Chapter 8: In a gangster's territory.

We've stepped foot on our destination—the Iekami Residence. This place is the territory of Galina's husband, Iñigo's father. They have a Buddha Statue located in their garden, where Galina told me her husband prays after killing someone.

I didn't expect them to be this religious since they take away lives, but I guess their surname explains it all, which means Home of God. I was also baffled when it's not Galina's place we're heading, for I thought they live together. But I guess, if they are, the tranquility in Galina's place that I was in before would vanish.

There are many men in suits outside, seems to be guarding the place. They're all tall and big, some are Asian and some are Westerners, but their vibe are the same; dangerous.

I kept my head low and was glued to Galina since I'm unfamiliar with the place, and for them to not mistook me as an intruder.

Galina went up to the man that seems to be their captain, standing in the door of the traditional house of Rising Sun. The man bowed his head as a greetings to Galina.

"Where's Mahoto?" she asked. The guy straightened his body, as he glares at me.

"Ma'am, may I know who this is?" he asked, his eyebrows are raised and a doubtful expression came.

"I'm asking you a question." Galina demanded. She and the captain was on eye to eye, creating such intense atmosphere when the door behind the man suddenly opened. "Yo, it's noisy." said by the man that opened the door.

I do admit, he is good-looking, but his face is as fierce as the chemistry between Galina and the Yakuza captain that even without making contact with him you'll be intimidated. His aura and presence are also strong. Now I'm questioning myself why the hell did I decide to come with her.

The man's chinky eyes widened as he saw Galina, "Woah, you're here! Ichigo, why didn't you let my wife in? It's rude to the visitor!" the man exclaimed and looked at me. "I'm sorry, boss." the captain, who's name seems to be Ichigo, stepped aside, exposing the man's full image.

"Come in, come in!" the fierce looking man did not match his actions. His face is feisty yet his body is gentle. "I shouldn't judge a book by its cover." I soliloquized. Galina tenderly pushed Iñigo in, while I followed them behind.

The man sat on the red cushion on the floor in front of a small tea table made of wood. Galina then sat across him, so is Iñigo. I was lost and doesn't know what I should do so I also sat beside Galina.

"Galina, you have a company, I see. Is she your replacement as my wife? How thoughtful of you to pick a beautiful woman! I'll promise to reward you handsomely hehe." the man chuckled.

I was disgusted by what he said. Despite him being young, he talks like an old creep, I wonder if he's possessed?

"No I-" before I could even say what I want to speak out, Galina cuts me off. "She's my mistress." she uttered abruptly. I was surprised by what she said, and was more surprised when the man looked happy, other than shocked nor equivocate.

"Congratulations!" he exclaimed.

Damn, this man is as cheerful, yet his boys are all serious. I looked at Galina, signaling the words 'What the fuck are you saying?'

She just smirked and winked at me, that sent butterflies to my stomach. "Shit how could you be so attractive..." I thought. At that moment, the urge to clarify my name begone and I just let things be.

"I'm Iekami, Mahoto. Pleased to meet you." he reached out his hand. His cheerful vibe expedite into something of business serious, and his eyes also changed its expression. This made me puzzled, but I brushed it off since it doesn't really concern me. I took and shook his hand, "I'm Maxine Golubev, nice to meet you too."

His attention then drifted to Iñigo, who hasn't said a word since we took off from my home. "Iñigo, won't you introduce yourself to our guest?" he suggested.

My eyebrows creased. He personally saw us with Iñigo coming to his place, yet he still hasn't assumed we know each other?

Iñigo nodded, "Hello. My name is Iñigo Chekov, nice to meet you." he coordinated. I gave him a smile to assure, but this Mahoto man sure is strange.

I took my courage to ask Galina what is with him, but decided I'll just ask later, for he might be offended if he sees me whispering something in front of him.

We had chitchats over some green tea his boys had served. Eventually, my fear was at ease. We had a great time, that we did not noticed the sky has gone dark.

"Ah, it's now 6 p.m. Should we go now?" Galina asked and glanced at me. "Oh, how about you stay here for dinner first?" Mahoto offered, however, Galina refused by shaking her head.

"I'd love to, but I have some explaining to do to my parents." she said and grabbed my hand, "Let's go." she said.

I went with her, but hesitated halfway when she did not take Iñigo.

"Wait Galina— how about Iñigo?" I asked. She paused and stared at me, then laughed.

I raised my eyebrows, questioning why she's laughing when there's nothing funny. "I told you, he's born to be his heir. He keep him here for training." she finally said.

Now, I suddenly felt bad. He's just a kid, but fate had already given him a hard time.

"Let's go." she pulled my hands and opened the car door for me to get in. When I was inside, she sat on the driver's seat and started driving.

While she's jamming with the music she puts on, I was enjoying the view of city lights from across the land we're driving, when I suddenly remembered the thing I was supposed to ask her earlier.

"Right, Galina.. can I ask you a question?"

"You're already asking." she shortly replied. I rolled my eyes at her, "Your husband is strange." I said.

"Oh, is that a question?" she sarcastically kid. I rolled my eyes again and had a deep sigh while she laughs. "Are you perhaps wondering why he seems different every time?" she added. I nodded and looked at her, eager for her to answer.

"He have D.I.D" she responded. I was surprised, and was completely unprepared for this. I expected that he have some illness but not a disorder.