BY CHANCE NOT CHOICE: Marco's Choice - Moretti Brothers Series Book Two (7 page)

CHAPTER NINE

They rode the elevator in silence, but Marco did not release his hold on Monica.  When they got off the elevator, Monica instantly noticed Takeo watching the elevator doors.   Monica started to walk towards the hostess when Takeo crossed their path. “This way, Ms. Thomas. Kiyomi asked that I wait by the elevator and personally escort you to the room.   Monica looked at Takeo as he stared down at Marco.  When she turned to look at Marco she saw that he was doing the same exact thing.  “Takeo, this is my fiancé, Marco Moretti.  Marco, this is head of security at Takahashi Corporation and Kiyomi’s personal bodyguard, Takeo Yamada.  Takeo nodded at Marco and Marco did the same, both without uttering a word. 

Marco reached for Monica’s waist and pulled her into him as they walked to the private room.  Marco was extremely angry that they were involving her in something potentially dangerous and he intended to let them know exactly how he felt.  They walked towards the back of the restaurant into an area that was divided by a heavy curtain.  Marco instantly noticed a woman sitting at the only table in the room with her head down looking at the menu.  She must have heard them approaching because she lifted her head and smiled at the approaching trio.  Marco stopped abruptly causing everyone to pause. “What the fuck?” he mumbled not even aware that he had said anything. 
Were his eyes playing tricks him?  Was Monica playing a trick on him and flew Victoria in?
 

Takeo’s voice brought Marco out of his trance.  he heard Takeo speak Japanese and she responded in the same language.  But Victoria didn’t speak Japanese.  How did she learn so fast?   As they approached the table, Marco could tell that the woman who now stood
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was not his sister in law, but had her exact face.  Monica could see that Marco was freaked out by the entire situation because she had the same reaction when she saw Kiyomi for the first time.  She was still getting used to seeing her.  “Baby, this is Kiyomi Sato.  Kiyomi, this is Marco Moretti, your sister’s brother-in-law and my fiancé.”  Monica introduced Marco, then looked at him when he didn’t respond.   “Baby, baby?”  She said trying to get him to respond as he stood motionless.    Marco was going through a range of emotions. He went from shock to disbelief to anger.  
Was this some kind of scam to get into Victoria’s life?  It was widely publicized that his brother and his sister-in-law were very wealthy.
  “Hello,” was all Marco said as he stared at Takeo trying to figure out what kind of scam they were pulling.  After an uncomfortable few seconds, Kiyomi spoke.  “Please everyone sit.   It is so nice to meet you Mr. Moretti.”   

Both couples sat in their seat as the waiter promptly came over to take their drink orders.   Marco continued to stare at Kiyomi; still unable to believe how she looked exactly like Victoria.   He scanned her entire face now realizing that the woman sitting in front of him had a mole on the right side of her face just below her lip.  The waiter was back instantly with their drinks and began to take their dinner orders.   As Monica and Kiyomi made small talk, Takeo remained silent. He did not order alcohol, instead he drank water.  Marco sipped on the double scotch he ordered as he paid close attention to Takeo and Kiyomi’s body language.  Takeo also sat silently, feeling uneasy about Marco’s posture.  

Marco could no longer take the small talk, he needed to know what was going on and what they wanted from Monica and his sister-in-law, Victoria.  “I think we really need to get to the point of this little meeting,” Marco said in a low direct tone as his eyes shifted from Takeo to Kiyomi.   Monica started to speak when Marco interrupted her without taking his eyes off of the couple sitting in front of him.  “Monica, I believe they now have the floor sweetie,” he continued although he could feel the anger in Monica’s stare.  “It is obvious that they brought you here specifically for a reason and I need to know what that is and how it affects my family.”   While Monica did not appreciate Marco abruptly cutting her off, she knew that he was looking out for her and his family but she would definitely address that with him later in private. 

