Page 150 of Cruel Devotion

“We?” Lei shook his head. “You think you're coming?”

Chen blinked. “Of course I'm coming. There could be—”

“You're staying here.” Lei guided me towards the awaiting helicopter. “You interrupt too damn much.”

“My job is to make sure that you always maintain your schedule—”

“I'm on a fucking date.” Lei scowled at him. “If you get on that helicopter, be ready to get something broken.”

Chen frowned. “Fine, but don't blame me if you miss something important.”

Lei ignored him, his attention focused entirely on me as he led me towards the helicopter.

The sun cast a warm glow over us.

Lei kept his voice low. “You look amazing. In fact, you are stunning.”

I blushed. “Thank you. You're not looking too bad yourself.”

We climbed into the helicopter and settled into the plush seats.

The engine roared to life, and the rotor blades began to spin.

Lei fastened his seatbelt and then helped me with mine. The whole time, his gaze traced the outline of my body.

My heart raced.

The air crackled around us.

I watched him. “Where are we going?”

“You'll see.”

We lifted off the ground, Lei reached out, took my hand once again, and intertwined our fingers. “I'm sorry for leaving you alone like that.”

I swallowed.

“It was thoughtless and. . .disrespectful.” His voice vibrated with sincerity. “I realize now that. . .my actions might have made you feel. . .abandoned.”

I bit my bottom lip.

“And. . .maybe you thought that I didn't care about you.”

“A little.”

“I care about you, Monique. I really do.”

I swallowed.

“That was never my intention, and that won't happen again.”

“It can't.”

“Ireallycare about you. . .more than. . .I've been able to express.” He ran his fingers through his long hair. “I'll do better.”

“Thank you.”

“You forgive me?”

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