Page 137 of Cruel Devotion

My cock twitched in my pants.

Chapter twenty-two

Blue Beginnings

Monique

I'm a Friend of the Four Aces.

I stepped into the tent, as a sense of surreal accomplishment washed over me.

Just moments ago, I had stood in front of Lei, Duck, Chen, and Hu, my heart thundering in my chest.

I couldn't lie. . .I had been scared as fuck. Nervousness threatened to have me end the whole Council and rush off in shame.

Lei's gaze had been intense. Hu, with his ever-calculating eyes, had surely been scrutinizing my every move. Chen's stoic presence had been unnerving, while Duck's unreadable expression had added to the mounting pressure.

But, I stood strong.

For a minute, I wondered if Mom was watching and if she was proud or freaking out for me.

Doesn't matter.

I grinned.

I'm a Friend of the Four Aces.

The weight of the title settled on my shoulders. It was both a mantle of honor and a shield of newfound responsibility.

Last week, I was breaking chicken bones in the factory and then rushing over to my other job to waitress at the strip club.

Now I would be navigating a new gritty, yet luxurious world that could make or break me.

And while I had been victorious with this Council, I had more tests ahead of me. There was no doubt that I would have to prove that I was more than just Lei's plaything. I needed to show them—and myself—that I was capable and deserving of the title and the respect that came with it. Plus, this was my chance to make a real difference and wield influence in the sort of world that had once seemed so far out of reach.

Sighing, I walked deeper into the tent.

I can't believe Duck didn't give me his vote.

I had wanted to kick his ass but instead I remained drowned in anxiety as I waited for the last votes.

Mountain Mistress? Chen and Duck are bugging.

With the way Lei had left me alone in these past two days over Chanel's dead body. . .

He's not ready to replace her yet. His heart is still broken.

I had to remember that fact as we continued to. . .do whatever we were doing.

Don't think of that. There's more important shit happening right now.

With a deep breath, I pulled out the phone that Chen had given me and dialed Banks.

Don't stress. This will go well. Just be assertive.

It rang only once before Banks answered. “Moni?! Is everything alright?”

“I'm 100% okay.”

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