Takeo began to speak in Japanese to Kiyomi.   Marco could hear the harshness in his voice.  Kiyomi placed her hand on his knee gently.  “Takeo, please speak English.  I don’t think Mr. Moretti speaks our language and it‘s rude, baby,” she said softly.  Takeo gave Kiyomi a faint smile before directing his attention to Marco as he spoke.  “Kiyomi is my world.  I love her more than I love myself.  She is now carrying our child and I need to get her out of this country safely
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with the least collateral damage as possible.  Believe me, with or without your help, I will pave her a safe exit from this country with bodies, if I have to.  The people we are dealing with, my family is playing for keeps.  I will die...” Kiyomi squeezed his leg under the table to try and calm him before interrupting him.  “Baby, I think you are being too negative about the situation,” Kiyomi said as she turned her attention to Marco and Monica.  “I don’t want to frighten either one of you, but I am not going to make light of this situation either….” “With all due respect, I don’t know what is going on and frankly I don’t give a fuck.  I only care about one person at this table and my only objective at this point is to get her home safely.” Marco turned to Takeo. “We both feel the same way about our women.”  Marco stood, prompting Takeo to abruptly stand as well.  “Let’s go baby; we are leaving,” Marco said to Monica as he placed his hand on her arm, trying to help her up but Monica didn’t budge.  Instead, she could not take her eyes off of Kiyomi as she saw her shed a single tear. 

“Marco, I want to hear what she has to say,” she said as she smiled softly at Kiyomi then turning her attention to Marco.  He would see and feel her anger in her body language as she continued to speak.  “This does affect my best friend and your sister-in-law.”  Marco looked as Monica turned her attention from him back to Kiyomi and Takeo.  “I need to speak with you
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in private, Monica.”  Marco’s tone was low and sharp.  Monica knew he was angry by the way he pronounced her full name.  “I need to use the ladies room. We can give you some time,” Kiyomi said as she began to stand.  Takeo immediately grabbed the back of her chair to help her up.  She smiled at him lovingly as they walked out of the room together.  

“Mo, we are getting the hell out of this country tonight.   I don’t know what those two are into and frankly I don’t give a damn.  What I do know is that this is a dangerous situation that you don’t need to be involved in…” 

“Marco, we don’t even know what the situation is or what she is asking of us; you never gave her a chance to explain.” 

“I didn’t need to hear her explanation.  The samurai warrior gave us more information than we needed.”  Marco said and Monica rolled her eyes. 

“Baby, I owe it to Victoria to at least hear what her sister has to say.” 

“We don’t even know if that’s really Victoria’s sister.  It is widely publicized how wealthy Dominic and Victoria are and for all we know she could’ve had plastic surgery to try and scam money from my brother and Vic.”  

Marco’s comments caught Monica off guard.  It never entered her mind that they could possibly be running a scam.  She had allowed her emotions to overrule all rational thinking.  Marco could see the fear on Monica’s face.  He pulled her into an embrace. “It’s going to be okay Mo, but we‘re leaving here tomorrow.” 

“Marco, I know we don’t know anything about them, but we owe it to Victoria to it least hear them out and I promise that if anything sounds the least suspicious we will leave immediately.   But I get a really good vibe from Kiyomi and I believe in my heart that she is Victoria’s sister.”   Marco continued to rub Monica’s back as he held her in an embrace looking into her eyes.  It was difficult to tell this woman no.  “Alright.  We will listen to their explanation but I will not allow them to put you in any type of danger.   The samurai warrior is talking about leaving body bags all over the city and I will not have you a part of that.” 

“His name is Takeo. 
P
lease stop calling him samurai warrior and I think he was trying to get us to understand how strong his love is for Kiyomi.   I just want to hear them out. We don’t have to make a decision tonight, we can sleep on it,” she said as Marco kissed her softly on the lips. 

“Okay, we will hear them out but I’m not making any promises, Mo.”  She kissed him softly. “Thank you, baby.”  

              Marco and Monica both turned towards the entrance
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when Kiyomi and Takeo walked back into the room with another gentlemen following close behind. Monica immediately recognized the gentleman from her presentation.   It was Jun Yamada, one of the Vice Presidents of Takahashi Corporation, and the son of CEO, Yoshi Yamada.  Monica could tell that Takeo made Jun nervous.  Jun looked at everyone gathered and gave a half grin that did not reach his eyes. 

