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)
Fuck. They’re going to break their way in here. . .hold up. . .this is my house. No. Don’t break the door down.
Against all logic, I walked off.
And to my shock, Leo didn’t stop me. He just followed with this odd fascination on his face. “What are you going to do, Monique?”
I headed down the stairs. “Lei mainly needs to know that I’m okay. I think this will calm some of the banging down.”
“Alright.”
“Then, he needs to understand that I like that door and all the cool carvings of the dragons and that I would be very mad if they split the freaking door in half.”
Leo beamed with pride. “I shipped the door from Lucun Village—these beautiful farmlands in China, famous for their wood carvings.”
“Cool.”
“Very cool.”
We descended further.
Leo continued, “Monique, Lei and I cannot fight today. This is Jing’s sanctuary. Additionally, everything is not in place for my death—”
“I agree. I don’t want to see a battle or anyone dying.” I stiffened. “I’ll figure something out.”
I hope. . .
The pounding on the door got louder and more frantic.
From my view, I could see Song standing near with ten men ready to fight if necessary. Another six men surrounded my ladies-in-waiting in the corner.
Meanwhile, Leo shook his head. “There’s still so much to do. I had plans to give you some of my notebooks today. They contain insights and strategies. Things that Jing and I worked on together. It would help you see the bigger picture.”
The thought of Jing brought a mix of emotions. Despite everything, I was curious about the woman who had shaped so much of the current dynamics without my knowing.
I gave up with the odd battle in my head and admitted, “I want to learn from you, Leo. Everything you can teach me—no matter how crazy—could help me a lot here.”
“That’s what I hoped you’d say.”
“We just have to make sure Lei understands.”
“Or we can sneak you away—”
“No, I’m not plotting behind Lei’s back. Whatever we do, he will know about it.”
Leo grinned. “You are good for him. Jing was right. You are the sort of woman that Lei needs—trustworthy, sweet, loyal, and most of all. . .loving.”
I’m trying.
We reached the bottom of the stairs.
Song looked back at us, appearing very worried. “The way they’re banging on this door, I’m afraid to open it.”
Yet, Leo continued to talk about his plans for me as if shit weren’t about to get crazy, “At least another day to tell you more things, and of course the tea ceremony.”
My heart pounded. “Yes.”
“What you must understand is that it is not just about surviving here in the East; it’s about thriving, making sure you and Lei can lead without being swallowed by shadows.”
This dude stay plotting. . .like. . .we need to be focused on calming Lei down and not coming in here.
Leo sighed. “Jing was. . .she was a master at navigating murky waters. No one knew that because she remained silent in public, but very strategic in private. There’s much you could learn from her life.”
“Okay, Leo, but right now we have to focus on the present problem.” I spotted one of the large windows in the living room and saw tons of men outside of it with swords.
Shit.
I blinked.
Wait. I’ve got an idea.
I headed over there.
Song watched me. “What is she doing?”
Leo chuckled like a mad man. “She’s stepping into her power.”
I don’t know about that.
The pounding and shouting outside reached a fever pitch, and I knew I had to act fast before the front door was reduced to splinters.
Darting towards the large window in the living room, I caught sight of the mob outside, swords and tempers clashing in the dim light of the late afternoon.
Goddman it. The East will take a lot to get used to.
Far off, I spotted Aunt Min and Aunt Suzi being led away with their hands bound behind their backs. Their clothes were ripped and hair in disarray.
At least ten guys surrounded them.
“What? No!” I handed the photo album to Lei, pressed my palms against the cool glass, and tapped sharply. “Eh!! Eh!! Look over here!”
After a moment, the crowd's roar dimmed and heads turned toward me.
I waved at them.
Then, a path cleared.
Lei appeared at the front of all of the huge men. Rage decorated his face. He wore no shirt, and his muscles tensed visibly under his skin as if every line of his body were drawn tight with stress.
Aww, baby. I’m okay.
I waved at him. “Lei! Come here!”
Fast, he rushed over, hopping onto the porch with his sword in the air. When he made it to the window, his voice was faint on the other side. “Moni, are you okay?!”
“I'm completely fine, Lei. We’ve just been talking. In fact, I’ve got answers!” I pressed my hand to the glass as if I could reach through it to him. “Please, don't break the door down. I like it very much.”