedogalready.ThethoughtoflosingthelittlepupmadeSakurafeelevensicker
thanshealreadydid.

Thedoordingedandslidopen.Shesteppedoutandinstantlyfeltasthoughsomethingwasn’tright.She

paused,wonderingwhatitcouldbe.

Ignoring the odd feeling, she headed to the apartment. The moment she clicked the door open, she

calledout,“Tadaima,”whichmeant‘I’mhome’.

Silencegreetedher.Sheblinked,feelingalittleuneasy.
“Akira?It’sme,Sakura.Areyouhere?”Sheputherbagandkeysonthetablebythedoorandheaded

towardthelivingarea.“Toby?”

Finally,sheheardanexcitedbarkgreetingherandsighedinrelief.“Akira,you’vefoundToby.Thank

goodness.”

She walked faster now, a smile on her face. She rounded the corner and then came to the door. The

momentshesteppedoverthethreshold,shecametoasuddenhaltandhersmiledisappeared.

StandingbeforeherwithhishandinthepocketofhistrouserswasSebastian.Shesuckedinherbreath,

andsuddenly,thedizzinessblastedatherinfullforce.

Dreaming.Iamdreaming.Sebastiancan’tbehere.Hecan’tbe.
She shut her eyes and commanded herself to breathe slowly and deeply. When she opened her eyes

again,hewasstillthere.Hehadahauntedlookabouthisfacethathurtherheart.Suddenly,shesimply
wantedtothrowherselfintohisarmsandcollapseagainsthim.Shewantedtofeelhiswarmthagainsther
sobadithurt.

“Sakura,”thevoicethathauntedherdayandnightcalledouttoher.
She drifted her gaze to her right and found Darcy there. He, too, looked haunted, and his brooding

featuresweredarkerthanever.Agaspescapedherlipsandherbodytrembled.

“Itcan’tbe,”shewhispered.
A face appeared in front of her, which was followed by, “You’re too pale, Sakura darling, and it’s

freakingmeout.”

ItwasTristanwhosaidthosewords,andSakurablinked.
“Areyougoingtobesick?”Loganasked,sportingaworriedlookonhisface.
Haydenrolledhiseyesandsaid,“Ifyoutwobothertomovebackandletherentertheroom—Shit!”
Hedidn’tevenfinishedthesentencebeforeSakuraclosedhereyesandstartedfalling.
Sebastiangottoherinasecondflat,cradlingherinhisarms.Hegentlytouchedherfaceandswore

underhisbreath.“She’scold,”hesaid,atremorinhisvoicethatworriedhisbrothers.

DarcyfelthisgutchurningacidandcametokneelbesideSebastian.Hetouchedherforeheadandthen

strokedhisfingersagainsthersofthair.

“Sakura,”hesaid.
Sebastianglancedupathisbrother.“Weshouldgethercomfortable.”
AtDarcy’snod,Sebastianliftedherandcarriedhertothesofa.There,helaidherdownandsatbeside

her,hishandstrokingherface.

“Issheunwell?”Conradasked,huggingTobytightlyagainsthischestashehoveredbehindSebastian.
“Moveback,”Nicolasordered.“Givehersomeroom.”HeturnedtoAkira,wholookedaspaleasa

ghost.Averybeautifuloneatthat.“Doyouhavesmellingsaltsoranything?”

Akiranoddedandrushedofftofindthem.
Darcy,whowaskneelingonthefloorbesideSakura,grabbedherhand.“She’stoocold.”
AkirareturnedjustthenandhandedSebastianthesmellingsalts.“Ithoughtshedidn’tlookverywell

thismorning,”shesaid.“Maybeshe’sworkingtoohard.Imean,herewithOba-chanandatthegalleryas
well.”

Nicolas turned his eyes to her. “If you thought she wasn’t well and she was working too hard, why

didn’tyouhelpherout?”

Akira’sfacereddened.“Idid.Iwashelpingoutatthegalleryduringthedaywhilesheworksherefor

Oba-chan.”

Tristanwasn’thappythattheireldestscoldedtheprettymodel.HegaveNicolasadarkfrownbefore

turninghisattentiontoAkira.“You’reagoodfriend,Akira-chan,”hesaid,smilingather.Akiragrinned
backatthebrother,whichannoyedNicolas.

It was a few moments later when Sakura opened her eyes. She stirred, and her gaze focused on

Sebastianonceagain.Hegaveoutalittlechuckle.“Isthathowyougreetus,Sakura?”

Sakurablinked,veryawarethatSebastianwassoclosetoherandhewasstrokingherforeheadand

thetendrilsofherhair.Shetriedtomovebutrealizedsomeonewasholdingherhand,tight. She turned
hergazeandsawDarcy.

“Rest,Sakura.You’reunwell,”hesaidsoftly.
Alumpformedinherthroatandtearswelledinhereyes.Darcy.MydearDarcy.Thewordsechoed

withinherhead.Sheclosedhereyesandthesaltydropsrolleddownhercheeks.

Tristansaid,“Happytears.”Inwhichcase,Logangavehimagoodjabinthestomachwithhiselbow.
Toby chose that moment to bark out at his master. Conrad put him down on the floor, and the dog

eagerlywenttoSakura.SebastiangrabbedthedogandrestedthepuponhislapsoSakuracouldstroke
him.

“You’resafe,”shesaidsoftly.“Iwassoworried.”
“Ithinkhewaslookingforus,”Conradsaid.“IswearIheardhimbarkingforthepasttwoweeks.”
“Sorry,Conrad,fornotbelievingyou,”Tristansaid.
Sakurablinkedand,onceagain,triedtositup.Sebastianwouldn’tlether,however.Sheobeyedhim,

sinceshefeltdizzythemomentsheliftedherhead.

“Youbrotherslivehereinthisbuilding?”sheaskedcuriously.
“Yep,”Haydenanswered.“Thepenthouse.”
Thenewsdidn’tsitwellwithSakura.SothedragonandhisbrothersAkirausuallyreferredtowere

Nicolasandhisbrothers,thePrincetons,heradoptivesiblings.NowonderTobykeptwantingtogoup
there.

“Anybodywantsometea?”Akiraaskedthebrothers.“Sakura-chan,I’lltellthehousekeepertomake

yousomechickensoup.Ithinkit’sagoodideayougoandseeadoctor.Imean,you’vegotthephotoshoot
thiscomingweekandwedon’twantyoutotireyourselfout.”

“Thanks,Akira”Sakurasaid.“I’llmakeanappointmenttomorrow.”
The brothers agreed it was a good idea, and Sebastian promised to take her for the appointment

himself.Withthatsettled,Akirawentoffintothekitchentohelpthehousekeeperpreparethetea.Oddly
enough,Nicolasvolunteeredtohelpher,whichannoyedAkira.

Tenminuteslater,thebrotherssataroundthelowtable,enjoyingtheirteaandcake.Sakurawasthere

aswell,sippingherchickensoup.SebastianwasbesideherandDarcywasonherotherside,Tobyonhis
lap,quietandcontent.

“So,Sakuradarling,”Tristanbegan.“Whathaveyoubeendoingforthepastyear?”
Sakuraswallowedthesoupinhermouthandsaid,“Runningmysmallbusiness.”
“TanakaGallery?”Haydenqueried.
“Whydidyouchangeyourlastname?”Conradasked,morethanalittleupsetovertheidea.
With the color coming back to her face, Sakura managed to blush, which of course pleased the

brothers.Theyknewshewasfeelingbetter.

“I didn’t want you guys to find me,” she stated obviously. “And my biological mother’s name is

Tanaka.”

Conradnodded,decidingtoacceptherexplanation—fornow.Shewasstilltoosick,afterall.Heand

hisbrotherswouldmakesureshechangedherlastnamebacktoPrincetononceeverythingwassettled,of
course.

“Even so,” Logan said, “you need to change it back to Princeton. That’s your name. It just suits you

better.”

Nicolasstaredathisbrother.“That’suptoSakura,Logan.Justbegladwe’vefoundher.”Heturnedhis

attentiontotheirsisterthen.“Sakura,MomandDadmissyou.Theywanttoseeyou.”

Sakuranodded.Shehadnochoicenow.Itwastoolatetorun.Toolatetoescape.Fatewantedherto

meetthebrothersonceagain,andshecouldn’tfightitanymore.

“Sakura-chan,”Akirasaidfromtheothersideofthetable.“I’vecalledOba-chanandtoldheryou’re

unwell.ShewillinformTachibana-sensei.Ofcourse,you’llhavetogoanddomorefittingsbeforewe
leaveforHawaii.”

Tristanthoughtitwasaperfectopportunitytointervene.“Ah,Hawaiiandthephotoshoot.”Heturned

toAkiraandsaid,“You’reoneofthemodels,soI’veheard.”

Akiranodded,blinking.“Yes.”Thenshetookasipofherhottea.
“We’ll be there as well,” Logan said from the other side. “We’ve signed a contract to be Mr.

Tachibana’smalemodelsforthesummercollection.”

Atthisnews,SakuratightenedherhandsonthewarmbowlandglancedatDarcy.Shenotedhewas

lookingather.Hegaveherahandsomegrinandnodded.

Akira,ontheotherhand,nearlychokedonherteaandhadtoswallowhard.“YouguysareTachibana-

sensei’smalemodels?”SheeyedNicolas,andtheimageofhimnakedrushedtohermind.Sheblushed
andherheartbegantoracejustalittle.

“We’llbehorribleatit,”Nicolassaid,nudgingtheglassesupthebridgeofhisnose,justlikeSosuke

likedtodo.“Butyes,we’vealreadysignedthecontract.”HeturnedtosmileatSakura.

Sakurahadafeelingthiswasallpremediatedbythebrothersthemselves,tobeclosetoher,ofcourse.

Butshedidn’tbothertodwellonthattoomuchbecauseshesuddenlyfeltlikeshewantedtoshuthereyes
andsleepforever.

Sebastiannotedthetiredexpressiononherface.Heknewhewaspartiallytoblame.He’dkeptherup

untilthreeinthemorningmostnights,chattingwithheronlineforthepastweek.She’dtoldhimshehad
worktodotoday,whichhenowfoundoutwasthefittingforthephotoshoot.

He decided a proper family reunion would have to wait until later and stood, drawing everyone’s

attention.“IthinkSakuraneedstosleep.Shelooksreadytodropanyminutenow,”hesaidtohisbrothers.

Nicolasagreedwithanodofhishead.
Darcysaid,“MomandDadarecomingthiseveningtoseeyou.We’llhaveafamilydinnerupatour

apartment.”

Sakurasmiledandnodded.“I’vemissedthem.”
“That’senoughtalking,”Sebastiansaid,bendingtogatherherupinhisarms.
Darcyfrownedbecausehewasgoingtodothat.
Akirajuststaredatthethreepeopleinshockedsurprise.Shecouldn’thelpherself.Itwasobviouslya

lovetriangle.Andthenshethought,rathersadly,thatherbrotherSosukewouldn’thaveanychancenow.
Akirawouldn’tmindhavingSakuraashersister-in-lawthough.

SakurablushedandtookapeekatSebastian.Hedidn’thavetocarryher,forGod’ssake.Shewasa

fullygrownwoman.

Sebastiangrinnedather,notingtheprettyredspreadingacrosshercheeks.Hecarriedheroutthedoor,

with Darcy and Conrad close behind. Conrad signaled he wanted Toby in his arms. Darcy obliged and
handedthepupover.

Sakurawasn’tpleasedthatthesebrotherswereinherroom,notforthefirsttime,ofcourse.Sebastian

laidheronherbed,andshemurmuredtohim,“Thanks.”

“Ilikeyouroldbedroombetter,Sakura,”Conradsaid,sittingonherbedbyherfeet,Tobyonhislapas

hestrokedthedog.“Youcancomelivewithus,youknow.Wehaveaspareroom.It’sbesidemine.”He

smiledathercheekily.

“Doyou?”sheasked,movingherselftogetunderneaththeduvet.Darcyhelpedherandthentuggedthe

thingoverhersoshewascomfortable.

Shesmiledathim,whichpleasedDarcy.
“Comeon.LetSakurasleep,”Sebastiansaid,movingtothedoor.
Thebrothersnoddedandwalkedoutoftheroom.
“Haveanicedream,”Conradsaid.“Oh,andI’mtakingTobyuptotheapartment,justsoyouknow.”
Sakuranoddedandthenturnedonherside,closinghereyesasConradshutthedoorwithaclick.
Alone,Sakurafelttearsinhereyesasherheartraced.Please,calmdown,Sakura, the voice in her

headurged.Whenitdid,shesmiled.She’dbeenwaitingforthisallalong,hadn’tshe?Inhergut,she’d
knownshewantedtoacceptthembackintoherlife.She’djustbeenlyingtoherself,ofcourse,thatshe
didn’t want them. But deep down, she knew she did. It was just easier to lie to herself, to prolong the
inevitable,thedecisionastowhichbrothershewouldchoose,betweenthetwomensheloveddearly—
SebastianandDarcy.

Finally,shetookadeepbreathandshuthermindcompletely,lettingthedarknesstakeher,atleastfora

couplehours.

*****

CHAPTER21

AFamilyRe union

When Sakura woke up three hours later, she heard Toby barking excitedly, along with human voices.
Feelingbetterandverycuriousastotheunusualnoises,shegotoutofbedandheadedtothedoor.With
herlonghairinawildtangle,herdresshaphazardlyonherslimform,andherskinflushedwithrenewed
energy,shecamealongthecorridorandtowardthelivingarea.

Her steps faltered at the threshold, and she came to a sudden halt. The sight she beheld before her

overwhelmedherwithemotion.Herheartgavealittletug,burstingwithanunrecognizedsenseofwarmth
andbelongingthatthreatenedtomakehercry.Herthroattightenedasshewilledhertearsnottoshow.

She’dthoughtthebrothershadreturnedtotheirapartment,butapparently,she’dbeenwrongaboutthat.
NicolasandSosukeweresittinginthecorner,playingchessofallthings.Sofar,itlookedlikeNicolas

was winning. Tristan and Logan were with Akira. She was showing them her portfolio. The two men
lookedveryinterestedandkeptnoddingtheirheadsanddoingtheiroohsandaahs and I like this pose
and I like that, etc. Darcy and Sebastian were in deep conversation about something, and Sakura was
rathercurioustoknowwhatthetopicwas.Shehopeditwasn’ther.Conradwaslyingonthefloor,flaton
hisstomach,playingwithToby,ticklingandstrokingthepupwhokeptbarkingandjumpingaroundhim.
AndHaydenwasplayingavideogameofsomesortonhissmartphone.

Herfamily.Theywereherfamily,anddespiteherwilltokeepthetearsatbay,theystillmanagedto

brewinhereyes.

Darcyglancedupandsawherthereatthedoor.Hesaidsoftly,“Sakura,you’reup?”
Sebastian flicked his gaze to her. “Feeling better?” he asked. He also wanted to add, Sorry it was

partiallymyfaultforkeepingyouuplatemostnights,butrefrainedhimselffromsayingsooutloud.

Sakuranodded,confirmingshewasfeelingmuchbetter.Ofcourse,shedidn’tnoticethateveryoneof

themenwasgazingather,withrathertoomuchinterest,forgettingwhatthey’dbeendoingamomentago.
Nicolashadabishopinhishandandhadn’tacluewhy.Sosukeforgothewasactuallyplayingchessand
nudgedhisglassesupthebridgeofhisfinenose,hiseyesgluedonSakura.TristanandLoganweremore
interestedintheirsister,whowasposingquitenaturallyinherdressthatdidn’tsitrightonherperson.
Both Sebastian and Darcy just stared at her, quite enchanted by the presence of the young woman they
loved.Conradsatup,grinningfromeartoear,Tobyinhisarms.AndHaydenforgothewassupposedto
tryandbeatthecrapoutofthePrinceofFlirtinthevideogametowinoverSnowWhite.

Akira cleared her throat to get the men’s attention, but it didn’t work. She sighed in indignation and

then rushed up to Sakura. There she stood in such a way as to block Sakura from the men’s view and
whispered,“Yourdressisn’tdoneupproperly.”

Sakuraglanceddownandfoundthetwofrontbuttonshadcomeoff.Sheblushedandsaid,“Thanks.”
Akiragiggled.“Youlookawful,Sakura-chan.Letmehelpyougetreadyforyourfamilyreunion.”
“Oh?”Sheraisedherbrows,wonderingifthebrothershadalreadytoldAkiraandherfamilyofher

relationshiptothem.

“Don’tworry,”Akirasaid,pullingherbythehandandleadingherawayfromthelivingarea—away

from the men. “We won’t intrude. Oba-chan is currently with your parents at the moment, up at the
penthouse.”

“DaddyJamesandMomBrendaareherealready?”Sakuravoiced,incredulous.
Conradheardthemfromthelivingareaandshouted,“Theywerehereagesago.Youweresleeping.”
Sakuraclampedherlipsshutandthoughtwhataterribledaughtershewas.
“Ibetterhurry,”shesaid,rushingbacktoherroom.
Akirafollowedher.“Don’tworry.Theywon’tbegoinganywhere.”
Some ten minutes later, Sakura came out of the bathroom, and Akira cocked her head to one side.

Dressed in a short floral day dress, Akira admitted Sakura was a beauty all right. She further thought
eitherSebastianorDarcywouldbeaperfectpartnerforher.IfshewereinSakura’sshoes,shewouldn’t
knowwhotochoosethough.Bothmenwerewonderful,totallyhot,andlovedSakuratobits.Akirawas
sureofthatthemomentshe’dseenthethreetogether.

Sakuragatheredherlongtressesandstartedpattingthestrandsdrywithatowel.
“Youdoknowit’sSosuke’sbirthdaytomorrow,right?”Akiraasked,leaningbackonthebed.
Sakuranodded.“Ipromisedtohelppreparedinnerforthecelebration.”
Akiralaughedassherestedherheadonherarm,hereyesonSakura.“Areyousureyoustillwantto

dothat?”

AtAkira’ssmirk,Sakurawassuspiciousandturnedhergazetoherfriend.“Whatisthatsupposedto

mean?”

“It’sjustthat,”Akirabegan,shrugginghershoulders,“therewillbeninemorepeoplenow.”
Sakurawidenedhereyesinshockedsurprise.“Comeagain?”
Akiralaughed.“Sosukehasinvitedyouradoptivefamilyaswell.ThePrincetonbrothers.”
“Oh.”
“It’straditionalinourfamily,Sakura-chan,”Akirasaid.“Ithastobeaformaldinner.Ofcourse,the

housekeeperandIwillbehelpingyouout.”

“HowaboutifIaskJanetocomeandhelpaswell?”Sakurasuggested.SheactuallywantedJaneto

attendSosuke’sbirthdayparty,seeinghowsmittenthewomanwaswithhim.

“Oh, Jane.” Akira nodded, remembering the blond woman who Sakura had brought along that day a

coupleweeksago.“Yes,she’snice.Askher.”

“I’lldothat,”Sakurasaid.Shewasjustfinishingpattingherhairwhenaknockcameatthedoor.
“Comein,”Sakuracalled.
Andtheintrudersdidcomein—allsevenofthem.Theirtall,handsomeformsblockingthedoorand

crowdingthebedroom.

“Comeon,Sakura.MomandDadarewaitingforyou,”Haydensaid.
“Gosh!”Akirachuckled,hereyesscanningfromonetotheother.“Youguyscouldn’tleaveheralone,

couldyou?”

Itwasmeanttobeajest,butNicolasscoldedher.“Andletherrunoffagain?”
Akirablushedandwantedtopokeouthertongueathim.Shewastemptedtodothat,butknowingshe

wasagrownwoman,sheresignedtosimplyglareathiminstead.Shepromisedherselfshe’dmakethe
mankneelbeforehersomehow,someway.

Sebastian took Sakura by the wrist and led her out the door, Darcy close behind them. The others

followedsuit,leavingNicolasbehind.

Akirahissed.“You’reameanbaka!IfeelsorryforSakurathatshehastoputupwithyou.”Withthat,

sheheldherheadhighandmarchedtowardthedoor.

Shedidn’tgetveryfarthough.Nicolascaughtherbythewristandpulledherbacktohim.
TristanandLogan,whowereatthecorridor,heardAkira’saccusation.Curious,theybothturnedjust

intimetoseeNicolaspullingAkiraintohisarmsandslammingthedoorshut.Thebrotherslookedateach

otherandthenchuckled.

Tristantuckedhishandsintothepocketofhisjeansandsaid,“Abouttimethatoldfartgothimselfa

girlfriend.”

Loganagreedwithachuckleandanodofhishead.
Attheelevator,SakurafoundherselfsurroundedbysixgorgeousPrincetonbrothersinaveryconfined

space.Nowshewonderedifithadbeenabetterideatoclimbthestairsinstead.Butofcourse,shehadn’t
beenthinkingproperly.Sebastian,whohadbeenwalkingaheadofher,hadbeenholdingontoherhand
tightly.Ithadn’thelpedeitherwithDarcybesideherwithhisgrasparoundherotherwrist,hishandfirm
yetgentle.Itwasasthoughtheywereafraidshe’drunoffagain.

Haydenwasfacinghernow,hisbacktotheelevatordoor,whenhesaid,“Youlooklikeyou’regoing

tofaintagain,Sakura.”

Atthiscomment,thebrothersturnedtheirattentiontoher.Sheblushed.“It’sabittightinhere,andI

don’tlikesmallspacesverymuch.”

“We should have taken the stairs,” Darcy said, touching the back of his hand against her forehead.

“You’reabitfeverish.”

“I’mfine,”Sakurasaid.Sheglancedatthebrothersonebyonetoconvincethem.“Really.Justtired.

That’sall.”

“A friend of mine is a doctor,” Sebastian said. “I’ll give him a call and see if you can see him on

Monday.”

“Thatsoundsgood,Seb,”Logansaid.“Ah,it’stoobadIcan’taccompanyyou,Sakura.”
Sebastiansaidquickly,“LikeIsaid,I’mtakingher.”
Thebrothersnodded.TheyallknewSebastianwouldtakegoodcareofSakura.
Sakura glanced up at Sebastian, her eyes large as she gazed at him. She didn’t like the fact that he

actuallyhadtoaccompanyhertoseeadoctor.Shewasn’tthathelpless.Afterall,she’dbeenabletolook
afterherselfforthepastyearswithouttheirhelp.

“Icangobymyself.Justgivemetheaddressoftheclinicandthenameofthedoctor.”
Tristan was quick to intervene. “If you don’t want Sebastian to take you, Sakura darling,” he said

sweetly,“I’llonlybehappyto.”Hegaveheradashingsmileandawink.

Sebastian gave him a good glare. Darcy scowled at him. Hayden looked heavenward, and Logan

laughed.ConradwastoobusymuckingaboutwithTobytonoticewhathisbrothersweretalkingabout.

Tristansaidunderhisbreath,“Ornot.”
Atthepenthouse,themomentSakurasawheradoptiveparentsatthethresholdofthedoor,herknees

weakenedwithemotion.DaddyJamesrushedupandgrabbedherintohisarms,squeezinghersotightshe
became breathless and laughed, begging him to let her go. Mom Brenda joined in as well, pulling her
daughterintoherarmsandkissinghercheeksandforeheaduntilSakura,again,beggedhertostop.

ThoughBrendadidstopkissingSakura,shewouldn’tletthegirlgo,however.SheclutchedSakurain

herembraceasifshewereafraidshe’dloseheragain.Shelaughedandsaid,“Oh,Sakura,we’vemissed
you.”Whichwasofcourseanunderstatement.

AfteralotmoreofthehuggingandafewtearsfromBrendaandBeth,Sakurawasmadetositbetween

James and Brenda as they continued their reunion session. Haruka, who’d been with both James and
Brendaforthepastfewhours,excusedherselfandleftthemtoit.Thewomandidn’tallowhertearsto
flowuntilshewascompletelyaloneinherownroom.ShewasgladindeedthatSakurahadbeenadopted
intosuchakindandlovelyfamily.Shethankedhergodsforthat.ShewassogratefultobothJamesand
Brendaforfillinghershoes,takingonaroleHarukaherselfhadbeenunfittoperform.

Brendacouldn’thelpherselfandkeptpullingSakuraintoherarmswhileJameskeptpattingherhead.

ConraddecidedtojoinhisparentsininterrogatingSakuraaboutherlifeforthepastyear,ofcoursewith
Toby in his arms. This went on for a couple hours, and meanwhile, Nicolas, Tristan, Logan, Sebastian,
Hayden,andDarcywerehoveringinandoutofthelivingroom.Sakuragotdistractedbytheirappearance
anddisappearancenowandagain,curious,andwonderedwhatthehecktheywereupto.Ofcourse,the
occupantsinthelivingareawouldhearloudswearwordssuchassonofbitchandoh,forfuck’ssake,
shitandoh,fortheloveofGod,forChrist’ssake,andI’mbleeding,andawholelotmore.Mostwere
fromTristanandLoganandafewfromHayden.

Itwasafewhourslaterwhenthefamilysettleddownfordinneraroundthetable.
“I cooked your favorite today, Sakura,” Beth said. “It’s roast pork and chicken and, of course,

chocolatecakeandicecreamfordessert.”

“Yum!”Conradsaid,rubbinghishandstogether.“Yourchocolatecakeisthebest,Beth.”
“Thanks,Beth,”Sakurasaidandthoughttoadd,“Doyouwantsomehelp?”
“I had plenty of help, Sakura,” Beth said. A moment later, her minions came out from the kitchen.

Sebastian and Nicolas were carrying the main dishes of roast pork each. Darcy had the two trays of
chickeninhishands,whileTristanhadtwobigplatesofroastvegetablesandLogantwobowlsofsalad.
Haydenwascarryingsomebottlesofwine.

