Total pages in book: 118
Estimated words: 120336 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 602(@200wpm)___ 481(@250wpm)___ 401(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 120336 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 602(@200wpm)___ 481(@250wpm)___ 401(@300wpm)
“What?” I leaned my head to the side. “Those shitty guys you sent—the ones I broke apart in minutes—what exactly were they supposed to do to my father?”
“They could have helped!”
“They couldn’t help themselves from me. So then why would you even think for one minute that they could have done anything, but die tonight?”
“Like I already said before, Moni shouldn’t be here in the East—”
“Shut the fuck up, take your people outside and wait for the helicopters before I decide to take out all my rage on you, and we have more bloodshed on this property tonight.”
“Eh,” Banks grabbed the machete and began to head my way. “Who are you talking to like that?”
I went down two steps. “Come here so you can hear me better—”
“Lei, please don’t fight my cousin.” TT spoke and I froze.
Marcelo and Gunner blocked Banks.
“That’s enough.” Dima stepped forward. His voice was steady and he was calm and measured—far too calm actually for someone with his shirt still splattered in dried blood.
However, that calmness set him apart from the storm of emotions swirling around all of us, and I knew immediately that whatever he said next would hold weight.
“Everyone needs to stop.” Dima’s voice was quiet but it carried an authority that demanded attention.
The room silenced in an instant, even Banks put the machete up.
He locked eyes with me, as if trying to gauge whether I could handle what he was about to say. “This isn’t a situation that can be solved with fighting or rage tonight. Leo is counting on that, counting on us to act out of fear, to be reckless. That’s his game and we can’t play it. Not when Moni is with him.”
I clenched my fists, forcing myself to breathe.
Dima was right, but it didn’t stop the fear gnawing at me. But I had to stay grounded, had to be smart, for her.
“And unfortunately, Lei is right.” Dima put his small notebook back in his pocket. “We wait until tomorrow. Not out of fear but out of strategy.”
Banks frowned at Dima. “What the fuck does that mean?”
“Leo has made his move. Tomorrow night, everything comes to a head with the battle. That’s our advantage.”
“Advantage?” Banks spat the word out like it tasted bitter. “How the fuck is it an advantage when Moni is with him?”
Dima didn’t flinch. “Because Leo is the type of person that wants you all riled up. If we are, then he can always control the situation.”
I nodded. “That’s correct.”
“But if we wait. . .if we calculate every step, we may take the control from him.” Dima watched me. “Are you ready to fight him tomorrow night?”
“I’m ready.”
“But are you really?” Dima studied me. “You look high, exhausted, and stressed. We need you at optimal performance for this battle so that we can finally end this.”
Duck’s phone rang.
He pulled it out and checked the screen. “The helicopters are ready. Rowe Street Mob can go first.”
Banks shook his head. “My cousins and I remain together.”
“Fine.” Duck put up his phone. “Then, get them and go to the Palace together.”
Banks looked ready to argue further but then TT began going down the steps.
“Come on, Banks, Chloe, Jo, Marcy.” She got to the first level, maneuvered through the crowd and then took Banks hand as if knowing that to calm him would be to get everyone else in line.
Banks sighed and looked down at her.
She was too small, too innocent to bear witness to more fighting and I gave him credit for recognizing that.
Thank you, TT.
“Alright,” Banks grumbled. “But, Lei, we need to talk more at the Palace.”
“Lei, needs his rest.” Duck cut in smoothly, not allowing Banks to ignite another volley of arguments. “Once everyone gets to their rooms, get some rest. If you require extra service, toiletries, night tea, a thicker blanket, or anything else pick up the phone and press the button with a blue S on it, for services. Someone will arrive at your door and knock to help. But as far as anymore conversation with Lei, connect with Chen tomorrow to make an appointment.”
Duck's authoritative tone echoed around the room, stifling any further rebuttals.
Banks' steely gaze met mine for a moment. “I got it but make sure to put me down for lunch tomorrow so we can chat.”
I did my best to stay calm. “We’ll see if I’m available.”
Banks definitely appeared like he wanted to say something else, but TT tugged at his arm.
To my surprise, Jo got to his other side. “Hey, man. Let’s just get some sleep and figure this out in the morning. If Moni said she will be fine then I trust that.”
Aunt Suzi held Chloe’s hand. “I’m going with the girls to make sure that they get the proper rooms and have more security.”
I nodded. “Make sure that they’re on my floor and have the best Palace guards. Nothing can happen to them.”