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)
“I can?”
“I have a backup plan. We sneak off to the helicopter and go to a hotel outside of the East.”
That felt like running and hiding when all I had to do was walk through that door. And with the way Lei looked at me, eventually I would have to step through that door.
I believed him when he said there was no escape from him and the romantic possibilities of. . .us.
“Okay.” I whispered, squeezing his hand back. “Let's do this.”
His expression brightened. “Yeah?”
“We might as well.”
“Perfect.” His gaze held mine. “Here's some advice. Ignore everyone no matter what they say. I may stop for a question here or there, but my focus is to get you the fuck out of there.”
My nerves flared. “Alright.”
“I'll be right there with you, holding your hand and keeping you close to me. If someone touches you, I'm going to break—”
“Lei, relax. We don't need you going viral on the East’s news for beating someone up.”
He chuckled. “You're correct. Plus, I don't want your first unofficial debut to be my not behaving.”
“First unofficial debut?”
“You're in the East, Moni. There will need to be an official debut soon. I’ll have to do a proper introduction—feast, dancing, etc.”
“Couldn't we just. . .date on the side for a little bit?”
He chuckled.
I'm not joking.
He rubbed my palm. “I wish that was my life but it isn’t.”
I stiffened.
“Honestly, this date today wasn’t just about being romantic. The other part was about showing you all parts that come when being with me.”
“Okay.” I did my best to shove away as much anxiety as I could.
“When we step out there, just keep a straight face. Focus on one point in the distance, it helps to ignore the cameras.”
I nodded.
He continued. “Don’t let their questions or flashes affect you. It’s all just noise. Remember, you don’t owe them any reaction or response. Just stay close to me, and we'll get through them.”
I took a deep breath, anchoring myself with his words. “Got it.”
“The people in front are usually political or economic strategists.”
“O-kay.”
“Then, we’ll start to deal with the entertainment and lifestyle people.”
This is about to be some crazy shit.
“Soon it will end with the East’s gossip bloggers. Sometimes they’re the worst ones to deal with.” Lei sighed. “However, Fengge and Bolin will be waiting to help us through and bringing the security that I only use within the palace.”
I thought back to those names. “Fengge is your Incense Master. Right?”
He grinned. “He is, and what is Bolin?”
Fuck. What is he?
“Vanguard. . .I think.”
“Correct.” His grin widened. “Perhaps, I won't beat Duck up for giving you the book.”
I scowled. “You're not touching Duck. Leave it alone.”
“He'll need to give those panties back.”
I pointed to the door. “Can we focus?”
“Not yet.”
“What do you mean not yet?”
Fast, he leaned forward and his lips met mine with a passion that set my soul ablaze.
Our bodies pressed together in desperate need.
And I got lost in Lei as he devoured and consumed me.
A soft moan left my lips.
It was as if he was pouring every ounce of his desire into my mouth. Hot longing twisted with his tongue. Greedy craving hummed from those hungry lips.
I couldn't catch my breath.
In fact, I could barely breathe.
My lungs expanded with him.
With this kiss, my life could have ended right there in that whirlwind of sensation and been fine.
Let my obituary read, ‘She died from a kiss that set her soul on fire.’
Groaning, he dragged his lips away, and his eyes searched my face.
Breathless, I gazed up at him.
“Moni,” Desire laced his voice. “This is just the beginning. When we walk through there, remember.”
I shivered.
“Nothing else matters. Not the watching East. Not the dangers of my world.” He breathed me in. “As far as I'm concerned, there's only us.”
I swallowed.
“Are you ready?”
I took a deep breath. “Yes.”
Lei opened the door, and madness greeted me.
Oh. My. God.
Chapter thirty
The Madness
Monique
“Mountain Master, you're back!”
“Sir, where have you been for these past days?!”
It was not a crowd of reporters in the corridor. It was a frantic hive of swarming with people who filled every conceivable space.
“Can we get a quick interview?!”
Not even three feet in front of us, so many of them were pressed close together behind palace security.
“Mountain Master, please look over here for a quick picture!”
They were a tangle of limbs and equipment, all jostling for a better position and a clearer shot.
My eyes darted around in fear, taking in the chaotic scene.
Further behind the first rows of people, signs bobbed above heads.
Some were scrawled with bold political statements, their words demanding and accusatory.
“Peace, Not War!”
“Open the Gates! Are we not FREE?!”
Others displayed a more personal touch, adorned with photos of Lei, framed with hearts and kissy lips.
“Our Hearts belong to the Mountain Master!”
“We love you!”
My heart pounded fiercely against my ribs.
I yearned to rush back into the quiet, candlelit place we had come from.