“Hey,youguysdidn’ttellmeyouwerehelpingwithdinner,”Conradaccusedhisbrothers,andToby

barkedattheminoutrageaswell.

Tristansaid,asheputhisloaddownonthetable,“That’sbecauseyou’retoobusybeingsmittenby

yoursister.”

Atthis,thebrotherslaughed,andConrad’sfacereddenedwithembarrassment.Tobylickedhischeek

fondly,teasinghimaswell.

Sakuranotedthebrothers’clothingwasamess,too,andwonderedifthey’dneverbeeninthekitchen

cookingbefore.Nowondertherewereswearwords.Shehidasmilebecausetheydidn’tseemtonotice
they looked quite a picture. Six hot men in dirty clothing was rather amusing and enchanting to watch.
Theywereeye-candytosaytheleast,especiallySebastianandDarcy.

Everyonemovedintotaketheirseats,andConradwantedtositbesideSakurabutfoundhewastoo

late.SebastiangottoherleftfirstandthenDarcyherright.SoheresignedhimselftosittingbesideDarcy,
Tobystillonhislap.Everyoneelsetookthechairsaroundthetable,andJamesdemandedBethbeseated
withthemaswell,whichshehappilyobliged.

Everyonestarteddiggingin,handstakingandplacingpiecesofmeatandvegetablesontotheirplates.

Darcy was cutting a piece of chicken thigh and placing it onto a plate for Sakura when she noticed the
burnmarksonhishands.

“Yourhands,”shesaid,caressingthewounds.
Darcyfeltasurgeofhotpleasurewhereshewasstrokinghim.
“You’veburnedyourself?”sheasked,lookingathimwithconcern.
“Justalittle,”hesaid,hiseyeshotandintenseonher.
Sakurasawthehungeranddesirescorchinghismauve-grayeyesandblushed.
Jamesdidn’tmissthetwoeyeingeachotherandnotedSebastianwatchingthemtoo.He’dknownthe

two brothers had feelings for Sakura since they were little, though they themselves hadn’t realized that
until last year when they returned to St. Joseph Island for Mary’s wedding. It was a love triangle, and
JamesknewitwashardforSakuratochoosebetweenhistwosons.

Tristandidn’twanttobeleftoutandsaid,“Burned?Nah.”Heliftedhishandandshowedheralarge

bandage.“Icutmyself.Itwasbleedinglikehell!”

Logansaid,“That’sbecauseyoucan’tevenuseapotatopeeler.You’reuselessinthekitchen.”

At this, everyone laughed, including Tristan. He admitted he was totally useless in the kitchen and

couldn’tdomuchmorethanswitchonthekettle.

Oncetheycalmeddown,Haydensaid,“Beth,outofallofus,whichdoyouthinkwouldbethebest

househusband?”

Beth cocked her head to one side as she popped a piece of roasted carrot into her mouth. After a

moment of chewing, she said, “I think it would have to be Master Sebastian. He’s very good in the
kitchen.Hedidn’tcomplainonebit,andhecookedtheporktoperfection.”

Sakuraglancedupatthehandsomemanbesideherandsmiled.“Iagree,Beth,”shesaid.“It’smoist

andabsolutelydelicious.”

Sebastianwaspleasedathercommentandwinkedather.
Tristansawthewinkandsaidloudly,“Hey,Seb,that’smyjob!Iwinkatgirlsandyoudon’t!Gotit?”
As everyone gave out another roar of laughter, Sakura flicked her gaze to Sebastian. “Seb?” she

repeated,andherheartbegantobeatfasterandrealizationdawnedonher.

Everythingfitperfectly,didn’tit?Whyhadn’tshethoughtofitbefore?Sebastianwasherlandlord.The

nameSebwaswhathisbrotherslikedtocallhim.Thentherewasthefacthewasaswimmer.Eventhe
partwherehelikedhissister’scoffeeandwasn’tonspeakingtermswithherwastrue.Onlythatsister
washer.

Sakuradroppedherhandsonherlapunderthetableandsighed,suddenlyhavingnoideahowtoreact.

Whatwashispurposeinnottellingherhisnameinthefirstplace?Really,howcouldhedothattoher?
Whydidn’thetellheritwashimshe’dbeenchattingwithonline?

Sebastian didn’t like the look on Sakura’s face the moment Tristan referred to him as Seb. He knew

she’dfiguredhimoutandfelthisgutschurningrathersickly.Tocomforther,hedroppedonehandunder
thetableandgrabbedhers,holdinghertight.Sakurajumpedattheunexpectedcontactandtriedtobreak
free. Sebastian, however, wouldn’t let her go. She glanced up at him, pleading him with her eyes to
releaseher,tellinghimshewasconfusedbyhisactions.

Sebastianwouldn’thaveanyofitandjustgrinnedbackather,tellingherhe’dtalktoherafterdinner.

Itwasonlywhensheagreedwithasilentnodthatheallowedherhandfree.

“Sakura,” Brenda said from the distance of the long table, drawing everyone’s attention. “I got in

contactwithMary.”

Sakurapaled.Shehopedherparentswouldn’tblameMaryforkeepingherwhereaboutsasecret.She

was about to explain to them it was her fault that Mary couldn’t tell anyone about her existence when
Brendasaid,“Shetoldmeshe’scomingtoHawaiithiscomingweektomeetupwithyou.”

Sakurarepliedatentative,“Yes.”
“Well,we’vedecidedavacationinHawaiiwouldbegoodforus,too,”Brendasaid.
“Mary?”Logansaid.“Jesus!Ihaven’tseenherforages.”
Tristanasked,“Howisshe?”
“Big,” Brenda said, laughing. In fact, she hadn’t laughed for ages, since that day Sakura had

disappeared.

Herhusbandnoticed.Helaughed,too.Hesaid,“Sheisbig,darling.Butnotasbigasyouwerewhen

youhadTristan,Logan,andSebastian.”

Brendadecidedtoglareatherbelovedtriplets,whoatthemomentweresittingscatteredaroundthe

tableandenjoyingtheirmealtremendously.They’dputherthroughhellforninelongmonths.

“Iwasafull-blownballoon,”shesaid.“Anditwasyouthree’sfault!”
Tristan laughed. “Don’t blame me, Mother. Blame those two!” He pointed his fork at Logan and

Sebastian.“Theypushedtheirwayin.Ihadarighttobeinyourwomb.Notthem.”

Aroaroflaughterensued.Oncethecheerfulnoisedieddown,Conradinterjected,“Maryiscomingto

Hawaii.That’sawesome.Abouttimethewholefamilygoesonavacationtogether.”Thenhegavesome
morechickentoToby,whoenjoyedittremendously.

“WeweretalkingtoLadySuzuki,”Jamessaid,eyeingSakurapointedly.“Shesaidyou’reoneofthe

modelsforMr.Tachibana’ssummercollection?”HealsoavoidedmentioningthenamesTaraandAlaina,
whoweremodelsaswell.Heknewifthosenamesweretocomeup,hissonswouldhittheroof.

As of last year, he no longer considered Tara his daughter. Her actions really upset him, and a

PrincetonwouldneverdosuchasTarahad.Alaina,ontheotherhand,hestillhadhopeshe’dreturnto
them. He still had hope she’d see sense and realize Tara for who she was—a cunning, manipulative
woman. Of course, it was a good thing Alaina was still on good terms with Brenda, and eventually,
BrendawouldbeabletomakeAlainacomebacktothem.

InresponsetoJames’squestion,Sakuratookasipofherwhitewineandthennodded.
Jamescontinued.“Theywerehavingadilemmaaboutshootingsites,apparently.”
Nicolaschimedin.“I’vealreadyofferedourresortasapossiblesite,Dad.”
“Yes,” James said. “But I was thinking of us, and I mean all of us.” Again, he looked at Sakura

pointedly.“Iwantustostayattheresortforacoupleweeks.”

Sebastiansaid,“Soundsgood.”HelookedatSakura.“You’dlikethat,won’tyou?”
Yes,ofcourseSakurawouldlikethat.She’dwantedavacationforagesbuthadneverhadthetimefor

it.She’dalwaysbeensobusysettinguphergallery.Evennow,shethoughtitwasn’ttherighttimeeither
becauseofherweirdsituation.“ButIhaveworkwithLadyHaruka,”sheexplained.

“Ah,” James said. “Don’t worry. I’ve spoken with her. She’s planning on staying there as well. I’ve

invitedherandherfamily.”

“Really?”Sakurasmiled,pleased.
The radiant look on her face was contagious, and it tugged deep not only in James’s and Brenda’s

hearts, but the brothers’ as well. After all, they thought she really needed a vacation, and her spending
timewiththemwastheicingonthecake.Theycouldn’twaittogetheroutandaboutanddoingallsorts
offunthings.

“Oh,andKatherine,Jim,andMichaelarecomingaswell,”Brendasaid.“Ihaven’tseenMichaelfor

ages.He’sninenow.”

At the mention of Michael, Conrad pulled his face. The little brat had been his competition for

Sakura’sattentionasoflastyear.Hence,thisyear,Conraddecidedtoplaydirtyifpushcametoshove.

Haydensighed.“AndIsupposeRichardwillbecomingaswell?”
Thebrothersbecameseriousallofasuddenatthementionoftheircousin.
Brenda laughed when she saw the sour look on her sons’ faces. “Yes, of course.” To which they all

groanedindistaste.

Dinner went well after that, and the brothers offered to clean up the mess. James and Brenda left

straightafterdessertbecauseitwasgettingratherlate.Bethherselfretiredtoherownroom,claimingshe
was tired after cooking and preparing the big meal, even though she had six pairs of helping hands. Of
course, she refused to let anyone know it was seeing Sakura again that had shocked and drained her.
Sakura’ssuddendisappearancehadbrokenherheartbecauseshelovedtheyoungwomandearly.She’d
lovedSakurasincethedaythegirlhadmovedintoPrincetonMansionallthoseyearsago,lookingscared
andlostandveryalone.

Inherroom,BethsecretlyprayedtoGodandthankedhimforkeepingSakurasafeandreturningherto

them.Thensheaddedthatshe’dgotochurchmoreoftenifhe’dhelpSakurafindherbiologicalmotheras
well.

Back in the kitchen, once Beth was gone, the brothers got down to it, helping each other clean up.

HaydenwasscrapingofftheplateswhileTristandidtherinsing.ConradstoodnexttoTristan,puttingthe
platesintothedishwater.LoganwasclearingthetablewhileNicolaswipedthebenches.Sebastianand
Darcy were busy gathering the pots and pans and bowls. And of course, Toby was cozily asleep in the
corner.WhenSakuracameintoseewhatwasgoingonaftershe’descortedherparentsout,shelaughedat
thesightshebeheldbeforeher.

“Whatareyouguysdoing?”sheasked,curious.
“Cleaningup,”Haydensaid.“Wecoulduseanotherpairofhands.”
Sakuracouldn’tturndowntheoffer,becausereally,thewaytheyweregoing,it’dtakethemages.But

thatwasn’ttheproblem.TheproblemwasshewassureBethwouldscreaminfrightwhenshesawhow
messyherkitchenwasoncethebrothershadfinishedcleaning.

SheheadedstraighttothesinkandhelpedTristanrinsetheplatesandtoldConradhowtoplacethe

dishesrightsothey’dgetwashedproperly.CheekyTristanchosetostandbehindherandhelprinsethe
dishes,bothhandsoverhersandhisfaceleaningclosebesideher.Sakuraglancedupandglaredathim.

Darcysaid,“You’reinvading,Tristan.MoveawaytoasafedistancebeforeSebastianandIgiveyoua

goodbashtotheface.”

Tristanlaughed.“Allright.Allright.Igotit.She’staken,ah,bynoneotherthanmyownbrothers.”He

movedoutofthewayandoptedtohelpConradplacethedishesinthedishwasherinstead.

Whentheywerenearlyfinished,SebastianpulledSakuraawayfromthesink.“I’mtakingSakuraback.

Youguysfinishup.”

Heledheroutthedoor,withSakurabarelyabletosaygoodnighttotheotherbrothers.
Darcy wasn’t happy Sebastian got to go with Sakura alone but had decided to let them have some

space.Afterall,despitethefactthatbothbrotherslovedSakuradearly,ultimately,itwasuptoSakurato
choosewhoshewantedtobewith,andDarcywasn’tgoingtoplaydirtyandforcehertochoosehim.He
wantedhertobehappyandchosethemanshetrulyloved.Besides,Sebastianwasagreatguy,andDarcy
loved and respected Sebastian as a brother. Winning Sakura’s heart was a healthy competition between
them,andDarcyknewhe’dgethischancewithhersoonenough.Afterall,thatwaswhatthey’dagreed
uponthisafternoonwhileSakurahadbeensleeping.Ahealthyandfaircompetitionbetweenthemtowin
Sakura’sheart.

*****

CHAPTER22

Sakuraandthe KnightofHe arts

ThemomentSebastianknewhehadSakuratohimself,hedidwhathe’dwantedtodomost.Hegrabbed
herintohisarmsandclaimedherforadeep,passionatekiss.

Sakurawenttensethemomentshefelthisfirm,hotlipsagainsthers,hisstrong,warmbodyenveloping

her in a tight embrace. She melted into him, her knees weakened as she leaned farther into his arms,
lovingthefeelofhimagainsthersomuchitnearlychokedherwithemotion.

Sebastianwasintoxicatedbythesmellofherfresh,innocentscentandthefeelofhersoftnessagainst

him. He cupped her face, his fingers digging deep into her hair as he urged her lips to open for him,
teasingherandnibblingherfleshwithhistongue.WhenSakuraobligedandopenedhermouthforhim,
Sebastian plunged his tongue in and explored her, caressing and stroking her, making her weak and
wantingmore.

Whenhefinallylethergo,shewaslightheadedandbreathless.Sheclutchedontohimasheembraced

hertightagainsthischest.Hedidn’twanttoeverlethergo,didn’twanttoloseheragain.

“God, I’ve wanted to do that to you since I saw you back at the hotel weeks ago,” Sebastian said.

“You’renotgoingtorunawayfromusagain,areyou?”

Hesoundedalittleuncertainandafraid,Sakuranoticed,andittuggeddeepinherheart.Shegazedup

athimandshookherhead.“Idon’tthinkIcanrunanymore.It’stootiringrunningfromyoubrothers.You
guysjustwon’tletmegetaway.”

Helaughedlowlyatherhoneststatement.“HaveyouanyideahowsickIfeltwhenIfoundyournotein

mybedroom?”

Sakuraflashedbacktothatdayoneyearagowhenshe’dleftthebrothershermessages.Shecouldjust

imaginethehorridfeelingsSebastianhadenduredrightafterhe’dfoundthenote—andnotlongafterhe’d
pouredhisheartouttellingherhelovedher,too.

“I’m sorry, Sebastian, but I couldn’t stay any longer. I just couldn’t,” she said, her voice weak with

emotion.“Notafterwhathappened.”

Sebastianstrokedherhairlovinglyandgaveherakissonherforehead.“Well,regardlessofthat.I’m

justgladwe’vefoundyou.Orrather,Tobyfoundus.”

Sakuranodded.Whenshemotionedtomoveback,hewouldn’tletherandtightenedhisarmsaround

her.Hekissedherforeheadandagainonhernoseandthenonherlips.Justalight,gentlekissthatmade
Sakurasighpleasantly.

“Sebastian,Ihavetogoback.LadyHarukamustbesoworriedab—”
Sebastian shut her up by claiming her lips again. He kissed her long and hard, thrusting his tongue

againsther,pouringoutallhisloveandhisacheforherthroughhiskiss.

Sakurawhimperedintohismouthastheheatofhercoreclimbed,herbodytremblingwithadesireto

bemadelovetosodeepitshockedhertohercore.

Whenhereleasedherforthesecondtime,itwasduetodutyandbyforce.Sebastianlaughedachingly.

“IfIkeepdoingthis,itwouldn’tbefaironDarcy.”

At first, Sakura was confused as to the meaning of his words. Then she understood and smiled, her

heart glowing. Oh God! These two brothers. They really respected each other, and their chivalrous

actionsonlymadeherlovethemevenmore.

“Andbesides,ifIkeepgoing,IknowIwon’tbeabletocontrolmyself.”
Sakura’swholebodyshivereddeliciouslyathishonestconfession.Nottomentionthehot,darklookin

hiseyesthatmadeherbonesweakandhercoreburnwithanachingdesireshe’dneverfeltbefore.

Sebastianslowlymovedbackreluctantly.Hegaveheradevastatinglyhandsomesmilethatwouldhave

made any woman throw away her morals and let him take her. Then he grasped her hand and led her
acrossthecorridoranddownthestairs.Onceatthedoortotheapartment,SakurakissedSebastianonthe
cheek and said good night. Sebastian, however, wasn’t satisfied with just that and gave her another hot
kissonthelips.

Whenhemovedback,shelaughed.“Yousaidyouweren’tgoingtokissmeanymore.”
“Ididn’tsaythat.”Hechuckled.“I’msorryIdidn’ttellyouwhoIwas…”
Sakuranodded.Sheunderstoodwhathewasreferringto.“Youwereplanningontellingmethough?”
He laughed. “I knew that last sentence shocked you.” At Sakura’s nod, he went on. “If this didn’t

happen,IwouldhavesentyouamessageregardlessandtellyouexactlyhowIfeelandwhotheheckI
was.”

Sakura placed her hands on his chest where his heart was. “You’re Sebastian Princeton, and you’ll

alwaysbehavelikeSebastianPrinceton.Youcouldneverleavemealone,couldyou?”

Hechuckled.“Whenitcomestoyou,Sakura,Icouldneverleaveyoualone.ButIbettersaygoodnight

nowbecause,heck,Idon’twanttokeepyouupuntilthreeinthemorningandmakeyousickagain.”

Shelaughed.“It’snotthreeyet,andIdidhaveagoodnapthisafternoonaftertheshockofseeingall

youbrothersagainoutoftheblue.”Shedroppedherhandfromhischestandtookastepback.“Butyes,it
isgettinglate,andIhavetoprepareforSosuke’sbirthdaypartytomorrow.”

“Ican’twaittocome,”heconfessed.“You’lllookamazinginayukata.”
Shecockedherheadtooneside.“Ididn’tevenknowwewerewearingayukata.”
“ItwasTristan’sidea.Butyes,we’reallwearingyukata.”
Sakuranodded.Sheherselfcouldn’twaittoseethebrothers,allsevenofthem,wearingtheJapanese

clothingeither.They’dlookawesome.Shethoughtshebettergethercamerareadytotakepictures.Maybe
she’devengettopostsomeonherwebsitetoattractyoungfemalebuyerswhowantedphotosofhotmen
inyukatas.Thatwasifshegottheirpermissionfirst,ofcourse.

“Goodnight,Seb,”shesaidteasingly,agrandsmileonherlips.
Helaughed.“Istillwanttokissyouagainandagain.”Andhediddoitonceagain,grabbingherinto

hisarmsbeforeshecouldescape.HekissedherlipssodeepandsopassionatelyitmadeSakura’sheart
burst with joy. When he did finally release her, he had his face buried against the nape of her slender
neck,inhalinghersweetscent.

“God,Ilovethewayyousmell,”hesaid.
She laughed. “I know. I can smell you brothers a mile away.” It was an exaggeration, of course, but

Sebastianwaspleasedwithherconfession.

Hepulledbackandsaid,“Canyounow?”
“Sebastian,Ireallyhavetogo,”shesaid,pushingathismassivechest.“I’mstayingwithLadyHaruka

andherfamily,andit’snotpropertocomehomesolate…”

“Thenmoveinwithus,”hesuggested.“LikeConradsaid,wehaveaspareroom.It’sperfectforyou.

Please,Sakura,thinkaboutit.”

Sakuragazedupathimandnotedhewasseriousabouthermovinginwiththem.“I’llthinkaboutit,”

shesaid,chuckling.Whenhegaveherabrilliantsmile,shelaughed.“Now,Ireally,reallymustgo.Good
night,Sebastian.”

Sebastian laughed. “Good night, Sakura, sweetheart,” he said and kissed her on the forehead once

again.“Dreamofmetonight.”

Sakuraturned,andbeforeshecouldopenthedoor,Sebastiancaughtherwristandbroughtherhandto

hislips.Hegaveherahotkissthere,hiswarmbreathagainstherskinmakingherbreathless.

Whenhefinallydidlethergo,Sakurawasreadytothrowherselfintohisarmsonceagain.Hehadthat

raweffectonher.Andthey’djustreunited.Howodd.Perhaps,shereasoned,itwasjustthefactthatshe’d
beensolonelyforsolong,byherselfforsolongthathisverypresencemadeherfeelwholeandcomplete
withloveandaffection.

She prevented herself from acting out her stupid desires by opening the door and slipping in. She

quicklycloseditbeforetheurgetothrowherselfbackintoSebastian’sarmgotthebetterofher.Thenshe
restedherbackagainsttheframeandclosedhereyes,asmileaboutherlips.

*****

CHAPTER23

ARace foraKiss

ItwassixinthemorningasusualwhenDarcymetSebastianinthecorridor,readytogofortheirswim.

“Morning,”Darcygreetedhisbrother.
“Morning,”Sebastianreplied,abigfatgrinonhisface.
DarcynoticedandknewtheprivatemomentlastnightwithSakuramusthaveputSebastianinavery

good mood. He wondered what they’d been talking about. It was a little hard not to think about the
possibilityofthemkissing.Darcytriednottogettooworkedupaboutit,buthell,itwasimpossible.

They came into the pool area together, and the moment they walked in through the door, they heard

watersplashing.Curioustoknowwhohadarrivedbeforethem,whichwasunusual,theyhurriednearer
thepoolarea.Ontheedge,bothmenwatchedinaweasthatexquisiteslimbodyglidedlikeamermaid
underwater.Thefemalewasabreathtakingsighttobehold,andwhenshecameupontheotherside,both
suckedintheirbreath.

She was wearing a navy-blue bikini, just like the one they’d spotted before. When she climbed the

steps onto the floor, her body was dripping wet with water, and to be sure, the intoxicating sight was
turningthebrotherson.Ofcourse,theydidn’trealizetheywerestaring,northattheywereholdingtheir
breath,waitingforhertoturntofacethem.Whenshefinallydid,theyswallowedhard.

“Sakura,”Darcysaidsoftlyunderhisbreath,realizinghehadn’tbeenhallucinatingafterallthatearly

morningwhenhe’dseenherwalkingdownthehall.God,ifonlyhe’dbeenfasterandsurerofhimself,he
wouldhavecaughtherand…Well,itwastoolateforthatnow.

Sebastianfeltlikesomeonehadpunchedhiminthestomach,hard.Thatmorningwhenhe’dcomeinto

findayoungwomanswimming,ithadbeenSakuraallalong,andhebloodyhellcouldn’tbelieveit.She’d
beenherewithhim,andifonlyhe…

WhenSakuraturned,shewassurprisedtoseethetwobrotherstherewatchingher.
“YoutwoweresoquietIdidn’tevenhearyou.”Shecamearoundthepooltostandinfrontofthem.

“Youguysalwaysswimsoearlyinthemorning?”

Atthebrothers’nod,SakurasuddenlypaledassherealizedithadbeenSebastianthatfirstdayshe’d

beenhere.Butshekeptquiet,sinceshethoughthemightn’trememberthatincidentatall.

“Sakura,”Darcysaid.“Youswim.”
Shechuckled.“Itaughtmyselfafterthat…afterwhathappenedlastyear.Itwasreallyhard.Iwasso

afraidofthewaterforsolong,butItoldmyselfIhadtodoit.Ijustcan’tbeafraidofitandletitbeat
me.”

Sebastiantookholdofherhand.“Youareanaturalinthewater.”
“Thanks,”shereplied,smiling.“Youguysstillrace?”
At Sebastian’s nod, she said, “I want to see you.” She turned to Darcy and gave him an imploring

smile.“Please?”

Darcy nodded without hesitation. After all, he wanted to show her he was as good a swimmer as

Sebastian.“Anythingforyou.”

Sakuraclappedherhandstogetherinexcitement,andDarcywasjustheadingovertotheedgeofthe

poolwhenSebastiansaid,“Waitaminute.What’stheprize?”

“Ibegyourpardon?”Sakuraasked,blinking.
“What’stheprizeforthewinner?”Sebastianaskedagain.“Itjustdoesn’tseemfairforyoutowatchus

race,andthewinnerdoesn’tgetaprize.”

Darcyagreed.“True.”HeturnedtoSakuraandcockedhisheadtooneside.“Comeon,Sakura.You’ve

gottogiveussomething.”

Sakurawasn’tsurewherethebrothersweregoingwiththis.Shesimplywantedtoseethemracelike

thattimelastyearbackonSt.JosephIsland.

“Oh,howaboutthis?”Shewasquiteexcitedabouttheidea.Whenbothbrotherslookedather,waiting

forhersuggestion,shesaid,“I’llmakethewinneracupofcoffee.”

Thebrotherslookedather,unimpressed.
“Butit’sacupofcoffee,”shesaid.“Youguyslikemycoffee.”
“Sorry,Sakura,butifyouaren’tgoingtoofferabetterprizethanthat,I’llpass,”Darcysaid,jumping

intothepool.

“Whataboutakiss?”Sebastiansuggested,givingSakuraawink.
Sakurablushed,hermindsuddenlyflashingbacktolastnightwhenhe’dkissedher.Shesaid,“That’s

notarealprize.”

“Itistome,”Darcysaid.“Areyouon,Seb?”
“I’mon,”Sebastiansaidandthenjumpedintothepoolaswell.
Sakurawatchedthem,dumbfounded.Whenthebrothersclimbedbackupandgotready,Sakurasaid,

“ButIhaven’tdecidedyetontheprize.”

