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)
TT gave me a sad smile. “That sounds like Moni.”
“Right now, I'm not supposed to show you any fear or sadness. You are supposed to be the one that gets reassurance, not me.”
“That’s okay too,” TT widened her eyes. “Sometimes Moni would get overwhelmed with bills and stuff and cry. And if I walked in, she would try to hide it but all I would do is give her a big hug like this. . .”
TT wrapped her small arms around me.
Unable to help myself, I found myself hunching over to accept the small arms encircling me.
TT was so much like Moni. Her spirit, her strength, it was uncanny. The comfort she offered was something I didn't expect. Suddenly, I felt a pang of guilt for letting my emotions get the best of me.
“Thank you, TT.”
Her warmth seeped into me.
Perhaps she was right.
Maybe Moni was stronger than I gave her credit for. But that didn't help the dread gnawing at my insides and it didn't stop the fear clawing at my heart. The thought of losing her to my father's sadistic games was more than I could bear.
TT pulled back from the hug and looked up at me. “Moni will be okay, Lei.”
I wished I could share in her conviction but I knew my father well. He played for keeps and wouldn't hesitate to break Moni if he believed it served his grander purpose.
However, I couldn’t think of any of that anymore.
If Duck could stop them, he would.
But I would at least fulfill my promise to Moni and do right by her family.
I let out an exasperated breath and rose. “TT, can you promise me something?”
“Yes?”
I took another deep breath and gathered my thoughts. “I will have to take you downstairs and deal with your sisters and Banks.”
“Yeah.”
“Do you think you can help me? I’m a bit low on control and patience tonight.”
To my surprise, she gave me a big smile. “That’s easy, Lei. Just let me do the talking.”
Chapter two
The Path of No Return
Moni
Fifthteen minutes earlier.
Song opened a massive door. “Here we go.”
Thank God. I thought I would never get out of there.
The cold air hit me as soon as I stepped out of the hidden passageway.
It was a tight, dark tunnel that smelled faintly of damp earth and stone, the kind of place that made your skin crawl even when you tried to focus on anything else.
This odd chill lingered on my skin, creeping into my bones and making me shiver despite the adrenaline that pulsed through my veins.
As I emerged from the shadows, I spotted Leo calmly waiting for us.
His presence was always unnerving, but in the night, with nothing but the moonlight and distant sounds of the party in the background, he seemed even more dangerous.
Five men stood around Leo in a loose formation. Shadows masked their faces but I could still see their eyes.
Gleaming.
Like wolves at night peeking out from darkness.
My palms grew slick with sweat.
Off in the distance, DJ Hendrix’s music still played among the faint sounds of laughter, the clinking of glasses, and the murmur of conversations.
It was surreal—the contrast between the normalcy of the party and the horrifying darkness that surrounded me now.
Everyone at the cookout had no idea that I was slipping away with Leo, no idea of the weight of the decision I was making by walking beside him instead of running toward Lei and my sisters.
And. . .dear God, my legs itched with the urge to bolt, to disappear and hide behind the safety of Lei’s arms, to pretend that none of this was happening. I could see the path in my mind—cutting through the gardens, back to the safety of Lotus Blossom, back to my family.
I could signal Aunt Min and them.
Duck too.
Banks and Marcy.
It would be a fucking war for sure.
Who would win?
I turned to Leo, and he was watching me. I bet he already knew what was going on in my mind. Bet he had even guessed my current thoughts hours ago and had a plan in place for that.
No. Don’t run. The man killed an innocent cat and his daughter. He’d slice up Rowe Street Mob with no problem.
Swallowing, I took him in further and then I saw it—the flash of silver in his hand.
A blade.
Moonlight gleamed off the sharp edge.
He had that blade out for me. . .
There would be no running.
“Monique.” Leo walked over to me.
I tensed.
He got close, too fucking close, as if daring me to try and slip away. “You will not regret coming with me.”
“I hope not.”
A cool wind blew past us.
I hugged myself.
Leo leaned his head to the side. “Are you cold?”
“A little but I’ll be fine.”
“No.” He took off his own blue jacket and handed it to me. “Queens walk in comfort.”
“Thank you.” I grabbed the jacket and slipped into it, feeling the warmth that still lingered from his body. Leo’s scent was on it too—a mixture of smoke and pine.