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)
“And the news?”
“As soon as they got the official invitation this morning, they rushed to Lotus Blossom. Every outlet has been setting up around the property. A few are getting footage of the garden and. . .” Chen frowned. “Many have taken images of the alleged area where Monique and you slept last night.”
Smiling, I buttoned the top of my pants. “How would they know which tree was the right one?”
“Rumors spread fast—”
“I don’t care—”
“Not everyone will be happy about your having sex in your mother’s garden—a place that is pretty much considered a protected, historical area.”
I let out an annoyed breath.
“Kids take field trips there—”
“Moni is living there now. Therefore, no more field trips. No more tourists. And anything Moni or I want to do there will happen.”
Surely, Chen had more to say but he kept his mouth closed and gently picked up the centerpiece of my tea ceremony outfit.
The magnificent robe was a deep turquoise that mirrored the sky. The silk was so fine, it shimmered in the sunlight coming in from the window.
I took in the golden dragons and smiled. “The ceremony will be good for Moni. Right?”
Chen didn’t look like he wanted to admit it yet he nodded. “It will. This is probably. . .the smartest thing you’ve done this week.”
“No. Listening to Moni might have been the smartest one this week.” I grabbed the robe from him.
The inner lining was a lighter blue, almost silver.
I dove my hands through the sleeves. “And what about the helicopters. Are they ready to go over to the South later this evening?”
“About that?” Chen scowled for what must have been the tenth time today. “Why are we over complicating an already impossibly dangerous day?”
“I want her sisters in the East.”
“Tomorrow is the battle. Did you forget?”
I fastened the robe with a broad sash, embroidered with intricate patterns of lotus blossoms and waves.
“Lei?”
“No. I didn’t forget that I have to kill my father tomorrow. How could I? Especially, when you keep reminding me every damn hour.”
Chen rolled his eyes. “Tonight, you don’t need to be partying at a cookout. You should be at the top of Mount Utopia meditating on strength and strategy.”
“Moni needs her sisters here today and I need Moni for the battle tomorrow. Therefore, if she is happy and calm, I will be too.”
“Her sisters coming is fine, but Rowe Street Mob is another thing—”
“How else was I going to get them over. Of course Banks would want to come and I anticipated him trying to bring more of his people over.”
Hu loudly yawned and finally spoke. “Chen, I think this will be fine tonight. We’re lucky Banks isn’t asking about his men who are still injured on Mount Utopia.”
Chen went over to the other side of the room and returned with my special belt. “I don’t think it was smart that you let Marcelo come over with them.”
Anger sparked within my chest. “I have my own reasons for that.”
“What reasons?”
“Marcelo and I need to talk.”
Chen stood in front of me with the belt. “Just a conversation?”
“For now.” I grabbed the belt from him. It was a masterful piece of craftsmanship made from rich, dark leather and adorned with silver fittings. Attached to it was my ceremonious sword. The hilt was inlaid with jade and precious stones, and the blade although rarely unsheathed, was kept in pristine condition.
The sword was supposed to symbolize my authority and protection in the East.
I gazed at it, thinking of how I would need to protect this new love between Moni and me.
Duck came over and checked out my image in the mirror. “If Marcelo and Banks are coming over then there will be a sea of green in the East.”
I leveled a serious look at him. “Let them bring however many people they want.”
Hu left the wall. “We should have men in the shadows just in case.”
“We can.” I shrugged. “But, you all need to be on your best behavior. No fighting, no provocations. Tonight, is about officially moving Moni’s sisters into Lotus Blossom.”
Hu shook his head. “That is the only part of this that I disagree with. I think her sisters should move in several days after the battle.”
“A cookout and a tea ceremony. Jesus Christ.” Chen studied me. “And you rambled on and on about a grill-off this morning. I swore you were on drugs.”
“It will be a friendly competition between Banks and Mom’s chef. I think Chef Foo wants to prove himself to Moni.” I pointed at Hu. “You’re going to help me judge.”
Duck quirked his brows. “Why can’t I help judge?”
“Because you hate Banks.” I turned to Bolin and Fengge. “My father and Uncle Song cannot attend the cookout. I won’t have it. Make sure they are escorted out of the East.”
Bolin nodded. “Yes, Mountain Master.”
Chen still didn’t look pleased. “Our aunts will expect to get an invitation to this cookout. If they hear about it, they’re definitely coming.”