Sebastianglancedatheroverhisshoulder.“It’sdecided,Sakura.Thewinnergetstokissyou.”
“Whydon’tyougoandsitonthesideofthepool?”Darcysuggested.
Sakurasuddenlygotpissedbecause,really,shedidn’thaveanychoiceinthematteratall.Ratherthan

dowhattheyweresaying,sheheadedtowardthedoorinstead.Racingbedamned.Heck,shewasn’teven
that desperate to see two hot men working hard out in the water, propelling their powerful arms, their
bodiesglisteningwetwithdropletsofwater.

Shewasabouttoexittheplacewhenshefeltherselfbeingpulledaroundbythearmgentlyandlifted

intheair.ShefoundherselfinSebastian’sarms.

“Sebastian,whatareyoudoing?Putmedownthisinstant,youhear?”
Sebastianjustlaughedatheroutrageousdemand.“Ithoughtyouwantedtoseeusracing.”
“Ido,”shesnapped.
“Thenwhyareyouleaving?”
Sebastiantookhertothesideofthepoolandplacedherthere,whereSakurasatwithherlegsdangling

inthewater.

“Idon’tliketheprize,”shesaid,matter-of-fact.
Sebastianmovedhisfaceclosetoher.“Soyoudon’twanttobekissedbyme?”
Sakurablushedevenmoreandglaredathim.
“Orthethoughtofkissingmerevoltsyou,Sakura?”Darcyaskedfromthedistance,ahauntedlookin

hisbroodingfeatures.

Sakuraturnedhergazetohimandsawthewoundedlookinhiseyes.Shestammered,“No!That’snot

it.”

Sebastianlaughed.“Wishmeluck.”ThenhewasofftostandnexttoDarcy.
Sakura’sbodytensedasshewatchedthebrothersgetthemselvesready.Sebastianstartedcounting,and

thenonthree,bothdivedin,theirpowerfulbodiesinperfectsync.Oncetheyhitthewater,theystarted
swimming,theirstrongarmspropellingthemforwardastheirlegskeptkicking.

Sakura watched as she held her breath. When they reached the other side, the brothers were neck to

neck.Theyflippedoverandkickedtheirpowerfullegsagainstthesideofthepoolandthenheadedinthe
other direction again. This was it, Sakura thought as she watched the brothers, and then suddenly, they
were there, neck and neck, their arms propelling like mad, water splashing about everywhere as they
racedforward.

Sakurawaited,herbodytense,herbreathingstopped,andhereyesweregluedonthetwomen.Who

woulditbe?Sebastian?OrwoulditbeDarcy?Andthensuddenly,Darcyhitthefinishmarkfirstbymere
milliseconds.Hewasheavingheavilyashecameuptothesurface.

Sebastianlaughedandslappedhisbrotherontheback.“Thatwasagoodrace,Darcy.”
DarcychuckledandflickedhisgazetoSakura,hiseyesintentandhotonher.Sakuramethisstareand

becamenervousallofasudden.Theracehadbeenanadventuretowatch,butnowthatithadended,she
thoughtshe’dbetterrunandhidebeforethebrothersdemandedshegivethewinnerthepromisedprize.

ShewasabouttoactoutherplanwhenSebastiansaid,“Nowtheprize.”
Darcygotupfromhisspotand,withadeterminedlook,headedovertoher.Sakuraswallowedandfelt

alittleexposedallofasudden.AsDarcycamecloser,sheflickedhergazetoSebastianandthenbackto
Darcyagain.Theylookedseriousaboutthekissafterall.

Darcy came to stand right in front of her, his strong, toned body dripping, which caused a delicious

shiverdownSakura’sspine.Herheartwasracingandherstomachfluttering.

Shewasstaringathischest,atthebeautifultattooofthecherryblossomflowersintertwiningwiththe

wordSNOWresidingonhischest.Shefeltherwholebodytremblewithemotionatthesight.Darcyloved
herthatmuchtohavebrandedhernameonhischestwherehisheartresided?Therealizationmadeher
weak,andsheinhaledashakingbreath.Slowly,sheliftedherhandandgentlycaressedthetattoo,hiswet
skin,withherfingertips,strokingthelinesofcherryblossomsandthewordSNOW.

Darcy sucked in his breath as Sakura stroked him. She was making him weak, enticing him and

awakening his desire. It was a moment that bonded them. Slowly, he brought his hand up and rested it
gentlyonthesideofherface,hisfingersintimatelyentwiningwithherwethair.Heshuthiseyesfora
moment,inhalinghersweetscent.Whenheopenedthemagain,hesawherwatchinghim.Thelookinher
eyes,brightandcuriousandreadyforhimtotakeher,broughtDarcytohisknees.Shewasenchanting.

SakuralickedherlipsasDarcyleaneddown.Thensheclosedhereyes,waitingforhimtokissher,to

claimhisprize.Shewascompletelyandutterlytenseasshefelthimmovinghisfacetowardherandhis
warmbreathagainsthersensitiveskin.Whensheopenedhereyesagain,hewaswatchingherandtheir
lipswerenearlytouching,readyforthekiss.

Darcy stayed there for a moment, as if he were prolonging the inevitable. Then suddenly, he moved

back and abruptly released Sakura from his clutches. Without an explanation, he turned on his heel and
marchedtowardthedoor,passingSebastian,wholookedalittleconfusedatthebrother’soddaction.

Sakurablinkedandsuddenlyfeltlikeherhearthadjustbeenbroken.Perhaps—justperhaps—Darcy

nolongerlovedandwantedher?

*****

CHAPTER24

Snowandthe KnightofDarkne ss

SakuratriednottothinkaboutDarcyandhisrejectionthatmorning,butitwashard.Shethoughtbackas
to why he wouldn’t kiss her after he’d won the race. Perhaps he no longer wanted her? Perhaps he no
longerlovedher?

“What’swrong,Sakura-chan?”Akiraaskedatthedoor.
Sakura looked up, surprised to see Akira there, already dressed in her yukata. This one was very

beautiful,alightbluewithfloraldesign.

“Ididknock,”Akirasaid.
JanepokedherheadinbehindAkira.“Sakura,haven’tyoushoweredyet?”
SakuracockedherheadtoonesideasJanecameintotheroom.Thewomanwasdressedinagreen

yukatathatmatchedhereyesperfectly.Shelookedveryfetchingwithoutherglassesonandherblondhair
upinaprettybun.

“Jane,youlookbeautiful,”Sakurasaid.
Jane blushed. “Akira helped me with the yukata.” She did a little spin to show off the garment to

Sakura.“I’veneverwornonebefore,butIlovethis.I’mgoingtogetonetowearonspecialoccasions.”

Sakuralaughed.“Imightbuyoneaswell.”
Akirasighedinvexationatthetwowomenwhowerestilltalkingwhentheywererunningoutoftime.

Shetookmattersintoherownhands,becauseotherwise,theyreallyweregoingtobelate.Shegrabbed
aholdofSakura’swristandpulledherupfromthebed.

“Sakura-chan,Iknowyou’retiredfromorganizingandpreparingthecelebration,butyouhavetoget

readybeforeeveryonearrives.”

Sakurasighed,reluctant.Whatshereallywantedtodowascollapseonthebedandsleepforever.She

couldn’t believe she got tired so easily these days. Of course, she’d been up since five this morning,
wantingtotakeaswimbeforethepoolgottoocrowded.ThenSebastianandDarcyhadcomein.There
hadbeentheraceandtheexpectedkissthatdidn’thappen.

When she’d returned to the apartment, she got down to helping the housekeeper and Haruka with

preparingfoodforSosuke’sbirthdaycelebration.Janehadarrivednotlongafterandhelpedoutaswell.

Akiranudgedherintothebathroom,followedbyaslaponSakura’sbottomforhertohurryup.Sakura

jumpedandlaughedwholeheartedly.

“You’reactinglikeyou’remyoneesan.”Sakurajested.
Akiraraisedherbrows.“Oh?Don’tyouwantanoneesanlikeme,Sakura-chan?”
“Actually,”Sakurasaid,smiling,“Ido.Tobehonest,Iconsideryouasone.”
“Thenbeagoodimoutosanandgoshower.”AkiragaveSakuraanothernudgebetweentheshoulder

bladestogethermoving.“Otherwise,you’llreallymakeuslatefordinner.”

“What’soneesan?”Janeaskedfrombehind.“Andimoutosan?”
Akirasaid,“OneesanisoldersisterandimoutosanisyoungersisterinJapanese.”
“Oh!”Janeexpressedassheclaspedherhandstogether.“Ifwe’regoingtobesisters,non-relatedof

course, I think I will be the oldest. I know what we should do. We should form a sisterhood or
something.”

Sakuracockedherheadtooneside,athoughtfullookonherface.“Jane,areyouserious?”
Janenoddedherhead.“I’mtotallyserious.ButthatmeansI’dbetheoldest.”
Akiraasked,“Howoldareyou?”
Janewentbrightredandmurmured,“Twenty-eight.”
“Then you are the oldest. I’m twenty-seven,” Akira said as she really made Sakura go into the

bathroombygentlyjostlingherin.“I’mgoingtogetSakura’syukata,andyou,sisterJane,makesureshe
doesn’tcomeoutuntilshe’stotallydone.”

“SisterJane?”Sakuracouldn’thidehergiggle.
Akirashutthedoorinherface,blockinghermirthfromJane’sview.Thensheheadedoutthedoor.
“SisterJane?”Janesaidinoutrage,frowning.“Youmakemesoundlikeanun!”
Akiralaughedfromthecorridor,andJane,finallyfindingthefunnysideofit,joinedinonthelaughter,

too.

Aloneinsidethebathroom,Sakurastrippedherselfnakedandthenwentintotheshower.Asthewater

poundeddownonher,shetouchherfingerstoherlips,hermindonSebastianandDarcy.

“Stopit!”shemutteredunderherbreath.“Youshouldn’tbeupsetifDarcy’sdecidedhenolongerlikes

you.Afterall,youlefthimwithoutsayinggood-bye.Ofcoursehe’dforgetaboutyou.”

Therealizationofthatrealityhurt,andSakurafeltherselfshakeuncontrollablywithemotions.
“Sakura?” Jane called out from the other side. “Hurry up. Your parents have just arrived. I can see

themdownatthestreet.”

Sakurasworeunderherbreathandquicklyconcentratedallherattentiononcleaningherself.Shewas

doneandoutoftheshowerfiveminuteslater,herlonghairandbodydrippingwet.Shewrappedatowel
aroundherpersonandthenrushedoutoftheroom.

“Aretheyreallyherealready?”sheaskedasshebusiedpattingherhairwithanothertowel.
Janenodded.
“Holdon.Ineedunderwear,”shesaidandrushedtothedrawer.Shefoundherselfapairofpanties

and bra and then dashed back into the bathroom. When she returned ten minutes later, underwear on as
wellaslightmakeupdone,Akirawastherewithafloralyukatasetoutforher.

“Sakura-chan,”Akirasaid.“We’relate,andit’snotgood.Sosukesaidthebrothersareheadingdown

now.”

“Jesus!”Sakuramuttered.“Helpme,Akira.Idon’tknowhowtoputtheyukataon.”
“It’syourownfault,”Akiramuttered.“Wedidtellyoutogetreadysooner.”
“Buttherewassomuchtodo,”Sakuradefended.
Janedecidedtohelp.ShecamearoundandpulledSakura’stoweloffherbody.
“Jane!”Sakurashrieked,“Whatareyoudoing?”
“Helpingyougetready,”Janerepliedcheerfully.
Akira handed Jane the traditional Japanese underwear of long white robe. Once Sakura had it on,

Akirareturnedherattentiontotheyukataitself.ShewrappedthematerialonSakurawhileJanestarted
blow-dryingSakura’slonghair.

Akirafoldedtherightsideoftheyukataonthefrontandthentheleftontopofthat.Nextshetiedthe

sashes,oneaboutSakura’swaistandonejustunderherbreasts.Sakuratestedtheknotstomakesurethey
wouldn’t go loose on her by accident. After that, Akira wrapped the inner belt around Sakura’s middle
andthentheobiontop,tyingthebrightmaterialintoaperfectbowattheback.

Akirastoodbackandadmiredherhandiwork.“Wow!”
Janecockedherheadtoonesideandsaid,“Youlookamazing,Sakura.”
“Arewedone?”Sakuraasked,lookingatAkira.

“Err…”
Akiradidn’tgettofinishhersentencebecauseSakurarushedoutthedoor.AkiraturnedtolookatJane.
“Iwasn’tfinishedyet,”Akirasaid.“Herfrontisn’tdoneupproperly.”
Janejustsmiledandshruggedhershoulders.
Sakuraknewshewaslate,andshehadn’tyetfinishedsettingupthelowtables.Shewasinsucharush

thatshedidn’tlookatwhereshewasgoing.Sheracedalongthecorridor,intendingtogointothedining
room.Suddenly,shesmashedrightintothearmsofoneofthemenshe’dbeenthinkingaboutallday.She
frozethemomentshefelthimembracingher.Sheslowlyliftedhergazeandswallowedwhenshesawthe
hot,intensemauve-grayeyeswatchingher.

Sakuralickedherlipsandsaid,“Darcy,you’reearly.”
Tristanchuckledfrombehind.“We’renotearly,Sakuradarling.Weareontime.”
Sakura hesitantly moved out of Darcy’s arms, blushing. Then she looked behind Darcy to see both

Tristan and Logan. All three men were wearing the yukata as well, and they definitely looked hot,
especially because they didn’t wear any shirt underneath and the V-shape about the front was showing
theirmuscularchest.ForDarcy,shecouldslightlyseethetattoooftheSakuraflower.Theviewwasvery
enticing, and she had the uncontrollable desire to caress the firmness of his toned chest. She quickly
flickedhermindawayfromthetootempting,toohot,broodingDarcyandwonderedwhereeveryoneelse
was.

Toanswerherquestioninggaze,Darcysaid,“Everyoneisalreadyinthelivingroom.”
“Oh,”wasSakura’sreply,hereyesonhim.Shenotedtheintensegazescorchingherpersonandfelta

deliciousshivercoursingdownherbody.Shequicklyglancedaway,breathless.

Logan came around to her and gave her a great big hug. He squeezed her tight and said, “You look

beautiful,Sakura,inthatyukata.Here,letmearrangeitproperlyonyou.”

Logan was about to touch the material of the yukata about her chest when Darcy slapped his hand

away.Logansaid,“Thenwhydon’tyoudoit?Shecan’tgoinlookinglikethat.”

Confused as to what Logan meant, Sakura glanced down at herself and wanted to die. Though her

yukatafitherperfectly,herfrontwasn’tarrangedproperlyandwasleftwideopen,showingoffhermilky
whiteskin.Sheblushedandstartedpullingthematerialup.

“You’renotdoingitright,”Darcysaid,hishandonher,stoppingheraction.
Sakura’sheartflutteredinherchestasshegazedupathim.
Hedoesn’tlovemeanymore,shetoldherself.Whenheletgoofherhands,shedroppedthemtoher

sides.

Darcygentlytouchedthematerialoftheyukataaboutherchest,hisfingerslightlycaressingherskin.

Shesuckedinherbreathandaslightgroanescapedherlips.Sheavoidedhisgazeasherearrangedthe
yukataforher.Herbodywastenseandasstiffasapole.Whenhewasdone,hedroppedhishandsand
tookastepback.

Tristan cocked his head to one side and looked at Darcy’s handiwork. “Nice. Very nice.” Then he

grabbedSakurabytheelbowandsaid,“Shallwejointheothers?”

AtSakura’stentativenod,heledhertowardthelivingarea.Justastheywereabouttoenter,Sakura

turnedtolookoverhershoulderatDarcy.Shewincedinsidewhensherealizedhewasn’tevenlookingat
her.Hewasstaringstraightahead,hisfaceamaskofstone.

She sighed and returned her attention to Tristan, who was saying how excited he was about the

upcomingphotoshootinHawaii.

“It’smyfirsttimemodeling,”hesaid.“Hum,Imightconsideritasafuturecareer.”
Loganlaughedathisbrothermockingly.“You’reabittoolateforthatindustry,Tristan.Ifyoudidn’t

makeatleastfivebillionayearwithourbusiness,hewouldn’thaveconsideredyouatall.”

Tristanturnedtolookathisbrother.“Nah,IthinkMr.Tachibanawouldstillconsiderme.Otherwise,

hewouldn’thavebeggedussomanytimes.”

They finally reached the living area, and Sakura came to a sudden stop. The scene was indeed

heartwarmingandtuggeddeepwithinherheart.Everyonesheknewandcaredforherwasthere,mingling,
chatting, and laughing merrily. Sosuke was the sole center of everyone’s attention since it was his
birthday.Hewasturningthirtyinamerefewminutes.

Thefourpeoplewalkedinandjoinedthegroup.JamescaughtSakura’sattentionandsignaledherto

joinhimandBrenda.Notamomentlater,Sakurafoundherselfsittingbesideheradoptiveparents.They
complimented on her yukata, which she simply brushed aside their praises, telling them it belonged to
Akiraandshehadaidedherwiththedressingup.AndapparentlyDarcy,butshedidn’tmentionthat.

Afewmomentslater,AkiraandJanecalledtoSakura.Sakurarushedovertothem,andthegirlswent

aboutsettingupthetablesfordinnerwhileeveryoneelsecontinuedtoteaseSosukeabouthowoldhewas
gettingandthatheshouldfindhimselfagirlfriendandsettledownsoon.Sometenminuteslater,therest
joinedthemandtheywereready.

TheplacewassetasatraditionalJapanesediningareawithTatamimat,lowtablesconnectedtogether

tofiteveryonein,andcushions.Onthetables,diningsetswerearrangedelegantlywithdesignerplatesin
themiddle,chopstickstotheright,abowlofmisosoupperpersontotheleft,andvariousassortmentsof
dishes in the middle. There were gyoza, salads with ginger dressing, sushi of various sorts cutely
decorated and shaped into panda bears as well as the basic traditional type, karaage, tonkatsu,
yakizakana,yakitori,onigiri,sashimiofvarioussorts,andofcourse,tempuraandpickledvegetables.

Conrad,withTobyinhisarms,quicklyclaimedtheseatbesideSakuratoherleft.Shelaughedashe

startedplayingwithherlonghair,whichwasdown,asithadonlyrecentlybeenwashed.Sebastiantook
theseatbesidehertoherright.

Sakuraturnedherattentiontohersurroundings,watchingeveryoneelsetakingtheirseats.Sosukewas

sitting right opposite her with Akira beside him to his left and Haruka to his right. Nicolas sat beside
Akira—toAkira’ssurpriseandannoyance.TristanandLoganweretoherleftbesideConrad,andJames
andBrendatoherrightbesideSebastian.DarcywasallthewayontheothersidenearHaydenandJane.
Ofcourse,Sakurawasn’tsurprise.Sheknewheplannedtostayasfarawayfromheraspossible.

“Areyoutiredfromthepreparation?”Sebastianaskedherthemomenthesatdown.
“Alittle,”shesaid,smilingathim.
“Thefoodlooksdelicious.”Hebeamedather.“Iexpectameallikethisnowandagainifyoumovein

withus.”Heteased,hiseyestwinkling.

Themanwasacharmingbeast,Sakurathought.Hewouldn’tlettheideaofhermovinginwiththem

drop.

Conrad missed the word if in Sebastian’s sentence and assumed Sakura had decided she’d move in

withthem.Hecheeredbrightly.“Sakura,areyoureallymovinginwithus?”

“Well,I’mnotsureyet,”shesaiduncertainly.
“I’llhelpyouwiththemove,”hesaid,noddingenthusiastically.
“Me,too,”Logansaidfromtheotherside.
“You’re moving?” Sosuke asked, quite upset about the whole idea. “Did you know this, Oba-chan?”

Heturnedtohisauntforsupport.

HarukaknewSosukefeltthreatened.IfSakurareallydidmoveinwiththebrothers,thenhischanceof

gettingherattentionwaszero.Andofcourse,Harukadidn’tknow,andsheturnedtoSakuraforanswer.

“No.”Sakuravoicedquickly.“Ihaven’tdecidedyet.”

“Youdon’twanttolivewithus,Sakura?”Tristanlookeddecidedlywounded,andinsteadoffeeling

sorryforhim,Sakurawantedtolaugh.

“You have until after Hawaii to think about it,” Nicolas stated, looking pointedly at her like James

usuallydid.

“Ididn’tknowtheinvitationhadanexpirydate.”Sakuracockedherheadtooneside.“Whoknows?I

mightnotmakemydecisionuntiltheendoftheyear.”

At this comment, the brothers eyed one another, knowing looks plastered on their handsome faces.

Sakura knew what that meant. If she didn’t decide by the time they returned from Hawaii, the brothers
wouldusedirtytacticstogethertomove.Smartandcunning,thesebrothers,shethoughtinirritation.

Harukasaid,“Thankyou,everyone,forcoming.”
AtJamesandBrenda’snod,Sosuketookhiscueandsaidatlarge,“Pleaseenjoythemeal.”
“Happybirthday,Sosuke-kun!”Tristanshoutedloudly,andTobyfollowedwithanexcitedbark.
Loganjabbedhisbrotherwithhiselbow.“Notyet!”
At this, everyone laughed. Sakura chose that moment to take a peek at Darcy, who was quietly

chucklingawayathisbrothers.Whenhecaughthereyes,shequicklyglancedaway,herheartpoundingin
herchest.

Sebastian noticed. He gently touched her hand, drawing her attention to him. He said quietly, “You

shouldtalktohimtoclearthingsup.”

Sakura wasn’t sure if that was a good idea. That short session in the corridor was bad enough.

Besides, what was there to clear up? Darcy didn’t want to claim his prize, didn’t want to kiss her. So
what?

When the cheerful noise died down, they started their meals, and Sakura dismissed Darcy from her

mind. Hands were everywhere, moving in and taking food. Conrad took a cute sushi in the shape of a
pandaandplaceditonherplate.ItwastheoneshemadethismorningwithHarukaandthehousekeeper.

“Don’tforgettomakemecoffee,”hewhispered.
Sakurachuckledandthankedhimprofuselyforthesushi.Whenshesaidshe’dmakehimacup,more

sushi landed on her plate, one each from Logan, Hayden, Nicolas, and Akira, and three from Sosuke,
informinghertheywantedtheircupofcoffeeaswell.

“Youneedtoeatmore,Sakura-chan,”Sosukesaid,smilingather.“You’veworkedsohardforthelast

fewweeks.”

Sakurathankedhimforhisconsideration,whichpleasedhimandannoyedthebrothers.
Tristandecidedtooutdoeveryoneandcamearoundtohissisterwithfivebeefyakitori.“There,you’re

toopaleformyliking,Sakuradarling.Meatisfullofproteinandiron.Goodforyourhealth.”Hewinked
at her and was about to give her a peck on the cheek in front of everyone when Sebastian shoved him
away.

“Gobacktoyourseat,Tristan,”Sebastiansaidinexasperation.“You’reinvadingSakura’sspace.”
Tristanpretendedtofallonhisbacksideandsaid,“Sakuradarling,yourboyfriendisabastard!”
Everyonelaughed,exceptSosuke,wholookeddecidedlywounded,andDarcy,whohadadarkscowl

onhisface.

An hour and a half later, the table was cleared for Sosuke’s cake. He had protested wholeheartedly

aboutcakesandsinginghimahappybirthdaysong,butthebrotherswouldhavenoneofthenonsenseand
everyone started singing anyway, with Tristan as the out-of-tune choir conductor. He was using his
chopstickstoswingaboutaseveryonesang.

Ofcourse,TristanandLoganweretheloudest,andbythetimethesongended,Sosukewasbrightred

in the face with embarrassment. Tristan ordered him to blow out the candles, which Sosuke reluctantly

obligedandblewallthirtycandlesoutintwopuffs.Abigcheerwentup,andtheenormouscakewascut
andsharedaround.

Sakurafeltasortofglowwithinherasshewatchedeveryonelaughingandenjoyingthecakeshehad

baked only that morning. The word family—myfamily kept echoing within her head. It was then Akira
andJanecamearoundandusheredhertothekitchentomakesomecoffee.

Soon,everyonewasenjoyingtheirdelicious,perfectlymadecoffeewhilewatchingSosukeopenhis

presents.Hewasstillembarrassedanddidn’tunderstandwhyhehadtogothroughopeningpresentslike
a kid, to which Nicolas wholeheartedly agreed. But then Nicolas knew there was no way out of this
whereTristanandLoganwereconcerned.They’dmadesureSosukefeltthefullforceofbeingapartof
thePrincetoncircle.

Sakura stood back and watched as Sosuke opened another wrapped box. Out came a set of raunchy

DVDs with hot girls in bikinis, after which everyone cheered. Sosuke pulled a face and looked
heavenward.

“It’sforwhenyou’relonely,”Tristansaid,andeveryonelaughed.Therewasnodoubtwhothatwas

from.

Within the noise of the merriment, Sakura suddenly noticed Toby was missing. Normally, he’d be

barking excitedly at the loud cheers, especially when the brothers were around. She wouldn’t miss the
dog’s animated clamor. Her pup had been with Conrad at the beginning of the meal and then hopped
aroundfromonePrincetonbrothertotheother,sharingtheirfoodandbeggingthemtopethim.Thelast
timeshe’dnoticed,TobyhadbeenwithDarcy.Thathadbeenbeforeshe’dleftforthekitchentomakethe
coffee.

