Total pages in book: 108
Estimated words: 108768 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 544(@200wpm)___ 435(@250wpm)___ 363(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 108768 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 544(@200wpm)___ 435(@250wpm)___ 363(@300wpm)
It wasn't just about the power she would wield; it was more personal, more primal.
If Monique became a Friend of the Four Aces, she would not only be privy to our innermost circles, but she would be involved in high-level decisions, and inevitably. . .in close proximity with other men.
Dangerous, powerful men.
Violent alphas.
The sort that would sniff her sweet perfume and be ready to take a bite.
I fisted my hands at my side.
A part of me, a part I wasn't particularly proud of, recoiled at the idea. This possessiveness was new, unfamiliar, and frankly, unsettling.
I never worried about this sort of shit when it came to Chanel.
Was it because Chanel had already grown up in these rooms with these sort of men?
No. It's not that. This is. . .something else.
I had always prided myself on being more progressive, more open-minded than my father, but here I was, grappling with a sense of ownership over Monique. I watched her, her poise, her confidence, and I felt a twinge of admiration mixed with an undercurrent of something darker.
Her ascent to power would mean I couldn't keep her close in the way I secretly desired. She wouldn't just be mine anymore; she would belong to the Four Aces in a way that transcended personal relationships.
The idea of her being in Diamond Syndicate rooms; negotiating, laughing, and sharing moments with other men stirred a primal jealousy in me.
It was irrational, I knew that.
Monique was her own person, not a secret possession to be kept away from the world. Yet, acknowledging this truth did little to quell the possessive urges bubbling within my heart.
Even more, if Monique were granted this title, I would have to move differently around her. I would need to restrain these newfound possessive instincts and respect her position and autonomy.
It would be a test of the dark beast within.
A challenge.
Chen cleared his throat. “Lei? Do you have something say?”
Damn it. What should I do?
Chapter twenty-one
The Vote
Lei
I could feel the weight of everyone's eyes upon me, waiting for my final comment before voting.
“We need to consider all angles before we make a decision.” I steadied my voice, despite the rising tension in my shoulders. “Monique has undoubtedly proven her loyalty and resourcefulness, but we must also acknowledge the risks involved.”
Monique eyed me. “What risks?”
“Bringing you deeper into the Four Aces means exposing you to even greater danger.”
Duck shrugged. “Lei has a point. Being a Friend means her going to other camps like Flower Mafia or Killer Crows and speaking for us. With Monique. . .I don't think we can afford to take any unnecessary risks.”
Monique shook her head. “I'm calling bullshit. By being around the Four Aces, I have already showed that I can be around extremely dangerous men and survive. Or am I wrong?”
I frowned. “You're right.”
“Are you all not wolves?” She smirked at Duck. “Sharp fangs. Bloodied claws.”
Duck stirred.
He definitely gave her this information. I just don't know how.
“Respectfully, Mountain Master. I agree with Monique. That was bullshit.” Chen folded his hands in front of him. “First of all, it wouldn't make sense to send Monique to Flower Mafia or Killer Crows, when our greatest problem for years has been with Rowe Street Mob—a group that she undoubtedly has a huge amount of sway with.”
“Facts.” Monique placed those cards back at her side. “And from what I've learned, there have been several unfair deals given to Rowe Street Mob on the behalf of Killer Crows that has caused the problems. I may not be experienced in negotiating weapon deals, but I do know how to properly talk to Marcy. . .”
She cleared her throat. “I mean Marcelo.”
Hu quirked his brows. “Marcy?”
Duck snorted.
Ever the observant Straw Sandal, Hu watched her. “What is the nature of your relationship with Marcelo?”
“We grew up together as kids.”
It wasn't right but I didn't like that fact.
I studied her. “And was there ever any romantic moments between you two?”
Monique sighed.
What the fuck? There was?
She lowered her voice. “We kissed.”
My blood boiled with rage. “How many times?”
“One summer.”
Duck frowned. “So that was a lot of kissing?”
“We were thirteen.”
Chen widened his eyes. “So you were probably his first kiss?”
We all watched her.
“Okay.” She backed up. “Yes. . .and we were young so we stumbled around with kissing and touching.”
I damn near growled. “Touching?”
“We were thirteen.” She held up both of her hands in front of her.
Duck smirked. “It was a hot summer.”
She rolled her eyes. “Anyway, at the end of the summer that all ended and we remained friends.”
Chen spoke, “Why did it end?”
“Because his life became super heartbreaking and complicated which meant he needed a friend and not a kisser.”
I frowned. “How did his life get complicated?”
She blinked. “You don't know?”
We all shook our heads.
“After his father lost the Paradise City boxing championship he beat his mother to death.”