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)
Intent on silencing the device, I reached out my hand and grabbed it from the nightstand. The cool touch of the screen felt alien against the warmth of Moni’s body.
Opening my eyes, I put the phone in front of me and squinted at the caller ID.
Chen.
His timing, as always, was impeccable in its inconvenience.
One day, I would love for you to slack on your responsibilities.
I slid from the bed—careful not to wake Moni—and padded softly across the room to take the call.
I placed the phone next to my ear. My voice was thick with sleep. “What do you want?”
“I let you sleep in.”
“Not by my standards.”
“You have three days until you battle Uncle Leo—”
“I’m aware of that—”
“We cannot afford any delays.”
“I just need another hour of sleep—”
“Get dressed, Mountain Master.”
Shit.
I tried to shake the drowsy haze away. “I’ll be back at Mount Utopia this afternoon.”
“No need. For your convenience, we are standing outside of your door.”
Damn it.
I didn’t even try to keep my anger out of my voice. “Give me ten minutes.”
The line went dead, and with it, the last threads of warmth from the night before seemed to evaporate into the cool morning air.
This was the last thing I wanted to do but I knew better than to protest. Chen was Deputy Mountain Master not because he listened to me but because his entire day was designed to solely make sure I made the best decisions for the East.
Right now, I needed to make sure that I could kill my father at this final battle.
Fucking final battle to the death. I hate all of you.
Turning back to the bed, I took a few minutes to watch Moni sleep.
Her face was serene and untroubled.
She’s all mine. At least, that is something to fight for.
I allowed myself a moment to memorize the contours of Moni’s face, the way her lashes cast shadows on her cheeks, and the gentle rise and fall of her chest with each breath.
Fuck. She’s so pretty and at peace. I just want to climb back in bed and make love to her again.
But, I decided not to wake her.
One of us should get their sleep.
I dressed quietly, each movement measured to maintain the peace of her sleep.
Minutes later, I exited the room and caught sight of all my men.
Oh.
Shutting the door, I eyed every one of them, decked in blue training gear—Chen, Duck, Hu, Bolin, and even Fengge.
Further behind them, my Keepers stood with tea and breakfast.
I waved them away. “No need. Just wait for Moni to wake up and then find out what she wants for breakfast.”
They bowed and left.
I returned to my men. “Will you all be training me today?”
“No.” Duck shook his head. “Everyone is just here to be nosy.”
I eyed him. “Nosy?”
Holding a large stack of newspapers, Chen stepped forward. “I have already explained to them that their question will not be answered and that we have enough going on today than to deal with high school antics.”
I kept my view on Duck. “What question?”
Duck held his hands out to his sides. “Are you still a virgin or not?”
Fengge nodded. “We have a little bet going.”
“Are we men or animals?” Chen scowled at them. “Is this a hallway palace or a football locker room?”
I scanned all their faces. “Who bet what?”
“We do not have time for this.” Chen gestured for us to head away.
I walked away.
Everyone else followed.
I got to Chen’s side. “Where are we training?”
“Palace gym. I don’t want to waste any time taking the helicopter back to Mount Utopia.”
“Good, because I want us to stay in the Palace until the battle.”
Chen stopped walking. “Why?”
“Moni needs to get used to the East.”
“That’s it.” Duck raised his hand in the air and rubbed his fingers together. “I won. Give me my money.”
Hu frowned. “That is not a confirmation of sex. Lei was already possessive.”
I looked at Duck. “You bet that I lost my virginity?”
“I did.”
I glared. “I want Moni’s panties.”
Chen blinked. “Are we still on that?”
Duck wore a wicked smile. “I tried to give her the panties back but she demanded that I keep them.”
“Oh yeah?” Ready to snap his neck, I headed for him.
Hu and Bolin rushed and got in my way.
Chen scowled. “Let’s keep all the sparring to the ring please.”
Duck remained where he was with that same wicked smile on his face. “I’ll give you back the panties later.”
I pointed at him. “I spar with you first.”
Duck crossed his arms over his chest. “Chen wanted me to stay behind to help Moni get adjusted to the Palace—”
“Absolutely not,” I hissed.
Chen sighed. “Would you rather several men she doesn’t know spend time with her today? Or worse, our aunts?”
“Hu can show her around.”
“And who will be training you?” Hu frowned. “Besides, she is more comfortable with Duck.”
Duck winked. “Very comfortable.”
I lunged but Hu grabbed me by the shoulders, grounding me in place. His grip was an unyielding vice.