Worriedthelittlecaninemightgetintosomesortoftrouble,sheturnedonherheel,intendingtosearch

forthedog.Shecameintothekitchen,notingthehousekeeperandmaidwereenjoyingtheircoffeeaswell
hereinthequietness.Involuntarily,hereyescametorestonthecounterwhereasinglecupofcoffeestill
resided, the one meant for Darcy. Apparently, he too had disappeared while she’d been in the kitchen
preparingthehotdrinks.

Determinednottothinkabouthim,shenoddedatthehousekeeperandmaidpolitely,andtheyreturned

her silent greeting with smiles. Sakura then headed back out and left the apartment. She went up to the
thirdfloor,becausesheknewTobywouldbethereifhewasn’tintheapartment.

Asshecamethroughthecorridor,shesoftlycalledoutthedog’sname.Whensheopenedthelastdoor

intotheprivatecourtyardthatbelongedtothePrincetonbrothers,shecaughtherbreathatthebackofher
throat.

Atthistimeofthenight,whentheskywascompletelydarkwithtinydotsofstarsshimmeringinthe

distanceandthegardenwasbaskedindifferentshadesoflightwithcherryblossomtreesasthebackdrop,
itwasbreathtakinglybeautiful.SakurafeltlikeshewasinJapan,viewingcherryblossomsinfullbloom
atnight.

Abarkdrewherattentionfromtheexquisitescenerytothemananddogunderthetree.Sakurafelther

heart skip a beat when she realized it was Darcy and Toby. In that instant, she thought he could be her
musefor a painting,him wearing theyukata, sitting with hisback resting againstthe fully bloomed tree
and Toby on his lap. They were a strikingly beautiful picture, and it made Sakura’s heart glow with a
certainwarmth.

Asthoughinadreamandwithoutherselfrealizingit,shemadeherwaytowardthem,herfeetlightand

the hem of her yukata brushing against the marble path. She came to stand before Darcy and Toby
hesitantly.Shenotedhewaswatchingher,thoughshecouldn’tquitemakeoutwhathisexpressionwas,as
hisfacewashalfhiddenwithinthedarkness.

“Youdidn’twantyourcoffee?”sheaskedoutoftheblue,quiteupsethe’dleftbeforethepartyended

andespeciallybeforeshecouldofferhimhercoffee.She’dputquiteabitofeffortintoit.

Woof!Tobybarkedather.
Sakuraturnedherattentiontoherdog.Shecametokneelonherkneesandreachedherhandoutforthe

pup,intendingtostrokeherbelovedcanine.ShewasabouttotouchTobywhenDarcywrappedhishand
firmlyaboutherslenderwristandroughlypulledhertohim.

Puffing out a breath, Sakura found herself intimately in Darcy’s arms and Toby between them. Heart

pounding,shetentativelylookeduptothedarklyhandsomemanwhomshecouldn’tstopthinkingaboutall
day.Themomentshesawthehot,intenseheatinhiseyes,herbreathwassnatchedaway.

Hisbreathwaswarmagainstherskinwhenhesaiddarkly,“Idon’twantyourcoffee.”
Hiswordshurther.Butbeforeshecouldmovebackandtellhimshe’dnevermakehimcoffeeagain,

Darcyhadonestronghandatthebackofherheadandcrushedhislipsagainsthers.

Sakura shuddered deliciously as she felt his warm, firm lips and hot tongue pressed on hers. She

becameweakinhisarmsasheencouragedhertoopenhermouthforhim.Whenshedid,heplungedhis
tonguein,strokingandcaressinghers,makingherdancewithhiminadeep,passionatekiss.

Whenhefinallypulledback,Sakurawasbreathlessandherheartwasracing.
Darcystaredlongandhardatthewomanheloved,hisfeaturesdarkasever.Hislargehandcupped

herface,hisfingersdugdeepintoherhair,andhisthumbgentlyrubbedagainsthersoftcheek.

“Idon’twantyourcoffee,”hesaidagain.“Iwantyou,andIwantyoutowantme.”
Sakuraswallowed hard athis words, andshe didn’t even getto reply beforeDarcy planted his lips

againsthersagain,givingherascorchingkissthatmadehermelttoherverybones.Sheplacedherhand
onhischest,feelinghisheartbeatingloudandfastagainstherpalm.

Darcycouldn’tcontrolhimselfanddeepenedthekiss,strokingandrubbinghistongueagainsthersas

hemovedherbackagainstthetree,pressinghimselfagainstherandfeelinghersoftnessunderhim.When
hemovedhislipsfromhermouth,hecontinuedkissingheralongherthroatandthenlowertoherchest.
There,hisfingerslingeredaboutherbreasts,lightlycaressingherwithanachingsodeephewantedtorip
theyukataoffherpersonandtakeherthereandthen.

Hisbodyshookwildlywhenherealizedhewasabouttolosecontrol.Hegrittedhisteethandlifted

his head, his eyes dark and tormented with need. But Darcy wasn’t about to betray himself. He wasn’t
abouttobetraySebastian,andhecertainlywasn’tgoingtobetraySakuraandtakeherwithoutherconsent.
Itwouldn’tbefair,andhe’dhatehimselffortherestofhislife.

DenyinghimselfSakura’skissastheprizeforwinningtheracethismorninghadbeendifficultenough.

OhGod!Howhe’dwantedtokisshisSnow.Darcy,however,hadneverwantedhisSnowasaprize.He
wanted her in a deep, connected love between a man and a woman, and nothing less would do. If he
couldn’thavethatwithher,thenhe’drathernothaveanythingatall.

Sakurasawthedarktormentinhiseyesandtouchedhisface,feelingthewarmthofhisskinbeneath

herpalm.“Darce,”shesaidsoftly.“MyDarce.”

“Snow,”hesaidthroughgrittedteeth,hismauve-grayeyesscorchedwithpassion.Hewantedtosay

something.Hell!Hewantedtotellherhowmuchhelovedherandhowmuchhewantedher,buthejust
couldn’tfindthewords.Histhroatwastight,andheknewifhedidn’twalkawaynow,he’dreallyloseit.

And he did lose it. He gazed at her for a bit too long, disregarding his plan of letting her go and

walkingaway.Hisfirmhandatthenapeofherneck,hedrewhertohimandclaimedherlipsagain.He
kissedhersohardandsodeepitmadeSakurasquirminhisembrace,herbodyhungeringformoreofhis
kissesandtouches.Finally,hefoundhiscontrolagainandslowlyreleasedherlips,reluctantly.

“We’llsquashTobyifIkeepkissingyoulikethis,”hesaidsoftly.

Sakuranoddedinagreement.Hemadehersettleagainsthimwithherheadrestinginthecrockofhis

neck,hisarmwrappedaroundher.Sakurastayedthere,quitecontentatthefeelingofhishardandwarm
bodyagainsther,whenDarcysaid,“Iwantedtodiewhenyoudisappeared,Snow.Itwaspainful,andI
don’twantthattohappenagain.Idon’twanttofeellikethatagain.”

Sakurafelttearsstinghereyes.“I’vedecidedIcan’trunfrommyowndestinyanymore,Darce.”
Hestrokedherhair,lovingthefeelofthesoftstrandsagainsthisfingers.
“What’syourdestiny?”heaskedcuriously.
Sheraisedhereyestolookathim.“Youandyourbrothers.”
Hesmiled—thatdark,broodingsmilesheloved.Shetouchedhislips,marvelingatthefleshthatwas

abletogivehermuchpleasure.“ButI’mnotallowedtolovetwomenatthesametime.”

Darcyraisedabrowather.“Whosaidthat?”
“Theuniverse,”shereplied.“It’smyconscience,Darce.”Shesatup,lookingathimpointedly.“Imind

very much about this. I mind that I…” She bowed her head, thinking about her kisses with Sebastian
yesterday.

“ThatyoukissedSebastianandthenme?”heaskedsoftly.
Sheblushedandflashedhereyestohim.“Darce!”
“Doyou?”heaskedseriously.
Shenodded.
Darcynudgedherfacesoshehadnochoicebuttolookathim.Hewantedtosaythathedid,too.He

wantedtotellherheonlywantedhertokisshimandnootherman.Doingso,however,wouldbeunfairto
Sebastian.TheyhadagreedthiswouldbeafaircompetitionbetweenthemtogainSakura’sheart,after
all.

Darcyknewhewasn’tgoodwithwordsandwantedtoshowherhowmuchshemeanttohim.Hedrew

herclose,anticipatinggivingheranotherkiss,whenTobyperkedupandbarkedexcitedlyatthefarside
ofthegarden.

Inthe distance acrossthe glass corridor,a manly shadow madehis way towardthe door. A moment

later,hecameintothegarden,makingTobybarkevenmoreanimatedly.

Darcy tightened his grip on Sakura as the shadow came closer. He had no doubt who it was. It was

suchabadtiming,tobesure,andhewasmorethanalittleannoyedatthesituation.

“Iwaswonderingwhereyoutwowere,”Sebastiansaidinthedistanceashemovedtowardthem.He

stopped short when he saw Sakura in Darcy’s arms. He hesitated, knowing he’d just interrupted
something.

He was about to turn back when Darcy said, “It’s a beautiful night, isn’t it?” He loosened his arms

aroundSakura,indicatingwhethershechosetostayinhisarmsornotwasherdecision.

SakuraknewDarcyhadleftthechoicetoher.Shefeltlikeshewastrapped.Shewasveryannoyedat

howthesituationhadturnedoutindeed.

ShechosetomoveoutofDarcy’sarms,takingTobywithher,settlingthelittlepuponherlap.
Sensingeverythingwasokay,SebastiancametositbesideSakuraandstartedstrokingToby.Thedog

stuckhistongueoutandrubbedhisheadagainstSebastian’spalm.

“Yeah,” Sebastian agreed, staring up at the vast darkness with dots of stars above them. “It is a

beautifulnight.Thenhemovedandlayonthegrass,hishandscrossedbeneathhisheadashecontinuedto
watchthesky.Thethreesatthereinsilence,listeningtothesongofthenightofcricketschirpingand,now
andagain,thesoundofcarspassingalongthestreets.

Somemomentslater,Darcymovedfromhisspotandlaidhimselfonthegrass,too,ontheothersideof

Sakura.

Sakurasuddenlywantedtolaughatthesituation.Hereshewas,inthemiddleoftwogrownmenlying

onthegrassatnight,watchingthesky.Thenshethoughtwhatthehell,andmovedtodothesame.Onceher
backandheadtouchedthecoolgrass,shethoughtitwasn’tsobad,andtheskywasdefinitelybeautiful
fromthisvantagepoint.

Sebastianreachedoutandgrabbedherhand,claspingitwithinhis.Sheglancedupathim,asmileon

herlips.

“Seethatone?”hesaid,pointingtoabunchofstarsupabove.“That’sPegasus.Youcanseethestars

joinlikeasquare,andthenthere’sthelinethatmakestheneckandhead.”

Sakuranoddedwhenshewasabletomakeoutwhathedescribedforher.“That’sPegasus,”shesaid

softly.“He’sbeautiful.”

Darcymovedclosesohewasbesideher.Thenheclaspedherothercoldhandwithinhiswarmones.

Withhislipsclosetoherhair,hesaid,“AndtheoneclosetoPegasusisCygnus.Seethelinethatlinksthe
starslikeacross?”AtSakura’snod,hecontinued.“Theyarejoinedlikethebodyofabirdwithwings.”

Sakurasaid,“Yes,Iseeit.”
ThebrothersandSakurawentquietafterthatforalongwhile,eachenjoyingthemomentastheygazed

upatthestars.

It wasn’t long before Sakura felt her eyes drooping. She knew she should get up and go back to the

apartmenttogetreadyforbed,butshedidn’twanttoleave.WithbothSebastianandDarcybesideher
andTobybundledintoasoftballnearhertummy,themomentwascomplete,andshedidn’twantittoend.
Itwasn’tlong,though,whenherwearinessgotthebetterofherandshefellasleeprightthereonthegrass.

Sebastiannoticedandchuckled.“She’sasleep.”
Darcynodded.Neither,however,botheredtowakeher.Theytookadvantageofthesituationandkept

hertherebesidethem,tomakeupforthelosttimethey’dbeenapart.

It was then when the other brothers found them, having just finished with Sosuke’s birthday

celebration.

“Sothat’swheretheyare,”Tristansaid,lookingheavenwardwithexasperation.“Ithoughtwe’dhave

tosendoutasearchparty.”

“Itlooksfun,”ConradsaidandcametoliebesideSebastian.Hemadehimselfcomfortable,stretching

hislegsandarmsoutlikeastar.“Whoa!Ihaven’twatchedtheskyforages.”

One by one, the brothers joined them—Tristan beside Darcy and Logan next to Tristan. Hayden lay

downnexttoConrad,andfinally,Nicolascompletedthenotsoperfectcircle.

“Whatabeautifulnight,”Nicolassaidsomemomentslater.
“What a wonderful weekend it has been,” Conrad said. “First we found Sakura and Toby, and soon

she’llbemovinginwithus.”

The brothers nodded in agreement and then continued to lie there watching the sky. Now and again,

NicolaswouldpointoutstarsandwhattheywereinrelationtoGreekmythology.Sometimelater,whenit
wasgettingabitcold,thebrothersdecidedtoheadbackintothehouse.Thedilemma,however,waswith
Sakura.Nicolasdecidedforthem.

“I’llcallLadyHarukaandtellherSakuraisstayingthenight,”hesaidandheadedintothehousefirst.
DarcylookedatSebastianpointedly.“Iwanttocarryher.”
Sebastianchuckled.“Sure,”hesaidwithanod.
Conrad picked up the sleeping Toby first, and then Darcy moved and gathered the smallness of

Sakura’sbodyintohisarms.Hegentlyliftedhersoasnottowakeher,andheandhisbrothersheaded
intothehouse.

“Allsorted,”Nicolassaid.

“Whereisshegoingtosleep?”Tristanposedthequestionatlarge.
“There’snobedinthespareroom,”Haydensaid.
Sebastianoffered.“Shecanstayinmyroom.It’sthebiggest.”
Darcynoddedandstartedheadingthatway,allowingthebrotherstofollowhim.
Logansaid,“Andwherethehellareyougoingtosleep?”
“Myroom,”Sebastianreplied,openingthedoorforDarcytoenter.
DarcyheadedstraighttothelargebedinthecenteroftheroomandlaidSakuradown.Sebastiancame

aroundandarrangedtheduvetontopofher.Bothmenmadesureshewascomfortablebeforeturningtheir
attentiontotheirotherbrothers.

“Bedtime,”Sebastiansaid,shooingeveryoneout.
“Ohno!”Tristansaid.“Ifyou’resleepinghere,soamI.”
Sebastianfoldedhisarmsacrosshischestanddemanded,“Whatthehellisthis?”
Logansaid,“Can’ttrustyou,Seb,eventhoughyou’reourbrother.”
AtHayden’snod,Nicolaslookedheavenward.“Youguysareactinglikechildren.I’mgoingtogetmy

pillowandsleepingbag.”

HewasoutthedoorbeforeSebastiancouldprotest.Darcyfollowedhim,trailedbyHayden.Conrad,

aftergivingTobyafondstroke,placedthedogbesideSakuraandheadedoutthedooraswell.

“I’mtakingthesofa,”hesaidtoSebastianacrossthecorridor.
Shortlythereafter,Sebastianwantedtolaughatthewholesituation.Thebrotherswereinhisbedroom,

intheirsleepingbags,positionedhaphazardlythiswayandthatonthefloor.ExceptforConrad,ofcourse,
whohadalreadyclaimedthethroneofthecomfortablesofaforhimself.Thegreedybastard!

“Reminds me of camp back on St. Joseph Island when we were young,” Hayden said softly into the

dimlylitroom.

The moon was bright outside, and the pale grayness cast an enchanting light across the brothers’

featuresastheyconversedinlow,softvoices.

Tristanchuckled.“Yeah.Imissthosetimes.Usdoingallsortsofstupidthings.”
“RememberthatsummerwhenyoudaredustoclimbthatcliffbySt.HelenaBeach?”Haydenasked.
Their minds flashed back to all those years ago when they’d been on St. Joseph Island, daring one

anothertodoallsortsofdangerousandstupidthings,enjoyingthefishingandhikingandrockclimbing
andespeciallysurfing.

“Yeah!”Tristansaid.“ItnearlykilledConrad.”
“Hey!”Conradvoicedfromhisverycomfortablebed.“That’sright.Iwasinthehospitalandacastfor

threeweeks.Itwasn’tfair!”

“Andyoumissedthefirstweekofschool,”Logansaid,chuckling.
Conradlaughed.“Yeah.Thatwasthebestpart.”
“Except,”Darcysaidsoftly,“weforgotallaboutSakura.”
Dead, morbid silence descended upon the room at Darcy’s words, for it struck deep within their

hearts.

“We’reworkingonmakingupforit,”Nicolassaid,nodding.
“Yeah,”Conradsaidcheerfully.“We’llmakesureshehasfuninHawaii.”
Thebrothersagreedwiththatsoundideaandthenutteredgoodnightstooneanother.Thenquietness

descendedasonebyonethebrothersfellasleep.

*****

CHAPTER25

AFamiliarFace

The sensation of a warm, wet tongue and soft fur on her fingertips woke Sakura. She fluttered her eyes
openandstaredupattheceilingthatseemedratherstrangetoher.WhereamI?wasthefirstquestionthat
poppedupinhermind.Sheblinkedacoupleoftimes,tryingtofigureoutifthiswasherbedroom.Surely,
she would remember what her own bedroom looked like. But why couldn’t she remember how she got
backtotheapartment.Moreimportantly,whydidherbedroomlooksodifferent?

The licking became more insistent, drawing Sakura’s attention to the culprit. The moment she saw

Toby,shesmiled.

“Hello,”shegreetedsoftly.
Tobysnuggledhisheadunderherpalm,begginghertopethim.Shelaughedandobligedtopleasethe

littlebeast.

“IthinkI’mgoingmad,Toby,”shesaid.“Ican’tseemtorememberwhereIam.”
It was then she sat up and realized she was in an enormous king-size bed that didn’t belong to her.

Whenshedriftedhergazeacrosstheentirelengthofthelargeroom,shesuckedinherbreath.

OhMotherofGod!Sherealizedshewasactuallysleepinginoneofthebrothers’roomsandbed,and

there on the floor were the Princeton brothers, all seven of them. She blinked and rubbed her eyes, to
confirmshewasn’thallucinating.

Tobysnuggledhimselfagainstherchestandgroanedsoftlyasshemindlesslystrokedhim.
OhGod!HowdidIgethere?
Last night. It must have been last night. She remembered Sosuke’s birthday party, the fun and the

laughter,andthenherfindingDarcyandTobyunderthecherryblossomtree.Thekisses.Therewerethose
kissesshe’dreceivedfromDarcy.ThenSebastianarrived,andhe,Darcy,andherselfwerelyingonthe
grass,staringupatthestars.Andthennothing.

Shegasped.Oneofthemmusthavecarriedherintothepenthouse.Shebitherlip.Oneofthemshould

haveatleastwokenherup.Gosh!Thesemen.

“Comeon,Toby.Webettergetoutofhere,”shesaid.Afterall,itwasaMondayandshehadworkto

do.Nottomention,shehadthatappointmentwiththedoctor.Sheneededtocheckoutherhealth.

WithTobytightagainstherchest,sheclimbedoutofthebed,mindingtheyukata,whichshestillwore.

Steppingsoftlyontothethickcarpet,sheglancedfromonehandsome,manlybodytoanother,tryingtofind
thebestcoursetoreachthedoor—theexit.Tristanwasjustbyherfeet,closesttothebed.Hesleptthere
likeabodyguard,protectingherandpreventinganyonefrompassinghim.Haydenwasnexttohim,head
restingonTristan’sstomachofcourse.LoganwastoHayden’sleft,hisbodypositioneddiagonallytothe
brother.Nicolaswastothefarsideoftheroomnearthedesk.Darcylaynearthesofa,andnexttohim
was Sebastian, near the door. So far, Sakura surmised Conrad was the only brother who had the most
comfortablebed,beingonthatlarge,cozysofa.

Whydidn’ttheygotosleepintheirownrooms,forGod’ssake?Andwhydidn’ttheywakeherupso

shecouldreturntotheapartment?

ShetightenedherarmsaroundTobyandtentativelysteppedoverTristanand,atthesametime,avoided

landingherfeetonHayden’sface.Theyukatadidn’thelpmucheither,asitwasquitetightaboutthelegs

and taking long steps was just impossible. And that next haul required long steps indeed. Thus, she
clutchedthematerialoftheyukatawithonehandasshepulledthehemupherlegs.Tobylickedherchin,
encouragingher.Shesmiledandnodded.

“Herewego,”shewhisperedasshepulledthehemoftheyukatahighertothesideandthenstretched

herlegout,oversteppingHayden’sbody.

Someonegrumbledinhissleep.ItwasTristanbehindher.Whenhequieteddown,shemovedoverto

theside,crossingoverLogan.Suddenly,thestupidmanstirred,turninghisbodyjustso.Sakuraknewshe
was going to fall as his action caught the hem of her yukata. She found herself falling forward and
shriekedoutindismay.

Sebastian woke up at the sound of the female voice squeaking and found himself greeted by Sakura

landingontopofhim.Hewasbloodysurprisedandmightypleasedtobeaccostedatsuchanearlyhour
with such a beautiful and soft body. Because she was so small, her weight was nothing to him, so he
didn’tfeelanythingwhenshesmashedontohim.Thoughhecouldn’tsaythesameforher.Shelookedlike
shewashurtratherbadly,whatwiththepainfulfaceshewaspulling.

Shegaspedandsaid,“Toby!”Sheglanceddown,hopinglikehellshehadn’tsquishedthelittlepupto

death.

Hewaswhimpering,andSakurasaid,“I’msosorry,Toby.”
Sebastianchuckled,hisdeeptimberechoingloudinthequietroom.“Ithinkhe’sallright,”hesaid.
Sakuratriedtositup,butSebastiantightenedhisholdonherandmadeherrolloverhiminstead,to

giveTobysomespacebetweenthem.

SakurafoundherselfflatonherbackwithSebastianbesideher.Hewasrestingtheweightofhisbody

onhiselbowashegazeddownather.

“Goodmorning,”hesaid,ahandsomesmileonhislips.“Areyouallright?”
Sakurapulledheryukataaboutherperson,tryingtocoverherselfproperly.Sheshuffledherselfback

toputsomespacebetweenthembutfoundherendeavorwasuselessbecauseshewastrappedbyanother
bodytoherotherside.SheturnedoverandmetDarcy’sdarkgaze.Hewaswatchingherintensely.

“Whyareyouupalready?”heasked.“It’snotevensixyet.”
Sheblushedandmuttered,“Iusuallygetupthisearly.It’smybiologicalclock.”
Toby chose that moment to wriggle out of Sakura’s arm. Once he was free, he jumped onto Darcy’s

chest, gave him a good lick on the cheek in greeting, and then hopped over onto the sofa with Conrad,
landingontheyoungestbrother’schest.ThedogthensnuggledunderConrad’sblanketandmadehimself
comfortable.

Sakurasatupandsaid,“I’mgoingbacktotheapartment.”
“Atthistime?”Darcyqueried.“Don’tyouthinkit’sabitinconvenientforLadyHaruka?”
Sakuraadmittedhewasright.
Sebastian gently nudged her back down between them, moving his pillow so she could share his.

“NicolasalreadyinformedLadyHarukaaboutyoustayinghereforthenight.”

Sakurasighedassheonceagainfoundherselfinbetweenthetwomen.WhenDarcypulledhisblanket

soshecouldhavesome,shesaid,“No,inthatcase,I’lljustgoandgetsomecoffee.”

Shemoved,stoodup,andpulledheryukataproperlyonherperson.Thenshesaid,“Excuseme,”and

steppedoverSebastian’sbody.

ShewasjustopeningthedoorwhenSebastiansaid,“Inthatcase,I’lljoinyou.”
“Me,too,”Darcysaid.
ThethreecameintothekitchenandmetBeththere,whowasgettingbreakfastready.
“Goodmorning,Beth,”Sakuragreeted.

Bethnearlyjumpedoutofherskin.“Sakura?”
AtBeth’squestioninglook,Sakurasaid,“It’salongstory.I’mgoingtomakesomecoffee.Wouldyou

likeone?”

“Yes,ofcourse,”Bethsaid,nodding,hereyesonSebastianandDarcyatthedoor.Theyweregrinning

fromeartoear.

Some twenty minutes later, Sakura, Sebastian, and Darcy were enjoying their breakfast and coffee

togetherinthediningroomwhenConradjoinedthem.

“Whydidn’tyouwakeme?”Conraddemandedatthedoor,Tobyinhisarms.Tobybarkedatthemin

outrageaswell.

“Youweretoocomfortableinyourbed,”Darcysaid.“Comeon.”Henoddedatthechairnexttohis,

whichConradhappilytook.

*****

“YouknowIcangettotheclinicmyself,”Sakurasaid,staringatSebastianbesideher.

“Yes,Iknow,”hereplied,agrinonhisface.“ButIwanttoaccompanyyou.”Hechangedthetopic.

“How are you feeling today?” He placed the back of his hand over her forehead as he looked at her
closely.Theintensityofhisblueeyesmadeherblush,andSebastianchuckled.“Nottoobad?”

Shepushedhishandawayinannoyance.“Stopthat.”
“Stopwhat?”heasked,teasingher,hisfacesoclosetoherhemadeherfeelalittleweakintheknees.
“Stop looking at me like that,” she muttered. She sighed in vexation and turned her attention to the

elevatordoorinstead.Itdingedinthatinstantandopened.Sebastianmovedtotheside,allowingherto
exittheliftfirst.

