Love is Always Write Anthology Volume 7

way across the entire country, from coast to coast. It took me a few years, since I would stop in places and settle for a while before I would feel the itch to move on. I've been living in San Francisco for some months now."
    "Employed by Barrett?"
    Jonathon swallowed. This was the area he'd tried to get over with fast, and now he didn't want to face it. "Yes. Most recently."
    "And before?"
    "I've worked a variety of jobs. There's a lot of building in San Francisco now, so I've mostly been a laborer."
    "How did you come to work for Barrett?"
    "I…I knew his nephew."
    Kazuhiro contemplated him in silence.
    Jonathon could see in Kazuhiro's eyes that he knew there was more to his connection with Barrett and it seemed he was waiting for Jonathon to volunteer the information on his own. Jonathon wanted to tell him. All the words were there inside him, but his throat was almost too tight to breathe, as if blocking the words from coming out.
    Kazuhiro slowly looked away, and Jonathon thought he saw disappointment on his face. He shifted on the edge of the veranda to be even a fraction closer to him. "You're not what I was expecting."
    Kazuhiro glanced back to him. "What were you expecting?"
    "I didn't think you'd be so young. And I certainly wasn't expecting a nobleman who would charge into battle. Where I'm from, many who have any kind of power or wealth delegate dangerous and unpleasant tasks to others."
    "It's the same here. But as you said, I'm young, so perhaps I'm still rash. My father said that of me more times than once."
    Jonathon mind jumped on Kazuhiro mentioning his father. It only struck him then, if Kazuhiro was head of the Takezaki clan, then his father must have either passed or turned the clan over to his son's control. "How long have you been head of your family?"
    "Six years." Kazuhiro's gaze moved over Jonathon's face. "I was only a little older than you are now, if my guess of your age is correct."
    "I'm twenty-three."
    Kazuhiro's slender eyebrows rose in surprise. "You look younger. That was my age exactly when I became head of my family and lands."
    "That's still young for so much responsibility."
    Kazuhiro shook his head. "I don't think so. The responsibility was good for me, and it was my duty to accept it. My father had the wasting sickness."
    Jonathon offered a look of sympathy and softened his voice. "I'm sorry."
    Kazuhiro inclined his head in appreciation for Jonathon's words.
    "It must be difficult for you," Jonathon said, "leading your men, trying to take care of your lands, when things are so volatile. I've heard revolution is on the verge of breaking out."
    "It's already started with small skirmishes and many seeking alliances. The Satsuma and Choshu clans aligned last year against the Shogun."
    "And your allies with the Satsuma."
    Kazuhiro tipped his head to the side, contemplating Jonathon. "Barrett ensured you were very knowledgeable about me."
    "Yes, I suppose he did."
    Kazuhiro nodded slowly, speaking more to himself than Jonathon. "It seems he wants to know his enemy better, also." He looked away from him to the garden. "But you're correct. The Takezaki and Satsuma clans have long been friends with our lands being so close. But I also believe in some of their ideals."
    "Some? Not all?"
    Kazuhiro glanced back to him with a smirk. "If I believed in all, then you wouldn't be here."
    Jonathon nodded. It seemed though Kazuhiro's sympathies were toward those rebellious to the Shogun, he was also a man of independence.
    Kazuhiro continued. "Because things are very tense, and as alliances are being formed, so too are new enemies being created, I want you to stay here. Don't go out to the city, even with an escort. My enemies would attack you without hesitation, and my allies don't yet know you."
    "I'll stay here. But it sounds like you're planning on leaving."
    "I am, briefly this afternoon." Kazuhiro fell silent again as his gaze roamed over him. "I'll be back by evening, and I'd like for you to have dinner with me tonight."
    "Of course! It would be my pleasure."
    Kazuhiro laughed softly. "You're very eager."
    Jonathon focused on Kazuhiro, giving him his most sensual smile. "I can't help that I enjoy your company."
    He saw the look in Kazuhiro's eyes shift, the humor fading as a new heat came into them. Kazuhiro was dropping all restraint and showing his attraction for him. Jonathon's cock ached with arousal. He stood to let it shift and adjust. As he did, Kazuhiro's gaze dropped, focusing