Read Online No Ordinary Love by Kenya Wright - Free Book Online

district?”
    “It’s dangerous.”
    “I don't care.”
    “You should.”
    I touched my chest. “You don't get to be as successful as I am by being afraid to do things.”
    “How did you become such a success at your age?” He quirked his eyebrows. “You're only twenty-one.”
    “It's a long story.”
    “I like long ones.”
    “It's also private.”
    He grinned. “I love private ones, too.”
    “Mr. Sato—”
    “Call me, Kenji.”
    “Fine. Kenji, I need your permission to research the district. Please work with me on this. Is there anyone else I can talk to in order to make this happen?”
    That playful smile left his face. “I'm as high as you need to go.”
    I smirked. “I doubt that. You're not even thirty yet. How does someone so young get to block others from a whole district?”
    “Like your story, mine is a long and private one.”
    “I bet there is someone above you.”
    “There's always someone higher than another. Just remember, people don't get to high places without shedding blood in the process. Are you sure you want to meet the men above me?”
    Oh shit. Is this metaphorical shedding of blood or is he saying these guys actually killed people?
    I placed my now shivering hands under the table. “Maybe. I might want to meet them if I can't get permission from you.”
    He leaned forward. “No. You don't want to meet them and, trust me on this, you won't.”
    “I bet if I nosed around I could find these people and speak to them myself.”
    “Naughty Tora.” He moved away and leaned back in his chair. “I'm surprised you've managed to live this long. You're not going to give up on this book, are you?”
    “No, and I want my recorder back.”
    “It’s in my pocket.”
    I extended my hand to him. “Give it to me, please.”
    “After we’ve agreed on a deal.”
    “What deal?”
    “Maybe you should write about something else.”
    “I can't. I love the topic and my publisher already contracted me for this one.”
    “Aww, you’re like Basho.”
    Now what is he talking about?
    “Excuse me? Who the hell is Basho?” I asked.
    “He’s a famous poet.”
    A few faded memories came to mind. “I think I’ve heard of him. He invented the haiku, right?”
    “No. Haiku was around before Basho, but he definitely perfected it. He’s recognized as the greatest master of haiku.”
    “Okay?” I twisted my lips to the side. “And how am I like him?”
    “He was a wanderer. His goal was never the destination but the actual trip itself. One of the famous things he taught was that the true spirit of a haiku thrived while it was in the poet’s mind and being written.” Kenji tapped his head. “Once the haiku shifted into ink and paper, it was no longer anything.”
    “So he was big on the experience of writing the haiku versus the actual product?”
    “Yes. You remind me of him.”
    “Well I’m not like him. I’m a believer in the product, and I won’t be able to hold my book in my hands if I can’t even get permission to learn about the topic.”
    “You thrive on the experience too.”
    “Maybe, it’s exciting.”
    “You want to see those beautiful women slip soapy sponges along hard cocks. You like to watch, don’t you?”
    My body heated, but I recovered. “We’re veering off topic.”
    “Are we?”
    “Yes.”
    “You’re like Basho.”
    “Fine. I’m like Basho.” I saluted him. “Will that allow me access to your district?”
    “No.” He tossed me a wicked grin. “But that knowledge gives me bigger bargaining chips. How far are you willing to go to get my permission? How important is your experience here?”
    “Very important, and I’ll go as far as I need to without putting myself in danger.”
    He chuckled. “Aww. Youth is a funny thing. You want to play it safe, but here you are dining with danger. Can I give you some advice?”
    “Sure, old wise man. Tell me what you’ve mastered in your thirty years.”
    “I’ve done a lot.”
    “I’m sure you have.”