Total pages in book: 92
Estimated words: 90852 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 454(@200wpm)___ 363(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90852 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 454(@200wpm)___ 363(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
“I have eyes everywhere.”
I picked up the photo album and held it close to me. “Can I keep this?”
“It is now yours and Lei’s. Tell my grandchildren about their grandmothers. Let it be a legendary story about love without judgement.”
My throat tightened with sadness.
Then suddenly, loud footsteps sounded in the hallway.
Next, Song hurried inside taking up some of the room with his huge body. “Lei figured out what’s going on.”
Leo shook his head. “I figured that. After yesterday, Lei will always want to know where Monique is at and make sure she is near.”
I wondered if that meant Leo knew I had taken Lei’s virginity. Or if he was just talking about Lei introducing me to the East.
Song continued, “We locked them in the tunnel but they know we’re here. We will not hold them for long.”
“I wanted more time with my daughter.” Leo sighed. “And the press? Have they arrived yet?”
“They’re waiting in the dining area for the photo op.”
Leo checked his watch. “Then, let’s go. We won’t be able to keep them in the tunnel for too long. Let us hope that the press only gets photos of my having tea with Monique and not a sudden battle between my son and me.”
Chapter ten
The Importance of Tea
Monique
After all the shit that Leo told me, my skull had transformed into a pressure-cooker, steam building and building until it threatened to explode with all this overwhelming knowledge and understanding.
My thoughts buzzed and hummed in an endless loop, like a broken record stuck on repeat.
Mom and Jing were friends? The Aunts had been watching me along with Song and Leo?
Scattered thoughts clamored and churned. The noise in my head was deafening, drowning out any other sound in the world.
And don’t forget the fact that Leo basically confirmed that I’m related to Romeo and Chanel.
Now Lei was on his way, and honestly. . .I wasn’t sure I wanted my time with Leo to end just yet.
Fuck. This day is crazy.
We rushed down the first set of stairs and all I could do was try my best to keep up with Song and Leo as I held the photo album close to my chest.
By my side, Leo narrowed his eyes in frustration. “This is unacceptable. I wanted more time, Monique.”
“Well. . .after all those bombs you dropped on my mind. . .I want more time too.”
“Hmmm.” Leo nodded. “Then perhaps we should do plan B, brother.”
Up ahead, Song glanced over his shoulder. “We are not going to kidnap Monique.”
I blinked. “Say what?”
Leo continued to talk to Song. “We would bring her back tomorrow evening. No later than that. It would give me enough time to teach and show her everything.”
Annoyance laced Song’s voice. “We already voted against Plan B. Our sisters will not stand for it and neither will I.”
Leo rolled his eyes, which just appeared so odd on his very serious, psychotic face. “You three can never see the big picture.”
I gave Leo space. “No one is kidnapping me.”
He looked my way. “But, there’s so much about Palace politics and the workings of the East that you need to understand.”
“O-kay, but. . .email me everything.”
“I do have notebooks, but even with those, you must have me explain some of it face-to-face.”
Song shot Leo a disapproving look. “I said no to Plan B.”
I bobbed my head. “I’m with Song on this. Hell no to Plan B.”
“My son is strong and an amazing fighter. Lei understands blood and death. He is the man that anyone would want in war. As a ruler in the East, he will stand strong and protect all.” Leo sighed. “But, Monique, you will be the strategic mind behind your union with Lei—it’s crucial for you to understand that and take control.”
“Take control?”
“Of him. Yes.”
“Okay. Hold on.” I could barely keep up, both physically and mentally. “You think I am going to be the brains when it comes to ruling the East?”
“Not think, Monique. I know you will be.” Leo slowed down a little. “I know this is a lot to take in. But you have a keen mind—you’ll grasp it quicker than you think. You’re not just stepping into a position or even a marriage; you’re stepping into great power. And that will require preparation and lots of wisdom.”
“Listen. . .why do you two even have to do this battle? We wouldn’t even be on a time crunch and there would be no need for you to die or—”
“You don’t want me to die, Monique?”
I widened my eyes. “I. . .mean. . .well, look I’m not down for anybody dying and I know it will hurt Lei when he kills you. . .even if he doesn’t know it yet.”
“It will destroy him.” There was this deep sadness in his eyes. “Sometimes, I fear he may not be able to do it.”