They came into a posh clinic, and after Sakura informed the receptionist she was here for her

appointment,sheandSebastiantooktheirseatsinthewaitingarea.SebastianwasholdingSakura’shand
andkeptteasingher,leavingnodoubtforeveryonetheretheywereacouple.

“MissSakuraTanaka?”amalevoicesaid.
SakurastoodandcametofaceapleasantmanalittleolderthanSebastian.
“Sebastian,”thedoctorsaid.“It’sbeenawhile.”
“Dave,how’sClaire?”Sebastianasked.
“She’sgood,”Davesaid,“andbusywiththekids.”Thenhelaughed.
“You’rekeepingherbusy.”Sebastianchuckled.
DavereturnedhisgazetoSakuraandsmiledknowingly.“Sakura,pleasefollowme,”hesaid.
Sakuranodded.
“Ah,Sebastian,doyouwanttocomeaswell?”Daveasked.
Sakurablinkedandquicklysaid,“No.No.That’sfine.Idon’tneedhim.Thatis…Imean,hedoesn’t

needtocomein.”

Davelookedalittleconfused.“It’stotallyfineifSebastianwantstocomein.Iseewomenallthetime

with their boyfriends, especially if it’s to do with contraception and birth control and trying to get
pregnantorwhatnot.”

SakuraglancedatSebastian,whodidn’teventrytohidehisamusement.
“Sakuradarling,doyouwantmetocomeinwithyou?”heteased.
Sakuraglaredathim,herfacered.“No,I’mfine,Sebastian.Pleasestayhere.”Sheturnedtothedoctor

andsaidquickly,“Let’sgo.”

Davenoddedandledherintohisoffice.Onceinside,heindicatedforhertotakeaseat,whichshedid.
“WhatcanIdoforyou,then?”Davebegan.
Some fifteen minutes later, Sakura emerged from the office, and Sebastian stood impatiently as she

cametowardhim.

“Howwasit?”heasked,alittleconcerned.
“I just needed to get some medication from the drugstore,” she said. “Iron deficiency. I thought as

much.Alwayssotired.”

“It’s very common,” Dave said behind her. “Young ladies tend to get iron deficiency, what with not

eatingwellandall.”

SebastianglancedatSakura.“You’restillnoteatingright,”hesaid.“We’llhavetotakebettercareof

you,sweetheart.”Hecaressedhercheek,hiseyessoftonher.

Davenoticedthesentimentalactionandpretendedacoughtogethisfriend’sattention.WhenSebastian

reluctantlyturnedtohim,Davesaid,“Moreredmeatmoreoften.Andofcourse,moresleep.”Heturned
toSakura.“You’renotsleepingverywell,areyou?”

Sakurashookherhead.She’dneverbeenabletosleepwellsinceshe’dbeenlittle.Nowandagain,the

nightmareswouldcome.Thoughshehadtoadmitshehadn’thadoneforawhilenow,sinceshe’dmetthe
brothersagainatthehotel,infact.

“Well,”DavesaidtoSebastian.“Youtakegoodcareofyourgirlfriend.”Thenheaddedquietlysoonly

Sebastiancouldhearhim.“She’sakeeper.”

Sebastianlaughed.“Iknowthat.”
Afterthefriendssaidgood-bye,SebastiantookSakuratothedrugstoreforherprescribedmedication.
“Where are you taking me?” Sakura asked some moments later, seeing that the car wasn’t heading

throughthefamiliarstreetstowardtheapartment.

“Lunch,”Sebastiansaid,grinningfromeartoear.“I’mtakingyoutolunch.”
“You’retakingadvantageofthesituation,aren’tyou?”sheasked,aglintinhereyes.
“Why,yes.”Headmitted.“Sakura,sweetheart,youdowanttohavelunchwithme,don’tyou?”
Sherefusedtotellhimofcourseshedid.Shedidn’twanthisegotogrowanybigger.Thedarnman.
Sebastian, however, could guess from the look on her face and laughed. “Where would you like to

go?”

“Idon’tknow.Youchoose,”shereplied,
“Allright,”hesaid.“HowaboutItalian?WehaveagreatItalianrestaurantatPrincetonHotel.”
“Sure,whynot?ThatwaywecanstopbyandsayhitoDaddyJamesandMomBrenda.Maybeifthey

aren’tbusy,theycanjoinus.AndNicolasandConrad,too.”

Some five minutes later, they parked the car and got out. He rushed over to her side before Sakura

couldopenthedoor.Shelaughedandsaid,“Sebastian,I’mnotaninvalid,youknow.”

“Yes,Iknowthat,”hesaid.“ButIdidsayI’dtakegoodcareofyou.”
She pulled a face. “What? Are you going to cook me amazing food full of nutrients, especially iron,

everyday?”

Shewasjustjoking,ofcourse,butSebastianlookedlikehewasseriousaboutit.
“IthinkIwill,”hesaid,“Onceyou’vemovedinwithus.Hmm,I’llhavetostartlearningfromBeth.”
She laughed. “Bearing in mind she considered you the best house husband, I’m sure Beth would be

onlytoohappytohaveyouunderhercommand.”

Sebastianpulledherinhisarmsandsaid,“Yes,shewould,wouldn’tshe?”
Sakura blinked and looked up at him. “Why are you hugging me in the parking lot? People are

looking.”

Sebastiancockedhisheadtooneside,mirthinhisbright-blueeyes.“Oh?Idon’tseeanythingwrong

with a couple hugging and kissing in the parking lot. It’s normal for a guy to show his feelings to his
girlfriend,I’msure.”

Sakurasnortedathisstatement.“Kissing?We’renot—”
Shedidn’tgettofinish.Sebastianplantedhislipsonhersandkissedherhard,histonguelickingand

caressingherflesh.TheactionmadeSakuraalittlelightheaded.

When he pulled back, he was grinning. “There,” he said. “I’ve wanted to do that to you since you

landedonmethismorning.”

Sakurablushedandmovedtogetoutofhisarms.Sebastianwouldn’tletherandtightenedhisgrip.He

wasabouttokissheragainwhenshesaid,“Sebastian,I’mhungry.”

Helaughed.“Ofcourseyouare,andI’mnotabouttomakeyoumissyourveryimportantmeal.”
Hemovedbackand,withhishandonherwrist,ledherawayfromthecartowardtheelevator.
Somemomentslater,theywerejustheadingtowardthelobbyofthehotelwhenSakurasaid,“Wait,I

needtogotothebathroom.”

“Sure.”Henodded.“I’llwaithere.”
“Thanks,”shesaidandrushedoffinthedirectionofthefemalerestroomsign.
Once inside, Sakura quickly did her business, hoping Sebastian hadn’t been waiting too long. After

washingherhands,sheheadedbackoutthedoor,herfeethurryingacrossthecorridor.Shewasopening
anotherdoorthatwouldleadherbackintothefoyerwhenshebumpedintosomeone.Shewasaboutto
apologizewhenshelookedup.Themomenthereyesmettheelegantwomanwithperfectlystyledblond
hair,perfectlymade-upface,andapowerfulbusinesssuit,Sakurafrozeinplaceandhereyesroundedin
terror.

TheotherwomanstaredatSakura,acold,shockedlookplasteredonherface—afacethatwasvery

similartoTara’s.Onlythisonewasolderandhadmorewrinkles.Quickly,sheregainedhersensesand
shovedSakuratotheside,throwingthegirloffbalance.Thensherushedaway,herstepsquickandthe
noiseofherheelsclip-cloppingonthemarblefloorechoinginSakura’shead.

Sakurafeltasthoughshecouldn’tbreathe.Herchestfelttightasshestoodthere,frozeninherspot,her

mindreelingwithshock,confusion,andterror.

Avoicecalledouthername,butshedidn’thearit.Warmhandscuppedherfaceashermindcontinued

tobedrawnintothepoolofdarkness.

“Sakura!Lookatme.Sweetheart.Pleaselookatme.Sakura.”
Sakura blinked, and slowly, the haze of darkness lifted from her mind as Sebastian’s voice became

clearerinherears.

“Sakura,sweetheart.What’swrong?”Sebastianaskedinconcern.
Sakurathrewherselfintohisarmsandsnuggledherfaceagainsthismassivewarmchest.Shesaid,her

voiceshaking,“I’mnotfeelingverywell.Pleasetakemehome.”

Sebastianwrappedhisarmaroundher,hiseyesdarkwithworry.Heknewsomethingwasn’tright.She

wasactingverystrangeallofasudden.Whatmadeherchangeherdemeanorsosuddenly?Worried,he
noddedandledhertothedoor.Henotedshewastenseandherbodywasshakinglikealeafinastorm.

On their way back home, he didn’t ask her any questions because she didn’t look like she could

managethat.Hishands,however,heldontohertight,agesturetoremindherhewasherebesideher.

“Thanksfortakingmetoseethedoctor,”shesaidquietlyattheapartment.Thenbeforehecouldsay

anythingfurther,sheshutthedoor,leavingSebastianfrowningdarklywithconcern.

Inherbedroom,Sakuralockedthedoorasifshewereafraidsomeonewouldbreakinandthenthrew

herselfonherbed.Shelaythere,herbodyshakinguncontrollably,asshestaredintospace.Inhermind’s

eye,shewasthatchildonceagain,livinginQueenMaryOrphanage,beingtorturedandbulliedbynone
otherthanMrs.Byrd,theheadmistress.

Sakurafistedherhandstight.No.No.Surely,shemusthavebeenhallucinating.Mrs.Byrdhaddiedin

thefire that nighteighteen years ago.She couldn’t have beenalive. The womanshe’d bumped into, the
womanwholookedsomuchlikeTara,couldn’tbeMrs.Byrd.Hermind,however,wasadamantthatwho
she’djustseenwasMrs.Byrd.Afterall,howcouldsheforgetthewomanwhohadtorturedherdayinand
day out? The woman who made her suffer when she was a little girl? Even though eighteen years had
passed…

“No,”Sakurawhispered.“Iwon’tbelieveit.Youdiedthatnight.Iknowyoudied.”
ButasSakuratriedtoconvinceherself,sheknewthewomanshe’dbumpedintowasMrs.Byrd.She

knew also that what she’d seen that night eighteen years ago was true—Mrs. Byrd had intentionally
burned down the orphanage and escaped into the darkness. Mrs. Byrd was still alive and living a very
happyandrichlife.

*****

Julie Clark, known previously as Margaret Byrd, banged the door shut and rested her head against the
frame.Herheartwasstillpumpingloudandfastasshetookinshakybreaths.Shehadn’tbeenthisscared
orsopissedoffsincethedayshe’ddiscoveredherhusbandwithanotherwoman.Sincethatnightshe’d
victoriously escaped that disastrous orphanage on St. Joseph Island, she’d thought she had put the past
behindher.

Afterall,shedeservedtoenjoyherlifetothefullest.Ofcourse,she’dbeendoingjustthatforthepast

eighteen years. But the sight of that distasteful girl, Sakura, now fully grown and too beautiful for her
liking,madeherpastreturntohaunther.

When her heart finally slowed down to its normal rhythm and her mind cleared, she gazed long and

hardattheluxurythatsurroundedher.Herapartmentwastastefullydecoratedwiththelatestfashionand
design,noexpensespared.Shewasrich,withaprosperousbusinessofherown.Shewassurroundedby
men who adored her. Of course, most just wanted to have sex with her girls, but she didn’t mind that.
Thosegirlswereworkingforher,afterall,andthemengrewherbusinesswiththeirlimitlessmoneyand
unsatisfiedlust.

Withadeepsigh,shebargedintoherlargebedroomthatoverlookedCentralPark.Shethrustthecloset

openandsearchedfortheoldboxshehadhiddenwayattheback.Whenshepulleditout,sheeyedthe
thingwithdisgust.Whydidn’tIthrowthethingaway?Whydidn’tI?

She unlocked the small chest and flicked it open. There, she stared long and hard at the countless

letterswithbeautiful,cleanhandwriting,signedwithlovewiththenameHarukaTanaka.Amongstthose
were receipts of checks ranging between fifty grand to over a few hundred. Money Julie herself had
deposited into her private account, which amounted to just over two million by the time she’d left St.
JosephIslandtostartanewlifeforherself.

“Ilookedafterthelittlebitchforsevenyears,”shemutteredunderherbreath.“Ideservedthatmoney.”
Angrily,sheslammedtheboxshutandbusiedherselfhidingitawayinthebackofthecloset.“Tara,”

shesaid,searchingforhercellphone.Withhandsshaking,shedialedherdaughter’snumberandwaited.
Afterafewrings,Tara’svoicecamethrough.

“Whatdoyouwant,Mom?Itoldyounottoringmeunlessit’sanemergency!”
Juliegrittedherteethandsnapped,“Tara,darling,thisisanemergency.”Hervoicewasshaking,and

sheknewTaracouldhearthat.

“Whatisit?What’swrong?”
Julietookadeepbreath.“MeetmetonightatMadamLounge.”
“What?Whycan’tyoutellmenow?”
Juliesnapped,“It’snotsafe.Justmeetmethiseveninginmyoffice.”
“Allright.I’llbethere.”
The beeping sound came through instantly, indicating Tara had hung up. Julie once again felt herself

shakingwithfright,hereyesontheclosetwheretheancientboxwashidden.

*****

“Getoffme!”Taramutteredinannoyance,shovingahandaway.

RayWoodsliftedhisheadandraisedabrowather.“Whatiswrongwithyou?”hequeried.Hewas

quiteannoyedthatshe’dinterruptedhimhavinghiswaywithher.

Tarafoldedherarmsagainstherbarebreastsandsaidcoldly,“It’smymother.”
“Oh?”Hesatup.“Whatdoesshewant?”
“Shewantstomeettonight,”Tarasaid,lookingheavenward.“Thingis,shesoundedlikeshe’djustshit

herself.”

Raylaughed.“That’sfunny.”AtTara’sglare,hesaid,“Yourmother’sabitch,Tara.Webothknowthat.

I’veworkedforher,doingherdirtywork,forfiveyearsnow.Iknowthatwoman’smental.”

Tarasnorted.“Ifshe’smental,thenwhythehellareyouworkingforher?”
Rayshrugged.“Shepaysgoodmoney.AndIlikethejob.”
Tara saw him smile and knew what he meant. He loved living dangerously and doing illegal things.

Thatwaswhatdrewhertohimthemomentthey’dfirstmetayearagoafterJamesPrincetonhadkicked
heroutofhisfamily.

ShewassopissedthatherplansingettingridofSakurahadfailedthatshereturnedtoNewYorkand

starteddrinkingherselfstupid.Whenshebecamebrokeand,ofcourse,couldn’taskAlainaforanymore
moneytokeephergoing,she’dturnedtoherownmother—whosupposedlydiedeighteenyearsago—for
help.

Ofcourse,she’dfoundoutwhenshe’dturnedsixteennineyearsagoandreceivedananonymousletter

thatMargaretByrdwasn’tdead.Atfirst,she’dbeensopissedwithherownmotherforpullingoffsucha
selfish stunt, for burning down the orphanage and running off, leaving her to fend for herself. But then
again,thecircumstancehadalsogivenhertheopportunitytobeadoptedbyoneofthewealthiestfamilies
inAmerica,withAlaina’shelpofcourse.She’dusedherwitsandtrickstogetthegulliblegirltobecome
herbestfriendandmadeherdoeverythingshe’deverwishedfor.

Tarasighedandgotoutofbed,naked.Rayadmiredherslenderformandsaid,“Whereyougoing?”
Taraturnedtolookathim.“Toseemymother.”
Helaughed.“IguessIbettergotoo.Sheprobablygotagoodjobformetodo.”
Threehourslater,TaraandRaywalkedintotheMadamLounge,aprivateclubformentoenjoytheir

drinkingandsex.Tarasnortedindisgust.Shecouldn’tbelieveherownmotherownedsuchadespicable
businessestablishment.

Sheglancedatthehandsomemanbesideher.Shecouldn’tbelieveshewassleepingwithhermother’s

right-handmaneither.Yes,hewasdarklyhandsomeandhefitallthebillswherelookswereconcerned.
HewasacombinationofSebastianandDarcy—tall,withblackhairlikeDarcyandbrightblueeyeslike
Sebastian. He swam, too. That toned, muscular body was very similar to the much-desired Princeton
brothers. But unlike Sebastian and Darcy, Ray wasn’t out of reach. Ray was attainable, and of course,

bloodyboring.Even now,shestill achedforthe Princetonbrothers. Her Princeton brothers, especially
DarcyandSebastian.

“Hey,Sarah,”Raysaidtothelovelyblondgreetingthem.Shewinkedathimandgavehimagood,long

kissonthelips.

“You haven’t been to see me for a while, Ray darling,” she said seductively, batting her long fake

eyelashes.

Helaughed.“I’vebeenbusy.How‘boutlater?”
SaraheyedTaraandsaid,“Okay,later,then.Hi,Tara.”
Tarasneeredandtoldthewomanwithhereyestopissoff.Shewasn’tgoingtomixwordswiththese

lowlifebitcheswhosoldtheirbodiesformoney.

Withherheadheldhigh,shemarchedelegantlyupthestairstohermother’soffice.Rayfollowedclose

behindher.

“What’stheemergency?”sheaskedthemomentshesteppedintotheluxuriousoffice.
Julielookedupfromherlaptop,herfacemarkedwithfrightandexhaustion.Tarawasverysurprised

becauseshe’donlyseenthewomanlastweek,andshe’dlookedashappyandyoungasever.

Julieindicatedthetwoshouldsitbeforeshebegan.Oncetheydid,shesaid,“Shesawme.”
Tarafrowned.“What?Whosawyou?”
Juliefistedherhandsintoballsandsnapped,“Sakurasawme.”
Tarablinked.“Comeagain?”
“Sakura,thatlittlebitch,sawmetoday.IwasinthePrincetons’hoteland—”
“What?” Tara shrieked in outrage. “What the hell were you doing there? I told you not to go there.

Whatiftheyrecognizedyou?JamesandBrendalivetherenow.”

“Itcan’tbehelped,”Juliedefended.“Oneofmyimportantclientswasthere.Iwasescortingoneofmy

girlsthereforhim.”

Taralookedheavenwardandprayedforpatience.“Screwyourbusinessandyourgirls!”shesnapped.

“Sowhat?Sakurasawyou.Andwhatthehellwasshedoingthereanyway?”

“Idon’tknow,”Juliemuttered.“ButIbumpedintoher.”
“Wait?”Taraturnedtostareathermother.“Youbumpedintoher?”AtJulie’snod,shewenton.“God,

tellmeshedidn’trecognizedyou.”

Juliesighedandsaid,“Ithinkshedid.”
“Whatthehell!”Taraswore.
“Ithinksherecognizedme.Shewaslookingatmestrangely,andshereacted,like…reacted.”
“Likewhat?”Taraasked,hereyeslargewithfright.
“Likeshe’djustseenaghost,”Julieexplained.
At this point, Ray was interested in what was going on. Mother and daughter looked like they were

freakedoutbythisgirlnamedSakura.

“Soundslikesherecognizedyouallright,”hecommented.
Hereceivedafrighteninglypissedoffglarefrombothmotheranddaughter.Hebrushedtheangeraside

andsaid,“Butreally,why’reyousoafraidofher?She’sjustagirl,right?”

“Yes,”Tarasaid.“ButMomissupposedtobedead.ThatgirlSakurawasoneofthegirlsMomlooked

afterbackattheorphanage.Whatifshegoesandtellsthepolice?Whatifthepolicedigupwhatreally
happenedthatnight?”

Ray laughed. “Okay, let me get this straight. So you’re saying, Julie, you were the one who burned

downthatorphanage?”

Juliesighed.TherewasnopointinhidingitfromRay.He’dfindoutsoonerorlater.

Whenshenodded,hechuckled.“Classic.Yougotballs,Julie,andIlikethat.”
Tarasaid,“Assumingshe’sgoingtothepolice,whatthen?”
“Wecan’tlethergotothepolice,”Juliesaid.
“Look,”Raysaid.“Youtwolooklikeyouneedsomehelp.”
Tarafoldedherarmsacrossherchest.“Whatdoyoumean?”
Raysaid,“Ifshegoestothepolice,youtwoarescrewed.ThePrincetonswillfindouteventually.”
Tara’sfaceflaredwithterroratthatverythought.Shecouldn’tpossiblyletthePrincetonbrothersfind

outabouthermotherandherbeinginvolvedinsomethinglikethis.Shecouldn’tpossiblyletSakuraruin
herchancewiththebrothers.Notagain.Notever.ShewasgoingtogetSebastianorDarcy,onewayor
another.

Shestood.“IhaveafashionshootinHawaiithisweek.”Sheclutchedherhandswhenonceagainshe

rememberedonlylastweek,Mr.TachibanahadcalledherandAlainaintohisoffice,informingthemof
Sakura,anewmodel,themainone.Andallalong,Tarahadthoughtshewasthesupermodelwhogotto
wearMr.Tachibana’smostexpensiveanddesirableitems,aswellasLadyHaruka’sjewels.Ofcourse,it
didn’tdampenherangereither,eventhoughMr.TachibanahadinformedthemthePrincetonbrotherswere
therestofthemalemodels.

Shesaid,“SakuraisoneofthefemalemodelsforMr.Tachibana’ssummercollection.”
Julieglancedupandmanagedatentativesmile.“That’sgood.”
Rayknewthetwowereuptonogood,andhewasactuallylookingforwardtoplayingwiththem.

*****

CHAPTER26

The Nightmare Re turns

Eighte e nYe arsAgo,St.Jose phIsland

LittleSakurawokeherselfupwithasoul-piercingscreamthatshookherweebodybytheforceoffright.
She flashed her eyes open, praying the monster Mrs. Byrd wasn’t there in her room, about to whip her
withabelt.Hereyesweredarkandwildasshescannedaroundthecold,baresurroundings.Onceshe
wasconvincedthewomanwasn’tpresent,sheclutchedthethinblanketagainstherpersonandbeganto
whimper.

“IwishIhadamamatohugme,”shecried,tearsflowingdownhercheeks.Instead,shehuggedherself

intoasmallballtoeasetheicycoldnessintheroomandtriedtogobacktosleep.

Thethoughtofthatruthless,meanMrs.Byrdandherdaughter,Tara,however,keptherawake.They

werenodoubtverycomfortableintheirwarmbedsrightnow.Shehadonlywantedanotherblankettotop
thisthinonetokeepherwarmatnight.Whenshe’daskedthatmorning,however,whatshereceivedin
turnwasaslaponthefaceandthentenwhipsonherbackside.Shewasstillsorefromthepunishmentbut
triednottothinkaboutit.Instead,shethoughtaboutthePrincetonbrothers,oftheboynamedDarcewith
jet-black hair and beautiful lavender-gray eyes. It was only then she felt a sense of calmness settling
withinherasasmileformedonherlips.

“Darce,”shewhisperedsoftlybetweenherlips.“Darce.”
He’d stroked her hair and suggested they call her Snow. She liked the name very much. It was a

beautifulname.BetterthanSally,ofcourse.Sakurawasn’taSillySally.ShewasSakura,andtoDarce,
shewasSnow.

Then she thought about the beautiful boy named Sebastian. The one with golden-blond hair and sky-

blue eyes. He’d been curious about her, smiled at her, and talked to her. He was nice and kind. Oddly
enough,hemadeherhappy.Oh,howshewishedtheywerehersiblings.Howshewishedthey’dplaywith
herlikethey’dplayedwithAlainaandTara.

Sheturnedonherside,wipingtearsfromhercheeks.Thenshecuppedherhandstogetherandbegan

herprayer,herweeheartachingwithloneliness.

“Dear God, please hear my prayer. If you are out there, please listen to me. I’ve been a good girl,

haven’t I? I mean, I’ve studied really hard and I did all my chores. I didn’t complain when Mrs. Byrd
whippedme.Thatoughttoaccountforsomething,right?Sopleasehearmyprayer.Iwantanicefamilyto
adopt me. I want them to love me. I want a mama and a papa who love me and hug me when I have
nightmares.Mostofall,Idon’twantthemtobeangryatmeallthetimeandwhipme.Imean,theycanbe
angryatmesometimeswhenI’mbeingsillyorstupid.ButI’mnotstupidorsilly.Thatname,Sally,isa
silly name and it just doesn’t suit me, you know. Anyway, please, please, please do something soon
because I’m beginning to think you don’t exist anymore. You’re so slow at working this out. Anyway,
please help me find a nice family. The Princetons would be nice. No, not just nice. They’d be perfect.
Please?Okay,that’sall.I’mgoingtostopbotheringyounow.Youcangobackandmakepeople’swishes
cometrue,butjustdon’tforgetmine.”

ShesighedafterhavingexpressedherwishestotheAlmightyandthenclosedhereyes.

Tenminuteslater,shestillcouldn’tsleepandfeltawfullythirsty.Shesatupandgotoutofbed,praying

veryharditwasstilltooearlyforanyonetobeup.

Shequietlyopenedthedoor,slippedout,andsilentlymadeherwayacrossthedarkcorridor,downthe

stairs,andthentowardthekitchen.

There,shereachedfortheknobandturned.Slowlyandquietly,shecrackedthedooropenwhileshe

glancedbehindhershoulderincaseanyonesawher.Allshewantedwasaglassofmilk,butMrs.Byrd
wouldslapheragainifsheweretotakemilkwithoutpermission.

Sakura thought she was safe and let her guard down. She stepped into the kitchen and didn’t look at

whereshewasgoing.ShecametoacompletestopandgaspedinfrightthemomentshesawMrs.Byrd.
ThewomanhadherbacktoSakura.Shewasbusypouringabigcanofliquidaroundtheroom.

Sakura frowned, her nose twitching at the odd scent. “What’s that smell?” she said softly without

thinking.

