Chapter 27

For the first time since I'd woken up my heart felt light. Yaru and Edward were far enough away I didn't feel monitored by them, and Tomichii and Kioshi were fast becoming two of my favourite people. I couldn't be entirely open with them, but it was a start.

“I think, Kioshi, you're very much in danger of charming your first courtesan,” Tomichii said, his eyes sparkling as he teased his friend. I blushed and looked away, no clue how to handle such a statement when it revealed my thoughts so completely.

“We both know courtesans are more your diversion than mine,” Kioshi replied. “You charmed her on the very first day. We are just colleagues trying to help others.”

“Oh, no... Well... I mean... yes, but...” I trailed off, my mind in a spin. I looked between them both, biting my lip as I tried to find the right words to say. How do I let two very different men know I like them both? Without sounding like any other courtesan who needed many clients.

“Yes, Tomichii, right from the beginning