              “If you are having a private meeting, I don’t want to intrude,” Jun said with a smirk.  Marco did not speak, but paid close attention to both men and their body language.   The samurai warrior stiffened more than he had done previously which Marco didn’t think was possible.  He had a very stern, almost menacing look as he stared at the other gentleman who had entered the room.  “So are you guys talking business or possibly a secret coo to take over the company?”  Jun joked as he sized up everyone in the room.  There was only one person in the room he was not familiar with a tall white man who did not look happy to be there.  “No, Jun, this isn’t a secret meeting.  I was taking our newest business partner and her gentleman friend to dinner.   You’re welcome to join us if you like,” Kiyomi said as she motioned her hand for him to sit. Jun nodded in response.   “Maybe I’ll sit and have one drink.  I am actually meeting friends here for dinner.”

Jun looked over at the Takeo; he didn’t like his first cousin.   They were very competitive children and Takeo was always faster, stronger, and smarter than he was.  Luckily he was born to the right father and while Takeo’s father was a farmer, Jun’s father was CEO and part owner of one of the largest corporations in Japan.   He looked over at Takeo with disdain.  Takeo never once took his eyes off of Jun and returned that same look of disdain.  “Kiyomi, I don’t think we need a security guard here while we sit and have a drink.   I’m sure there is somewhere you can stand outside,” Jun said to Takeo as he motioned his hands towards the doorway.  “I will be wherever Ms. Sato is, and don’t test me Jun,” he said in a stern low dark tone.  The tone so stern that it caused Jun to flitch.  Marco continued to watch the dynamics between the three individuals.  “Takeo will stay wherever I am and you know that Jun.   Now, are you going to join us for a drink or are you going to continue to be offensive?”  Kiyomi chastised.  “You really need to lighten up Ki, my cousin knows I mean no disrespect,” Jun said with a smirk as he stood to leave.   He moved towards Kiyomi and tried to kiss her on the cheek but Takeo moved swiftly as he stood to separate Jun from Kiyomi.  “Wow, cousin, you really need to bring it down a peg and stop taking your job so seriously.   I was merely kissing my future wife on the cheek.” 

The sound of Takeo’s fist hitting Jun‘s jaw was so loud that it vibrated throughout the silent room instantly followed by Jun’s cries, causing his security team to come running.  Marco instantly stood in front of Monica to shield her from what was coming next.  Jun quickly regained his composure and stood in front of Takeo with his fist bald.  “Leave us!”  He yelled to his security team in Japanese without taking his eyes off of Takeo.  He used his knuckle to wipe away the blood from his mouth.  He continued to speak in Japanese as he spoke to Takeo.  “Watch your back, cousin,” he said as he shook his jaw back and forth then brushing off his lapels to his suit.  “Your time is coming,” Jun said to Takeo.  The two men stood chest to chest.  Takeo towering over him by four inches responded, “And I will be waiting cousin.”  Jun took a step back, walked over to Kiyomi and kissed her on the cheek before leaving the room.

Marco noticed the tears that wet Kiyomi’s face and the look she had was the same look that Victoria gave him when she cried over his brother.  “I will give you both ten minutes to explain why you have pulled Monica into your family bullshit.”  He had already decided in his mind that he would help them if he could, but he didn’t want Monica in any danger.  Kiyomi looked into Takeo’s eyes and, in their language, pleaded with him to stay calm.  She already knew there would be repercussions around him hitting Jun and they needed Marco and Monica’s help more than ever now.  Takeo rubbed her face softly. “I will die before I let him hurt you.”  “I know Takeo and that’s what scares me.  Your fearlessness may end up getting you killed and then where will that leave me and our child?”  Takeo looked into her eyes and knew that this situation was stressing her and he didn’t want to cause her or the baby any undue stress, but he also knew that he would probably have to kill not only Jun, but a few other individuals to get her and his unborn baby safely out of this country.  “If everyone could please take a seat, I can explain everything,” Kiyomi asked as she sat.

