Page 136 of Cruel Devotion

I hadn't realized how much I was invested in the outcome.

I looked at Monique.

She let out a long breath and smiled. “I've got the votes.”

“You do.” Pride swelled in my chest. “Congratulations. You are now a probationaryFriend of the Four Aces.”

She blinked. “Probationary?”

“You still have the Oath of Loyalty and the Blood Bond which will not be able to occur until after the final battle with my father.”

“Okay.” She nodded. “That's fine.”

“However, you will have an advisor to help you in the future. Take this extra time to figure out who that will be and Chen will assist with making it happen. You have a few weeks to decide and if you need more time that would be fine. But, while you're in the East get to know many of the officials in the palace and—”

“Oh no. I've got it.” Monique took out another card. “I already know who I want to advise me with future negotiations and meetings.”

Stunned, I blinked. “You do?”

“Yes. My understanding is that it should be a person that knows enough about the Four Aces and the Diamond Syndicate to help me.” She handed the card to Chen. “I believe this person has historically acted intelligently in dealings and conflicts.”

Who the fuck does she want?

Chen took the card, checked the names, and then wheezed as if he were about to have an asthma attack.

“What?” I eyed the card. “Who is it?”

She spoke for him, “Dimitri Ivanov.”

Chen looked at her. “Monique, Dima is not exactly the most-friendly person, and he can be. . .a lot to handle.”

“I think he would want to advise me.”

Duck snorted, “That's an understatement. He would love to advise you on tons of things like his cock going—”

“That’s enough.” Chen stuffed the index card in his pocket. “Dima has lots of ladies but he’s not exactly a lady’s man. The problem with Dima is that he is. . .”

She stared at him. “What?”

Chen frowned. “Odd.”

Duck shrugged. “Very odd.”

“That’s fine with me.” Monique smirked. “Please connect us, Chen.”

Goddamn it. Hopefully, Dima will stay out of this.

“Fine.” Chen nervously ran his fingers through his hair. “I believe this Council is done. Monique, I would appreciate your calling Banks or even Marcy—”

“Don’t call him that.” Monique scowled. “But I’ll call and have them back their men away from the mountain.”

“Perfect.” Chen gave a half bow. “Now, we can get you both to your date.”

Monique turned her view to me. “Date?”

“Date.” I gestured at that dress. “Now please put on a blue dress, Friend of the Four Aces. And make sure that dress is just as sexy as this white one.”

She gave a half-bow. “Yes, Mountain Master.”

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