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)
That railing is really going to be difficult to get used to.
It was such an exquisite masterpiece that I had to look at it again as we approached.
The dragon’s head—fierce and majestic—crowned the railing. Its mouth was open in a silent roar, as if ready to breathe fire. The dragon’s body coiled and twisted. Its scales shimmered. Its eyes, inlaid with jewels, glinted with a life of their own.
I put my view back on Lei. “Why do you think it is perfect that Leo changed the furniture?”
“Because I wasn’t sure about how I felt with fucking you on furniture from my childhood.”
“Lei. . .” I smirked. “Who said that you were going to get to fuck me here? Because, I didn’t?”
Lei’s lips curled into a seductive smile, sending shivers down my spine.
“Hmmm.” He moved in closer, the heady aroma of his cologne enveloping me. “And who said I needed permission?”
“I did.”
“Moni. . .” His words dripped with desire. “You are all mine.”
My heart raced. “You still should ask.”
“Let me show you why I don’t need to.” Fast, he closed the tiny distance between us, until there was barely an inch of space.
It was always so disconcerting how quick he could move.
His breath slipped along my skin, warm and intoxicating, sending shivers down my spine. Our gazes locked, and in that instant, the house and staff ceased to exist.
It was just him and me, lost in a moment that felt both eternal and fleeting.
Lei raised his hand to my chin, and his touch was feather-light, yet it set my heart racing.
“Mountain Mistress in Training.” His fingers traced a path along my jaw, leaving a trail of warmth in their wake.
Time stood still.
He gently tilted my face up to his, and those eyes darkened with an intensity that took my breath away.
The air between us crackled.
The closeness, the heat, and the undeniable pull between us—it was overwhelming and all-consuming.
In that moment, I knew I was his, and he was mine, bound together by a love that defied reason and ignited every part of my soul.
Or was I losing my mind?
Was I just so caught up in him and the magic of the East?
Lust rode his voice. “How many times have I told you that this pussy is mine?”
“Saying it. . .doesn’t make it official,” I teased, but my voice trembled as he traced his finger along my jawline.
“I couldn’t keep my eyes off of you today. You were stunning in front of all those news cameras. Strong and smart. Compassionate and so fucking gorgeous.”
“I’m glad you didn’t get mad that I did the speech.”
“You were right to talk to them, and even more correct that I needed to say something too.”
Pride swelled in my chest. I shouldn’t have been so happy that he was pleased. The independent woman part of me wanted to resist the craving for his validation.
But still. . .I loved it.
A silly smile spread across my face as I savored every flavor of his delight.
“Moni. . .” His gaze grew intense. “You forced me to be a better Mountain Master today. In that small moment, you showed me that I should care more about my people and. . .truly consider my power over them.”
“You should.” I swallowed. “People died last night. More could die in the future if you aren’t more careful.”
“I promise to be more careful.” He tilted forward and brushed his lips against mine, igniting a fire within me that only he could tame.
Damn.
I took a step back, trying to regain some control over the situation.
There was still a lot more to get Lei to understand today. First, he had to free his aunts from the palace dungeon. Second, I needed to get him on board with tomorrow’s tea ceremony.
Focus, girl. Then, we can get some dick.
He closed the distance again, and put his fingers right back on my chin. “Why did you move?”
“Because we need to talk.”
“About what?”
“So. . .” I tried to sound stern. “There are things we have to take care of first.”
His eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn’t pull away. Instead, his hand came up to cup the side of my face, his thumb tracing the line of my cheekbone. “And what is that?”
I sighed, letting my gaze flicker down to his lips. They were full, and looked so inviting in that moment. . .But no. I had to stay focused. “Your aunts. . .they’re still locked away.”
Something stirred in Lei’s eyes at that statement, horniness or annoyance. Maybe, it was both. “You will be happy to hear that I decided to shorten their time.”
“Okay.”
“It will be twenty days, instead of thirty.”
I moved his hand from my face. “You mean zero days. Right?”
“No. I don’t.”
“Lei, they did nothing wrong—”
“Tell me this. How was I on the mountain?”
“What?”
“When we were on Mount Utopia, how was I when it came to you? A little possessive?”