CHAPTER TEN

Kiyomi continued to look at Takeo as everyone took their seat.   She really needed him to stay calm if they were going to get out of this alive.  “I think that I need to start at the beginning.”  She looked at Takeo and smiled.  “After some extensive digging, I found out that my mother was married to my father who was a very controlling man and very fond of other women.  From what I could ascertain, my mother was going to leave my father because she found out he was having another affair.  Before she had a chance to leave him she found out she was pregnant.  Shortly after that, she was diagnosed with cancer.   She decided to forgo treatment until after her baby was born.   She then found out that she was having twins.   My father was not very nice to my mother and she knew she didn’t want him raising her babies because of his life style, so she asked her best friends to help.  Halfway into the pregnancy she found out that the cancer was more aggressive than the doctors initially thought, so she put a plan in place to protect her babies even if she couldn’t be there for them.   Her two best friends agreed to take one child each after the births.   She never wanted my father to know that she was pregnant.  When she began to show she tried to hide the pregnancy, but the weight with twins was more than she anticipated and was no longer able to keep it a secret.  My father was so wrapped up in his business affairs and his mistresses that he really didn’t care.  My mother made arrangements for her two best friends to legally adopt my sister and me through falsifying records that stated the whereabouts of the biological father were unknown.   My father was away for weeks at a time.  He knew she was pregnant but wasn’t aware that she had given birth.  When he inquired about the baby...” Kiyomi paused and took a sip of her water. “My biological mother told him that
her child
died in child birth and presented him with forged medical records to back up her story.  She also never told him about the cancer until it was too late.  Shortly after our birth, our mother passed away. While my mother stayed in Florida, Victoria’s mother immediately moved to Philadelphia.   Her adopted mother was a wealthy woman and was able to cover her tracks.   He would have never known about me if it were not for one of my adoptive mother’s friends who knew part of the story and saw it as an opportunity for a financial windfall.  The friend told my father that he had a daughter.  My birth mother paid good money to cover her tracks with the medical records and adoption, but my father hired private investigators who were able to confirm that my adoptive mother had adopted a baby around the time that our mother gave birth but couldn’t verify that the child was truly his.  So my father, being the brute he is, went to my adoptive mother’s house and used fear, intimidation, and lies to get her to tell him the truth.  She admitted that I was his daughter but never revealed to him that there were actually twins born.  DNA testing confirmed that I was indeed his child.  My father is a very wealthy man but also very ruthless.  Shortly after he found out about the baby, he also found out that a high-powered mobster was not happy about a business arrangement; a business deal gone badly.  He decided a change was needed and we moved to Tokyo. My father changed both of our names and became a silent partner at Takahashi Corporation.   He initially only owned twenty percent of the business, but after some bad business dealings on Mr. Yoshi’s part, father was able to gain a larger portion of the company, eventually becoming the majority owner of the company.   This leads us to the problem I have today.”

Kiyomi signaled the waiter.  “Does anyone else want something to drink?”  Both Takeo and Marco ordered drinks while Kiyomi and Monica continued to drink water.    “I have never felt like I belonged here.  I always felt like something was missing in my life and I wasn’t sure what until recently when I found out that I had a twin sister.  Now I realize what was missing.    I am thirty eight years old and have never married or even been in love until recently.”  She turned and smiled at Takeo.  “I am now madly in love with this man and carrying his child.   Mr. Yoshi is a very manipulative and dangerous man who will do anything to regain control of Takahashi Corporation.   My father is dying and his will states everything will be equally divided between all living heirs and if there are no living heirs then his shares will revert back to Mr. Yoshi; he will get everything. It’s a gentleman’s agreement that my father and Mr. Yoshi had when they were younger.  My father believes he only has my younger half-sister and me.   Mr. Yoshi thinks it’s just two of us standing in the way of him gaining total control of his company again.  Because we…” she paused as she looked at Takeo then continued, “…know firsthand what Mr. Yoshi is capable of, he has had a few business acquaintances die from questionable causes.   It is my fear that when my father dies Mr. Yoshi will make sure that my sister and I disappear.”  

