Total pages in book: 125
Estimated words: 124836 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 624(@200wpm)___ 499(@250wpm)___ 416(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 124836 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 624(@200wpm)___ 499(@250wpm)___ 416(@300wpm)
Thandi chuckled. “Hu surely wants to teach you a few things.”
Grinning, I reached for the Silver Needle next. The elegant silvery buds felt soft and downy between my fingers. “So, Hu has a thing for Fen?”
“Oh no.” Fen shook her head. “I don’t think so. I think he’s just really nice.”
“Hu is kind to us, but with Fen.” Thandi pointed at her. “With you, he is a knight in shining armor.”
“Oh, this is so funny.” I took the bowl of Lavender and sprinkled the buds into the pot.
This alluring fragrant blend wrapped around my senses.
Hell yes. This smells so damn good. I might make this for myself every morning.
I looked at the pot, now filled with a vibrant array of colors—red, yellow, silvery white, and purple—all coming together to create a beautiful mosaic of tea leaves.
Thank God I had my ladies-in-waiting.
I’d been so nervous all morning, completely out of my comfort zone.
Lan’s research helped so much and even more their fun banter calmed my nerves, reminding me of cool moments with my sisters.
Lan handed me a long, slender spoon. “Here you go, Mistress.”
“Thank you.” I took it and gently stirred the leaves, watching as the colors and scents melded into a cohesive blend.
I had to admit that the process was somewhat meditative. Plus, I was starting to feel this deep connection to the East’s tradition and the significance of their tea ceremony.
Thanks to Lan and her research I know I’m not going to fuck this up.
I glanced at my ladies-in-waiting.
They watched me with supportive smiles. I couldn’t imagine having any other ladies-in-waiting around me. They could have easily been my sisters. I could already see Jo laughing it up with them.
Movement sounded near the door.
We all turned that way.
Huh?
To my surprise, Leo entered the room, holding a large present. The box was two feet long and wide, wrapped in pristine white paper with an elegant blue bow tied around it.
What is this?
Song flanked him on his right and his expression was unreadable.
On Leo’s left was a man I didn’t recognize, holding a briefcase in one hand and a leather folder in the other.
What is going on right now?
Leo’s outfit was a deep midnight blue, almost black, with golden embroidery on the hems.
He had this high collar and long tunic jacket hugging his athletic frame yet still flowing around him. Beneath the tunic, he wore a matching pair of tailored pants with sharp creases.
His outfit was complete with a pair of black leather shoes.
Looking good, Leo, but why are you in the kitchen right now? I thought I was supposed to do this on my own.
Leo’s gaze locked onto mine. “Monique, allow me to go against tradition a little.”
What new plotting are you doing today?
Chapter one
The Mystery Gift
Monique
Leo approached with his big gift.
My ladies-in-waiting backed away.
He gave me a welcoming smile. “I would like to talk to you before the tea ceremony and give you this gift.”
My heart skipped a beat.
It was a mix of nerves and curiosity swirling inside me.
What could this gift be?
The sight of the large box and the odd presence of the other guy with the briefcase shoved me over the edge. Still, I maintained my composure and placed a top on the pot full of my tea blend. “Okay, Leo. Let’s talk.”
He placed the gift on the table. “I already know the tea ceremony will be spectacular.”
“And how do you know that?”
“It smells amazing in here. . .” He sniffed the area. “Like something my wife would have blended.”
Good.
A wide smile spread across his face. “As usual, I am very proud of you, Monique.”
It shouldn’t have made me so happy to please him but my soul damn near fluttered. What was it about him that made me want to make him proud?
This was a mad man after all.
If anything, I should have been scared shitless to be in a room by myself with him. In fact, if Lei knew Leo was in here. . .Lei would have been in here with several men.
I pointed to the gift. “You didn’t have to give me a present.”
“Why not? You are giving me several presents.”
“I am?”
“The tea ceremony will allow me more time with my son, nephews, and siblings.” He held his hands out, gesturing to the kitchen. “Also, I will get to spend a good memory in Lotus Blossom before I die tomorrow.”
I blinked not liking Leo’s talking about his death. In my mind, I still believed I could somehow stop this crazy battle.
Leo continued. “You are also giving an amazing show to the East which always makes me happy.”
“I’m going to do my best.”
“I know you will,” he winked. “That’s all that matters.”
“Good because. . .I may spill something.”
His expression went stern. “You will not spill anything.”
My heart pounded in my chest. “O-kay.”
Then, he returned to smiling. “But the biggest gift of all will be my grandchild.”