Margaret Byrd jumped and twisted around, her eyes large in horror. Then she gritted her teeth and

snapped,“Whatareyoudoinghereatthistimeofnight?”

Sakurashruggedback.“Iwantaglassofmilk.I’mthirsty.”
MargaretdumpedthelargecanofgasolineandmarchedtoSakura.Heavingwithfrustrationandanger,

the woman raised her hand high and then swung across, smacking her plump, hard fist against the little
girl’s face, throwing her small body back and landing her backside against the cold floor and her head
againstthecupboard.

Sakurabecamelimpandwhimperedasthepainscreamedinherbody.Shewasshakingfromheadto

toeasshestaredatthelargewomanheadingtowardher.Shewassoafraidthattearsburnedinhereyes,
andsheautomaticallyprotectedherselfbyhuggingherbodyintoasmallball.

Margaretwouldn’thaveanyofitandroughlygrabbedthegirlbyherlonghair,yankingherupasshe

said,“Youdidn’tseeanythingofthis,youhear?Youdidn’tseemehere.I’mdead.Doyouunderstand?”

Sakurarecoiled,tearspouringdownhercheeks.Shedidn’treallyunderstandanything.Allshewanted

wasforthewomantolethergoandleaveheralone.

Margaret,however,didnoneofthosethingsandshookSakurahard.“Listenhere,youlittlebrat,I’m

dead.Youunderstand.MargaretByrdisdead.Ifanyoneasks,sayIdiedinthefire.”

Sakurashookherhead.“Please,”shebegged.“Letmego.Please.”
Margarettightenedherhandsonthelittlegirl,hereyeslargewithmadness.“Look,Sakura,IpromiseI

won’teverhurtyouagainifyoujusttelleveryoneIwasdeadinthefire,allright?”

Sakurablinkedand,tentatively,shenodded.Shewantedthewomantostophurtingher.
Margaretsmiled.“Goodgirl.”Slowly,sheletSakuragoandtookafewstepsback.Shefumbledher

handsintothepocketofherdressandtookoutalighter.

Sakura watched, her eyes large as the woman started flicking the thing, again and again, her hand

shaking,untilasmallflamewasborn.Thenshethrewthelightontothecountertop,andinstantly,itwas
engulfedwithfire.

Sakuragaspedinfrightandshouted,“Fire!”
Margaretopenedadrawerasthefirespreadfaster,devouringeverythinginitssightacrossthekitchen.

Thewomantookoutarollingpin.Withthethinginhand,sheturnedherattentiontoSakura.

“Sakura?” She smiled at the little girl. “Remember what I said, yes? Tell everyone I’m dead in this

fire.”

Sakura,herbodystiffinshockatthesightoftheburningfiresurroundingher,nodded.
“Goodgirl,”Margaretsaid.ThensheraisedtherollerhighandsentitdowntowardSakura’shead.
LittleSakurawatchedinhorrorasthepinflewtowardherinoneforcefulblow,smashingagainsther

face.Shelandedonthefloor,hersmallbodyinamangledposition.Shefeltnumballoverandallshe
could see was darkness. Her instincts, however, told her she was in danger, and she tried to open her
eyes.Herwholebodyshookasshereachedherhandoutforthewomanwho’djusthither.Shewascrying
andknewshewasgoingtodiehereinthefireifshedidn’tgethelpsoon.

Throughthehazeofhervision,shewatchedasMrs.Byrdopenedthedoor,aheavybaginherhand.

Withasmileonherface,shewalkedout.

Aloneandsurroundedbyfire,Sakuraclosedhereyesandblacknesseventuallytookher.

*****

Sakura woke up with a start, her heart pounding fast and furious and her head aching. Her whole body
wasshakinglikealeafasshesattherestaringintospace.

Thenightmareofthatnighthadreturned,andthelookofMrs.Byrd’sfacewasetcheddeepwithinher

mind.

Sakurashookherheadasshewilledhertearstoremainatbay.
“She’snotreal,”shesaidsoftlytoherself.“Shecan’tbereal.Iwashallucinating.”Butevenasshe

saidthat,sheknewshewasn’thallucinating.SheknewforcertainMrs.Byrdwasstillalive.She’djust
metthewomanyesterday.

Toby sensed her disquiet and awoke, his eyes large with concern. He came to her and begged to be

hugged.Sakuraobligedandembracedherdogtightagainstherchestasshelaythereunderthethickness
andwarmnessofherduvet.Sounlikeeighteenyearsago.

“Thankyouforbeingwithmealltheseyears,”shesaidtothepup.Ifithadn’tbeenforToby,itwould

bejustlikeallthosenights,sleepingaloneandcryingherheartoutafterthenightmares.

Tobyrubbedhisheadagainstherchest,tellingheritwashispleasure.
“WhatamIgoingtodo,Toby?”shesaid.“She’sback,andIknownothinggoodisgoingtocomeof

this.”

Thedogwhimperedandlickedherchin.
“Ican’tlethergetaway,Toby.Ijustcan’t.I’mnotthatchildanymore.Iwon’tletherscareme.Iwon’t

lethertorturemeanymore.”Shechuckledbrokenly.“She’sabitchandachildabuser.Whoknowswhat
elseshecouldbe?”

Sherolledonherbackandstaredupattheceiling,wonderinghowshe’dgoaboutdealingwiththis

newinformation.Mrs.Byrd’spresenceandcrimesneededtobebroughttotheattentionofthepolice,and
theincidentofeighteenyearsagoneededtobeinvestigatedproperly.Butwouldthepolicebelieveher?
She’dmerelybeenaseven-year-oldlittlegirlatthetime.ItwouldbeherwordagainstMrs.Byrd’sifit
weretobebroughtpublic.

Sakurarolledtohersideagain,conflicted.Suddenly,shesatup,hermindreelingwithdread.
“Iknowsherecognizedme,”shesaidunderherbreath.Andofcourse,Sakurahadnodoubtthewoman

woulddoherworsttomakesureSakurakepthermouthshut.

Suddenly, she just didn’t feel safe anymore, not even in Lady Haruka’s apartment with the Princeton

brothersonefloorabove.

Shesatup,searchedforhercellphonenearherbedsidetable,anddialedthenumberthatbelongedto

themansheknewshecouldtrust.

“Hello?”cameJamesPrinceton’svoice.
SakuraheardBrenda’svoiceinthedistance.“Honey,whoisitatthistimeofnight?”
Sakuratookadeepbreath,hopinglikehellshedidn’tsoundlikeshewasn’tgoingtodieanysecond

now.Shedidn’tmanagethat.Hervoicecameoutshaky.“DaddyJames?Ineedtotalktoyou.CanIcome
seeyounow?”

Ashortpauseandthenhereplied,“Sure.I’llcomepickyouup.”
“No.No,”Sakurasaidquickly.“That’sallright.I’lltakeataxi.I’llbetheresoon.”
ShewasabouttohangupwhenJamessaid,“Sakura,sweetheart?Becareful.”
“Yes,Iwill,”sherepliedandthenhungup.Quickly,sheslippedoutofbedandgotdressedinapairof

jeansandawarmpullover.Thenshegrabbedherbagandkeysandsilentlyheadedouttowardthedoor.

Tobyrushedquietlyafterher,notwantingtobeleftalone.Shesighed.“Fine,butbehaveyourself,all

right?”

Tobylickedherchininreply.Beforeshedeparted,shewroteanoteforLadyHarukathatshewasout

onapersonalerrandincaseshewaslateandthewomangotworriedabouther.Thatdone,shelockedthe
doorandrushedtotheelevator.

Outside the building, she signaled for a taxi and instructed the driver to take her to Princeton Hotel.

Some twenty minutes later, she headed in through the front door. She was about to greet the sole
receptionisttherewhenJames,stillinhispajamasandrobe,calledouttoher.

Sakura rushed into his open arms and buried her face against his chest, Toby between them. James

stroked her head fondly, and once Sakura lifted her face to look at him, he felt his gut wrench with
sickness. He’d seen her looking like that many times when she’d been young. It was usually after the
nightmare.

Hetightenedhisarmsaroundherandsaid,“Comeon.Let’sgetyoucomfortable.”
AtSakura’snod,heledherintotheelevator.Notlongafterward,theyreachedthetopfloorandheaded

intothepenthouse.BrendagreetedSakurabypullingthegirlintoherarms.Husbandandwifeunderstood
somethinghadhappened;otherwise,Sakurawouldn’thavecometothematsuchanhour.

OnceSakurawascomfortablysittingonthesofa,ahotchocolateinhand,Jamesbegan.“Tellus.”
Sakuraturnedhergazefromherhotdrink,whichhadsoothedheralittle,toheradoptivefather.
JameswasstrokingToby,whowascomfortablyasleeponhislap.
“IsawMrs.Byrd,”shesaidsoftly.
JamesandBrendalookedateachother.ThenBrendasaid,“Areyousure,sweetheart?”
Sakuranodded.
“Butshewaskilledinthefirethatburnedtheorphanage,”Brendastated,confused.
Sakuraputhermugontopofthecoffeetableandsighed.“There’ssomethingIhaven’ttoldyou.”She

added,“Haven’ttoldanyone.”

Jameswatchedhercarefully.“Youcantrustus,sweetheart.”
TearssuddenlybrewedinSakura’seyesandfloweddownhercheeks.Brendarushedoverandpulled

thegirlintoherarms.

“Youcantrustus,”shesaid.
Sakuranoddedandliftedherhead.Shewipedthetearsawaywiththebackofhersleeveandbeganher

tale.“Thatnighteighteenyearsago,whentheorphanageburneddown,Iwasthereandsaweverything.”

JamesandBrendaonceagainlookedateachother,theirfacessickwithconcern.
“Ihadthenightmare,”Sakurasaid.“IwascoldandthenIwasthirsty.Ithoughtitwasverylateandno

onewouldseemejustgetaglassofmilk.”Sheswallowed,fortospeakofthatnightagainreallyhurther.
Itjustremindedhersomuchofthepainshe’dbeenthrough.

“Isawherpouringgasoline…”
Sakurahadafarawaylookinhereyesassherecitedherhorridexperiencethatnight,andbythetime

shefinished,herwholebodywasshaking.

Brendahuggedhertightandsaidtoherhusband,“James,weneedtoinvestigate.”
Jamesnodded.
“Sakura,”Brendasaid.“Youneedtorest.Comealong.Youcanstayinoneofoursparebedrooms.”
Sakurawipedhertearsandnodded.
“I’llinformLadyHarukayou’llbestayingherewithusforafewdays.”
“Thanks,” Sakura said. She came over and kissed James on the cheek before heading out the door,

Brendafollowingclosebehind.

Inthesparebedroom,Brendaswitchedonthebedsidelampandthenturneddowntheduvet,gettingit

readyforherdaughter.Sakurahuggedthewoman,thankingherforherloveandhelp.

Brendapattedhershoulder.“Sleepandwe’llfigurethisouttogetherinthemorning.”
Sakuranodded.OnceBrendaleftheralone,shepulleddownherjeansandthentookofherjumperand

bra.Injustherpantiesandtanktop,sheclimbedintobedandclosedhereyes.Notamomentlater,her
exhaustionovertookherandshefellasleep.

Backinthelivingarea,JamessatonthesofawithTobyonhislapashelookedupathiswife.
“James,”Brendasaid,“IbelieveSakura,andI’mscaredforher.WhatifMrs.Byrddoessomething

horrible?Imean,thatnight,James—Sakurawasonlyachild.”

Jamestookhiswife’shandintohistocomforther.“She’llbesafeherewithus.”
“Whatarewegoingtodo?”
“WeneedtofindoutaboutMrs.Byrd,”Jamessaid.
“Idoubtshestillusesthatname,”Brendasaidlogically.“FromwhatSakurahastoldus,itsoundslike

shewantedtodisappear.”

“Yes,shenodoubtadoptedanothernameafterthatnight.”
“WhataboutTara?”Brendaqueried.“Doyouthinksheknowsabouthermother?”
“Idon’tknow,love,”Jamesrepliedhonestly.
Brendafrowned.“I’mscared.IfTaradoesknowabouthermother,Idon’twantAlainaanywherenear

thosetwo.”

“Thenwe’llhavetoworkonbringingherback,”Jamessaid.
Brendanodded.“Howarewegoingtodothat?”
“I’msorry,love,butyou’retheonlyoneAlainahaskeptintouchwith.”
Again,Brendanodded.“AndwhataboutMrs.Byrd?”
“Iknowsomepeoplewhocouldhelpus,”hesaid,smiling.“Nowgotobed,andI’lldealwiththis.”
Brendanoddedandgotup.Shekissedherhusbandonthelipsbeforeheadingoutthedoor.
Alone,Jamespickeduphiscellphoneanddialedanumber.AshestrokedToby,avoicecamethrough.

“Hello?”

Jamessmiled.“Erick,it’sme.”
“Ah,Mr.Princeton.WhatcanIdoforyou,sir?”
“DoyourememberthatcaseabouttheorphanagefireeighteenyearsagoonSt.JosephIsland?”
“Theoneyouaskedmetoinvestigateallthoseyearsagoandnothingcameup?”
“Yes,thatone.IhaveawitnesswhohasseenthewomannamedMrs.MargaretByrd.”
“What?Butthat’simpossible,sir.There’sarecordofherdeathcertificate.Shediedinthatfire.”
“Well,thisimportantwitnesssaysotherwise.Shewasoneofthegirlsintheorphanage.Shelivedwith

Mrs.Byrdforsevenyears.Shewouldn’tforgetapersonsheknewsowell.”

“Hum,I’lllookintoit,sir.Anythingelse?”
“Yes,Ihaveafeelingherdaughter,TaraByrd,knowsaboutthis.Getsomeonetofollowher.Shemight

justleadyoutothewomaninquestion.”

JamesheardErick,hisprivateinvestigator,laugh.“Surething.Willdothat.”
“Pleasegetbacktomeassoonaspossible.Thisisurgent,”Jamessaid.
“Ofcourse,sir,”Erickreplied.“Allright,then.Willkeepintouch.”
“Good,”Jamessaidandhungup.
Jamesrestedhisheadagainstthebackofthesofaandsighed.Tobywokeatthatmomentandlookedup

athiminquestion.

“Comeon,”hesaid.“Let’sgetyousomethingtoeat.”
Thepupbarkedinagreementandjumpedoutofhislapeagerly.

*****

CHAPTER27

APromise ofProte ction

Sebastianwasn’tbehavinglikehimselfsinceyesterdayafternoon,andtherestofhisbrothersnoticed.He
lookeddeepinthoughtandmorethanalittleconcernedaboutsomethingthatwaseatingathim.Naturally,
thebrotherswantedtoknowwhy.

“Youlooklikeyou’reworriedyoucouldn’tsavetheworld,”Tristansaidacrossthetable.“Comeout

withit,Superman.What’sbotheringyou?”

Sebastian diverted his attention from his smartphone, a dark frown on his face. Still no reply from

Sakura.Thefactwasherreactionyesterdaymadehimfeelsickwithworry.She’dlookedlikeshe’dseen
aghost.God,howhewantedtoprotectherandmakeherfeelsafe.Aboveall,hewantedhertotrusthim.
Hewantedhertotellhimwhatshewassoafraidofthatmadeherreactthewayshehad.

“It’sSakura,”hesaid.
“What’swrongwithher?”Darcyaskedfromtheothersideofthetable.
SebastiannotedtheconcernedlookonDarcy’sfaceandtheworriedtremorinhisvoice.
“Shedidn’tlookwell.”
“WhatdidDavesaywaswrongwithher?”Loganvoicedbesidehim.
“Irondeficiency,”Sebastianreplied.
“Prettycommoninyoungwomen,”Nicolasstatedfromtheheadofthetable.
“Ifyouaskme,Sakurajustsimplydoesn’teatright.Sheneedsamantotakegoodcareofher,”Beth

commented.Sheplacedanotherplateoftoastonthetable.“Ah,poorgirl.She’sbeenthroughsomuch.”

Conradnodded.“I’llvolunteertotakecareofher.”
Tristanchuckled.“Bro,you’rethebabyofthehouse.Firstearnyourplaceintheworldandthenthink

abouttryingtotakecareofawoman.”

Conradpulledaface.“Asifyoucandobetter.Can’tevenuseapotatopeeler.”
Logantriedtohidehischucklebutfailedmiserably.Heendeduplaughing,whichannoyedTristan.
Haydenlookedheavenwardandsaid,“Soshehasirondeficiency.Butwhyareyousoworried?”
“Shelookedlikeshesawaghostyesterday.Herreactionscaredme.Itstillmakesmesickwithworry

thinkingaboutit.”

“Howaboutwedropbyandaskhowsheisbeforegoingtowork?”Conradsuggested.
“Don’tberude,”Tristanmuttered.“Youcan’tjustknockonLadyHaruka’sdoorandbargeintosee

howSakuraisdoing.”

“Surecan,”Conradsaid,glaringathisbrother.
Tristanthrewhishandsupinfrustration.Heturnedtotheeldestforsupport.“Nicolas,talksenseinto

yourbabybrother.”

“IphonedandtextedSakura,butshewouldn’tpickuporreply,”Sebastiansaid.“That’swhyI’meven

moreworried.”

Darcyturnedhisattentiontotheeldestbrother.“Nicolas,whydon’tyougiveSosukeabuzzandask

himhowsheis?”

“Goodidea,”Sebastiansaid.
“I’monit.”NicolaspickeduphiscellanddialedSosuke’snumber.

Afewsecondslater,Sosukesaid,“Nicolas-kun?Ohayo.”
“Ohayo,Sosuke,”Nicolasreplied.Asusual,hegotdowntobusiness.“Look,SebastiannoticedSakura

wasactingalittlestrangeyesterday.Wewerejustwonderinghowshe’sdoing.”

“Andlethertalkonthephone,”ConradsaidloudlysoSosukecouldhear.
LoganchuckledandTristanshookhisheadattheirbrother’seagerness.
“I’msorry,Nicolas-kun,butSakuraisn’thererightnow.”
NicolasfrownedandlookedatSebastian.“Whatdoyoumeanshe’snotthere?”
Darcy scowled and fisted his hands as his body tensed at Nicolas’s words. Sebastian felt his heart

pumpingloudandfast,knowingsomethingwastotallywrong.

“Sheleftanotesayingshe’sgoingoutforapersonalerrand.Wealsohadacallfromyourfather,

Nicolas-kun.”

“Dad?”Nicolassaid.“WhatdoeshehavetodowithSakura?”
“Dad?” Conrad whispered to Tristan, querying if the brother knew what was going on. Tristan

shruggedinresponse.

“HetoldOba-chanSakurawillbestayingwithhimforacoupledays.”
“Really?”Nicolassaid,cockinghisheadtooneside.
Thebrotherscouldtelltheireldestwasthinking.Thenhenudgedhisglassesupthebridgeofhisnose

andtheyknewitwasseriousbusiness.

“TelluswhatSosukesaid,Nicolas,”Conraddemanded.
“Shutup,Conrad,”Tristanmuttered.“He’sstilltalkingtoSosuke.”
Conradglaredathisbrother.
Finally,Nicolasputhiscellphonedownonthetableandturnedhisattentiontohisbrothers,whowere

waitingimpatiently.

He said, “Sosuke said Sakura didn’t come out for dinner yesterday. Then she disappeared last night

andleftthemanote,tellingthemshewasgoingtorunsomepersonalerrand.Thismorning,LadyHaruka
gotacallfromDad.Sakura’swithhim.”

Sebastianfrowned.“WhyisshewithDad?”
Nicolasshrugged.“I’mgoingtoseeDadbeforework,”heannounced,gettingupfromhischair.
“Me,too,”Logansaid.“IwanttomakesureSakura’sallright.”
Onebyone,thebrothersleftthetableandheadedoutthedoor.Sometwentyminuteslater,theygreeted

theirrathertired-lookingfatherupatthepenthouseabovethehotel.

Jameschuckledthemomenthesawhissons,allsevenofthem,atthedoor.
“Brenda,”hecalledout.“Wehavevisitors.It’sourboys.”Heturnedonhisheelandheadedbackinto

thelivingareawithhissonsfollowingclosebehindhim.

Amomentlater,Brendaappeared.Shehappilywentaboutkissingherchildren,onebyone,tiptoeing

soshecouldreachtheirmassiveheight.

“Haveyouboyshadbreakfast?”sheasked.“We’reabouttohaveours.”
“Wehadours,”Haydensaid.“Mom,where’sSakura?”
Brenda turned and raised her brows at her husband. “Did you tell them?” At James’s denial, she

returnedherattentiontohersons.“I’msorry,boys,youcan’tdisturbher.She’sstillsleeping.”

“Whydidn’tyoutellusSakuracametoyou?”DarcyaskedJames.
“Ididn’tseethepointuntilIgotmyfactsright,”hesaid.
“Whatdoesthatmean?”Sebastianasked.“Comeon,Dad.”
Thephonerangjustthen,andJamessawErick'snameflashingonthesmallscreen.Hepickedupand

saidtohissons,“Thefacts,”indicatingthephone.“Ineedtogetthis.”Thenhewalkedoffindeep,hushed

conversationwithwhomeverwasontheotherendoftheline.

Brenda muttered, “Sit down.” She pulled both Hayden’s and Logan’s hands and made them sit. The

brothersobeyedtheirmotherandmadethemselvescomfortableonthesofasandchairs.

“Mom?”Conradcalledout,drawinghismother’sattention.“Youhaveanotherspareroom,right?”
Brendanodded.“Yes?”
“CanIcomestayforafewdays?”Hegavehismotherahandsomesmile,whichwassuretoplease

her.

Brendalaughed.“Ofcourse,Conrad.Idomisshavingyouaround.”
“Thanks,Mom.”Hejumpedupandhuggedhertight.
TristanandLoganknewwhatthelittlebratwasupto.Hewasclaimingthatspareroomsohecould

stayherewithSakura.Theselfishbastard.

“Youwouldn’tmindsharingaroomwithme,wouldyou,Conrad?”Tristanasked,hisbrowraisedat

hisyoungerbrother.

Conradsaid,“Iwouldmindverymuch.”
TheroomturnedquietforamomentasthebrotherstriedtomakeoutwhattheirDadwassayinginto

thephone.Ofcourse,theycouldn’tunderstandanythingbecauseJameswascominginandgoingoutand
about.Therewereonlyafewoftheyesesandhumsandahhs,etc.audible.Nothingmadesense,andtobe
sure,theyweregettingalittlefrustrated.

“Youboysdon’thaveworktoday?”Brendaaskedaftersippinghercoffee.Ofcourse,sheknewthey

did,butshejustwantedtotease.

BythetimeJamesfinishedwiththecall,thebrothersweremorethanreadyanddyingtoknowalittle

morethannothingaboutthishushedsubjectthatputtheirfatheronedge.

James came to sit beside Nicolas and rubbed his hand on the side of his wrinkled face. “Just as I

thought.”

Nicolasasked,“Whatdidyouthink?”
“It’snotonehundredpercentsureyet,butSakuramightbeindanger.”
Brenda gasped, for she knew what her husband was talking about. Not so for their sons, however,

becausetheyalllookedconfused.

“Danger?Sakura’sindanger?Fromwhat?”Loganasked.
“Ah, I think it’s best Sakura tells you when she wakes up,” James said. “As for now, she needs her

rest,andyouboysneedtobepatient.”

“Come on, Dad,” Sebastian said. “How can we be patient when you said Sakura’s life could be in

danger?”

“Sebastian’sright,”Darcysaid.“WhyisSakuraindanger?Fromwho?”
“SakuraneedstoknowwhatI’vejustfoundoutaswell,”Jamessaid.“Fornow,youboyswaituntil

she’sup.”

The brothers weren’t satisfied with their father’s reluctance to share the information with them, but

theyagreedregardless.ItwasthenTobyappearedatthedoorandsilentlymadehiswaytothebrothers.
HejumpedintoHayden’slapandmadehimselfcomfortable.

“IfSakura’sindanger,”Conradsaid,“atleastshehasthesevenofustokeephersafe.”
“Yeah,”Tristansaid.“Fromwhatevermaniacoutthere.AtleastIassumeit’saperson,thisdanger.”
Sebastianfrownedandflashedhismindbacktoyesterday,tryingtopinpointanythingthatcouldhave

causedthatsuddenchangeinSakura’spersonality.TherehadbeentheappointmentwithDave.Butshe’d
beenfinethenandafterthatatthedrugstore.

TheywereabouttohavelunchhereintheItalianrestaurantdownstairs.ThenSakurasaidsheneeded

tousetorestroom.Itwaswhenshecamebackoutthatshe’dchangedsosuddenly.Whathadsheseen?
Whohadshemet?

Awoman.Thatwasright.She’dbumpedintoawoman,hadn’tshe?Whathadthatwomanlookedlike?
Sebastiancockedhisheadtoonesideandmurmured,“Pale-blondhair.Wearingadark-bluesuit.”
“Whatareyouonabout,Seb?”Tristanaskedhisbrother.
Sebastianliftedhishead,hisfingerrubbinghislips,thinking.
“Sebastian,”Darcysaid.“Yousawsomething.”
Sebastiannodded.
“Whatwasit?”Nicolasasked.
“Sakurabumpedintoawomanyesterday.Afterthat,shejustreactedandlookedscared,likeshesawa

ghost.”

“Sakura!”Darcysaid,hisvoiceloudandhorse,echoingwithtremor.Herushedoffhisseatandwent

toherinasecondflat.

Sebastianturnedandfelthisgutwrenchingwithdread.Shit!Shelookedlikeadeadpersonwalking.

HequicklygotoutofhisseatandcametoherrightafterDarcy.