Marco interrupted, “I’m still not sure how Monica can help.   If this man is as dangerous as you say he is, why not just leave the country?  I’m sure you have enough money that you can make a very comfortable life for yourself in the States.”  “It’s not that simple, Mr. Moretti, because my father is a silent partner and no one knows outside of our family circle that my father owns the majority of the company.  Mr. Yoshi is the face of the corporation, and as such, most of the country thinks that his family is in total control.”  “Kiyomi, I’m still not understanding how I can help,” Monica said still confused. “I didn’t want to just show up on my sister’s doorstep proclaiming that I’m her long-lost sister.   I needed someone close to her, who she trusted, to relate my story. I did not want her to feel pressured into doing anything she didn’t want to do. It was by chance that I located my sister, but it will be her choice if she wants to meet me.  If you are willing to help, working with you on the pretense of our business arrangement will allow me to not only communicate with my sister but I will also be able to travel to the States without suspicion. I don’t want anyone, including my father, to know about Victoria’s existence until I have had a chance to talk to her.   I was hoping you could be that conduit.  I believe Mr. Yoshi would not hesitate to forcibly gain control of my family’s portion of the company, but now that there is another heir with children of her own, the company is now out of his reach and there is nothing he can do about that.  But like any good business plan, I don’t want to leave anything to chance. I would love to make a public announcement before my father’s passing that not only do I have a twin sister, but that she is one of the heirs to Takahashi Corporation. I believe that the time is right for people to know who the actual owners of Takahashi are, but none of this will work unless Victoria is on board with our plan.”  Kiyomi paused, allowing them to process everything she said.  “Now, I’ve taken my ten minutes and I know this is a lot to take in right now, so please think about it and we will talk in the morning.  Even if you decide not to help, Monica, your company will still get the contract with Takahashi because it’s well deserved.” She smiled at both of them and Monica could see Victoria in her smile.  “I guess we better head home; I’m feeling really tired now.”  Kiyomi stood and Takeo was right by her side.  She walked over and shook Marco’s hand and gave Monica a hug.   “We will speak tomorrow.  Stay as long as you want.  There will be a car waiting to take you to your apartment when you’re ready,” she whispered before she and Takeo walked out of the private room leaving Marco and Monica with astonished looks on their faces. 

Marco and Monica sat back at the table.  The waiter appeared to see if they wanted to order dinner.  It occurred to them, with all the excitement, they did not eat dinner.  They decided to stay, eat, and have several drinks.  While Marco kept his drink intake to two drinks, Monica had several, and the effects of the alcohol were evident
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as they left the restaurant.  During the drive back, Monica rested her head on Marco’s chest and went to sleep.  When they pulled up in front of the building, Marco placed small kisses on her lips until she awoke.  “We’re here baby. Are you okay to walk?”  “I’m fine, just confused about this entire situation,” she said as she lifted her head off Marco’s chest.  He cupped her face with one hand and brushed her misplaced hair with his other. 

“Don’t worry, we will figure this out.  Are you ready?” he asked as he kissed her again softly.  “Yes,” she said as she looked into the beautiful familiar gray eyes.

The driver rounded the car to open the door. Marco got out first and turned to help Monica.  As she stood, her footing was a little shaky.  “Can’t hold your liquor huhh?” he asked as he smiled not waiting for a reply; he placed his hand at the small of her back.  The feeling of his touch always sent a jolt of electricity throughout her body and tonight was no different.  She looked at him and smiled.  He leaned in, kissing her softly on the lips.  She closed her eyes in anticipation for the familiar softness that she had grown accustom.  They walked into the building and to the elevator without saying a word.  When the elevator doors closed
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Monica lunged into Marco’s arms and began to feverishly place kisses all over him.  He knew and loved this side of her.  She was a very sexual person, but when she drank, it tripled her sex drive. 

              Marco captured her by her waist slowing down her actions.  “Baby, maybe we should slow down…” he said as he looked at her then motioned her to the camera in the corner of the elevator’s ceiling.  “…unless you want to give someone a show.”  He teased her as she released him and used her hands to smooth down her dress that was slightly hiked up.  “Maybe you are right, but you’re going to get it when we get to the room,” she said with a seductive smile.  “I’m counting on it,” he said with a lustful look in his eyes as he grabbed her ass.