Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 112567 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 563(@200wpm)___ 450(@250wpm)___ 375(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 112567 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 563(@200wpm)___ 450(@250wpm)___ 375(@300wpm)
“I’m pretty sure that is Yong driving the car.”
“Why the fuck is our little cousin heading here?” I held out my hands. “He chose to wear a holy cross instead of wield a gun.”
“So. . .” Tension gathered around Chen’s eyes. “Rowe Street Mob was at the hotel today.”
All calm left me. “What?”
“Duck and the rest of our men got into a. . .fight in the lobby.”
Rage boiled through me. “And Monique? Is she safe?”
“In the middle of my phone call with Duck, my father called and notified me that he would be bringing Monique to the camp.”
I let out a long breath. “Goddamn it, Duck.”
In front of us, the blue car screeched to a halt.
Its engine hummed.
The music dialed down.
Uncle Song casually emerged from the passenger side. Bobbing his head to the Tupac song, he chuckled to himself, walked to the back of the vehicle, and opened the door.
My heart twisted as Monique stepped out, dressed in a blue outfit that hugged every curve on her body.
Lust swirled around the rage rising in my chest.
The sight of her standing there, so out of place yet so incredibly captivating, made the world around me blur.
Every instinct screamed at me to stay, to ready myself for a potential fight. But the sight of her, the vulnerability in her eyes, drew me in like a moth to a flame. I felt a powerful swell of protectiveness, coupled with a rush of romantic longing I had been struggling to understand, let alone control.
“Chen.” I did my best to keep my voice down. “When Duck arrives, have him meet me in the sparring area.”
Chen cleared his throat. “I could talk to him for you and fix this—”
“Have Duck meet me in the sparring area when he arrives.”
“Yes, Mountain Master.”
I headed off to Monique.
Chapter twenty-eight
A Tense Conversation
Lei
As I began to walk towards Monique, each step seemed heavier than the last. My palms were sweaty and I felt an odd mixture of tension and excitement coursing through my veins.
Uncle Song, probably sensing my apprehension, stepped away from Monique’s side. His voice was gentle but firm as he spoke. “From now on, keep her close to you, nephew.”
I was well aware of the rough path that lay ahead of me, but I also knew Monique would be my beacon, guiding me through these dark times. Monique wasn’t just a companion she was my lifeboat in this turbulent sea of uncertainties.
Carefully, I reached out and took her hand in mine. Her warmth seeped into my fingers and wrapped me in comfort.
“Are you okay?” I gently squeezed her hand, my voice barely more than a whisper, trying to reassure her while also seeking reassurance for myself.
“I’m fine.” Her words were calm, but her eyes betrayed her. She appeared nervous for some reason.
I turned towards Uncle Song and offered him a respectful nod. “Thank you for bringing her here.”
“Of course, Mountain Master.” Uncle Song walked towards Chen. Once there, they engaged in a whispered exchange.
Sighing, I led Monique away from the gathering. “Let’s go for a walk.”
She scanned the space, taking in the massive camp around us.
We walked in silence for a while. The only sound was the crunching of leaves under our feet.
I glanced up at the sparring area. Hu and the rest of my men watched us with curious gazes.
I turned away and continued to lead her in the opposite direction.
It was a beautiful day. The sun was warm on our faces. But my mind was anything but peaceful.
My voice went rough. “What happened, Monique?”
She bit her lip, looking up at me with those big, beautiful eyes of hers. “I would say Banks and Duck had a dick measuring contest in the hotel lobby, and I don’t think anyone won. I’m just sure somebody’s getting a big bill for all the damages.”
I gritted my teeth. “Duck’s main priority should have been keeping you safe and bringing you back to me.”
“Banks had a gun in Duck’s face, and I’m sure Duck really didn’t appreciate that. Once Banks moved the gun, Duck attacked.”
I rolled my eyes. “It goes deeper than that.”
She eyed me. “It does?”
“They have had an age-old vendetta that started with them both dating a woman named Jade.”
“Hmmm.” Monique widened her eyes. “I think I remember Banks dating someone named Jade.”
“Around five years ago?”
“Yes.”
“Well, At the same time, Duck was dating her too.”
“Oh damn. If I know my cousin, Banks is not backing down from a competition over a woman.”
“Duck feels like Banks stole Jade from him. When he approached Banks about it, your cousin nodded, agreed that he stole her, and added that it was probably due to the fact that he had way more inches than him.”
“Inches?” Monique sucked her teeth. “Then, back to the dick measuring contest.”
“Yes.” I shook my head. “It’s ridiculous. This feud has gone on for years, and it’s only getting worse. Meanwhile, Jade ended up cheating on the both of them with some guy in the North. She’s now married with kids. They need to get over it.”