Darcystoodclose,cuppingherface,callinghername.“Sakura,lookatme.It’sme,Darcy.”
Sakurajuststaredathim,unseeing,hereyesdarkandunfocused.
“Sakura,sweetheart,Sakura,”Sebastiancalled.
“She’snotresponding,”Darcysaid,feelingsick.
Therestofthebrotherscamerushingtothem,callinghername,begginghertorespond.
Sakurashookherheadandstartedcryingout,movingawayfromthem.
“No. Please. Don’t hurt me. I’m sorry. Please. Let me go. Don’t hurt me,” she begged, crying and

shakingherhead.

Darcypulledherintohisarmsasshefoughthimwithallhermight,screamingandkicking,beggingto

beletgo.

JamesandBrendarushedinoverthenoise,theirfacesdarkwithdreadwhentheysawtheiradoptive

daughter.

“Shit!”Tristanmuttered.“Isshegoingtobeallright?”
“Sakura,lookatme,sweetheart.Lookatme!”Darcycommanded.“It’sme,yourDarce.It’sme,Snow,

Darce.”

Sakura continued to shake her head and begged to be let go. Darcy wouldn’t give up, however, and

huggedhertight.Theyknewshewashavingoneofhernightmares.

“Shh…It’sallright.I’mherewithyou.RememberhowIsaidI’llprotectyoufromyournightmare?”
Suddenly,Sakurastoppedstrugglingandcalmeddown,herbodygoinglimpinhisarms.
“That’sright.Imadeapromise,andIdon’tbreakmypromises.I’mhere,Snow.I’mhere.”Hestroked

herfaceandhairasshestaredupathim,hereyesteary.

Shereachedherhandoutandtouchedhisface.“Youpromised,”shewhispered.
Darcynodded.“Ipromisedtobeyourprotector.”
Shesmiled.“Darce,myDarce.”Thensheclosedhereyesandcollapsedinhisarms.
DarcyglancedupatSebastian.Thebrotherlookedmorethanalittlescared,hishandstrokingSakura’s

hair.

“Weshouldputherinbed,”Sebastiansaid.
Darcynodded,liftedhersmallbodyinhisarms,andcarriedherbackintothebedroom.

*****

CHAPTER28

Re livingthe Nightmare

Sakurawokewithastart,hermindreelingwithconfusion.WhereamI?shewonderedasshestaredlong
and hard up at the unfamiliar ceiling. She turned her head, searching about her surroundings, and then
everythingcamebacktoher.

There had been the appointment with Dr. Mason yesterday. Sebastian had been there with her. Then

he’d taken her to the drugstore to get her prescribed medication. After that, they’d been at the hotel,
intendingtohavelunch,andthen…Mrs.Byrd.

A lump formed in her throat as she recalled the cold shiver that had passed through her the moment

she’dseenthewoman’sface.

Sakurashuthereyesforamomentasshetookslow,deepbreaths.Shewasn’tgoingtoletthatwoman

scareherwitless.Notanymore.

Shesatup,rubbingherfingersandthumbagainsthertemples.Herheadachewasgettingworse,and

waitingpatientlyforittoeasewasn’tgoingtohappen.Plus,shewasveryhungry.ShewonderedifMom
Brendahadanybreakfastleft.

Sheflippedtheduvetoffherpersonandgotoutofbed.Thenshewentaboutsearchingforarobe.She

foundoneintheemptycloset.Sheunhookeditandputonthesilkymaterial,thehemrestingjustaboveher
knees.Shetiedthefrontintoaknotandthenheadedoutthedoor.

She was in the living area when she heard hums of male voices from the dining area nearer to the

kitchen.Shefrowned,wonderingifDaddyJameshadguests.Shetentativelyglanceddownatherselfand
knewshewasn’tpresentableenoughtobeseen.Evenmoreso,shewasn’tuptomeetinganyonejustyet.

ShewasabouttoturnbackwhenBrendaappearedatthedoorway.
“Sweetheart,”Brendagreeted.“You’reup?Howareyoufeeling?”
Sakuramovedforwardandhuggedhermothertightly.Shesaid,“Better.I’msohungryandmyheadis

abouttoexplode.”

Brendalaughed.“Wellthen,howaboutlunchandsomeaspirin?”
“Lunch?”Sakuraqueried.“OhGod!DidIsleepinthatlate?”
Brendanodded.Clearly,herdaughterdidn’trememberwhathadhappenedfourhoursagorightherein

thelivingarea.Herreactiontothenightmarehadscaredallofthem.IfDarcyhadn’tbeenabletosoothe
herandcalmherdown,thenBrendadidn’tknowwhatthey’ddonext.

“Comeon,”shesaid,leadingSakurabythewrist.“Let’smakeyousomelunch.”
Sakuranodded.“Somethinghotwouldbenice,”shesaid.“Soup.”
“Yes,”Brendaagreed.“Wehavesomepumpkinsoupleftoverfromlastnight.”
“Soundsgood.”
The moment Sakura stepped into the dining area, the room suddenly became silent, and the seven

Princetonbrothersturnedtheirattentiontoher.Shecametoacompletestopandblinked.

“Sakura,”Sebastiansaid,rushingovertoherinaflash.“Howareyoufeeling?”
“Sakura,”Darcysaid.“You’reup.”Hecameovertoheraswell,standingjustbehindSebastian.
Toby,whowasonLogan’slap,barkedagreeting.
Sakuraopenedhermouthtouttersomethingbutthencloseditagain.SheturnedtoBrendaforanswers

astowhythebrotherswerehereinthefirstplace.

Brendasaid,“Whydon’tyoutakeaseat,andI’llwarmthatpumpkinsoupforyou?”
Sakurahesitatedforamoment.Thenshenoddedandmadeherway,withDarcyandSebastianbeside

her,towardthetable.Shetookaseatononeoftheemptychairsandpulledherrobecloseraroundher
front. Sebastian and Darcy took the seats on either side of her, and Conrad chose to swap seats so he
couldbeclosertoher.

“Whatareyouguysdoinghere?”sheasked,confused.“HowdidyouknowIwashere?”
“WephonedSosuke,”Nicolassaidfromtheothersideofthetable.
“Sebastiansaidyouweren’twellyesterday,”Conradchimedin.“Areyouallright?Sosukesaidyou

disappearedinthemiddleofthenight.”

Sakurablushed.“Itwassostupidreally.Itwasnothing.”
Thebrotherslookedatoneanother.Theyknewshemusthavehadthenightmareafterbumpingintothat

strangewomaninthehotel,anditwasn’tjustnothing.Asofthismorningwhenthey’dseenherscreaming
interror,itscaredtheshitoutofthem.Ofcourse,theynowunderstooditwasaregularoccurrence,these
nightmaresofhers.Nowondershewasalwaystiredandherhealthwasdeteriorating.

“Sakura,darling,”Tristansaid,“don’tyoutrustusenoughtocometous?”
“Wewereonlyupstairs,”Conradsaid,lookingalittlewounded.
Sakuracockedherheadtooneside.“Sorry.I…DaddyJamesandMomBrendajustkindofjumped

intomyheadwhen…”

Haydensaid,foldinghisarmsacrosshischest,“Soareyougoingtotelluswhat’sgoingonornot?”
SakuraglancedfromonebrothertoanotherandthenrestedonNicolas.“I…”
“Sakura.”James’svoicereachedthem,andSakurasighedinrelief.Sherushedoffherchairandcame

tohughimtight,pleasedshedidn’thavetoanswerthebrothersstraightaway.

“Thanks,”shesaid.“Forlettingmestayhere.”
James patted her head, his eyes on his sons. When Sakura moved back, he said, “Have you had

anythingtoeatyet?”

Sakurashookherhead.
“Eatfirstandthenshower.ThenI’lltellyouwhatI’vefoundout.”
Sakurapaled,herheartleapingwithinherchest.ShedreadedwhatDaddyJameshadfoundout,yetshe

desperatelywantedtoknow.Shenoddedreluctantly.Shereturnedtoherseat,herwholebeingshaking.
Thebrothersnoticedandsportedworriedlooksontheirfaces.

Sebastianplacedhishandontopofhersandgaveheralittlesupportivesqueeze.Sakuraglancedupat

himandflashedhimagratefulsmile.

Brendafinallyreturnedfromthekitchenwithabowlofhotpumpkinsoup,twoaspirintablets,anda

glassofwater.

“You’resick?”Conradasked.
“Headache,”shesaid,pickingupthetablets.Sheswallowedthosequicklyandthendranksomewater.

Onceshewasdonewiththat,shedugintohersoup,savoringthesmooth,richtasteofpumpkinandcream.
Halfway,sheglancedupandnotedthebrotherswerewatchingher,theireyesintense,asifthey’dever
seenanyoneeatingbefore.

Shewipedhermouthandsaid,“Youguysaren’teating?”
“Wehadours,”Logansaid,strokingToby’shead.AndTobyagreedwithaloudbark.
Thenoisedrewherattentiontoherbelovedpet,andshesmiled.“Hey,Toby,didyousleepwelllast

night?”

Again,Tobybarked.

“Ididn’tsqueezeyou,didI?”Shechuckled.“Isleptlikeadeadlog.”
At this comment, the brothers looked at one another. Clearly, Sakura didn’t remember what had

happenedthatmorningwhenshecameintothelivingroomandstartedscreaminginfrontofthem.

WhenTobybarkedagain,Sakuralaughed.Sometenminuteslater,shefinishedhermealandexcused

herselftofreshenup.Aloneinthebathroom,shestrippedherselfnakedandtookalong,hotbath,Toby
sittingtherewaitingpatientlyforhertofinish.

Shelaythere,staringupattheceiling,thinkingaboutMrs.Byrdandwhatshewasgoingtodonext.

ShealsowonderedwhatDaddyJameshadfoundoutaboutthewoman.Shewasabouttodozeoffagain
whenaknockcameatthedoor,rousingherfromherdrowsiness.

“Whoisit?”sheasked.
“Sakura?”ItwasSebastian’svoice.“Areyouallrightinthere?”
Hesoundedworried,andSakurafrowned.Whywouldn’tIbeallright?shewondered.Shesaid,“I’m

fine.I’mjusthavingabath.”

“Justwantedtomakesure,”Conradshoutedfromtheotherside.
“Takeyourtime,”Tristansaid.
“Don’tmindus.”Logan’svoicecamenext.
“Hurryup,Sakura,”Haydenmuttered.“Dadwantstotalktoyou.”
Sakuraperkedup,splashingwatereverywhere.Tobybarkedandgottohisfeetaswell.
“Don’tlistentohim,Sakura,”Darcysaid.“Takeyourtime.”
Sakurareachedoutforatowelandwonderedifallsevenofthemwereatthedoor.No,wait.Nicolas.

Shehadn’theardhisvoicesohecouldn’tbeoutthererightnowwithhisbrothers.

Butshewaswrong.Nicolassaid,“Sakura.LadyHarukaphoned.Shewasaskinghowyouare.She’s

onherwaytoseeyounow.”

“What?”Sakurashrieked.“Pleasedon’ttellhertocome.It’ssoinconvenient.Forher,Imean.I’mnot

thatimportantforhertoworrysomuchaboutme.”

“Well,”hesaid,“she’scomingregardless.”
Sakurasighed.“Allright.Allright.I’mgettingready.Beoutinamoment.”
Sakuraquicklyshoweredtowashoffthesoapybubblesfromherbodyandthendriedherself.Shegot

dressedinherjeansandpulloverfromyesterdayandthenputsomemoisturizeronherface.Alayerof
lip-glosswentonherlipsnext,and,leavingherlonghairwet,sherushedoutofthebathroom.

Shewasgladthebrothersweren’tthereatthedoorwhenshecameout.WithTobybyherfeet,thepair

madetheirwayalongthecorridorintothelivingarea.

Heradoptiveparentsandbrotherswerewaitingforherpatiently.ShecametositbesideBrendaand

JameswhileTobychosetojumponDarcy’slapandmadehimselfcomfortablethere.

Sakurasaidtoherparents,“Whyarethebrothershere?”
Jamesglancedathissonsandthenturnedhisattentiontohisdaughter.“Sakura,yourbrothersneedto

knowwhathappenedthatnighteighteenyearsago.”

“Why?”sheasked,aguardedlookonherface.
Sebastiansaid,“Sakura.Dadsaidyoumightbeindanger.”
Sakura’swholedemeanorstiffenedatthatstatement,andhereyesflickedtohim.
“Wewanttohelpyou,”Sebastiansaid.
“Wewanttoprotectyou,”Darcysaid.“Pleasetellussowecanunderstand.”
Allthebrothersnoddedatthis,andSakurafoundshehadnootherchoicebuttotrustthemandtellthem

hersideofthestory.Shewastiredofrunningandshewastiredofbeingsoafraidallthetime.Mostof
all, she was tired of the nightmares. Perhaps, just perhaps, once she confronted her demon, Mrs. Byrd,

thenhernightmareswouldgoawayandshecouldlivepeacefully.Maybe.

Shecasthereyesdowntohercoldhandsandsaidquietly,“Areyouallsureyouwanttohelpme?I

mean…” She trailed off, thinking about the relationship between her and the brothers during their
childhood.ThinkingaboutTara,whomtheyusedtolovealot,andAlaina,theirbelovedsister.Whatif
what she was about to tell them affected how these men thought about and saw Tara and Alaina? What
if…?

No.Sheneededtostopthinkingaboutotherpeopleandconcentratemoreonherself.Sheneededtoget

her life sorted out. She needed to get this mess sorted out. She wasn’t going to be a frightened kitten,
afraidofthatbigbadwolfMrs.Byrdwhoabusednotonlyher,buttheotherchildrenintheorphanageand
burneddowntheironlyhome.

She lifted her head and said, her voice stronger and calmer, “Are you sure it’s okay with you guys?

ThingsI’mabouttotellyouwillaffecthowyouseecertainpeople.Imean,Idon’tknow,butitmight.”

Nicolas said, “Sakura, you’re a Princeton, and we Princetons stick together. We’re your brothers.

We’reheretohelp.”

SakuraturnedhereyestoJamesforsupport.Athisaffirmativenod,shecontinued.“Isupposethestory

startedthedayIwasborn.I’mnotsurehow,butIwastoldIwasfoundonthedoorstepoftheorphanage
withjustthis.”Shepulledouthernecklacewiththecherryblossompendantmadeoutofpinkdiamonds.”

Sebastianrememberedshe’dalwayswornthatnecklacesinceshe’dbeenlittle.
“Andaletter.Ithinkitsaid,Mydaughter’snameisSakura.Andthat’sit.”
“Sakura,” Conrad said, “I didn’t know any of this.” He came to sit next to her, squeezing himself

betweenSakuraandhisfather,andwrappedhisarmsaroundher.“I’msorry.”

Sakurachuckledbrokenly.“Iwasalwayscalledthedevilchild,Conrad,withmyveryblackhairand

paleskin.”

Therestofthebrothersrememberedthat.Tarahadalwayscalledherthedevil’schild,andnowmore

thanever,itreallyhurtthattheyjuststoodbyanddidnothing.

“I was abused lot by Mrs. Byrd, Tara’s mother. You know, whipping and slapping and all sorts of

things.Nottomentionnothavingmealsnowandagain.”

“Isthatwhyyougotusedtoit?”Nicolasasked.“Missingthemeals.”
Sakuranodded.“Yes.Igotusedtomissingmealsanditkindofstuck.”Shesigheddeeply.“Thatnight

eighteenyearsago,Ihadoneofmynightmares.”Sheskippedthepartaboutherbeingsoscaredandalone
andthenherprayertoGodtobeadoptedbythePrincetons.Theydidn’tneedtoknowthatpart.Thinking
back,shemusthaveseemedsodesperateandlonely.

“I was thirsty and went down to the kitchen to have a glass of milk. I made sure no one saw me,

especiallyMrs.Byrd.Becauseifshehadseenme…Well,anyway,Iwentinandthereshewas,pouring
liquidoneverything.Ididn’trealizeuntillaterthatitwasgasoline.Shesawmethere,andIthinkshewas
afraidI’dtell.SheslappedmeanddemandedInottell.I…I…”Shetookadeepbreathastearsbeganto
brewinhereyes.“Shestruckmeontheheadwitharollingpin.”

Sakuradidn’tknowthis,butthebrotherslookedangryandflabbergastedthatagrownwomanwould

strike an innocent child. Conrad looked like he wanted to cry. Nicolas scowled darkly and nudged his
glassesupthebridgeofhisnose.Haydenfistedhishandsintoballsandwantedtocommitmurder.Logan
grittedhisteethatthebrutaltreatment,andontheirbelovedsisternoless.Tristanlookedlikehewanted
topunchsomeone’sface.

Sebastian’s face was hard and cold, his body tense as he stared at the woman he loved, the woman

who had been abused and mistreated when she was a child. All he wanted to do was pull her into his
armsandcomfortherandprotecther.

Darcy,too,hadhiseyesonher.Themauve-graycolorglintedacold,frostygaze,reflectingtheanger

for Mrs. Byrd and passion and love for the young woman before him. His face was a dark mask as he
listenedtoSakura’stormentedpast,herabusedchildhoodthatnoneofthemknewaboutandcouldnever
imaginethedepthsofherpain.

“Iwasbleedingandshejustleftmelyingthereinthekitchen,”Sakurasaid.“Thewholeplacewason

fire.”

“Ugh!”Conradsaid.“Thatisdisgusting.Shewasleavingyoufordead.”

“Icouldhavedied,”Sakurasaid.“Ifthefirealarmdidn’tgooffandoneofthestaffdidn’tcomeinto

the kitchen. She saw me and screamed. But she got ahold of herself and took me out before it was too
late.”

Conradtightenedhisarmsaroundheragainandsaid,“I’msogladDaddecidedtoadoptyou.”
Sakurachuckled.“Me,too.”Sherestedherheadagainsthisshoulder,asmileonherlips,thoughthere

weretearsinhereyes.

Conradwashappysheacceptedhisembraceandbeameddelightfullyathisbrothers.Tristandecided

tobejealousofConrad,towhichLoganchuckledandsaidteasingly,“DoyouwanttohugSakura,too?”

TristanwasabouttoreplyyeswhenSosuke’spanickyvoicecameloudandclearfromthedoor.“Oba-

chan!”heshouted.

“Oba-chan!”Akirascreamed,tearsinhereyes.
SakuraandthebrothersturnedtoseeHarukacollapsingthereatthedoorinSosuke’sarms.
SakurashotupandheadedstraighttoHaruka.Thewoman’sskinwassheetwhite,anditworriedher

sick.Akirawasbesideheraunt,callingHaruka’snamewhilethemaidwhohadopenedthedoorforthem
stoodtooneside,herfaceshockedwithconcern.

SosukeeasilyandgentlypickedupHarukaandbroughtherintothelivingarea,layingheronthesofa.

The maid hovered about until Brenda told her to go and resume her chores. She nodded hesitantly and
rushedaway.

Akira,wholookedalmostaspaleasheraunt,kneeledonthefloor,herhandsholdingontoHaruka’s

tight.

“Oba-chan.Pleasebeallright.Please?”shesaidsoftly,hervoiceshaking.
Nicolaswasbehindher,hishandsgentleonhershoulders.Akiraglancedup,hereyesteary.“Shewas

okayonourwayhereandthen…”Shecouldn’tgoanyfurtherandthrewherselfintohisarms,snuggling
herfaceagainsthischestasherbodyshook.

Akira’sreactionshookNicolastohiscore,andhefelthisstomachchurnwithsickness.He’dneverfelt

like this toward any woman before. Of course, he loved his mother and Sakura. They, however, didn’t
make him feel the way he did right there. Akira made him feel connected, and when things like this
happenedandshewasscaredandupset,hefeltasthoughhewereinthesameboatasher.Hefeltherpain
andwantedtohelpeaseit.

Hetightenedhisarmsaroundherandsaid,“She’llbefine.”
Akiraraisedherheadtostareupatthehandsomemanandnodded,blushingalittleforshowingher

weaknessinfrontofhim.

SosuketookadeepbreathandturnedhisattentiontoSakura.“Sakura-chan?”
Sakura, who was staring at the pale woman before her with concern, turned her attention to Sosuke.

“Yes?”

“PleasegoandsitbesideOba-chan.Shewassoworriedaboutyoulastnight.”
Sakura, realizing she was the one responsible for the woman’s worry, obediently came to sit on the

floorbesidethesofa.

Afewmomentslater,Harukaflutteredhereyesopen.“Sakura,”shecalledoutweakly.
“I’mhere,”Sakurasaid,movingincloser.“I’mokay.I’msorryIworriedyou.”
Haruka stared long and hard at Sakura through teary eyes. She brought her hand up and touched

Sakura’s face, stroking her soft skin. The woman smiled sadly, which confused James, Brenda, and the
brothers.Theycouldtellbyheractionandtheaffectionandadorationonherfacethatthewomanreally
lovedSakura.Butwithsuchadeepdevotion?How?Why?

“I’msosorry,”Harukamumbled,shakingherhead.“I’msosorry.Itwasallmyfault.Ishouldn’thave.

Ishouldn’thave.I…”Tearsfloweddownhercheeksandherbodyshook.

SakuragrabbedforHaruka’shandandheldontothewomantight.Shesaidsoothingly,“It’sallright.It

wasmyfault.Notyours.IshouldhavetakenmorecaretotellyouwhereIwasgoing.”

“No. No. No,” Haruka mumbled. “That’s not it. It was my fault.” She raised herself up and pulled

Sakura into her arms, hugging the girl tight, never wanting to let her go. “It was all my fault. I left you
thereonthedoorstepsofQueenMaryOrphanage,thinkingyou’dbesafe,thinkingyou’dbeallright.I’m
sosorry.”

Thosewords,utteredinherbrokenvoice,shockedSakuratoherverycore.ShestiffenedinHaruka’s

armsas,unbeknownsttoher,tearsfloweddownhercheeks.

James and Brenda eyed each other while the brothers sported a confused and shocked look on their

faces.

“Whatdoyoumean?”Sakuraasked,hervoicetremblingwithemotionandbewilderment.
Haruka moved back so she could look at Sakura properly. She cupped the girl’s face and smiled

throughtearyeyes.“I’myourbiologicalmother,Sakura.MymaidennameisHarukaTanaka.Suzukiismy
latehusband’ssurname.”

SakurasuckedinherbreathandherheartpumpedloudandfastasshegazedatHaruka.
HarukatouchedthependantofthenecklaceaboutSakura’sneckandsaid,“Thatwasmine.Myvery

firstjewelIdesignedmyself.Ileftitforyou.It…andthenote.Mydaughter’snameisSakura.”

Shecaressedthegirl’scheekwithherthumb.“Youwereborninspring,Sakura.Irememberthatday

soclearly,andI’venever,everforgottenit.Icouldn’t.Itwassuchabeautifulspringday.Andyouwere
sobeautiful.Sotinyandpaleandsomuchbeautifulblackhair.Thatmorning,ItooktheferrytoSt.Joseph
IslandfromNewYork.Isattherewatchingthecherryblossomsandthoughthowbeautifultheywere.I
remembered the Sakura flower back home in Japan and thought it would be a beautiful name for my
daughter.SoInamedyouSakura.Iwalkedalongthestreet,wonderingwhatI’ddowithyou.ThenIsaw
theorphanage.And…”

She tightened her arms on Sakura again and whimpered, “I’m so sorry. I should have never left you

there.IshouldhavetakenyoubacktoJapanwithme.”

Tears blinded Sakura now as she stared at the woman before her. Her whole body shook when she

whispered,“You’remymother?”

Harukanodded.“ThemomentIsawyouontherunwaythatday,Sakura,Iknewyouweremydaughter.

I just had to find a way to be with you. And well…” She glanced up at the brothers, who nodded and
understoodperfectly.

Sakurastillcouldn’tbelieveit.She’dspentthemajorityofherlifeprayinganddreamingandsearching

for the woman who had given birth to her, and now, here she was. In fact, she’d been living with the
womanforalmostthreeweeks,yetSakurajustcouldn’tbelieveit.

“You’remyoka-san?”Sakuraasked.
“Yes,Iam,Sakura,”Harukasaid,hugginghertight.“Iwantedtotellyousomanytimes,butI…Iwas

afraidyou’drejectme.Iamahorriblemother,Sakura.”

“No,you’renot.Youmusthaveyourreasons,”Sakurasaid.
The two stayed there, hugging each other tightly, mother and daughter at long last reunited. It wasn’t

until much later when everyone settled down after the shocking revelation had completely sunk in that
Jamesdreweveryone’sattentiontohim.

“Sakura,”hebegan,“Thewomanyou’vebumpedintoisMrs.MargaretByrd.Although,she’sgoingby

thenameJulieClarknow.”

Sakuraswallowedandnodded.
“AsforTara,we’reunsureyetwhethersheknowsabouthermotherbeingaliveandhasanyconnection

withher.”

“Thisisjustunbelievable,”Nicolassaid.Hisbrothersagreed,noddingtheirheads.
Haruka, who looked very concerned about Sakura’s wellbeing now, said, “Mrs. Byrd is the

headmistressoftheorphanage?”

“Yes,”Brendaconfirmed.
Harukaturnedtoherdaughter.“Sakura,Isentyouletters.Toomanytocount.Didn’tyoureceiveany?”
Sakurafrowned.“Yousentmeletters?No,Ineverreceivedlettersfromanybody.”
Harukalookedconfused.“Isentcountlesslettersandcheckswiththem.Youdidn’tgetanyofthose?”

AtSakura’sshakeofherhead,Harukasaidinoutrage,“Thisisunbelievable.Iwantedtomakesureyou
hadthebestofeverything.IwroteletterstoMrs.Byrdandgaveherinstructions,Sakura.Thatmoneywas
foryou.”

