by
A gunshot. A bloody note. And a relationship that might not survive…
Now that the war with the Korean syndicate is behind him, all Nao Murata wants is a vacation and a chance to nurture his new relationship with Aki Hisona. They can punish those who abandoned the family later.
After six weeks trapped in a hospital bed, a quiet vacation is the last thing Aki wants. Ready to prove himself to Nao and the rest of the family, Aki’s desperate for some action. And not just the yakuza kind…
When Aki hears a gunshot, he knows the dust has far from settled. Nao says it can wait, but Aki’s unable to understand why they can’t tie up those loose ends.
Between Aki’s constant pushing and Nao’s uncompromising focus on what he thinks is best for them both, are they too stubborn for their fragile relationship to last?
Find out in The Yakuza Path: Wrapped in Screams, the sixth installment of The Yakuza Path thriller series. If you like gritty Japanese crime, complex characters, and a high dose of gay romance, then you’ll love Amy Tasukada’s latest novel.
Buy Wrapped in Screams to get your taste of romantic revenge today!
- 1 To Be Read list
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Cover Artists:
Genres:
Pairings: M-M
Heat Level: 4
Romantic Content: 4
Ending: Click here to reveal
Character Identities: Gay
Protagonist 1 Age: 26-35
Protagonist 2 Age: 18-25
Tropes: Badass Hero, Criminals & Outlaws, Cultural Differences, Friends to Lovers, Hurt / Comfort, Office / Workplace Romance, Slow Burning Love
Word Count: 37000
Setting: Kyoto, Japan
Languages Available: English
“Aki.”
In the lucid space among wake, sleep, and the opioids the hospital had given him for pain, Nao’s voice sounded sweeter than a cherry and more luscious than watermelon on the hottest day of summer.
“Aki? I made some tea.”
Nao’s words turned into a cascade of sweetness. The juicy sap slid over Aki’s tongue, down his throat and became part of him.
“You’re still tired? I’ll come back when you’re more awake.”
No!
The threat of Nao abandoning him pulled Aki from the dream.
“Hmm.” Aki’s voice sounded thick with sleep.
“It’s still early. I can come back.”
“I’m fine.” Aki groped for his glasses and, once he’d found them, slipped on the black frames.
READ MOREFinally, the man he adored sat, in focus, before him. Nao’s burnt-sienna eyes looked into Aki’s soul. They knew all the struggles he’d had to go through and his determination to do so. Aki would do it all again if he were able to always gaze into Nao’s eyes. His glares sent most men cowering, but they made Aki want to drop to his knees and give Nao pleasure.
Though, the heavy-duty pain killers had killed Aki’s sex drive. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been hard. His right hand and his go-to Nao fantasies would’ve made the boring hospital nights a lot more bearable.
“These pain meds give me such strange dreams,” Aki said. “I swear I heard a gunshot.”
“When I first moved here, everyone set out exploring, and then we heard a loud crash. We all went running. It turned out Hayato’s foot had gone through some rotten boards. The whole west wing is condemned. It may be falling apart, but I like that it’s just us here. No house full of new recruits like at headquarters.”
Aki rubbed his thumb over his palm. “I know having me passing out after a shower probably wasn’t how you envisioned our first evening together.”
“Don’t worry.” Nao squeezed Aki’s hand. “We’ll have many more nights together.”
Aki had seen Nao out of a suit every evening, but their first morning together, he’d worn an indigo yukata with a swirling geometric pattern. The gentle lines of cotton fabric had softened his sharp jaw and complemented the curve of his nose.
He handed Aki a cup of bright-green tea. Usually it was Aki who woke up early to make their morning pot. The switch was a nice gesture, and Nao made tea perfectly. Though no matter how good the cup, Aki could kick himself for not even remembering Nao coming into the room last night.
Then Aki looked closer and realized his was the only futon on the worn tatami floor. He would’ve definitely woken up if Nao had put his away.
“Did you even sleep in here?” Aki blurted out.
“I wasn’t sure how comfortable you’d be with me beside you, since you were already asleep.”
“Of course I want you to sleep with me.” Aki placed a hand suggestively on Nao’s thigh.
Aki couldn’t think of anything else that would make him happier than having Nao’s cock rip him in half. Though Aki doubted he could get his up even if he wanted to. Skipping the pain meds to get his libido back was the next thing on his to-do list. The hospital had only given him a two-week supply. So far he hadn’t hurt too much and they’d mostly made him tired. It would still probably take a few days for the narcotics to completely leave his system, but he and Nao could mess around until then.
COLLAPSEAmy Tasukada doesn’t miss a beat, even with this quick read about Nao and Aki after the battle. There is still violence that has always been a major part of “The Yakuza Path” series, but it’s very toned down. “Wrapped In Screams” is really focused on Nao and Aki’s: difference in personalities, life styles, the ability to compromise and a compassionate growing relationship.