Sakurastillshookherhead.“I’veneverreceivedanything.”
Jamessaid,“Ibelievethisneedsfurtherinvestigation.”
“How much in total did you send to Sakura?” Nicolas asked, being the one good with money

management.

“Ithadtohavebeenatleastoverthreemillion,”Harukasaid.
Sakuranearlychokedonherbreath.Overthreemillion?Shecouldn’tbelieveit.IftherewasnoMrs.

Byrd, then Sakura wouldn’t have suffered the torture and bullying. If there was no Mrs. Byrd, Sakura
wouldhavehadalovelychildhood,whatwithallthatmoneysavedupforher.Butthatwasnottobe.

“Sakura,”Jamessaid,“youdounderstandyoumightbeindangerwhereMrs.Clarkisconcern?”
Sakuranodded.
“IfsheknowsSakurarecognizedher,”Sebastiansaid,“she’dmakesureSakurastaysquiet.”
Sakurasaid,“SheknowsIrecognizedher.Isawitinhereyes.Shewasscared,Sebastian.”
“Thenthere’snodoubtshe’llbeplanningonsomething?”Darcyaskedhisfather.
Jamesnodded.“Ericksaidsheownsagentlemen’sparlor.Shehasanumberofmenworkingforher.”
Thebrothersunderstoodwhatmenmeantintheirfather’scontext.Theywereruthlessgangswhowent

about doing their own things regardless of the laws. They were men the Princetons didn’t like, going
aboutdoingdrugsandkillinganyonetheywereaskedto,providedtherewasgoodpay.

Sebastian turned his attention to Sakura. From now on, they’d have to be on guard where she was

concerned.TheremightbeachanceMrs.Clarkwasn’tgoingtodoanythingtoSakura,butthatchancewas
slim,consideringtheextentthewomanhadgonetoinordertogainhersecondidentityandlifestyle.What
theyneededwasmoreinformation,andthatwouldtaketime.Meanwhile,they’djusthavetolookafter
Sakuraasbesttheycould.

ItwassomehalfanhourlaterwheneveryonebotheredtoleaveHarukaandSakuraalonesotheycould

dosomecatchingup.Itwasalongsessionsincetheyhadn’tseeneachotherfortwenty-fiveyears.

*****

CHAPTER29

Mothe randDaughte runde rthe Stars

ThewholedayflewbyafterthereunionbetweenSakuraandherbiologicalmotherHaruka.ThePrinceton
brothersandtheirfatherJameswentaboutdevisingplanstoprotectSakura.Afterall,itwasbettersafe
thansorry.Intheend,itwasdecideditwasbetterforSakuratolivewiththebrothersandoneofthemhad
tobewithheratalltimes,regardlessofwhereshewent.Moreimportantly,especiallywhentheywerein
HawaiinextweekforthephotoshootwhereTarawouldbearound.

It was decided also that the relationship between Haruka and Sakura was to be kept secret until the

DNAresultswerereceived.ThebrothersknewifthisMrs.Clarkweretofindoutaboutthetwobeing
reunited,herurgetocompletelyannihilateSakurawouldbestrongerbecauseproofofherguiltwouldbe
moredamning.

NowalltheyneededtodowastellSakuraoftheplan,andJamesleftittohissonstotakecareofit.

Afterall,theywantedmoreresponsibilitywhereSakurawasconcerned,andJameswasonlytoogladto
handitovertothem.Overafive-minutediscussionamongstthebrothers,itwasdecidedSebastianwould
tellSakuraafterdinner.

The brothers returned into the living room to hear their mother proclaim, “You boys are helping me

cookdinnertonight.”

TristanandConradgroaned.Loganlaughed.
Haydensaid,“Goodforpracticingyourpotatopeelingtechnique,Tristan.”
Tristan chuckled and said, “You’re right. I’ll show Sakura how good I am with my potato peeling

abilitysoshewon’tbeabletohelpherselfshe’llhavetokissme.”

ConradgaveTristanasourlook.“IbetIcandobetterthanyou.Ha-ha.”
“Bringiton,bro,”Tristansaid,marchingintothekitchen.
DarcyandSebastianlookedatoneanotherandshooktheirheads.
Meanwhile,SakuraandHarukawereoutsidethepenthouse,talking.HarukahadSakurainherarmsthe

wholetime,refusingtoletthegirlgoevenjustalittle.

“Tellmeaboutyourchildhood,”Sakurasaid.“Iwanttoknowaboutyouandyourchildhood.”
HarukastrokedSakura’slonghairandnodded.“Iwasbroughtupverystrict.TheTanakasareavery

wealthyandtraditionalfamily.Iwastheyoungeroftwochildren.Myolderbrother,Sora,isnowthehead
of the Tanaka Empire. You have three cousins. Two boys and one girl. Rui is the oldest. He’s about
Sosuke’s age. Yuki is the second son. He’s about Sebastian’s age. And Hana is five years younger than
you.Shehasadifferentmotherfromherolderbrothers.”

Shelaughedbrokenly.“EverytimeIsawHana,Irememberedyou.”Tearsstartedbrewinginhereyes

again. “My family values name and status above all. We weren’t allowed to do anything that would
tarnishournobleline.ButthenImetamanand…”

“Myfather?”Sakuracouldn’thelpbutask.Shehadalwayswantedtoknowmoreaboutthatmysterious

biologicalfatherofhers,andnowshehadthechancetoask,tofindoutwhatthispersonwaslike.

“Yes.Iwasonlytwentythen.Youngandverynaive…andverymuchinlove.”
“Doyoustilllovehimevennow?”
“Ihaven’tseenhimforovertwenty-fiveyears,Sakura,”Harukasaid.“It’sveryunlikelyI’dmeethim

again.Ilovedmyhusband,Kenji.Hewassuchawonderfulman.Butwecouldn’thavechildrentogether.
Hewassterile.”

Sakurasmiled.“Iwouldhavesiblingsifheweren’t.”
“Yes,youwouldhave,”Harukasaid.
“Tellmeaboutmybiologicalfather,”Sakuraurgedhernewfoundmother.
HarukatookadeepbreathasshestaredoffintothedistanceandthebuildingsbeyondNewYorkCity.
“Hewasn’tastrikinglyhandsomeman,Sakura.Buttherewasthatsomethingabouthim.Hewaskind

andunderstandingand,aboveall,hadthatdrysenseofhumorthatattractedmetohim.”Shereturnedher
eyes to her daughter and chuckled. “You’re so much like him. Doing all sorts of artsy stuff. He was an
artist.Hepaintedalot.Nature,portraitsofhumanandanimals.”

Sakuraperkedup.“Hadheeverpaintedyou?Iwouldreallylovetoseehispaintings.”
Harukalaughed.“Yes.Hepaintedme.”Hereyessoftened,anddeepdown,thatfeelingslowlycame

backtoher.Thefeelingofbeinglovedwhollyandcompletely.AfeelingthatherdeadhusbandKenjihad
neverbeenabletogiveher.

Onceagain,Harukaflashedhermindbacktothatmorninglongagowhenshe’dwokenuptoseethe

manshe’dhadashortaffairwithdrawingher.

*****

“Whatareyoudoing?”sheasked.

“Paintingyou,”hesaid.“Although,thisisonlytheoutline.Staystillanddon’tmovesomuch.”
“I’mnakedhere,”shemuttered.“Youbaka!Stopdrawingme.”
“You’rebeautiful,Haruka.Nowbeagoodgirlandstaystill.”
Shelaughedandflewoffthebed,wrappingthebedsheetaroundherbody.Shecametopeekbehind

himandsawitwasindeedasketchofherlyinginbedwithonlyathinsheetcoveringhernakedbody.

“Oh!”Shechuckled.“You’regood.”
“OfcourseIam,”hesaid,pullingherintohisarms.

*****

AshakybreathescapedHaruka’slipsassherememberedthatday.Oneofthemanydaysshe’dspenttime
withthemanshehadloved.Thatwasuntilthedayshefoundoutshewaspregnantandknewinhergutshe
didn’twantthechild.Hadn’thesaidallalongthattheyweretooyoungtothinkaboutkids?Thathemight
never want them for the rest of his life? She’d known he wouldn’t accept her child and had made a
decisionthatitwasbesthedidn’tknowaboutthepregnancy.Hence,shelefthim.Itwasbestthatway.

“Whatwashisname?”Sakuraasked.WhenshesawHarukastiffenatherquestion,shequicklysaid,

“I’msorry.I’mpryingintoyourprivatelife.”

Harukarelaxedandthenchuckled.“No.Thepastisthepast,Sakura.Areyouplanningontryingtofind

himaswell?”

Sakurathoughtaboutthisforamomentandthenshookherhead.“No,notatthemoment.Fornow,just

havingfoundyouisenough.I’vealwaysthoughtaboutyou.AlwayswonderedwhyIwasthrownaway.
I…”

Haruka tightened her embrace on her daughter and once again felt guilt overwhelming her. “I’m so

sorry,mylove.Ineverwantedtothrowyouaway.Iwasyoungandstupid.Iwoulddoanythingtogoback
tothatdayandchangethecourseI’dtaken.”

“Evenmeetingmybiologicalfatherandgivingbirthtome?”

Haruka shook her head. “No. I would never change that even if I had the chance to. I never regret

havingarelationshipwithhimorhavingyou.ButifIeverhadthechance,Iwouldneverleaveyouatthe
orphanage.IwouldtakeyoubackwithmetoJapananddamntheconsequences.”

Sakurathoughtifthatweretohappen,shewouldn’thavehadsuchahorriblechildhood,especiallyat

the orphanage with Mrs. Byrd and Tara. But then again, she wouldn’t have been adopted by James and
Brendaeither.

Andthentherewerethebrothers.Twoofwhichsheloved,SebastianandDarcy.Shewouldn’thave

metthem.Shewouldn’thavefalleninlovewiththem.Herheartskippedabeatatthatthought.

Wasshegladhermotherhadthrownherawayandinturnallowedhertomeetthebrothers,orwasshe

upsetthatindoingso,she’dthemosthorrendouschildhoodonecouldeverimagine?Shedidn’tknow.

“HisnameisEdward,”Harukasaid,drawingSakura’sattentionfromherthoughts.“Edward.”
“Edward,”Sakurasaidsoftly,thenamerollingeffortlesslyoffhertongue.“He’smybiologicalfather.”
Itwasthenthetwoheardsomeonesay,“Sorryforinterruptingthereunion.”
Mother and daughter turned to the door to see Tristan standing there, grinning from ear to ear. “But

dinnerisserved.”Heevenbowedlowasaservantwould.

SakuralaughedonceshesawthemessonTristan’sshirtandpants.“Haveyoubeenhelpingoutinthe

kitchenagain?”

Heconfirmedwithanod.“Yes,Sakura.Andifyoumustknow,Ididn’tcutmyselfwithapotatopeeler

thistime.”

Harukasaid,“Howdidyoumanagetodothat?Itisveryhardtocutoneselfwithapotatopeeler.”
Tristanlookedlikehisballoonhadjustburst,andSakuralaughed.“It’llbeadeliciousdinner.Ican’t

waittotryit.”

ThatstatementpleasedTristanmightily.Hesaid,astheycametowardhim,“Shepherdspie.Ididthe

mashedpotatoesthatgoontop.Momsaiditwasdelicious,”heboasted.

“Ibetitis,”Sakurasaidasthethreeenteredthepenthouse.

*****

CHAPTER30

SakuraandHe rTwoKnights

Sebastian had watched Sakura all throughout dinner, thinking of how he’d approach the topic of them
beingherbodyguards.Heknewshewouldn’tlikethesoundofthat,butheck,itwasforherownsafety.Of
course,itwasonlyuntiltheywerereallysureMrs.Clarkwasn’tgoingtotakeanyactionagainstSakura.
Buttheydoubtedthat.

Dinnerwasover,andhewasjustfinishedhelpingclearingthetablewhenhenoticedSakuramissing.

Everyonewasinthelivingroom,chattingaway.NicolaswasprettycozywithAkira,whileDarcywas
talking to Sosuke. His mom and dad were speaking with Haruka, while Tristan, Logan, Hayden, and
Conrad were in the kitchen, doing the dishes, freaking out the maid so much that she complained to
Brenda.

Sebastian was just walking across the corridor when he saw Sakura in the courtyard. Knowing this

wasagoodtimetobringupthesubjectofhermovinginwiththem,heheadedouttowardher.Oncehe
wasoutside,coolnightairgreetedhimandheinhaledinsatisfaction,asmileonhislips.

“Hey,”hesaidthemomenthewasbesideher.
Sakura jumped at his voice. She turned to look at him, giving a surprised smile. “Sorry, I was just

thinking.Ididn’thearyoucoming.”

Henoddedinunderstandingashegazedatthevastnightviewbeforethem.
“Whatwereyouthinkingabout?”
“Everything.” She raised her eyes to him again and said, “Everything just kind of happened

unexpectedly,youknow,with…withmymother.”Oddlyenough,shestillfounditalittlehardtoreferto
Haruka as her mother. She’d get used to it, she knew that, but for now, it was just that little bit
overwhelming.

“Yes,”hesaid.“Isn’tthatwhatyou’vebeenwanting?”
Shenodded.“Forsolong.”Involuntarily,shehuggedherselfandshiveredalittle.
Sebastianthoughtshewascoldandmovedcloser.Hewrappedhisarmsaroundherandmadeherrest

herheadagainsthismassivechest.Sakuraobliged,gladtobeinhisembrace,gladtohavehiswarmth
andsupport.

“SoDadandusbrothershavebeentalking.”Hebeganevasively.
“Oh?”Sakuramadethesoundasshestaredathisbulgingbicepthatsuddenlycausedherskintotingle

deliciously.

“Wethinkit’sbestyoumoveinwithuswhenwe’vereturnedfromHawaii.”
Shetrailedhergazefromhisarmtohishandsomeface.“Why?”
“Look,Iknowhowmuchyouwanttostaywithyourmother,butit’sforyoursafety.”
“Mrs.Clark?”
Henodded.
Sakuradidn’tlikethesoundofthat.“Soyoubrotherswillprotectme?”
“Yes.”
“Butwhatifshedoesn’tdoanything?Wouldn’tthatjustbelikewastingyourtime?”
Hechuckled.“Sakura,foryou,itisneverawasteoftime.Icanspendtherestofmylifewithyouand

I’dnevercomplain.”

Thatstatementstruckdeepwithinherheart.Shefeltsowarmandwanted.Sheblushedandfeltmore

thanlittletoohotandbothered.Shetriedtomoveoutofhisembrace,buthewouldn’tletherandtightened
hisarmsaroundher.

“Sebastian,” she said softly, trying not to offend him. She knew he and his brothers were concerned

aboutherwellbeing.Sheknewtheywantedtohelpher.Butreally?Didsheneedtomoveinwiththem?
Shedidn’twanttobeaninconveniencetothem.Shealsowantedtostandonherowntwofeet.Shewas
sureshe’dbefine.

“Look,Iunderstandyouandyourbrotherswanttoprotectme.Butreally,thisisgettingalittletooout

ofcontrol.Imean,I’moldenoughtolookaftermyself.Besides,there’sSosukeaswell.Andyoubrothers
arejustonefloorabove.Also,theapartmentbuildingisfullysecured,right?”

At his nod, she continued. “So really, there’s no need for me to move in with you. I don’t want to

botheryouguys.”

Sebastiansaid,“Soyourproblemisyoudon’twanttobotherusevenifyourlifeisindanger?”
Shenoddedathisstatement.Thenshequicklychangedhermindandshookherhead.“No,that’snot

it.”

Sebastian couldn’t help himself. He threw his head back and laughed out loudly. Sakura was

mesmerizedbyhislaughter.Whenhestoppedandturnedhisattentiontoher,hehadabiggrinonhisface.
Sakura sucked in her breath. Because of her problems for the past few days, she’d forgotten how
disarminglyhandsomethismanwasandhowmuchhecouldaffecther.Inagoodway,though.Gosh,she
reallydidlovehim.

Shesaid,“You’remakingfunofme.”
“Perhapsitwouldbeeasierforyoutomoveinwithusifyou’remygirlfriend,Sakura,”hesaid,matter

offact.“Howaboutthat?Doyouwanttobeinarealrelationshipwithme?”

Thequestiontookherbysurprise,andSakurajustdidn’tknowhowtoreply.Shebitherlipandstared

hardathischin.Gosh!Hedidhaveverygoodchin.Strongandfirm.Shewantedtostrokehischinand
feelthatfiveo’clockshadowbeneathherpalm.Thethoughtcausedathrillofdelicioussensationtorush
throughherbody.

Sebastianfelthershiveringandthoughthe’dgonetoofar.Heshouldn’thaveaskedherthat,knowing

howmuchshelovedDarcyaswellashim.Hecouldn’treallybackdownnow,couldhe?Itwastoolate.
Yes, he admitted he was greedy where Sakura was concerned. But damn, he loved her and would do
anythingtoprotecther.

“I…”Shebegan.
“Sakura,”hesaid,nudgingherchinupsoshelookedhimintheeyes.“Doyouloveme?”
Sakura didn’t need to think twice about that. “Yes,” she said without hesitation. “I love you,

Sebastian.”

“Thenbemygirlfriend,”hesaid.“Comeandlivewithus.”
Sakurastaredupathim,wonderinghowtogivehimheranswer.Asshedugdeepintoherthoughts,she

didn’tnoticeDarcywasstandingjustatthedoor.Infact,he’dbeenthereforalittlewhileandhadheard
their conversation clearly. He hadn’t intended on eavesdropping, but when he’d heard Sebastian asking
heraboutwhethershelovedhimornot,hefoundhislegscouldn’tmove.

WhenheheardthewordyesfromSakura,hefelthisgutchurningwithsickness.Suddenly,hefeltweak

anddefeated,asifhe’djustlostabattlethatwasveryimportanttohim.

Withdroopingshouldersandaburningpaindeepwithinhisheart,heturnedonhisheel.
“Iloveyou,Sebastian.”Thewordsechoedacrosstohimasheblindlyopenedthedoor.

“Thenbemygirlfriend.Comeandlivewithus.”
Darcydidn’tneedtoheartheanswer.Heknewinhisgutwhatitwas.Now,however,heneededspace.

Heneededtobealone.Heheadedoutofthepenthouse,gotintohiscar,anddroveaway.

Backinthecourtyard,Sakurasaid,“I’llthinkaboutmovinginwithyouandyourbrothers.”
“Andwhataboutbeingmygirlfriend?”Hecouldn’thelpasking.
Sakuraknewsheneededtophrasethisproperlysoshewouldn’thurthim.“Iloveyou,Sebastian,but

youdoknowIloveDarcyaswell.”

Sebastiannodded.“Irespectthatwholeheartedly.”
“Ineedtime.IcannotblindlygointoarelationshipknowingI’dhurtoneofyou.I’msorry,Sebastian.I

reallyam.”

Instead of sounding like he’d just gotten dumped, Sebastian laughed. This surprised Sakura, and she

gazedupathim,amazed.

Sebastianloweredhisheadandkissedheronherforehead.Whenhemovedback,hesaid,“ThenI’ll

domybesttowinyouover.”

Sakuratightenedherarmsaroundhisbigframeaswellandwhispered,“Thankyouforunderstanding.”

*****

Aloneintheparkinglot,facingtheharborandNewYorkCity,Darcystoodgazingacrossthevastness,
takinginthecoolairandthebrightnightlights.

“Snow.”HewhisperedSakura’snicknamebetweenhislips,thinkingaboutwhathe'dwitnessedonly

momentspast.

Heraisedhisheadandclosedhiseyes,feelingthedullachecrushinghischest.Hadn’thetoldhimself

before that if Sakura chose Sebastian, he’d be happy for her? Hadn’t he decided already that he’d be
happy for them both? After all, Sebastian loved Sakura dearly and he’d be a great boyfriend and,
eventually,husbandforher.

Butwhyohwhycouldn’thesettletonight?Whywashisheartachingsomuchhefeltlikescreaming?
No!Hewasn’tgoingtoscream.Hewouldhavetocrushthepainandhurtandburythemdeepwithin

his heart. He’d lock them away and never allow them to see the light of day ever again. He would be
happyforSakuraandSebastian.HewouldrespectSakura’schoiceandbehappyforher.

From now on, what he needed to do was keep his distance. Give the couple some space. And

eventually,Darcyknewhe’dforgetSakura.Forgetheeverlovedher.Forgethe’devergivenherthename
Snow.Forgetthey’deverkissedunderthecherryblossomtreeonSt.JosephIsland.

“Sakura,”hesaid,smilingsadly.“Helpmestoplovingyou.Please.”

*****

CHAPTER31

Unforge ttable Love

“EdwardFabre!”thevoiceontheotherendofthelineshoutedinNed’sear.“Doyourealizehowmuch
troubleyou’vecaused?”

Nedlookedheavenwardandsighed.HeknewwhenhissisterBethstartedcallinghimbyhisproper

name,shewasreallypissedwithhim.HehadnodoubtitwasaboutSakuraandthePrincetonbrothers.
He,however,hadnochoiceinthematter.HehadtoabandonhispromiseofmakingSakuracomearound.
Hisnewgallerywasabouttoopeninafewmonths,andhewaslateonsettingupthebusiness.Therewas
stillalottobedoneyet,andhewasgettingmorethanalittlestressedaboutthewholething.

Hesaid,“Lookhere,Beth,Ican’tjustleavewheneverythinghereisinsuchchaos.”
HeheardBethsigh.“Well,that’sallyoueverthinkabout.Yourartsandbusiness.Ifyoumustknow,

EdwardFabre,thePrincetonbrothershavealreadyfoundSakura.Theydidn’tneedyourhelpafterall.”

Nedlaughed.“Well,that’sgreat.ThenIdon’tneedtogobacktoNewYorkuntilthisendisdoneand

dusted.”

“Believeitornot,I’maloneatthemoment.Thebrothersareattheirparents’penthouse.”
“Ithoughtyouenjoyedyourmetime,”heteased.
“Yes,butthistimeIfeelleftout,”shemuttered.“Thosebrothers!”
“Look,Beth,Ihavetogo,”Nedsaid.
“Soyouwon’tbebackforacouplemoremonths,then?”Bethasked.
“Afraid not. I’ll email Sakura and let her know. I’m happy everything worked out for her and the

brothers.”

“Yes,”Bethagreed.“Oh,andhasSakuratoldyouabouthergoingtoHawaiiforaphotoshoot?”
Nedfrownedoverthis.“No,shehasn’t.”
“Well,they’llbeawayforweeks,sinceIheardthebrotherssaythey’llbedoingabitofvacationingas

well.I’mgoingtoseeifIcantagalong.”

Nedlaughed.“You’regettingtooattached,Beth.”
“I have a right to be, Edward,” she said clearly, indicating she was still upset with him. “I’ve been

withthemsincetheywerekids.”

“Look,Ireallyhavetogo,”Nedsaid.“Callmeagain,okay?”
“Maybe,Edward,”Bethsaidandcutthelinewithadefinitesharpness.
Nedshookhisheadashestaredathiscellphone.ThatwasBethallright.She’dneverchange,andhe

lovedherjustthewayshewas.

He walked out of the office and came to inspect his new gallery. Tradesmen were going about their

business, painting the walls and fitting in the lights and switches. Once he was sure everything was in
order,heheadedintothestoreroomandcarefullywentthroughthepaintingsthathadjustbeendelivereda
fewhoursago.

Heunwrappedhisfavoriteandstoodback,staringatbeautifullinesofthecurvesofawomanlyingin

bedwithonlyathinbedsheetcoveringher.Slowlyandlovingly,hetracedhisfingersacrossthedelicate
faceandfeltatugdeepwithinhisheart.

“Haruka.”Thenamesoftlyslippedbetweenhislips.“WillIeverseeyouagain?”

Ashesaidthat,heknewhe’dneverseeheragain.She’dlefthimcoldturkeythatwinterdayandnever

returned.Allshe’dleftwasanotethatsaidshedidn’tlovehimanddidn’twanttobewithhimanymore.
ThatshehadtoreturntoJapananditwasbesttheydidn’tkeepcontact.

AsighescapedhislipsasNedwithdrewhishandfromthepainting.Hepickedupthecoverandthrew

itbackoverthecanvasandthenlefttheroom,hisheartstillaching—evenaftertwenty-fiveyears.

*****

NextintheSakuraandPrincetonBrothersstory

Thank you for reading Falling for Sakura: A Secret Proposal Part 1. The story of Sakura and the seven
PrincetonbrotherscontinuesinFallingforSakura:ASecretProposalPart2,whichwillbereleasedin
February2017.

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AboutAlexia

Mydearreader,

ThisisAlexia,andIwouldliketothankyouverymuchforpurchasingthisbook.IfyoulikeFallingfor
SakuraVol.3:ASecretProposalPart1,thenIencourageyoutowriteareview.Betteryet,ratethisbook
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Herearesomethingsaboutme.

I’m a self-confessed hermit who love to write romance; be it contemporary, historical, fantasy,
paranormal,oracombinationofanyofthese.Asidefromromance,Ialsowriteyoungadult.Unlikemy
romancenovels,myYAcounterpartfallsintovarioussubgenressuchasfantasy,science-fiction,thriller,
supernatural,dystopia,mystery,andofcourse,romance.

Iliveinhistoric,students-infestedDunedin,Aotearoa(landofthelongwhitecloud),akaNewZealand.
It’salone,isolated,beautifulcountrywithrangesofexquisitemountainsandbreathtakingrivers.

Apart from writing and occasionally losing myself in my own dream realm, I love self-cultivation, is
fascinatedaboutChinesemetaphysics,andspendmostofmysparetimewatchinganimeandTVdramas,
andofcourse,readingbooksandmanga.

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